When I wrote my first song at age 14, and composed my first instrumental melody at age 35, I didn’t know what it would mean. In both cases, and every time in between, I was just led to create, to compose. I wasn’t thinking about who would hear it, or what would happen. Creating gives me hope. Are you creating just because something inside or from above is inspiring you? Does this give you hope?

Over the past ten years, people have shared amazing stories from around the world about my music bringing peace, rest, hope, or healing to their life or health circumstances. I have learned I cannot control what will result from my actions. My small part in a much grander story is to be faithful to my calling and purpose. One day, one step at a time.

When Music to Light the World was founded in early 2004, these were a few things I didn’t know…

• A co-worker’s daughter would die of leukemia that December
• I would write a song for her called “Peace,” which would become a listener favorite around the world (inspired by her life and John 14:27)
• Music to Light the World would begin donating CDs to families who had lost a child to cancer in 2005
• We would begin calling this program Get Music Give Hope in 2009 (every CD purchase helps one CD be given to a patient or family)
• One of the daughter’s nurses from 2004 would become Program Director for Beads of Courage, serving 30,000 children and families facing cancer or severe illnesses in the U.S. and overseas
• In 2012 we would have a goal to donate 30,000 CDs, so every one of these families could be offered hope and healing.

On October 11th, Music to Light the World will host our 2nd annual fundraising dinner and concert, called An Evening of Hope 2012. Whether you are near or far from Atlanta, Georgia, I hope this story has inspired you, and you will consider playing a part in this unique event. If you would like to learn more about how you or someone you know can attend or make a tax-deductible donation to this effort, please visit https://www.stantonlanier.com/10-11-12.php

Are you following those nudges to use your creative gifts? Are you finding hope in the process?