Not an April Fool's Joke, but So Visually Stunning It Almost Seems Fake: Seriously Amazing

As a hardcore marching band geek, I've always know Ohio State's matching band is ridiculously sick, but this . . . Amazing barely scratches the surface, especially when it the moonwalk starts at about 4:40. 

Ohio State University's marching band tribute to Michael Jackson on the 25th Anniversary of the release of "Bad"

Why Our Meetings Don't Rock - and How They Appropriately Could

I wrote this post three years ago, and it came to mind this morning as I was realizing I hadn't taught Sunday School last week (Stake Conference) and didn't have a lesson summary to post.  I hope it helps someone, somehow, to re-post it today - updated in a couple of spots to reflect my current situation.  

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Personally, I think the focus on hymns and little instrumentation in Sacrament Meeting is a position taken in opposition to what is perceived as over-emotionalization in worship - a substitution of emotionalism for what we perceive as spirituality - a perception of emotional manipulation compared to encouraging the still, small voice. I appreciate that concern (and share it), but I am not overjoyed (in the pure sense of that word) as much as I'd like in our meetings. 

I wish we were more open to expanding our musical experiences in church, but I also believe there is deep truth in the concern that governs what we do. That belief was reinforced every time I saw the commercials where I used to live for a "church that rocks" - commercials where 5-year-old kids were shaking wildly to the rock band's music as they were "moved by the Spirit of God". I appreciate differing expressions of worship among religious traditions very much, but that image disturbed me then, and its memory disturbs me still.  I think the brethren really do understand the concern of members for a broader range of musical expression in our worship, but I also think I understand their hesitancy to loosen the reins officially - especially when the actual Church Handbook of Instructions' guidelines allow for MUCH more than most members realize.

I believe if the CHI was understood better (especially the difference between "should", "may", "some", etc. and "shall", "must", "never", etc.) and followed more closely (especially the constant call to follow the Spirit in making real-life decisions), it actually would loosen up the Church musically.  (And not just musically, but in many other significant ways. That's a different post, however.)

Music in Heaven

Guitars and pianos and piccolos and violins are great, but it won't be heaven without saxophones and bagpipes.

Also, there will be NOBODY learning to play the bagpipes in heaven. That will happen in Hell - learning to play the bagpipes without ever learning to play the bagpipes well.
 
Just sayin'.

Receiving God's Image Doesn't Destroy Individuality

I saw a very profound, short statement on the wall of a high school I was visiting yesterday, and I thought how it applies to my New Year's Resolution for this month.  It said:

You were (created) as an original.  Don't become a copy.

 

First, I absolutely LOVE this quote in and of itself, regardless of its application to my New Year's Resolution.  I understand and accept the need for communal conformity to certain, minimal standards; I really do.  However, at the most fundamental level, I am a unique child of God - and that uniqueness is important to me. 

What struck me about this quote and my resolution is that too many people see Zion as total uniformity / unanimity / homogeneity.  They see "being united" as being indistinguishable from each other in any important way.  They see becoming "perfect" as becoming exactly alike in every way.  At least, that is how they appear to believe, based on how they act toward those who are different than they are.

I disagree. 

My favorite General Conference talk of all time (as my children will attest, while rolling their eyes and exclaiming, "I told you so!") is Elder Joseph Wirthlin's "Concern for the One" - and the part that resonates the most within me is the analogy of the multiple instruments and harmonies that are necessary to create a beautiful orshestral sound.  Everyone playing the same instrument all the time - or even different instruments but the exact same notes at the exact same time all the time - even when technically mistake-free and precisely is NOT beautiful music; at best, it is a beautiful melody.  (At worst, it is soul-less.)  All kinds of very different instruments playing intricate harmonies, counter-melodies and even varying rhythms in synch with each other and with passion and expression . . . now THAT is beautiful music. 

I am reminded of the description of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 - where each and every part is said to be as important and critical as any other. 

Truly, there is a need for some kind of uniformity and communal standardization, but we were created as originals.  We can't allow ourselves to become copies.

The Song of Redeeming Love

My New Year's Resolution for this month is to "feel more deeply to sing the song of redeeming love" - taken from Alma 5:26.  This is a direct result, I believe, of recognizing what was the focus of my monthly resolutions thus far this year - that we are, in fact, loved enough to be redeemed.  Since I have focused on that foundational belief in those resolution posts, I have been contemplating how to approach this month's resolution in a specific manner that builds upon and adds to what I have written thus far.

