I’ve been following Joey Feeks’ journey over the past 3 or 4 months. Mainly through my mom’s updates, but as I’ve been drawn into Joey’s story, I’ve found it to be one of inspiration. See if you don’t agree.

Joey and her husband Rory have been singing Gospel music for nearly a decade, with their debut album being released in 2008. For their musical careers, this was just the beginning and have recorded several albums since then and have become very successful in the music industry.

Personally however, things have not gone as they had hoped. Soon after their only daughter was born with Downs Syndrome, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer. This past year, Joey shared that her cancer had returned, that it was terminal and that she was discontinuing all treatment.

Sounds discouraging doesn’t it?

Maybe you’ve been in a similar situation. Maybe you’ve been discouraged. Maybe you haven’t had to face the difficulties that Rory and Joey are living, but perhaps you’ve reached a low point in your life. Wherever you may be, there is some encouragement here.

Joey has continued to sing through her illness. She has continued to encourage those around her. She has pointed others to Jesus in her daily life. She has touched the lives of thousands, perhaps millions, with her words and music.

Oh yes, it’s sad, but there’s hope in Joey’s journey. She knows her Lord and Savior and she is ready to meet Him. I pray you are in this same position.

Joey has recorded some touching music since her diagnosis. All you need to do is Google her name to listen to them. But the one that caught my attention was “Softly and Tenderly.” I don’t know if the author of this hymn thought of it in light of the transition from this life to the next, but as I read through these words and listened to Joey sing them, I can’t think of a more appropriate song to sing at the end of life.

So today, take a look at these lyrics and click on the link below if you’re interested. I might add that your prayers for Joey, Rory and Indiana would be appreciated by this young family. What a blessing they have been to me.

“Softly and Tenderly”[i]

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.

Refrain
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me?

(Refrain)

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me.

(Refrain)

O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.

(Refrain)

Click here to listen to Joey Feeks sing this precious song about going home to be with the Lord.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “Softly and Tenderly,” words and music by Will L. Thompson, 1880.