It’s that time of year again – when on any Wednesday night, I can faintly hear the sound of the marching band as they practice. It brings back fond memories of those years our daughter was on the football field playing and marching.
It’s been quite a few years since those marching days, but I remember well how comforting the sound was and it recently brought several thoughts:
- The years bring growth and change. We have since moved on as the years brought growth. Even during the four years of participation, the band often changed in size and formation. Our lives have gone through change as well, with the addition of new family members and the passing of others.
- Families are made up of individuals. Each relative contributes to our family, bringing a uniqueness all their own. Each one is needed to do their part and none can be replaced.
- Families journey together. We travel through our days and years with ups and downs, joys and tears. And in the end, it is all worth every single moment.
My Bible dictionary defines ”˜march’ as “to move along steadily usually with a rhythmic stride and in step with others in order to advance or proceed.”
This brings to mind another marching band …
When God’s people came up against the city of Jericho, God explained His fighting strategy:
“I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a rams’ horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.” (Joshua 6:2-5, NLT)
Marching together we may just get to witness walls come tumbling down.
Marching together we will always be stronger
than when we march alone.
Beautiful photos, imagery, and encouragement from Maryleigh. You will be reminded to take courage each day, for our Lord has overcome, and He comes to each of us in our time of need. Read “The Messenger on the Rocky Hill” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
**Edited repost from August 2017
Photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
We live near a high school and often hear the band or practicing, too. God’s people are so fragmented right now””we really need to remember our purpose and relationship. We need to learn how to march together.
I miss the experience of singing or playing an instrument in company with others. Such a vivid image of the body of Christ as everyone does their part.
I was never in a marching band, but I was in JROTC during high school and we often marched together. There is definitely something healing from marching in step. When we walk alongside others, none of us are alone.
I love that your brought up the march around Jericho, Joanne. That scene captures my imagination like no other. Imagine a group of perhaps a million marching silently in unison around the town. It would certainly freak me out. It makes me wonder what could happen if a millon did anything in unity nowadays … but actually, It could take only two or three if they were in agreement!
I remember growing up when the town was small and the high school band practiced, we could hear it from our house. I loved that sound. Your analogy is so apt – our family band reconfigures each year – and it is so much better when we march together. Lives grow stronger that way. Thank you, friend, for the post highlight! It’s such sweet encouragement!
Well said ma’am. It’s when we come together in a common goal that we can achieve greatness. I truly believe that’s what some in the body of Christ have forgotten. We must work together for the glory and furtherance of God’s kingdom by sacrificing self for Him and His plan. We are, after all, “… a part of the family of God.” So enjoyed your post today ma’am.
Love this analogy.
Hello!
Thank you for visiting my website and for hosting this party for us!
We don’t have marching bands here in Australia as though do in the US. Only the military on their official dress occasions really.
But yes as Christians marching together in prayer & as one accord in Christ the enemy shudders!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Oops! Joanne that should have been “as you do”
I love the picture of a family marching together, Joanne. It’s especially appropriate for the family I grew up in because most marching band was a big part of most of our lives in high school. I can relate to your three points too … you’re making me miss my six siblings today, my friend! 🙂
I went to a volleyball game at school yesterday and the sounds of referr whistles, the squeak of sneakers on the gym floor, and the whack of the ball brought back a sudden nostalgic rush from when our girls played volleyball in high school â¤ï¸ I wish I lived closer to family. But until then, I’ll treasure every moment I get with them!
Joanne, I enjoyed this post! It brought back memories of my high school marching band who won so many awards as best in the state (New Jersey). I especially enjoyed your analogy of a family marching together and the “part” each member “plays”, such a beautiful thought!