Good morning Friday friends,
Once again, I am joining with Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. This day of writing has truly become one of my favorites. I pray all week for the Lord to give me the words for the writing prompt that Kate throws out. Then, I wake up on Friday morning…..early Friday morning, log onto Kate’s website, find the prompt, ask for writing guidance from Jesus, and then write like crazy for 5 minutes. I’ve met some of the neatest people through #FMFparty, and made some new friends. It really has been a blessing to me.
Today, the writing prompt is the word BECAUSE. When I saw it, my first reaction was whaaat??, Lord. Then, it came to me. Today, I offer a few words, and a video.
I had never heard the story of how the song Because He Lives was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither until I began researching for today’s prompt. In the 70s, the world was in turmoil, and the Gaither’s writing mojo had taken a vacation. Gloria had just given birth to one of their children, and they felt like it was such a bad time to bring a child into the world. In the midst of everything going on, the Lord gave Gloria one verse of the song….’how sweet to hold a newborn baby…..’Â . Then, some time later, Gloria’s Dad passed away. Once the funeral arrangements were made, Bill and Gloria left to do a concert, returning the next day for the funeral. The Lord gave Gloria another verse in the midst of her sorrow…..’and then one day, I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain….”.
Untold numbers of people have been ministered to by the Gaither’s song, Because He Lives. Perhaps you have. Take a moment to listen to it once again, performed by Bill Gaither and friends in Jerusalem at the site of the Empty Tomb. I’ve stood in the very place the Gaither friends are standing as they sing this marvelous song. I have sung this very song at the Garden Tomb, and honestly, it was one of the most holy experiences of my life. I cry tears of joy and hope every time I hear this song. I hope you will take a moment to watch and listen to the video, and worship our risen Lord. Be blessed, friends, BECAUSE JESUS LIVES!
Bill & Gloria Gaither -Because He Lives [Live] from bill-and-gloria-gaither on GodTube.