Album Notes

I am the Child you love has ministered to many people since 2003. At the time of its conception, our family was dealing with a severe diagnosis of autism for our son, Jacob.

I believe that the song was a divine inspiration from God as he was leading my hand and my thoughts as if they were Jacob’s. To date, Jacob is eight years old and still cannot speak but I believe this is his message to the world. 100 children from our community of Mattoon gave their time to be the first choir to sing the song. They came from different churches to unite for Jacob and children everywhere. It was so amazing to see them understand how important this song was for future generations.

Some of the children in the choir also had special needs and I could tell it meant the world to them. Everytime the choir sang, there was not a dry eye in the house. It has truly become a song of hope and confirmation of the relationship between God and His children. I know when I sing it to myself, I feel God’s prescence wash over me and comfort me. How amazing is that?

The song has also opened doors to speak with families about autism and connects me with choirs and organizations all over the nation. Our mission was to provide opportunity for autism awareness through the art of song. We believed that the background tracks would provide opportunity for choirs to organize and sing this anthem at their home church and tell Jacob's story of inspiration. Quite possibly inspiring helpers to come forward from the church to assist family's facing the diagnosis of autism.

Recent statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that 1 in 150 people in the United States could be diagnosed with ASD. That means 24,000 children in Illinois have Autism Spectrum Disorder. The diagnosis is also more prevelant in boys. One out of every 94 boys will be diagnosed this year. Everyone will know a person who has autism in their lifetime. How we choose to reach out to the child or family will be very important for our society and our churches.

Prayer is very important to Jacob's family and this year they decided to give the digital download proceeds of the song to Children of Destiny, a incredible daily e-mail prayer ministry that has encouraged our family on this journey.

We have found that many churches have used this song for their children and youth choirs for specials. Also, there has been many requests for use for pre-school graduations and use of it on compilations.

If you are looking to utilize the song for a event, the song also has a complete sign language version available in manual form from a company called Lesson Tutor.

May God richly bless you as you read the lyrics!

Don’t forget to tell Him how much He means to you…Julia Boyd, Jacob’s mom

I am the Child you love:

There is no better place than in the arms of Jesus
His hands are warm and filled with heaven above
He holds me close and whispers
In my ear
My Child, you are the one that I love

I am the child you love Lord
I am the child who has your strength Jesus
All the lessons you have taught me
Help me to believe
I am the child you love

Each night I pray and listen close
For His gentle voice to guide me
I read His word and store it up in my heart
He says to love Him only
In everything I do
Jesus, I am the child who loves you too!

I am the child who loves you Lord
I am the child who’s healed by your hand Jesus
You are my friend and you understand
That’s why I know I am the child you love

Don’t forget to tell Him how much he means to you
Even if time has passed He will wait patiently for you
He gave up His life
So we can live
Jesus, You’re my Savior and my friend

That’s why I know I am the child you love
Copyright 2003, Julia Boyd