TEXAS

Sounds of a New Song

They sang a new song before the throne… Revelation 14:3

On the last night of Joni & Friends Family Retreat the applause of heaven is heard loud and clear. A talent show is held where the participants deserve more than Grammy’s, Emmy’s or other laudable awards the world can give. They perform comedy with courage, dance with dignity and sing with sonorous joy. With the popularity of the network show American Idol, those in charge of the night’s entertainment decided upon our own version - American Miracle. You see these performances are miracles. All flaws and flubs accepted as part the show and a portion of His mercy. On this stage, no one is kicked off or humiliated - every effort is celebrated.

Hoots and holler’s cover the sound of sniffling noses, and clapping hands offer a small reprieve from wiping back tears. Rachel, in her soft and lilting voice, wooed us with Ariel’s theme: “I want to be up where the people are”. Her father later explained how she related to the Little Mermaid, wishing she too could walk, run and dance like other children. Naomi belted out the Broadway classic “Tomorrow”. After the show, the realization this was her last night to spend with her new friends overwhelmed her. She began to sob inconsolable. CARE EE, standing close by approached her tenderly and said, “Naomi, tonight you taught us a great lesson.” Catching her breath the thirteen year old asked, “what lesson?” A clown offered a grin and began to sing “the sun will come out tomorrow you’ve got to hang on till tomorrow come what may”. Naomi smiled, wiped her face and an impromptu duet broke forth “tomorrow, tomorrow, there’s always tomorrow, it’s always a day away.”

Near the end of the show and all of our emotions, the Myers trio came on stage. With her mother Janell holding the microphone, and her sister Lauren carrying the tune, Leslie sang “I Can Only Imagine”. When the song ended, through thunderous applause, Janell shouted out with the agreement of the entire earthly and heavenly audience, “In Heaven there are NO wheelchairs, broken bodies, or tears – I can only imagine!”