So much resonance on the assembly upbringing, and that first feeling of awareness that our practice was "unusual". You describe the brethren and their "particular brand of meek femininity" - yes, it's taken some years to try to unpack the baggage from that in my life and the lives of others. Ours wasn't an "official" brethren assembly, but was very heavily influenced by the PB's, and had many of the same "distinctives" (but not others, see below).
What also really resonated in your post was that I also just became aware of (and reconnected) with my childhood piano teacher (!?!?!) this past week - reintroduced because of a chance meeting between him and a friend... which happened serendipitously in Europe... wow... it's a really small world. Circumstances here obviously happier than the loss of your Debra. Sounds like she was a wonderful person and a lasting influence in your life.
I credit David (this early teacher of mine) with intentionally asking my parents what type of music I liked (at the time Steven Curtis Chapman) rather than imposing a certain "next step" on me. I think it was a copy of "His Strength is Perfect" that David found. Red cover, white pages... probably from the local christian music store. And, while it was probably above my ability level at the time, he patiently worked through it with me. To this day I continue to write and play.
Most of our "true" brethren friends wouldn't have tolerated SCC, but I'm thankful to my parents for not boxing up my creativity over art and music.
Audrey, I’m curious as to whether your piano teacher ever mentioned her visit to your church?
Love the "zoom in" picture frame. Will try it.
So much resonance on the assembly upbringing, and that first feeling of awareness that our practice was "unusual". You describe the brethren and their "particular brand of meek femininity" - yes, it's taken some years to try to unpack the baggage from that in my life and the lives of others. Ours wasn't an "official" brethren assembly, but was very heavily influenced by the PB's, and had many of the same "distinctives" (but not others, see below).
What also really resonated in your post was that I also just became aware of (and reconnected) with my childhood piano teacher (!?!?!) this past week - reintroduced because of a chance meeting between him and a friend... which happened serendipitously in Europe... wow... it's a really small world. Circumstances here obviously happier than the loss of your Debra. Sounds like she was a wonderful person and a lasting influence in your life.
I credit David (this early teacher of mine) with intentionally asking my parents what type of music I liked (at the time Steven Curtis Chapman) rather than imposing a certain "next step" on me. I think it was a copy of "His Strength is Perfect" that David found. Red cover, white pages... probably from the local christian music store. And, while it was probably above my ability level at the time, he patiently worked through it with me. To this day I continue to write and play.
Most of our "true" brethren friends wouldn't have tolerated SCC, but I'm thankful to my parents for not boxing up my creativity over art and music.