February 27, 2019

Song #390

I am one of the reluctant people who have not embraced newer songs or different kinds of music. I am stuck in the ’70s, listening to songs that remind me of academy and college years. I decided to record songs I enjoyed on a thumb drive so I could listen to them while traveling.

I recorded two different types of songs — the best of the ’70s and spiritual songs that included the Wedgewood Trio, The King’s Heralds, The Heritage Singers, and many more.

It was a fall day this past October and I was driving home from an appointment with a surgeon who informed me I had cancer. I was devastated. Members of my family have died from different cancers. Thoughts were racing through my mind about all the scenarios of what could happen. I remember praying out loud to God, asking for reassurance that things would be okay.

Back to my music – the thumb drive that has the best of the ’70s contains 415 recorded songs. When I turned on the power to play my music, song #390 started to play. Tears started to dampen my face as I pulled over. Song #390 was “A Mighty Fortress” by The King’s Heralds. How it ended up on the ’70s thumb drive is no longer a mystery to me. It was the song I needed at that moment, and reassurance that God was with me in my condition came over me like a warm blanket.

Recently I met with a medical team at the University of Michigan. After reviewing several tests, I was told my prognosis was good to becoming cancer-free. Regardless of the outcome, I entered surgery with a sense of peace, knowing I was in God’s hands.

Part of the lyrics say, “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.” I claim these words every day.

I am reminded of Isaiah 65:24, Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.