When Lyrics Speak - Praying Women

I told you this week would be all about moms. Here's another song as a tribute to the moms, grandmothers and mother figures in our lives. If you haven't taken the time to listen to the song "Praying Women" by Lindsay Huggins, definitely do! Lindsay and I both share today what this song means to us and how we are thankful for the praying women in our lives.




From Lindsay Huggins - 

"Praying Women", written by Lee Black, Marcia Henry, and Kenna Turner West, is one of those songs that I just knew I had to record. The demo sent to me was just a piano / vocal demo, probably recorded on somebody's iPhone, but the heart of the song rang through loud and clear.

I was immediately gripped because it speaks about the foundation of faith built by a woman's prayers. Specifically, the song speaks of a mother's prayers. For me, that hit home in a big way.

My mother ("Mama") prayed the prayer of salvation with me on the living room couch when I was 13 years old. I still remember sitting there and her listening to what was on my heart and how God was speaking to me. She guided me through some scriptures and then we prayed and I asked Jesus into my heart.

Her prayers for me had started long before that day, and I know they continue even now. I remember her praying as we drove to school in the mornings She'd call out the names of folks we knew that needed a touch from Heaven, and she always prayed for the things my sister and I would be facing at school that day - a math test, an audition, our interaction with our peers. I'm sure I didn't always appreciate just how much that would mean in my life back then...specially during the middle school years! :) But looking back, that sticks out to me.

Now I'm a mother. My husband and I have a 3-year-old son, and now I have the responsibility of being a praying mother. I kneel by Tanner's little bed at night and help guide him through thanking God for family, friends, and the blessings of the day. I look forward to the day that he will make the decision to invite Jesus into his heart. What a joy it would be for me to pray that prayer with him like Mama prayed with me.

I realize not every Christian woman had the same upbringing. But we all have an influence on those around us - our neighbors, friends, sisters, maybe the young people in your church. I was ministering at a women's event recently where two ladies shared about their experience of leading their own mothers to Christ later in life. How wonderful! It's never too late to start laying the foundation of faith for those around us. What better way to be remembered than for somewhere to know that you prayed for them? "God hears the prayers of praying women."

From Lauren - 

I remember driving in my car when I first heard the song “Praying Women.” I thought I might have to pull over because it was a struggle to see through the tears. I immediately thought of my grandmothers. My grandmothers have both had significant influence in my spiritual life. Both are incredible prayer warriors.

Both grandmothers served in their churches playing the piano and always being willing to step in and teach a class. I had the privilege to grow up in the same church as one of them. She taught me many Wednesday nights and VBS classes instilling the Word of God in me. She took me with her to ladies’ Bible studies when I was just barely old enough to understand.

However, when I heard this song a conversation I immediately thought of a conversation I had with my other grandmother. I was with her after getting some disappointing news and was upset. She looked at me and told me that she had been praying. She said she was praying not that things would work out like I wanted but how God wanted for my life. She’ll never know how much that moment meant to me. She loved me enough to know that God’s best was ultimately always for my best even if I didn’t see it at the time. I knew that through her prayers God would see me through.

I know first-hand the power of praying women. I’m thankful for the ones God has placed in my life - my grandmothers, my mom and many other women who have prayed for me. There’s no doubt I am who I am today because of praying women.

She Loved - When Lyrics Speak - Mother's Day

My mother and I have always, I think, had a good relationship. We didn’t go through a lot of the typical teenage angst between mother and daughter. There might have been a few several tense moments in the junior high years that usually ended up with one or both of us in tears, but we survived.

My mom and I are different in a lot of ways. I’m a lot more reserved than my mom. Just ask me about an NSYNC concert experience when I was 13. :) I wish I had more of her tenacity and gumption. And nobody knows how to love like my mom does. Yes, of course, she loves our family. But, the way she shows love for others is the way I really wish I was more like her.

My mom has spent most of her career working with special needs children. I got the chance to work alongside her one summer before my senior year of college. I soaked up the time knowing it would probably really be my last time living with my parents. That summer I got a front row seat to see her in her element. I witnessed the way she helped those kids and loved on them. Not only were they facing an uphill battle in terms of their mental abilities but who knows what they faced at home. It didn't matter, my mom treated them all the same. She wanted to help them to the best of her ability knowing that they left her classroom that summer better than they were in the beginning.

