ruthjimward@gmail.com /Google: Ruth Ward blogs
“That’s me!” a doctor declared after I shared the title and purpose of this blog. “I started out preparing for a medical doctor but changed to another which has been much better.” Redirection is often considered negatively, or if uprooting is involved, fearfully may be more accurate. At the onset of radical changes, anger--the problem-identifier—shows up, rings a bell, sounds an alarm, or waves a white flag. To complicate matters, anger hangs around trying to call the shots, which is a challenge because common-sense options usually follow after an intentional embracing of wisdom and understanding.
The Structured segment—50 percent by God’s design--are more likely to drag their feet when changes occur, wanting adequate time to get the ball rolling again, while the Spontaneous crowd—the other 50 percent--welcome crises with exciting possibilities of new opportunities, doing their best thinking in the process of launching out on a few facts and ideas culminating in solutions.
Some reflect on changing circumstances--careers and/or ministries becoming unsettled or uncertain until a family member, teacher, friend, professor or employer—steps up--often oblivious to the drastic needs---and quietly guides the ‘hiker’ onto well-marked-trails which lead them on to a satisfying situation. Encouragers, often described as rescuers, who don’t expect thanks, do appreciate eventually hearing how the person they helped made out.
While self-applying what I’m writing, it dawned on me that I never verbally expressed my appreciation to Don Hustad, the head of the Music Department at Moody Bible Institute, for his orchestration in shaping and enriching my life in two ways. His advice was simple, guiding me to a reasonable redirection, but what he didn’t say, affected me significantly for years. In fact, I didn’t realize the enormity of his inaction until a few months ago--70-plus years later. I’ve had many years to thank him for his special influence in my life, but just didn’t think about doing so. He would have been very pleased. Now, it’s too late.
The music course requirements had to be met via auditioning in a chosen field, in my case, piano. I hunkered down the last two years of high school and diligently practiced the classical pieces for 2 hours daily. I had never played before anyone besides my piano teacher.
The first morning at Moody, I located the music room and met Don Hustad. He sat on my right as I played. I was nervous. I have vivid memories. When all the pieces were completed, and I put my hands in my lap, and waited for what seemed a long time, he said softly, “Ruth, you’ve met all the requirements and played very nicely, but two years of playing are not enough to compete with the 12 or 15 years of other piano majors. Performing weekly solos before the music students would be difficult.”
With tears in my eyes, I asked, “What should I do, then?” He said, “I see from your file that you have had vocal lessons, so you could switch to the Vocal Music Course. “Okay”, I said. “You will be a member of the Moody Chorale.” I had never heard of the Moody Chorale, but enjoyed singing in our church choir. That sounded good. He smiled and said, “Our first practice is tomorrow at 2 in the auditorium”.
About 50 student singers gathered; I was surprised to learn that the Moody Chorale was an Acapella choir. The singing was marvelous! Emotional. One practice convinced me that this was an opportunity that I was going to enjoy and cherish. The redirection was certainly a ten!
However, after a couple of weeks taking vocal lessons with the daily one-hour requirement of vocalizing, having to prepare weekly solos and finding an accompanist, I realized that this was not for me. I switched from the Music Course to the General Bible Course, which focused on studying scripture which I much preferred anyway, and including the Chorale. What a delightful redirection.
My schedule was crammed: bible classes and study, 20 hours of work for an insurance agent in down-town Chicago walking 13 blocks to and from, rushing home, having dinner and Chorale practices every evening leaving scant time for letter writing or socializing. But overall, I was a happy camper!
Chorale practices became the highlight of my week. Mr. Hustad, directing only with his hands, making the smallest motions, his eyes often closed, as he listened intently to the harmonizing of 50 voices A Capela was awesome. We kept our eyes glued on him for the smallest movement of his hands. He was a perfectionist and expected each singer to be alert and controlled. Nothing had ever brought me such joy.
During school holidays the Chorale traveled by train giving concerts in Texas, California, Washington, Canada, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, etc. staying overnight in homes. We also gave concerts in Chicago area churches and colleges. That was fun! We became a close-knit group. Occasionally, as we travelled and had time to do some sightseeing, Mr. Hustad was jovial and relaxed, we called him Uncle Buck.
Before a concert, Mr. Hustad would select a member of the choir to give a brief testimony. He addressed the members of the Chorale as Mr., Miss or Mrs. except for me…and he called me as Ruth. Several asked if I was a relative or friend. I felt very special and wondered if his being involved with my piano auditioning disappointment, caused him to care deeply. I wasn’t eager to be singled out to give a testimony, but the that night arrived when we were performing in Big Spring, Texas. Mr. Hustad said, “Ruth. I understand you have family visiting.” Jim and I had just begun to date steadily, and he mentioned in a letter that several of his relatives from Odessa might be present. I have no idea who told him that relatives were present because I certainly didn’t. My travel-roommate never confessed. But I got through my first experience of giving my testimony before a huge crowd, to say nothing of knowing that my boyfriend’s family was in the crowd. Greeting them afterwards went well.
The discipline of practicing and touring with the Moody Chorale taught me to be disciplined with my time. I was enriched spiritually by our songs, improvement in my singing, friendships of other students and developing sensitivity to Mr. Hustad’s directing. I cherished every moment.
Just recently, I realized that curriculum counseling which placed me in the Chorale was not all that Don Hustad did for me, but what he didn’t say. Knowing that I had switched from music to general bible and not asking me to step down, kept me in the Chorale until graduation. In all my years in the Chorale, I never considered that I didn’t qualify. I’m so thankful that I didn’t know that, because in looking back, the experiences with the A Capela Moody Chorale was one of my most privileged redirections.
The next God-designed redirection was enrollment in the General Bible Course which included psychology and teaching children and adults which prepared me for the absolutely most marvelous experience in my life--being the wife/partner with Jim Ward who was preparing for the pastorate. We graduated in the class of 1955, Jim with the Pastor’s Course and I with General Bible. Our garden wedding was the next morning at professor, Dr. J.C. Macauley’s home to accommodate our families from Texas and Ohio.
As newlyweds, fulfilling Jim’s pastoral educational requirements, we moved to Waco, Texas, where he enrolled in Baylor University. While there, we had three children and in 1960, he received the BS degree. We pastored a mission-church in Verhalen, Texas, for several years where our fourth child was born.
He completed his studies at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where I had the marvelous experience of secretary to the Dean of Students. Jim received the MDiv. in 1967 which paved the way to our final redirection to York, PA. to pastor a struggling mission which grew into Temple Baptist Church. After 34 years, we retired. What a wonderful life!
The joys of my redirections and those shared with Jim during 65 years of marriage, ministering and parenting continue to bring marvelous memories, contentment and deep peace. Jim died in March, 2020, at 86 years. However, our ministry continues through church involvement, writing and counseling.
When I shared with my brother Mac my dilemma of not thanking Mr. Hustad, he quickly reminded me about progressive revelation—that God continues his work and communication among his children. “Keep thanking God for all that Don Hustad did for you, just like you pray for others, and the Lord will pass your thanks on to Mr. Hustad.” That was the confirmation I needed. Another Ten!
Christ Jesus who died…more than that, who also was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Rom. 8:34 NIV
Lord, you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Ps: 16:5-6, 9a, 11.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb. 10:24 NIV.