Once Again, the Dust Has Settled

Once again the dust has settled, but wow, what a weekend 'twas! As far as I can tell, the Susie Edwards Memorial Concert was one total success. Again taking cues from Honey in the gratitude department, here are some people and things for which I am thankful tonight (knowing full well I'll miss something important):

• All the singers and instrumentalists who went the distance rehearsing and performing magnificently. Many of them came from a great distance to participate and celebrate with our family Honey's life. Apparently, the Herd has not disbanded and a bunch of them are fine singers of "the Christian song."
• My brother, Randy, who put the very meaningful program together and pulled it off with precision and excellence, and for his assistant, Tina McCartney, whose demeanor is much like Honey's. 
• The staff of First Baptist Church, particularly Joe Fitzpatrick, Laurie Hall, and Wesley Lankford, who hosted the event and tended to the many details that went with it. 
• Kim Hester who worked two sides of the three-sided table -- Celebrating Grace and FBC Nashville Music Staff as accompanist. 
• Weslee and Nathan, their families and in-laws who shared the weekend with me and made it even more special. 
• Friends from near and far who attended the concert or watched the live-stream to remember and celebrate Honey again, more than a year after her death. 
• Tom McAfee and Celebrating Grace staffers Janet Jarriel, Kim Hester, and Mary Ruth Welch who have worked tirelessly to bring the Notes From Susie book from suggestion to reality. 
• Don Beehler, book editor and cheerleader
• Everyone who generously contributed to the Children's Freedom Choir
• People who cut me slack signing books last night when I couldn't for the life of me think of their names, people I've known for years. I'm still red-faced! 

I told you I'd forget something important. 

Those are day-after objects of gratitude. The thing that kept washing over me last night during the concert was gratitude that Honey and I were allowed to serve as that church in the first place and for almost a whole career. I sat alongside many women and men in seminary who would have enjoyed serving at FBC Nashville just like we did, but we were given the opportunity. There's only one explanation for that -- GIFT! Whoa, I miss that gal and certainly did during last night's wonderful music. But sitting there perusing row after row of current, former, and distant choir singers, seeing/greeting/hugging orchestra players who played for us all those years, looking upward to that cross-shaped support holding that majestic room together, enjoying the room's natural acoustic that fosters glorious congregational singing of timeless hymns, being inspired by long-time friends Cynthia Clawson singing and hubby Ragan Courtney speaking, then capped off hearing/seeing sweet Somerlie -- who grew up in our church -- play forth her heart and soul flawlessly through that oboe on "Susie's Gratitude" -- oh my soul! GIFT! That's it. GIFT! Like salvation. 

My heart is full. How can I keep from singing?

Notes From Susie books will begin shipping tomorrow from our Macon (GA) warehouse. Thanks for your patience. Production didn't move along as quickly as we anticipated. But they are here now and look great. You still may order via this link: http://www.celebrating-grace.com/notes-from-susie-choosing-gratitude-in-life-s-low-places 

Here is a song written by my brother for last night's concert: 

 As we walk the way with Jesus, many challenges we face. 

Fear, despair, and loneliness sometimes impede the race.

So we hope and pray and listen, always seeking the right choice, 

as we follow Jesus' words and listen for His voice. 

In the middle of the journey Christ comes to light our way.

In the midst of our great trials there is peace. 

In the center of the darkest night there's hope and comfort sweet. 

In the middle of the journey there is peace.

Let us then be true and faithful, giving thanks for each new day,  

showing grace in everything, in all we do and say.

For we know that life in Jesus is much more than here and now. 

Soon we'll gather 'round His throne, and there we'll humbly bow. 

In the middle of the journey Christ comes to light our way.

In the midst of our great trials there is peace. 

In the center of the darkest night there's hope and comfort sweet. 

In the middle of the journey there is peace.

