Hello to the world that I’ve been neglecting for some time now. I do truly apologize for my absence. I’m going to bring this BLOG to you REAL though… I mean I’m gonna let you inside some of my greatest fears and discouragements so that I can make some sense out of the struggles that I’ve faced for the last 15 years as a singer. The truth is that it has only been in the last year or so that I’ve finally come to the realization that I’m not just some guy who worked his tail off with less talent and therefore figured out how to create a viable career in music. Lets be honest, the people that I most look up to in this world are now some of my peers. I always hoped that in getting to know them I would find out that they were just like me…. limited in some way or another, but blessed with an amazing ability to work at their craft until they just figured it out. I am sad to say that the closer I get to these people the more I find that they are exactly what the public thinks they are…. AMAZINGLY talented. From Bart Millard, to Mac Powell, Steven Curtis, to Matthew West, Mark Hall, Russ Lee, Michael Tait, Matt Hammitt etc. etc. I’ve always been a little bit frustrated when I got close to them because they could do something easily that came with a lot of difficulty for me: SING.
I know what you’re thinking… “yeah but Jason, you’re a great singer too” and yes, I do believe that… but honestly not until the last 2 years have I started believing that I was great too. Why??? Because all of the other people mentioned above seemed so bullet proof. They never seemed to have off nights… and notes that I just can’t physically sing came out of their mouths like it was nothing. Obviously the closer I got to these people the more that I heard them night after night after night, the more in awe of them I became. Likewise, I became more and more concerned that I wasn’t really meant to do what I doing because obviously God hadn’t given me the natural talent that he had given all of them. I literally started thinking that maybe it would be better if I was just a guy off the stage who designed services and was a “Worship Pastor” who never sang and only did artistic development in the younger budding artists that would be in our churches worship program….. to say nothing of Building429. I literally believed that Building429 was actually held back by my inability to sound like the rest of the CCM world that ruled the radio… so it was a forgone conclusion that sooner or later we would be done and moving on… after all if God wanted us to continue to do this he would’ve given me the same natural abilities as the others artists in our industry RIGHT????
I used to get so frustrated that I couldn’t sound like Bart Millard… no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t do it. But God doesn’t need another Bart Millard does he? He’s got the one he wanted right now as the lead singer of Mercy Me. How about Jamie Grace? I’ve heard a hundred new versions of her recently… but none are going to work because God is interested in the unique. We are all made differently for a reason. He’s already got a Jamie Grace and she’s just plain awesome… why?? Because she’s not trying to be anything other than her… (just a quick lesson for all the budding artists). Coldplay knock off’s beware…. there’s already a Coldplay and God is an artists… not a replicator… he designs….. He begins…. he wants us to do the same.
Every year for the last 6 years I’ve had to go to a vocal doctor to make sure that everything is ok related to my vocal chords… it’s just something that every singer should do if they want to keep their voices long term. This day was like every other vocal doctor appointments I’ve had through the years… the constant fear that they’re going to say “YEP YOU’VE FINALLY BLOWN IT OUT>>>>> YOU’RE DONE” and if not that, then knowing full well that they would probably say something like …. “You’re vocal chords are swollen and you need rest”…. (which is always hilarious because B429 plays 150 shows a year and I was leading a ridiculous amount of services at my church as well this particular year. You can’t just start canceling shows or services because you feel bad… in fact Building429 has never cancelled a show, I’m proud to say, because of my voice)
Always the same fear accompanies the same doctors office… I HATE IT. Anyway, it came time for me to have my vocal chords “scoped” (which is the worst thing ever… picture gagging on a metal camera that is shoved down your throat… ugh) and as the doctor was taking pictures she suddenly paused. Then she said something horrifying… “OH, WOW” which in my head calculates as: “yep you’re done”. She asked, “Do you have a hard time singing high notes?” ….. “yeah???” “Well, you were made that way!” “What do you mean???” I asked. She continued: “You actually have a malformation of your vocal chords… they don’t form a straight line when you sing…. no matter how hard you try you will never be able to fully align your chords, which makes it easier for you to sing low and a LOT harder for you to sing high.” I thought in my head ….. ok so it’s official… I’m not supposed to be doing this. Then she said something that caught me off guard: “Yeah, but you also sound so cool because of the same issue….. The raspy sound of your voice is the way you were built too… air is always escaping through your chords even when you talk… which is what makes you sound so much like FM radio!”
