In looking at Julie Elias' multi-faceted career in the arts, it's clear that the Lord has her on a journey and He's continuing to mold her for His glory with each adventurous step forward. These days, she's fully embraced her calling as a singer/songwriter after a lifelong affinity for music, which before becoming a full-fledged recording artist included everything from leading worship to musical theatre to moving to Hollywood. Elias' path to this point has been circuitous, no doubt; however, all the stops along the way have been essential building blocks to her spiritual and creative foundation.

 

"I studied musical theatre in college and there's something fascinating, and downright fun, about immersing yourself in a character. To participate in the preparation and rehearsal that goes into a performance is hugely enjoyable and gratifying. Making the move to Hollywood to pursue work in film and television seemed like a great way to make something I was passionate about into a career." 

 

But amidst the excitement of her first taste of Hollywood success, Elias felt a tugging on her heart that a new door was about to be opened.

 

"Although I was getting some great opportunities, something was missing and I couldn't put my finger on it no matter how hard I tried," she says. "As I prayed my way through it, I was able to hear God tell me to be open to other possibilities and that I should not restrict myself solely to acting. However, I am grateful for my time in Hollywood; my experiences ultimately strengthened my relationship with Christ and played an integral part in the journey to realize my calling."

 

Julie's debut album, A Wild Rose, contains 10 original songs that chronicle and delve into her relationship with Christ throughout huge changes in her life. By putting our faith in God, He will help us get through any temptation or trial and Julie reminds us of this through her lyrics. Rock arrangements and clever melodies convey her message in a refreshing and fun sound that is unique to Julie's style. I had the chance to interview Julie about her catchy song "Breathing Room."

 

 

This was my first time writing songs to record for an album. I had written songs for fun before but that was more like writing in a diary for me. I wanted to look at areas in my life where I really struggle. These songs are stories of my life, spanning good and bad times. For example, I struggled for far too long with forgiving someone who had crushed me. I didn't realize how I continued to hurt myself by hanging on to that resentment. You think you've moved on, and then something triggers those negative feelings. I'm constantly letting things that have hurt me bother me. 

 

The story with this song is about learning to forgive because it helps in other areas of your life. I was just irritable and frustrated and it wasn't a nice way to live. Fortunately I was aware of the problem, and knew that wasn't who I wanted to be. I was able to trace it back to an example in my life where I've seen that one of the hardest parts of Christianity is forgiving other Christians. 

 

I've always been diligent in my relationship with God, and I've tried to have a dedicated prayer life. One of the things I've needed to work on in my life is to fellowship with other believers and open up to them. Once I was able to give up my hurt and anger to God, I was free--talk about a weight being lifted off of my shoulders. I felt closer to God and happier than I had been in a long time. I also realized the stubbornness in my heart was something I needed to ask Jesus to remove from me and teach me to forgive. That type of hard heartedness hurts others and yourself. That's what inspired this song.

 

Matthew 18:21-22: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

 

...and Ephesians 4:32: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

 

 

God wants us to forgive others because He sees the damage that causes in our lives. I felt so free after giving forgiveness, and the phrase "breathing room" was the best way to describe the freedom that I felt. It's selfish to hold onto anger. That's not where God wants us. All these songs are personally inspired, but are in no way exclusive to me. I want people to see how He is working in my life while encouraging them to find their hope and answers in Him, as I continue to do the same. 

 

Now that I finally understand my calling, the doors are wide open and it is the most exciting part of my life so far. I have been there. I am there. I face challenges every single day and try to make good decisions, but admit freely that I am not perfect. We are all on a spiritual journey. Mine just happens to be chronicled by music. It's not always easy to expose your vulnerabilities and share your heart with people, but God has given me this opportunity and it is my sincere wish that people become encouraged to delve deeper into their own faith upon hearing my songs. I've always believed you can hear words, but you can feel music. What is a relationship with God without feeling His presence through your entire being? Sometimes songs can touch you in a way that words cannot. 

 

Matthew Henry's Bible commentary: "Here Jesus begins the fourth discourse in Matthew, addressing relationships in the church, the community of the kingdom. Relations with the state, with one's spouse and with children surround this section. Yet Jesus' teaching on relationships here especially addresses relationships among disciples. As God's community, they are to watch out for one another, expressing patience toward the spiritually young as well as seeking to restore the straying, gently disciplining the erring and forgiving the repentant."

 

This powerful song "Breathing Room" and Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant displays how much God wants us to dispose our hearts to forgive each other. This is not enough; we must seek the welfare even of those who offend us. The humbled sinner relies only on free abounding mercy through the ransom of the death of Christ. Let us seek more and more for the renewing grace of God, to teach us to forgive others as we hope for forgiveness from Him. 

 

Prayerfully and honestly Julie cries out, "Lord, I need some breathing room / My life's keeping me from You / Take away my foolish pride but leave the truth / Lord, I need to take some time / Change this selfish heart inside / Only You create this space, my breathing room." Amen!

 

We all need to be unashamed of our faith in Jesus and we all need to be bold in expressing our faith. You are doing friends and family members who aren't believers a disservice to not fully share the Gospel. 

 

Like David in the Psalms, God wants us to pray truthfully and out loud to Him the words about yourself that maybe you've been holding inside and that you are ashamed of. What's great is that you'll feel like you are eavesdropping on Julie's prayer during this song, and she's asking God to be the Lord of her life. 

 

If you are struggling with forgiving someone this is a great song to pray along with and ask God to break your heart and allow you to forgive someone the way He's forgiven you. During this season leading up to Easter, we all need to remember: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." 

 

(You can listen to the song here.)