Songs for Life
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody with heaven’s harmony;
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody of love.
-Elton M. Roth
From my earliest age music has been a significant part of my life. As the eldest child, I remember when we traveled, Mother and Dad sang gospel songs. I attempted to join, but I am sure my preschool voice was not the most melodious.
My father was an evangelist, so we were in church every time the doors opened. More music and songs. However, the devil entered my father’s heart and ended my time as a “preacher's child.” But a strong mother kept us in church- Sunday school. Sunday/Wednesday night
services, Bible school, and summer camp and that means more music.
One of my strongest memories is when I learned to sing alto…sixth grade…”Fairest Lord Jesus.” Yes, we sang Christian songs in public school. Middle school…high school, band and choir. Moving on to college I thought music was behind me. Not true, surprising me, my sorority’s blessing was the song “Break Thou the Bread of Life.”
Years later I had my own encounter with the devil. I turned my back on all I had been taught. I thought whatever I did was just fine, and no one knew except me. Forgot that God sees all. My reckoning came at a work meeting when God spoke softly to my heart, and he put an opportunity before me that I certainly was not expecting.
Sunday morning and the choir stood to sing…problem…the pianist played one song and they sang another. My heart ached for them, and God said, “This you can help.” I attended the next choir practice and volunteered to be the director. Music, music, music. Sunday choir, quartet, cantatas, and dinner theatres. When all this ended (and it does end with age), I was fearful that the music would also stop. But every morning when I awake it is with a song in my heart, from hymns to VBS choruses. When I go to bed no matter how early or late, there is a song in my heart…” My Jesus , I love Thee…”
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
-Fanny J. Crosby
Contributed by - SL