Get Right Church

Yesterday, Jerome Williams was announced as the new worship minister for Pleasant Valley. I've liked Jerome since Tullahoma (which is a small town in Tennessee where I spent many of my formative years). There were always rallies or conferences at which Jerome was leading singing and I've always been impressed with not only his vocal ability but also his command of those he was there to lead. When Jerome is up front, leading a church in praise, he always seems in control. This is a rare talent and spiritual gift. But, there exists a large amount of irony in the fact that I love the man much more because, at one point in his life, he was out of control. He phrases it like this:

"Several years ago, my life fell apart. I had a secret battle with alcohol that became very public after receiving a DUI. I thought I had lost everything and in my depression I fell even deeper into my sin. I lost my job, hurt my family and hid from those who loved me most. Through it all, I could not hide from God. He picked me up and dusted me off only to watch me fall again. I truly thought my life was over. At my lowest, I was sitting in jail, hopeless and afraid"

Jerome has been beaten up by a tough world. He actually knows what it means to cry out to God and if we're honest with ourselves, that is a foreign concept to most of us. This man has something to teach and it has more to do with portraying the character of God than four parts and shape notes. He's a sinner like me but he knows the way into the throne room of God and he can teach that path and he can successfully and humbly usher his brothers through those doors. God has blessed this congregation richly and he continues to minister to her needs.