In the spring of 1993, I was a senior in high school. I was preparing to graduate. But graduation was the farthest thing from my mind. As spring came into full bloom and May drew closer, there was one thing and one thing only that I was thinking about and that was Prom. And I, I was a Baptist pastor’s daughter.
In case you don’t know what that means, I’ll tell you: most Baptists don’t dance. I had a very tall hurdle in front of me. I wanted to go to the prom so badly that I begged, I pleaded, and I bargained with my dad. Finally he acquiesced. I could go to the prom, on one condition: I had to lay low… I was absolutely not to make a big deal of this. We didn’t want the deacons finding out, right?
On the evening of the dance, I donned a beautiful bright pink taffeta dress, I hopped into my date’s freshly washed shiny red Toyota and we were off to have fun and be as inconspicuous as possible. And oh, did we have fun!
I didn’t realize until the following morning that I had been unsuccessful with the “inconspicuous” part of the plan. There on the very front page of my hometown’s Sunday morning newspaper was a picture of me, arm in arm with my date, large as life in our fancy prom duds, our names in the caption box below.
So much for incognito…
Twenty years later, I can laugh about the story with my parents. Sort of. But, I still feel the details of the story like it was yesterday; my face flushes several shades of bright red and my pulse races to new heights.
Back then I was so nervous to see my dad’s reaction! I wanted to hide the Sunday paper, but that was futile since I was sure that all of the deacons got the Sunday paper. There was one thing that had been impressed on me long before that day, but now it was stuck permanently to me like glue : dancing is wrong. Except, its not. At least, that’s what I’ve learned since then.
Actually, it was only a few weeks ago that I realized just how right dancing can be.
My children and I were sitting at the breakfast table, getting ready to start our school day. The atmosphere was a bit heavy because of a few things going on in our family; a sick friend was in genuine need, an uncle of mine had passed away recently, and of course there were all of the other frustrations and plain old junk that happens. We were life-less while we sat munching our cereal, completely weighed down by it all.
Instead of beginning our day with the usual memory work that goes with our home school curriculum, I decided to put on our CD of Scripture songs by Seeds Family Worship. We started bee-bopping at the table, singing along. Songs from Matthew and Jeremiah and Isaiah, were ringing out with truths we needed to hear like, “Ask and it will be given to you,” and “Call to me and I’ll answer,” and “Do not fear for I am with you.”
We’d heard these tunes before, but they were new that morning. And then something indescribable happened. There was this unexpected, blissful freedom lifting us right out of our seats and propelling our bodies into movement. Singing along was just not enough. Before I knew it we were up dancing and giggling and jumping right out of our sorrows.
Now, I’m sure we looked funny. As you can imagine, I am not a dancer in a groovy, “Oooh! That girl’s got moves,” kind of way. But, we were moved by the exciting truths from God’s Word – and when that happened, there was such a release of joy right in our living room!
Should I be surprised? In Ecclesiastes, it says there is a time for mourning, but also for dancing. Psalm 30 talks about how HE is able to turn our mourning into dancing. It makes so much sense to me as I think about it now: when I begin to meditate on the power of His promises, the burdens are lifted and my feet really do become light.
I’m so thankful for a Heavenly Father who inspires new dance moves at a moment’s notice, just when I need to “get moving” with a new attitude! The life He gives really does turn sadness into a dance of unspeakable joy!
By: Melody Day, Daily Portion
Leave a Comment
Katy says
Wow! What a wonderful dance the two of you had based on Scripture truths–the perfect kind of dance! How brave of you to allow the joy of God’s Word to propel you into actual motion–that’s what we all need! That’s right–meditation on the power of His promises does indeed make our feet light just when we most need it! So glad you shared this beautiful faith-dance story–such a blessing! Thank you so much! Blessings!
Anonymous says
Praying that your feet are made light today, too! 🙂 md
Kate says
Oh, I want to get to the point where I simply can’t keep myself from dancing because of Him. And I want that everyday….for me and my wee ones.
My husband and I have decided to homeschool for at least the first few years of grade school….but probably longer. We start in the fall. I imagine I will begin our days with worship…..ringing His joy and goodness right in. Because filling the mind with His word and His praises should always come before filling the mind with things like arithmetic and such, don’t ya think?
So good. Keep dancing’ girl!
Blessings,
Kate 🙂
melody says
Starting the day with worship is ALWAYS a good idea! 🙂 Praying that your journey this fall begins with much joy and peace! blessings. md
Kaye says
Melody – thanks for sharing that story.
I from “Down Under” – Australia and was reared in the Methodist Church where dancing was also considered bad – sinful even. Fortunately me parents didn’t go along with that belief, even though my Mum had worshiped at a Baptist Church in her younger years and Dad in a Methodist. Often used to wonder what the problem with dancing was, especially as I couldn’t find anything in the Bible to say it was wrong, and lots of people I knew danced. My parents used to take me and my 2 sisters with them to a monthly dance run by a Tennis Club they belonged to and I Had Ballroom Dancing lessons.
I’m no great dancer – but love it and your story stirred me to think I should do more of it. Put on a CD and dance to my heart’s content. What a release it is – and also good for helping to lose weight!!!! I’ve been feeling a bit depressed so tomorrow I’m puttiing on some Christian music (late at night here now), and might try a few old steps to lighten my soul!!!
melody says
Kaye, I pray that His promises will make your feet light tomorrow and for many days to come. May you will experience new and fresh joy! blessings on you ! md
Beth Williams says
The bible even mentions King David dancing as the Ark of Covenant of God is being brought back to Jerusalem.
God has no problems with the way we celebrate Him and His wonderful laws & precepts. I believe in clapping hands and raising hands in church–even dancing (at home). Don’t care who sees me doing it. I want the Lord to be blessed by my actions not other people!
Good for you to allow your wee ones to dance & rejoice over God! Teaching them valuable lessons!
melody says
keep on dancing and rejoicing, Beth! He is worthy of the celebration and worship! md
Julie Anne says
As a baptist pastor’s daughter myself, I totally saw where this was going! 🙂 I attended a Christian school. So we had a Jr. Sr. Banquet… No dancing in sight!
I love Seeds family worship at our house! In fact I might pull it out on this dreary Monday! Also, I memorized those verses in Psalms 30… What a blessing
melody says
ahhh… a kindred spirit, then. 🙂 isn’t it a blessing to dance with joy, before the Lord?!? and yes- I love those verses – and the Seeds music – it keeps our spirits up and our toes tappin’!
AMY DONALDSON says
What about exploring the idea of providing community for those for whom it is difficult..not just with those we enjoy spending time with. How about providing community for the aged, the sick, the poor, the discouraged. How about exploring being BRAVE enough to go out on a limb…and them trusting God that we will also receive in the giving!