Click above to listen to the new song Far Away from Home (Keyboard Mix). If you enjoy it will be available on iTunes very soon. The release date is set for Tuesday, August 5, 2014. (Updated May 2016: iTunes purchase and download now available here.) What fears are you facing that you need to overcome? This is a first. I have never put a song out for listening before it was available for purchase, but I was prompted this week to write a new post to share the story behind this melody. I will explain why in a moment. I encourage you to listen through this 4-minute track as you reflect on these words…
The Image for the iTunes Single Far Away from Home (Keyboard Mix)
The story begins when I was fourteen. An elderly lady in our church invited me to her home to study the Bible over the summer. Everyone had great respect for her faith and wisdom so I said “yes.” I only went a few times, but I remember reading out loud together and discussing each passage. She introduced me to Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” These words spoke powerfully into my life and became a milestone in my faith journey. I started writing songs on the piano that year and one of them was titled “Fear Not.” So now we’re going to fly through a few decades of time. Journey with me as I remember some of the many fears from age fourteen until now. Look back on your story, your fears, and remember those you overcame, even though they seemed insurmountable at the time: Will I hit the game winning shot? Does she like me? Are you there God? Can I pass this class? Should I take this job? Does God really forgive me? What if I ask her to marry me? Why is “this” happening? and How will we get through this? — miscarriage, car accident, loss of a loved one, medical emergency, house robbery, financial uncertainty? Lord, what do you want me to do? What is amazing is if you read Isaiah 41:10, it is an answer to all of the above questions and more — anything we are fearing, everything we are facing. I am going to put a few different versions of this passage at the bottom so you can meditate on them. This week my youngest of two brothers was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Hundreds of people are already in this battle with him, praying for his healing and that soon he will be cancer free again, for good. The first thing I did was to send him the words of Isaiah 41:10 and this new song for listening. We are trusting God’s promise in this verse. Being one of the first scriptures I took to heart, I always was wondering if and when Isaiah 41:10 would become one of my Scripture inspired piano melodies. I started composing them in May 2000, and as 2014 began, there were 88 compositions. Little did I know that in February, #89 would be born from this passage. It took until July to refine it and complete it, and now, because God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), you are able to listen to my musical expression of these life changing words (I will share about the title Far Away from Home in a future post). How does Isaiah 41:10 speak into your life right now? ISAIAH 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (New International Version) Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. (The Message) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (English Standard Version) Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (The Living Bible)
very special……….helps us to find our way to stay close to Him!! yes! yes!
Thank you Jackie, this description is so wonderful to hear from you. Blessings!
That is sooooooo beautiful!!! I love it! Can you get it on your website? I dont have itunes. I love, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. God has the victory! Already! It is helpful to know our trials are not a surprize to God. He sees the end when we can’t. Thank you for the reminder of who really is in charge. Praying for your brother!
Thank you Tammy! I am so glad you love it and this new one spoke to you. Yes, we will find a way to make it available to you. Thanks for your prayers. Grace and peace, Stanton
Beautiful as always Stanton~there is such hope in this music, that even if we don’t win the battle in this world…. There is glory awaiting us.
Thank you Jean. Amen. Fear not, for I am with you… what an amazing promise and reassurance. Blessings to you today!
I woke up early this morning and listened once again to your beautiful new piece, Far Away from Home. What a gentle way to start my day…to listen to such peace and by turning to Isaiah 41:10. Your beautiful music always reaches to the depths of my soul bringing peace, tranquility and comfort. Thank you for sharing so freely. May God’s healing and comfort totally and completely surround your brother through his cancer journey. With prayers for your brother and all of you, Crista Sycks Scott-Barbour
This is a beautiful, God and spirit filled song. I love it and have many of your CDs. I will be praying for your brother(s).
Blessings in Jesus Christ — the Healer and Provider of all things.
Linda
Very lovely. Ty…I too woke up early and after speaking to a dear friend (on east coast) of devotionals, meditation, & trusting The Lord, I stumbled across the email to hear you tune: wow just what I needed – like a devotional to music! I will keep your brother in prayer!! I met you at the Branson Mo AACC conference a few yrs ago & you are a humble soilder of our lord: Ty for hearing His call….you bless many!
Dear Celia, thank you very much for taking time to write and share this. I am grateful the music and words spoke to you. God bless you and thanks for allowing me to keep in touch via email. Grace and peace, Stanton
I go to your web site often to just listen to the music. I very much like the new tune. I have one of the CDs at work and I play it often when I need to clear my mind. Thank you for the many blessings the music brings to life.
You’re welcome Shirley. Thank you for taking time to write and share what my music means to you. I am grateful and encouraged to hear this. Blessings to you! Grace and Peace, Stanton
Another beautiful, hopeful song, Stanton. I hope the sheet music will be out soon! I will be playing a concert in September to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and would love to dedicate the performance of this work to you and your brother. I will uphold him and your family in prayer for strength and healing. Peace, Judy Houle
Found the sheet music on your site and ordered it!
Thank you, Judy. I appreciate you blessing us in this way. Wishing you hope and peace.