In the Middle of the Journey -- Randy Edwards, 2016

Blessings, dear friends. 
-Mark

This is the Big Week by Mark Edwards

Well, this is the big week. According to the planners -- which barely includes me -- things seems to be coming together for the "Honey" Memorial Concert Saturday evening at 6. It's going to be magnificent. Here's the link to more of the specifics and  a link to perhaps share with others: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1728143354107536/

I hope you can attend, but second best would be to watch the live-stream on the First Baptist Church, Nashville website -- https://www.firstbaptistnashville.org/media/streaming-services-and-events/

Our regular Tuesday morning Bible Study group met this morning and there was talk about all the goings-on this weekend when Rusty's tongue-in-cheek comment was something to the effect that, "all the hoopla in her memory would be just as Honey would have wanted!" Yeah, right! Then, Jason chimed in with, "I'm going to do my part in her memory by going to the main parking lot entrance and greeting people." I'm not completely sure how heaven works, but if she's aware of all this down here, she's scratching her head in total wonderment. Still, it's nice to see and hear who is coming from far and near -- she'd be all over that part for sure! 

The accompanying big deal is that the Notes From Susie books have arrived. Whoohoo! The final prep took longer than we expected but once we released the manuscript to the printer, they delivered finished books in three days. We are still impressed! The book is exactly four hundred pages, but only 370 are Honey and me -- mostly her. Nathan and Weslee each wrote a few pages about how they coached their kids through Honey's illness and death, and my brother Randy wrote a couple of updates toward the end of Honey's life. Our friend Ragan Courtney wrote the Foreward -- as only her can do; and our friend Gordon Brown designed the cover -- as only he can do. We couldn't be more pleased with the book, and, as Tom McAfee reminded me, it will be especially good down the road for the grandkids. Thanks, Tom, for that reminder and the opportunity to share our story. Books may be purchased or picked-up Saturday night or ordered online -- http://www.notesfromsusie.com/. Shipping begins Monday. 

(What would we do without website links?)

Life has not slowed down much at all. Last week, I finally completed a couple of fun but odd-job projects in the shop for two friends. I like minor but interesting shop projects -- those that a real woodworker doesn't have time to mess with and can't make a living at; but many times they are more to me like a puzzle I enjoy figuring out. But, the best thing is that I get to use my vision statement -- "I may not be very good at this, but I AM slow!" Maybe around Christmas I'll remember to show you the interesting project just completed for my neighbor across the sidewalk. We bartered that project -- I built the piece and she made my yard attractive. Win-win! 

I also continue to do little church music on the side -- two Sundays recently at Forrest Hills Baptist Church for Wayne, mentoring the musicians at nearby Brentwood UMC, and standing in for Joe downtown some in the next couple of weeks. As they say, "it's wonderful work if you can get it." So, maybe I should change my business cards to "Music Minister At-Large" -- or not! 

Sunday was Pentecost which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower the church. Here's an old hymn set to a thirteenth-century plainsong that we could have sung. I love it. 

Gracious Spirit, dwell with me, I would gracious be;

help me now Thy grace to see, I would be like Thee; 

and, with words that help and heal, Thy life would mine reveal;

and, with actions bold and meek, for Christ my Savior speak.

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me, I would truthful be; 

help me now Thy truth to see, I would be like Thee; 

and, with wisdom kind and clear, Thy life in mine appear; 

and, with actions, lovingly, speak Christ's sincerity.

Holy Spirit, dwell with me, I would holy be; 

show Thy mercy tenderly, make me more like Thee; 

separate from sin I would and cherish all things good, 

and whatever I can be give Him who gave me Thee. 

Mighty Spirit, dwell with me, I would mighty be; 

help me now Thy power to see, I would be like Thee;

'gainst all weapons hell can wield, be Thou my strength and shield;

let Thy word my weapon be, Lord, Thine the victory.

Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me - Thomas Toke Lynch, 1855

Looking forward to seeing many of our Herd this weekend. 
-- Mark

From Posts to Pages: Don Beehler, Editor of Notes From Susie

Mark and I met a few weeks after Susie passed away. 

Jimmy Hester, a friend and former LifeWay client of mine, called one day to discuss a possible new book project. Having spent my career in the communications business, I've done quite a bit of writing over the past three decades, including co-authoring or ghostwriting books, so I was looking forward to hearing what he had in mind. 

