Because

When Shawna Edwards returned to college to finish her music degree at age 45, her first class was in songwriting. Near the end of the semester, students were assigned to write a song on a topic of their choice, and Sister Edwards immediately knew what her song would be about. “I wanted to write about Jesus,” she recalls. “Because” was the song she wrote for that assignment.

Her song explored the blessings we have because of the Savior’s life, atoning sacrifice, and love. The lyrics for the verses came to Sister Edwards quickly as she drew parallels between His life and ours: “Because He walked the path, I know the way. Because He calmed the storm, I’m not afraid.” Her chorus expressed everlasting praise that the Savior gave us “ev’rything He had to give.” But as Sister Edwards tried to write the final two lines, she got stuck. How could she adequately convey the all-encompassing blessings we have because of Jesus? The answer came in a few simple words: “I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Because

Scriptures

Principles

Jesus Christ loves each of us.
Our faith in Jesus Christ grows when we learn about Him and His teachings.
We show our love for Jesus Christ when we follow Him.

Questions to Ponder

What has Jesus Christ done that shows His love for you?
What are some ways that you can follow Jesus Christ?
Why is it important to help others learn about Jesus Christ?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Talk about Jesus Christ’s miracles. Read about Jesus Christ’s ministry in the New Testament or His visit to the Americas in the Book of Mormon. Sing the song together, and talk about the miracles Jesus performed in the past and the miracles He performs in our lives today—both big and small.
Move while singing. During family scripture study, sing the song together. Encourage children to engage by clapping their hands, tapping their noses, jumping up, or stomping their feet each time they sing the word “because.”
Identify blessings from the Savior. Sing this song together as a family, and identify the blessings we receive because of the Savior’s actions. You could divide into two groups and have one sing phrases about the Savior’s actions while the other sings phrases about the blessings we receive. Sing the chorus together after each verse.