Episode 42 - the story behind the song "Just a Breath Away"

There was a phrase tumbling over and over inside my head in December of 2004 that led me to write this song.  It was "you will always be, a breath away from me"  That truth struck such a chord with me that it sent me writing the lyrics to this song.  In a time of praying and wanting a third child, I was thinking a lot about how God breathes life into us - both in the womb (Psalm 139 says we were knit together by God), and when we take our first breath at birth.   After 18 years, this song is still powerful to me as a reminder of my identity and that I am created in the image God.  If you are lonely, desperate, depressed or questioning whether God loves you - listening to God sing these words over you will shift your mindset and soften your heart.   As soon as I wrote this song, I realized that it had tons of value for the pro-life movement.  With the help of some friends, Steve Chollet produced a music video for this song back in 2005.  My son Michael and I have a quick cameo near the end - but the video really tells the story of how children are a blessing and shows a young woman who realizes she's pregnant and her decision making process. The musical arrangement is more robust, with a full band and a great electric guitar solo by Doug Holroyd.  The video as features, Dr. Scott Mellum, Tami Smith, Melissa Curry and a baby Hunter Smith has a cameo.  Since the video was produced here in Chico, you may recognize a few other faces too.  Here is the link:  Just a Breath Away Music Video 2005 This podcast includes the 2009 arrangement that features Linda and I signing, piano and string bass.  The simplicity of this version is refreshing and beautiful.  Full lyrics here:  “Just a breath away” Verse 1: Precious moments here at heaven’s door But I am dreaming of so much more Waiting for the world to see Another perfect picture of me Chorus: I made you perfect in every way (You were) created to walk with me each and every day You will always be a breath away from me I will always stay – a simple prayer away Verse 2: Looking through, a window at you The people try to see What I’ve been creating, for all eternity Another perfect picture of me To Chorus Bridge: Every part of your heart was my design Every day of your life, you will be mine Every season, I’ll give you a reason To make it through another day I am the potter, you are the clay (you got to) believe me when I say To Chorus Tag: Like Father, like son, you are the one I am sending to be, a reflection of me When I look at your face, I see my grace When I look in your eyes, I realize, that you look just like me