It is with a joyful heart that I write this letter. However, there is a shadow lining about that same heart.
This description began to take place during the Brewton City Schools’ spring choral performance Monday, April 26.  Mr. Greg Blackman, director of the choral program, along with the students who participate in the program presented a very meaningful concert of contemporary music and praise music.
The school system is blessed to have a man that is unashamed to share his beliefs through the music he selects for the choral groups to practice and then to perform. Many of our town’s citizens have been encouraged by this exhibition of faith throughout Mr. Blackman’s tenure with the school system. As for me, our families began attending these performances when our daughter was in the fifth grade and have continued to attend even during the year that she was not able to work choir into her class schedule. We deeply appreciate the time of inspiration and of encouragement from the youth of our community.
Where does the shadow lining of my joyful heart fit into this picture?  This part of the picture only began to take shape the morning following the concert. The choral students were informed that a call had been made expressing a concern of the evening’s performance being too sacred and offense was taken by it. This resulted in the choir being asked to lessen the number of praise songs in their school tour Tuesday, April 27. Mr. Blackman announced they were asked to exclude, from their performance at the elementary and middle schools, the lovely “Revelation Song”. The students followed the program changes that were made.
The brightest sparkle of joy in my heart lies with the fact that the students politely refused to exclude “Revelation Song” by singing it with their own talents and leadership. Although the Monday night audience relished the musical instruments accompanying the song, the group performed it a cappella at the middle school. Mr. Blackman was taken by surprise as the group began singing the “Revelation Song” as applause was given.   I’m sure he was more than pleased to take a seat to both relax and to soak in the beauty of his labor which the students carried out in the message they had in mind to deliver.
Thank you, Mr. Blackman and choral students of Brewton City Schools, for the courage you have demonstrated.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  I Corinthians 15:58

Lois Miller
Brewton