The Joy Choir
In addition to some first-class Holy Rollers, Southern churches have also produced some mighty fine musicians, with many of the big-time stars giving credit to their religious roots for introducing them to the basics of music. But it doesn’t matter how many Grammys these stars have won, nor how many thousands of screaming fans their concerts have attracted, because the most love they’ve ever felt from any crowd, was the day they sang in Big Church as a member of the Joy Choir.
The Joy Choir takes the youngest and cutest little saints and teaches them the basics of making a joyful noise unto the Lord. You can find them rehearsing in churches all over Dixie on Wednesday nights, marching around the choir room, clacking rhythm sticks and jingling bells. Their enthusiasm can be heard clear upstairs where the Lady’s Prattle and Prayer group meets.
When the Joy Choir sings in church, you have to arrive early to find a good seat. Wide eyed tykes are led to the front of the sanctuary as the congregation stretches their necks to get a good look at the cutest little Christians this side of heaven. In the old days the children wore white robes with big red bows under their chins, but nowadays it’s more common to see the cuties wearing their own clothes – boys in freshly pressed shirts, some with a sharp looking blazer and bow tie, and little girls in frilly dresses with coordinating hair bows. (Everyone knows the size of the bow reflects the love of the Mama).
There’s always one child who has been blessed with the special talent of singing the loudest (and usually off-key), and is destined to someday become the county’s football Coach of the Year. Another young’un will praise the Lord by singing and picking his nose at the same time, which horrifies his family as they vigorously shake their heads and mouth the words, “NO! STOP!” This child will someday grow up to
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so cute Leslie Anne, I loved the Mama’s love reflected in the size of the hair bow!
It’s freakin’ true and you know it!
Oh my goodness! there is so much truth in this. I have observed all of this when my perfect (ha!) darling was of the Joy choir age. This is so funny.
Thanks Carrie. Make a joyful noise.
Love those innocent sweet faces, Leslie Anne. Have a great weekend!
(and not so innocent!).
Thanks, Katie.
Oh yes, I love these little faces!!!! Certainly had my little guy there in our church, singing his little heart out, robe and red ribbon tied around the neck, he has never forgiven me for that one……………
Ha. Someday he’ll realize the fun he had!
Hi Little Bitty Pretty One! Oh, this is so cute and love the story! I remember once when our Joy Choir at church was performing there was one little girl on the front row in her frilly little dress and she picked up the hem of her dress and started rolling it up to her waist and then rolling it back down and continued to do this the entire time of the song! The congregation was giggling and snickering, it was so funny. This little girl belonged to my best friend and she just sat there! I would have rushed up there and grabbed my daughter off the stage but it’s a funny story I’ll never forget.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