Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:7
I am so glad to be a part of the Chancel Choir here at Foothills.
When our friends, Mary Kathryn and Ham introduced Greg and me
to the church seven years ago, I was in the midst of deep mourning
for my mother who had died six months before. Foothills welcomed
us, offered structure, and the opportunity to become more “centered”
during this time of grief.
Family tragedy visited us again during the summer with the death
of my brother, and my sadness seemed overwhelming. Soon after
that Greg and I were crying our way through worship when I was
touched by the beautiful singing voice of a woman seated behind us.
Afterwards I complemented her and she responded saying “why
don’t you come sing with us in the Choir?” That voice belonged to
choir member Dorothy Relaford.
I had no experience singing, let alone with a choir. But I thought I
would give it a try. Carol encouraged me to start that same week,
and at once I became swept-up in the intricacies and joy of choir
rehearsal!
In the weeks that followed I attended rehearsals and participated in
services at often as I could. The hard work of learning to read music
and sing the right notes provided a wonderful distraction for me at a
time when I seemed to be moving with shuffling feet from one day to
the next. At the same, time something happened that I did not
expect. In singing the poetry of the hymns over and over, the words
became prayers that stayed with me constantly, providing great
comfort and helping me heal.
Gracious God, thank you for your sheltering wings.
