Gospel Singing Joy

[Alison] For 10 years, I sang in a gospel choir. In fact, for 3 years, I sang in two of them. I had a chance to sing at places like Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater and churches in Bedford Stuyvesant and the Bronx. What I most love about singing is standing in front, looking at everybody as many come in with life dragging them down, revealed in their faces and postures. All the thoughts of money, jobs, family, children, school, home and other stresses flicker through their heads as distractions from being present.

We begin to sing songs of uplifting joy, love, hope, peace and, looking out, I can see the faces lighten up. The lines drop away. Everything, all the worries, are still there but, for a moment, we are linked in community and in love so tangible that it rises like waves all around us. Some places we went, I was one of three white people in the choir and young children pointed and stared. Both choirs I sang with were very diverse with people from lots of different backgrounds, races and religions.

In 2002, we sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as one of the choirs to rededicate the shell by the World Financial Center with light and song. My heart soared and tears pricked in my eyes. I was smiling so wide my mouth hurt. Seeking joy in all things and sharing it with others is my key to happiness. Remember...