I've spent about four Sundays here in Uganda, and every Sunday is filled with joyous dancing. Jumping, swaying, stomping, clapping, you name it, I've danced it in Mukono, Uganda, in joyous praise to our God. One time we even ran laps around the chairs in the sanctuary shouting "Hallelujah", because Jesus is just that good. It's the most joyful and beautiful worship I have ever experienced because it's free, and raw, and real.
But my Sunday mornings aren't the only time I have danced these past four weeks .I spend my days here at the school with the kids; singing in English and Lugandan and dancing in circles. We also live with two teenage girls who are determined to teach me to dance. I've spent many hot, Saturday afternoons in the living room dancing to African music videos as Peace and Aggie teach me traditional Ugandan dances. (Let's be honest, we are mostly just laughing at my lack of dancing skills) Oftentimes, after dinner, you can find the three of us dancing, clapping, and laughing hysterically on the back porch as we teach each other how to dance.
It was after one of these beautiful nights of dancing and laughing that I said,
"When did my life become musical?"
It seems like these past four months I have danced and sang more that I ever have before.
Man, Africa loves to dance and sing.
Not only does Africa love it, but I've spent the past four months with nine other women who absolutely adore worshiping their Creator in song. I don't think a moment goes by that we are not beautifully singing and shouting in worship; making up songs about whatever we are doing that very moment; pounding out a beat on the tambourine; or freestyle rapping. (Truly not a moment without one of these things, we call ourselves "The Chicken Thuggets, look for us on iTunes someday...)
This trip has taught me a lot about worship, in all it's forms. Before I even left on this trip, the Lord told me that I was on a team of worshipers And it's evident in all we do.
Constant singing and worship.
Singing on the streets, on hospital grounds, at schools, in churches, and all the time at home.
Over the sick,the oppressed, and those who are captive to darkness.
Constant song and dance.
My life really is a musical.
And really, why should it not be?
I sing and I dance because my God is mighty and worthy to be praised.
I sing and I dance because my God is a God of pure, unfailing love. A love that casts out fear; is stronger than death; that lifts my burdens; and a love that's sweeter than any I've ever known.
I sing and dance because my God is pouring this love into my life and singing it over me.
I sing and dance because I am finally LETTING God love me, and as I do my heart is singing and feet are dancing like they never have before.
I sing and I dance because I have been REDEEMED. I am saved. I am a new creation. And I am FREE. Free to sing, and dance, and live for Him.
One of my girls passed me a note last night that read,
"Freedom is so much more than being saved; it's about being alive. As you are right now, you are alive, you are free. Hold onto this feeling; remember this when you feel burdened, you are free! Nothing can keep you from freedom except yourself!"
And let me tell you I'm more alive and free than I've ever been. So, I hold fast to this feeling of freedom, life, and joy. And I'll choose to dance and sing and live this crazy life of mine as a musical to my King.
"Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord."
Psalms 150
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