This was a special songwriting month for me, this song came quickly and simply. This subject has been on my heart and mind recently for various reasons: some dear loved ones have passed on recently, other dear ones are on the 'waiting for departure' list, and still others are doing well but in their 'golden years' and looking toward a not-so-distant exit to that amazing place that awaits us. (Hey, I'm 67 and only expecting to live for another 25-30 years ...)

Many of you knew or knew of Zac Hendricks, his life and music ... many of us were touched by his special gift and the singing team with his wife that lit up many of our younger years, many of us not in his immediate circle to read the news of his passing on, not expecting it, and I know many have felt the loss, and passed on our condolences to those he left behind.

His wife posted a recording they did of 'Blessed Assurance' at some point (she didn't say what year), and it was just so cool to hear that version--that song is a personal favorite of mine as well (it's on my music and YouTube sites), so I was thrilled to see it, and of course to read what she said about it:

"Zac loved this song, it’s just Zac any myself and more harmonies than I can remember. Dubbed the Hendricks Tabernacle Choir. Miss you already Zac.❤️"

soundcloud.com/nightlightshows/blessed-assurance-zac-and?fbclid=IwAR0eH9Uu_zNVouFPKxI_R9qGul6qzalVmfkhyDqbPHUvOFV_mGh-3sBKmTg

I had the privilege to work with them in younger years (for much too short a time), and appreciated the genius and 'divine spark' that their music had/has, and was particularly encouraged to hear that at the latter end of his time on earth that he loved this song, since I had lost close personal contact with him and didn't really know where he stood on 'all things spiritual,' (Jesus, God, and Heaven) in these modern times. That felt so right and really inspired me.

So one morning about 2 weeks back I came up early to my studio, and just felt compelled to sit at my piano and write something while thinking of Zac's life and departure + Blessed assurance + the feeling that he HAD that blessed assurance. The phrase started coming to me: "I am not afraid to die, for I know my Redeemer lives'--I felt that he was probably NOT afraid to die, to go meet Jesus and take his place alongside Him there in the next place. The song came in a few short minutes, I was moved, and went downstairs--then I realized "Hey, I just got my song for October!!"