It is often out the depths of our own experiences that He calls us to minister to others, teach, write, and compose music that touches others. We learned again and again while doing research for this book that the personal experiences of the authors and composers influenced the words and music they wrote.
Each hymn and its message becomes so much more meaningful when you come to know the author and composer and the story that led to the writing of the song.
These stories are true and validated from as many sources as we could acquire. There is always the challenge of mortal memory, inaccurate interpretations, and faulty documents, but we have done the best we could to cross-reference and check the facts.
It is our hope and prayer that this book and the included stories will strengthen and affirm your faith and that of others, that it will draw you closer to the Almighty, and cause you to sing with greater intent, more power, hope, and joy.