Drum on…

I never thought I’d find myself behind a drum set in middle age.

But there I was, in that little Pentecostal church in Wilmington (where I preached a sermon once), playing the drums to some old church hymns.

That little church kept rockin’ on Sunday and Wednesday nights; the good pastor let us try new things on the stage behind the pulpit.

Some folks dropped in to sing and play the guitar, while the pastor usually played the piano and sang.

I can see why people who are on stage for a living get some kind of high from it.

In a church venue, there’s an extra something lifting everyone up. That something we call the Holy Spirit.

You can enter the service in a depressing mood and exit on a cloud!

One hymn that was often repeated was Standing on the Promises of God. That was a fun one to drum along with. Especially when it was true. The “standing” part, that is.

In all my ministry efforts, I try not to tell people what God has personally promised for them. Too many times it doesn’t work out, and people are more devastated and at risk for losing the faith they had.

As the Psalmist writes in 119:30-34, loosely quoted, “I have chosen the way of truth…give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law.”

I have found the path of truth often contradicts some of the church teachings. I’ve discovered it is definitely different for every single soul. So, I made up my mind to face every crossroads in life with the truth in mind. The truth of my own life’s experiences. And to always be open to further instruction regarding ministry and wisdom.

I often feel like an ancient explorer; I never know what’s next on the journey.

That’s how it is when your worldview is not locked into an airtight box. When you fearfully face the unknown and say I will keep exploring and walking if I can.

When you walk on a stage and pick up two drum sticks for the first time and sing along with a room full of hopeful souls.

When you find yourself still standing.

And hoping, no matter what.