Isaacs Release Fresh Rendition of B.E. Warren’s “Child of God”

By Carl Stagner

As featured on TV (and DVD) with the Gaither Homecoming Series, the bluegrass-gospel music of the Isaacs family has won the hearts of listeners of all ages over the past thirty-five years. This August, they released a CD called The Living Years featuring fourteen inspirational tracks. The Church of God will no doubt recognize the tenth track, which begins, “Praise the Lord, my heart, with his love is beaming, I am a child of God!”

Though written in 1907, the lyrics struck the family in a new way as they were selecting songs to record. “We’ve heard the song, ‘I Am a Child of God’ sung before in several church services,” Lily Isaacs explains, “but we never really listened to the words as closely as we did until Bill Gaither suggested we record it. It certainly proclaims a message of victory and commitment.”

Characterized by limited accompaniment, warm tones, and smooth vocals, the Isaacs bring a focused, reflective approach to one of the most popular heritage songs of the Church of God. “No matter what life has in store, through it all we are children of God, and our heavenly Father takes care of us in all ways!” Lily exclaims. “I praise God that I am his child!”

The Church of God favorites “It Is Truly Wonderful” and “I Know My Name Is There” were previously published in several denominational hymnals. Well-known artists—including Burl Ives, Lauren Talley, Roger Bennett, and contemporary recording artist Todd Agnew—have all recorded versions of “Joy Unspeakable.” With the Isaacs’ latest recording, Barney Warren’s “Child of God” joins “Joy Unspeakable,” “It Is Truly Wonderful,” and “I Know My Name Is There” as early Church of God heritage songs to make waves beyond the reformation movement.

To learn more about the Isaacs, and to order your copy of The Living Years, visit www.theisaacs.com. You can also pick up a copy of The Living Years at your favorite Christian bookstore or through online retailers like Amazon.com.