This morning I heard singer-songwriter k.d.lang on Good Morning America. She made a statement that went something like:"Sometimes you just need to whisper." She was referring to her experience in a recording studio. Her claim is that 'whispering' creates an intimacy in singing that draws people in a way that full voice can't produce.

I liked this idea because I know it to be true. In fact, any good teacher, or parent for that matter, knows that whispering often gets greater attention that raising one's voice. Whispering causes people to lean in, to look you in the eye, to read your lips. Whispering causes the pulse to slow and the senses to be open. The wonderful thing is that it also causes the same reaction in the one who is listening. It seems to me that some of our fellow citizens who are running for office might take note of this and employ a whisper now and then.

While k.d. lang was singing her whispering tune, the camera panned out and I got a glimpse of her whole body. She was barefoot!  No one made mention of it. Maybe it is her common practice as a performer, I don't know. But I was drawn to the idea of this powerful singer, getting her stage persona on, her performing clothes all in place and then, like Moses beholding the burning bush, removing her shoes.

 I was drawn to it for a reason. You see, there are certain places, our church sanctuary for one, in which, when I preach, I have to remove my shoes. I can go into the service in shoes but when it comes time to preach, I walk to the pulpit, step up and remove my shoes. Only certain choir members are aware of it. Removing my shoes helps me to remember to stay grounded, to stand firm, to know that each moment places us on holy ground. It also helps me to not be swayed by the overwhelming beauty of the place, the stain glass windows, the soaring music, the immensity of space. Removing my shoes reminds me of my humanness, my small space in the vastness of it all. Clearly put, removing my shoes helps me to be humble in my words and intention, remembering that the gift of the words are a gift of the Spirit.

These are times, I believe, that call for more whispering. They are also times that might be improved with a few bare feet. It's just a thought.