If the eyes are the windows of the soul, than perhaps music is the door to the heart. The melody and lyrics speak the truth, treasure, and tragedy that lie within. Sometimes the music is gentle, a light tapping on the shoulder. Other times, it’s more direct, with power and conviction. Much like life, there are themes of exuberant celebration, quiet introspection, searing anguish, and humble gratitude. But, when the music is especially sweet, it comes like a soothing balm to the weary soul, renewing the mind, refreshing the spirit, and rendering the heart forever changed. If music is the door to the heart, than there’s no secret to Whom Cheri Keaggy’s heart belongs.
Beginning as a worship leader at a small church in Southern California, Cheri has ministered through music and testimony for twenty years. Her debut album, Child of the Father, was released to rave reviews in 1994 earning her a Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year. Six albums, nine Number One songs, three Dove Award nominations and a Dove Award win later, Cheri Keaggy is recognized as a mainstay in the adult contemporary and inspirational genres, and songs like “There is Joy in the Lord” and “In Remembrance of Me” are sung in churches worldwide. Likewise, songs like “Little Boy On HIs Knees (Cameron’s Song)”, “Beautiful Little Girl (Sarah’s Song)”, and “You’ll Always Be My Son” have made her a favorite at women’s events.
Often with her Bible and journal close at hand, Cheri takes a teachable approach to life, looking for the lesson in every experience. “If God can use our challenges and heartaches to build character in us and make us more effective for the Kingdom, than that’s what I want. He can use me however He sees fit.”
Most recently, the end of her twenty-two year marriage to her high school sweetheart has stretched her in ways she never could have imagined. Perhaps a lyric from “Restored (The Grindstone Song)” expresses it best . . .
I’ve been living against the grindstone, where nothing is sure but the Lord
For He gives us the treasures of darkness, where faith’s greatest riches are stored
And in ways that are quite unexpected, I have learned a most humbling truth
That a faith that has never been tested is just growth that is long overdue
So, I’m practicing joy, choosing it daily, putting it on like a favorite cologne
And when life breaks me down, it won’t even faze me
Some call me crazy, but I’m just in love with the Lord
For He has been faithful enough just to fill me
And take me to heights I have never explored
If I’m never broken, how can I be restored
- Because He First Loved Us CD, released in 2007
“I’ve learned a lot in the last several years. It’s always been helpful to write from a place of experience, knowing God meets us in the middle of it all. There may be a lot of unknowns in my future, but one thing I know for sure, I have everything I need in Christ. He has loved me well and for that I am eternally grateful.”
Defining her music as “for the edification of the body of Christ,” she has always felt a calling to convey her faith through melody and lyric. But, more and more, audiences have affirmed that the stories and scriptures shared in between songs have as much impact as the songs themselves. Consequently, God has opened doors in the speaking arena and Cheri has been obedient to walk through them with a greater dependency than ever before.
*A note to ministry leaders: Cheri is committed to organized bible study, regular church attendance, participation in a care group, and has placed herself under accountability with her pastor and other spiritual mentors. References available upon request.