This whole CD project started when God gave me a song about losing my brother Dr. Daniel Johnson (and his colleague Tony Qamar) in a tragic accident when a load of logs broke loose from a log truck and struck his vehicle on Hwy 101 in WA. I wrote "You're in Heaven" in hopes that others who have experienced loss could know they're not alone, and to encourage myself and others to get out of the fetal position and go on living in their loved ones honor. Honestly, this is more than a funeral song, though it may be used as funeral music. It is a survivor's song to remind us that Heaven is real-God's got them! Let's pursue life, love, family and peace!
It has been such an amazing process of healing and hope to make these songs! God knew I needed an outlet! He linked me up with Daniel Christopherson, an amazing producer, songwriter and guitarist! Daniel composed the tunes to the first three songs and I wrote the lyrics.
By way of explanation: The first song "Walls" is a kind of vocal rendition of the bumper sticker, "commit random acts of kindness." It encourages us to remove the walls that block us from seeing needs of people around us. Like Joshua facing the wall of Jericho, we can "use our words, go round and round and find a way to tumble down the walls that we've built." I know we can't all "Give Big" like Oprah Winfrey, Bono, or Bill Gates, but we can start where we are to make a change!
The second song, "The People We Love" talks about how when we love someone-as God encourages us to, we have the blessing of that love in our hearts. Love is "like a gem that is set in our soul!" No matter where the people we love are, the love remains.
The third song, "Child I Pray" is a love song to my boys, Wyatt Etrick and Phillip Solheim. They bless my socks! It is a benediction of blessings and my heart hopes that it is saying what any parent would wish and pray for their child.
The last song, "You're in Heaven" is, as I mentioned, a tribute to my brother Dan. I have encouraged myself by singing the truth of this song-"you're in heaven, you're doing fine there!" I hope it will inspire those who have lost loved ones to find a reason to live! Look for hope and joy again.
If you know of someone who would enjoy hearing this music, please forward my link! I would LOVE IT if we created a buzz of activity!
In Him, Laurie Solheim
Child I Pray