The One Where Mann Meets God...

The seasonal winds and tides shear through the crevices of a stronghold heart. They create a battle to which the elements of life mirror. One's struggle to stay afloat this harsh and fallen world often becomes an elliptical journey. There are serendipitous moments where both are quelled; they bring forth a serene and tranquil pause in the air. Surroundings are lit as the stars pierce through the night sky; the shadows dance, and His gentle whisper calls to bring a tender soul to rest.

Today, we remembered the life of Emory Mann. As I stood through the service for Brother Emory, I kept picturing his smiles and his warm handshakes every Sunday as I walked through the doors of First Christian Church. He wasn't a burly man; his strength was a mere background to his kind and giving heart. It was such an amazing honor to have shared conversations with him about music. The passion he had for playing drums was clearly evident. He was always so supportive of me playing the instrument that he once played --- albeit a different style and with much more grace than me.

These days, I hardly ever look out into the congregation as I'm playing aloud at church. I'm afraid I'll see one person out there not enjoying himself or herself. On the rare occasion that I do, I know where to find Mr. Mann. Seeing him praise God through songs was always affirmation for me to know that drums aren't as bad as I sometimes fear them to be. The truth is, they're not nearly as barbaric as some have been led to believe. For me, he bridged this gap of musical indifference. Never once did he have a negative thing to say about me being too loud or playing a raucous style at church. His feedback was always genuine and filled with an abundance of God's love.

I'm so sad that you won't be beside your wife the next time I gaze out upon the masses. I'll continue to play the drums we both adore so much. You have left a big imprint on my heart, Brother Emory. Before every service, I will look for you and you won't be there. It is then that I'll know that you've been right beside me all along - playing each syncopated beat, feeling the holy rhythms, singing each word of praise, and honoring our God as an audience of one...

~KH