Article by Malcolm Marler

I park about 6 to 7 blocks from my work each day so that I get a little extra exercise.

Yesterday I was walking from my office to the car and I came upon a young woman in her 20’s who was singing at the top of her lungs.  It was a happy song she sang with her head tilted back not caring who could hear her.

It was a gift she was freely sharing.  I admired her confidence as she sang acapella.  I could hear her a half block away and I watched her free spirited body language as she walked with bold, long purposeful strides.

When she saw me about 10 feet from her, she did not skip a beat in her song.  I smiled and interrupted her and said, “Whatever you do in your life, don’t stop singing.  Thank you for sharing your song with the world.”

She smiled and stopped for a moment.  “I’m singing about California, I love California.  Have you ever been?” she asked.  “Well, yes, I have,” I responded.  “What part?” she said quickly as she cocked her head to one side.  “San Francisco,” I added.  “That’s where I am from,” as she walked away starting her song once again for the world to hear.

As I walked I heard myself singing.  For me, it was old gospel hymns that I sung as a child.  All of these songs were learned in my early years growing up in the church as a preacher’s kid.  It was good medicine for my heart to sing several verses of each.  I was surprised I could remember the words to multiple verses.

When I sing … I often wander off key and lose my way.  Kind of like life.

Sometimes I start over, other times I just keep on going.  There are no “American Idol” judges to stop me anyway.

And so this morning as I walked the several blocks to work, I chose to sing out loud.  Whether you sing in the shower, in the car, or wherever, I hope you’ll sing.  If you are not a “singer,” that’s ok.  Singing is simply a metaphor for expressing what is in your heart to others.  What makes your heart sing?

Can you find a way to touch the deep well that is within you where fresh, clean water flows to the surface and out into the world?

The world is thirsty for such water.  Thirsty for love, for joy, for hope.

Sing your song.  The world needs your song.  Whatever you do, don’t stop singing.

Malcolm

“If your neighbor looks at you like they don’t enjoy the key you’re singing in, look right back, bless them, and keep on singing.”
-Odetta, Spoken live at a concert in Oswego, NY (concert series Songs of the Spirit), November 13, 2007

Malcolm Marler is Director of Pastoral Care for UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.  In addition to his interest in spirituality and health, he loves to identify physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of persons, then design and build programs that help meet those needs.  His warmth and humor along with his powerful message of hope and grace is his greatest strength.  Malcolm grew up in Alabama and attended Clemson University (S.C.) on a football scholarship as a defensive back where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Psychology.  He is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY with Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.  Malcolm lives on a lake in North Alabama with the love of his life, Mary Bea Sullivan.  He has two open-hearted, loving stepchildren, Brendan and Kiki who are both freshman in college.  For more information or to contact Malcolm, please visit www.MalcolmMarler.com.

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