About 5 or 6 years ago on Easter Sunday morning, I walked into church and heard a voice.
“Oh, Happy Day!”
A majestic, powerful voice bursting with joyful soul. It took my breath away. Brought me to the verge of tears. Stopped me in my tracks. I looked up to the stage and thought, “Whoa! Who is THAT?!”
That was my perfect introduction to my friend Rachel. And since that day I’ve come to know the person behind that voice. And I now know that the power and beauty in that awe-inspiring voice is generated by something powerful and beautiful deep inside Rachel. It comes from the very depth of her beautiful soul.
And she has let that bright light shine…
Rachel has worked as a vocal coach, encouraging kids and adults on their musical journey.
Rachel has sung arias with operas and symphony orchestras.
Rachel has hushed noisy nightclubs, belting out rock songs with my friend John Fancher’s band.
Rachel has led congregations into the presence of the divine on Sunday mornings.
She recorded her first album last year.
In this duet “Love Song for Chicago,” Rachel is the 2nd vocalist.
Rachel has made the world a better with her amazing gift.
Last night at 6:30 Rachel called me from Napa California. In a few days she will go under the knife. Numbness and paralyzing pain have wracked her body for the last few weeks. The doctors say it’s a spinal problem. They need to “clean some things out.” And the path they’ll have to take, through Rachel’s neck, could damage her vocal nerves.
It’s by no means a certainty…and we’re praying against it with all we’ve got. But there it is.
Every day I look at a list. It’s a list of my gifts, my passions. My unique talents and skills. Things I should do as much as I possibly can. I know that as I lean into those things I shift atmospheres. I make the world a better place.
What’s on YOUR list? What are your passions? Your unique talents? What do you do that makes the world a better place? What spark in you, no matter how tiny, almost seems divine?
Today, think about Rachel…and be those things that you are.
Oh, Happy Day!
Perry Marshall
Rachel sang this song for my daughter, Zoe.
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About the Author
Perry Marshall has launched two revolutions in sales and marketing. In Pay-Per-Click advertising, he pioneered best practices and wrote the world's best selling book on Google advertising. And he's driven the 80/20 Principle deeper than any other author, creating a new movement in business.
He is referenced across the Internet and by Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, INC and Forbes Magazine.
33 Comments on “There's Something about Rachel”
I wish you the best healing for you.
Plus I have some infos for you.
I just got to know that these kinds of spine-related problems probably do not require a surgery:
There are people who can heal that with their hands by moving you head around in specific ways why you lay down.
I know I had fear that I need that kind of surgery to because after an MRI I was diagnosed spinal canal stenosis plus disc prolapse with only 6mm left for the nerves.
Today my healer has taken care of that and the movements on my left body side are much easier now.
Of course I don’t know your specific condition but if you find the right healer who knows what he/she is doing, there is a very good chance that you can avoid surgery.
I am located in Austria/Europe, so you probably can’t go to my healer but I am sure there are poeple with similar skills as him in your area.
Chris
P.S. You may send me email…
REALLY HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING PERFECT, WELL, AWESOME, SPECTACULAR!
BIG HUGS
Holding the best possible outcome in mind for you Rachel:-)
*BIG HUGS*
Saying a prayer for you Rachel. I’m sure the Lord will make sure your surgery goes well and your voice will be just as lovely as it is now. Speedy recovery. Did I mention you have an amazing voice?
tx
I Corinthias 16:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth
us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rachel my prayer for you is that the Lord will be with you as He has promised in Isaiah 41:13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,saying unto thee,Fear not;I will hep thee.
Get hold of that TRUTH and the God of peace will be with you!
Remember that weeping may endure for a night but joy
come in the morning(Psalm30:5)…you´ll be whole again sister!
Praying for you Rachel! Our God is greater than your challenge. And the gift of your loving heart is even greater than the gift of your voice! Praying that you are comforted and healed and that our Heavenly Father would be glorified in the process!
Rachel,
Your voice is a beautiful gift from the Lord. I’m praying that the doctors can heal you and protect your voice and vocal chords at the same time. Your friend Perry is a friend indeed. Your in our prayers! Pat
God bless you Rachel. The song for Zoe is very moving and I will be sending it on to bless others who know about listening through their hearts. Whatever the future brings, I pray that God will always hold you in his hand and keep you in his grace. You are loved by brothers and sisters across the world whom you have not yet met. Through the times when you many be scared … Peace be with you.
Rachel, On earth as it is in heaven. Selah.
If there is one song that speaks to me it is “Happy Day”. To think our Saviour’s bare feet touched the sands of this small blue planet.
Just knowing that is enough.
Now He knows that Rachel believes, believes enough to have sung. Whatever happens, she will always sing in her heart.
Does anything else matter? Really?
Rachel, I was particularly moved by your song for Zoe. As a musician myself, I wanted to offer a blessing in kind.
