Tony Cummings reports on the 'Don't Forget To Remember' and 'Sing: Remembering Songs' projects by ELLIE HOLCOMB

Ellie Holcomb

Ellie Holcomb is now something of a Cross Rhythms radio favourite. Her songs "I Wanna Be Free" and the title track from 2014's 'As Sure As The Sun' album, and "We've Got This Hope" and "You Are Loved" from 2017's 'Red Sea Road' album have all received listeners' thumbs-up, while her work and occasional appearances with her husband's Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors demonstrate that this Nashville-based singer/songwriter is able to handle Americana as well as CCM. In 2018, Ellie wrote her first children's book, Who Sang The First Song? (published by B&H Kids), and also recorded a mini-album 'Sing: Creation Songs'. Both touched many children and parents alike, and the mini-album was nominated for a Dove Award in the Children's Project Of The Year category in 2019.

Now Ellie is set to have her second book, Don't Forget To Remember, published in March and, prior to that, an EP, 'Sing: Remembering Songs', is due to be released on 21st February. Explained Ellie, "This book was largely inspired by Psalm 19, which says, 'The heavens declare the glories of God'. I hope Don't Forget To Remember will help children and the adults in their lives pay attention to the beautiful song creation sings each day. There are countless clues that point us to the truth, and my hope is that this book will be like a treasure map to help us all discover and remember the wonders of God's love for us."

Ellie went on to explain how 'Sing: Remembering Songs' evolved. "As for my EP, I actually thought I'd just write a song for this second book and not include any other songs as I'm a mom of three now and the days are busy and full. I kept thinking, 'I'm not sure I have time or margin to write another kids record.' So I prayed. I told God, 'If you want me to write another kids EP, I need you to make it really clear!' That very night my producer Nathan Dugger emailed me two different song ideas that I loved. I forget what's true a lot of days, but songs get stuck in my head."

In Don't Forget To Remember, Ellie uses rhyme and beauty to remind young readers of comforting truths from God. When they see snowflakes fall, they can remember that God made each person as one of a kind. If they hear the waves crash to shore again and again, they'll recall that God's love never runs out. High and low, on sad days and glad days, creation reminds us that God's love is ever-present. The singer, songwriter and author ends her comforting reminder with a message for hearts young and old: "And even on days you forget what is true, don't forget to remember God won't forget you."

Said Holcomb, "I hope Don't Forget To Remember will start many conversations about what really matters at the end of the day. My dream is that this book and music will be like a campfire to gather around each night, and that it will warm each heart with the light of God's love for them."