What???? Wait, you mean you think I sound good???
That day was the day that I realized that my perceived weakness was actually my strength.
I’m surrounded by people who sing higher notes and with more ease than I can imagine, but no one sounds like me….. I sound like me. God made me differently.. and why would he want it any other way? Ultimately if it were my talent that made me great I could try to take credit for it… or even if it was my hard work that made me me… I could take credit again. But it’s not…. God made me sound the way I do… and therefore… He gets the glory. The doctor had suddenly opened my heart to remember the many thousands of conversations and emails that I had received over the last 12-15 years when people when on and on about the “way my voice sounds”. It finally occurred that those people knew something I didn’t: I was gifted to be ME…not a copy of everyone else.
I depend on God in ways that most people can’t imagine because for me to do what I do night after night and sunday after sunday demands an “all in approach”. If you’ve ever seen Building429 in concert you might have even thought… Geeze that lead singer is like, really into it… YEAH I AM…. but why??? Because to sing the stuff that we write I have to throw my whole body into the process. I sound like me… which is cool, but to do what I am required to do (sing in radio range) I literally have to go full on. It’s not emotion… it’s reality that I literally don’t know if I’m going to hit some of the notes until they fly out of my mouth… EVERY NIGHT I DON’T KNOW. There is only one way to feel confident that I’m not going to screw up….. GO ALL IN. TRUST THE LORD… Believe that there I am here for a reason and BELT IT OUT.
I’m currently on tour with NEWSONG… and they are the most AMAZING singers on the planet… so you can imagine my excitement when I heard they wanted me to sing a part in a couple of their songs…. ugh… I thought: “I’m gonna get killed”. Then came the rehearsal…. I sang the part the way that I would… and when I finished it they gave me this compliment: “We’ve never had anybody just OWN that part like you”. I smiled to myself and thought…. well if it was easy for me I wouldn’t have to throw everything I’ve got at it every time!! Mission accomplished… I didn’t suck and I had held my own on the stage with these RIDICULOUS vocalists.
The more that I opened my eyes to the fact that my perceived weakness was Gods intended strength the more that I began to notice the same thing in other people all around me.
Jesse Garcia:
He’s not a shredder… never really got into that…. but he is a TONE MACHINE. Why…. he could’ve decided that he just wasn’t cut out for guitar, but he didn’t….. he began to dig to find his own gifting…. and guess what it is?? TONE. Honestly speaking he is a tonal genius and nobody… short of “THE EDGE” himself can come close…. Is he going to rip a solo… maybe from time to time, but that’s not his strength… his strength is in making 1 guitar sound HUGE and fill an entire mix.
Speaking of:
“The Edge”… the only reason he is “The EDGE” today is because he couldn’t play like everyone else… so he developed his own strategy on how he could still be Formidable. Now every worship band in America tries (horribly) to imitate him…. (BTW it’s dotted eighths guitar players)
Louis Armstrong:
Dude sounded like a FROG ya’ll. (What a wonderful world) Most people probably thought his voice was horrible the first time they heard it…. but it wasn’t horrible. It was different and therefore he was a MONSTER.
Nat “King” Cole:
Famous for his massive records… the guy was like me… he could only sing in 1 and a half octaves….. which is NOTHING…. but he honed it and made it AMAZING.
So with that said, I now come to the challenge… has it ever occurred to you that the thing that you want to give up may actually be God’s will for you…. it’s just not meant to be easy? What if the reality is that we need to rethink and revision what we consider a weakness? What if you could begin to believe that God may have actually given you your imperfection as a way to make you unique? So you’re not perfect…. neither are the ones who you think are so good. We are all imperfect, but your weakness is what makes you unique enough to stand out.
My last question of this BLOG could change your life
Wow, I am absolutely blown away. I have been struggling lately with finding my strengths and turning my weaknesses into strengths, but gracious! You definitely gave me a new perspective on it. By the way, I absolutely love your voice. God HAS made you different. Your songs have gotten me through a lot. Don’t be discouraged. You’re incredible! 🙂
Bittany… I love this post… it’s truly about perspective. Sometimes I thought it was just about perseverance, but it’s not just about that… it’s about the knowledge that God is using your perseverance to move you toward him and others too. You’re greatest weakness is often your greatest strength!!
