Have you ever heard of Brooke Robertson? If not, you will. This upcoming Christian artist recently released "Taking My Voice Back," the title track from her sophomore album. Her new album tells a very deep, dark story. Brooke shares her testimony about her battle with sexual abuse. In fact, Brooke shares her experience and inspiration on each track.
"Just Be You"
It’s easy to look at someone else or see a post on social media and want to change ourselves just to fit in. It looks different for so many people. Maybe it's peer pressure or changing your appearance, just to feel accepted. I just want you to know that God doesn't make mistakes. Feel confident in who you are. You are you for a reason. Own that.
Matthew 5:14 (NIV): "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
"Whatever Happens Happens"
After my first tour in 2018, I felt the season I was currently in, completely shift into a new season that was a little scary. I remember having to make decisions that weren’t easy. Like leaving my home church of 24 years and writing songs that I thought I would never write. I didn’t understand why my life was changing so much. I was content and comfortable. Why do things have to change now? My attitude for this was, "You know what? Whatever happens, happens. I’m not sure where God is taking me, but I’ll go. At least I know I’m not alone." I can say now, I’m glad I listened.
Genesis 28:15 (NIV): "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."
"Wait And See"
Sometimes, I think “what if” I could go back and talk to little Brooke. Give her a hug. Warn her about the things she would go through, or be there for her through those times. It's quite the imagination honestly. But, it's something I have thought about. Truth is, the things I would have to go through as a child and throughout life are the things that were going to make me stronger. Everyone walks differently, and everyone has their own struggles. It is easy to get caught up in “why me?” Instead, just be patient and let God use you. Even when you’re hurting or struggling.
James 1:2-4 (NIV): "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
"Perfect For Me"
I’d be dishonest if I said I’ve never compared myself to someone. Honestly, I have never felt good after that. It's draining and mentally exhausting. What is does is it opens up a door for the enemy to start feeding you lies. Lies that say “you aren’t good enough.” That “someone else out there is better.” I’ve had those thoughts.
You can choose to take those thoughts and recognize them for what they are…lies. We will fight our whole lives trying to reach perfection and still never get there. When in reality, all we need is Jesus.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV): "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." "Taking My Voice Back"
I wrote this song out of the most vulnerable place in my life. I was sexually abused when I was younger. I went through a dark season of self-blame, feeling dirty, and depression. I got to this place where I had a choice. Did I want to stay in this dark place and let nothing change, or do I give this over to God so I can live a free life. So I did that. I let it go. I did bury this deep down inside which made me numb to this for 15 years. It is something I could never erase, but it was something that I never let define me.
Fifteen years later, I took my voice back by fully finding freedom when I was able to contact this person and let them know that I forgave them and so does God. When I wrote this song, it was a part of my healing I didn’t know I needed. Taking your voice back comes from the freedom of letting go of whatever you are holding onto that is keeping you away from the life God wants you to live.
Mark 11:25 (NIV): "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
"Gaze"
It is so easy to see your problems and become focused on them until they end up seeming bigger than they actually are. I don’t know about you, but I’m an overthinker. It’s a learning process for me still, but the only thing I need to focus on is God because he is bigger than any problem I will ever face here. Problems are a real thing, but you’ll learn that as you become more focused on what really matters, your problems become smaller and smaller.
Matthew 14:22-34 (NIV): The Story of Peter Walking on Water
"The Real Me"
We’re all human. It’s so easy for people to only see the “glamorous” side of an artist. I want to be completely transparent with you. I don’t always have it together. I am a real person with real struggles. I hear you and I’m here for you.
John 13:34 (NIV): "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
"Why Are You Waiting" (feat. Jason Roy of Building 429)
Have you ever felt like you weren’t deserving of God’s love, so you run away instead? That you feel like you’ve been a disappointment so that's what you see yourself as…Or maybe you’re avoiding giving your life to Jesus because you are afraid of being stretched to do something you don’t feel like you are good enough for. God doesn’t care where we are at. We weren’t intended to walk through all of that alone. God loves you.
James 4:10 (NIV): "Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
"Purpose For The Pain"
Pain is something we feel. Emotionally and physically. My mom struggled with pain when she was pregnant with me. She was sick and fighting day by day. She was not only in physical pain, but she fell into a dark depression. She was surrounded by family and friends who were praying for life over both of us.
After many months, she had me early. She was left with paralysis on one side of her face. Even though that season was difficult for her, she’s able to look back now, scars and all, and see that God used that pain for good. Here I am now, able to share this story and give hope to someone who is hurting. Maybe we see our miracle here or maybe we don’t. That doesn’t change who God is…God is still good.
1 Peter 4:13 (NLT): "Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world."
"Center Of It All"
I went into this song to write with feelings of “I’m not good enough.” I remember sharing this with the songwriters. Telling them that, “I don’t know why God chose me for this path, but I’m going to do my best.” At the time of writing this song, I was struggling so bad with self-confidence. I was focused on the wrong things.
This song is a reminder that it’s not about me, none of this is about me. It reminded me to focus on who really matters. If God didn’t think I could do the music thing, my calling would have been different, but he chose me for this. So I’m willing, and that’s all God asks for of you.
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
"See You Here" (feat. Nathan Sheridan)
This song was written after my great grandmother passed away. Reality hits when you don’t have them anymore, but I am so thankful for the memories I have with her. Life is too short to be angry or upset with someone. You never know when your last moment with them will be, so cherish them.
Mend relationships that are broken. Maybe you have a family you never have time to go see. Go visit. Sometimes they just want the company. Don’t take for granted the time you have with the ones you love. At the end of the day, this life here is temporary, so make each moment count.
John 3:16 (KJV): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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