Teardrop Orchestra: How I Came to Know a Merciful Melody

Picture an orchestra playing in sync; passionately and harmoniously. Listen to the magnificent melody it plays- all parts vital, all instruments cooperating. What a perfect song it is. Now scrap that. Imagine an orchestra led by a conductor who has no finale planned. The band is out of tune, off beat and totally disharmonious. No structure and no zeal, the parts are fighting against each other, pushing the conductor nearer to the edge. This was the cry of my abuse and pain. This is the song of many. This is THE TEARDROP ORCHESTRA.
For all of my life, I was living in an orchestral disaster. The loud rhythm of physical abuse rang through my ears as I was wounded by hands that were designed to heal. The choir of verbal abuse and discouragement shrieked as I was tormented by words that should have edified. Substance abuse was the brass performer who missed every note. Paternal absence was the clarinet player who couldn’t make it to any of the performances. Bullying became the audience member who booed after every song. Faith appeared to be the unresponsive grandparent on the front row, snoring and unamused.

However, in 2007, the song abruptly stopped. I was given the opportunity to play a final chance gig. I was invited to church. This offerer- a strategically placed angel of God and family friend took me to church for a whole year. Yet, although I had attended for so long, I could hear, in the my mind, the echoes of musical catastrophe. In 2008, I seized an opportunity to be sponsored for attendance at a youth camp. The camp was called TURN IT UP. And, the truth is that in diving head first into this pool of tentativity, my life was turned up. I surrendered all my pain, my grief, my brokenness; all my regret suffering was placed before the feet of God- I made a decision to let that past fade away as I ran with God to my divinely predestined future. I encountered Jesus in an undeniable supernatural way and in a sweet transposition, I was renewed. The silent break in the song had led to a beautiful, perfect melody.

And despite the fact that some of the abuse still occurs, I know that there is a Father who would never harm me. I know there is a King that gave His life so I wouldn’t fall into the same lifestyle. I know a friend who would give His life for mine every second of every day for the rest of my life. I know that I am saved and that the show went on. The audience is one that is active, as the orchestra plays a sacred symphony and a testamonial tune- proof of the love and grace and omniscience of God.

The Teardrop Orchestra was replaced by a band with a new conductor. This conductor- Jesus Christ, wipes away my tears with His hand of Divine Paternity and Sovereignty. This compostition is a testament to a God who wants to make you His own. “For even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Psalms 27:10

God is there for us whether we like it or not and before our lives fade away into dark vanity, He asks that we grasp His hand that reaches down to save us, to embrace us, to hold us close and never let us go.

Wow, what a touching story. It made me misty. Love the unique use of the orchestra metaphor. Nice work. There were several phrases and sentences that popped for me, especially the following:

echoes of musical catastrophe
diving head first into this pool of tentativity
The Teardrop Orchestra was replaced by a band with a new conductor.

Beautifully written and very touching, you definitely are gifted. Hey I was forced to play the tuba in band, how's that for a sour note that kept playing in my mind. I got teased relentlessly and bullied in school and at home.
I also can relate to abuse and it's devastating ripple effects, I admire your strength and courage. Your writing is powerful, I've had the privelege to read your excellent short stories and anxiously await more superb posts from you.

God Bless you,
thanks for sharing!!

"Imagine an orchestra led by a conductor who has no finale planned." That is just brilliant. And such a powerful reminder that our Conductor certainly has a finale, and it is the greatest!