Who?!? | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Who?!? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Lawrence
03/04/20
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A weary sigh escaped me. Glancing around to see if anyone had noticed, I self-consciously sat up straighter, thankful this was the last event of the religious broadcasters convention. If I’d known how out of place I would feel attending the conference my husband attended annually, I would have stayed home. But the opportunity to see our national capital was more than I could resist.

I enjoyed touring the Smithsonian, the National Cathedral, and the White House while my husband was tied up with meetings. But the evening public meetings, supposedly meant to be inspirational, were wearying. I must confess I was somewhat jaded after several flamboyant musical performances.

This closing night a young singer was introduced but her name meant nothing and didn’t ignite any interest from me. As she began to perform, I opted to scan the lineup of dignitaries and radio and television personalities on the stage behind her. I studied the countenance of each well-known name and the faces of their spouses, looking for something with which I could identify. Then, in contrast to all the power suits, I noticed a young woman in a nondescript outfit who could have been me. I could easily imagine her driving her kids to school or enjoying a visit with a friend in some quiet corner. But then, I noticed her lips moving. It gradually dawned on me that she was actually fervently listening to the young, blond singer--mouthing her words. I turned my attention as well and was surprised to see she was also singing with her hands—sign language. From that moment I, too, was mesmerized.

I had heard the music as if I was underwater, barely aware of what was happening topside. But suddenly I emerged and was startled by the sound that lifted me. The young woman’s hands and outstretched arms articulated hope and yearning almost as much as the music. The words were simple, repetitive. “We shall behold Him . . . we shall behold Him.” Those words and soaring melody, rising and rising and rising captured my spirit and my imagination—my hunger and my longing. I was transported into some heavenly place.

When the music ended we rose to our feet in adoration and worship, clapping and crying and laughing. The evening’s emcee came to the microphone and proclaimed with a flourish, “If you’ve never heard that name before—well, you will never forget the name of—Sandi Patti!”

Who?? What?? Sandi Patti? I thought we were standing up for Jesus! I looked at the singer and saw her startled countenance. I could see she was as disappointed as I, to have the glory given to her and not to the Lord. She graciously caught the invisible accolades in her hands but kept tossing them up to Jesus.

I'm still longing to behold Jesus—face to face.

Memoir

YouTube - Sandi Patty 1983 We Shall Behold Him

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