Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Worship (corporate) (10/04/07)
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TITLE: "Praisin' Miss Raisin" | Previous Challenge Entry
By c clemons
10/10/07 -
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Aurora Raisin loved the Lord with all her heart. When the little white clapboard church had started a praise team, she knew this would be something that she could shine in. Aurora’s enthusiasm was infectious and it would just fill her up and spill over to whomever was around.
Pastor Jenkins was greeting parishioners at the door when Aurora arrived. He smiled and said. “Morning Miss Raisin, how y’all doing today?”
“Good Morning Pastor Jenkins, I’m doing just fine, how ‘bout yourself?”
“Doing good, doing good, I hope you’re ready this morning for a move of the Holy Ghost.”
“Pastor, I’m always ready. I’ve been thanking God all morning that our lil’ ol’ church withstood the onslaught of all that wind.”
“Amen, me too. You go ahead and get started, I’ll be in my office in prayer.”
Aurora went to the front of the church and greeted the other praise team members. The musicians were tuning up and the parishioners were getting seated. There were more attendees today, which was normally the case after a catastrophic event. There were a few folks who had never set foot in church before and thereby did not know who the spunky little woman was. To this query they were told, “Why that’s ‘Praisin' Miss Raisin,’ you’ll see.”
The service started with a prayer of thanksgiving and then Aurora took over.
“Come on everybody get on your feet! I don’t know what you came here to do, but I came here to give Him praise! What? You only praise Him when things are going good? Oh no! We praise Him even when the sun don’t shine!” She led the congregants in songs of praise. It was as if something over took her. Miss Raisin became a five foot nothing fireball, dancing and singing. Praising God for his goodness, his mercy, his grace and for his love. It was not long before everyone was lifting their hands and giving God the glory. Aurora then sang songs of worship and the people sang with her. Aurora’s voice was high and clear, it had been said she sang like an angel, some said when she sang it was as if they could hear the voice of God.
Pastor Jenkins joined them at this juncture and he began to speak. “Folks, I was just in prayer and the Lord led me to the book of Acts chapters 1 and 2*, where the people were in one accord and they prayed and worshipped in unity. Now I can’t tell you how you should worship, because unlike praise, worship is personal not corporate. But when we are gathered together with singleness of heart I believe the power of God will be demonstrated as never before.”
Aurora quietly began singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and everyone began worshipping God in his or her own way. The atmosphere in the room began to change. Where there had been worry and concern when the parishioners had first arrived, it was replaced with peace and serenity. Their worship was so intense it was almost palpable. A sweet odor invaded the sanctuary and some began to laugh, while others began to cry but not tears of sadness, there were smiles through the tears. They began to hug one another and give each other words of encouragement.
At the close of service Pastor Jenkins shook the hand of each one as they left. Everyone’s countenance somehow seemed lighter. He never did bring his sermon; the Holy Spirit had ministered that day. As Miss Raisin was leaving she shook the Pastor’s hand and smiling she said, “Now that’s the kinda’ wind I want to be in. Be blessed Pastor.”
“You too, Miss Raisin.”
Scripture References from KJV
Acts 1:14
Acts 2:46
Acts 4:24
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The story would have grabbed my interest sooner if it opened with dialogue or immediate action (as some grand entrance of Miss Raisin herself).
I loved the title--a wonderful name, and a title with anybody's personal name in it always sparks my curiosity!