Mark Harris is a former member of 4Him, winner of 8 Dove awards, and author of 24 No. 1 hits. He released his fourth solo album, Stronger In The Broken Places, in 2011.

Stronger In The Broken Places was the creative product of a new season in Mark Harris’ life. Since the end of 4Him and embarking upon a solo career, Mark found himself with enough time and the opportunity to invest in those around him and to learn from others with markedly different callings in their lives.

The title track came to Mark after talking with a friend about a conversation he’d had with his doctor. “Once a bone breaks in one place, most likely, it will never break there again,” says Mark, “and I just loved that idea. We all hurt and struggle, but when you heal, you will be stronger because of what you know, so there is beauty in the suffering.”

Bay Community, the church where Mark works as a worship pastor, helped shaped his music in fundamental ways, allowing him to get up close and personal to the act of worship and being involved in the lives of people in the church. In the midst of a characteristically busy day at the office, he found a quiet moment, and in it, “Maker Of The Day” came to him like a gift. “I was reading and praying, and that song came out of the stillness in the moment. Like so much of the rest of this album, God spoke when I got quiet long enough to hear his voice. It is amazing to me what can happen when we stay, quiet before the Lord, until we hear his voice leading.” With an honest, folk feel, the song offers the simple reassurance of God’s divine rhythms, sovereignty and consistency in the midst of our hectic, often over-scheduled lives.

Stronger In The Broken Places showcases the breadth of Mark’s artistic talents as he balances quiet and touching songs with those more spirit-rallying and praise-filled. “Heaven Sweet Forever,” was written in memory of Mark’s father-in-law, but offers a comforting portrait of heaven for anyone grieving a loved one, while “We Will Not Forget” honors and celebrates our veterans while paralleling God’s sacrifice: sending His son to die in a war of sorts on earth. “An Offering,” a song about laying down our lives before God, is sweet and honest in tone, thanks largely to Mark’s teenage daughter, Maddison, who sings a duet with him here.

After so many years as a successful recording artist, Mark credits this time of stepping back from the studio with reviving his inspiration for his fourth solo album. Spending time with his wife and children and serving with others in worship, have brought about change and new life within him.