Praise Dance 101

I Hope You Dance

I always wanted to dance. I never did.

The closest I ever came was as a 13 year old girl, when Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" came out, I was moved to choreograph what I thought was a stirring display of teenage angst. I invited my parents (via a note slid under their bedroom door) to come at seven in the evening to watch my performance.

My disappointment was profound when they did not show. Yet, the show must go on, and that silly, over emotional, and highly dramatic 13 year old version of me danced anyway. The summer night was hot, and the fireflies were the only audience to my one lyrical expression of emotion.

My friends (some of whom are dancers) have never laughed so hard as when I told them of my angst and my performance that summer night so long ago. Mostly because I was so naive that I did not even realize the song was about teen pregnancy and not about having a deacon dad who held a high standard of behavior for his family.

So I am drawn to all things dance.

"Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp" Psalms 149:3

This video really ministered to me earlier today and I could not get it out of my mind. I love when God uses the talents He gives to His children to bring encouragement to the body and witness to the lost. "This is My Story" is one of my favorite hymns.

No matter your past, your story can end in praise. God wants to be your peace, He has plans for you, and they are yes and amen.

"This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long."

He is worthy of our praise. He is worthy of our trust, and hope and love and gratitude. He is worthy of my Praise.

Join the Conversation: 

Do you have a crazy embarrassing childhood story to share? Leave a comment now.

Psalms 151- My song.

Arise! Arise!

                In Jesus, Arise!

Dance! Dance!

                In Jesus, Dance!

Sing! Sing!

                In Jesus, Sing!

Do not be moved

Do not be swayed

Our foundation firm

Our debt is paid

Arise! Arise!

                In Jesus, Arise!

Dance! Dance! 

                In Jesus, Dance!

Sing! Sing!

                In Jesus, Sing!

There is hope

There is freedom

When a child is

In His Kingdom

Arise! Arise!

                In Jesus, Arise!

Dance! Dance!

                In Jesus, Dance!

Sing! Sing!

                In Jesus Sing!

For we are bought with a price

God’s only son, the sacrifice

Lift Holy hands to His name

Sing to Him and Proclaim

He is worthy

He is Holy

Father, Savior, King

Arise! Arise!

                In Jesus, Arise!

Dance! Dance!

                In Jesus, Dance!

Sing! Sing!

                In Jesus Sing!

I am no dancer, but before my God I dance. 

I am no singer, but before my King I sing!

In the morning my song will rise,

At noon my feet are lithe.

My father sees me and is pleased.

I am no great orator, but before my King I plead. 

I am no artist, but before my Master I am clay.

In the evening I cry to my Father

In the night I rest in His presence

My Father holds me and I am safe.

Arise! Arise!

                In Jesus, Arise!

Dance! Dance!

                In Jesus, Dance!

Sing! Sing!

                In Jesus Sing!