When you come to a worship service at Greeneville First Church of God you will probably say to yourself, “These people are very engaged…they get into the singing…they get into the preaching.” I consider myself a very blessed worship pastor—I get to lead these people every week and it is a thrill! I love how our people use the altar rails. It is not uncommon for the altars to be full during the song service, choral selection or testimony. I love how when the congregation is seated if something is being sung that an individual identifies with, they stand up. The people here are not afraid to raise their hands in praise. Some of them even shout! I look forward to Sunday mornings and evenings.
I wanted to write a song that illustrated the way the congregation in Greeneville expresses herself when it comes to our faith. It only makes sense that you see a physical expression of joy or thankfulness or overwhelming gratitude if that is what is in you for God. If I am scared, I look scared. If I am sad, I look sad. I just love how our people unashamedly display their affection and adoration for our Lord.
The song is very simple: “I am not ashamed. I will not be hindered; nothing can hold me back from lifting my voice. I am not afraid to lift my hands up to Him; I have seen His power in my life.”
The last phrase is the reason for this—so many of the people in our services have SEEN God’s power in their lives. We have people in the pews that have overcome addictions, many have been miraculously healed, some have survived car accidents, cancer and other terrifying situations. Even our senior pastor’s testimony is quite amazing. God’s power has been so evident among us that we cannot hold back when we praise Him.
In this spirit, I wrote “I Am Not Ashamed.” I am grateful to Tim Hybarger that helped refine the music to this song. I pray that other congregations will latch hold of it as the congregation in Greeneville, TN has.
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