A few weeks ago, I encouraged you, my readers, to go ahead and dip a toe into something new – to say “yes” to that class or project or experience you’ve been hesitant about. Well, I’m here to tell you: I took my own advice. And, oh, how glad I am.
I just returned from my first retreat with TRU Harmony, the new national a cappella group I joined last year. It was held at The Vines Center near Hot Springs – a peaceful, wooded setting with a lake beside the main building, a gazebo that begged for bench-sitting, and food that was just plain good. But what filled me up even more than the surroundings was the music, the people and the joy that flowed through every part of the weekend.
One highlight was singing with a 50-member retreat chorus – and at times even around 100 singers when the whole group got together. The sound, the spirit, the shared purpose – I can’t even explain how it felt. I only know my soul was fed bigtime.
I also saw friends I hadn’t hugged in years, deepened newer friendships, and forged brand-new ones. At one point, I laughed so hard I cried. Truly, I can’t remember the last time that happened. Plus, I had a wonderful roommate, longtime friend and singing sister Sheila Nugent, who absolutely “gets me.” Sharing the experience with her made it even sweeter, especially since we were both there to take part in TRU Harmony’s Evaluator in Training program.
If you read my last column, you know I was anxious about being a trial scorer at the retreat’s quartet contest. I even signed up just to audit the course leading up to the event, unsure whether I had what it took. But I eventually accepted the challenge – and I’m grateful I did. With Zoom classes, the help of my mentor and some solo prep at home, I went in as ready as I could be.
And here’s the part I don’t want to sound like bragging: I actually did well. The scores and comments came back encouraging, and I felt peace – and delight – knowing I’d given it my best.
That’s the thing about toe-dipping. You never know when it’ll turn into a joyful dive.
The music moved quite a few of us to tears. One quartet lead had to pause at times to wipe her eyes. My own emotions caught up with me more than once both there and after I returned home – during a song, during a prayer, even while typing this column.
I ducked into my roommate’s chorus rehearsal the second day we were there, she caught my eye, placed a hand over her heart, smiled and mouthed, “This feels so good.” That just about says it all.
I left the retreat full – heart, spirit and voice – and want to reaffirm what I said before: Go ahead and try the new thing.
Take the first step … Join the class … Make the casserole … Write the poem … Start the novel …
In September, come join my service group, the Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and help change the world one project at a time … Or also next fall, join us at Bible Study Fellowship as we study the minor prophets … On Sundays, join our worship services at Northside Church of Christ …
Or almost any Thursday night, come sing with us in Southern A’Chord Chorus. As you can imagine from all that I’ve written, truly one of the highlights of my week.
Whatever may be calling you, I hope you’ll go for it. You might get far more than you expected.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at
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