As I thought about how to begin, I realized I want to make one simple, yet critical, point:

In order to feel to sing a song of redeeming love, it is necessary to feel redeemed.

As I stated last month, there is a fundamental difference between being "redeemed" (bought back, purchased, etc.) and being "saved" (kept from being sold / lost).  Mormon theology is crystal clear that all have been redeemed from the Fall and the influence eternally of evil - that the only people who are not redeemed are those who know they are being offered that redemption and consciously choose to reject it and embrace evil instead.  Everyone else, regardless of their actions in mortality, are redeemed and "rewarded" in some way. 

This recognition should bring a degree of joy and rejoicing to those who believe it - but, unfortunately, our focus on the "final reward" (salvation and exaltation) often gets in the way of a simple appreciation of the initial gift (redemption).  Too often, the obsession with the final reward blinds us to the obligation we should feel to "sing the song of redeeming love" - and that's a shame.

Therefore, my only plea at the beginning of this month is for anyone who reads this to consider the love of God that would motivate a God to promise redemption for all who agreed to come to this mortal sphere - to not let us be separated forever - to do whatever it took to purchase us from a fallen state and, subsequently, offer to keep us from falling again.

Salvation and exaltation are impossible without redemption occurring first - so we should feel the emotion expressed within a song with which I will end this post:

I Stand All Amazed 

(Click the circle next to "Words and Music" at the top, left of the page - then click the "Play" button above that spot.)

Charity Thinketh No Evil: The Power of and Problem with Humming a Hymn

In discussing the idea that "charity thinketh no evil", I would be remiss if I didn't go back to the most basic interpretation of this concept and acknowledge the foundational legitimacy of the most commonly proposed "solution" or coping mechanism - along with its most fundamental flaw. I need to discuss the difference between engagement and replacement as it relates to the idea of eliminating evil thoughts from our minds.

One of the most recognized phrases within the LDS Church's mainstream culture is, "Hum your favorite hymn." This motto is part of a primary song that children learn, and the overall idea is described thus in that song:

If on occasion you have found your language is in question, Or ugly thoughts come to your mind, then here's a good suggestion: Just hum your favorite hymn. Sing out with vigor and vim, And you will find it clears your mind. Hum your favorite hymn.

Before you say an angry word, remember you'll regret it, For once it's said the harm is done, and people won't forget it. Just hum your favorite hymn. Sing out with vigor and vim, And you will find it clears your mind. Hum your favorite hymn.

First, it's important to emphasize that this is good advice to handle those times when "evil" or "improper" thoughts come to mind unbidden. It is good advice particularly for those, like children, who have not found a way to keep those thoughts at bay in the first place. It is, however, a process of engagement - not a process of replacement, so it is only a "preparatory" or "initial" activity.

By that distinction, I mean that relying on humming a hymn, while effective to a degree, assumes that there will be regular thoughts that come to mind that must be engaged - battled in some way. There is no recognition of any need to change the mind - or the environment in which the mind operates - in such a way that the mind itself generally keeps such thoughts from developing to the extent that an engagement mechanism is necessary. In other words, rather than merely engaging an alternative activity every time an improper thought crosses the stage of our minds in order to engage and reject the thought, a replacement approach would be to condition the mind to keep the doors to the stage locked and not allow the improper thoughts to walk onto the stage in the first place. After all, "idle hands are the devil's workshop" - and, likewise, idle minds are the devil's playground.

I'm not certain at the personal level that perfect (full, complete, fully developed) elimination / replacement is possible, since I have not reached that state yet; hence, the acknowledgment that engaging by humming a hymn is a good first step and training model when unbidden thoughts come to mind. However, just as a "Fresh View of Repentance" involves "a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world", dealing with evil thinking in totality must be attempted by changing one's very mind.

How is that possible? How can a mind be changed so fundamentally that it simply ceases to think anything that is evil - either in a purely moral sense or in the sense of not being harmful in nature, as has been discussed in my previous New Year's Resolution posts this month?

Fortunately, there is a simple answer to this question - one that is almost as omni-present as the humming of a hymn. In fact, the humming of a hymn actually is one possible manifestation of this answer - namely, filling one's mind with good thoughts and leaving no room for evil thoughts to crowd in and need to be engaged. This is why humming a hymn is a good practice on those occasions when an evil thought does intrude - but there is much more that can and should fill our minds than just the words and tunes of hymns. I didn't say it is an easy way - merely that it is simple.