Jimmy explained that the wife of a friend and member of his Sunday School class had just died from cancer. The couple, Mark and Susie Edwards, posted regular updates on Facebook about their experiences during their two-year journey. 

In these posts they openly and honestly shared the good and not-so-good times in dealing with Susie's cancer, as well as how much hymns of faith ministered to them each day. What made these updates so inspiring was how each one was characterized by an attitude of faith, joy, and gratitude - regardless of the circumstances. 

Following Susie's death, Celebrating Grace approached Mark to publish a book based on these Facebook updates. A number of people had independently urged Mark to consider turning the online journal into a book as well because of the potential the Edwards' insights and reflections had to minister to others. Jimmy asked if I would like to get together with Mark to discuss the project. Without a moment's hesitation, I said yes. 

Jimmy arranged a breakfast meeting for the three of us at the First Watch restaurant in Brentwood. Mark, I soon discovered, is one of those individuals you can't help but like. He quickly disarms you with his friendliness and candor, his delightful sense of humor and his aw-shucks demeanor. He's down-to-earth, yet clearly has a strong faith in Jesus. He had just experienced tremendous loss, yet there was no sense of gloom or despair in him. 

It didn't take long for me to realize that Mark is godly man who loves his Lord, his wife, and his family. And now, his beloved partner for so many years had departed this world for her new residence in heaven. Happy for her, sad for him and the family. Isn't that always the paradox of death when a loved one who dies in Christ passes into eternity?

Much as I wanted to help Mark tell this remarkable story, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to find in these updates. They were written to friends and family, with no thought at the time of one day putting them into a book of hope and inspiration for others on a similar journey. 

I didn't know how well it would work to try to turn a journal of Facebook posts into a book, but I was eager to read through them because it sounded like Mark and Susie has a story that was worth sharing. Boy, was that an understatement! 

Some of the early posts were routine updates, with special callouts of thanks for that day's meal train and special acts of kindness that had been bestowed -- often in creative ways -- by friends, neighbors, Sunday School members, and others. Nice, but nothing that people outside their circle would find particularly interesting. However, as time went by and Susie's disease progressed, the posts became much more in-depth and insightful. Time and time again, I was amazed at how Susie found things for which to give thanks even when she was feeling awful or had received bad news that day. 

I also was struck by the role hymns played in Mark's and Susie's lives, how they brought them closer together and ministered in ways that nothing else could quite replicate. Prayer, the word of God, and the fellowship of the saints all strengthen us during a crisis, but there's something about musical praise that soothes our souls in a special way. 

Mark and Susie were downright engaging communicators, and the high quality of their writing made my job as editor so much easier! Of course, Susie has lots of practice because she was a prolific writer of notes of encouragement to literally hundreds of people. 

I am so grateful to have had a small part in bringing this book from concept to reality. Mark was truly a pleasure to work with each step of the way, and he soon became more friend than client. My only regret is that I didn't have a chance to meet Susie in person, but I know I will one day, because I share her and Mark's faith in Jesus. In fact, after reading and editing Notes from Susie, I feel as though I've come to know her now.

Don Beehler
Editor, Notes from Susie

"When We Know We Are Not Alone" by Kim Hester

Learning that a family member or friend has cancer is never welcome news. Even though it has been 16 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my heart aches when I hear that someone I care about must undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation with the side effects these treatments bring.

Our family had been friends with the Edwards family for 28 years when Susie received her diagnosis. We worshipped and served together at First Baptist Nashville, and Mark and I worked closely as staff members at First Baptist and later at Celebrating Grace. So it was particularly tough for our family to learn of Susie’s cancer diagnosis since we had, “been there and done that.”

My thoughts immediately turned to my own experience as I considered ways that we could help Susie, Mark and their family navigate the journey ahead. There were the practical ways to make everyday life manageable—food, transportation to medical appointments, and keeping Susie company when Mark had to be away—and the ministry of encouragement through cards, calls, and flowers. But a couple of more specific helps for cancer patients came to mind.

