I’m so honored that pianist, Tammi Yates, has given us permission to use her rendition of His Eye is on the Sparrow. She is a prime example of how God can lift us up beyond our own crushing circumstances, to continue to serve Him with our talents, to encourage the Body of Believers, and to point those to Christ who have not yet known the joy of a Journey with the Holy One of Israel, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Here are Tammi’s own words that describe a painful family event that occurred over a decade ago:
“…I lost my sister when she was 22, unexpectedly, on May 1, 1997. I remember standing at her casket and saying that I could never play the piano again…honestly, I didn’t think I would, because how could I play from a heart that was broken? BUT God honored His Word above His very Name – (Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”) …And that’s exactly what He has done. Never did I dream He’d bring the music back even stronger, deeper, fuller, richer and provide a way to RECORD not just piano, but every other instrument, to make a beautiful instrumental arrangement. WOW. No formal training in music…it’s all the Lord. I guess it’s like this: God is the Artist, and my fingers and keyboard are like the paint and canvas…He gets all the glory!
If you know of anyone who is crushed by their grief or circumstances, please share with them the testimony of this once crushed spirit. (Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.) And please let them know that this music is absolute proof that God can and WILL take a broken heart and mend it … AND bring something good from it. Just like grapes– in order to get the refreshing juice, they have to be crushed.”
Thank you, Tammi, for sharing your brilliant talent and life with all of us.
Sandra J. Flagstad
harvestaudiobooks.com