The Glory of a Songbird

" My heart is like a singing bird."

- Christine Rossetti

She was 3 years old when her mother, Wendi, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Three years later this little girl stood by as her best friend--the one who gave her birth--bravely crossed the finish line of an incredible journey of faith.  She said good-bye and watched her mom join the beautiful God who gave her a song to sing--this life that brought glory to the King.

Wendi left behind a holy legacy: of love for God and the people around her, an angelic voice and gift for composing and recording acapella, a beloved family--cherished husband and daughter Rhema--who Wendi says was her greatest gift-- named with a Greek word meaning, "word" or "utterance."

Rhema learned to sing with her mother at an early age.  But in this CBN interview, Rhema's father, Teton, shares how he used to tell people his little girl was tone-deaf.  On a road-trip to Nashville to honor Wendi, Teton taught Rhema the words to Amazing Grace (to listen, watch the video below--you may want to pause the play-list at page bottom first,) and something Amazing happened.

He imagines Wendi petitioning God to pass the gift to her child, who now follows in her mother's footsteps and love of music.  Rhema describes in this interview how she sometimes hears her mother singing with her. 

This little songbird sings for the glory of God.   

Rhema Marvanne singing Amazing Grace

To learn more about Wendi's and Rhema's stories, and/or to read/watch the CBN interview, just click the highlighted links throughout this page.   

I hope you are blessed by the Hope that shines bright from this family, from the God-glory birthed in darkness and grief.

There is a sense of righteous justice that rises from their story.  The enemy comes to steal a life that sings, attempts to silence the Song.  But God, in His mercy, passes it on to a child--another manger babe who loves and gives and serves.

Healing happens in ways we can never expect or imagine.  Today, I send the healing light and love of Christ your way.  May we all have open hearts to receive Him, and share His song with those covered in darkness.   Yes, Emmanuel still comes to save us.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,    and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth    and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you    and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light,    and kings to the brightness of your dawn." ~ Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)

Photo Courtesy:  flickr - Pete Birkinshaw