Single to God's Glory

This song was a pleasure to write!

It was written for my mother, Becky McClellan. She wanted a song based on two of her favorite scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 93:28 and 50:24. She wanted something that could help her stay strong even though others were challenging her faith.

As we discussed the things she was going through, she told me about a blog post that she had written, incorporating the things she knew to be true. These were the beliefs she held on to and kept her testimony strong. She knew that living the way she had taught her children had been a blessing to her life and that by following the commandments, she was not only happy but was gaining light and wisdom that was a promise that she held to.

I sent my mom a few different lyric ideas and directions we could go in, and it was easy for her to pick which one she liked the best.

I started working on the lyrics, using the ideas she had told me about, and sent a rough lyric for her to look over. This is where I usually get the most feedback. The song is usually not quite in piece yet, and there quite a few things my mom wanted me to change. She didn’t love the second verse at all.

I kept working on it, and as I began new lyrics for the 2nd verse, that’s when the song really started to take shape. “The things I am learning, help me be strong…” Those were the words that started to touch my heart the most. Of course all the songs I write, will have pieces of me in them, but these were the words that hit me the hardest.

Life isn’t easy. It really isn’t, but what I’m learning has made me strong. It’s true and I could feel it as I sang through those words. I hoped she would like that part, and though there were a few more changes, those lines remained the same.

I turned more to the music at that point and played around with a couple different melodies. Music for me, is very much defined by the lyrics. I want the melody to sound the way we would speak them with a natural rhythm and pace. I sent my mom the final song demo and with only a couple minor changes, she was happy with it.

That’s when I finished the piano arrangement and added some strings for a backing. I love how it turned out! I hope it will not only give my mom strength, but also others who will also benefit from it. Mom, thank you for letting me write this song for you!

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments about the song, I’m sure my mother would also appreciate it!

I love how I feel when I read God’s words
They fill me with light and peace
When the prophet directs me
With wisdom and love
I’m renewed in desires to do good
I love all the covenants I’ve made with the Lord
They bring peace and a hope to my heart
And those times seeking guidance
I fall on my knees
I feel all the love He imparts

And if my eye be single to God’s glory
My whole body shall be filled with light
The kind of light that comprehends and knows all things
'Til the perfect day when I can live with Him

I love how I’m growing in light and truth
I am happy to learn God’s will
The things I am learning
Help me be strong
It’s my focus and keeps me still
I have more compassion with His light in me
I feel more happy and I feel His peace
And being an instrument, and feeling His love
It is the greatest joy I ever need!

And if my eye be single to God’s glory
My whole body shall be filled with light
The kind of light that comprehends and knows all things
'Til the perfect day when I can live with Him

Though others may struggle to feel of God’s love
I know for myself what to do
I will let my light shine so that others can feel
Of His light and have faith in Him too!

Cause if my eye be single to God’s glory
My whole body shall be filled with light
That kind of light that comprehends and knows all things
'Til the perfect day when I can live with Him
I want to keep His light within!

Copyright © 2019 Lindy Kerby