Tuttle’s Tune is my Statement of Faith

I had an eye on the clock. Reverend Franklin Graham had asked Christians to pray for our nation at noon, and I wanted to take part.

As the minutes ticked down, I began humming a tune I had not heard in years, while recalling an incredible moment of worship at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fl.

Backed by the church choir, the pastor’s wife, Liz Traylor, stood on stage and sang, ‘Statement of Faith.’ The song’s arrangement, lyrics and recitation build to a triumphant, powerful finale. Liz sang it beautifully, but, more importantly with conviction and deep assurance. I listened and watched as she gave it her all for God’s glory. I had no doubt she believed every word she sang and recited.

Long before the last note, most of us in the congregation had risen to our feet. I do not know the reasons others stood, but I stood in complete agreement with the song’s message.

Feeling an urgency to hear the song again, I asked Alexa to play it for me. Instantly the Booth Brothers were belting out the melody and words written many years ago by American country music singer, gospel singer, and songwriter Wes Tuttle.

I wondered who Wes Tuttle was.

Tuttle was signed by Capitol Record, performed with the Sons of the Pioneers and others on television, and sang in nearly a dozen B westerns. He was inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame in 1997. Amazingly, he played the guitar without the three middle fingers on his left hand. Six-year-old Wes lost them to a meat grinder in his father’s butcher shop. On a happier note, Tuttle was one of the yodelers for the dwarfs in Walt Disney’s 1937 Snow White animation classic.

After becoming a Christian in 1957, Tuttle left television and entered the ministry. He toured the country preaching and singing until he became blind. A Google search turned up no evidence of Tuttle ever publicly using his sometimes twangy, sometimes smooth tenor voice to sing his statement of faith. In 2003 he would die at age 85 of heart failure.

Six years before the ‘Statement of Faith’ songwriter died, Lari Goss, a Grammy winning, Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, released a choral arrangement of Tuttle’s song. In addition to The Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, and Legacy Five have also recorded Goss’s version. Like Olive Baptist, many choirs have sung it.

I replayed The Booth Brothers recording and listened attentively.

The weight of the lyrics stirred my heart. Which proves it is not the person delivering the message that matters; but rather the message itself and how it is offered to those listening with their ears and hearts.

I listened to the song five consecutive times. With my own conviction, I sang the words aloud to an audience of One. I worshiped in His presence. What an amazing time we had together. Afterwards, my heart was full, overflowing with gratitude for my Heavenly Father, who deeply loves me. I could not wait to open God’s Word and find treasure there.

But it was noon. Time to pray. Suddenly, I understood the timing of my memory of Liz singing this specific song. I could pray for our nation with even more resolve in my faith to God. It's always a good time to remember in whom we firmly trust and what we assuredly believe.

Perhaps you're wondering about my beliefs and why I pray to God. Wes Tuttle said it better than I can:

I believe that God is sovereign over all

And He alone is worthy of our praise.

Father, Spirit, Son – the Holy Three in One

He reigns no matter what the world may say.

Surely time has come to take a stand

To hold to our convictions without shame.

Opposers to the faith abound on every hand

But the Gospel must be fearlessly proclaimed.

I believe that Jesus is the Holy Son of God

He came to earth to live a perfect life.

I believe He bled and died upon a cruel cross

And there He made the greatest sacrifice.

I believe He rose again and that He lives today

And soon He’s coming back to earth again.

More than just a creed; this is what I believe

Jesus is the only way.

This is my statement of faith! ~ (partial lyrics)

I encourage you to listen to the entire song, 'Statement of Faith' and ask yourself, 'is this what I believe?' If not, find a believer or reach out to me and get answers to your questions. Inquire about the gift of salvation that can be yours today, through Jesus Christ, God's Son. John 3:16