She began the solo deep in her range.  Closing my eyes in anticipation of the beautiful interplay between the men’s ensemble and this talented vocalist, I sat listening to the sweet strains of I Know I’ve Been Changed.  This is my favorite song of this year’s program; I know each entrance, each crescendo, as the spiritual swells to its celebration of a life changed.  But today there’s something new!

My ears strain to pick it up, but it’s there; the rich bass sound accompanying our female soloist.  It’s almost imperceptible, but it’s there joining in worship with her soulful offering.  The voices are not coming from our men.  I open my eyes and directly across from me a small group of the men with whom we’ve come to share, are softly singing along.  They sing every word of the song of praise for a life transformed.

This traditional spiritual which, on its own, inspires thankful, loving worship, is elevated to new heights by the addition of those who know they have much for which to be thankful.  Performers and audience members come together in praise of a loving God, a God who reaches into broken lives and transforms them for His glory.  The simple act of these men joining in on this day unites us all as a body of believers.

As the song crescendos to its powerful climax with men and soloist proclaiming the joyous news that “My Jesus in Heaven done changed my name!” hearts soar.  The gospel song winds down in dramatic fashion with the ensemble singing a dominant seventh followed by a diminished chord, to end on a simple minor chord.  The soloist’s authoritative voice stands out against this complex backdrop as if to emphasize the significance of each life redeemed.

The piece, just a few minutes in length, has set a tone for the rest of the afternoon.  We continue our worship united by THE JOY OF THOSE WHO KNOW THEY’VE BEEN CHANGED.

Written based on our visit to Knox County Jail 5/4/2013.