One of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy for women is hair loss. For me, the thought of wearing a wig for 9 months to a year was overwhelming (along with the uncertainty of what my hair might look like when it did come back). My thoughtful friend Tricia offered to take me wig shopping, and the task was not nearly as intimidating with someone to offer support and give a trusted opinion. Once I learned Susie would have chemotherapy following her surgery, I knew we would plan a similar outing.

After researching options and learning there was a great wig shop just a couple of miles from Susie’s house, I picked her up for our adventure. Tricia, a First Baptist member who has known Susie longer than I, met us there and we all tried on wigs—long, short, blond, gray, straight and curly. (This being Nashville there were some great “country music star” options!) Even though Susie was feeling the fatigue of chemotherapy, she was a great sport as we laughed together and enjoyed a little silliness. Then, we turned our attention to the serious business of selecting just the right wig. Susie tried one, then another, then yet another. Back to the first one again. She decided on her new look, and we agreed her chosen style made her look 10 years younger! It was a fun day for all three of us.

In many of her Facebook posts, Susie made a list of items for which she was thankful on that particular day. She usually went on to say that having been the recipient of varying types of ministry, she would know better how to minister to others going through a similar illness. Much can be learned from those who have walked the road before us.

May 8-14, 2016, is designated National Women’s Health Week. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority. Susie would agree—get active, eat healthy, see your doctor for preventative screenings. None of us wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” But the journey is bearable when we know we are not alone.

Kim Hester, 
Friend and Cancer Survivor

Death Didn't Stop Susie's Ministry by Lonnie Wilkey

It’s hard to believe that nearly 14 months have passed since God called Susie Edwards home to heaven. She died March 24, 2015 after a three-year battle with cancer.

For more than 27 years Susie was the “voice” of the Baptist and Reflector. Call our general office number and more than likely Susie was the “voice” you heard. But Susie was far more than just a voice.

She had a number of duties besides serving as receptionist for the Baptist and Reflector. She assumed a multitude of tasks under the designation “other duties as assigned” and some that were not assigned.  She was the unofficial “Mr. Fix-it” for the B&R. In the “old” days (when I joined the B&R staff in 1988) we used a typesetting machine to set type that we had to cut and paste and place on layout pages. We had a wax machine in which we would run the copy through before pasting it on the page.

As one might expect, that machine could get really nasty. Susie, as was her nature, couldn’t handle that, so she took it upon herself to clean it occasionally. It never failed. Susie would take the wax machine apart, clean it, and always have at least one screw left over when she put it back together. But regardless of the number of times Susie cleaned that machine it held together until the day we “retired” it when we became computerized.

Susie’s favorite title and assignment, however, was self-proclaimed. She was the B&R’s official “hall minister.” On Tuesday of each week she would deliver the paper to offices throughout what was then known as the “Baptist Center.”

After Susie’s death I wrote a blog and mentioned that Susie could take a 10-minute task and turn it into an hour. Actually, she could and sometimes did turn it into more than an hour, but that was okay.

Susie truly was a minister to her friends and colleagues. She always had a sympathetic ear and was willing to listen and “just be there” when someone had a need or problem. Susie loved people and they knew it. They loved her back, even those who never met her.

It was amazing that after Susie’s death, I heard from people she had talked to over the years who mourned her death. Though they never met her in person, they considered Susie a “close friend.” That was the impact she had on people.

Though Susie is gone, her ministry continues.

During Susie’s bout with cancer, she and her husband Mark would frequently post “Notes from Susie” to keep everyone informed. Susie was known for sending cards/notes to people— whether it be for a special occasion in someone’s life or just a “thinking of you” note.

After Susie’s death, Mark, with the encouragement and support of many people, decided to publish Susie’s notes as a book entitled Notes from Susie: Choosing Gratitude in Life’s Low Places. The book is Susie and Mark’s way of continuing to minister to others as she so dearly loved to do.

