in Touring Choir this year, we are singing a song called, "Do Not Be Afraid." the first time we sang this song in a concert, i nearly started sobbing, because i knew that this song would mean something great to me, but i didn't know exactly how much, and maybe i still don't. but this i do know, this song has impacted me in more ways than i could possibly know.
"do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name ... you are mine. when you walk through the waters, i'll be with you ... you will never sink beneath the waves. when the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name ... you are mine. when the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. when you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you ... you are mind. you are mine, o my child, and I love you ... I love you with a perfect love. do not be afraid for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name ... you are mine." before one of our concerts, a senior mentioned the importance of the line, "when you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes." for a lot of them, that line will soon be coming true, but it's also true for so many people in our community today ... that really hit me -- just how much of an impact this song can have. there are so many people fighting for their lives, their opportunity to stay in this country to have a better life ... they're the ones putting up a good fight. in my devotional tonight, i read the verse 2 Timothy 2:5, which says, "god doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." there it was again, as the same song popped into my head. if we're shy and quiet, we won't further the kingdom. but instead, we need to be bold, loving, and sensible in order to get anywhere. at the same time, we may find ourselves in the exile of a stranger, or being ridiculed for our beliefs. it takes a lot to be courageous and speak out ... trust me, i know. but if we ever hope for change or to make a difference, sometimes all it takes is a single voice ... more will join you.
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