Back Talk

Let's face it, we must understand the importance of our bodies as tools in the Master's hands. In the traditional sense of dance ministry, lots of emphasis is place on the front of the body, and less on the rear. Dancers are often discouraged from exposing the back of the body to a congregation for fear of offense. There is a way to incorporate the powerful meaning of the back if we do it in a way that brings the Word to life.

The back is a vulnerable part of our bodies because our eyes are not able to see what is behind us. The act of "backbiting" is often so surprising because it is something that catches us off guard. In the Biblical sense, turning ones back in a negative way can mean rejection, defeat, or faithlessness. The back is also depicted as more tolerable than the face (as in the case of Moses wanting to see the Lord's glory).

If we get a balanced understanding when to face it or when to back up, each and every movement will have meaning as it relates to the Word of God. Exercising wisdom as we move will diminish the potenial for error, but increase the depth of the pieces we demonstrate. We must not be limited by what others have deemed to be "wrong" or "right" movements in ministry. If we get our directions from the Lord, then we will not miss a beat.

2 Chronicles 29:6 (NKJV)
For our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the LORD our God; they have forsaken Him, have turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him.

Jeremiah 2:27 (NKJV)
Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’

Jeremiah 32:33 (NKJV)
And they have turned to Me the back, and not the face; though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction.

Exodus 33:23 (NKJV)
Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”