As the 14th year of Sheltered Reality gets underway, it still amazes me that our ever-powerful musical ministry can empower people of ALL ages in so many ways! Last night I had the pleasure of watching 15 new potential members all come together in Shelbyville, TN...on its way to being the 2nd site in TN, the first new SR site of 2010, and a successful outcome of a lot of hard work from our Nashville coordinating family...Scott, Sharon, Sierra, and Dakota Frech. Last night's turnout ranged from 3rd grade on the young end, through 4th, 5th, 7th, and 9th graders, and then onto adults and one very special young lady named Mercedes. Mercedes has Aspberger's syndrome (related to autism) and usually folks with either of those do not like loud things...but Mercedes' mom really wanted her to see and experience SR...and brought her to our community show back in November. When she heard she could Take A Chance, should Never Give Up, should do Whatever It Takes, to learn to Believe in Herself, to reach out to others and Be A Friend, and all of this would strengthen her Belief in God...well, she wanted that...loud or not. Last night we got to watch her work SO hard and master many drum skills and our first 3 songs...and it was a wonderful experience for all!
So, to Scott and family...kudos for hard work that once again has paid off in TN...many lives will be changed.
That is so cool! I like Mercedes' story.
ReplyDeleteIt just shows all the things god can do! but it all starts out with taking that chance and never giving up! Having that drive inside of you to do whatever it takes! When it came to something that she loved, she wasn't going to take no for answer! GO MERCEDES!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Shelbyville, Tennessee!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow...that is sooo awesome!! wow i dont even know what 2 say except that is awesome!! :D
ReplyDeleteDang thats amazing and I have two aytistic kids in my church one is worse then the other one condition wise.
ReplyDeleteI think you should use that in a few of the next SR shows steve.
ReplyDeleteI work with Autism kids everyday, and this amazes me! Way to go! Its so cool what a person can overcome if they put their mind to it!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, gives new meaning to doing Whatever It Takes :) (and let me tell you all, Mercedes hollers out those steps like no other!!)
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to you new members in Shelbyville. I remember when we went to play at the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. that was 2 years ago i think....maybe three well to anyone from the Nashville site cant wait to see you all again at our next big mega practice :)
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