Yesterday one of my high school classmates posted on Facebook that he was being chased by the police who pulled him over. They asked if he had been in a fight at a gas station moments before. Of course, my classmate said, “no,” but then heard the other officer calling the dispatch saying, “No, this is an elderly man.” It was a slap of cold water in his face—and mine since we graduated the same year. Earlier in the week I read of a pastor who asked the older people in his congregation to worship somewhere else so they could draw more young people into the crowd. That also slapped me in the face.
I love younger people and mentor them to take over after I am gone, but we live in a youth-oriented culture where age is a liability. To be truthful, some seniors have added to the fire by becoming bitter and angry—demanding that nothing change from the way they have always done things. But we can’t sweep with a wide brush nor generalize!
I was in senior in high school and in college during the Jesus Movement of the 70’s. This was the Christian’s answer to the Hippy, Flower Child movement happening in our world. We loved everything about Jesus and proclaimed He was the One Way. Groups like Andre Crouch and the Disciples, Dove, Keith Green and many more used music to display their beliefs and we sang loudly. Yes, our songs were different than our parents but still proclaimed the truth of the gospel. The problem was that we sang accompanied by guitars and wore jeans (shock.) It was more than many of the congregations could handle and they alienated the youth of that day. Many left the local church and began non-denominational congregations. I didn’t leave but I did make a commitment to myself and God that I would never be an “old person like that!” What I meant was, that I would be open to new music and new ways of doing things as long as the message and the doctrine of the Bible was not altered in the process. I have kept my word.
Just today, sitting at my piano, I played and sang (for His enjoyment only,) Leeland’s, Way Maker, and my heart was stirred to know that God is always working. Then from somewhere this thought came: “You are too old to sing this song or to speak into the hearts of younger people the truth of the Bible.” The enemy used the things I had read this week to cause doubt in my calling. I was devastated to say the least. I began to wonder if I was only fit to take trips to Branson and be satisfied with monthly luncheons.
There is nothing wrong with Branson or lunches but any of you who know me, know I do not fit in that category or any category. God gave me skill sets that are different and has used these skill sets my whole life. God reminded me today as I sat in private worship, my fingers still ran across the ivory keys as well as they always did…my voice was still strong, albeit those really high notes don’t come like they used to. (so, I avoid them!) God reminded me He continues to give me messages to share and teachings from His word to encourage and urge others to stay in the fight. Tears fell. I knew all of this in my heart but my mind went to the lies of the enemy and I asked God if it was time to hang up my podium and piano. Not three seconds later, my phone rang. I answered only to discover I was speaking with a ladies team looking for a speaker for their Hope Rally in September. The name of the rally was not lost on me. God was not finished. He answered immediately that I was still useful for the kingdom.
Perhaps you have felt useless, as well, because your church only looks to the youthful for leading. Hold on. God has given those of us who have been around the sun many times, wisdom and patience, and persistence. These are things we only achieve with age. Don’t fall for the lies and don’t “settle” in your church if they think it is time to send you to pasture. Stand up and say you are not ready to retire from God’s army.
As for me, encouraged once again by God, I will not retire until someone leans over my coffin and says, “Don’t she look natural!”
