I chose today’s anthems, namely because of the epistle lesson, where Peter refers to Christ as undefiled, innocent, and pure. The offertory, by Healey Willan, reflects the gut-wrenching image of slaughtering innocence, something so common in today’s world that we’ve become almost immune to it. Bobby McFerrin’s setting of Psalm 23, our communion anthem, is a very light, and transparent depiction of the gentle Shepherd.

I thought for a while about creative people, like Bobby McFerrin and others. It’s easy to stand in awe of highly successful, creative people, isn’t it? We look at them from afar and wonder how they can be so creative, individual, and successful? But what we find is an everlasting truth that exists in all people. So-called creative people simply understand the depth of who they are, and they express that innocence, uniquely and without fear. I think we’re all creative, but to know your own creativity is to look inwardly, not outwardly. When you look outwardly, it seems that “everybody else” is being successful, and in the back of your mind you may feel left out. But that’s the problem, people who feel left out are hanging out in the “back of their mind.” God’s individual expressiveness “hangs out” in a deeper part of who we are, in the inner stillness of the soul, gently, and quietly.

Christ knew exactly who he was, “I and my Father are One.” He changed the world by knowing and expressing that authenticity by performing miracles and teaching, but he got murdered for it. When you express your truth, some will become envious, jealous, and wish you harm. That’s because they are living in the wrong direction, inauthentically. Authentic people express their truth honestly, and without shame. Inauthentic people live according to some other standard, like what they think of themselves, or how they think other people see them, not how God sees them.

Humility and vulnerability float easily to the top, and are obliterated by those who hate. But this is the nature of true creative power. It’s counterintuitive to the “bottom-feeders” who struggle, force, strain, and compete their way to the so-called top. Do you think Healey Willan ever thought his music would be performed some 55 years after he died? If he had those selfish ambitions, his music would never have lasted. Bobby McFerrin is a star who exudes an authentic individuality that’s uncopiable. One who knows who they are unashamedly expresses the power, joy, and love of themselves. How innocent, yet when the creative express themselves, they are slaughtered by accusers who falsely believe that they themselves have been left out of the “good talent” pool. But Christ showed us an example of submitting to truth. If only we’d realize we need not fight, for there is no lack.

I am a believer that God’s good gifts and abilities are for each of us who aren’t afraid to use them. If you think you don’t amount to much, you won’t leave the world with much. If you know your divine nature, you’ll leave behind a big, unique footprint, evidence of God’s power at work in you and through you. Authentic people soar, float, and waft to the top, with the ease of love nudging them there. This music has lasting value. Why? Because it’s evidence of divine power coming through “ordinary” human beings who weren’t afraid to express their authenticity. If only we all had such courage! Soli Deo Gloria!