One of the highlights of going to church, as a little girl, was 5th Sunday Night Singings. Various members of the congregation would share in song and their personal testimonies. We had quite a few talented singers and musicians in our midst, and I looked forward to each one. You were sure to leave the service with the warm glow of having truly worshipped God.


Our next door neighbors, Mr. Bob and Mrs. Inez, attended the same church. They were such a sweet couple! They were "good~folks" in every sense of the word! :) They had a large garden, and during the summer months, you were certain to find Mrs. Inez in her kitchen, over a huge steaming pot of blanched vegetables, destined for the jars that covered the kitchen table. Or the two of them, hunched over a galvanized tub, shelling beans or shucking corn. They had an outside room that stayed cool, even in the hot southern temps, that held the jars of their bounty, .....pickles, beans, jams..... And if you were special, you shared in their harvest, too! :) They seemed so filled with joy during those days!

However, they experienced many heartaches, trials, and sufferings, in their time on earth. Their youngest daughter was killed in car accident, coming home from college one night, in the late 60's. They raised their two grandchildren, by another daughter, full-time. One of their two sons, was also killed in a car wreck, while living on the West Coast, in the 80's. And the two of them suffered ill health. Mrs. Inez suffered from the severe effects of diabetes, which included her failing eye sight. Yet, they remained steadfast, encouraging and a light of hope for all that knew them!


For years, during Sunday Night Singings, Mrs. Inez participated in the service. She had the most beautiful soprano voice, and I thought certainly it sounded like the sweet melody of angels when they sang! I never knew her to sing in the choir, only during SNS, and she always sang one particular song. But Oh, how I looked forward to it! I remember exactly which pew she sat in, 'cause if you know anything about old baptist, we have OUR pew we prefer, Sunday after Sunday, year after year! "smiles" I can still recall her shuffling up to the podium, with her hymnal in hand, which she couldn't see, nor did she need....and she sang with effortless beauty, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow."

~ His Eye is On the Sparrow ~

V) Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come.

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for Heaven and home.

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He.

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Chorus) I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free.

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

V) Let not your heart be troubled, When all but hope is gone.

When Jesus is my fortress, My constant friend is He.

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

In 1905, Civilla Martin and her husband were spending time in Elmira, NY. They befriended a sweet couple, Mr. and Mrs. DooLittle, who faced many afflictions. Mrs. DooLittle had been bedridden for 20 years. Mr. DooLittle was an incurable cripple, who propelled himself to his business each day in a wheelchair. Despite their bleak conditions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing comfort and inspiration to those who knew them. One day, Dr. Martin asked Mr. DooLittle, how the couple maintained their joy. He replied simply with this, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." From the beauty of this phrase, emerged the song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

I hope you are encouraged by the words of this song, and the testimonies of two couples who despite their seemingly difficult lives, were an example of Christ to those around them. I often think about the words of this song, as I watch the birds feed in the mornings outside my kitchen window. No, they really do not appear to have any concerns or cares. The Father is watching over them, as He watches over you and I, as well! ~Rhonda

(Note: You can listen to this song and some of the other past songs of EWW on my playlist!)

"Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:26