BROKEN: Broken is deeply personal. My mom died January 8, 2016. For months I could not bear to write (songs, prayer journal, etc.); I could only read God's Word and trust he would be waiting when I was ready to speak. On Mother's Day 2016, my chronological Bible reading took me to Matthew 21: 44: "He who falls on the stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed." Something inside shifted, fell. I cried. It was as if Jesus said "It's ok to be broken. Fall broken on me." There is overarching context to this passage: Those who fall on Jesus will be broken (he will mend); those who wait until it's too late to admit his lordship will be crushed (reference to corrupt Pharisees and warning to those who wait until after death to recognize Jesus as Savior). In my moment, however, God used a broad application to tend my hurting heart. The next weekend was my birthday and I was finally ready to speak. Broken is what I said.
SPIRIT FIRE: The book of Acts records the Holy Spirit's first visit to the apostles, appearing as flaming tongues of fire above their heads. Amy Lewis and I wanted to capture the arresting symbolism of the flaming Holy Spirit (Spirit Fire) while capturing the personal interaction God allows between himself and his believers. I love that it was the first song on the project to be written.
LET GO: Verse one is an autobiography of my own musical journey. Verse two is the story of someone I love, who honored and respected her husband when he deserved no such gifts. Verse three explains itself; listen. No matter which verse you identify with (one, all, none), everyone should be so blessed to realize that letting go of our dreams to make room for God's ushers in unmatched peace, this side of Heaven or the other. Let Go is the first song I wrote alone.
RIGHT THING: Amy Lewis and I are both rather shy. Though we live to honor Jesus, we find ourselves nervous to do so in the company of those who don't share our worldview. Right Thing addresses our convictions to release those fears.
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