Do these birds mock me, or perhaps worship?

danbrown49 · 11-28-2006, 03:55 PM

Two days a week, I sing Christian music at a VA Medical Center. It was difficult at first, due to "civil liberties" issues and my refusal to sing anything but music relating to the Gospel. Eventually all that was worked out through prayer and the calling of the Father for my presence there. It was a new light to my life as I had had to retire from my sales job, due to random and unpredictable seizures which prevented me from driving. I was wasting away, depressed from the anti seizure medications and getting little exercise. This ministry gave my life purpose and I could see a true need for some "good news" for these people, some who had just discovered they might die earlier than anticipated.

At first I was only allowed to play and sing outside, but eventually I was allowed to sing in waiting rooms and lobbies, if I was asked and made it clear of the nature of my music and if no one within earshot objected. Still my freedom abounds when outside in the open air and if not too hot or cold, I draw my largest crowds there.

About 6 months ago, I noticed that at times male mockingbirds (Polyglottos
mimicus) would gather in the trees above where I would sing and sing as well. Then one day I realized that what they would sing was in harmony to what notes I would sing and play and up to 5 of these birds would sing with me at once and all singing different notes but all in harmony with my guitar and vocals. They were mimicking the notes heard from what I was doing.

Other people noticed it as well, so I knew it wasn't my imagination. The birds would even appear to get angry and would squawk and fuss when I would cease playing and singing. They appeared to have favorite songs and favorite keys (mostly D, Bm and Em) and would be most active early in the morning and in the evening. They seemed to really get excited by "God Who Saves" by Caedmon's Call and "Prodigal" by Casting Crown. What an honor to have them sent to join me to worship and what proof in the existance of God to those doubters around me. So I don't feel mocked at all, but revered and respected by creation and the Creator! This is not a fable or fairy tale! Believe me, I know as I was there.
Blessed, by all that has breath praising with a broken man, Dan

**thesteve** · 11-28-2006, 04:51 PM

Wow...that's an amazing story. I think it would be better served in the Testimonies forum though.

danbrown49 · 11-28-2006, 05:38 PM

Sorry, guys. I'm just learning my way around here. Please forgive me.
Blessed, but living in a cowpasture, Dan

presbystrat · 11-28-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danbrown49

Sorry, guys. I'm just learning my way around here. Please forgive me.
Blessed, but living in a cowpasture, Dan

Pretty cool story. I'm glad you originally posted it in the Guitar forum, otherwise I may have never seen it.

jengoesup · 11-28-2006, 07:02 PM

Whoa, that's really nifty...cool story

danbrown49 · 11-28-2006, 08:14 PM

Remember, it's nothing to do with me, but what the Father chooses for me.
Blessed, and not knowing why, Dan

irtrogdor · 11-28-2006, 08:41 PM

that's pretty awesome dude, i might haveto try that some time with some canaries.

gg7 · 11-28-2006, 09:21 PM

Wow. That is amazing.
Thank you for sharing that.
I too am glad it started in "guitar" as I probably wouldn't have seen it otherwise either.

Thamar · 11-29-2006, 05:36 AM

Thanks Dan for sharing. A nice reminder for me to praise him with all I have. I definitely don't want any rocks crying out for me!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"

Dbmaj7 · 11-29-2006, 07:36 AM

Dan, that is really awesome. I wonder if they are hearing the different subtle harmonics within a note and thus singing the harmonies.

Db

danbrown49 · 11-29-2006, 09:05 PM

Db, I am assuming they each are choosing a different guitar or vocal note to mimmic (sp?), ending up with the harmony, but I guess only God knows for sure. People often ask me "Are those birds singing with you?", I can only answer "It appears so, doesn't it, but then I don't know these birds pesonally like the Father." Sometimes the little non-native European House sparrows (the little "dumpster divers" released in New York City's Central park along with the pigeons and starlings that my Dad always called the "English sparrows") sing sort of on key some, but not with the intensity, harmony and timing precision of the mockingbirds. I only know that I am honored. Tomorrow is one of my days to go volunteer at the VAMC and it's supposed to turn very cold, so I will report on their activities in regards to my playing and singing. It may be too cold to play outside much, however. The high (63F) is supposedly to be in the early morning with a decrease steady to about 24F at dusk. Someday I hope to borrow a laptop and a microphone sensitive enough to capture some audio of this occurrance. It would cause me to smile in my old age, for sure.
Blessed, Dan