When Matthew first told me about what he was doing for his new album I knew God was going to use it in a big way. Boy was I right! After seeing his tour last night and listening to his new album "The Story of Your Life", I just HAD to tell you about how amazing it is!
Matthew asked people to send him their stories. Thousands came in from all over the world and he spent 2 months in a cabin turning these stories into songs. The result is one of the most moving, personal, powerful albums I've ever heard in my life. I believe that everyone will be able to identify with these songs. A teenage boy being picked on in school, a grown woman coming to terms with the sexual abuse from her childhood, a family changed by the blessing of adoption...all wrapped up into songs of grace, honesty, and hope. I firmly believe that God will use these songs to tear down strongholds, usher in seasons of change, and restore hope to those who have almost given up.
But beyond getting the CD (which releases tomorrow October 5), if Matthew is coming to a town near you it is so worth seeing the live concert. First of all, Jonny Diaz, whose sings the all-important song for any woman, "More Beautiful You", kicks off the tour with touching songs and great humor! He is followed by Josh Wilson who does something on that stage that I can't even begin to describe. He's a brilliant songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and performer. Just trust me, he's phenomenal (and his song "Savior, Please" is one of my absolute favorites of all time). Then Matty takes the stage with a string of his hits that we all know and love: "The Motions", "Only Grace", "You Are Everything", the crowd worshiping and singing every word with him.
During the second half of the concert Matthew takes us inside his cabin and shares the stories and songs that make up "The Story of Your Life". By the end of the night I felt challenged, hopeful, and thankful I was able to experience such a creative expression of God.
You can find tour dates & locations, get the stories, photos, and videos behind the songs, and order a copy of the album here! I encourage you to do so!
Disa
P.S. When you get the album I'd love to hear about what you think! Currently, my favorites are "Strong Enough" and "Broken Girl"...I personally identify the most with them.
Wow talk about power!! Definitely getting the album ASAP!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this...what a great concept for an album. (Yes, I'm that old, I still call them albums...LOL) I can't wait to get it and hear more! xo
ReplyDeleteDear Mandisa.
ReplyDeleteHow are you?
Thank you for being there. I'm from Finland and I found out about your music few months ago. I joined Jango and your songs rised to my ears above all the rest despite I also discovered other brilliant gospel singers. You're still a newcomer but you've got so much potential that you could be (and for me personally you are) Aretha Franklin's crown heir in gospel/soul. I also think that the jury in Grammy Awards have been definitely wrong when they didn't reward you but I believe you will receive this prize one day. You're worth it!
I didn't know you participate in writing your lyrics. That's awesome. I've admired your touching, strong, meaningful and talented lyrics for long time without knowing who was behind them :). Thank you for letting me know: Listening to your songs is like listening to my own biography, because I find we've very much the same thinking. If you'll read my very first blog post headlined "The meaning of life" you'll understand why your music is touching my life so much. It's a story about how I became Christian. Your strong vocals are amazing and your melodies are lovely. I'll buy your albums for the next Christmas :). God bless you so much my sister in Christ!
I finished my first poem and song book last summer with also gospel lyrics written in English in it and I'd love to share some of my best for you if you (or someone of your followers) would tell me how I could send you. I'll publish the book next summer. Please reply on this comment by commenting some of my post in my Christian blog: http://mamaabdulla.blogspot.com or become my follower so I know you've read this message.Would love to hear from you!
Hey Disa!
ReplyDeleteI just got back from St. Paul, Minneosta's Women of Faith conference! You are awesome and I loved hearing you sing and seeing you praise God!! It was a dream come true to see you in concert. =) I've been an avid fan for awhile and have both of your Cd's and I totally know all of the lyrics by heart. ;) I just wanted to let you know how much of an encouragement you've been to me. You are a beautiful woman of God and such a fantastic role model to everyone, especially us youngsters (I'm 17 myself). My heart was filled to overflowing with seeing you rockin' out to the WOF praise team and Sandi Patty. I hope and pray I've been a little bit of an encouragement to you so you know how much you've helped me. Keep hitting those high notes.
All my best,
May
Hey...my song is The Story Of Your Life!! and it couldnt more perfect. Thanks Mandisa <3 YOU!!
ReplyDeleteMiss Mandisa, I just wanted to say--completely irrelevant to your blogspot post--that you are an inspirational woman of God. I truly see Jesus in you. I hope we may be able to meet each other someday.
ReplyDeleteWatch this--it's hilarious. It'll make you want to hang glide on a Dorito.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF9-sEbqDvU