Jennifer Nettles delivered a heartfelt rendition of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” at the 9/11 25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony in New York City.
The song itself carries a heavy history born from profound personal loss. Vince Gill started writing it back in 1989 after his friend Keith Whitley passed away and he could not finish the remaining verses for years. It sat untouched until his brother Bob died in 1993. Only then did the rest of the words finally come to him.
Its beautiful message speaks directly to us about the promise of eternal life and finding ultimate peace in the arms of Jesus.
Jennifer Nettles is a celebrated Grammy winning artist from a small town in Georgia. She is well known for her massive success with the country duo Sugarland and her impressive work on Broadway stages. On this solemn morning, she stood before thousands of heroic first responders and heartbroken families of the fallen to offer peace and comfort through a powerful gospel song.
She later shared online about how difficult it was to sing it in such a grieving atmosphere.
“It is always hard to sing within the presence of, and while holding, such emotion. So many sad hearts in front of you. Emotion ‘catches in your throat’ as they say. The voice is sacredly situated between the head and the heart.”
Nettles has been open about her faith over the years and how she relies heavily on prayer to navigate her busy life. During a past interview about her spiritual roots she powerfully stated “I know that I am a child of God and I am always cared for and protected in that way.”
I was so moved to hear her singing such a comforting song right where it was needed most. May God continue to lead those families in His peace, and help all the first responders who still deal with PTSD, respiratory illness, cancer, and other health effects tied to their work in the aftermath of 9/11.
WATCH: Jennifer Nettles Sings ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’ at 9/11’s 25th Anniversary
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