Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
'Dancing in the Street', by the late Marvin Gaye, Mickie Williamson, and Ivy Jo Hunter, is a song that has burst out of its original genre. It was a MOTOWN hit with Martha and the Vandellas, but has since been recorded by the Grateful Dead, Mick Jagger and David Bowie, The Mamas and The Papas, and even Van Halen. It has also been performed live by thousands of Wedding Bands, Nightclub acts, and live performmers in its 60 year life. Trust me, I have been a "General Business" musician, and know that "Dancing in the Street" has become An American Standard.
Why do you think this is? Sure, it is a wonderful song, with a great beat, and fun to play, but why would this particular song strike such a deep nerve in the hearts of the American People? Perhaps it is because it addresses something that is part of our psyche. Just like the cartoon dog Snoopy, we want to "do the dance of joy" when we are happy, surprised, victorious, or delighted. Old newsreels of sailors doing the Jitterbug in Times Square upon learning of the Japanese Surrender in WW2, Gen Kelly singing and dancing in the rain because he is in love, and Israelis linking arms and doing the Hora in a busy intersection on Israel's Independence Day are all examples of this.
Like everything else, though, this has its dark side, as when enemies of America danced in the streets on 9/11/01. Believe me, I have NOT forgotten that, in spite of all the other things that have happened since that dark day.
Today's Hebrew Word is the dancing that erupts from joy and victory. It is the dance of Miriam after the Miracle of the Red Sea Crossing, and the dance of the Maidens celebrating David's Victory over Goliath. It is a dance that we "oh, so civilized" people don't often indulge in, but it is Biblical and appropriate.
And, to be frank, I will be dancing in the street when they lift the quarantine!
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
"He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:25)
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS