Rising contemporary Christian artist Katy Nichole continues to establish herself as one of the genre’s most compelling young voices. Her latest single, “When I Fall,” leads her second album, Honest Conversations, a mature and deeply vulnerable project that shows the singer grappling with insecurity in the light of grace, questioning God’s goodness during hardship, and ultimately embracing the sovereignty of a loving Father in seasons of uncertainty. The album stood out as my top album of 2025, highlighting Katy’s growth both spiritually and artistically.
Katy first gained global recognition with her debut single, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” which started as a simple chorus she shared on TikTok. The song quickly topped both Billboard radio and iTunes charts. Written from entries in her now 25-year-old prayer journal during a pandemic, the track reflected her personal journey through suffering, hope, and healing. Its message of unwavering faith in God’s power to restore resonated with audiences worldwide, seeking encouragement in a weary and anxious season.
The success of that breakout single led to her debut album, Jesus Changed My Life, which featured hit songs including the title track, “Hold On,” and “God Is In This Story.” Through those early releases, Katy established herself as an artist unafraid to share her testimony and base her music on the transformative power of prayer.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Katy Nichole to discuss her new music season, including the heartfelt track “Learning How to Love Myself,” and the honest faith conversations shaping her journey.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I was born with congenital scoliosis [a spinal curvature present at birth due to abnormal vertebral development], and I endured intense pain following surgeries to remove metal rods, which led to debilitating mental health battles, including depression and anxiety.
"Learning How to Love Myself" stems from my deeply personal, often painful, journey with chronic pain, severe depression, and anxiety, fueled by my scoliosis struggles.
At my lowest point, while crying at my piano, I stopped trying to be perfect and confessed my exhaustion and pain to God. This moment of raw, honest, and vulnerable prayer allowed me to realize that God loves me through my struggles, not just my successes.
This song reflects a turning point where I stopped pretending to be okay and embraced God’s love in my brokenness, learning to accept my body and myself.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Psalm 55:22 (NIV): "Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken."
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."
Jeremiah 29:11 (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.”
John 15:4-5 (VOICE): "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. A branch cannot bear fruit if it is disconnected from the vine, and neither will you if you are not connected to Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing."
Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
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."
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV): "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
What is the takeaway message?
"Learning How to Love Myself" is part of a larger, ongoing healing journey, meant to offer a "big hug" to listeners facing their own battles, emphasizing that they are not alone. The song serves as a reminder to embrace all parts of oneself, including the often difficult, "ugly" sides. It is a journey of moving from self-loathing to recognizing my worth as God’s creation.
Life is full of ups and downs, and at the end of the day, we find joy in all of these moments. It’s hard to do sometimes, but healing takes time. I have just started the next chapter of my healing journey, and I hope this song makes people feel like they’re getting a big hug when they’re going through something. Life is messy and complicated, but there is still so much beauty to discover.
Lyrics
Sometimes I want a different mind I want a different body I don’t really hate myself I just want someone to love me I’ve tried to run from mirrors Cause I stay there way too long Try changing my appearance But those feelings linger on But maybe there is more to me than just what meets the eye
I’m learning how to love myself And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t need your help Jesus, show me what you see All the beauty that’s in me I don’t always do it well But I’m learning how to love myself Love myself
I’m tired of the voice Inside my head, that says I’m nothing When you tell me I am yours I am chosen, and I’m worthy Maybe I can trust the words you’ve always said to me
I’m learning how to love myself And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t need your help Jesus, show me what you see All the beauty that’s in me I don’t always do it well But I’m learning how to love myself Love myself
I’m fearfully and wonderfully made Clothed in your splendor and strength Reflecting the image of You And I’m starting to believe it’s true
I’m learning how to love myself And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t need your help Jesus, show me what you see All the beauty that’s in me I don’t always do it well But I’m learning how to love I’m learning how to love myself And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t need your help Jesus, show me what you see All the beauty that’s in me I don’t always do it well But I’m learning how to love myself I’m learning how to love Love myself
Closing Thoughts
“Learning How to Love Myself” is about trusting in God and confessing to Him and others when you fail or struggle. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus. He'll take them and set you free from them.
What I love about this song is that it shares a testimony of submission to the Lord that we can all use to pray about our personal struggles. Our weaknesses are nothing to hide. Actually, because of our weaknesses, God's grace and strength are fully revealed. We can't know everything, and we are not in control, but trusting God gives us confidence that we don't need to be afraid.
This song captures the desire for Jesus to make us whole. It highlights God's sovereignty, declaring that God is the ultimate ruler over our lives. I pray that my daughters, and your children, will feel this truth in their hearts.
Katy’s song is emotionally stirring and spiritually connects listeners to the truth behind the music. Her vocals will soothe you, and the lyrics will guide your attention to the one who defeated death to heal your heart.
Allow the Holy Spirit, as described in Romans 8:11, to "cast the light of life into your mortal bodies." If you’re struggling with depression, hold onto these life-giving words with certainty: “I’m fearfully and wonderfully made/Clothed in Your splendor and strength/Reflecting the image of You/And I’m starting to believe it’s true.”
“Learning How to Love Myself” celebrates the freedom promised in God's Holy Word. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Christians are new creations. God wants us to believe in the freedom we have through the cross of Jesus. We're free from our fears, addictions, insecurities, and perfectionism. Jesus came to die for us so that we can truly live in Him.
God will be there to lift us up when we fall. The challenge when listening to this song is to identify areas of life that have been tightly controlled and instead step out in faith, placing all hope and trust in God.
Romans 8:28 reminds us to live each day with the awareness that, despite what we face, God has a plan for "those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
Know that being His is enough. This song is an anthem; you can sing along at the top of your lungs to the sincere, emotive lyrics of submission: “I’m learning how to love myself/And I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t need Your help/Jesus show me what You see/All the beauty that’s in me/I don’t always do it well/But I’m learning how to love/I’m learning how to love myself.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
