One of my passions is worship dance.  At a particularly difficult time in my life - with years of backed-up "stuff" - I was desperate enough to come to Jesus. I was expecting a very good tongue-lashing and a recitation of all of my sins.  Instead, in my mind's eye, I found myself just inside the door of large ballroom.  Jesus reached out his hand to me, looked at me with a twinkle in his eye that washed away all of my dread, and said,"Shall we dance?"  What is significant about this is that I grew up in a religious culture where dance was prohibited. Although I inwardly loved to watch graceful dancing, in honor to the Lord, it did not really bother me to not be able to dance.  In my healing picture, the Lord and I twirled and twirled around that ballroom for what seemed like hours, but I am sure was just a few moments of meditation. Every time since, when I have come to the Lord in confession, sorrow, anxiety, etc., He has simply said, "Let's dance."  The experience gave new meaning to the myriad of times the Israelites turned their back on God but as soon as they came humbly to him, He changed his mind about the wrathful things He had planned for them and welcomed them with joy and forgiveness.  For me, confession and forgiveness are the most powerful unique aspects of Christianity among the world religions.

Inspite of having no dance background, I am now part of a worship dance team, Sacred Steps, at our church.  This weekend we put on a one-day seminar, our first attempt.  The sweetness of the Holy Spirit's presence glided over us, so that the whole day became a worship experience for our team as well for the participants (all 11 of them!).    

Dawn

P.S.  Prayer is powerful. My husband did not have to have surgery. He came home Friday, and he preached this morning.  He does have to abide by a limited diet for several days - he can eat anything as long as it can be pureed.  Last night he had pureed beef stew.  It looked gross, but he assures me that it tasted how it was supposed to!