Encouragement
Nature is all around us, all the time. Yes, even in busy cities and towns, flowers, trees, and singing birds abound.
Traveling through tangling traffic keeps people speeding up through life. Time spent in hurrying activities supplants activities that promote peace and sincere joy. In today’s fast paced world, over-scheduling events, “worrying,” places pressure on both youngsters and adults. When do the kids get a chance to play in the field down the street? When do adults interrupt their “texting” and take time to enjoy their surroundings?
I was fishing at a lake. A ten-year-old boy was fishing beside me. He received a cell phone call telling him that he needed to come back to camp for supper. Kids are now tracked in every activity. Typically, the kids of today aren’t allowed, any more, to make their own decisions.
Just like nature, music is all around us. There are music melodies residing in our souls, waiting to appear. To appreciate music, one has to slow down. Nothing heals and soothes a hurting spirit than a tune written by someone else who has already traversed the valley of despair.
Bluegrass Gospel Music was created early on, during hard times, in the mountains, where the entertainment was encouragement-centered, from one place to another, with folks gathering together and creating the soul-soothing music that has endured for generations.
Participation
The uniqueness of a Bluegrass Gospel Jam is that beginners, audience, and experienced musicians gather together and make a “joyful noise unto the Lord.” Everyone is allowed a turn at choosing the song to be played. Audiences are included in choosing the songs. Having egg shakers available gives every person an opportunity to participate.
More and more, musicians are beginning to share how the song they have chosen, has made an impact on their life at a crucial time. Church happens automatically at the Jams. Everyone senses the Holy Spirit’s wooing. We welcome folks in to share the words, spirit, and music of God. We are a movement, not an organization. We plan ahead, but God supplies the attendees, musicians, and harmony.
Opportunities
Bluegrass Gospel Jams are all about testing our beliefs about God. How else can you reason why musicians and spectators show up at the Jams? Sure, lots of people will show up at an event that has a big-name band. What’s the difference between a big-name band and a Bluegrass Gospel Jam? Practice.
On faith, we show up and practice to the best of our ability. We begin and continue to improve. Great gospel music emanates throughout the building. We get invited to other venue events. We say, “Yes,” when we are invited.
Skill is appreciated but not required. No auditions necessary. We encourage you when no one else will say a kind encouraging word to you. We welcome people in. We work on proclaiming our faith by demonstrating our faith with positive action steps. Someone will always shake your hand, welcome you, and ask your name, with a warm hearty welcome to come on in and join in.
Copyright © 2011 Ron Camerrer
