The awful story of a frightening kidnapping in Atlanta ended up being a cause for inspiration and celebration, when 9-year-old Willie Myrick saved his life by singing a gospel hymn.

From WXIA-TV:

Earlier this month, police say a man kidnapped then nine-year-old Willie Myrick from his southwest Atlanta driveway. He allegedly drove the boy around for some time before dropping him off unharmed in East Point.

But Willie’s actions during those terrifying three hours are inspiring people around the country. Willie says he sang the gospel song “Every Praise” until the man let him go.

…In front of a crowded sanctuary at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Willie recounted the moment he was freed from the car. Willie said while he was singing, the man kept cursing and telling him to shut up before eventually kicking him out.

“He opened the door and threw me out,” Willie said. “He told me not to tell anyone.”

Willie’s story was so captivating that the Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Hezekiah Walker who wrote the song flew from New York to Atlanta to meet the young boy.

Unfortunately, the kidnapper hasn’t been apprehended yet, but it doesn’t diminish the power of this beautiful story. Have a Happy Easter!