Is Patience A Virtue?

Man, it’s been a tough one for me these last few weeks! As most of you know, I had a medical issue happen — and boy, what a wake-up call that was. March 16th — there I was, up on stage rehearsing some songs for my Lord, who I also call my Hero. Then down I went! Made it through one song, and I not only lost my breath — but my consciousness. It was scary. I thought this was it — He was calling me home.

Folks, I’ve been smoking since the age of 15 — until that day. 38 years it took before my lungs said, “You’ve had enough.” And now I’m paying for it, because I can’t sing for a couple of months — and it’s killing me! No pun intended with that one — but you know what I mean.

God has given me the gift of singing, and I almost wasted it for my own selfishness and pride. As I pray every day to Him for strength, I only hope I don’t veer off the new path I’ve chosen — a path of cleanliness and a new sound He has given me... given back to me. A voice I haven’t heard come out of me in over 30 years! I’m hitting high notes without a struggle, the wasted phlegm in my throat is slowly disappearing, and oh my — I think I have my falsetto back! If only Michael Jackson had some worship songs! Lol. Hehe!

Fast-forward to my release from the hospital. The doctor said I am a ticking time bomb — and in order to get back on my feet again, I cannot sing lead for at least 3 months! Boom! Yup — I sure messed this one up. I not only let my God down, but my church, my wife, and especially my children. But I know I am forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15 & Ephesians 4:32). I will overcome this and win! But I will have to be patient. Oh wow — a new struggle.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” I slept on this one, and I thought to myself — that’s me. I need to be patient. But the wicked scheme thing?

I need to change that — because it’s about my wonderful praise band. They’ve been killing it on stage these last few weeks, and I have to do everything I can not to force myself to get up there and praise with them. I so want to be a part of that every second — but I’m not healed yet, and it’s tough.

I feel like the farmer who waits patiently for the fruits of the earth (James 5:7-8) — but the fruit is right there in front of me, ready to pick, and I can’t pick it! My band is, and I want to help! We love each other so much.

So, as the farmer heals, the rest of the family carries the weight — sharing the fruits of praise with our beautiful congregation while I heal. And when He says it’s time, my congregation, my band, and I will celebrate together in joyful praise — the reward for patience.

So yes — patience is a virtue!

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and prayed for my family and me. Thank you to my church staff and congregation for their patience as I heal. The doctor may have said I’m a ticking time bomb — but I believe I’m a bomb about to explode with praise and worship as our church continues to grow every day!

Thanks be to God — and thanks be to N.U.M.C!

Jamel Boast
Your Restored Worship Director