on being self-correcting

[HelenaZF]

Years ago, we were ministering at an event with Charlotte Baker, who is one of the forefunners of the worship arts movement. Over forty years ago, she was conducting church services where the prophetic dance, song, pageantry and even inspired on-site painting would go on. She and other pioneers like Fuschia Pickett forged the way for those of us ministering in the worship arts today. She is a mighty woman of God and powerful teacher.



But back to my story. Worship events are wonderful in that you can connect with other leaders from all around and get a sense of what God is doing overall in His church. During the conference a group us jumped in car and went to do something in the city. Conversations during such trips are always rich, because you have intense people quickly sharing many intense things, all knowing that our time together is short.



I vividly remember one exchange that by most counts would be thought trivial. This was a conversation Charlotte had with herself as we were driving through the city streets. She saw a woman in a rather hideous outfit on the sidewalk in front of a store and made an uncharacteristic snarky comment about it's tastelessness. Without skipping a beat, Charlotte spoke again and said, "shut up, Charlotte." And then proceeded to repent to the Father.



No one said anything else, but I sat there quietly and I thought, "She is self-correcting....and I want to be like that."



Charlotte was living her faith. Not as a perfect being who never sinned, but being so close to the Lord, that the moment she DID sin, she came right back to Him. That was a lesson that burned itself into my spirit that day. Charlotte, I'm sure, has no idea that she mentored me so powerfully in that little car ride. But that moment to me was eternally significant, and changed my walk with God.