Has music always been a part of your life?
Yes. I grew up in a very musical family. My grandparents, cousins, and parents all played music. I started singing in church with my 2 older sisters and parents when I was 3 years old.
When did you make the decision that you wanted to use your gifts for the Lord?
Church was always a big part of my life. It’s where I learned to sing. From my earliest years, when I sang songs to people that brought hope and encouragement because of Jesus, I felt like I was doing what I was created to do.
How do you go about writing new songs? Do they relate to your own personal life and experiences?
None of us in Point of Grace are “naturally gifted” song writers. It’s never a craft that we felt called to do. However, we have always talked with songwriters about things we wanted to say in a song. Then they would go and write it. On the last few records we have felt like we had more time to give to songwriting. We have sat with some of our close friends and writers to share those thoughts and sing through melodies. Most of those song ideas have come from our personal lives and what God is teaching us at the moment.
Everyday we are blessed with so much. Yet people take things for granted. How do you as a Christian avoid taking things for granted and remain grateful?
It’s a choice you have to make every single day. Some days I can so easily get into a rut of complaining and being ungrateful. I think that is why it’s so important to spend time in God’s word. When you do, you are reminded constantly of the grace that God pours out on us on a daily basis. When I catch myself with self- pity or ungratefulness, I really have to stop and think of things that I can be thankful for right that moment. It’s truly amazing how God helps me when I approach him with a thankful heart. I heard a quote the other day from a pastor that said. “God calls us to live outrageously generous in a stingy world, confident in an insecure world, faithful in a fickle world, and thankful in an ungrateful world. When we do, the world can’t help but take notice.” I thought it interesting that he would mention Christians being grateful people and how that makes us stand out.
What is the greatest lesson you learnt during your singing career?
Relationships are still the most important thing. How you treat people on the road and how you treat those who travel with you makes the world of difference. However, your family is still the most important relationship in your life here on earth. They will be here when the career is no longer. If things aren’t right at home, nothing else works right.
How do you keep up with being moms, wives as well as professional musicians?
It’s probably the hardest part of this career. We love what we do in Point of Grace, but we LOVE being moms. It’s hard when you have to miss a sporting event or recital of one of your kids. Thankfully, the girls and I are very supportive of one another. If we feel like we just can’t take a date because of something we will miss at home, then we don’t take the date. We have definitely slowed down as our kids have become more involved in school and grown older. I used to think they needed me more when they were little, but as they have grown up and into the teenage years, it seems like they need Mom at home even more. When I start becoming over-stressed and feel like I’m not doing anything well, I know that I’ve over-committed. I’m grateful for a husband who balances me so well. Without him, I definitely couldn’t do this job.
What do you do to relax?
It may sound weird, but I do enjoy exercising. It seems to release my stress. I like to sit and read a great book sitting out in the sunshine or laying out at the pool.
What keeps you going strong after all these years?
My relationship with God. Over the last few years as I’ve grown older, I have realized more and more how important he is to me. I’ve been a christian since I was 6 years old. Along the way, I got into the habit of thinking that I could do things on my own. I didn’t do it on purpose, but there came a point that I couldn’t “fix” things anymore. I finally just let go of trying to “have it all together”. I came to a new understanding of His grace and love for me. He just loves me period! Not for how well I have it all together. My relationship has grown sweeter and sweeter. His word has become so important to me.
As women, how do you serve each other in personal trials and tribulations?
Prayer first and foremost. but also by just being there for one another. My family went through a very difficult personal time. My girlfriends showed up for me when I was too overwhelmed to even think straight. They offered to help out with my children, they came over and prayed for me. They checked on me and gave me scriptures that I could hold on to. Cooked a few meals and even did some laundry. That’s one thing I love about women. They just know what to do without even asking. Men are sometime standoffish and don’t know what exactly to do or say to their friend that might be going through a difficult time. Women just know how to pour out love.
Is there ever any animosity between you?
Sure there is. We are human and we can get on each other’s nerves. The good news is, we have been together so long that we know when someone just needs some space. God has been extremely sweet to us though. On the big issues we have mostly always been unified. Sometimes we have had to discuss things and shed some tears, but we love one another and are willing to hear one another out. We all grew up with only sisters. God was preparing us, even when we didn’t know it, to share and live in close quarters with other girls. We have a great respect for each other and try really hard to get along.
Do you have any rituals before performing a show?
EAT. Just kidding. We spend time while putting make up on and curling hair discussing the show. We love praying with the host of the event before we go on along with our band when possible.
How long do you plan to continue touring?
We’ve always said that as long as we are still connecting with people we will continue to sing. I believe that God has given us a gift to encourage people and remind them that God is there. You never get too old for that. I don’t see us stopping anytime soon.
What is your favourite Bible verse and why?
John 16:33 has always been one of my favourites. In a world that is constantly searching for peace and finding so little of it, I just grab ahold of this verse. “I tell you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” Some days you look around and can be so discouraged at government, relationships, and other disappointments. I have found that by just going to God with all of those worries and laying them in his hands is the only way that I can find peace when life just does not make sense.
Thanks again for your time and look forward to worshiping with you next weekend.
Can’t wait to get there!!!!
Beauty for Ashes Women's Conference is an interdenominational, faith-based, non-profit organisation and has been bringing conferences, resources, encouragement and hope to women in southern Africa since 1996.
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