Thursday, December 13, 2012

Timothy's Gift

It's late Wednesday night and we're all pretty tired, but I couldn't go to sleep before sending a quick note to let you all know how this tour of 19 prisons is going.
I think what I experienced this morning in a prison chapel may have been one of the most moving services I've ever been in.  I now get why Jesus told us to visit those in prison.  As affected as the people here appeared to be, it could not come close to what is happening to us doing the presenting.  The grattitude from the inmates is overwhelming.  None of them are forced to come to see us perform.  It's totally their choice.  I was told today by one of the chaplains that he had a lot of people who wanted to come but there wasn't enough room in the chapel.  He said the next time we might want to schedule two programs.  
We have been treated with the utmost respect and overwhelming grattitude.  It's so much different because they don't expect such amazing talent as we are bringing to them.  When our team sings it's fabulous even for me who is used to hearing the very best while living in Nashville.  It sounds so good because this team actually is some of the best in the south...not just Nashville.  And let me tell ya, they don't hold back.  I would pay to see them sing and play.   When Melody picks up her saxaphone and Jacob his guitar.  It's like the best you could ever hope to hear. 
This morning as we were serving communion, one of those attending took his bread, went back to his seat and knelt to his knees where he stayed for a very long time.  When I noticed he was holding a cane to balance himself.......as he wiped the tears from his cheeks ..... so did I. 
The appreciative looks and hand shakes were all the thanks we needed.  But it wasn't all they gave.  Over and over they clapped, sang and gave us standing ovations. 
My husband ended a book he wrote by saying he hoped Jesus would approve of his writings.  Well....me too Shelton.  I hope He is pleased with the love and compassion we felt today for so many who feel so forgotten.  I know my Shelton is smilin'.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am Blessed to have read what you have been able to
Share of your journey. I know your doing just what your suppose to be doing Laine ; ) You are a gifted Painter , Singer and you just enjoy your self . I know that Shelton would be and is very proud of you and SMILING DOWN UPON YOU, I KNOW THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU LAINE , AND BE THE LIFTER OF YOUR HEAD THROUGH ALL THINGS. CONTINUE WITH JOY LAINE , ROGER N I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO BLESS OTHERS AS YOU DO YOUR STORY. BE SAFE AND ILL CHECK SEE HOW TOUR is DOING . TO ASK YOU ONE DAY ABOUT THE ANGEL. I don't know of the story but would like to. : ) Talk to ya soon LOVE ROGER N I

Nadine Birge said...

I am Blessed to have read what you have been able to
Share of your journey. I know your doing just what your suppose to be doing Laine ; ) EVERY APPOINTMENT IS DEVINE ,, Psalms 139 verse 16. I love you . N miss you ..... You are a gifted Painter , Singer , Teacher you just enjoy your self . I know that Shelton would be and is very proud of you and SMILING DOWN UPON YOU, I KNOW THAT GOD WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU LAINE , AND BE THE LIFTER OF YOUR HEAD THROUGH ALL THINGS. CONTINUE WITH JOY LAINE , ROGER N I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO BLESS OTHERS AS YOU DO YOUR STORY. BE SAFE AND ILL CHECK SEE HOW YOUR JOURNEY is DOING . ILL HAVE TO ASK YOU ONE DAY ABOUT THE ANGEL. I don't know of the story but would like to. : ) Talk to ya soon LOVE ROGER N I. PS. THAT WOULD BE SO FUN TO JOIN A GROUP TO SING SOMETIME! Still one of my Dreams ; ) MAYBE my bucket list lol , HUH ??

Laine Barley said...

thanks so much Nadine. Maybe you can come to one of the classes in Lewisburg.