The Music Within Us

The Music Within Us


Johann Sebastian Bach's life was marked by profound personal tragedy. He lost his young daughter, then three sons, and later his wife. Despite remarrying, he and his second wife, Anna Magdalena, endured the heartbreaking loss of four more daughters and three sons—11 beloved children in total.

Many researchers have pondered how Bach managed to cope with such profound loss. How did his spirit not break, how did his heart keep beating, and most intriguingly, how did he continue to compose?

Bach's resilience and creativity stemmed from his deep faith. At the beginning of each score, he inscribed 'Lord help me,' and at the end, 'Soli Deo Gloria' ('Glory to God Alone'). For Bach, music was a form of prayer, a sacred dialogue between man and God. Listening to Bach’s compositions invites you into this profound conversation, a testament to the enduring power of faith and music.

In the ancient times of the Bible, the Levites held a unique and sacred role within the Israelite community. As a tribe set apart for religious duties, they were responsible for various aspects of worship and temple service. One of their significant roles was that of musicians, dedicated to leading worship through music and song.

The Levites were appointed by King David to be in charge of the music for the house of the Lord, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 15:16-22. They played a variety of instruments, including lyres, harps, and cymbals, and were tasked with raising sounds of joy and praise to God. This rich musical tradition was a crucial component of their worship and religious ceremonies, signifying the importance of music in connecting with the divine.

Reflecting on the Levites' role as musicians, I see a parallel to my own family. For over 36 years, we have been deeply involved in leading worship through music. Our journey, like that of the Levites, has been one of dedication, passion, and a profound sense of calling.

From as early as I can remember, music has been a part of my life. My father frequently sang in church. My grandfather and his brothers were a part of a country & western band and played all over the southeast and on the radio. They sang cowboy / campfire songs and hymns. I was surrounded by guitar, banjo, fiddle, even a "gut bucket" bass. Those songs are still with me even now, the sweet melodies that made up my childhood gave me a profound love of music.

I began singing in a choir and at church at 15, and it has been a part of my life ever since. I met my husband through a church choir he directed. He’s a semi-professional trumpet player and an extraordinary musician. When he plays his trumpet or flugelhorn in church, it transforms into a truly worshipful experience—it’s his purest form of worship. If you looked into his soul, it would be in the shape of a trumpet. God gifted him with music, and I am so grateful for it.

Our children followed our footsteps and have become musicians themselves. They sing and play a variety of instruments—acoustic and electric guitar, bass, violin, keyboard, drums, and even the ukulele. Their creativity and artistry amaze me, and I am so happy that they use their God-given talents to worship Him. My daughters-in-law are equally talented and are perfect additions to our family.

I can’t imagine life without music. Whether it’s a soloist, a choir, or instruments playing praises to God, I believe He receives it as a precious offering. Our preferences for the type or style of worship music or our opinions of the performers don’t matter to Him. What matters is the heart of the person offering it in worship.

Since undergoing cancer treatment six years ago, my voice has suffered. The chemo, radiation, multiple surgeries, and daily medication have damaged my vocal cords. My voice isn’t the same—I can’t sing as high, and it’s often raspy or sometimes not there at all. I have nodules on my vocal cords that weren’t there before. It’s frustrating because I still feel the music inside me, aching to come out. I do what I can, when I can, and that is all I can offer. But I know that even if my voice cracks or gets raspy, He hears it as a beautiful offering because I belong to Him.

No matter what challenges we face, I know that my family, much like the Levites of old, is dedicated to worshipping through music. This devotion isn't just a pastime; it's an integral part of who we are. It's in our bones, woven into the very fabric of our lives. Music is our way of connecting with God and expressing our faith. Whether through singing, playing instruments, or leading worship, we will continue to honor Him with our musical gifts, in some form or another, until we leave this earth.

"Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed hearts open." ~ Maria Von Trapp