Do you find yourself making more excuses than plans with regard to your calling? I do. If you asked me why I might fail, I could easily fill a page. If you asked why I might succeed, I will struggle for an answer. Can you relate? We spend far more energy talking ourselves out of things than we do working to make them happen.

Yes, I said “work”. Honestly, the word makes me bristle sometimes. I prefer lounging with bonbons, soft blankets, and a pet. Work reminds me of labor and feels like the opposite of everything lovely and comfortable.  On my old blog, I wrote a post called Feels Like Pressure. In it, I describe those moments of letting the fear of inadequacy overpower every ounce of my want-to. Unfortunately, in life, our best opportunities, the ones that lead to growth, may be scary, and will require the opposite of lounging, i.e., work.

Yuck, right? Maybe not.

A few weeks ago, I saw something that I won’t soon forget. I cannot, at this moment, even tell you why it was shared. On a visit with family, somehow the conversation led to us watching the video I have linked to below. Feel free to watch the whole thing if you want, but what I want to talk about begins near the end, at minute 32:30.

Video of Pastor Don Engram December 30, 2018 Palmcroft Church

Pastor Don Engram preached that sermon just 9 months before he went to heaven. I never heard of him before I saw the video. By all accounts, he was a special man. He ministered to someone who ministers to me, so I am happy to count him as a spiritual grandfather of sorts.

If you watched it, I am certain you agree Pastor Engram was not a gifted singer. I believe what we witnessed falls squarely in the “Make a joyful noise” category.

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

Psalm 95:1 (KJV)

Maybe, like me, you couldn’t help but smile while watching him lead that song. I found him positively adorable. More than his cuteness, I noticed assuredness, passion, and piles of joy as he sang. I am certain he knew a Grammy was not in his future. He was, after all, a preacher and not a recording artist. Yet, he sang. In doing so, he showed his heart. Of all things he did behind the pulpit on that particular day, the least polished part is what resonates with me.

When I think of the pressure that comes with any opportunity, I admit to thinking first about how to omit anything but the shiniest of my skills. I work hard to hide my least polished parts. I do not know anyone that revels in doing what makes him or her feel foolish. My question for all of us is, are we willing to risk feeling foolish to show our hearts? Are we willing to let God also have our scratches, dents, and broken places? It seems to me we work in vain to squish the thing that may well be the most useful tool to show God’s glory.

Go watch the song again, if you have time. Do you see shame? I watched it over and over again. All I see is a joy willing to go for it, a passion desperate to reach every person, and assuredness of every word of God’s truth. I imagine he is having so much fun singing in heaven. I am encouraged by Pastor Engram’s example.

It takes work to pursue opportunities, but not the way we have been working. Instead of working to hold back, we can work on letting go. Perhaps we can ask God to help us not talk ourselves out of communicating the passionate message He has put on each of our hearts. Let’s be willing to go for it knowing we will not deserve a Grammy, an Oscar, or any reward but heaven.