Let The Church Say Amen

Article by Vanessa Richardson

“Let the church say amen.” The congregation repeated it in unison. After an emotionally charged sermon, those were the exodus words of the pastor. As the congregation sang the word in unison, a feeling of peace and tranquility descended in the sanctuary, unexpectedly changing the atmosphere. Upon observation, it was evident that the older generation recognized those inspiring words from the old-time hymn. While the younger generation clearly identified with the modern version stemming from the song, composed by Andrae Crouch – “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Pastor Marvin Winans. On that day, I’d once again allow the lyrics to pour into me:

Let the church say amen, let the church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Let the church, let ‘em say amen
If you believe the word, let the whole church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Lift your hands, lift your hands
God has spoken, so let the church say amen,
Oh, thank you Lord
God has spoken, so let the church say amen.

Sitting in the church pew, I looked around and my eyes rested upon a young woman. She was beautiful, not just aesthetically, beautiful, but beauty resonating from the inside out. From afar I have witnessed her ups and downs. Through it all I have never heard her complain. Her head was tilted slightly to the left, she was oblivious to those around her; she was simply living in that moment. The young girl’s mouth moved, softly repeating the empowering words, affirming that what she prayed for God had heard and will answer. She ignored the flirtatious and envious stares, remaining focused. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”
A glance to my left revealed a man whom, I’ve known for years. Some of the congregants had long ago dubbed him simply as “The Rock.” Many witnessed his private loss, an episode which should have sent him spiraling into a state of despair. Instead he endured, becoming a living testimony to those who suffered severe losses in their lives. He looked down at his folded hands, nodding and softly sang the words. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”

In front of me was a septuagenarian — you would never have known she was in her 70s if she didn’t voice it aloud, which she humbly does. She was chubby-cheeked, bright-eyed, and always offering, an infectious smile to those who were ever blessed to cross her path. She had lived to see many of her friends come and go and had witnessed the good and the bad, sometimes, it seemed, it was more bad than good. Yet, she still prayed. Still believed, becoming better and not bitter in life and age. Her head was bent, her mouth softly singing the words “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” I loved the sound of her joyous voice. She subtly began rocking back and forth, lifting her hands saying thank you.
Different individuals with different problems, yet that day they were all linked together on one accord. Just like the day of Pentecost the Bible spoke of. “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.” Acts 2:1. There is strength not only in numbers, but unity and supporting each other in their hurts and trials. A person can be healed, yet still feel the residuals of their symptom. The mind has to be reformed all over again. There are many who can testify to this; I know personally I can. Has God has spoken healing, deliverance, breakthrough, renewal, marriage, and restoration to you? Then rest assured it is going to happen.

The congregation began exiting the sanctuary; in a perfect world everyone would leave renewed and revived. Unfortunately that is not the case. There is timing and walking the staid path of faith, believing if not today, then it will be tomorrow, that which God has promised you shall come to pass. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” And so be it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. “Matthew 5:14. I am a firm believer that inside of us all are great testimonies. Testimonies are lighthouses to the world. God will give us beauty for ashes. Let the church say…AMEN.