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At a meeting yesterday, the facilitator played the song Testify to Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7IPvr6b8s&list=RD9l7IPvr6b8s&start_radio=1). It was an exceedingly popular contemporary Christian song released in 1997 by the quartet group Avalon. I wonder if you are familiar with it. Perhaps it was sung at the Contemporary Worship Service or maybe GCS sung it. The wonder if this new release is the shift or better yet, the expansion of the song. The words are the same and the exuberance of the artists singing in the released video is contagious.
It was intriguing to hear the backstory of why the song was released again. For Michael Passons, one of the original vocalists, the song had come full circle. In 2003, Michael quietly left the band saying he wanted to pursue a solo career. In 2020, he revealed to Billboard magazine that he had been fired from the band for being a gay man. Throughout the years Michael has maintained close friendships in the music industry. His friend Ty Herndon suggested they record the song again. For more information on this story, I commend this article from Sojourner’s magazine. https://sojo.net/articles/interview/90s-christian-hit-song-now-blooming-queer-anthem
These musicians have reclaimed this song as an expressive and expansive song illuminating the love God has for all of creation. The chorus speaks of testifying to God’s love, recognizing how this is for everyone. Michael shares in the article how wonderful it felt to sing with as his authentic self.
Likewise, I consider the woman in our Gospel this Sunday who has been bleeding for twelve years. Imagine the potions, treatments, and physicians she has sought after to relieve her of the pain and “untouchable” status. Somewhere she had heard of this man named Jesus and sought him out. Scripture tells us her inner thoughts, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.” She believed in the power of God’s love and healing touch. This nameless woman knew her worth was greater than the medical condition that had pushed her to the margins. She took a risk in reaching out. She approached him from behind. It was Jesus who turned his body to face the woman. It was Jesus who acknowledged her as a daughter and commended her trust, belief, faith in the healing power he has to offer.
Jesus loved her for who she was and how she was navigating the world. She was not rebuked for interrupting his walk toward the leader’s house. She was made well. Being honored for who we are and how we are navigating the world is our deepest desire. We want to know that the love of God, the grace of Jesus and the companionship of the Holy Spirit is accessible for each one of us.
The immeasurable love of God for all creation is one of the reasons I participate in PRIDE events. It is important to show up in spaces where marginalized people have a voice to express themselves. It was a rewarding experience to volunteer with Respond to Racism for the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander event last month. People from various cultures were sharing their wisdom and stories. On Sunday after the Lutheran Basics course, I will be attending LO PRIDE at Millenium Park. Let me know if you want to attend with me.
We all have a story worth sharing. It took twenty-nine years for Michael Passons to tell his story. For the hemorrhaging woman, it took twelve years for her to be called “daughter.” I wonder what stories we are carrying that desire to be heard. I am here to listen.
Blessings of Hope
Pastor Janell
she/her
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