It was once an act of obedience and even a leap of faith. It had been probably ten or fifteen years since I had even looked at my violin, when God called on me to play it again. It was that old song "This Little Light of Mine" that taught me I was hiding mine under a basket. I don't know what made me think I could still play it. Oh, how awful I must have sounded when I first started to play, but not a soul discouraged me. No, I remember Donna Mann telling me I would get used to playing out in public, and Jennifer Perritt encouraging me to continue playing. That was almost nine years ago, and since then I've started teaching beginner violin to third graders through a program run by the Huntsville Symphony. I also learned how to play fiddle a few years ago during Asbury Dinner Theater. I play with a bluegrass band regularly, which is great fun and great for spreading gospel through traditional gospel songs.
Playing in the Asbury Orchestra has become a joy and act of worship for me. It's one of the purest ways I can worship God, by offering my heart and abilities. It's also a great place of fellowship, because everyone else in the orchestra is struggling together towards the same goal of making beautiful music.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys or even used to enjoy (many years ago!) playing an orchestral instrument not to be intimidated by anything or anyone. God alone is listening, waiting patiently for us to play for Him.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
