Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19
I hear a lot of parents raising children with disabilities say that worship music is a go-to for them when it comes to soul care. That should be no surprise given that it’s easy to turn on a song and continue with the daily art of multi-tasking our self care or soul care while simultaneously caring for others.
Music is accessible. It doesn’t rely on anyone else and takes little or no money to make it happen. It strikes an emotional chord, points us to Jesus, connects us to history, stirs a sense of nostalgia, and often has deeply therapeutic effect.
I am a caregiver with a demanding and complicated life. So, probably like you, I understand the frequent and desperate need for encouragement, peace, hope and strength. Finding healthy and godly ways to stay fueled up is so important to me! I also come from generations of music lovers and song writers.
My grandmother couldn’t read a note of music but played by ear and could make a piano or organ (and anyone nearby) dance! Her son (my dad) taught me to play guitar when I was five years old and, around that same time, completely refurbished an abandoned piano full of critters, a nest, and loads of dust that was sitting in an airplane hanger so mom could get me and my sister started in lessons.
I was writing songs at nine years old, the same age our daughter Erin later started composing.
Though Erin did learn to read music, she plays by ear like her great grandmother. She won a national songwriting competition when she was sixteen and has cut two EPs in the last few years. Our daughter Alex also plays beautifully and Carly, who is not verbal with Angelman Syndrome, finds her own unique voice in our piano room.
My husband Larry grew up with music too. He played multiple instruments in high school when his band director figured out he was flexible, willing, and a quick learner. Truly, our whole family cherishes music and frequently bonds with each other and our Lord through songs from a wide variety of genres.
The Christmas season is so near and some favorite music traditions are about to erupt around here. I usually hold off playing carols until right after Thanksgiving because Larry teasingly prefers it but I have already been able to sneak in some practice and he hasn’t rolled his eyes even once.
Music is more than just entertainment, isn’t it? It is nourishment for our souls. It soothes the melancholy and moves a hardened heart toward joy and laughter too. In desperate times, lonely moments, and when experiencing inexpressible joy, our hearts often hang on the threads of a melody or lyric. There are too many times to count when a tune comforted or strengthened me through impossibly difficult seasons. Some terrific ideas, perspectives or inspiration have also come to me while I’ve been listening to music.
Sometimes I just want quiet. But there are many times when I am very intentional to locate one or more songs on a specific theme for a clear purpose. For example, the song I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe delivers a healthy dose of reassurance when my husband is out of town and the full weight of caregiving responsibility is on me.
I have spoken with many other caregiving parents and special siblings who have favorite go-to music too. We tend to create mental playlists to help direct — or redirect, as the case may be — our mind and thoughts to helpful places.
So, we’ve been sharing playlists behind the scenes in the WRIM community lately. And it seemed like a fun and/or helpful opportunity to make this a more public effort and build our playlists together. After all, we understand each other and tend to know what will resonate and ease each other’s burdens.
I’ll start us off but I hope you’ll chime in with comments about what ministers to your own soul!
For many of us, music is more than just entertainment. It is nourishment for our souls.
NEEDING COMFORT Playlist
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, confused, discouraged, these are songs that have made their way to my playlists.
Some Current Faves
- Impossible Things by Sarah Kroger, Christy Nockels and Ginny Owens
- Peace by Bethel & We the Kingdom
- No Stranger by Natalie Grant
- Be Still by The Fray
- We Do Not Labor in Vain by Taylor Leonhardt and Janice Gaines
- Run to the Father by Matt Maher
- Halleluiah Even Here by Lydia Laird
A Couple of Highlights from My Past Playlists
- Christ Remains by Phil Driscoll
- After the Rain by Aaron Jeffrey
- Whatever Is Lovely by Michelle Wagner
- Arms of Love by Amy Grant
NEEDING STRENGTH Playlist
When I have needed a boost of confidence or reassurance that God is present, powerful and good lately, these have been some of my go-to worship songs.
Some Current Faves
- I Need a Ghost by Brandon Lake
- Rise Up by Christy Nockels and Ellie Holcomb
- My Weapon by Natalie Grant
- Way Maker by Leeland
- Wherever You Lead by Kristene Dimarco
- Who Would I Be by Erin Jamieson
A Couple of Highlights from My Past Playlists
NEEDING REMINDER THAT JESUS LOVES ME (and I LOVE HIM) Playlist
We can’t sing too often about the great love of God. I may already feel confident of it and just want to bring praise. But sometimes I just need to declare truth myself and let the Holy Spirit grow assurance into me in that supernatural way God works.
Some Current Faves
- So In Love by Isla Vista Worship
- This Time I Will Bring Praise by Leslie Jordan and Kelly Minter
- Holy Place by Taylor Leonhardt and Amy Grant
- I Speak Jesus by Charity Gayle
- Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb
A Couple of Highlights from My Past Playlists
- Blessed Assurance (traditional hymn but this link goes to one of my favorite versions)
- Come Alive by Erin Jamieson
What songs are on your recent or past playlists? Let’s share encouragement by pointing each other to inspiring content. It would be helpful and fun to see you share your personal faves in the comments below!
RELATED: Real Talk Livestream Christmas with Regie Hamm (music performance and interview with Lisa)
Lisa Jamieson is a caregiver consultant, pastoral counsellor and author of popular books and Bible studies including Finding Glory in the Thorns and Jesus, Let’s Talk. Lisa and her husband, Larry, live in Minnesota with the youngest of their three grown daughters, Carly, who has Angelman Syndrome. Together, the Jamiesons founded Walk Right In Ministries in 2008, a non-profit organization building faith and community with special needs families.
Thanks so much for this!!