Chapter 9 - Closing Thoughts Becoming Magnificent
The potential for magnificence is there: the magnificence of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," a spiritual like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," a Hindu chant, a rousing South African freedom song, or an Israeli folksong like "Bashana" ("Soon the Day," #146 in Singing the Living Tradition). I began this resource by discussing the difference between singing of spirit and singing with spirit, saying that what the two have in common is the emotional charge we give the music. A rousing "Ode to Joy," an uplifting spiritual, and a meditative Earth-Centered chant can all come to life simply by bringing the emotions to the forefront. We must never let our music become complacent and expressionless. Leave dysfunctional emotions at the door. Come to church to celebrate, to join our emotions in the flame of fellowship. As Marianne Williamson said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." We need to give ourselves permission to become magnificent.
Last updated on Friday, February 13, 2009.
