Then Sings My Soul…

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory” Exodus 15:2

Addalyn was my singing partner; she didn’t care that mommy couldn’t carry a tune, she’d raise her voice with me and we’d sing every car ride and many times throughout the day, because life should be a musical. She loved mommy’s remixes and ability to find a song to fit any occasion.

Music has been a source of healing for me, but not just any music. I crave worship songs and any other christian song that expresses how I’m feeling.  I still enjoy an occasional secular song, but not as often as I used to.  Having my vocal cord issues has not helped (it’s not like I was a wonderful singer in the first place haha), but it also hasn’t stopped me from singing.  The speech therapist was surprised I could vocalize sounds with a paralyzed vocal cord and nodules on the other.  Apparently it paralyzed in just the right place for me to be able to vocalize sounds (it still cuts out randomly and I have almost no range , but a voice is a voice and I thank God for allowing me to keep it).

When I sing now it’s not just about the music or the beat, I connect and feel the lyrics I’m singing…it makes me cry at times (ok, pretty much daily), but it also makes me feel joy and hope for what’s to come, it also makes me laugh, oddly enough (mostly at myself and my voice being way off or completely cutting out when I’m trying to jam out in the car). I’m the one you can catch at a red light singing my heart out, and occasionally adding some moves, if needed. I need the reminders that others have been able to put into song. I have a pretty extensive play list right now that I listen to every day, but there are certain ones that I always have to skip through to find and listen to. The playlist that has these songs is still “untitled playlist” because I couldn’t think of what to name it…”life sucks?” “sing until it doesn’t hurt?” “make the pain stop?” there’s not really an appropriate name for it. I thought I’d share some of my top favorites, in case anyone else needs some songs to jam out to in your pain and remind yourself that God is good even though it doesn’t feel good at times.

Just Say Jesus by 7eventh Time Down

Press On by Building 429

Glow in the Dark by Jason Gray

Our God by Chris Tomlin

Exodus by My Strength and My Song

Stronger by Mandisa

Get Back Up by TobyMac

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

Wait and See by Brandon Heath

Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson

When I’m With You by Citizen Way

You Carry Me by Moriah Peters

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

Even If by MercyMe

Keep Getting Up by Mandisa

Lions by Skillet

You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music & Amanda Cook

Where I Belong by Building 429

Move (Keep Walkin’) by TobyMac

Make a Way by I Am They

Old Church Choir by Zach Williams

Promises by Sanctus Real

I’m sorry if your life sucks right now too, but this too will pass (and sometimes it might not pass until you leave this earth). In the meantime, crank up the music and make a joyful noise with me (mine is definitely a noise)!