Why Do We Sing?
Do you sing? Why?
This week I had a bit of a wake up call that gave me some perspective!
Some of the reason I sing:
It’s FUN! I enjoy the feel of it (when I’m healthy) flowing from my soul out to the world! I thrill at the sounds I can make, the colors, the dynamic expression of my thoughts and feelings! I love singing those impressive high notes and the rich low notes and the powerful belt notes! I love the freedom and creativity of SCAT singing and all kinds of improvisation! Sweet harmony is nourishing and thrilling all at once!
I love how singing brings people together! Studies show that dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin levels rise when we sing together in group or community! We are happier and feel more connected to one another.
For some of us, singing is a career, others a hobby or even a ministry.
As a career singer, voice teacher and worship leader, singing means many thing to me, with sometimes conflicting priorities. If you are a career singer, like me, you may desire to share your voice with THE WORLD! You want to sing for the masses, millions, multitudes! You have a gift, a message and feel it is your calling to share it on a grand scale. I have felt that way since I was a young child. That is motivating; it has made me practice and work hard to perfect my craft and learn to market it.
As a teacher, I instruct students on technique to be their best and prepare my students for that life of giving their music to the world; but what of how you can make the biggest impact of all? One at a time!
Earlier this week I was in the semifinals of an international Christian vocal competition. I was so excited to share my messages of faith through song to larger and larger audiences. I was spending many hours a day jut asking people to vote for me through texts, emails and calls, social media and conversations. There was no end in sight. When I didn’t advance to thee final round, I was depressed.
“You Listen to My Prayers” Cover Art
That was Monday. Tuesday I went with my friend Anne Marie to visit her sister Jeannine DiFranza in the hospital. I had gone to her group home numerous time to sing for and with her, I had recently sung for her at her rehab center, 
-but I didn’t expect what I would find that day.
Jeannine was on a morphine drip and not conscious. Her breaths were uneven and spacing further and further apart. She had not eaten since Saturday. She was on her way out. I recognized the condition from my mother’s final hours. I sat down close to her and began to sing hymns. I sang for well over an hour with breaks for conversation with other visiting family and friends. At one point I asked my friend if she had given her sister permission to go… It was a VERy powerful time ass Anne Marie gave her sister permission to go to heaven, shared memories, love and scripture.
As I sang “Amazing Grace” with my broken heart, my own voice broke here and there, but I had this distinct feeling that the Spirit was working through me in an indescribable way. I was doing the most important thing I could do with my voice possible- More important than a stadium performance. I was singing her to heaven. Wow! Perspective.
Shortly after I finished singing, Jeannine DiFranza breathed her last and joined her loved ones in heaven.
There is certainly nothing wrong with seeking the big stage. I love that. but don’t forget how your voice, my voice, can move a heart right next to you.