Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to ballads with big, dramatic endings. Cameron Smith Steve Green and Sandi Patty did a lot of these. This style of song moves me and always has, really. When I shared this with the Phillip Keveren, who produced the EP, he suggested that I consider doing “The Way, The Truth, The Life.” I immediately loved it. Such a powerful melody and wonderful orchestration….and the ending I had hoped for!
Good Shepherd
Many have written about the “names” of God over the years. There are times in life when we need to see God in different “names.” Sometimes we need him to be our Good Shepherd. Sometimes, we need to reflect on the fact that He was, He is, and He will be. When we feel weak, we need him to be our Strong Tower. When we feel angst, we need him to be our Prince of Peace. Thank you, God, for wearing all of these hats all of the time…just when we need. You are indeed The Way, The Truth, The Life!
In the Silence
As we were thinking about the tracks for the album, the producer recommended that one of them be a “cross-over.” (This is a song that could be interpreted in both a Christian sense, as well as a secular sense. Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” is a great example of this.) In the Silence fits really well in this category. Cameron Smith Phillip Keveren wrote it, along with Jeff Bumgardner. The melody is beautiful and the lyrics really speak to me. Our world is loud, isn’t it? We get so used to this that many of us actually like the noise and feel awkward in the silence. How many times have you heard someone talk about having the TV or radio on for “background noise?” I’ve done that. How do you feel when there is silence? We’re so conditioned to the constant noise….even subtle noises…that silence is often really uncomfortable. We read about Jesus being alone to pray…presumably in the silence. If Jesus needed to do this, how much more do we? It’s not my default to sit in silence. I have to make a concentrated effort. This song reminds me to do this. May you find peace, rest, and restoration In the Silence.
Build My Life
The third track on the album is “Build My Life.” As we were thinking about the options for various tracks, the producer recommended that I do at least one cover (a previously recorded song) but in a new, more acoustical feel. Well, we ended up doing two. He gave me a list of the top 25 worship songs. “Build My Life” was near the top, maybe number one. I’ve connected with it for some time, and it was especially meaningful because our son, Walker, loves it so much. He was three at the time he first heard it and would frequently sing it while “playing” his guitar. Other times, he would ask me to play it on the piano and sing it to him…..so heart warming. Well, when I learned that it was an option for the project, I knew he would be excited and that I had to do it. It’s his favorite track on the album
The lyrics start off by acknowledging that God is worthy of everything….every song, all of our praise, every breath….everything. In response, there is the affirmation that we live for him. (Really, what other response would make sense?) We’re reminded that He is holy. There is nobody like Him or beside Him. With this recognition, the lyrics lead us to ask God to fill us and to lead us in His love for others. Cameron Smith This is so important. It is a reminder that we are expected to do something in response to what God has done for us. Yes, we accept and are eternally grateful for God’s love and grace and forgiveness, but we don’t stop there. We’re expected to respond to this through serving others. What does that look like in your life? A phone call of encouragement? Eye contact? Letting someone know you see them and are there.