Any good and virtuous thought - any contemplation of a positive nature - any act of service (both in the planning stages and in implementation) - any discussion of value - any study of good books - any listening to uplifting or calming or inspiring music - ad infinitum; all these things can fill our minds and bodies with proactive good and keep unworthy thoughts from intruding.

The best approach, therefore, is not to allow "down time" in such a way that unwanted thoughts encroach upon our minds. Rather, even in those necessary down times, we can fill our minds with goodness and right.

How that is accomplished on an individual level must be, of necessity, an individual decision - since exactly what will inspire and uplift and edify and teach and expand spiritually and intellectually and emotionally (what will keep evil thoughts at bay) will vary from person to person. That, in a nutshell, is the most important reason why humming a hymn cannot be the default mechanism on which everyone relies - and it is why full replacement will not occur without proactive, intentional planning and conscious choice.

We are not robots to be programmed; we are souls that need to grow toward perfection. Humming a hymn can take us only so far - and that distance will vary for each person.

The Beauty and Power of a Joyful Noise

The Arlington Ward Priesthood in Boston in the late 80's - early 90's had an amazing men's chorus. The sisters used to delay starting RS until after the a cappella hymn in PH opening exercises was done, just so they could listen to the men sing. We had every part covered, with 3 or 4 brethren improvising different parts each verse. It was an amazing experience to have the brethren be so much more musically gifted than the sisters, who were quite good in their own right.

My first church solo was at my cousin's missionary farewell; I was six-years-old. It's been probably about 5 years since my last solo in church. That's the worst part of my callings over the last few years. Nobody thinks of asking me to sing other than in the choir. I think they just assume I'm too busy - or that I am at the pulpit enough already.

Otoh, I've been in small branches and groups (and an occasional ward) where I felt like I was singing a solo - and my kids have mentioned numerous times that they also feel like I am singing a solo. I don't do quiet singing.

With all of that background, my favorite musical experiences at church have been: 1) sitting next to a bishop who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket but sang with all his heart, nevertheless; 2) singing in a ward choir with a sister who was totally tone deaf, knew it, but still loved music enough to want to praise God through song.

Truly, there is power and beauty in making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Righteous Rocking Required

I had an interesting experience at a stake priesthood leadership meeting last year. I was asked to play the piano, and the hymn was "Ye Elders of Israel". It is supposed to be sung "boldly" and at a pace that, quite frankly, rocks - so I played it at the top speed and with gusto, while singing the words exuberantly myself. The priesthood leadership responded with a rousing rendition.

After the meeting, our Stake President came up to me and said, with a smile, "I have never heard that song played in quite that way before." He then added something that warmed my heart - "Thanks."

I am nowhere close to a professional pianist, but I love to rock when rocking is required - and that can be in church meetings (even Sacrament Meeting) more than we might think. "Make a joyful noise" does include "joyful" - but it also includes "noise". Our music is one area where I wish we would open our mouths and let them be filled.

Inspiration Can Be Found in Many Places

Focusing narrowly on music, it’s hard to sing or listen to “I Stand All Amazed” or Handel’s “Messiah” or Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” or Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” (chosen to illustrate the wide diversity of genre) - for the first time, especially - and not feel awe and wonder and joy and peace and insight and love. It’s hard not to feel what have been called the fruits of the Spirit. It’s easy to dismiss it as an “emotional reaction,” but the Spirit touches our emotions as often as He instructs our minds. In fact, we are told that the Lord requires the heart and a willing mind. (D&C 64:34)

I think the key is:

Moroni 7:13 - “But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.”

That definition, coupled with the admonition that follows it to be careful not to reject that which fits this description, opens up a much wider scope for inspiration and the working of the Spirit than many people are willing to allow. It even opens up the kind of inspiration / confirmation that Brothers Eyring have mentioned from their days as scientists. (confirmation of “scientific” truth)

Daughters of a King

I was in a ward a while ago that presented a Young Women's program - exactly like a Primary Program but done by the teenage girls. It included the song "Daughter of a King" that literally had me crying in the congregation. I am moved (both emotionally and spiritually) regularly in Sacrament Meeting (in a wonderful stake), but hearing and seeing young women's voices ring and faces glow as they testify that they are royal by birth and worth something in a world that doesn't tell them that nearly enough . . .

I have four daughters, and I bless the fact that they attend a church where they can claim to be literal daughters of a King - and future Queens in their own right.