In so many ways, this house will always represent home to me and my oldest brother, Keith. Although this place and our grandparents (who made it our home) are now gone, they are not really lost to us at all. Because of our Savior, all that is good will be restored again. Still, feeling loss is often painful and part of our life experience and trial of our faith.
When Keith was a struggling new missionary in Detroit, Michigan, and our grandmother was losing her battle with cancer, I began to turn to the messages of the hymns, trusting in God to strengthen my brother, and praying that he might remember our grandmother who loved him so much. One of our grandma’s favorite hymns was “I Know That My Redeemer Lives:”
“He lives, to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above. He lives, my hungry soul to feed. He lives, to bless in time of need…. He lives, to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears…. He lives, and grants me daily breath. He lives, and I shall conquer death. He lives, my mansion to prepare… He lives to bring me safely there.”
This was the very first arrangement I finished, in the year 2001. Several years later, was able to put it on paper, with Kevin Memley’s help. Jackman Music published it as a choral piece in 2014. I hope you’ll check out the fully orchestrated mp3 version of this song here!
Happy Easter. everyone! I know that our Redeemer lives, and that He loves every single one of us!
~Christie
