One of the most beautiful song stories from my Grace album was a cowrite with a very talented writer Scott Groom. Before I left Sydney in 2011 I rang him (Tim and I knew he was brilliant as they had attended St Pauls Anglican Church, Castle Hill together) and chatted about the experiences and conversations I was having in my research role interviewing people with disability. I asked him to think about writing for me, and gave him the brief for my album: it had to be singable for both those weeping *and* those rejoicing... an anthem of unity for the people of God. He brought in some beautiful lyrics - and the song we have is called Lord of My Heart... I took it to Nashville along with the other demos Id collected on my YouTube channel. I asked my producer Peter King to be ruthless with all the songs, but this one got straight through all our cuts to the album final list. I was super happy, because I knew it was beautiful. As Scott and I had sung it together on the demo, Pete mentioned it would be lovely to have a duet for this song. But we couldnt get Scott to sing it because Pete needed to be present to track it, so we needed someone in Nashville. I was completely against that idea, but agreed after he suggested Nathan Tasker. Firstly, Nathan was another Aussie in the USA and I had been in North America for all of a couple of weeks, so it seemed to be an organic fit. Also, Pete and I agreed Nathan was a great talent and hardworking, real-deal Christian. And finally, the idea really fit with my big idea of using people who crossed denominational lines in an informal ecumenical unity, as Nathans work in Australia had been concentrated mainly within Sydneys evangelical church, but Id hosted him for a concert at North Shore Christian Centre while I was worship pastor there. I flew to Los Angeles for my first PhD class with my vocals complete, leaving Pete to talk things out with Nathan. But soonafter, Nathan and his wife tragically lost their little twins, giving birth prematurely at five months. I sat in my apartment after skyping Pete just devastated for a couple I had only met briefly in person. I read Nathans blog about his experience, and it made my heart ache. We both felt that it was inappropriate to continue with the request, but Pete let me know that he was going to follow up to make sure the family felt supported. Next thing I knew, Pete called me and let me know Nathan had come into the studio and recorded the song. I was so happy, and totally shocked. I tried to get a message through to thank him, but the media had found out about their tragedy and he was surrounded by family and friends. Im sure those weeks were a bit of a blur. But, I was so super proud of Scotty for those lyrics and that the song could be sung so wholeheartedly by a father who had just lost two unborn children, as a costly act of worship to God. That epitomized the project for me. I had no words for about a week, and in between reading the history of Christianity, I just stared at the wall blissfully drinking tea, thanking God for this profound song. My rock, and hope secure The refuge where I run Unmatched in grace and power Is my unfailing God His name is love and peace And faithful like the tide Stars speak His majesty And bring my soul to life Oh Lord of my heart Lord of all time You know every day complete You hold every part Of my life in Your hands And You know the best for me And You know the best for me One cross where I find grace The heavens’ Son was slain His blood was strong enough To cast my fears away Oh Lord of my heart Lord of all time You know every day complete You hold every part Of my life in Your hands And You know the best for me And You know the best for me The Eternal One Jesus Living God We will trust in Your name Christ the Risen One Dwells inside of us Everlasting You reign Oh Lord of my heart Lord of all time You know every day complete You hold every part Of my life in Your hands And You know the best for me And You know the best for me
Posted on: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:28:04 +0000
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