I’ve always thought you had one of the most unique voices, and that’s what I love about it! It is very recognizable. You are definately one of my favorites! Love you as a worship leader and love you with B429!
Powerful truths Jason. As a fan I love the B429 sound. As a sister in Christ I see where your strength comes from. You have an amazing family who love and support you. The light of Christ shines through them by the everyday little things.
I often get tired and a bit restless…sometimes downright frustrated when I’m serving. But I do have confidence in Jesus. He has put me in this ministry for a purpose. No matter the frustration I still serve with joy and obedience.
to God ALL the glory brother Jason that your eyes were opened that day in the docs office…when you didn’t even care to be there. Praise the Lord for the insight of others who are put in our path…by our Creator…to enlighten, to challenge, and to shepherd us along our individual journeys. Dude, you’re such a blessing and while I’ve only seen guys once live (this summer in Knightdale, NC) I so enjoy your music and your unique God given sound. I’ve told many that I believe you 4 guys were put into my path for a reason…and so far the blessing has al been one sided – ALL MINE bro lol. Prayers continuing to be sent your way for strength, health, focus, time away with family, safety, and that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide, inspire and fill you wih the words and chords that ultimately THE WOLRD get to hear…because you ARE different and you ARE real and you ARE crafted to work for His glory . In His Hands…JP
Love it John… thanks for the encouragement!!
You’re right, Jason. Thanks for writing this out. Needed it today. To be honest with you, “not being good enough” is one of my biggest insecurities for many reasons, and it’s one I’m steadily overcoming. I’m a fairly experienced novel writer (7 years), but I’m also a semi-beginner singer/keyboardist. Music runs in the family! Unfortunately the one thing I’m the most discouraged about is my voice. My singing voice isn’t stunning like Britt Nicole or Natalie Grant, or some other amazing female singer–nope, I can hardly hit high notes without my voice cracking. Sigh…and guess what? I’ve only had the courage to sing for 1 year, and I’m complaining?? This post rattled me enough to get my head out of the storm clouds.
On another note, your voice is beautifully unique, and I’m not just saying that–I can’t think of another word that could better describe it than beautiful. The whole sound of Building 429 is very fresh and different from everyone else, which something that I admire.
I can really appreciate the uniqueness God’s given me a whole lot more, now. Thanks again.
We are the ones who are weak. It’s you who make people like me stronger in our faith.
I saw B429 for the first time this past summer at the Delaware State Fair.
I’ll have to admit I never heard of you guys or had any interest in hearing you or anything about God
I went because my wife wanted to go and see your band and Casting Crowns. Her faith is indomitable.
That night during your show standing in the rain I felt something I never felt before.
Because of that I have renewed my faith in God, Jesus,& mankind.
Because of your STRENGTH I am not as weak as I once was.
I will never forget that night that I came back to God.
That was a GREAT night!! So thankful for people like you too.
Psalm 139:14 ESV /
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
That is you Jason. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! God made each of us unique yet our flesh is always in competition with our brothers and sisters. I think you are awesome just the way you are. Oh and BTW I heard one of those superstars you mentioned voice crack singing a falsetto during a show so no one is perfect! Love him and you anyway. Love what you do and love God most of all!
Oh wow, your voice and music is why Building 429 is my no. 1 favorite band.
When is your new CD coming out?
Wow Jason! Isn’t it amazing the things we struggle with that no one would know! Having toured with you on WJ a couple times I’ve always thought your voice was amazing. Sounds like you know what others have known now!! Keep singing my friend…….you have a gift with your words and your voice!
Thank you so much Laurie!!!! Appreciate that! Hope to see you again soon!
Part of what makes you special is that your voice is so unique, bro. Jill and I have known that for a LONG time. Sorry to hear that you ever questioned that. The only person whose voice comes to mind when I hear you sing is Mac Powell. You know what? He also has a uniquely raspy voice. And like Third Day, B429 has now created its own niche. It’s about time bro, and we are so excited for you and for what God will continue to do through you. Keep doing what you’re doing. We love to hear your voice, and still get chills most every time we hear you on the radio!
