Music has always been an important part of my life.Whether it was singing Alle Meine Entchen, Jesus Loves Me, or Muede Bin Ich Geh Zur Ruh as a young child, singing in a children’s choir at church, playing in the school band, singing in the Chamber Choir in high school, or making mixed tapes (later CDs and playlists) to listen to and going to various concerts. My music preferences have always been quite eclectic. From the Beatles to Fred Penner. From Vivalidi to Creedance Clearwater Revival. From the ‘Red Mennonite Hymnal’ to Hillsong United. From Ingrid Michaelson to TFK and may as well throw in a bit of Brad Paisely and James Taylor.

So when our computer was finally set up again after 10 months in storage, I started a new playlist I am calling ‘Healing’. Sometimes I wonder whether I should divide it into two playlists: “Mourning” and “Healing”. Some songs bring me to immediate tears while others fill me with hope. At the moment my mourning and my healing are so intertwined, that one playlist seems to work, but as the sting of the pain lessens (they say that will happen) I may need to divide this playlist into two.

Here is my list. It is a mixture of songs sent to me by friends and family and songs that I added myself. Which songs have been of encouragement to you? I’d love to grow this list.

You Make me Brave – Bethel Music
This Life – Mercy Me
There Will be a Day – Jeremy Camp
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
Take Another Step – Steven Curtis Chapman
Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum
See you in a Little While – Stephen Curtis Chapman
Save a Place for Me – Matthew West
Praise You in This Storm – Casting Crowns
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United
Morning Has Broken – Third Day
The Love of God – Mercy Me
Jesus Come Quickly – Mercy Me
In Better Hands – Natalie Grant
If I Needed You – Towne Van Zandt
I Can Only Imagine – Mercy Me
I Am Not Alone – Kari Jobe
Home – Phillip Phillips
Held – Natalie Grant
Heaven Was Needing A Hero – Jo Dee Messina
Heaven Got Another Angel – Gordon Garner
Healing Hand of God – Jeremy Camp
Healing Begins – Tenth Avenue North
God I Look to You – Bethel Music
Glorious Unfolding – Steven Curtis Chapman
Give Me Jesus – Bethel Music
Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzi
Cry Out to Jesus – Third Day
Cornerstone – Hillsong Worship
Come as You Are – David Crowder Band

Perhaps there’s a song or two in this list that is new to you and will be of hope and encouragement to you too.