“Let the church say amen.” The congregation repeated it in unison.
After an emotionally charged sermon, those were the exodus words of
Pastor Rosa Meredith. As the
congregation sang the word in unison, a feeling of peace and tranquility
descended in the sanctuary, unexpectedly changing the atmosphere. Upon
observation, it was evident that the older generation recognized those
inspiring words from the old-time hymn. While the younger generation
clearly identified with the modern version stemming from the song,
composed by Andrae Crouch – “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Pastor
Marvin Winans. On that day, I’d once again allow the lyrics to pore into
me:
Let the church say amen, let the church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Let the church, let ‘em say amen
If you believe the word, let the whole church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Lift your hands, lift your hands
God has spoken, so let the church say amen,
Oh, thank you Lord
God has spoken, so let the church say amen.
Sitting
in the church pew, I looked around and my eyes rested upon a young
woman. She was beautiful, not just aesthetically, beautiful, but beauty
resonating from the inside out. From afar I have witnessed her ups and
downs. Through it all I have never heard her complain. Her head was
tilted slightly to the left, she was oblivious to those around her; she
was simply living in that moment. The young girl’s mouth moved, softly
repeating the empowering words, affirming that what she prayed for God
had heard and will answer. She ignored the flirtatious and envious
stares, remaining focused. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”
A
glance to my left revealed a man whom, I’ve known for years. Some of
the congregants had long ago dubbed him simply as “The Rock.” Many
witnessed his private loss, an episode which should have sent him
spiraling into a state of despair. Instead he endured, becoming a living
testimony to those who suffered severe losses in their lives. He looked
down at his folded hands, nodding and softly sang the words. “God has
spoken. So let the church say amen.”
In front of me was a
septuagenarian — you would never have known she was in her 70s if she
didn’t voice it aloud, which she humbly does. She was chubby-cheeked,
bright-eyed, and always offering, an infectious smile to those who were
ever blessed to cross her path. She had lived to see many of her friends
come and go and had witnessed the good and the bad, sometimes, it
seemed, it was more bad than good. Yet, she still prayed. Still
believed, becoming better and not bitter in life and age. Her head was
bent, her mouth softly singing the words “God has spoken. So let the
church say amen.” I loved the sound of her joyous voice. She subtly
began rocking back and forth, lifting her hands saying thank you.
Different
individuals with different problems, yet that day they were all linked
together on one accord. Just like the day of Pentecost the Bible spoke
of. “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in
one place.” Acts 2:1. There is strength not only in numbers, but unity
and supporting each other in their hurts and trials. A person can be
healed, yet still feel the residuals of their symptom. The mind has to
be reformed all over again. There are many who can testify to this; I
know personally I can. Has God has spoken healing, deliverance,
breakthrough, renewal, marriage, and restoration to you? Then rest
assured it is going to happen.
The congregation began exiting the
sanctuary; in a perfect world everyone would leave renewed and revived.
Unfortunately that is not the case. There is timing and walking the
staid path of faith, believing if not today, then it will be tomorrow,
that which God has promised you shall come to pass. “God has
spoken. So let the church say amen.” And so be it. You are the light of
the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. “Matthew 5:14. I am a
firm believer that inside of us all are great testimonies. Testimonies
are lighthouses to the world. God will give us beauty for ashes. Let the church say...AMEN.
Let The Church Say Amen (extended) - Andrae Crouch feat. Marvin Winans
