In 2014, shortly after Paul Cardall performed at the missionary department’s fall social, Elder David A. Bednar pulled the pianist aside, asking if Cardall wanted to join him for a new project.
“He pulled me aside and mentioned he had a song in him but he didn't know how to get it out and would I be interested in helping him,” Cardall shares. “He said, ‘You have to understand, I am one of the least musically inclined persons on earth.’ He was very humble and excited about the concept that had been in his heart for some years.”
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That night was the genesis of a new song that featured the words written by Elder Bednar.
About this new song and the inspiration behind it, Elder Bednar posted on Facebook:
Much of what we need to know about the character of Christ is embodied in the simple principle of “one by one.” This principle evidenced in the life of the Savior has been a focus of my study for a very long time. I am always touched to consider how much the Savior loves each one of us as individuals. I wrote the lyrics to a song about this principle of “one by one,” which Paul Cardall put to music. It was later beautifully performed by the One Voice Children’s Choir.
As you study the ministry of Jesus Christ and seek for eyes to see and ears to hear, you will find that He ministered to “ones.” He healed the leper, the centurion’s servant, the man with palsy, the woman who touched his garment—plus many more (see Matthew 8 and 9 in the New Testament).
In the New World, He invited the multitude gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful to come forth one by one and witness for themselves that He had been slain for the sins of the world. The Savior invited the multitude to bring all who were afflicted in any manner, and He healed every one. Then He commanded that their little children be brought unto Him one by one, and He blessed them and prayed for them (see 3 Nephi 11 and 17 in the Book of Mormon).
Remember, the simple truth of “one by one” reveals not everything—but much of what we need to know about the character of the Savior. Similarly, each one of us in our service to others—in our families, among our friends, in our communities, or in our callings in the Church—has the opportunity and responsibility to minister to “ones.”
Along with this message, Elder Bednar posted this beautiful video:
Lead image from Facebook
To listen to "One by One" and other inspiring songs by Paul Cardall, check out his latest CD, A New Creation.
A New Creationaccompanies the listener on a spiritual journey from the creation of the world to the ultimate salvation of mankind. For a glimpse of the CD, check out "Song of God" and "Gethsemane" below:
