Behind the Lyrics
Self-Worth:
Feeling worthless and alone, there were times I sought significance and worth in my image and materialistic things. Trying to fill the God shaped hole in my heart with things that left me empty and unsatisfied. It was in this time of emptiness I finally looked again to my Savior but felt ashamed of who I was. Why would the God of the universe love me enough to die for my sins? Then came His gentle answer, that through Him I can be filled and because He made me I have value and worth. No matter what I had done or how the world viewed me, He saw me as His priceless child, full of worth. It is in Him that all have self worth. This song has two parts: the individual questioning if they deserve God’s grace and love and God answering that His death and resurrection shows the depth of his love, shining hope on all and filling those who are empty with worth.
Feeling worthless and alone, there were times I sought significance and worth in my image and materialistic things. Trying to fill the God shaped hole in my heart with things that left me empty and unsatisfied. It was in this time of emptiness I finally looked again to my Savior but felt ashamed of who I was. Why would the God of the universe love me enough to die for my sins? Then came His gentle answer, that through Him I can be filled and because He made me I have value and worth. No matter what I had done or how the world viewed me, He saw me as His priceless child, full of worth. It is in Him that all have self worth. This song has two parts: the individual questioning if they deserve God’s grace and love and God answering that His death and resurrection shows the depth of his love, shining hope on all and filling those who are empty with worth.
Reaching:
During a time of searching, trying to understand if I had a place to fit in, I was like a scattered puzzle, trying to fit into places that were not meant for me to fill. I was battling the desire to be like my family (the people I admired) or to be different. I wore a mask to cover the pain and confusion I felt so that people would only see the happy me; the image I thought I was meant to portray. All I wanted was to have approval and love. Would those I trusted and cared for still love me if I were different? Through the searching of my identity Christ was there, letting me know that He was and is proud of who I am even though there was pain. Though I felt there was no one to turn to, He was there reaching out all along, comforting and loving me. Would I turn my ear to His cry instead of looking in the wrong direction?
During a time of searching, trying to understand if I had a place to fit in, I was like a scattered puzzle, trying to fit into places that were not meant for me to fill. I was battling the desire to be like my family (the people I admired) or to be different. I wore a mask to cover the pain and confusion I felt so that people would only see the happy me; the image I thought I was meant to portray. All I wanted was to have approval and love. Would those I trusted and cared for still love me if I were different? Through the searching of my identity Christ was there, letting me know that He was and is proud of who I am even though there was pain. Though I felt there was no one to turn to, He was there reaching out all along, comforting and loving me. Would I turn my ear to His cry instead of looking in the wrong direction?
Held Fast:
This song is about waiting on the Lord and desiring to see Him face to face. With the struggles that life brings and the pain we all experience there are times I long for heaven, to be in the Lord’s arms were there is no pain or suffering. But until that day, I remember that though life may have it’s hard times, I am not at the end of a rope that is fraying but I am wrapped lovingly and firmly in my Savior’s cloak where He holds me tight and comforts me through life’s storms.
This song is about waiting on the Lord and desiring to see Him face to face. With the struggles that life brings and the pain we all experience there are times I long for heaven, to be in the Lord’s arms were there is no pain or suffering. But until that day, I remember that though life may have it’s hard times, I am not at the end of a rope that is fraying but I am wrapped lovingly and firmly in my Savior’s cloak where He holds me tight and comforts me through life’s storms.
Cry for Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe is in the Southern part of Africa and was where I was born and lived until college. During the past decade Zimbabwe has been going through a turbulent time. Its economy collapsed completely; there was much violence and sorrow. Many people have been affected by the devastation that has happened there. HIV Aids has progressively gotten worse and affect many people. The lack of education in HIV Aids and the need for medical supplies has been a huge factor for the spread. The rise of orphans whose parents had HIV is only growing and the need for proper care for these orphans is scarce. Cry for Zimbabwe is a cry for those who have suffered through the violence that occurred and for those who suffer still because of the after effects as well as for the innocent who suffer because of poor choice others have made. Why does a country that once was so full of life have to carry this burden of sorrow? To learn more about Zimbabwe and the work that is being done there and how you can help go to www.teamworld.org
Zimbabwe is in the Southern part of Africa and was where I was born and lived until college. During the past decade Zimbabwe has been going through a turbulent time. Its economy collapsed completely; there was much violence and sorrow. Many people have been affected by the devastation that has happened there. HIV Aids has progressively gotten worse and affect many people. The lack of education in HIV Aids and the need for medical supplies has been a huge factor for the spread. The rise of orphans whose parents had HIV is only growing and the need for proper care for these orphans is scarce. Cry for Zimbabwe is a cry for those who have suffered through the violence that occurred and for those who suffer still because of the after effects as well as for the innocent who suffer because of poor choice others have made. Why does a country that once was so full of life have to carry this burden of sorrow? To learn more about Zimbabwe and the work that is being done there and how you can help go to www.teamworld.org
Slipping Through:
I had been reading about David’s life, as well as the Psalms, and was learning that even in the hardest times David found a way to praise the Lord. Through the challenges that life has brought, I have learned by these examples and others that when I least feel like lifting my hands in worship or when I feel I can’t take another step, praising the Lord is what I can do. For He has given me life and is worthy of praise for He sustains me when I’m weak and weary.