Walking through a valley (especially the valley of cancer) is difficult. Susie walked through that valley with dignity and it was obvious to those who knew her best. Even through her darkest days Susie was able to lift the spirits of those around her.

This book details their struggles and the happy moments of her final three years. Though it was cancer, there would always be “happy moments” if Susie was involved. I would encourage you to read the book and even give it to a friend or couple who may be walking through a valley now. It will encourage them and remind them of the hope and strength they have through Jesus Christ.

The book will be available for distribution in conjunction with the Susie Edwards Memorial Concert to be held May 21 at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Nashville.  The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.youthcue.org/programs/susie-edwards-memorial-concert.

To order the book, visit www.NotesfromSusie.com.

Both the book and the concert are special ways to honor a special lady.

by Lonnie Wilkey, 
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

This post has been reposted with permission from the Baptist and Reflector. You can view the original article at: http://baptistandreflector.org/death-didnt-stop-susies-ministry/ 

How We Made It Through by Mark Edwards: Part Four

The past three blog posts have been an attempt to articulate some of God’s special provisions for Honey and me as we navigated her hard journey with cancer and her death a little more than a year ago. This fourth and final installment in the series relates the role hymns played in that journey.

Both Honey and I grew up with hymns. There was always a stack of hymnals on the piano or in the piano bench in both of our growing-up homes. All the kids in the house took piano lessons, one goal of which was to be able to play hymns. Both families were among the “every-time-the-doors-are-open” attenders at their respective steeples and every gathering of those congregations began by singing at least a hymn or two.

Honey’s mother was a soloist in their church choir, and my father was the volunteer music director in ours. I come from a long line of arm-waving music directors in churches. I played hymns at home by ear before I learned to read. In large measure, hymnody has been my life so much so that one time my minister of music brother told me I was a walking hymnal. (I think it was a complement – not sure.) So Honey and I were steeped in a strong hymnic tradition; hymns were our native tongue and through the years, their timeless message had sunk deeply into our hearts.

Serving as a career minister of music some forty years in the local church, then “retiring” to help build the Celebrating Grace Hymnal, we handled hymns nearly every day. But we found first-hand that knowing hymns is good, but living into them is a different matter and the greater good. Amid the battle of her illness, that which we had “hidden in our hearts” all our lives sprang forth anew as wonderful words of life.

The compilers of the Bible as we know it realized the value and importance of hymnody to the extent that they placed the book of Psalms – the Hebrew hymnal – in the middle of the manuscript where it could be found quickly. The Psalms give voice to the many moods of Christian life – praise, confession, supplication, lament, deliverance, thanksgiving – and so does a good hymnal.

Just three years before Honey got sick, the Celebrating Grace Hymnal was released and it had been my joy, privilege, and delight to have played a major role in its development. (I will forever be grateful to Mr. Tom McAfee for giving me a front row seat at that table.) I am convinced that working on that hymnal was part of God’s plan for Honey and me. During that time we vetted more than 2,500 hymns, resulting in a book that is fresh, rich, and absolutely timeless. During Honey’s illness we lived in that hymnal; it was like discovering a new Book of Psalms - literally.

I’m convinced that God did not cease revealing Himself to humankind when the Bible came into being. Hymnody seems to be God’s more recent revelation. A good hymn, like a Biblical psalm, is sturdy enough to be studied and substantive enough to sustain. And like a psalm, the more a well-crafted hymn is examined, the more evident its riches become.

Here is the first hymn – an 1844 model – we used in the more than three hundred Facebook posts Honey and I wrote during our journey. It was a constant reminder how the Christian life is to be lived no matter the circumstances.

We walk by faith and not by sight.
No gracious words we hear
from Him who spoke as none e’er spoke;
but we believe Him near.

We may not touch His hands and side,
nor follow where He trod;
but in His promise we rejoice,
and cry “My Lord and God!”

And when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clearer light
may we behold You as You are,
with full and endless sight.

(Refrain)

We walk by faith and not by sight,
led by God pure and holy Light!
Prepare us for the journey, Lord,
and may we know Your power and might,
as we walk by faith and not by sight.

