Last week I shared a sermon from our Bishop, Tom Berlin, and was happy to hear from many of you how meaningful it was to receive that word. This week I had the opportunity to hear Bishop Berlin speak to a group of clergy and lay leaders. It, too, was a helpful and motivating word. It’s churning in me still this morning; perspectives I want to explore, the early makings of a sermon series, and some conversations added to the off-season to-do list.
Though, admittedly, one other thing stuck with me from his talk. A simple, offhand comment: “I do like a good YouTube video.”
So, there’s something we have in common, I thought, then quickly realized we like very different YouTube videos as he described one: a shark cage, chummed water mishap where, thankfully, no one was harmed. Not my jam, but it got me thinking about some of my favorite YouTube content.
Did you know there are over 14 billion videos on YouTube? You couldn’t watch all of them if you spent the rest of your life trying. But you don’t have to, because I’m going to do you a favor. I’m going to share the best of them, the best video on YouTube. Take a moment (or three and a half) and watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
I love this video so much. I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it, but it makes me smile, makes me laugh, makes me happy to see it every time.
On the one hand, it’s just funny. Absurd, but brilliant. The quality of the composition, the increasingly harrowing story while the production gets more elaborate every few seconds. The combination of Rob Cantor’s narration alongside a drum set, strings, children and adult choirs, dancers, giant heads, aerial silk performers, glitter, and a good sport at the end.
I’m not sure if newsletter notes need to have a message, but if this one does, it’s simple: have fun. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles are using their gifts. That dancing bass player, he’s sharing his. Cantor’s creativity is on full display. The dancers up on sashes, in giant heads, moving stealthily before their legs are magnificently caught in bear traps… gifts being realized, celebrated, shared.
We’re all in this together. Diverse gifts, passions, humor. I’m grateful for those you have and share with me and with others. Have fun, and an amazing weekend.
Yours with grace, peace, and laughter,
Rev. Ben Richards
