Monday, August 8, 2022

"When You Walk Through the Gates"

"The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass." Revelation 21:21

Songwriting has been a part of my life for many years. I can't remember when I wrote my first song or even which song I wrote first, for that matter. I go through seasons where I don't write a song for a long time, then, at other times, I have been known to be in the process of writing two songs at once. One of the most interesting things about my songwriting is how I am almost always inspired with the lyrics and melody simultaneously. I know it sounds odd, but rarely am I given one without the other. The Lord uses many sources to inspire me to write songs, but one of my main songwriting patterns seems to happen during times of deep trials. Today, I want to share one of my original songs with you, along with a bit of the back story.

I was on my way home from work—I could drive you to the exact spot where Bayshore Blvd. and Port St. Lucie Blvd. intersect at the foot of the bridge over the Florida Turnpike. I can still see the Winn Dixie grocery store on the right side of the road.

(Pink arrow marks the exact spot)

My heart was heavy-laden with worry over things my aging parents were going through, and as I waited for the stoplight to change, I looked up into the sky to see the most beautiful sunset. I started thinking about heaven and imagining what was waiting for Mom and Dad on the other side of that sunset, and as I pondered such things, the Lord simultaneously brought the words and melody of a brand-new song to me. I scrambled to find a napkin to jot down the lyrics, then repeatedly hummed the tune until I reached home and was able to record it on our portable tape recorder. I could hardly wait for Mom and Dad to hear the song written especially for them that I entitled, "When You Walk Through the Gates."

A few years later, a friend of a friend of ours who knew a music producer made a connection, and the Lord opened an opportunity for me to go to Nashville and record "When You Walk Through the Gates," along with one of my other original songs.

Here are some photos that Kevin took on that memorable day.

Sound engineer, Jim Sandefur, all the musicians you hear on the CD, along with producer, Lannie Johnson, and Cheryl.

Cheryl with fiddle player, Deanie Richardson

Cheryl with producer, Lannie Johnson


Jim, Cheryl, and Lannie

"When You Walk Through the Gates" was played at both Mom's and Dad's funeral services. It will forever be their song.

Recently, my band, Mountain Hope, was asked to perform a three-hour live radio broadcast on 96.3 "The Possum" Canjoe* John's Mountain Matinee Radio Show, and during our live performance, Canjoe so kindly played those two Nashville-recorded songs on the radio. I was humbled, blessed, and deeply moved.

Mountain Hope Band
From left to right: 
DJ Canjoe* John, Cheryl, Chuck, Michael, and Pat
 
Later, a listener's request prompted Zach and me to put together a lyric video of "When You Walk Through the Gates," and I wanted to share it with you here. 


If you happen to enjoy the video and are blessed by the song, please consider hitting the "like" button on YouTube. It really helps our channel and prompts the algorithm to suggest our videos to more viewers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

No matter what you are going through, this life and all its heartaches and trials are only temporary. There is an eternal home in heaven awaiting every blood-washed believer where God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

This life is not the end. No matter how hard things get or how upside down this world becomes, we are all going to a place far better than this where Jesus is waiting by the throne of His Father for our homecoming.

May He encourage your hearts today and comfort you in all your tribulations. Keep encouraged. Jesus is coming very soon.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28

22 comments:

  1. Oh, Cheryl, this song wrapped me up immediately in the warmth of God's embrace! He has given you such an enormous gift with songwriting/storytelling, and knowing you, you've been grateful right back to Him for these. I will look you up on YouTube and be sure to like the song there.
    Blessings!

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    1. Dear Martha Jane! Thank you ever so much for your kind words! I so appreciate your support, encouragement, and friendship. May Jesus bless you abundantly, sweet friend.

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  2. Beautiful Cheryl. I always loved your singing. Hugs dear friend.

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  3. I love this song! It really ministered to me tonight. Thank you, my talented friend. You have the voice of an angel and I love the pictures and story you posted about it! I love how your faith manifests in words and songs. Very inspiring.

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    1. Dear Mary! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words, support, and encouragement all these years. I am so grateful for your sweet comment. I am praying for you, dear friend, and sending hugs your way tonight!

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  4. What an incredible story of how the Lord put such a beautiful song into your heart and orchestrated you to be able to record this song, and then to have it played at your parent's funeral. It is so beautiful Cheryl! How wonderful to know that in heaven our tears will be wiped away, we can look forward to that day when we lay our weary burdens down! You have the voice of an angel, and sing it so beautifully! I pray the Lord gives you many more songs and that someday you are able to record your very own album!

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    1. Thank you ever so much, dear Marilyn! Your precious words meant so much to me tonight. I am hoping to record a full-length album someday, too, if it is the Lord's will. If not, I deeply appreciate Him allowing me to have that special experience. I appreciate your kind words, support, and encouragement more than I could ever put into words. May the Lord bless you richly.

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  5. Awww Cheryl I loved reading how that song came into your heart, and to know that it was sung at your parent’s funerals. It was wonderful seeing all those pictures, too. You have a special gift! I’m heading over to hear the song right now. God bless you.

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    1. Thank you, dear Kitty. My Mom and Daddy dearly loved that song, and so many times when we were playing music, Mom would tell the story of the song, and then she would ask me to sing it. She never seemed to tire of it, and I was humbled and honored to have it played at her and my Daddy's funeral. They have walked through those gates now, and are experiencing the beauty that awaits on the other side! May God bless you!

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  6. Oh sweet friend this hymn you wrote is absolutely precious! And to hear your sweet voice singing just brought me so much joy. I needed to hear these words this morning and they encouraged me greatly! God has gifted you abundantly dear friend. May He continue to bless you in all that you do for His glory.

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    1. Dear Karen! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words! Oh, they meant so much to me! I am so thankful for your support and encouragement on this journey and so grateful the Lord allows us to sojourn in this life. You have been such a blessing to me so many times, and I pray God will return those blessings back to you, dear friend.

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  7. Cheryl, you have a beautiful gift of writing. Your voice is so sweet and sincere, it truly warms my heart. May God continue to bless and use you for His glory!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Pam. You really touched my heart. May God bless you abundantly for your support and encouragement!

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  8. What a blessing and a gift - from God to you and you to your parents! Beautiful!

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your sweet visit and kind words! God bless you. :)

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  9. Love the song! You're so blessed and talented with your song writing and singing. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 89. Shared.

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    1. Thank you so much, Dee! I so appreciate your kind words! Thank you so much for the opportunity to link up. May the Lord richly bless you.

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  10. Music is such a gift, connecting our hearts and memories. How wonderful for you to be able to have made such a beautiful connection by which to always remember your parents. Blessings!

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    1. Music surely is a wonderful gift, Joanne. Blessings to you, too!

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