Sometimes a song touches us at just the right time and at just the right place.  Such a song is on a CD that my sister Bea gave me for Christmas.  The CD is by Pam Aguilar, a young woman in Bea's church who is very talented musically, and faithfully ministers each Sunday at their small Baptist church a few miles south of Longview, Texas.  Pam is especially gifted in piano and vocal performance, and although she could sing before much larger audiences and play her lovely piano arrangements to, let's say, a mega-church if she chose to, she chooses instead to bless the small congregation of believers of Lakeview Baptist Church, Sunday after Sunday.   Lakeview Baptist Church is located very near the lovely, serene Lake Cherokee - hence, its name. 

I'll get to the song in a bit.  Just mentioning Lake Cherokee brought back some very special childhood memories.  I remember when the man made (really?) lake was formed, or it seems that I do.  Folks - rich folks as I remember - came from the Longview area and built lovely lake homes all around the lake which extended several miles, but its headwaters were only a couple of miles from where I grew up.  So, occasionally my daddy and I would venture out in his boat and paddle around the quiet waters, hoping to attract a fish or two ... any size would do, and any species would do!  Mostly bream took the bait.  If only they had known their ultimate destiny they would have high-tailed it in another direction, for sure!  That was 50+ years ago, but Lake Cherokee is still lovely, still has many lake front properties, provides many recreational opportunities, and is an excellent source of water via the Cherokee Water Company.  I really didn't mean to expound on a lake in East Texas, but sometimes my memories take hold and I can't help myself!

But back to Pam and the song that really spoke to me.  For a little over a month I have been going through some medical issues and tests of various kinds - you know, the kind you have and then you enter the waiting mode.  During the time you are waiting, your emotions take over and do not always lead you into a positive posture - faith, instead of doubt; or hope, instead of despair.  I found myself going through those times in spite of drawing on all my inner strength, and in spite of claiming God's promises of peace and assurance, no matter the outcome. (Thankfully, I have received some very good news regarding one of the tests; still waiting to have one more procedure.)  Have you ever been there?  The devil can really show out and zero in on our weakest points. 

A few days ago while I was still pondering and waiting test results, and listening to the CD (which finally made it into my car CD player), Pam sang In the Strength of the Lord from her collection entitled It's All About Him.  Its words really hit me and I realized that just maybe I was trying to fight this battle of uncertainty on my own terms, despite the reassuring prayers of my many friends who were aware of my situation.  This was not an unexpected revelation, of course, but the song brought a level of comfort to me that day.  I would like to share the words to the song and just maybe you will find strength in them, too, because each of us is wagging around some kind of baggage that we are struggling to carry, most likely.  The words were penned by Larnelle Harris who has blessed millions through his music ministry through the years.  I've emphasized the lines which pierced my heart that day.  I hope the message of the song will bring peace and comfort to any of you who may be trying to do it on your own.  Thank you, Pam, for using your talents to bless others.  Pam says, "My strong desire to delight in my Heavenly Father and inspire others to know Him is overwhelming at times.  Nothing compares to His presence and the stirring in my spirit that comes about when I am praising Him through sweet melodies." 

Pam is right: it is all about Him!  She sings from her heart and soul - a heart and soul which have been tested and tried through many personal heartaches.  So, no matter where you find yourself serving - small church, large church, or perhaps you are wandering around in the wilderness not serving at all - I hope the words will inspire, encourage and enable you to claim the promise that we truly do find our strength in the Strength of the Lord and that whatever our struggle, we are not in that struggle alone!