This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
It's a chilly Sunday morning, and I'm seated in church, listening to the pastor's sermon. But my attention is diverted when Yvonne Chakachaka's song 'Umqombothi' starts playing from my phone, which is in my pocket.
At first, I think it's someone else's phone ringing, but as the song gets louder, I realize it's mine. I'm mortified, and my son, who's sitting next to me, is equally amused.
It turns out that my son had been playing with my phone earlier that morning and had accidentally activated the music player. When I stood up to leave, my phone started playing the song, and the whole congregation turned to stare at me.
My son, oblivious to the commotion he's caused, asks if it's 'mommy calling us.' I try to laugh it off, but it's clear that I'm the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
As we quietly slip back into church, the pastor takes the opportunity to lecture the congregation on the importance of respecting the house of God. It's a lesson that I, and my son, will not soon forget.
