Rendezvous

Chapter 1 – Welcome “Welcome! It’s standing-room only.” A silver-haired usher adorned in an ankle-length white skirt and long-sleeved purple blouse greeted me as I walked through the double-door entrance of The Redeemer Church—a small store-front in Brooklyn that accommodates all of seventy-five people. I felt welcomed by her inviting smile. A sea of purple and white dresses, skirts and blouses, lap scarves, and purple bow ties caught my attention. Music bounced off the walls filling the building with sounds of spirited rhythms. A five-member choir lifted their voices to the melody of “Praise is What I Do.” Hands waving in the air, thunderous claps, and cries of praise echoed as sisters danced in the aisles, and brothers surveyed like protective soldiers. “I haven’t seen this many folk on a Second Sunday afternoon in a long time,” the usher proclaimed. “Then again, Women’s Day always brings out a large crowd. Everyone wants to celebrate the wonderful achievements of the Ladies in the House. They worked so hard to make it a great event.” “Everyone looks lovely,” I observed. “So this is Women’s Day?” “It sure is, son. We’re so happy you could join us. Let me see if I can find a seat for you.” She looked around, walked to the front of the building and returned. “Not an empty seat in the house. Praise our God!” She said with delight. “I’m okay to stand here in the back, if it’s alright.” “Of course it is.” She continued, “This is a special day.” “How so?” I asked. “It’s a celebration of something wonderful! Something magnificent! Something only God could do. I’ve seen miracles right here! You know, mothers see everything. “ Her eyes pierced mine as though she was looking right through me. I had no idea what she was talking about, but her enthusiasm drew me in. I wanted to know what made this year’s celebration more special than any others—why this refined elderly woman smiled so radiantly, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. I waited patiently hoping a seat would become available; but none did, and there was no room in the aisle for another folding chair. “If you get tired of standing, you can watch the service downstairs in the Overflow Room. At least you can sit comfortably.” “That sounds good right about now,” I admitted. “Come on, son. Follow me.” So I did. Another usher quickly moved into her spot as we exited the sanctuary and descended a narrow staircase leading to the basement. No sooner than we entered a quaint dining room with a wide-screen television did she begin to point at the screen. “Now, I’ve seen these sisters worshipping Sunday after Sunday. I tell you, they are truly one in the spirit. The experiences that separated their worlds are the very ones that brought them together in celebration today.” I’m sure I had a puzzled look on my face that said, “Huh?” “Each one of these sisters’ lives was miraculously changed. You see, their testimonies are quite unique. That’s why they’re dancing like there’s no tomorrow.” “They definitely seem happy,” I commented. “What’s the deal?” “Well, what you’re looking at is a Rendezvous with the Holy Spirit. Glory!” she bellowed and did a two-step dance with her hand on her hip. “Like the words of this song, praise is what we do!” She pointed to several women who were dancing. “That’s Glenda, Ramona, Celeste, Jasmine, Mother Sharmaine and Melody.” “And you? What’s your name?” I finally asked. “Oh mercy! Where are my manners? I’m Mother Jean. Most folk just call me, Mother.” “It’s nice to meet you, Mother Jean. I’m Russell.” She shook my hand firmly and took a seat opposite me at a long table facing the screen. So began a litany of amazing testimonies that blew me away.