The Power of Music

When I was a church pianist at the ripe old age of 12 at the Red House Baptist Church just outside Richmond, Ky., I would often be called upon to play a medley of hymns requested by the congregation who would simply call out the titles. I can still recall those beloved individuals and I remember them fondly simply from the memories of their favorite hymns. This made a profound difference in my life and helped me hone my skills as a musician but also gave me a deeper understanding of what music means to so many. Hymns like “It is Well With My Soul,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “Count Your Blessings,” were among the favorites those many years ago and not surprisingly so, they were among the requested hymns these last few weeks.

Our hymn request time on Wednesday mornings after Morning Prayer provides a chance for me to connect on a deeper level with many both within and outside our congregation who respond with their favorite selections. When I receive your request, I gain a greater sense of who you are. Hymns tell a story and they can often tell the story of who we are as individuals. Our struggles, our victories, our accomplishments, even our personalities, all can be tied to the music we enjoy. We can relate to certain hymns from childhood or from a new-found faith gained in adulthood on a profound level. They help shape who we are and help ground us in our faith and spirituality. 

This time together continues to make a big difference in my life as I re-imagine your favorite hymns in fresh, new ways. As before, when I was a kid at Red House Baptist Church, I am able to establish new connections with old friends and new through our shared love of these wonderful and often ancient hymns, building new memories for me to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you for making a difference in me. 

Blessings,

Tim Brumfield

Making A Difference

FOR THOSE SEEKING THE UNEXPECTED