We Walk by Faith – Henry Alford (stanzas); Lloyd Larson (refrain)

 - Mark

Video: The Language of Hymns

The Language of Hymns: Notes from Susie from Celebrating Grace on Vimeo.

Susie and Mark Edwards' children, Weslee and Nathan, explain how hymn texts were used in everyday language in their home. This helps explain the sustaining power of hymn texts during Susie's two year battle with cancer and how she and Mark used them to buoy themselves and others during difficult times.  

Video: Mark speaks to Choral Festival attendees in Jacksonville, Florida, Part I

Please enjoy this video, the first of a two-part series, recorded live at the Inspire! National Choral Festival. It features excerpts from Mark Edwards' personal reflections on Notes from Susie: Choosing Gratitude in Life's Low Places. In Part One, Mark shares the story of his life with Susie, his wife whom he called "Honey", and their journey with terminal illness. The Festival took place in Jacksonville, Florida, in April, earlier this year. 

Reaction to Mark Edwards' Presentation: 

Mark Edwards has been a model of ministry in my life for years.  His mind, his music, his worship leadership and philosophy, and his overall ministry have helped to shape who I am and what I do.  A special strength of his life and work has always been the implementation of hymns.  These time-tested expressions of faith are integral to Mark’s effectiveness as a mentor, minister and friend.

It was not surprising, then, that his use of hymn texts was so incredibly significant in his presentation of NOTES FROM SUSIE.  I recently heard this presentation in Florida, to a room filled with hymn lovers and singers.  I noted that my response was similar to the  tears and nods of appreciation from across the room as Mark shared the story and resultant impact of the journey he and his beloved Susie had travelled during the months following her cancer diagnosis.  His words of wisdom about gratitude, his four pillars of description of God’s provision, and his use of so many poignant and powerful hymn texts (recited from memory!) were all incredible aspects to the presentation.

I heartily recommend NOTES FROM SUSIE to you.  The book itself, of course, coupled with Mark’s potent, effective presentation about its process and impact, are highly inspirational.   I was encouraged in the faith and found my spirit both soothed and strengthened.

Billy Orton, Minister of Music and Worship
First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL

How We Made It Through by Mark Edwards: Part Three

In this spot a couple weeks ago, I identified four ways - in addition to God's ever-presence and unconditional love - God provided for Honey and me during her illness and since her death in March 2015. 

You may remember the first and primary provision was simply who Honey was. The second was the unbelievable support system - our Herd - of friends and family, people we knew and some we still have never met. This third stanza speaks to all the writing she and I have done the past three years. 

Nearly fifty years ago, a cousin and I were sharing ongoing experiences from our respective college campuses, and I distinctly remember him reporting that his journalism class required that he write a piece every day. Apparently, that nugget impressed me mightily because it's the only thing that stuck. To have to sit down every day and write something, anything worth anyone's reading, sounded awful. I was glad all over again to be studying music - performing it, not writing it. 

Day 5 into our cancer journey and seeing the flood of phone calls and messages I was trying to manage, our daughter Weslee suggested we set up a Facebook page - a central site to keep concerned family and friends updated with current and correct information. Thus began our writing. 

The Facebook page began as informational only, each post intended to last a day or two when it was replaced with something new to report. But as we wrote on, our updates seemed to evolve into something more, something larger than specifics of Honey's condition and our dealing with it. 

For short periods of time through our married life, Honey kept a journal, usually part of a Bible study group assignment. But, journaling has never been a part of my Bible study group or routine, so I never have. Looking back though, our Facebook updates - nearing 350 by now - acted like a journal. 

Doing all that writing was one of the absolute most helpful things for us. It was pivotal for our new journey, not from informational or relational standpoints - although both were important - but more for its therapeutic and cathartic value to both Honey and me. It allowed us a vehicle and discipline to express our feelings, fears, and faith. From the outset and just like a journal, we determined to be honest and candid - when things were bad, we said so; when we were afraid, we said so; when Honey was down; we said so. We wanted to be transparent and believable; no reading between the lines was necessary. 

