What a Friend
I originally tried to complete this blog post about Jarvis in early March, but a deadly tornado rammed its way through middle Tennessee on Monday night of the week that his episode was set to air. It didn’t seem right to release it when so many people were traumatized and busy helping with cleanup efforts. Covid-19 shutdowns followed closely after the tornado and I surrendered to focusing my attention on transitioning my students to online lessons. I really can’t believe 2 months have passed, and while regular sleep and free time has been a blessing, part of me feels utterly gutted and adrift as my live music work has vanished. I know many of my musician friends are feeling all kinds of emotions and I hope that listening to Jarvis’ episode helps many people. He was so generous with his time, examples and kindness.
A little background: I met Jarvis last year playing some tunes at a Soul Vibes Collective show. Something about the way he played made me realize he’s an organist. I inquired and discovered that he grew up playing for his father’s church, Love Cathedral in Madison. I visited there one Sunday last December to hear Jarvis and was welcomed by the congregation with open arms. The church gave me a gift bag containing a pretty blue mug which I drink my morning tea from almost every day. Another item in the bag turned out to be even more meaningful—a little plastic bottle of hand sanitizer that has helped protect me from the virus numerous times these past few months.
Jarvis’ father, mother, sister and brothers are all musicians. He is also currently mentoring a teenage organist named Joshua who plays very well. There’s a recording of Jarvis playing at Love Cathedral at the end of his episode. Please check it out. In fact, listen to the entire thing because Jarvis will make you feel better. I particularly love our discussion about hymns. He plays “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” at the 51:00 mark.
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful?
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Stay safe and strong, my friends. Find the traditions and communities that bring you comfort. Please reach out. This too shall pass!