The link below is from Marty Goetz, a very gifted singer, songwriter, pianist and Messianic Jew. You are probably familiar with him. It took me an hour to find just the right song for you. I came up with “He Is My Defense”. I hope it blesses you. I pray the Lord’s favor on you, your family, the surgeon and team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxSIAWg3VAY
May His face shine upon you and give you peace.
May the Lord send the peace only He can send to you, your family and friends as you move through this journey. May He send the knowledge that only He can grant to all those who attend to you during surgery. Blessings from your brothers and sisters in Christ around next door, across the city and around the world.
I am deeply thankful that you have taken the time to post this for out beloved Rachel. You have mirrored our prayers and cries to the God of all Flesh who holds all things in His Hands. Thank you to all those from here to Chicago and beyond now (thanks to you Perry) that are praying for Rachel. Our God is ABLE and we look to Him! Bless you all for your prayers and faithful friendship.
Geri Cannon (Rachel’s mom)
Blessings, Rachel,
May healing angels watch over you,
and bring you comfort.
May the Lord be with you every step,
and grant you strength and peace.
Paul
Rachel I believe everything happens for a reason, and that you have many beautiful gifts loved and appreciated by everyone you touch.
My very best wishes for a quick recovery!
Alan
Hello Rachel, loved listening to your voice. Truly you have a gift. I’m not that big on God but I’m asking the universe to take care of you and I’ve every faith it will.
Here’s to a speedy and full recovery. Bestest wishes Sally, London, England.
Bless you, Rachel!
Thank you for sharing your gift. This life is very short, and only a small taste of the sweetness that will be eternal.
May God Bless the physicians and guide their hands. May it be his will that you be whole.
Stephanie
Rachel,
As The Lord never wastes a stroke, He has allowed this for a reason which you may or may not see at the present. But one thing is for sure, He is always looking to bring His people closer to Himself so He can impart something more which He has in store for you. Do not doubt that The Lord has complete control over this as nothing catches Him by surprise.
Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Rachel,
Don’t worry, have faith, and believe that all will be well. You’ll never be alone on this journey, so speak to your “unseen” companions; they will guide you through this, and bring you through.
Good Luck and God Bless.
Dave, England.
Regardless of the outcome, those who are members of God’s family will always sing again. Until then, we look forward to hearing you inspire us once more. We support you in thought and in prayer. Get well my friend.
Rachel
We declare health, strength and restoration of full function to you according to our covenant birthright in Yeshua and the name of Jehovah Rapha.
It will be well
Mich
Praying for you Rachel.
Thank You Perry for being a channel through which good works!
Rachel,
As you move forward through this challenge hold to these words:
The Light of God surrounds you;
The Love of God enfolds you;
The Power of God protects you;
The Presence of God watches over you.
Wherever you are, God is.
In Oneness,
Rob
Dear Rachel,
God has given you a wonderful gift. As the Scripture says, Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. He will surely bring healing to your body.
Praying for you!
Delores
Rachel wishing you the best and sending warmth and prayers to you, your surgery, and emaculate recovery.
Thank you for sharing your gift with those lucky enough to know and hear your voice.
Get better soon so you can make more albums!
Wishing you the utmost BEST.
M-
Rachel,
Believe your song. “Everything will be all right”. I pray for your vocal cord. You are here for larger purpose and God has his way. Let him test you. You will come out winner.
Mukesh.
Will pray for you Rachel.
I had extreme back pain over a long period and shared my story of how I was healed and set free from it. The cause of it was most surprising and in fact not physical at all. I run my own business, have three wonderful kids (aged 5, 7, 9) that I educate at home (so I’m a bit busy!) and on top of that am a bit perfectionist and a people pleaser and those things were the major contributing factors to my pain! I get the odd twinge now and I know that something in my life needs attention…
The URL I submitted is what I shared at our church. I’m not a public speaker and it was a bit daunting.
Perry thank you for introducing us to Rachel and her beautiful voice.
Rachel I am praying for your recovery and Gods peace for your life and wisdom and skill for your surgeon.
God bless the hands that have studied & trained & are now willing to do all they can to relieve Your pain & make You whole again…
God grant You the courage & confidence & secure knowledge that whatever the outcome–hoped for or not so hoped for… there will be as good as angels of mercy watching Your recovery, guiding it & caring for You every step of this and future journeys…
And…
Mother of God–
Please Ask Your Son To Touch Rachel–Thru Her Physicians–With His Holy & Complete Healing.
Good Luck–Kiddo !!
Rachel, how exciting that God is bringing you through new doors. Praying that you will not struggle against His hand. Enjoy the ride.
Praying for you!
Rachel,
I just said a prayer for you that your vocal chords will be protected! You have a beautiful gift from God above! Much love and good wishes!
Kristie
Good Luck Rachel, my prayers are with you for a complete recovery. You will be whole and complete soon. Sending you lots of love.