"Open Door at 37,000 Feet" ('Relevant Christian Magazine' July, 2016)

At 37,00 feet, an open door could be an emergency or an opportunity for glory!  On this February morning, it was the latter.  I boarded the Southwest plane with guitar in hand, receiving the standard smiles, typical concerned expressions (inner hopes my guitar would not find its way into their overhead bin?),  and the usual off-handed questions,  "Do you play guitar?" or "You 'gonna play for us?"  Every flight I've taken the past twenty years, I'd responded: "I'd be happy to!"  

No one took me up on it - until flight #2293. 

The Denver crew was on duty and happened to be music appreciators who thought it would be a nice treat for their passengers to have live tunes.  They hadn't even heard me sing and didn't know whether I could carry a tune in a bucket or play a lick of guitar.  Still they gave me the microphone as we were flying over Kansas.                                                                                     

I was nervous.  This was a CAPTIVE audience and they were all looking at me expectantly.   God had opened this door, and I would "sing" through it!   After a Christian tribute to our military and a nice little applause, they allowed me another, and  I chose the familiar hymn "How Great Thou Art",  acknowledging and praising the One who created the very skies we were flying through.  Steward Tyler thanked me and announced my website to the cabin.  Promo!  On the walk back to my seat, folks complimented, thanked me, asked what I do, took a business card and no kidding - looked up my website.  Seriously there were a few postings and comments on social media before we even landed in Phoenix since one attendant had recorded it on her phone and posted it to her personal FB page.  Of the two songs I sang, she recorded the hymn - just a little more glory for the Lord!  

The video didn't go viral.  However, it served the purpose intended for it.  Melodies sung boldly to a cabin of strangers moved hearts and bolstered the faith and courage of many who heard and shared it.  

Four days later on my return flight, the woman I sat next to had also been on flight #2293 and heard me sing!   She was interested in hearing more about being bold for Jesus in her marriage to an unbeliever, and raising her two boys in faith.  We filled most of the three hour trip home with spiritual conversation. 

The Apostle Paul says in I Peter 3:15 "always be prepared to give an answer for the reason for the hope that you have."  I'm staying prepared, and I'll be continually vocal, ready to speak and sing for His praise through every open door.   Bring it on!    

**Published in the Relevant Christian Magazine - July 31, 2016      

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