I brought my dance slippers with the intention of dancing in worship here at the Feast of Tabernacles. And I did. I also brought a thin scarf that is made exactly like an Italian flag to dance with. And I did. I danced and danced. And it was awkward and terrible and felt so forced.
God was silent, but I think He was probably looking at me, saying, “What on earth are you doing? This isn’t you!” And it wasn’t me. I had been trying to dance like others that I’ve seen.
So when I got back up on the platform and started singing and especially in those moments between songs when we were truly free to riff, I was back in the zone because the worship was coming from my heart. There on the platform, with my feet firmly planted behind the microphone, I began to dance as my heart felt led. And it was awkward and terrible, but at the same time it was wonderful because it was me, and I could feel God smiling. My dance style is sort of reminiscent of Joe Cocker’s, but with a genuine anointing of the Holy Spirit (for those too young to remember, check the link).
I discovered that there is live video feed from the sanctuary to the church’s large coffee shop this year. Last year it was live, too, but only audio. So far Team Italy’s worship sessions have been during the hours when the coffee shop is closed. But tonight we will have 8-10 PM, while the coffee shop is open. Last year singing and dancing on a video feed (and possible even being taped) would have really terrified me. But I have discovered the freedom in the power of the Holy Spirit. When I’m connected to God and focused only on Him, I don’t know or care how I sound or what I look like. I am free to be a complete fool for Him, worshiping Him in my own crazy style.
Felicity noted the freedom that I had felt, saying, “I really like your spaz dance style.” I smiled and said, “Yeah, I’m in touch with my inner spaz and it feels good.” The reason it feels good is because of the Holy Spirit’s anointing. So even if lots of people hear me sing and watch me dance, I am really only singing and dancing for an audience of One. God is good!
Walking By Faith in Europe 