Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
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TITLE: Acceptable Offering | Previous Challenge Entry
By Evelene Kotze
03/14/07 -
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Amanda stared at him in disbelief. She had spent WEEKS writing this song and that was the only feedback from her close friend (who happened to own a record label). She had just sung it to him, accapella, incorporating perfect tone, pitch and articulation. Her voice had sounded clear and melodious in her own ears. She had felt rather proud of herself. Not exactly the standing ovation Amanda had expected.
“Just - O.K. You're kidding, right?”
Tony could feel her disappointment. “Mandy, we've discussed this. If you're serious about making the transition into Gospel music, you need more than a good voice and a pretty song. This isn't pop, sweetheart. I like the lyrics, but you're not feeling what you're singing. Without depth, you may as well stick to what you know---bubblegum and candy floss. The up-beat, shallow tunes we've rehearsed.”
She looked at him as though he had just slapped her through the face. She swung her large floral bag over her shoulder and slumped out of the studio, ignoring Tony as he called after her, saying he wanted to explain.
How could he know? she mused to herself as she walked out into the crisp morning, heading towards the nearby park. How could he possibly guess that her sudden desire to sing Gospel had been born from a commitment to her heavenly Father? Mandy had celebrated her 12 th Christian birthday on the twelfth of the previous month and wanted to do something for Him. Tony knew that she had lost the excitement they shared in knowing the LORD. He couldn't guess that she was taking this step in an attempt to please God...
She needed to return to Jesus, to regain the relationship which she once cherished.
She paused at the sheer weight of the thought, then walked over to her favourite spot in the park: a bright rainbowbench under a lush evergreen. She sat down and removed her beret, a gift from Tony on her birthday the previous year, and stroked the soft, pink material. She needed to tell him about her leap of faith. That had been the plan, to share the wonderful news right after he exclaimed his appreciation for her first attempt at singing Gospel. “Shallow tunes we've rehearsed.”
He was right. They were shallow. But why?
At that moment, a bird burst into song from his perch on one of the branches above Amanda's head. She closed her eyes and absorbed the rich sound, until it filled the void of why. Mandy opened her eyes and tried to see the proud singer who obviously had mastered the level of depth that Tony was referring to. She had to stand up to get the tiny creature in full view. It was a lark, just sitting there on his wooden bench amongst the leaves, singing to his Creator. No pride, just giving his all in humility. When he spotted her, he immediately ceased his offering of praise. She rewarded him with a beaming smile, but he seemed uncomfortable and simply flew off with a shrug of his “shoulders”. She watched him leave, then sat back down with a sense of confusion.
She had merely wanted to show her appreciation. Why couldn't he have stayed, showing off his vocal talent to all who would listen?
Because that's not the point.
The answer came to Mandy like the whispering wind through the leaves of the makeshift opera house above her. Gently, yet with great certainty.
The point is not to seek glory for yourself. Whether others accept you or not, you should sing for MY glory, because it is I who have blessed you with your talents. Then your gift will be received, Mandy.
She held her breath as she listened for more.
Just then, Tony appeared beside her. He gently asked: “Can we talk now?”
Mandy smiled, allowing the joy of new-found wisdom to wash over her.
“Yes, now we can!” she shone up at him, her hand motioning for him to sit with her. “I have SO much to share with you.....”
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