I had been reading about David’s life, as well as the Psalms, and was learning that even in the hardest times David found a way to praise the Lord. Through the challenges that life has brought, I have learned by these examples and others that when I least feel like lifting my hands in worship or when I feel I can’t take another step, praising the Lord is what I can do. For He has given me life and is worthy of praise for He sustains me when I’m weak and weary.
Home in Your Arms:
I wrote this song for my husband, whom I admire and love.
I wrote this song for my husband, whom I admire and love.
As We Dance:
This was written for my best friend’s wedding (who I grew up with in Africa). She has been a huge support and inspiration for my music and she is still an important part of my life today.
This was written for my best friend’s wedding (who I grew up with in Africa). She has been a huge support and inspiration for my music and she is still an important part of my life today.
Gift from God:
This was a surprise gift for my husband, Jonathan, for our wedding. It is based on the journey that we had been on and would continue; as well as Jonathan’s name means ‘God’s Gift’. Through the years of knowing him, he has been such an encouragement and source of strength. This song was to show him how much I love and admire him. He has been the biggest support and encourager of my music.
This was a surprise gift for my husband, Jonathan, for our wedding. It is based on the journey that we had been on and would continue; as well as Jonathan’s name means ‘God’s Gift’. Through the years of knowing him, he has been such an encouragement and source of strength. This song was to show him how much I love and admire him. He has been the biggest support and encourager of my music.
Fly:
So often we are told how to live, how to act or look. But too often these things fall short of God’s design and purpose for us. There are times when we try but fail and then try again only to be broken again.
This song is to inspire those who are tired of trying or caged by lies and worries; that Christ desires for us to be free of the sin that holds us back, to spread our wings like the eagles and reach heights that He has for us to reach. He promises to be with us even if we fall, He will mend the hurts and give us the wings again to soar.
So often we are told how to live, how to act or look. But too often these things fall short of God’s design and purpose for us. There are times when we try but fail and then try again only to be broken again.
This song is to inspire those who are tired of trying or caged by lies and worries; that Christ desires for us to be free of the sin that holds us back, to spread our wings like the eagles and reach heights that He has for us to reach. He promises to be with us even if we fall, He will mend the hurts and give us the wings again to soar.
Freedom:
This is a simple song of worship asking the Lord to be the orchestrator of my life. I want to be the clay that only He molds and I know that nothing else will satisfy me but Him for He has set me free from a life of darkness.
This is a simple song of worship asking the Lord to be the orchestrator of my life. I want to be the clay that only He molds and I know that nothing else will satisfy me but Him for He has set me free from a life of darkness.
Running in Circles (Prelude to Rest):
There have been times in my life when I felt like I have grown so much only to find that I end up back where I started. Like the ballerina in a music box going in circles that never ended I felt trapped by the cycle of circles I had drawn up for myself that were leading me nowhere. Then I realized that I had been set free from these struggles that I kept returning to, but because they were familiar, I was holding onto them as if I were still bound. This song is a prayer, asking that the Lord be my sunrise at the end of a long dark night.
There have been times in my life when I felt like I have grown so much only to find that I end up back where I started. Like the ballerina in a music box going in circles that never ended I felt trapped by the cycle of circles I had drawn up for myself that were leading me nowhere. Then I realized that I had been set free from these struggles that I kept returning to, but because they were familiar, I was holding onto them as if I were still bound. This song is a prayer, asking that the Lord be my sunrise at the end of a long dark night.
Rest:
I wrote this song minutes after writing Running in Circles. I had been praying and this song (I believe) is the Lord answering my prayer, bringing me rest from the constant circles I was making. He is bringing new life, saying that all those times I felt alone He was there, when I was crying out, He was there listening with His arms around me. May you find the same peace and rest I have found through the love and knowledge that Jesus Christ is the only one who can fill, restore and heal any brokenness you may be experiencing. It doesn’t matter who you are, He loves you and is waiting with arms open wide to welcome you and bring you rest.
I wrote this song minutes after writing Running in Circles. I had been praying and this song (I believe) is the Lord answering my prayer, bringing me rest from the constant circles I was making. He is bringing new life, saying that all those times I felt alone He was there, when I was crying out, He was there listening with His arms around me. May you find the same peace and rest I have found through the love and knowledge that Jesus Christ is the only one who can fill, restore and heal any brokenness you may be experiencing. It doesn’t matter who you are, He loves you and is waiting with arms open wide to welcome you and bring you rest.
