Star Struck

I have to admit, I’m a little star struck. It’s kind of embarrassing--I’m 41 years old! But I just can’t help myself. Each time I find myself surrounded by the caliber of musicians God has gifted to Healing Place Church, I feel like a kid in a candy store who is way, way out of her league. However, I take my undeserved place on the risers and lift my voice with theirs, offering my grateful praise to the Heavens anyway.

One of those star-struck moments came during this year’s Live the Dream Women’s Conference at Healing Place Church. As I joined with the choir in singing our worship to our amazing God, there was one voice that rose a little higher than all the others. There are some some incredible vocalists at HPC, but this one really stood out far above all the others. It was a little sweeter, a little louder, perhaps a smidgen unique. It was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most beautiful voice I heard on that stage all weekend. I found that I hushed to listen to this voice lift it’s praise, and I am certain that Heaven must have done the same.

You see, this voice belongs to Lizzie Haviland. A beautiful young woman who took her rightful place on the front row of the HPC choir. The challenges of Down’s Syndrome could never silence her worship and any of us would struggle to rise to her standards of excellence, sincerity and dedication. She lifted her heartfelt song of praise straight to God Himself, and I know all of Heaven leaned in to hear. The world may not recognize the beauty of her song, but Heaven’s choir must be jealous of her aria. What an incredible chorus she sings!

Standing among the likes of Lizzie Haviland in the Healing Place Choir, I am truly star struck and have no doubt I am way, way out of my league.