One of the good things I learned from my upbringing in the Holiness church: going it alone.
I keep running across people looking for validation in their spiritual path. I get it. We all love validation. We want someone to help us along, encourage us, tell us we’re not crazy.
At the same time, there’s a valuable lesson in “I’m gonna pray if I pray by myself; I’m gonna stand if I have to stand alone.”
(Aside: That’s a pretty bland recording of the song. I’ve never found a good recording of Holiness singers. You’d only ever understand what Holiness music can be at its best by hearing it live. It’s as if the Holy Ghost refuses to enter recording studios.)
I remember women who had faithfully prayed for years for their lost husbands and lost children dancing in the aisles during that song, a Spirit of defiance having overtaken them. They would return to their tearful prayers soon enough but in that moment they were prepared to leave even their dearest ones behind in pursuit of their goal.
I’m quite aware of the dangers of spiritual lone wolfism. At the moment, however, we seem to be in a time of increasing conformity; the Romantic Spirit is waning. I don’t blame anyone for turning to the more established sources. Lord knows I’ve felt the draw too. Nevertheless, some of us still feel the call of individualism. For those with ears to hear, let them hear.