Greetings! Before we jump into my reflection for today, I know that some of you were wondering how the letter “X” would fit into our musical terms series. Well, so was I! [LOL!] In the musical dictionaries or glossaries that I searched, the word “Xylophone” was oftentimes the only word listed. Though I surprisingly did find a few other words that began with the letter “X,” but none that grabbed me like the challenge of using the word “Xylophone” for our reflection on this morning. So, I am praying that the Lord truly guides our thoughts today, as He does everyday, and I pray that YOU are blessed! 2 Samuel 22:29-30 You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Musical Term for the Day: The “Xylophone” is a percussion instrument consisting of a row of chromatically tuned wooden or metal bars, arranged in the manner of a pianokeyboard.The bars are supported by a wooden frame over resonator tubes and they are sounded by being struck with mallets. When I was in grade school, possibly elementary school or middle school, I was introduced to this unique instrument. I played the flute and the piano in my early years but I became familiar with other instruments because of band or certain lessons that my teachers taught. The xylophone was one of the instruments that I do clearly remember because it was so unique in its look and its sound, considering it is a percussion instrument. At that time, percussion instruments, to me, were supposed to sound loud and strong, not soft and dainty, like sweet bells. While I never mastered the xylophone as my instrument of choice, I knew that there was a level of accuracy that was necessary while playing this instrument so that each strike of the mallet would produce the intended sound for which that particular bar had been shaped. The only way to achieve a sound from the xylophone is to strike it with the appropriate mallet on the chromatically tuned wooden bars. These bars have been molded and shaped for specific notes on the musical scale and when the mallet strikes any one of those bars, the note that the bar was molded and shaped to produce, rings forth. And isn’t that a lot like pursuing our purpose in life? We are all molded and shaped individually to ring forth in a particular way on the Creators musical scale. When we were created, God knew exactly how our life should sound and re-sound. Our Original Composer knew what He wanted to hear and how our life was to flow in the orchestra of this universe. Friends, throughout our life’s experiences, YES, we are struck by trials, tragedies, and triumphs in varying degrees but no matter what comes our way, we must know that deep inside we were molded to withstand and overcome whatever life may bring our way. BlogFam, today, I want to strongly encourage you to gain clarity about the note your life should play. For what purpose have you been shaped and molded strategically and intentionally by the Master’s hand? How has your life sounded and re-sounded in times of trial, tragedy, and triumph? Have you stayed true to the sound of your own note? OR have you tried to volunteer or force yourself to take on the notes of others at the expense of neglecting the purpose for which you were created? On any musical scale, each note sounds differently. When those notes have been arranged to the pleasure of the composer, then we play, sing, or listen to how the composer has strategically and intentionally placed each note. The average person does not play, sing or listen to this musical offering with the intent to change the original composer’s vision. The average person will not do that. I am not saying that any of us will have an appreciation for every type of musical composition that has ever been made; however, all of us must at least respect that the arrangement of those notes is that composer’s vision. My sistas and brothas, you may not fully appreciate every hand that your life has dealt you, but you must respect the truth that for some reason, you have and you will make it through because the Original Composer has promised to be our lamp, to turn our darkness into light, to be our help, and to empower us to scale the walls. Like the bars on a xylophone, you were created to ring forth a particular note on purpose and when the darkness comes or when your enemies advance against you, just KNOW that the Original Composer has already prearranged the musical composition in your favor. You may not appreciate the trial, the tragedy, or even the triumphs in this measure on the score, but as every person at least ten years older than me says – KEEP LIVING! BlogFam, Search for YOUR note! Stick to YOUR note! Celebrate YOUR note! And let your note ring forth in victory! I pray that you would know that YOUR place on this divine scale of life is sure! I pray that as your life sounds and re-sounds in whatever state you are in right now, you would find comfort in knowing that your purpose is secure in God and that your note sounds sweet to Him! ![]() Black HistoryMonth – Quote of the Day: The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerence. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance. ~Maya Angelou Delesslyn Twitter - @AudraSunshine Email - delesslyn@spiritedconcepts.net If you enjoyed reading this blog post, PLEASE... SUBSCRIBE on the left to get email updates, SHARE it with three people via email, facebook, twitter or word of mouth, below, and Click NOW to GIVE a donation of $5.00 or your best gift to keep it going! ALSO, feel free to check out the other pages on my website! I am available to provide writing coaching and consulting as well as facilitate conferences, workshops, retreats, worship services, formal ceremonies, and other agreed upon services as needed for the benefit of your personal well-being or those with whom you serve.THANK YOU for reading and sharing! :-) P.S. - BlogFam, I NEED your prayers and support - KIDS KORNER Radio program - It is a moment to spotlight the children and youth [and youth ministers] of our community! PLEASE tune in ONLINE at http://www.wigoam.com at 5:15pm EVERY SUNDAY AND let me know you are listening!!! Also, VISIT us at www.facebook.com/kidskornerradio OR shoot us an EMAIL at kidskornerradio@gmail.com if you have any suggestions for guests, topics, or would like to be a sponsor! [sponsorships are only $25] Believe in God. |