She has always been the one when she hears of people in need pitching in to buy clothes for kids at school or encouraging my brother and me to donate old toys. I confess I was not a willing participant a lot of times on the last point. I can remember many church camp trips when girls came home wearing more of Mom's clothes then their own because they ran out or forgot to pack something. She was always there pitching in helping whoever needed it.

For Mother’s Day, there’s definitely one song that comes to mind for my mom.

Stronger by Kathy Crabb Hannah - Book Review

With Mother's Day this weekend, it only seems fitting that posts this week be about mothers. Kathy Crabb Hannah, matriarch of the Crabb Family, released a book earlier this year entitled Stronger. The book is her life story in her words.

I lucked out to get this book during one of Arkansas' snow weekends. Let me say, it was a good thing I was home not able to get out and go to work because I was immediately caught up in her story. I didn't put the book down and finished it in less than 24 hours.

I love the conversational style that Kathy has in the book. It's just like she were sitting across the table from talking about her life over a piece of birthday cake and Diet Coke. You can hear her voice in it just as she would tell it to you. She's real. The book is completely authentic and completely her. I love that.

Kathy goes through her life from her father's death to when she was attacked in a parking lot to how she met her husband Steve Hannah. She shares details of circumstances she's overcome. You can read the faith story of how the Crabb Family got started, the blood, sweat and tears that went into the ministry. You might only know Kathy from the Crabb Family, but don't miss the incredible story of her life she shares. Stronger couldn't be more appropriately named after reading her story.

She's a proud mom, and she has every right to be. She shares about each of her kids and each of her grandkids throughout the book. You can tell that they are her heart. The mother's love she has for all of them just exudes from the pages. With grown kids now, she mentions that she likes being the one they still count one, the one who will get the call when they need someone. When the Bowling Family had their bus wreck, she talks about putting life on hold to take care of them.

You'll be inspired by her story. You will be able to see how God has worked in her life from an early age. Readers will leave the book seeing what can happen when you place your life and your faith in God. God is woven throughout her story, how He orchestrates every detail, how He protects and gives strength when we have none. Her story is one of faith. I've tried not to share too many specifics from the book because I want you to read it for yourselves, but here's some of her words from the last chapter:

"We are all the same. Yes, I am, in many ways, just like you. I may get angry today; I may feel blessed tomorrow; I may possibly be a tiny bit bitter the next day. However, the thread that weaves through every thought that this hyperactive brain churns out is this: God is faithful."

I told you, she's completely real. The book is a great reminder that we all have a story to tell. It's whether or not we use our story for God's glory.

I'm sure a lot of gospel fans will want to read the book because of the Crabb Family aspect and want to hear behind the scenes stories of the family. And yes, there are those, but don't miss the heart of the book. This book is the story of a woman who has overcome incredible circumstances and stands today "stronger."

The book is available now at http://kathycrabbhannah.com. Order it today!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - May 2

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in gospel music -

• Doug Anderson announced this week that he will be leaving Ernie Haase and Signature Sound effective June 20. He was the group's original baritone singer. Read more here.
• Karen Peck and New River released their concept video "Pray Now." View it here. The group is hosting an online prayer meeting on May 7. Fans can submit their requests via the group's social media channels. On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Karen will host an online prayer meeting. Keep an eye on Karen Peck and New River's social media for more details.
• Jerrel Owens, father of Shaye Smith (Chuck Wagon Gang), passed away this week. He passed away of liver failure. Please be in prayer for the family.
• Current and former members of Gold City announced the Heritage of Gold Reunion Tour this week. The tour will pay tribute to Tim Riley and will kick off in July in Gadsden, Alabama. In addition to Gold City, it will feature LeFevre Quartet and Wilburn & Wilburn as well as Jay Parrack and Steve Ladd for special appearances. Read more here.
• Dustin Simmons and Josh Simpson have both left Mercy's Well. Brad Strider issued an open letter this week. Both members will be serving in local churches. Pray for the group during the time of transition.

Any other news that I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Jeff Chapman - On the Couch With Fouch

Happy Friday to all! Matthew Fouch (Legacy Five) released his latest "On the Couch With Fouch" interview today. If you haven't checked out his channel with all of his interviews, click here.

The video for May is an interview with Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs. Check it out below!