Stories of Faith

I think it is about time that I spend a moment on another passion of mine, one even stronger than my passion for writing: music. My attraction to music has been evident ever since I was little. I can remember as a child how much I enjoyed it when Dad or Mom would turn on a song. When my two older sisters Joy and Amy Grace would play the piano, I would listen with keen interest and wonder how they always knew, usually without looking at a music book, how to play so beautifully.

My sister Joy started giving me piano lessons when I was ten. She was a patient, excellent teacher and nurtured my interest in music. Through many hard hours of practice, joy and tears, my love for music slowly unfurled its vibrant colors. Now, five years later, it is stronger than ever. Pressing the pedal, hitting the keys, and hearing the wonderful orchestra of frequencies known as a song all give me a special thrill. Now I, just like my sisters, can play many songs without looking at a music book. In fact, now I think can I play much better without one.

Then, a few months ago, I realized how much I enjoyed hearing the strains of the violin. When I borrowed my sister-in-law’s violin, I was captured by its beautiful sound. There was no stopping my passion now. Thus my mom took me to the Howard Core wholesale operation near us and I bought my prized violin. Her name is Zimrah, which is the Hebrew word for music. Few words can accurately express my joy to have her. My Mom quickly arranged for me to take lessons. My new teacher has been fabulous. At our first lesson she taught me everything about the violin: the fingerboard, where you press down on the strings; the end button, a small black button at the bottom of the violin; the tail piece, the piece where the strings go into the violin; the nut, a small piece at the top of the fingerboard; the scroll, where the tuning pegs are attached; and even the purfling, the small lines edging the violin. She even explained that the top of the violin is made of pine or spruce and that the bottom is made of strong maple. She is obviously a very thorough teacher and pushes straight for perfection. I am a perfectionist, so I enjoy her very much. Lessons have been such a delight, as have practices. The joy from bowing, the pleased feeling from holding my hands correctly, and the brilliant, vibrating sounds from the violin make me excited to learn more.

I also enjoy listening to music. My favorite songs are Hebrew songs, especially those in KSM Israel’s “Praise to Our God 4” and “Praise to our God 5.” They are so beautiful. Unlike most of the Hebrew songs that I have heard all my life, these albums are performed live in concert by believers in Yeshua Messiah. As for English songs, I enjoy some contemporary and older Christian tunes. And I love old hymns, including “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “He Brought Me Out,” “We’re Marching to Zion,” and any hymns by Fanny Crosby. I also love the newer hymns, “Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery” and “In Christ Alone.” Basically, I love any meaningful song about Yehovah and Yeshua.

Music is to me like an exhibition of what life is–happy notes, sad notes, vibrancy, tremors, and beauty. I say that I am not an extrovert or an introvert, but a “musicovert.” Yes, I made that word up. But it is true; I can handle being around people for a long time or being alone for a long time if I have music. Also, music helps me commune with my Father above. Not much can touch my heart the way music does, and I can’t wait for the day when I will sing unending songs of praise with all the redeemed in heaven.

“My heart is steadfast, Elohim. I will sing and make music , even my honor. Awake the lute and harp! I awake dawn. I thank you among the peoples, Yehovah. I will make music to you among the nations. For great above the heavens is Your compassion and as far as the clouds is Your truth.”
~Psalm 108: 1-4