Job 32:9 reads: “It is not those of many days who are wise, nor the aged who understand the right.” Elihu, the son of one of Job’s three friends, is upset that his father and the other two have not adequately answered Job’s complaints nor have they condemned Job’s considering himself to be in the right rather than God Almighty. So, it takes a child to point out the obvious — and sometimes this is still the case today.
Shannon wrote last week about Youth Sing Praise, at which I (Orin) was, on staff as assistant music director and accompanist, and also assisted at prayer. Additionally, Youth Sing Praise Jr., a one day program for 6-7-8th graders met just on Saturday and prepared and sang that night a song from a musical I co-wrote for YSP a few years ago with my friend Bradley Behrmann. While the song, “Why Must There Always Be Someone to Hate?” is sung in the show by Uncle Mordechai, the hero of the show is his niece, Queen Esther, herself likely little more than a teenager, saving the Jewish people from the first recorded attempt to exterminate them.
One of the reasons I remain active in various efforts at youth ministry is what I learn from them, particularly about my faith and, simply, how to just get along in the world. May we all be willing, at times, to let the children lead and teach!
Without further ado, here’s the video of Saturday’s performance, shot by proud dad Shannon, who had two children in the group, including Noah, Godson of me and my wife, who solos on the first line of the song as well as a little later on. Enjoy!
We have found out since Monday that much of the structure as well as precious pieces of art, relics, the organ, the windows, and so much more survived, after the worst was rightly feared. There is much to clean up of course, and much to rebuild — years and years worth of effort will be needed to restore the magnificent building.
