Written and published weekly by Cheryl Johnson, the Musician's Helper
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Life without a song. Think about it. It would be awful to not have a song. When you are down, a song can lift you up. A song can bring back memories, good and bad. It can remind you of a place, event or time of your life. One of my fondest memories centers around my grandmother, mom and aunt. Before Mom and my aunt were married, they went around to local churches singing and became known as the Kirk Trio. Mom played the accordion, my aunt the stand up bass and my grandmother, the rhythm guitar. Their signature song was Working On The Building. Here are the lyrics to the chorus... I'm working on the building, it's the true foundation I'm holdin’ up a blood-stained banner for my Lord Oh, I never get tired tired tired working on the building Goin’ up to heaven goin’ up to heaven to get my reward They still sang some at church after all the kids were born. As a youngster, I sat amazed at my family as they sang. I watched the people around me. Many clapping their hands, some tapping their foot, but all of them were caught up in the music. When the song was over, applause and a cry for more was heard. Mom sang the lead while my grandmother sang tenor and my aunt sang the alto part. Family harmonies blended and sent forth a message in song that simply meant, “Don’t give up!” You work hard but your reward for living a holy life is Heaven. These days, maybe we should listen more to the songs of old that had depth and meaning. Songs that sent a message of encouragement or thankfulness. Being a musician myself, I enjoy many styles of music. However, when I want to really get in touch with my roots and open up to God, it’s the old songs that help me enter into the courts of praise and worship. Amazing Grace is a song that never fails to remind me of the mercy God gives me daily. His grace and mercy are the only reasons I’m alive today and living for Him. Had I gotten the punishment I deserved, my bones would be resting six-feet-deep in a cemetery plot, but His grace allowed me a chance to be forgiven. We have come a long way from the brush arbors and the barn meetings, but have we really made progress? Does the new music usher us into the presence of Jehovah? Sometimes I believe it’s just a nice lyric with a catchy beat, not really a song that lifts up the name of Jesus. It’s nice to play the new songs, but Lord help me to never forget the old songs that got me where I am today. Amazing GraceAmazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. It was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. Through many dangers, toils and snares That we've have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought us safe so far And Grace will lead me home. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. I was blind, but now I see. Hope you enjoyed my stroll down memory lane with my sweet family. Grandmother, Mom and Aunt have gone to be with Jesus now. I have my grandmother’s guitar and my mom’s accordion. My cousin has her mom’s stand up bass. One of these days, I plan on hearing them sing again, but this time it will be heavenly voices. Until then, I plan on continuing to play my music and work on my building. If you want to go back to the old school gospel, here are a few selections for you to enjoy. Click any image to access them on Amazon.com. Remember everyone...B# and God bless you all!
Cheryl Johnson
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