Little Smile

The students and staff at Smithville Christian High School always love to praise and worship in chapel, and this morning we were blessed to hear from a Christian singing and songwriting duo who are following their dream and making their living as musicians.

Jodi King and her husband, Chris Rademaker, both originally from Winnipeg, now from Toronto, shared their musical gifts in an inspiring and moving presentation.

Jodi introduced the song “Breathing In, Breathing Out” from her new album, Little Smile, by saying that the Holy Spirit is part of our every move, and we always “have the chance to start new, to be re-invigorated. We can always press the re-start button again.”

In “Kristen,” Jodi sang about the power of a little smile to change someone’s life, after Jodi overcame her reluctance and went to say “hello” to a young woman weeping in a downtown Winnipeg park. Jodi’s kind word to a woman who was desperate for someone to care marked the beginning of a friendship that has changed the lives of both King and Kristen.

“God used a smile to let me meet this amazing person, and God continues to use what I have to give,” said Jodi, encouraging students to use what God has given them. “If it’s a toonie, God can use it. If it’s a smile, God can use it.”

Jodi also encouraged the student musicians at Smithville Christian to follow their dreams. Life on the road may involve sacrifices, she said, but she and Chris are grateful to be able to follow their passion.

“Try new things,” she said. “Chase down your dream.”

They also led the school community in worship as we sang together “Hosanna” and “How Great is Our God.”

Jodi and Chris are leaving for Nashville today to audition with recording industry executives, and Jodi thanked the students for inspiring her by clapping along with the song she intends to use for the audition: “Happy.”

To listen to Jodi King’s music, visit her website http://www.jodiking.com/

Copies of her latest CD, Little Smile, are also available for sale in the school office for $10.