Basket Case

Transporting instruments for worship can be a challenge. Many dance ministry vendors today are providing unique flag bags for carrying a variety of large and small flags. When ministering in another location, these can be useful to conserve space and maintain the element of surprise. When stored correctly, flags transported in this manner can be used with ease, and then properly returned to the bag for later use.

A different approach may be used when transporting billow cloths and other worship fabrics. Delicate fabrics usually end up with creases or wrinkles that may be visible to the viewer when removed for use. There are a couple of options that we can try to ease the common challenges associated with these items. Fabrics should be prepared beforehand by using a fabric steamer or an iron on a very low setting with a barrier or protectant between the fabric and the iron. It is not a great idea to use an iron on painted or heavily decorated fabrics. If we must, we can carry a small hand steamer with us if we need to do any last minute maintenance on site.

After smoothing them out, we can gently fold them and place them over a hanger or inside a wide basket if we will travel by automobile. Fabrics placed on a triangluar hanger can be hung with minimal disturbance during the journey, whereas a large wicker basket can perform double duty and be used as a prop in the piece. A combination of the two elements can be used. A basket will also allow for a quick transition for placing the collected billows and flags inside after the piece is complete.

Baskets can also be used as symbolic worship elements in other ways. Wicker baskets come in many sizes and shapes and can be easily spray painted as needed. They are relatively light, and can serve in a multitude of ways. Baskets used in movement can convey giving, receiving, protection (Moses), provision, overflow, abundance, harvest (gathering), and so much more. When we explore the options to include dance, props, fabrics, flags, banners, and pageantry, we can continue to move with unlimited possibilities.

Deuteronomy 26:4 (NKJV)
“Then the priest shall take the basket out of your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 28:5 (NKJV)
Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Matthew 16:9 (NKJV)
Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up?

Acts 9:25 (NKJV)
Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

"Winging It"

When wings are used in ministry presentations, the representation is usually of an angelic nature. The Bible describes cherubs and seraphim as winged, but it does not end there. Many times in scripture, angels are depicted in "wingless" ways. Angels appeared in fire (Exodus 3:2), with drawn swords (1 Chronicles 21:16) , in dreams (Matthew 1:20), or dressed in white (John 20:12). How is it that we may entertain angels unaware if they are always winged and wearing halos?

There are other creative ways to use wings in worship that are not directly related to angels. Other Scriptural symbolism includes wings of doves, eagles, birds, and even the Lord's wings. At times, the wind is described as having wings. As long as we draw our creativity from the Word of God, then we will be accurate in our display.

Wings used in dance pieces do not always have to be literal. Let the Holy Spirit lead with what types of fabrics, supports, and props will convey a Spiritual message. Beyond the wings, the songs used must also be supported by the Word. Let us make sure not to fly off in the wrong direction.

Psalm 68:13 (NKJV)
Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.”

Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Ezekiel 17:3 (NKJV)
And say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD:“ A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon and took from the cedar the highest branch.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Malachi 4:2 (NKJV)
But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.