Let Freedom Ring!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy the calling I have in my ward. I am the ward chorister. I have the privilege of standing in front of the ward each week and leading them in singing beautiful praises to our Lord and Savior. I get to see the look in their eyes as the spirit touches their hearts from a certain phrase in the hymn. I get to see the children watch me and try so hard to wave their arms just like me. I get to hear their little voices ring above the rest. I am constantly amazed how the spirit guides me in choosing each hymn and not knowing why I chose it until we sing it on Sunday and I feel how it correlates to the speakers so well. It is such a fulfilling calling. I am grateful to have it.

This last Sunday, was Fast Sunday and the day after the 4th, so I chose patriotic hymns. The opening hymn being "America the Beautiful" and the closing hymn being "The Star Spangled Banner". I have often found myself touched when singing that song, but nothing compared to the feeling I experienced as the organist began to play the prelude and the congregation stood. I was impressed with how many sang that first verse without the help of their hymn books. I was even more impressed how many continued singing the 2nd and 3rd verses without their books. I mean I know the first verse but definitely needed my book for the rest.
As I looked across the congregation I could feel the strength of our ward. I could see the love each person had for this country. As my eyes fell upon certain families that I knew had members that were serving or had served our country (we actually have quite a few), I was so proud of them. I was so grateful for their sacrifices to help keep this "the land of the free and the home of the brave". I don't think I have ever heard so many beautiful voices ringing out with such conviction and power. I was so proud to be an American, "...one nation, under God...". What surprised me the most was the reaction my body had to all of this power. I say "my body" because it almost felt unreal to me. By the last verse, my body began to shake and tears rolled down my cheeks. I could not sing, and almost dropped my book because of the shaking. I managed to sing out the last line. As I sat down for the closing prayer, my hands were shaking uncontrollably and I felt like my heart would burst out of the chest. It was difficult to keep my breathing calm and quiet for the prayer. I felt so much POWER racing through me.

To my ward members, I just want to say THANK YOU. Thank You for singing out with such conviction and love for our country. To our country, I say THANK YOU. Even though there is plenty of evil swirling around the world, I know there is still plenty of good, strong people that will keep us FREE.

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!

LET FREEDOM RING!!!!

(Keep reading to see our fun 4th festivities)