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From Lauren R: Perfect for this year and for a time when men and Fathers are downplayed, erased, and/or told by the world that they are no longer needed. This is a choice piece that I am happy to include in our Father's Day Sacrament Meeting this year. Thank you so much for composing this masterpiece!
5.0 stars.
More about Claire Chell:
I have always loved music, sacred music especially, even from a young age. I taught myself to play the piano using showtunes and the LDS Hymnbook and Children's Songbook. Janice Kapp Perry is my hero! Despite my love of music, I've always been terrified to perform and a few horrifying experiences in my early youth caused me to set aside playing the piano; I'd lost my love for it. Fast forward many years and I am now, with my husband, raising 3 gorgeous girlies, who like mama, also love music. We were fortunate enough to save a lot of money during the COVID19 pandemic due to not buying fuel for the cars, that we were able to afford a digital piano. I returned to teaching myself to play and I've been studying music theory alongside it. I then discovered music writing software! Now I thought maybe, just maybe, I could write a song. My second daughter's baptism was approaching and this seemed the perfect opportunity to try. God evidently thought so too because words and melody came to me as I was enjoying a swim one day soon after. My daughter and I even performed it at her baptism which was a huge deal for us, both being very shy performers. I have discovered an absolute love for writing music, and sharing it has been a way for me to share my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and connect with other people across the world. I have Instagram account if you’d like to follow my musical journey: clairechell_music
*EDIT NOV 2024* I want to thank those who submitted feedback on this song during the 2024 competition. I have made some changes which I hope make this song better.
I adore writing songs for children and youth where I can use examples from the scriptures. There are so many interactions between fathers and sons in the Book of Mormon, that i wanted to highlight them in a song for Father's Day. These imperfect men did the best they could, with the knowledge they had to teach their children the gospel. A lot of these family situations were not ideal. Lehi's family is a great example of that. Mormon taught his son the gospel pretty much on the battle field (not ideal!) Helaman led into battle over 2,000 faithful young men who had learned the gospel at the knees of their mothers and learned the importance of keeping covenants from their fathers. His relationship with these young men transcended the ties of blood: they looked to him as a father, and he nurtured, cared and protected them like his sons. When all is said and done in this tough mortal world where life is not the way we expected it to be, we can be assured of a perfect Heavenly Father who knows us, hears us and is working tirelessly to bring us back to His home and heart.
This song is in recognition of fathers who take care of their families, who show up for them when the world tells them that fatherhood is not important. It is important. No, it is essential. Fathers, I see you. This song is for the step fathers, adoptive fathers, men who inspire our youth and set an example of what it means to be a child of God. Fathers, I see you. You are valued, appreciated and loved beyond measure.
This song is dedicated to my own dad, Derek Rutter. He LOVES the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. He taught me to love the stories within it's pages and most importantly, the teachings. My dad is my hero, my example and a man of great faith and testimony.
Lyrics: My Father Walks With Me
VERSE 1.
Lehi taught his sons to listen to, and obey God's voice.
He invited them to taste the love of God.
When Enos's soul hungered he turned to God in prayer,
For his father, Jacob's teachings led him there.
Father Alma prayed and fasted for his own son who'd strayed.
Alma trusted God to watch over his child.
King Benjamin taught his sons to treasure scripture words,
And live God's law so they'd prosper in the world.
CHORUS
These fathers were not perfect but they did all they could do.
And I know my father tries his hardest too,
To lead me to my Saviour, to guide me to His light.
And he walks with me on my journey to eternal life.
VERSE 2.
Alma the Younger converted to the Lord Jesus Christ,
Then he taught his sons the joy of a changed heart.
And Mormon taught Moroni: be faithful to The Christ,
For in Jesus ev'ry sorrow is made right.
Helaman the prophet led an army of brave young men,
Whose parents had made cov'nants with the Lord.
Two thousand boys he called sons and loved them as his own.
Their great faith and courage helped protect their home.
CHORUS
These fathers were not perfect but they did all they could do.
And I know my father tries his hardest too,
To lead me to my Saviour, to guide me to His light.
And he walks with me on my journey to eternal life.
My Heav'nly Father's perfect and I know I am His child;
Yes, He loves me and He knows my ev'ry trial.
He's given me a Saviour, to guide me to His light.
And He walks with me on my journey to eternal life.