Christian pop punk artist Grace Graber has been making waves in the faith-based music scene, recently performing and winning at the 2025 We Love Awards in Franklin, Tennessee. Her latest single, “As I Am,” delivers a powerful message of God’s unwavering, non-judgmental presence, continuing the mental health narrative she started with her Conversations EP. That project boldly tackled complex topics, including anxiety, faith, and emotional healing.
“As I Am” feels like the next chapter in that journey, showcasing Grace’s signature blend of vulnerability, resilience, and hope-filled lyricism. With The Breakthrough, her most mature and introspective work to date, Grace fully embraces themes of self-worth, doubt, and surrender, ultimately accepting God’s grace amid life’s mess. Before the We Love Awards, I sat down with Grace to discuss “As I Am” and the deeper story behind the song.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
The personal story behind “As I Am” is rooted in my journey with mental health. This song was written from a place of finally sharing with the world how much I have struggled. Not only am I singing about my mental health and faith, but I’m also actively working on them. That puts me in a very vulnerable position.
That message aligns with how I’ve always chosen to share about life’s difficult moments—moments I openly acknowledge that I’m still navigating. I’m learning a great deal right now about being an artist and expressing my experiences related to mental health and faith.
The heart behind “As I Am” truly reflects how God sees me in those raw, honest moments—not with judgment but with love. He desires to draw closer to me because of them. As the song sings, “You see me, and You love me as I am.”
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 139:14 (NIV): "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:17-18 (NKJV): "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You."
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."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (VOICE): "How enduring is God's loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day."
1 John 4:18-19 (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. We love because He first loved us."
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you and uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
What is the takeaway message?
I hope that “As I Am” can be the song that sparks that exact breakthrough for someone—that moment when they finally believe that God sees them and loves them just as they are. I think that’s where real healing begins: waking up every day and holding on to that truth.
God’s given me some things to say that I know might make people uncomfortable. Like the line, “sometimes church just ain’t enough.” What I mean by that is—sometimes just going to church isn’t enough if you’re not walking with Christ daily. You can’t expect someone who doesn’t have a relationship with God to show up at church and suddenly be healed. It takes a daily step.
Lyrics
Maybe I'm not that crazy Maybe I'm just misunderstood Been thinking of my life lately And how I struggle to see the good I've had a lot of questions I feel I'm not the only one Who struggles with depression Sometimes church just ain't enough
Help me not forget
'Cause You see me and you love me As I am As I am
And I know I've been saved But I put myself into this cell Where I forget I'm free Reaching out, I need your help
Help me not forget
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'Cause You see me and you love me As I am As I am And I'll let go 'cause you know Who I am Who l am
Hеlp me not forget Help mе not forget
'Cause You see me and you love me As l am As l am And I'll let go 'cause you know Who I am Who I am
Closing Thoughts
“As I Am” is best described as a stirring, empowering anthem to sing over ourselves and against fear, worry, and anxiety. It reflects the thematic and biblical proclamations in Psalm 139. There are several Scripture passages about our identity in Christ, and this song falls within the same vein.
After repeated listens, the song's truth becomes more profound, resonating with the comforting messages of the Bible that God is love and we love because He first loved us. Remember that Jesus loves you and has something better planned for you if you trust Him as your Savior.
The song’s message challenges you to reflect on your doubts. It reminds us that Jesus calls us to rely on Him and the power of His resurrection. It also provides us with added reassurance: He has overcome death and fear.
God is honest, present, and just a breath away. This song symbolizes your victory over your struggles even before you see the earthly outcome. Trust that God is leading the way, and He prevails. “As I Am” is a daily prayer inviting God to transform our hearts and lives, allowing our behavior and way of living to embody His presence within us as believers. Only Jesus can reveal your true identity. What a powerful expression of what it means to accept that God never leaves or forsakes you as one of His followers. He is all we need.
We all have lies we believe about ourselves. Furthermore, we have an enemy who dislikes us. He has a voice that speaks to us, yet the voice of God's Agape Love speaks louder. This song encourages us to see ourselves as God sees us. What a great message of redemption: grace is unmerited favor, and it is a gift.
If you are looking for a firm foundation in your life, make these lyrics your prayer: “And I know I've been saved/But I put myself into this cell/Where I forget I'm free/Reaching out, I need Your help.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime enthusiast and devoted collector of Christian music. He believes that the message of Christian music has guided him to Christ. He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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