“Soft Place to Land” is a project of songs that emerged from my own experience of loss; during and after the passing of my husband in 2009. I processed a lot of this hard journey during many long walks in the woods behind my house. There was a lot of pondering and praying on those woodsy paths! It was also where I came up with a summary of what this project was all about:
The journey of loss is an intimate path. It leads through the bramble bushes of questions, the dark woods of tears and the reflecting pools of longing. Yet it can also lead to meadows of great comfort, sunny glades of peace and rushing rivers of divine nearness and hope. These songs are a “musical journaling” from my own experience of loss. So I invite you to come with me, along with a few friends, as I share with you the path I’ve been on. I pray these songs will bring hope, comfort and peace as you travel similar paths; and that you too will find a “soft place to land.
Please keep in mind that this project of songs is not meant to be “prescriptive” for you as you grieve, (as loss looks so very different to each unique person.) but it is “descriptive” of where I was and where God had me and how He graciously carried me in that season of grief.
I pray that these songs and stories will point you to Him – who is “near the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18) Ultimately I pray that you will come to know the “Prince of Peace” who can bring you (and IS) the peace that “passes ALL understanding”, (Phillipians 4:7) Whatever losses you are now grieving, remember there is a tender, loving, strong Comforter who will “never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8) and who “keeps your tears in His bottle”. (Psalm 56:8) Lastly, I pray that you will remember the truth that God is good, even in the hardest of trials and losses. May you grieve with much hope! (I Thessalonians 4:13-14)
Click on “Soft Place to Land” (below) to read the story (and lyrics) and listen to the song. There will be a prompt at the bottom of the page to lead you to the next song.
3. Tenderly
This was taken when we were playing around with ideas for the Cover photo for the project. This is at a beloved place in my woods called “Shady Grove”.
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Credits:
All songs written by: Pam Hamilton
Piano and vocals: Pam Hamilton
Violin: Daniel Butman
Cello: Gail Burnett
Upright Bass: Joseph Patrick Moore, Ryan Robertson
Bass Guitar: Joseph Patrick Moore, Stephen Wareham
Drums: Kirk Sarkisian
Acoustic Guitar: Chris Blackwell
Recorded and Mixed by: Stephen Wareham
Mastered at: Rodney Mills Master House
Produced by: Pam Hamilton and Stephen Wareham
Graphic Design: Robin Harrison, Caffeine Generated Graphics
Photography: Sam Baker (cover photo) and Angela Murray Morris
Hair & Makeup: MARAZ
Thanks to the wonderful musicians who played on this project! It’s an honor to make music with you. Robin–for the awesome CD design! Sam and Angela for the awesome pictures. And Stephen–for recording this project at your studio and the countless hours it took to make this possible. What a labor of love! I’m so thankful for you. Additional thanks to all who prayed, gave feedback, editing help for the booklet, and help in any way – thank you so much!!
Special note to my sweet boys: Luke, Pierce, Nathan and Evan. This is especially for you as I want you to remember what a great Dad you had (and still have–as we’ll all meet again one day!) But mostly that God is good–and it’s gonna be okay! More than okay! I LOVE YOU!
Thank You!
I cannot begin to say thanks for the amazing outpouring of love and support for my family and me during and after the loss of my husband in 2009. I cannot begin to list all of you who gave in so many ways: prayers, meals, boy breaks, boy mentors, car help, house help, woods help, financial help, legal help, dental help, ….help in so many forms. I’m so very thankful for so many dear friends and family and for our communities of faith at Perimeter Church, The Vine Community Church and our home churches in Ohio and Bainbridge, Ga. I’ll never be able to repay this incredible debt….but I pray that in some small way, this project of songs will be an offering of thanks – and that it may also offer comfort and encouragement to others who experience loss.
Lastly, but mostly, thank you to the One Who is “near the brokenhearted” and Who gives us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”.