It all started innocently enough where she was asked a month ago to sing A Child's Prayer for someones lesson with another lady. She reluctantly sad yes, but she did agree to it. Well it all went south last week when the chorister heard about the duet and wanted them to sing in sacrament meeting in front of 150 people. I made sure and told him he would have to ask her himself. When he did she was quite hesitant, but he kept saying, "just say yes", so she eventually did. I felt bad she was in that situation, feeling like she had to agree to something she clearly didn't want to do, so I almost called to tell him she wasn't going to perform, but honestly I completely forgot about it until last night.
This morning she was more nervous than I ever remember her being. At the practice she was quiet and reserved and I must admit I was very nervous myself wondering if she would be able to do it once she got up in front of the congregation. I said several prayers for her throughout the morning hoping her nerves would be calmed.
Minutes before it was time to sing her eyes started to fill up, she was terrified. I tried to reassure her, reminding her she has sung lots of times before, that she was totally prepared, and that no matter what we loved her. I also encouraged her to say her own little prayer to ask for comfort and support. As she walked up and stood ready to sing she looked a bit hesitant, but had an air of confidence I had not seen from her all day. Here are the words she sang:
Heavenly Father are you really there,
and do you hear and answer every child's prayer.
Some say that heaven is far away,
but I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father I remember now
something that Jesus told disciples long ago
Suffer the children to come to me.
Father in prayer I'm coming now to thee.
As she sang the words so beautifully, without a bit of fear, my eyes filled with tears as I listened to her sweet voice sing about prayer realizing in that moment her prayers had been answered and I knew she knew it too. When she was done I looked over at Adam who's eyes were also filled with tears. We were a mess, but rightly so. Our little girl had just done something she was terrified to do and did an amazing job.
I hope she will never forget what it felt like to face her fears head on and with her Heavenly Father's help do what seemed impossible to her hours before. She has tremendous courage, but more than that she has unwavering faith. She knew she would not be alone today and in so many ways she wasn't. My sweet Bella I love you to pieces. You amaze me.
7 comments:
What a wonderful experience. I can just imagine how nervous she was, but I am sure her Suzuki training has prepared her. I know I would also be scared to sing in front of 150 people, but I am sure her voice is much better than mine! What a testimony-building memory for her. I am so happy for her and for you, as her parents. I know I would have been a total mess too. Way to go Bella!
Wow... I actually cannot believe she went through with it - quite an astounding feat for a young girl! Impressive, and she will be able to read your loving thoughts about it now - so sweet.
You know, I hope it's not weird to you that I read your blog. I love everything that you post - your photography, your spiritual thoughts and your other art/creative projects (though I'm not creative in the least bit). It's so refreshing to read very calm, peaceful, inspirational and encouraging words. Anyway, I loved this retelling of your daughter's singing experience and the subsequent strengthening of her testimony and yours. You must have breathed a sigh of relief when it was all over. As mothers, we naturally want our children to succeed and for others to love them as much as we do. You are obviously a good mother.
that's a really beautiful experience of prayer and faith. I really love this primary song's words and I can easily imagine how proud you would be when you've hearded her singing. thank you for sharing.
Singing in public is a big deal! Way to go, Bella. I like your empathy for her but also your pride. That was a very brave thing to do and I bet it touched a lot of people.
That is so wonderful! There's nothing like having your own personal experiences with prayer, especially at such a young age.
Just barely catching up on your blog. When I read this, I totally welled up with tears too. What a neat experience. What a beautiful little girl. Thanks for sharing!
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