Today is Good Friday and it hardly seems like a good Friday.  I suppose people have historically felt this way, however, a pandemic seems to trump all other bad good Fridays in my lifetime.   Good Friday always has a pall over it as we remember that this is the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus the carpenter, the Christ.  

I am mourning today the loss of justice surrounding the trial and verdict handed down to Jesus of Nazareth.  I am grieving our ability to get out and about and disband our social distancing guidelines.   I am mourning the loss of the health of so many.  Many people have died as a result of Covid-19, and I am sure that all have felt a loss. 

I am not one to go over the top with celebrity news and gossip.  Two of my musical idols died this past week.  Adam Schlesinger (bass player, songwriter, singer of Fountains of Wayne) and John Prine were incredible talented songwriters and musicians.  It is the wit and vulnerability in their lyrics that will be a loss.   Both artists inspired me to try to write my own songs.

So, I have written some songs.  I have played guitar for far long to be as bas as I am.  I have attempted a few open mics and coffee houses.  I have played guitar and sang at retreats and in worship.  Because of social distancing and people not leaving their homes—many folks have begun putting videos of themselves signing on to social media.  Maybe because I like John Prine, and he was such a huge influence- many artists are doing their tribute videos. 

Recently, I sent a video of myself to Teresa and she put it on line.  It is not something I would have done, but I am glad she did it.  I am always preaching about how people should put themselves out there- take chances- push your growing edges.   I recorded another song, which will be aired in our Holy Humor Sunday service.   Derek and Teresa asked if I would sing in the choir….

I have never sung in a choir.  I was practically ushered out the door from the elementary and middle school chorus.   I like to sing songs I’ve written because no one knows what the melody is supposed to be.   When I sing hymns in church, there usually isn’t anyone near me, and I triple check to make sure my mic is off!  Nobody wants to hear that. 

Here is the thing- singing is really hard.  To sing well requires singing in the right key, in tune, and perfect pitch.  You have to pay attention to all those notes, sharps and flats.  There’s all those rests and symbols.   Time signatures have been explained to me a hundred times.  Father Charles goes down in battle. Every good boy deserves fudge. FACE!  If you don’t know what I’m talking about—I don’t either.   So, there’s singing in the car and there’s singing in a chorus or choir.  

I am awe of those who sing!  God bless you!  Maybe that is the skill I should have been working on during my professional quarantine.   So, I will attempt to sing with the choir—the virtual choir—because I really should practice what I preach.   Push your edges.  Challenge yourself so that you will grow. 

Singing is good when we are sad and mourning.  Singing is good when we want to be happy.  We can sing in the car, shower or a choir!  Even though these times are hard, and a Good Friday seems like struggle- How can I keep from singing?   And I will heed the words of another Carpenter, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough, for anyone else to hear…just sing.  Sing a song.”