I have the best of both worlds. While I enjoy formally structured music, and am privileged to know a plethora of talented musicians (SMBC's Daryl Robinson, for one), who can properly execute the most intricate musical works and make such execution appear to be effortless, I also revel in the soul-stirring spontaneity of improvisational music, such as Glenn Burleigh's live rendition of one of my most favorite hymns. This is a fitting time for me to find this recording, as it was just three years ago, around this time, that Glenn left this earth for a better life. He is still missed by many, including me. And even three years later, the gifts our God gave us through Glenn and his musical talent, are still giving; over, continuously we who love Glenn and his music are still reaping the benefits of those blessings.
On a similar note, just a few days ago, we celebrated the birthday of Charles Richards. He, too, was a talented musician. Unlike Glenn, he was not known nationwide. He served same family of God here in Houston for more than 35 years. He was the consummate gospel organist with a unique sound that I have never heard duplicated. And he was much more than an organist. Just as he blended his own sound on the Hammond organ, he trained and blended voices to sing God's praises. It just so happens he really liked Glenn's music and incorporated it into his music ministry frequently. Charles left this earth for a better life earlier this year. He too is missed by many, including me.
Now, about the link: There may be one who listens to this recording and cannot understand what Glenn did with this lovely hymn. Where did all that come from? That's not the way it's supposed to go! Why did he do that? When is he going to resolve that phrase? How could he do that? Charles would understand. It's just a thing that happens when the Spirit is like fire in your bones. He leads you down paths you would not normally take -- many times well off the printed page; He pulls stuff out of you, the existence of which you are quite ignorant; and even while your heart pounds so hard you know it will soon explode, and you know for sure that you are soaring among the clouds, He keeps you from going off the deep end. And when it's all over, He sets you down gently and safely. And, you understand your feet are actually firmly planted -- on the ground.
Even while you're the same, you're not quite -- there's a little something different. It may be a new perspective of an old issue, or a sense of peace that wasn't there before, or an urge to bridge the chasm of a derailed relationship. It's kind of like something for which Pastor Steve prays when he asks God to speak to us through His Word, so that we will be less of what we used to be, and more of what we ought to be, through Christ Jesus. What I'm saying is that the Word of God, even through a hymn, has transformative powers. To one who cannot understand, I can only refer you to the words to this awesome hymn, which are themselves more than sufficient to make my heart soar. And if those lyrics are not sufficient, feel free to go to the source: Lamentations 3:23. In the meantime, I believe I'll hobble upstairs and visit this hymn for myself -- just for a while. As for you, the reader, visit Glenn's rendition here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR2hoEN2t2M
No comments:
Post a Comment