BREAKING PROTOCOL
-Our Journey of Sunflowers & Rainbows-
June 19, 2023
My entire life as been surrounded by some form of music. My Dad’s side of the family loved to get together to sing and play guitars. As a “young’un,” as my Daddy Paul (Great-Grandfather) would call us kids, I might have gotten bored but I knew that this was something special the adults did. These gatherings usually happened at the home of my Great Grandparents, Opal and Paul McDonald. I have so many memories from these gatherings which seemed to always include a few songs that were staples: “The Crawdad Song,” “Waiting for a Train,” “Fox Chase,” “Rubber Dolly,” and made-up jokes among many other melodies that will forever be etched in my memory.
Music stayed in my family as Dad eventually came to lead Praise and Worship at many churches. So did my Granny. Once the time was right, I began to lead Praise and Worship as well. Little did I know how POWERFUL a song could be and how it would ONLY MAKE SENSE that music would become an important part in ALL of my children’s lives from playing the piano, to guitar, drums, and singing.
As we led youth, one of my favorite songs to lead was called “Here in Your Presence.” Although Rachel was never exactly “musically inclined,” a few years before she went to heaven, Rachel Jennings Lam confided to me that this was a very special song to her and why. In 2006 while spending the night away from home the Holy Spirit discernment kicked in and, although she was only 15 years old, Rachel knew that something inappropriate was about to happen. Overwhelmed with fear, she silently pleaded for the Lord to intervene as the words to that song “Here in Your Presence” began to permeate her entire being. She fell asleep and came home unharmed. What the enemy meant for harm back then is NOW part of a testimony. To this day, every time I lead that song I can see my Rachel’s face lit up in a way that I simply do not have words to describe.
I looked for Scripture reference on this in reference to Rachel going to heaven and my problems with the way it happened. The circumstances surrounding Rachel’s death were during the pandemic when family could not be with her, she was on paralytics, and sedated on a ventilator for 31 days. It is my belief she felt this same comfort as she did during that night when she was 15. Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will upfold you with my right hand.”
Here In Your Presence (Live)
New Life Worship, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Found in Your hands
Fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away
Here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display
Here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdoms are standing amazed
Here in Your presence
We are undone
Here in Your presence
Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence
All things are new
Here in Your presence
Everything bows before You
Wonderful
Beautiful
Glorious
Matchless in every way
Rachel's Voice 