Today’s post was written by Paul.

This year, to celebrate Ira’s Louvin’s birthday, I chose one of his happiest gospel songs “He Included Me.”

Pap and Ray (the Wilson Brothers) used to sing the song. I have a few rough recordings of them doing it on reel-to-reel and cassette, sometimes with their younger brother, Henry, playing electric guitar. I heard them sing it before I heard the Louvins sing it.

The song appeared on Ira and Charlie’s last album together, Thank God for My Christian Home. Just before last Thanksgiving, I uploaded a video of me singing that title track. In case you missed it, you can see it here.

I guess I heard Pap and Ray sing “He Included Me” before I heard the Louvins sing it, partly because that album (Thank God for My Christian Home) seems to be a little more rare or hard-to-come-by than their other albums.

It was recorded in 1962 and was released in 1965, the same year that Ira was tragically killed in a car crash, along with his wife and several other people. It was also the same year my brother, Steve, was born.

“He Included Me” is a fun song to sing and a fun song to chord on the guitar. I apologize for the distortion in parts of this video. I got a little too carried away with my singing volume.

This is the kind of song that makes you want to sing loudly. As my Uncle Ray would say, it makes you want to “sing by letter,” which means, “open your mouth and let’er fly!” 🙂

To me, the words to this song are even happier than the upbeat melody. I cannot think of a more encouraging thought than to know that the Lord included me, despite all my sins, faults, failures and shortcomings—included me in His plan of salvation. He died and rose for me personally. He bore my sins, and though I don’t deserve His sacrifice, I gratefully accept it. If we know that, if we have our faith in Him, we should be able to handle everything else. In fact, if we know that, nothing else even matters, ultimately.

This song is the perfect retort when the devil tries to make you feel discouraged and doubtful. As Pap would say, sing or quote this song to the devil, and you’ll “put him in the wind.”

Ira Louvin was one of the most gifted and talented people to ever walk the earth, and I enjoy honoring his musical legacy each year on his birthday. He inspired millions of musicians and singers. His music enriched my life and the lives of my family. Thanks for watching.

Paul

Original singles released on Spotify.

Original singles on YouTube.

Shepherd of My Soul (Album released in 2016).

The Wilson Brothers Words of Life Album released in the 70s.

Find our cds here.