Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Isaiah 51:3

“For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.”

A couple of years ago I stood spellbound while listening to piano music in our church. It was a weekday and just a few of us were there to hear the unplanned concert. Tears came quickly as my new friend played, “The last Date.” (I could almost hear my Father at the piano.); then he played, “Jesus Hold My Hand, Keep on the Firing Line” and other songs found in the old red songbook.

I thought of the amazing ways of God in this wonderful world. You see, I had heard this man many years before, but didn’t think about it until that day. In this life we enjoy a lot of things like music without thinking about the people who give them to us.

He was a wonderful entertainer, and most of all a true lover of God. He loved his neighbors, and was always giving some simple and meaningful token of that love. He was a faithful pianist for years in his church, there were countless revivals, and only God knows how many funerals he played for. His music from earth blended with the harps and trumpets of Heaven often when another neighbor or friend reached Beulah Land.

Last week I read the Bible and prayed with this musical saint. He spoke softly the words, “Thank you.” All I could think is “Thank you Edwin Taylor for bringing music to our ears and hearts. Whether it was your years with Bonnie Lou and Buster, or the countless other places you played the strings and ivory keys. You touched people, gave smiles and hope. You took us back in memory when you played the old songs; and you brought us a little closer to God when you played that Gospel music.

It is a powerful gift to create a smile on a face that has been sad too long, to get a tired foot to tapping, and a silent soul to singing, but you did it as though that was your God given assignment in this life; and it was.”

Thank you, Susan for bringing Edwin by the church that afternoon. I know that you and Edwin loved to play this song; and how appropriate it is today.

Deep down in my soul a melody rings
I’m winging my way back home…
A wonderful time is waiting ahead
I’m winging my way back home
I mean to be there, from sin I have fled
I’m winging my way back home.

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – I’m Winging My Way Back Home”

“Link to YouTube Video – In My Heart There Rings a Melody”