Kory Wilcoxon- Gary, Who Was In His 50s, Was ...

Kory Wilcoxon- Gary, who was in his 50s, was mentally disabled, and had the mental capacity of a six- or seven-year-old. He also had one of the worst singing voices I’ve ever heard. His singing was slurred and never close to the right key. And he didn’t have the social development to recognize his lack of singing ability. So he just sang loud. Very loud.

One Sunday, without thinking, I sat down in front of Gary. When the opening hymn started, I realized my mistake. I settled into a spirit of annoyance instead of thanksgiving. And then I realized my bigger mistake. I realized what an asset Gary was to our worship, what a gift his voice was to our singing. Because Gary was singing not from his mouth or his vocal cords, but from his heart, and every word he sang was a word of sincere praise and thanksgiving. In his child-like innocence, Gary didn’t care what he sounded like or what others thought of him. He only cared to let God know of his love and thankfulness in full voice. He was doing like Psalm 95 and 98 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” KJV. So I say, “Sing, Gary! Sing loud enough for everyone to hear, let your voice carry to the heavens!”