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Take My Life (I Am Yours):
A Salvation Worship Success Story
by Jahred Warkentin

In the heart of Chicago, Jonathon Weller stands in front of his corps, ready to lead worship for many who find themselves overcome by the deep darkness of addiction, disease, loneliness, shame, and other issues few can fathom. Time after time, Weller finds himself coming back to a song that has resonated with so many among his congregation. Jonathon spoke with me about his use of Take My Life (I Am Yours) in congregational worship.

 

Laura Rowsell's song Take My Life (I Am Yours) was released in the Canada and Bermuda Territory's Salvation Worship Volume 3 in 2022 and has since found a home in various corps within the Army. Harbour Light corps in Chicago (USA Central Territory) is one such place where Weller (music program assistant/pianist/worship leader) has used the song countless times to speak into congregation members' lives. With a congregation diverse among many attributes like race, age, social class, sexuality, sobriety, denominational upbringing, and church affiliations, it can be hard to find music that works for everyone, but Weller says this song serves a wide range of people. "It's got the old words which some people already know and love, and then it's got that kind of updated chorus which I think works really well." Weller also spoke about some of the practical implications that support the song such as the lower key (for a predominantly male group), its sing-ability, and the depth of lyrical maturity within plain language.

 

Weller's first foray into the song was by reading through the lyrics when the latest Salvation Worship volume came out. He was captured by how much it would resonate with the journeys of recovery his congregation members were going through. But in using the song with his congregation, Weller has noticed a curb-cut effect where decisions made to serve one group of people go on to serve a much larger group. While resonating with this song in his own context, he realized how beneficial these words could be to the corps of his youth. "Those words work at any congregation like, the middle-class corps may not have as many people dealing with this stuff [addiction recovery, houselessness, extreme poverty] but they're dealing with their own crap."

 

Upon first introduction, the song was not a "hit" in the traditional sense. "Fifty percent of our congregation probably is not actively singing along…for whatever reason." So, knowing how impactful the song could be, Weller set out to make sure the congregation knew the song. "With Take My Life, when I introduced the song, I kind of taught it. You know, it's like, 'hey, we're gonna have choir practice really quick. I'm gonna teach you this song.'" Familiarity with a song is the top priority for Weller, who says familiarity is going to have the greatest impact above genre, arrangement, or any other musical attribute. "I know that the guys who were here when I introduced it before are gonna remember it and the guys who weren't here are gonna pick it up fairly easily." Slowly, Weller began to see more comfortability while worshipping with the song and began "seeing guys who are a bit more reserved and have come out of that event… occasionally see a couple of their hands go up and that's really cool."

 

The song has become so much to so many. A chorus built upon the relatable struggle with doubt, running from God, and spiritual darkness; and the everlasting truth that in these times, we belong to God, is matched with verses that make self-sacrificial declarations, to give our lives to Christ for rejuvenation, praise, and offering.

 

’Cause I am Yours, even when the doubt sets in,

Even when I’m running in the opposite direction.

And I am Yours, when the night is dark and I can’t see,

You’re always standing next to me

And I am reminded that I am Yours,

That I am Yours.

 

You can check out Take My Life (I Am Yours) and all its supporting material here. Have a song success story you want to share? Contact us to include the story in the next issue of SAWM!

 

Jahred.warkentin@salvationarmy.ca

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SA Worship magazine is a cooperative project that has contributors from around The Salvation Army World. If you would like more information on how you can contribute, Please write to your local Territorial Worship Representative.

Editor: Simon Gough - Canada And Bermuda Territory 

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Music Type Setting: Nik King - United Kingdom and  Republic of Ireland Territory

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For more information please Contact Simon.Gough@salvationarmy.ca

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