A couple of years ago WordPlayers Playback had the opportunity to go to a refugee Thanksgiving event. This was a playback performance where the troupe finally felt that our team got to thrive in its purpose. We had the opportunity to build community where those who entered as strangers left as neighbors. We had the opportunity to tell these people with our listening ears and reflecting actions: God hears. God has not forsaken.

This year, as The WordPlayers was able to return to this event, a thought occurred to me: anytime people begin a journey there is an act of surrender. Not everything in possession can be taken on the adventure at hand. The Pilgrims could not take everything with them from Europe. They also had the opportunity to accept and learn the ways of survival for their new lives in this land from a people they did not know. When we begin our walk with Christ, we have to surrender our old way of life. We can try to bring all our baggage to the table He has prepared, but in the end, it’s just going to clutter the table. Surrendering can be difficult. Thankfully we are not alone in this walk…

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to stage manage a community thanksgiving. The Cherokee Culture Keepers graced this event with their version of storytelling and community building. At first I watched from the side of the stage, wishing to remain incognito, (as stage people are supposed to do in theatre). Alas! The time came for the circle dance. Everyone was welcome to participate. I was called to join. I looked frazzled. I wasn’t dressed for this. I looked out to the crowd…where was the crowd? It didn’t matter. I was wanted. And there was only one thing we who were participating in this dance had to do: DON’T LET GO.

The sacred Circle Dance led all of us in twists and turns. At times I felt like I was running when others were taking small steps. We had shouts and singing. We had different steps to take. In the end, we all held on. We accomplished staying together. I apologized to the CCK for coming all this way out to the location of the event for such a small crowd. A young man from the group responded: “It’s okay. We believe that those who were here, are here for a reason.”

I’m not sure what has been brought to your table in recent days. Maybe there have been times where you felt like you had to run while others only had to walk. Maybe you felt you aren’t at the right place at the right time. Know that as a follower of Christ, you are not alone. You do not have to carry any burdens by yourself. God has you here for a reason. And you do not have to hold onto the things the world throws at you. Whatever you do, fellow sisters and brothers, do not let go. Keep walking this beautiful journey Jesus has called us on. I hope you see that the body of Christ is here for you and “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” [Zephaniah3:17]

Melody Watts
WordPlayers Playback Volunteer Coordinator