Music that speaks to your heart

 In Uncategorized

Music soothes my soul. There is just something about the combination of words and music that flow together that shoots straight to my heart.

I first heard Steve Moakler at Jon Acuff’s Start night after party in February. Wow. My husband and I just looked at each other and said, “He is really good!” Of course, it helped that one of his songs talks about cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. That will make Rick instantly like anyone! 🙂

stevemoakler

Photo courtesy of stevemoakler.com

We also had the opportunity to see him in a private recording session with about 50 other people in May. What a cool experience that was! After the session, they sent us the recording, and it included songs that he has not released yet. One of those is titled “Riser.” I loved it the first time I heard it in February, and had been searching for a recording of it. He wrote it with a friend who has been through a war and faced hard times, but continues to fight and get back up. I love that aspect of the song, as I think we can all use encouragement to keep fighting when the going gets tough, and keep on rising.

But, this week, I listened to the song and heard a part I had missed before. It spoke to me because it describes me. I didn’t always know this about myself, and have really come to understand and believe it over the last few years. Here are the lyrics.

I’m a try-er

I’m a get down low so I can lift you higher

An army couldn’t keep down my desire

Oh no, I’m a riser

I know now who I am. I am an encourager. I have the ability to lift people up. I thrive on helping others. And as much as I have tried to push that desire down for a long time, an army can no longer keep it down. Something has changed in me, and I know that I am called to do this. It is so freeing to try new things and know that I am living with purpose.

Here’s the chorus of the song as well. The lyrics are so powerful.

I’m a riser

I’m a get up off the ground, don’t run and hider

When pushing comes to shove, man, I’m a fighter

When darkness hits the town, I’m a lighter

Get out alive-r

Of the fire

Survivor

You can download Steve’s albums on iTunes. And, a little birdie told me that you will be able to catch him at the Start event in Nashville in September, too. 🙂

He also has a nonprofit titled Free the Birds, which funds freedom and restoration for women and children who have been exploited by human sex trafficking.

I’d love to hear how music speaks to you. Do you have a song that has been resonating with you lately? I’d love to check it out.

 

Recent Posts
Showing 5 comments
  • Beth
    Reply

    The past several weeks I keep humming the words to a song the worship leader from our church wrote for a sermon series. I don’t have the words with me but the chorus goes, “Overwhelm me. Overwhelm me. Overwhelm me with Your grace.” As I hum those words I’m reminded of His gift of grace and the fact that He offers it to us freely overwhelms me. Music does have such a way of speaking to us doesn’t it? Great post, Tammy.

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      I do that, too. Worship gets me every time. I’m often overwhelmed with emotions during the weekend service. Thanks for stopping by, Beth!

  • Tessa
    Reply

    Love Steve’s music…picked up a Noisetrade sampler of his one time and I’ve been hooked ever since. Can’t wait to hear him in September.

    Thanks for sharing about this song…I’ll have to download it on iTunes!

    • Tammy Helfrich
      Reply

      He’s great, isn’t he? This song isn’t released yet. I’m not sure when it will be coming out.

  • Dan Black
    Reply

    Music is powerful because it stirs our emotions and heart strings. I’ve intentionally used music to nourish my life for several years. Great post and thoughts.

Leave a Comment

0

Start typing and press Enter to search