Hymns for Good Friday and Easter Weekend

As Gracie battles the COVID-19 Virus herself, these hymns she recorded bolster her heart. 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide; in ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heav'nly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: your Jesus can repay from his own fullness all he takes away.

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole.
There is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.

You may not preach like Peter, You may not pray like Paul,
But you can tell the love of Jesus, and how He died for all. 

 

A long time friend and Grammy award winner sound engineer, Chris Latham, brought sound equipment to the house and we recorded Gracie singing this medley at our home in Nashville. Newly out of the hospital facing life threatening challenges, we didn't know if she'd be able to sing again.  After she finished, Chris looked at me with tears running down his face and said, "Those who can ...do." 

Balm in Gilead serves as the defining hymn for my father's 60 years as a minister. I can't recall a time when he didn't talk about this hymn. I asked Gracie to sing this for that recording session ...as a father's day gift to my dad. What happened in that session was so extraordinary, that this song has become a defining to song ...and a mission ... to Gracie and me, as well. 

"..to make the wounded whole - to heal the sin sick soul."   It's a hymn of lament ...and one of hope. Both of these hymns reflect pain, fear, and loss ...but the writers anchored themselves in the hope of God's faithfulness.  Gracie's lengthy and severe challenges brings a richness and depth to these hymns that continue to strengthen so many.  

As individuals, families, churches, communities, and our country faces these difficult times, voices of experience ...who've seen God's faithfulness in brutal challenges ...can help settle our hearts down and point us to safety.  Our souls need to be still ...and there is indeed a Balm in Gilead. 

Please feel free to share this with someone who is hurting today. 

(Stream or download this album at www.hopeforthecaregiver.com/music 

 

Do you find our message and this podcast meaningful?

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to help support this ministry at www.standingwithhope.com/giving