Thanks Scott… you and Jill mean more than you will ever know to me… I so appreciate it!
Great read less of us =more of God Royology lived and told by author Jroy
Hilarious!!!
You have no idea how you just inspired me! I love photography but have constantly compared myself to others and came up short.Sure I’ve been told I was good but always thought they were being nice to not hurt my feelings. Your perspective is so awesome. I’ve read your blogs before and your honesty is humbling. You are a true blessing. I met you in Corinth, Ms and after reading your blogs my opinion has not changed. You have a love for God that shows through all you do and say. You are made the way you are to inspire others And you do that well. Never doubt your abilities, God’s got you right where He wants you. You are blessed to sing and b429 has a mission to fulfill. Thank you and B429 for all you do!
Hey Guys,
I love the feedback and I appreciate the concern for me. My life isn’t perfect at all but I truly hope that these blogs don’t just give you insight to me, but also to yourselves. I have definitely learned a lot in this life, but I don’t want this blog to ever come across as random musings from Jroy…. it doesn’t does it?
Nope, not at all. I’ve learned a lot from reading your blog posts–probably more than I do anywhere else. I think these are more than just a spilling of thoughts–they’re great messages, each and every one of them. Very insightful, real, and life-changing.
Um, no it sure doesn’t! Your blog, your honesty and insights have encouraged me in so many ways. Im constantly referring back to certain posts and soaking in what you said…Especially in the ones about your marriage and how and why it still works and how strong it will continue to be! Some life changing moments have came from your blogs, just in my life alone, so thank you! Dont ever for one second think that your blog is taken as “musings from Jroy” Like you say, thats just ridiculous! Be blessed and keep these blogs coming, God is using you through them! 🙂
Not at all! I am constantly challenged by what you write! You are a powerful force for His Kingdom and what amazes me is how someone at least 20 years younger then me can teach me so much!It is truly the power of God! Please don’t stop writting these blogs. It seems like everytime you write them God is trying to tell me something!My weakness is mental illness. Jesus is so amazing!I had bipolar Disorder for 16 years! And Jesus has used that time of shame and darkeness in my life to bring light to others!There is no greater feeling than being used by Jesus to help someone else!Your transparency and honesty in past blogs inspired me to be open about my past.Through you & others I know I can now say I will talk to anyone, anytime about anything!Recently two friends had family members diagnosed Bipolar. And I was able to answer questions that their family members might have been too scared or confused to.Jesus is truly my strength & I cannot get through a day without His help. He has changed me, mind, body & spirit.I have also lost 115 lbs in 15 mons by less food & more Jesus!How many weaknesses did you wanna know about:)Oh and about that amazing voice and amazing songs you sing.I listen to three bands every single day. Seriously everyday. Kutless, Building429 & Third Day! Three of the most amazing voices I have ever heard. All very different and all giving glory to my precious Savior!Like many here have said God uses you Jroy! May God bless you and your powerful ministry!
No Jason it does’nt sound like a random musing. its really helpful to me in what i struggle with, because its helping me understand like you said how to make it a strength, and i think that im just now starting to understand that. Your blogs are really “eye opening” to me. Thanks for writing these, and please DO keep writing them. I love reading them, and I’m definitely a fan of your voice. God really used your voice to pull me away from a lot of other secular bands that weren’t doing me good, to b429. And i cant explain to you how ive changed from that! And from the point of being called to be a Pastor, your teaching me things i really need to know, things i think God is teaching through you. I thank you for that. Thank you for everything 🙂 you really are a blessing. I do Pray you continue on, and that God continues to use you like He does now. 🙂
Your fan
Tyler Guest
Jason, Thank you for sharing your heart. It served as yet another confirmation from the Lord about my own doubts of what He has called me to do. I love the way God does that. Thank you for your transparency.
In Christ your GCC sister Kenwood Campus!
I LOVE your voice! I love your singing because you don’t sound like everyone else! God bless you!
