FBC All State group -  Anna, Leah, Erin, Bryce, Doug and John.

FBC All State group – Anna, Leah, Erin, Bryce, Doug and John.

This summer I attended the 2014 N.C. Baptist All State Youth Choir tour. The music was amazing, but I would rather write about the impact this week had on my life.

On Sunday morning, July 20, my grandmother passed away.  This was the last day of our tour. When I got off of the phone with my mom, I immediately began weeping because I could not even think of the last words that I had said to her and now she has been taken from me forever. I was scared and felt alone and found myself rushing out of the lunchroom to go sit alone on the floor of the restroom. I truly believe that God gave me this traumatic news while I was at “All State” because in no less than three minutes my roommate came in to check on me. Two minutes later the counselor that I was closest to came looking for me. Mr. Vancil met us in a room down the hall where we could all just talk. I was able to gather myself and returned to the lunchroom.

Fellowship around the table

Fellowship around the table

I decided not to talk about it because I did not want to detract from the rest of the day or make anyone else sad.  As I checked my phone I found countless text messages from friends who noticed that something was wrong, all stating that they loved me, cared for me, and if I needed anything they were there. I was in awe at the amount of positive encouragement that was able to lift me up in my time of need. “All State” is not just a week-long choir tour; it is a hospital for the weary and broken. My soul was broken. I was in shock and despair and the love that God has shown me through all of the young faces there has healed me and made me feel whole again. The lyrics to one of our songs went like this . . .

I have felt the hand of God in your hand. Holding me you gave me strength to stand. When I was all alone, you came and met my need. And when I lost my way, your hand was there to lead. Through your touch, God’s hand reached out to me. I have heard the voice of God in your voice. Singing praise you taught me to rejoice. Your voice of comfort caused my grief to end. And when my faith was gone you called me home again. When you spoke, God’s voice surrounded me. I have seen the face of God in your face. Giving all, you shared with me God’s grace. And you were faithful to guide me as I grew. I saw your love for God and I saw God in you. When you smiled, God’s love surrounded me. I have felt the hand of God through you.

I have truly felt God, heard God, and seen God in each and every member of our choir. The question now is how can we be God to others?

Closing concert photo with friends from all over N.C.

Closing concert photo with friends from all over N.C.

This reflection is in the August Connections newsletter on page 5 and also includes reflections by Leah Frost and Anna Stephens.  Click here to view August Connections