New Devotional By Local Author Recalls Gospel Hymns

Cover of Jackie Freeman's new book, "Keep a Song in Your Heart"

The music of our faith tradition can leave a deep impression on our lives. For local author Jackie Freeman, Southern Gospel music has soothed sorrows, proclaimed joys, preserved stories, and inspired new paths. When she was a small girl, Jackie perched on her mother’s piano bench to sing as her mother played hymns that were a blend of spirituals, jubilee quartet songs, and African American devotional music spiced with rhythmic jazz, blues, and harmonics. The music provided messages of devotion, joy, and sacred wisdom that resonated throughout Freeman’s life—and now she shares them with others in her new book.

Keep a Song in Your Heart: Musical Notes for Daily Devotions – recently published by WestBow Press and available locally at the Weber Center Shop in Adrian, Michigan – is a legacy project. “This devotional, based on the music my mother played for me, represents my journey through loss and grief, while still finding joy along the journey,” explains Jackie.

Author Jackie Freemand signing copies of her book "Keep a Song in Your Heart" in front of the Weber Shop — Author Jackie Freeman of Onsted, Michigan visited the Weber Center Shop to sign copies of her new devotional, “Keep a Song in Your Heart.”

The 31-day devotional uses Jackie’s favorite hymns as she explores the range of human emotions and situations: from joy, hope, and love, to loss, loneliness, and longing. Jackie imparts new comfort, solace, and inspiration by exploring how each song relates to a life experience and by encouraging readers to do the same for their lives.

Thanks to modern technology, she shares the music via Spotify (a free music app), so readers can listen to outstanding musical arrangements of the gospel songs, contemplate the lyrics, and apply their lessons.

“My journey began with the Music, which triggered the Memory, which inspired each devotion’s Message, and my Movements, or actions,” says Jackie. Each day’s devotion encourages readers to find and explore their own Music, Memory, Message, and Movement. “I hope you find these devotions touching your heartstrings.”

To purchase Keep a Song in Your Heart, visit the Weber Center Shop. Jackie personally signed all copies of the book currently in the shop, and you can choose either paperback for $9.95 or hardcover for $28.95. The book can also be ordered by calling 517-266-4035 or by emailing webershop@adriandominicans.org. Visit www.JackieFreemanAuthor.com for more information.