Singing Karateka

Originally uploaded by Champuru.

Well, I am happy to report that we survived this morning’s performance. (NOTE: I did not drop dead on stage of utter embarrassment as I had initially expected.)

Being in front of people usually doesn’t bother me. After all, I have been involved in various performing arts off and on since I was five. I am accustomed to public speaking and jump at any opportunity to do kachashi. However, if my stage presence requires me to sing… well, now that’s another story entirely.

Last night, I literally had an anxiety attack thinking about my solo. I only had to sing one verse, but it was a huge source of concern for me. After all, I’m not a good singer to begin with — and the song was in a key that was out of my comfortable vocal range. (To be honest, most songs are out of my comfortable vocal range.) Oddly, I actually felt physically affected by the anxiety, with some shortness of breath and nausea. I’ve never experienced this kind of stage fright in my life! Needless to say, I did a lot of praying last night and fell asleep somewhere in the middle of, “please, Lord… help tomorrow….”

This morning, as we pulled into the parking lot of the school where the sevice is held, I started feeling sick again. I must’ve went to the restroom five times prior to our appearance, but the funny thing is that once I actually got on stage, the fear miraculously melted away. I’m not sure whether it was the natural ham in me that finally kicked in — or if it was the holy spirit. But whatever it was, I had peace.

Even when it came time to do my solo, I just stepped up to the microphone and sang without hesitation. I won’t say that it was the best voice to listen to, but hopefully it didn’t offend too many ears. After that, the rest was duck soup.

Luckily, we had a few strong musicians and vocalists that carried the group. What we lacked in skill, we made up for in heart. Leading praise and worship is certainly a weighty responsibility, but we gave it to God and simply asked that He be glorified by our efforts. I believe He was. In the end, that’s all that matters anyway.

I am so proud of Hubby who made his stage debut today. He also had a solo which he sang splendidly! Great job, Hubby!

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