Day 49: the Dance of the Delighted-in

Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel celebrate its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and lyre. For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Let the faithful celebrate in triumphal glory; let them shout for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:1–5

Even though Missy has me for a mom—a rhythm-challenged chick who was raised in a mostly non-boogying church tradition—she’s never met a sanctuary she wasn’t comfortable cutting a rug in! And despite moves that would make most observers wince, I’m inclined to join her at this age and stage of life! I guess my Dad Harper’s Pentecostal DNA has finally crowded out the non-wiggly, pantyhose-clad part I inherited from my mother’s side of the family!

Thankfully, First Baptist in downtown Houston (where we had the gift of visiting recently) was filled with welcoming image-bearers who wrapped my joyful, dancing girl into their collective embrace when we recently worshiped Immanuel—God with us and for us—together! I’m so incredibly grateful for communities of faith who reflect the inclusive kindness of King Jesus. Because of the wonderfully unique and wildly gracious church communities we’ve had the honor of visiting over the years, my little girl’s understanding of “church” is a safe place filled with all kinds of people—most of them smiling and friendly—where she’s free to express her delight in Christ. Unlike me, who grew up associating church more so with solemnity, uncomfortable shoes, and ethnic homogeny than with unbridled joy, genuine affection for Jesus, and a beautifully diverse crew of congregants who sing His name together.

Maybe the house of worship you call home leans toward formality with gleaming pews, stained glass windows, and a robe-wearing spiritual leader. Or perhaps your family of faith is more of an informal place with coffee in the lobby, theater-style seating, and a pastor who wears torn jeans and sports tattoos. No matter what form it takes, I hope it’s a warm setting where children and adults aren’t all exactly alike, apart from their common sense of feeling free to dance. At least in the privacy of their own hearts!

• When and where do you feel the most liberated when it comes to expressing your love for Jesus?
• What does passion for God look like in your life?
• Who might need to be welcomed into your church community the way Missy was welcomed in this story?