Christmans Unwrapped – Courage and Confidence


(Day 3) – For those that are new to this thread, the Unwrapping Christmas is a challenge that we have given to ourselves in which we will share new stories about Providence School of Arts as a way of “Rejoicing in the Lord always.” (Phil 4:4)  Here’s day 3.

This month we were able to partner with another school for their winter program. I really wanted the kids to have an opportunity to perform in front of an audience, but didn’t want it to be the Celeste, Oliver, and Malachi show. 🙂 So I called my friend Krista at Colonial Preschool and asked if it was possible for us to be apart of their program. She said, “Love it!!!!” in a very operatic spirit. So the plans were set in motion, but I had to come up with what they would do. I eventually decided that I would be bold: the kids were going to dance.

 

Now let’s be honest, if you had to pick the most challenging thing for you to do in front of an audience for the first time, I bet that dancing would be on the top of your list.

So I started to worry. I immediately consulted with my friend and colleague Kim Gatchell. I said, “Kim, I don’t think that the kids will be able to handle a dance on their own. Maybe they need someone on stage with them. We should dance with them.” Kim agreed and we started to choreograph. But as the weeks went by, something in my spirit said, “Marcus, you are retired from dancing and you are going to break something.” LOL! I just couldn’t do it. This body is not made for movement anymore. 

So about two weeks before the performance, I changed the dance. (Que the boos from the audience). I did probably the worst thing you can do to beginning dancers. I would say that it is common knowledge amongst dance teachers that you do not change the dance…..ever, even if you are not happy with your choreography. This increases the probability of a train wreck on stage; children doing the old routine, increased stage freight, full out discussion on stage about who’s doing it right, etc. None the less, I did it. 

And then this happened…..they killed it! 

The kids were able to put on a very moving dance that drew several people to tears. I remember that when the boys flipped over to a downward dog pose with one leg in the air, there were gasps of amazement from the audience and the kids did not flinch. 

As I have continued to reflect on this day, I am thankful for the courage and confidence that God has grown in their hearts and for the inspiration they showed to me. I was reminded of Hebrews 4:15-16.

[blockquote indent=”yes” ]15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.[/blockquote]

Just like the kids showed on stage, we are able to confidently draw near to God’s throne of grace. 


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