Sheila - A Rose in Bloom

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives - the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years”. Audrey Hepburn

Ever seen a red rose bloom?

The green bud closed tight as a fist settles in the bush. Its stem stretches towards the light, slowly it begins to unravel, tiny bit by tiny bit. Slits of rich red hue peak at its corners. Gradually it bursts open into full glorious bloom. Its opulent petals unlace with layer upon layer of leafy lush beauty. Where once a green dull space now it explodes with intense red garnish. Passers-by may stop to smell the roses but there is nothing more magnificent not quite as beautiful as to see an ordinary girl grow into a beautiful, talented, spiritual woman. She changes the world around her. All who see gaze amazed as she steps on the world stage, they are blown away by her beauty, her talent, her determination and steady zeal. I have seen such a one - Sheila Dorcus.

She pursued a music career with fierce passion.The little girl maybe 14 years old at the time found all she was searching for in Kampala Pentecostal Church – she was sculpted within its walls. Like Jesus in the temple she was about her Father’s business; she sang in the auditorium, prayed in the upper room and was mentored by Marilyn Skinner the pastors wife. Enveloped in silent determination and quiet resolve short conversations with her hinted at a big dream brewing inside. She wanted to sing. Her thick rimmed spectacles gave her a mature presence even though she was one of the youngest in the main choir. Her alto voice fruity and silvery - deep and strong yet clear, light and pleasant. The beautiful gap that peaked when she laughed could light up a room.

One Christmas Cantata Ken the choir director asked her to lead a song, that was the year she first electrified the stage. An artful, trained voice emanated from the tiny girl and filled the auditorium – a blend of talent and a whole lot of work. A little bit of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey with dribbles of Jaci Velasques and Cece Winans. The spot light shone on her and it never deemed. I marveled as Sheila owned the stage but not without resistance as people wondered why a young lady would choose music over an academic career. 

She sat at Marilyn’s feet like a shadow. Her commitment shown through long grueling practice hours. She gave 101% - late nights and early mornings. When the congregation looked on as if to ask "what on earth are you talking about?" she stayed the course, eventually they caught on.

Her duets with Pastor Gary held the congregation captive. There was a tangible sweet connection between the two – just like a father and a daughter. In her black velvet snug fitting dress, white elbow length gloves and a ring on her finger that shot a spectrum of colors each time it collided with the stage lights. She looked like she’d just slipped off the page of a Vogue magazine. With her hair styled sometimes in a bob or a fringe, a little rugged but oh every single strand knew its place. She looked up to Gary for the right cue then their voices danced up to heaven, on to the stage and into the crowd. She sang solos in the choir, joined the Watoto Children’s Choir, became a worship leader at Watoto Church and is now  Choir director together with her husband Graham.  

I see what full grown passion looks like - the sacrifice, commitment and hard work. Through Gary and Marilyn God has raised a leader, a woman of purpose, a daughter of destiny.

The little girl is now a graceful lady, a wife, a mother and a leader.

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I chronicles 28:9"