- photo by Susan PageRecently, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending another Momentum Choir performance. The Momentum Choir “is a collective of amazing people striving for community, joy, and hope.” Choir Director, Mendelt Hoekstra is a Music Therapist who felt a calling to begin something new as he recognized the difference music and performance can make in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

The theme for the night was “Around our Crowded Table” and it was a night of pure inspiration, overflowing with enthusiasm, joy, and love. The feeling was contagious, and the message for the evening was a powerful message of love and acceptance!

Inserted between the musical numbers were video vignettes where many of the choir members shared what the theme meant to them. A common thread was woven throughout the evening. Stories were revealed of abuse in the form of mockery, and non-acceptance making each member feel like there was no room at any table for them … until … it happened!

One man’s passion turned things around for these beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made individuals. Amazingly, this choir has grown to 100 members with other chapters starting in different communities. These special choir members began to feel complete acceptance when they engaged in a musical program and rose to the challenge of performing in front of others. A table that once seemed off-limits had now turned into a crowded table.

I felt like I had been to church and had heard a powerful message. During the presentation, my emotions fluctuated between tears and joy. I truly sensed that God was in this place and imagined He would smile. The gift of music, vulnerable storytelling and what can be accomplished through one man’s calling and the sacrifice of many volunteers is inspiring.

Every person craves acceptance in this harsh world. Of course, knowing we are valued, loved, and accepted by God is the most important truth for this calloused world to know. Being loved and accepted by others, even when we’re different from one another is a truth that needs to be modeled.

I don’t see much representation of the special needs community in our churches. I’m sure progress has been made but can we do better? God willing, the answer is yes!

We need to keep our table open no matter our comfort level because God will reveal so much to us when we interact with those who have challenges and doesn’t that include every one of us?

God designed each of us uniquely and He has a good plan, and part of that plan is that we make room at the table for all to be welcomed.

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." Luke 22:27

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35

Susan Page

 Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.