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 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.  Eight 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, the songs she’s written for her children 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 that makes us more effective for the Kingdom, than that’s what I want.  He can use me however He sees fit.”

 

With songs penned following the end of her nearly twenty-three year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Cheri’s eighth release, SO I CAN TELL, is perhaps her most vulnerable recording to date.  Like a modern day psalmist, her lyrics express grief, loneliness, and God’s comfort in “There Will Be One Day”, “When You Were Jesus to Me”, and “Hello, God.”  She echoes the apostle Paul in the memorable piano ballad, “To Live is Christ” and celebrates Christ’s provision in the ukulele-based tune, “Air, Food, and Water.” 

 

The album is a testimony of God’s goodness in the midst of pain and suffering.  The music leaves the listener with a renewed sense that God is with us, no matter what. The perfect ending to a worshipful journey is the Scripture inspired “Romans 15:13 (Benediction Song)” and a beautiful acoustic piece performed by Phil Keaggy called, “Postlude: Invitation to Hope.” 

 

“I feel like God has given me some gold,” Cheri explains, “and now is the season of pouring out everything He’s poured into me.” Perhaps a lyric from the title track encapsulates it best . . .

 

 

Whether through writing, singing, or speaking, that’s exactly what she does.  In spite of life’s difficulties, she chooses God’s truths over and over again and inspires others to do the same.  Pointing us toward what matters most, an encounter with Cheri Keaggy is an encounter with the God of Hope.

 

Cheri’s son, Cameron, is now married, while her daughter, Sarah, lives at home in Franklin, TN, while attending college.  Cheri enjoys reading, writing, and walking her beloved shih-tzu, Daisy Doo.