“Hold my mule” is a metaphor in the American South that is used when a person needs to lead a mule to go somewhere, or to do something very important. It means to ask to hold. Sometimes it meant that they were at odds, whether verbally or physically, but in a church setting where members were not ashamed to express their feelings, the phrase meant that they It meant being happy, praising the Lord, or spending time in church…altars crying out to God. Do churches still use altars? Are people still happy?
When it comes to people expressing worship, I have attended many gatherings over the years and witnessed several styles of worship. I grew up in a conservative Baptist church where I sang wonderful hymns and later became a worship pastor of more “lively” groups such as Vineyard, Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Assembly of God churches. i love all the styles. I’ve written and recorded several albums of Christian music and written a book about worship, but whether we raise our hands or hold back, God knows what we’re doing in our hearts. I know you believe in
Spiritual music is dear to my heart and I often feel like God is speaking to me in song. As the Lord seems to embrace me with love, powerful emotions well up within me and tears flow over and over again. I will never forget one day in the 80’s. I was driving and listening to the radio when Steve Green started singing “In God Alone” and I started crying. Among many other songs, I remember another very special song in my life. “His Blood” by Shirley Caesar. If you haven’t heard these songs, I highly recommend them.
As a young pastor, I used a portion of “His Blood” as the intro to a cassette tape I taught. Remember the cassettes? Anyway, if you’re familiar with Shirley Caesar’s music, you know she’s giving her all when she sings. She was known worldwide as the First Her Lady and Gospel Queen, including 17 Dove Awards, 10 Grammy Awards, 12 Stellar Awards, and 40 albums. She always said, “First I was called to be a preacher, then I was called to be a singer!” When she hears her story, she knows what she means.
One of Shirley’s songs is the song “Hold My Mule.” His 86-year-old man named John sings the story of joining an ultra-conservative church where everything is terrifyingly sophisticated and solemn. From the moment John began attending, his presence disturbed the modest and comfortable congregation. He had a very positive and encouraging personality and came full of joy. While the sermon was being preached, he cried amen aloud and praised Jesus with the fervor of his heart. Everyone mocked and frowned in disapproval, and when the deacon tried to intervene, they could not contain him. I remember saying that the stones would sing praises if they did.
One day the butlers saw John in his best clothes and driving a big, fancy car. They found him plowing a field with a mule behind him. When he saw them coming, he said, “I know why you are here. I want you to stop worshiping my Jesus.” they answered. Among us are dignitaries and many wealthy and important people who have reputations to defend. increase. said John with tears in his eyes. Please tell me the reason. Look at that beautiful land you just passed through. God gave me that land. Look at my children God has given us these blessings. They all loved God and gave us no trouble. Look at me, I’m 86 years old. I can still walk behind this old mule and harvest my crops, but don’t you want to show Jesus how much I love him in your church? please. Because now I sing, dance, shout and thank God!”
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