Mini Flash Mob - Emotions and Tears Flowing - How Great Thou Art!

Today at the healing place to the north a family member and I experienced a miniature flash mob with a powerful impact. The experience was amazing. Allow me to explain.

The two of us were sitting in a lounge area near the cafeteria when I heard the piano being played in the main lobby on the Subway Level, between the Mayo and Gonda Buildings. As I almost always do, I walked over to see who was playing and saw an older woman at the piano. Her music was good, but I did not want to leave my family member alone so I did not stay to watch and listen. Soon after, I heard singing with the woman’s piano work and returned to look - the woman’s husband was now singing with her as she played traditional hymns. Together they created a beautiful sound.

This time I returned and took my family member so together we could listen to their music. (All who play the piano, or other instruments, or sing are volunteers who just share with others.) By the time we returned to listen a second gentleman from the masses walking the halls was singing too (“It is Well With My Soul”). The three sounded good together.

After that song the second gentleman left and a younger woman approached the husband and wife duo and asked “Can I sing with you?” Of course they welcomed her. None of us knew what was about to happen.

Soon the intro to “How Great Thou Art” was coming from the piano followed by two voices singing together perfectly. Verse One was sung in traditional form as the woman warmed up. Then, as the remaining verses were sung, the woman with the beautiful voice added effects that drew people to the lobby on multiple floors. What she did with one of my favorite hymns was unbelievable. She sang with tears streaming down her face. All around people were listening and singing to themselves - some of them with tears too.

On the final verse…

“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

The power of the words, their voices, the piano… it was unlike anything I had every experienced. Wow!

At the end of the hymn. as those watching were applauding from multiple levels in the lobby, the woman thanked the couple for allowing her to sing. She gathered her water bottles, went to her young teen daughter who was obviously challenged with health issues, and said “Let’s go girl!” as they vanished into the human machinery of the Mayo complex - where so many are walking down different paths in their health journeys.

Later in the day our paths crossed with the older couple who were just as surprised as we were by the woman. Where did this woman come from… where was she going… What is her and her daughter’s story? We will likely never know, but many of us appreciate the few moments of emotion she shared with us.

I will never “hear” “How Great Thou Art” the same again. Hopefully my memory will clearly recall this morning’s experience - when faith was demonstrated over fear and uncertainty. Maybe someday I can be that strong.