God's Calling

In 1993, I publicly accepted God's calling on my life to minister with my musical & artistic abilities. I was scared to death! I accepted with my heels dragging through the dirt! I did not understand why I had been called - but, did I want to be chosen?

I was trained musically/vocally by some of the best in this area during my teens and twenties. Then, life happens. I got married...had kids...and my voice and talents became silent...I rebelled...I was like a spoiled brat! "I don't wanna sing/play/create and you can't make me" was my general attitude.

My dad, who's been in the ministry for years, told me then that even though I had been called...I still needed to prove that I have come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and have had my spiritual condition changed and my ears attuned to God's leading.

For the first year after this calling, it took me a while to gather up the courage to minister in front of a congregation. I am naturally shy and would be so comfortable in the back corner of the back pew and seen by no one! Even though I grew up singing on stage at church, I was still timid!

So a few years went by, and guilt was eating at me...which I later discovered was God's reminder that I was not using my gifts and talents for the furtherment of His Kingdom or winning new souls to Him. But, he was not going to force me! He created me with a free will. But, He sure could remind me!

I allowed the Holy Spirit to bring me to God which allowed me to listen to His reminders. And there were many! I have a hard head! I eventually answered...again, Here I am, Send me Lord.

I also had to learn the hard way that God does not take into consideration, as in my case, my natural shyness in front of a crowd, that His calling was not about me! I am very hard headed! God saw that I was in a good relationship place with him and wanted me to start reflecting His love, grace and mercy through my art, singing & music. When I finally realized that, it changed my life!

Since then, I have been able to come out of my shell to serve and offer my my gifts and worship to God with total motivation and love.
The summer of 2009 I joined in as 4 of us formed our brand new Praise Team in our church. We now have 8 members with a few of our youth joining in when able! Hallelujah!
When I sing on stage, I no longer feel nervous...when I create my art, I no longer feel embarrassed when it's viewed by the public...I know that's the Holy Spirit dwelling within me to keep me from withdrawing back into my shell...where I would surely go!

We all, with veiled face, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image. 2 Corinthians 3:18