Anne Wilson - My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope

To my precious brother in heaven, Jacob

I remember receiving the phone call. It was a familiar request for my line of work as a songwriter in Nashville. Theres a new artist and shes really talented, the record label said. Would you be willing to write a song with her?

Although most people might know me as a recording artist, my earliest days in Nashville were mostly spent behind the scenes as a writer. And while these days I get to make records and tour around the world singing my own songs, Ive always felt called to champion other young artists as they share their story with the worldone three-minute song at a time. So I accepted the invitation to write with a new artist named Anne Wilson.

Our appointment began the way most do, with coffee and conversation. I learned about Annes love of Jesus, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, country music, and the great state of Kentucky. Now, at its worst, a songwriting session can feel like a stress-filled, pressure-packed environment that leaves you insecure and convinced youve chosen the wrong profession. Its difficult to be vulnerable and honest in front of people youre close to, let alone a stranger you met only an hour ago! But thats what songwriting takes: vulnerability and honesty. And those things are only accessible to us in safe places. At its best, the songwriting room can transform into that safe place where youre free to wear your heart on your sleeve. On this day a safe place was found.

I was deeply moved as eighteen-year-old Anne shared the same powerful story you are about to read in this book. A story of faith, family, tragedy, and redemption. The next thing I knew, we were singing, crying, and writing a song called My Jesus. I smile as I think about how that song has gone on to move the hearts of so many people around the world. Like the song, this book is a word-by-word reminder that there is one who can change your life. One name above all names. And in that one name we find the answer to all of lifes most difficult questions:

• Where can I find a firm foundation when the world around me is crumbling? Jesus.
• Where can I find comfort in the middle of my mourning? Jesus.
• Who offers me rest when Im past the point of weary? Jesus.
• Who can make a broken heart beat again? Jesus.
• Who loves me unconditionally? Jesus
• Who can work all things for my good? Jesus.

Just as Anne invited me into her story that day in the songwriting room, she is now inviting you into her story with this powerful book. And like any great story, this is one we can all see ourselves in. Every life will be touched by trials, pain, loss, even grief. I am praying this book provides the same safe place for you that we discovered that day in the studio. Invite Jesus to meet you in that safe place and rest assured, He will. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Let Him in and let my Jesus change your life.

I sat on the front step with my backpack loaded for adventure, tapping my tennis shoe on the concrete. My older brother, Jacob, was supposed to pick me up at 3:00 that autumn afternoon, but he was late as usual. I had hurried through my eighth-grade homework so we could leave as early as possible. I was not surprised Jacob was late, but I was a bit annoyed.

I wanted every minute with him I could get. And whatever last-moment idea had caught his attention was stealing precious minutes from our time together. Finally, Jacobs gray Ford pickup turned the corner onto our street. I jumped up with a grin.

Hey, Annie, he called through his rolled-down window. Ready to go?

I was ready thirty minutes ago! I pretended to still be annoyed, but I wasnt. Jacobs presence always lifted my mood. I hopped into the passenger seat and buckled up, eager to be on the road.

Can I turn on the radio? I asked, reaching for the knob.

Only if you turn on country music. He gave me a playful wink as he backed out of the driveway. We were on our way. The hour-long drive to the Wilson Family Farm was always filled with country music and laughter when I was with Jacob. My brother made me laugh more than anyone else, and I felt carefree sitting by his side as we drove through the curvy backroads of Kentucky.

Wilson Family Farm belongs to Daddys side of the family and is my favorite place on earth. I love the variety of the landthe open fields, the heavily wooded hills, the cool valleys, and the picturesque trails winding through it all. Granddaddy lives out on the farm with his wife, Jan, and oversees every inch. We have chickens, pigs, donkeys, cows, and horses. The property is also home to several barns, a hayloft, and the farmhouse. With more than five hundred acres to explore, Wilson Farm offers both fun and solitude. I had been going out there for as long as I could remember. Though we lived in the suburbs, I had the heart of a country girl and often wished I could live on the farm.

When we arrived that day, Jacob and I headed straight to the barn where we saddled up two horses. We often hiked the trails on the farm, but that day we would explore them by horseback. Riding horses always felt more adventurous to melike we could do anything we set our minds to. And that day we decided to ride up High Point Mountain, the name our family gave to one of my favorite spots on the farm. From the top you can look down over the entire property and out across the horizon for miles.

Jacob led the way as we rode up the winding trail. Every few seconds he looked back to check on me. I pretended his watchfulness irritated me, but it actually made me feel safe. I knew my brother would protect me no matter what happened. Once we reached the summit, we tied our horses to a tree and sat down on a patch of soft grass to relax.

Those moments on the mountain were always the best part of the whole excursion for me. Jacob and I were the only two people around for miles. Staring out over the blue-tinted grass covering the open Kentucky fields below, we shared our dreams for the future. I felt grateful that Jacob let me into his world. Even with eight years between us, he made me feel like we were best friends.

Well, Annie, Jacob said after a few minutes of comfortable silence, how are your plans for space travel coming along?

Very funny, I said, rolling my eyes. Youll see. Someday Ill be an astronaut and wave at you from space. Jacob laughed, but in a way that told me he was proud of me for working toward my dream. I was following the advice he always gave to my sister, Elizabeth, and me: dream big, work hard, and be kind.

All right, he said. Tell me about it again. What makes you want to go to space?

I dont even know where to begin, I said. Soon I found the words to explain how the wonders of the heavens God created intrigued me. I lay back on the grass and stared up at the light-blue sky. The breeze was swift, and the clouds moved quickly. Dont you just want to see what all God has made out there in the sky?

Jacob didnt reply. Instead, he lay back and joined me in staring up at the heavens. I listened to the wind moving the gold and orange leaves of the trees below us and thought how perfect this moment was. Then I turned to Jacob and asked him about collegewhat classes he was taking and what books he was reading. His life, like the sky, fascinated me. In many ways, I hoped to be just like him one day. He told me he had just added a political science major to his current literature major.

What is political science for? I asked, wrinkling my nose.

So I can become a lawyer, Annie, he said, lacing his fingers behind his neck. I want to find a way to help people through my professionand that one feels right.