By Keshia Dawn – Dallas South News Intern

In the midst of Sunday church service, clapping, crying, and dancing are just some ways individuals express their connection with God. While some parishioners give off a visual appearance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, others sit in seats with a ‘this too shall pass’ expression on their faces.

Spirituality has become a much different conversation in recent times. Christianity as a religion and specific denominations seem to not be as important as is having a connection with the Redeemer himself.   Some of those who still find themselves readying for church on Sunday mornings just can’t get with all the “hoopla” that sometimes goes with it.

Clapping is a common visual scene in most church settings. Whether putting one’s hands together for the choir’s rendition of Amazing Grace, or co-signing the preacher’s sermon, clapping is generally acceptable.  It’s not even something we (most of us) think about it, we just do.
A soul stirring sermon may move congregants to tears. Thinking on trials, tribulations or grace, tears will flow from the emotions we are feeling. Whether a low hummed cry or a high pitched wail, there are different strokes for different folks. It’s still praise. It’s still worship.

The organ intermixed with the guitar while the tambourine harmonizes with the drums can cause a dance step (referred to shouting, or even ‘getting happy’  if you’re old school) to breakout amongst parishioners. That same tune can stir less physical contribution, causing a silent rock to be administered from those who are less radical, more conventional; it all means the same. Doesn’t it?

Most church goers wouldn’t fathom moving their feet at a rapid pace, jumping in place, or even running around a church’s sanctuary while others look on. But the truth is most of their fellow congregants could care less, as long as God is pleased. You can call it the holy dance, shouting, or ‘getting your praise on’ before the Lord. Whatever the case may be, it’s another expression of thankfulness of who God is and what he has done by giving us life. Still, some have questions:

Does it take all of that?

Are we honoring God when we shout with a voice of triumph, as Psalm 47 directs us to do?

Is it some sort of show?

Is it all just…well…noise?

Those questions can only be answered by the individual in action.  In Exodus, scripture tells us that the prophetess Miriam along with all the women, took their timbrels and danced. Then there is David, who God’s said was “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” Surely God would not disapprove of all the dancing and singing offered up by David.

How we worship the Lord is an individual affair. Who He is and what He means to me may not be the same for you. Thus, my praise may be your worship. Never the less to honor the Lord should be our main goal.

Modern day churches have even incorporated praise dancers, step teams and mime ministries to add to the ability to exalt the Lord. At some churches young people are encouraged to become involved with these ministries, much like a very young David who dedicated his own life to God.

The Word says it best:

(1)Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

(2)Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

(3) Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

(4) Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

(5) Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

(6)Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.  Praise ye the LORD.

Keshia Dawn is a student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and author of the novel His Grace, His Mercy. She can be reached at keshia@dallassouthnews.org

Edited by Shawn Williams