Music has been a healing balm and an encouragement to the soul since the beginning of time. Nothing speaks to the heart more powerfully than a song. Our worship and praise through song is a source of great joy.
I started writing lyrics when I was a child. While the rest of the family gathered around the television to watch sitcoms, I sat alone in my room creating songs as a form of self-expression. As the years have gone by I have created songs for plays, movies, and just plain fun.
I sometimes awaken from a dream with a complete song – title, lyrics, and melody. It is a gift from God, delivered by angels who sing over me as I sleep. Other times, I draw from my own life experiences.
Shellie Nichol, Christian artist and the CEO of Hope’s Not A Crime, recently interviewed me and afterwards we shared our personal missions and goals. When Shellie mentioned a need for a song about hope for a new CD project, I immediately responded with, “I can do that for you!”
The next day I thought about the time I needed hope the most. The lyrics and the tears flowed together as I remembered the despair I felt when I awakened from a two-month coma to realize all that I had lost. The house fire destroyed everything we had. It claimed the life of my precious 22 month-old son, Amos. His twin brother was severely injured and I was hurting, helpless, and hopeless.
And yet, hope was not dead. A small ember glowed deep within and life began anew. I began to sing a new song.
It is my hope that the songs I write will help lift others up out of despair so they too can sing again.
Verse 1:
In the dungeon of trial shackled with fear
Alone in a world that can’t comprehend my tears
Out of the depth of the valley- hope takes my hand
Then faith my humble servant helps me to stand
Chorus (Repeat twice):
Amazing hope, the heartbeat of survival
Awaiting God’s arrival
For strength to carry on
Amazing Hope, will not make me ashamed
I’m safe in Jesus Name
His love is in my heart
Verse 2:
When the pain turns into anger and all I want to know is why
The road is long and rocky my faith is being tried
That is when I’m reminded that hope stands strong in me
The Lord’s mercy and compassion is the reason I can breathe
Chorus (Repeat twice)
Special Verse:
No matter how long the trial No matter how dark the day
Hope’s a powerful weapon that will chase despair away
Be confident in Christ he forever is the same
All things work together for good to those who love his name
(Repeat Chorus twice)
Verse 1:
For God so loved the world
He gave his only begotten son
That whosoever believeth in him
Should not perish no not one
He hung on a cross and died
There’s a reason there’s a why
You don’t have to sin and die
It’s a love thing
Chorus:
It’s a love thing a love thing
That sent our Savior to the cross
It’s a love thing a love thing
That will forgive you more than once
It’s a love thing a love thing
That’s reaching out for you
There’s a reason there’s a why
He wants to give eternal life
You don’t have to sin and die
It’s a love thing
Verse 2:
By grace man is saved
By mercy his punishment waived
By the Word his soul is made clean
By love God fulfills his needs
He hung on a cross and died
There’s a reason there’s a why
You don’t have to sin and die
It’s a love thing
(Repeat Chorus twice)
Verse 1:
I’m going to work while it’s day
It’s no time to play
Watch what I say
Live in a holy way
I will work till my mission is done
Evil I will shun
Fight till the battle is won
Put the devil on the run
I will see God’s face at last
All my labors will be past
Oh the Joy of working for the Lord
Chorus:
There is joy in working for the Lord
Sweet Jesus
There is joy in working for the one who died for me
There is joy in working for the Lord
Sweet Jesus
There is joy in working for the one who set me free
I will see God’s face at last
All my labors will be past
Oh the Joy of working for the Lor
Verse 2:
Working in God’s field
My spirit I will yield
Use faith as my shield
And on my holy faith I will build
I will work until I die
Cause I know the end is nigh
When I will hear a voice from on high
And I will finally say goodbye
I will see God’s face at last
All my labors will be past
Oh the joy of working for the Lord
(Repeat Chorus twice)
In the valley, on the hill, on the mountain top he’s still
The same God, the great I am, the one who died for man
He’s God he’s Lord he’s Savior
He’s given me his favor
No matter the problem no matter the trial
He’s God
When I’m weak when I’m strong, when I don’t know what went wrong
The same God, the great I am, the one who died for man
He’s God he’s Lord he’s Savior
He’s given me his favor
No matter the problem no matter the trial
He’s God
When I’m sick, when I’m well, when my understanding fails
The same God, the great I am, the one who died for man
He’s God he’s Lord he’s Savior
He’s given me his favor
No matter the problem no matter the trial
He’s God
When I’m rich, when I’m poor, when friends don’t love no more
The same God, the great I am, the one who died for man
He’s God he’s Lord he’s Savior
He’s given me his favor
No matter the problem no matter the trial
He’s God
When I’m praised, when I’m scorned, when my faith is being worn
The same God, the great I am, the one who died for man
He’s God he’s Lord he’s Savior
He’s given me his favor
No matter the problem no matter the trial
He’s God