Up and coming artist Riley Clemmons’ self-titled debut album had much success. It includes the hit singles, “Broken Prayers” and “Better For It.” The album was also one of my Top 5 Albums of 2018. With comparisons to contemporaries ranging from Kelly Clarkson and Demi Lovato to Natalie Grant and Britt Nicole, Riley's rich and pure vocal tone exhibits the passion and confidence of a seasoned artist. Riley’s songwriting is real, honest, and vulnerable. And she is positive, determined and confident.
 
I’ve been married for 25 years. And my wife and I have three young daughters. Riley's self-titled release ministers to me and my family. Riley's songs are very upbeat and catchy. Not to mention she is a great role model for girls. Her album is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope. And her songs address the pressures of life. Riley understands that true happiness, along with her identity, only come from her relationship with God. 

Now, Riley has returned with a new single, "Fighting For Me." I had the chance to speak with Riley about her moving new song.
Please tell me the personal story behind the song.

I'm 19 years old. And I know what it’s like to be a young woman in culture and society right now. It's a challenge. So, it's important that we stand together and share our stories with each other. 

For "Fighting For Me," I remember walking into the room with my co-writers. We were thinking about what unites everyone, what do we all want, and what do we all have in common. We landed on the idea that everyone desires love, to be loved, to be fought for and to be chosen every single day. There’s no greater love to do that then the love of God. Even on my darkest day, God chooses me and God fights for me. That’s why we wrote this song. And I’m glad to hear that people are resonating with it.

Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?

Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV): "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."
 
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."

Romans 8:28 (VOICE): “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.”

2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV): "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'"

Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

1 John 4:18 (NKJV): "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."
 
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

What is the takeaway message?

One of my life verses is Romans 8:28. It always pops up in my life: good and bad moments alike. I find a lot of peace there. Now, more than anything, I feel like I'm beginning to touch the surface of what 'peace beyond understanding' means. 

It’s been a beautiful unveiling that has been interwoven through this past year, as I wonder how I could feel peace in stressful moments. That’s all God. In His perfect timing, He will make all things right. My pastor shared, “If your problems seem too big or too impossible, then you aren’t thinking of God as big enough, because God can.”
 
That's the beautiful thing about God. He sees us. His heart is of kindness and acceptance. I hope “Fighting For Me” reminds people of how valued and worthy they are, and how God sees our flaws and accepts them. Every single song that I’ve recorded so far is based on my real life experiences. I love storytelling. It connects us all. There’s so much power and testimony in sharing what we go through. I encourage everyone to share their stories. There is comfort and peace there.

Lyrics:
I need the kinda love
That can outlast the night
I need the kinda love
That is willing to fight
 
When the going gets tough
And my strengths not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And oh
 
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me in the darkest night
When my faith is weak You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me
 
In the perfect timing
You make all things right
You paint a silver lining
In this heart of mine
 
When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And oh
 
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me in the darkest night
When my faith is weak You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me
 
Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
 
You will never stop fighting for me
Fighting for me
Every word is a promise You keep, oh
 
You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me in the darkest night
When my faith is weak You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me

Closing Thoughts

God knows our brokenness inside and out. And because of what Jesus did on the cross, He sees us as righteous. God sees us, as He sees His Son. 

Take comfort in these words from Philippians 3:8: "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." 

After repeated listens, this song's truth gets deeper with comforting messages of the Bible that God is love. And we love, because He first loved us. Whatever struggle or depression you're facing, know that God is with you--always. I relate to every word Riley sings in this song. It represents life. It includes challenges to step out in faith and trust in God, even when we want to give up or can't see where we're going. 

We aren't the source of the power to overcome our challenges. God is our greater power source that brings the true power. In our weakness, God's strength is perfect. “Fighting For Me” represents the victory that we have over our battles before we even know the outcome. All we have to do is trust Him.
 
My daughters are 13, 15, and 19 years old. This song is perfect for them. It has been one of my missions to share biblical truth behind songs by Christians to help women who are bombarded with negative messages from the world about body image and identity. I want these women to know that their true identity is found in Jesus. We're all made in the image and likeness of God. I'm just my daughters' earthly father. They belong to our Heavenly Father, God. I want them to know their eternal destiny. The song's lyrics are encouraging: “In the perfect timing/You make all things right/You paint a silver lining in this heart of mine.”
 
Jesus commands us to trust God's Word completely. No matter our circumstances or personal distractions or concerns. God doesn't promise to spare us from pain. But we need to trust Him. 

Trust Him. Wait on Him. Wait for Him to orchestrate His plans for your life. We have nothing to bring to God. We expect something in return instead of recognizing that nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus. 

Faith is when we are empty of ourselves and filled with Him and His Holy Spirit. This song is a moving offering of praise to Jesus. His love is never-ending. He's our refuge and our strength. If you are looking for a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your personal prayer: “Every word is a promise You keep/Cause You love me like nobody else/You stand up for me in the darkest night/When my faith is weak, You’re still by my side/You will never stop fighting for me.” Amen to that.