Emptying

Have you ever experienced encouragement, loving consolation, Spirit-led guidance, affection, and mercy from Jesus? Paul suggests these are the primary inducements to live a Christ-minded life (Philippians 2:1–3). Such a life exhibits humility, consideration of others, letting go of preconceived notions, and letting self be replaced with obedience (verses 4–8). Some time back, a pastor requested I arrange for “my” long-time music group to facilitate a bluegrass gospel event at my former church—as part of an annual, largely secular, ten-day music festival. My late husband, Jim, and I had previously worked together on this event for five years running, before the COVID-19 pandemic. God had blessed.

Community and local musician attendance had swelled to three hundred! But at this point I was a widow and had moved to a neighboring state.

Reluctantly I agreed, feeling “one more time” would serve, in part, as a tribute to Jim’s memory. For nine months our music group collaborated, planned, and practiced. Then, just days before the scheduled event, I learned of a family group (whom I had never met) from another state that was interested in joining us! The pastor strongly urged collaboration, though he had never heard their music either. Who were they? Would our musical styles even be compatible? Finding out on a performance stage before hundreds of spectators is not the place to experiment! Should I let go of a tried-and-true formula—for an . . . experiment? Either success or failure would reflect on the sponsoring church. I was so torn! Especially when I learned that the leader of the family group might be interested in becoming a member of my denomination! “In humility value others” (Philippians 2:3, NIV). God, help me! I fasted, camping in Philippians 2:1–11, and prayed for the attitude and leading of Christ. Finally I received the humility to “let go.” Providence acted with lightning speed. Two days before the event, half of “my” group could not make it due to medical challenges. The family group joining with our “remnant” made up a complete band with energy, youth, and drive. Our final song was “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” Abruptly the audience—different ethnicities, denominations, and age groups (some in wheelchairs)—rose to their feet as one, joining hands in a large circle. Smiling. Singing.

Weeping. I almost trembled.

What if I had declined humility? Not valued others? The outcome could have been so sadly different!

Carolyn Rathbun Sutton