Freedom to Dance

‘Freedom of Speech’ continues to be in the news almost daily. Although many say they believe in the principle, an agreed definition and understanding of what that means or how it works out in practice – in politics, religion and life in general – is unclear.

My mind returned to that debate yesterday with the Marsh Family’s latest parody. I particularly appreciated the lyric: ‘The left like to carp, the right like to bait, there’s truth in some lies, there’s threat in some hate.’

On Saturday, reporting on their Uganda mission trip, John said, ‘In one Ugandan church the minister said something I’ve never heard in a British church: ‘The stewards will now move the chairs so there’s more room for dancing.’’

We heard about, we saw… Ugandan Christians worshiping their God, singing, dancing, for over an hour. I wondered if musing on ‘freedom to dance’ was more profitable than ‘freedom of speech’…

Now I’m no dancer. I avoid dancing at all costs. However… I need to learn from our Ugandan friends and dance…

… with joy… Yesterday Bridget expressed her joy: ‘It warmed my heart to see these positive, creative and fun post-box toppers in Pakefield today… in stark contrast to divisive acts we see around our town. Thank you Lowestoft U3A. Learn, Laugh, Live is their motto.’

…with love… At last night’s church home group we reflected on: ‘Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’

…with awe… Autumn gives local photographers many wonderful opportunities – sunrises, sunsets and rainbows… beach, sea, trees and marshes… family, pets, wildlife, kingfishers… We stop, pause, wonder… the world takes on a different perspective.

Musing…

…Freedom of speech …with joy, love and awe,

…The old Sydney Carter song …Jesus is ‘Lord of the Dance’,

…Praying that this non-dancer will enjoy greater freedom to dance in joy, love and awe.