I was not raised
in a Christian home, but had godly grandmothers, who poured God’s truths into
my life. They were polar opposites doctrinally, but their love for me forced
them to leave their spiritual "guns" at the door.
Life at home was difficult. My parents' unhappy marriage permeated every aspect of our home, which left me with some deep insecurities and deep hurts.
After I graduated from high school in 1975, my father's cousin and his wife took an interest in my life. They quickly picked up on my love for southern gospel music and purchased a ticket for me to attend a Gaither Trio concert in Oklahoma City. I was thrilled to get to see Bill, Gloria, and Danny Gaither perform live.
Henry and Hazel Slaughter started the evening off. Toes were tapping and hands were clapping to their lively tunes. After several songs, The Gaither Trio finally appeared. I don't remember many of the songs they sang that night except one - "Something Beautiful." The lyrics were so simple yet so profound.
Something beautiful. Something good.
All my confusion He understood.
All I had to offer Him was brokeness and strife,
But He made something beautiful of my life.
The Holy Spirit ministered to me that night in a way I had never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I sensed that God had a plan and purpose for my life. He wasn't going to waste one bit of my pain, but He would make "Something Beautiful" of my life.
That experience was almost 40 years ago. My husband and I have been married for 35 years and we have been honored to serve the congregation of the Gospel Lighthouse Church & Academy for more than 30 years. I am the mother of four married children and four adorable grandbabies. God fulfilled His promise. He made "Something Beautiful" of my life.
This past weekend I was able to meet one of my heroes - Gloria Gaither at her Songwriting Intensive in Alexandria, Indiana. It was a rich, full circle moment for me.
I wonder how many other lives have been changed forever when they heard the anointed lyrics of "Something Beautiful?"
As a writer, there have been times I've allowed the enemy of my soul to convince me that what I have written doesn't matter. Creative souls are usually ultra-sensitive and can become easily discouraged. We must be wise to Satan's tactics and not allow him to dishearten us. We never know when our words bring hope to the hopeless.
Keep writing for Jesus.
Life at home was difficult. My parents' unhappy marriage permeated every aspect of our home, which left me with some deep insecurities and deep hurts.
After I graduated from high school in 1975, my father's cousin and his wife took an interest in my life. They quickly picked up on my love for southern gospel music and purchased a ticket for me to attend a Gaither Trio concert in Oklahoma City. I was thrilled to get to see Bill, Gloria, and Danny Gaither perform live.
Henry and Hazel Slaughter started the evening off. Toes were tapping and hands were clapping to their lively tunes. After several songs, The Gaither Trio finally appeared. I don't remember many of the songs they sang that night except one - "Something Beautiful." The lyrics were so simple yet so profound.
Something beautiful. Something good.
All my confusion He understood.
All I had to offer Him was brokeness and strife,
But He made something beautiful of my life.
The Holy Spirit ministered to me that night in a way I had never experienced before. For the first time in my life, I sensed that God had a plan and purpose for my life. He wasn't going to waste one bit of my pain, but He would make "Something Beautiful" of my life.
That experience was almost 40 years ago. My husband and I have been married for 35 years and we have been honored to serve the congregation of the Gospel Lighthouse Church & Academy for more than 30 years. I am the mother of four married children and four adorable grandbabies. God fulfilled His promise. He made "Something Beautiful" of my life.
This past weekend I was able to meet one of my heroes - Gloria Gaither at her Songwriting Intensive in Alexandria, Indiana. It was a rich, full circle moment for me.
I wonder how many other lives have been changed forever when they heard the anointed lyrics of "Something Beautiful?"
As a writer, there have been times I've allowed the enemy of my soul to convince me that what I have written doesn't matter. Creative souls are usually ultra-sensitive and can become easily discouraged. We must be wise to Satan's tactics and not allow him to dishearten us. We never know when our words bring hope to the hopeless.
Keep writing for Jesus.
4 comments:
I needed to hear this today! Thank you so much!
So glad it helped you, Jaclyn. God knows your phone number. He will open doors for you. ;-)
Touched my heart! Thank you for sharing : ) God's love is so abounding, powerful message.
My sweet daughter-in-law Tasha,
You are part of what makes my life soooo beautiful. Love you sooo much.
Post a Comment