getting loud and crazy

it's always crazy to me when i read something, like a devotion, and later in the day it applies directly to my life or current situation. 


on sunday, my team and i worshiped at the church we're working at this summer, national baptist memorial church. i have to admit, i was a little nervous. it was a new environment. new style of worship. new people. new everything. 
first of all, i've never attended a church with a woman pastor. secondly, i'm used to an all white congregation. and thirdly, i'm not used to being the "new person"..


but it was honestly one of the best church services i've ever been to. no doubt.


including myself and three team members, there was in total about 50 people in the congregation. probably one of the smallest services i've ever attended. but numbers don't matter.


the people were loud. the music was loud. and the presence of Christ was definitely present. 


earlier on sunday morning, i was reading the daily d365 devotion. it was discussing "shouting for God," like really getting excited and screaming for God, not at God. sure, we always scream at concerts when our favorite band is playing. and we cheer so loudly when our favorite team scores. but do we do the same for God? honestly, i don't. i've never been the type to get loud and crazy for Jesus. especially not in church. the loudest i've ever been during a church service is the occasional "applause clapping". but national baptist memorial is quite the opposite. they encourage clapping. and shouting. and honestly, you stand out if you don't get loud. 


i immediately thought about the devotion when pastor jones told everyone to "get up and get loud." i felt out of my comfort zone, but hopefully by the end of the summer it will be something totally comfortable for me..getting loud and crazy.