I am my brother's keeper

I would like to open this blogpost by saying that this is number 41 of my blogposts and I am really happy that I could have been an encouragement through my blog for this year on social media. Thank you so much for all those faithful readers and those precious people who give feedback on my posts, I read everyone of them.

The craziest thing happened this weekend. On Saturday evening at Miacarla John's stand off with herself and the My Story, My Song peeps, during our celebration and reflection time I was told that she has a surprise for me. I was asked to close my eyes while everyone looked on around the table. I was so excited, but also so unsure of what was going to be before me. As the "surprise" came out, people were really happy about my surprise as they saw it coming out and in that moment my eyes just couldn't resist opening. I lasted the entire time and finally I could open my eyes. Before me was a precious laptop. I was so shocked as it was explained to me that someone had read my blog about the My Story, My Song review and they were led to bless me with a laptop. Thank you so much to this special person, whoever you are, I am so so grateful. Before this, you won't believe but I knew a few weeks ago I was getting a laptop, so you were definitely in the spirit. Thank you so much, I so much appreciate it and I am still in shock. It will be put to good use!

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending and singing alongside Neville D and my Beauty Of Difference choir at Ricardo Groenewald's I love you daddy Tribute concert. Ricardo has stage four cancer and we raised funds to help him and his family through the journey financially. Many people had come together to share a stage at Grace Performing Arts Centre in Parow, Cape Town. Once again we were surrounded by well known celebs such as Zoe Zana, Peter De Villiers, Jonathan Rubain and other icons I do not know by name but by song.

I must say this, there is nothing like my BOD choir. People might think why do choose to use the word "my" instead of other choice words, but this is my family. A family I have come to love and is getting to know. A group of crazy, energetic people who are authentic and glad to lift up the Name of Jesus through music. As we were sitting listening to those artists before us, we sat there laughing and joking, shouting and joining in in song with those on stage. At some point, an artist from Port Elizabeth sang It is well and in the first chorus he didn't have an echo to his chorus. Knowing us, we took the initiative to join him by echoing the lines in unison first and then it classic harmony. This was so awesome and probably irritating to some, but nevertheless we enjoyed ourselves. As we were enjoying the beautiful music you could see how we were bonding. This is what I love about the choir, they understand that relationships are important. In the words of Rene Philmon, our choir mom, "When you joined the BOD choir, you have a responsibility. You are now your brother's keeper". Those words became real to me and still becomes real when the question is asked, where is this one or that one? It makes you check yourself and I often think to myself, have you made a way to contact your brother or sister this week? Have you congratulated them on their achievements? Have you comforted those who are mourning? This is what our choir is about. Spending time with these people makes you realise how selfish you have become and how serving is in the act of love. After chatting to Carlo (one of the tenors) about music stuff and what music and artists look like in Cape Town, I actually left there thinking wow I actually enjoyed that conversation. There was no cellphones in our conversation, no food, just building friendship and getting to know and celebrate one another.

It was finally our time to hit the stage and we were ready to go backstage. As we were walking, we were told to hang on a bit on the side. The next thing we noticed was that Ricardo and his family had been standing opposite us. Everyone stood and welcomed them into the auditorium. Prayers and a word of welcome was send forth as they took their place in front. This was so precious, as a legend in Cape Town would actually witness and enjoy us sing one of our hits from the album, Nobody. He came just in time before we went onto stage. When we started it was like electric in the room and the atmosphere was charged with every progression in the song. The people were responsive and we definitely brought the house down! Neville ended by jumping off the stage to sing to Ricardo personally.

Later through the evening we witnessed Ricardo's little son sing alongside all those who performed last night. Wow! Can you believe that he sings just like Ricardo and he is so cute?! Ricardo and his wife's faces lit up and in just seconds the tears began to roll. This was a proud moment as we witnessed it from stage.

Ricardo was let out with his family before the organisers Julian and Naomi Classen ended off with words thanks and prayer.

To the back all the artists joined together for some snacks with those who bought VIP tickets. Media was all over in the room and we were obviously taking selfies and groupies with some celebs and some ushers hahaha. The night was totally awesome. On our way out we could go into the room where Ricardo had laid to say a few kind words of encouragement.

As amazing as the evening was, it was also sad. That the frailty of life is so real. On our way home we drove almost to Gugulethu and Phillipi in the dark which was so funny. I always leave grateful after performing with my family. We so need to go out and social as Nadia would say. I love and appreciate you guys and Neville D, thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of this journey.

Oh if you have not liked our page yet, go and like Beauty Of Difference Choir on Facebook.

Bless you.

Shalom.

Twitter & Instagram: @rocoetzee