Guitarist: Alicia Carman

My father always wanted to play guitar, and he thought that taking lessons with me would be a good way to do it. When I turned twelve, my parents purchased a steel-string western guitar and within the year had found a teacher. I was clumsy and small, and the large Fender guitar was a feat to master as I began classical lessons with my dad. After a few months with little time to practice, my dad stopped lessons but I continued. The longer I played the more discouraging it became, as the tips of my fingers almost bled while trying to callous themselves.

I had taken lessons a little over a year when I came to my dad and told him I wanted to quit. Though parents sometimes give mandates about those things, he understood that it was a struggle for me. Knowing that we could not afford to purchase a classical guitar, he gave me permission to stop.

About the same time we were studying Matthew 6:33 as a family: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Somewhere in my heart God was putting the loose ends together. Part of His kingdom and His righteousness was for me to honor my parents. They wanted me to play guitar. I could demonstrate my desire to seek first His kingdom by continuing to play guitar, even though I had no friends who played guitar, and even though I did not want to do it. It was hard work . . . but it was God's work for me. In a childish way I was frustrated with God now, not my parent's desire. But I knew it was what He wanted for me, so I kept playing.

A month later my dad asked me what had become of my frustration with guitar. Was I going to quit or continue? I wasn't about to tell him that God wanted me to honor him and that's the only reason I kept going, so I mumbled something about continuing. At my next guitar lesson my teacher lent me a classical guitar to play. What a difference! The nylon strings were soft, but the neck was wide and it took some adjusting. The feel was so much softer, easier to control than the unwieldy twang that usually ripped the fingernails off of my right hand.

At the end of the lesson he explained to me that he and his wife would like me to have the guitar. God had given it to them for a great price, and my dad had given his permission for me to keep it.

Wow.

Are you for real, God?

Do you really give all these things to those who seek first Your kingdom?

I had continued NOT because there was a promise connected to His kingdom, but because His still small voice said to continue. I was about 14 years old. I didn't know that God was about to take me on a journey away from fearing men and toward fearing only Him. The next year was rough and hard in ways far beyond guitar playing. But it was His kindness that led the way to repentance. My faith had a hook to hang on. I had obeyed His Word, and He had kept a promise I hadn't even counted on. Never believe God will "be beholden" (as they say in Kentucky) to any human. He is too great to owe anyone anything, and He is merciful to give good gifts to His children.

I have continued to play with, teach with, and enjoy that guitar the last 16 years. It is a constant reminder that worshipping the Lord isn't something man invented, and everything I do with that guitar must be to bring Him glory. He deserves it!