Many nights, there wasn't much to report, but we'd write something anyway. After dinner, one of us would ask, "are you going to write tonight or am I?," and whoever drew the short straw was up to bat. I always wanted her to write when she felt up to it because people wanted to hear from the patient rather than the caregiver. I haven't counted, but I think we each wrote about the same number of updates. The last one she wrote was about a month before she died. Each time, we'd read our update aloud to the other to be sure it was clear, that we had written complete sentences, and that information shared and feelings expressed were accurate. When people would respond with comments to our updates, Honey was always amazed that anything she wrote would be an inspiration to anyone. 

Midway into her illness, people began to suggest that we compile our updates into a book. Yeah, right! I'm sure that will happen! But not long after Honey died, Tom McAfee, Celebrating Grace CEO and now decade-long compadre, called to ask if I would be interested in doing just that. What a gift that, too, has been! Building the book, some of the journey has been painful to relive, but recalling and writing it helped me better process the hard part, to make greater sense of it, and to put it all in better perspective. The book project has extended the hard part of the journey for sure, but it also has made me more grateful and joyful at the total journey Honey and I traveled together. 

Bottom line, the writing routine and regimen helped each of us deal with our "stuff" and you can bet we both had stuff to deal with. Thinking, saying, and repeating something exist on pretty much the same level, but both of us found writing to reach and reside at a different level - higher and deeper. 

I hope our writings, condensed and compiled in Notes from Susie: Choosing Gratitude in Life's Low Places, will be a blessing to you, and perhaps encourage you to consider writing your journey. 

The book will be released May 21, 2016. 

- Mark

Refuge by Keith Christopher: the Surprise Song for Mark and Susie

It was a typical lunch with Mark Edwards, and we were doing the things we do best together – enjoying barbeque brisket and discussing church music. It was only at the end of the meal that Mark told me Susie had a medical issue. A couple of weeks went by and with it came the diagnosis and the resulting journey that prompted Notes from Susie, the original Facebook group and culminating book.

Early in walking this path, Mark and Susie were upbeat and optimistic. Yet, the people they encountered soon noticed something more remarkable about their faith and their trust in God. We recognized their way was not a common response to what would prove to be a terminal situation. What was exhibited in Mark, Susie, and their family was a monumental example of hope and peace through God in the midst of a storm. Not only did their unique stance make a difference in how they faced the circumstances, but their steadfast faith and optimism overflowed into the lives of others they touched. 

While I cannot put a date to it, the weight of this journey led me to compose something as an encouragement to the Edwardses. As I sat at the piano, played around with themes, and read scripture, I ran across two familiar passages:

Psalm 46:12  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

Isaiah 43:2-3  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

Instantly, I was unable to recall a musical setting using both of these passages together. The pairing seemed so inherently right together – and to the Edwards’ situation at hand. Although I cannot explain it, within minutes I had an outline of what became the choral piece Refuge. What was intended as a small, surprise piece of comfort for Mark and Susie grew into the choral piece accepted, published, recorded, and in print by Hope Publishing – all without the Edwards' knowledge.

I distinctly remember the day I took published copies and a recording of Refuge to Mark and Susie’s home. We sat in their den, while I told them the story of how the piece came to be. We listened to the recordings, looked at the music, and then listened again. I expressed my wish that this piece be one of hope and healing. They graciously received the work and the sentiment with which it was created. It is a day I will never forget.

As with many times in our lives, God knows the big picture we are yet to see. I had no intention of this being a choral piece for a funeral. It was intended to be a piece of hope and healing. But on the day of Susie’s funeral when it was performed…that was exactly what the piece had become – a piece for hope and healing.

How honored I feel to make this contribution, and how grateful I am for Susie Edwards and her family and the impact they continue to make on my life and ministry.

Keith Christopher, 
Composer, arranger, lyricist, and author

Listen to Refuge by Keith Christopher: 

Find more from Keith Christopher at  www.keithchristophermusic.com.