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SONGS OF INSPIRATION AND HOPE: The Words Edition
Written by: Henry Elijah Clarke
Compiled by: Claudette D. Bacchas
This book has been a dream of my father from 1999, when he made Jesus Christ his personal Lord and Savior.
The content of this book is based on songs and poems that he was inspired to write as he sought the Lord on a daily basis.
The book is divided into three (3) sections which give glimpses of Henry Elijah Clarke under different headings:
—Part 1 – Henry the Writer and Singer
—Part 2 – Henry the Farmer
—Part 3 – Henry the Poet
The first song in Part 1, “Christ’s Solid Love”, was written in commemorationof the opening of a new Church in Mineral Heights, May Pen, Clarendon. This was the beginning of what became his writing and singing career.
Songs such as “Bound for the City with Cloudless Skies,” “My Empty World”, “Lord Go before Us”, “O What Pleasure Divine” all expressed my father’s deep desire to be with his Lord in Heaven.
The song “My Savior’s Voice”, gives us the assurance that we have a Savior in Heaven who paid the price for our sins. He did this when He sealed the deal on Calvary by His death on the Old Rugged Cross.
My Dad was a farmer by profession. He had what we call in Jamaica a “green thumb.” Everything he planted, germinated and grew. He knew how to make the best use of every little space in his yard.
The songs in Part 2, were written to commemorate my father’s achievements as he received trophies and prizes for the best backyard garden in his community on a number of occasions.
In Part 3, his debut poem was, “Roadblock with the Roaring Lion” and is based on I Peter 5:8. He was very much aware that this roadblock with the devil was one every Christian must experience in their daily walk with the Lord. He ended this discourse with the roaring lion on a note of triumph when he wrote:
“A DELIVERANCE TIME NOW, DEFEATED LION, MI NO TELL YU LONG TIME SAY IT A COME FROM ZION?”
It is the writer’s intention that these songs and poems will bring inspiration and hope to all.
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Henry Elijah Clarke was born in Kilmarnock, a small district in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. As a young man he was seen as the Village Reporter as he would submit articles about his community to the Daily Gleaner, which was the main newspaper. From an early age he had the desire to write and he was very good at penmanship.
Over the years he wrote sporadically due to his work commitments. However after his retirement in 1999, he was able to vigorously pursue his childhood passion. That year also he experienced a personal relationship with God and the first song he wrote was entitled, “Christ’s Solid Love.” This was written in commemoration of the opening of a new United Church in Mineral Heights, Jamaica. This was the beginning of what became his writing and singing career.
When I discovered my father’s potential to be a writer, singer and poet, I decided to compile his writings into a manuscript and promised him that one day I would publish his book. He couldn’t wait to see his book become a reality. However, he passed away September 10, 2009 and I was now more determined to publish this book in his memory.
Daddy, your songs and poems will forever live in the hearts of many and bring them inspiration and hope.
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