Dear Jason,
Thank you for sharing this very personal blog with us. I love reading your blogs, they are always very encouraging. I am really looking forward to see you live in January at the worship conference here in Edmonton. I have struggled with low self esteem for most of my life, I only just started liking myself. I never thought that I was pretty, I never cared about how I looked. Now I like to look good, I do it for myself, I like how I look now. I used to compare myself to other girls who I thought were prettier than me. I actually got to model clothes last year which I thought would never happen to me. The Lord made me special which is the most important. My dad always calls me beautiful which makes me feel special. Thanks again for writing this blog. I love your voice, you are my favorite lead singer. Your voice is very special. Love Marjan
Thanks. I needed to hear that. So many of your songs really encourage me and lift me up. I love your voice because it is unique, cool and distinctive.
Jason-
Thank you for your blog entry. It was very inspiring. Especially for us that have difficulty believing in what God has planned even when you are living in it.
Thanks again.
Hey Jason,
You have a gift that is far greater than any voice(although it is an awesome one)-you were born to PERFORM! Your love for God becomes infectious when you are on stage! The entire band draws you into an amazing time of worship. And I appreciate the range of your voice. You guys are one of the few groups that I can sing along with and be in my vocal comfort zone! Looking forward to seeing you guys in High Point next week! ~Donna Overcash
Jason….Thanks for sharing your story…and your insight. After enjoying your concert with my family at LifeLight Missouri last summer, my wife and I were fortunate to meet you guys after the show. All joking aside about how my hairstyle closely resembled Aaron’s, I was impressed with how “real” all four of you were. I only wish I had brought my 3 boys with us (ages 11, 10 & 9) as opposed to putting them to bed in the camper with my mom. I look forward to sharing your blog with them tonight. Beyond the very insightful message contained therein, it’s important for them to know that when they listen to your music, the really cool guy on the CD is very real….and very devoted to spreading the Lord’s message. Thanks to all of you for setting a wonderful example for my boys…and for me…to follow. God Bless! Brad
Dear Jason,
Your post gives me a lot to think about. I mostly see my weaknesses, and can’t seem to see how they could be turned to strengths at all. Unless it’s because of them that I am crying out to God .. which seems I am doing a lot lately. Anyhow .. I never knew where I could say this to where you might read it.
But, I probably never would have listened to your music, but a friend I respect recommended I get your cd, Listen to the Sound, several times. So I finally did. God has used that cd in my life so much with healing in my life. Anyhow, please keep doing what you are doing for God’s glory, and Thank you so much for allowing God to use you.
So, I’ll start asking Him to show me how my weaknesses could be turned to strengths.
Jason this is probably my favorite post from you so far. And no, they don’t come across as random musings, they do indeed shed new light on the focus you choose. You talk about things close to your heart and in doing so, we are able to envision those things (that may also be on our hearts and minds, such as this one) from a completely different, often refreshing, perspective. I was floored at first to think you didn’t realize how incredible and unique your voice is. The first thing I ever heard you sing was “No One Else Knows.” I had never even heard of you prior, and was flipping through radio stations and had to stop. I was instantly in love with your voice – the sound just drew me in and filled my head and my heart. I really can’t describe it, I can only feel it. I just knew from then on yours would be a voice I would always recognize anywhere. And what I was so impressed by was how deep your voice was, but also how full of melody it was in that range. And then to hear you go from that to your falsetto notes was just beautiful…full voice or not, don’t forget you do have a wonderful quality in the higher range! But I digress…my point was that it was strange to read that you didn’t believe what we as fans have told you all these years, but then why should you? I certainly don’t take to heart the compliments I receive in most cases. I am always searching for more within me, to do better next time, that I’m not the same as so and so, therefore I’m not good enough. But you hit it on the head…we are created to be unique, to each bring something different to the table. By striving to be like others, we are essentially telling God He was wrong in the way He made us. We need to celebrate who we are and use the gifts we have been given, and I believe that the only time we see ourselves as who we truly are, who we are meant to be, is when we are asking God to use us through the gifts He has given us, which is music for me as well, for his intended purpose. Performing music for me is when I feel closest to Him…I lose myself and the troubles life brings, and all that’s left is song. And when I can share that feeling with others, I remember THIS is what God made me for. And sharing God’s love through music is what He made YOU for. I would be disappointed if you tried to be anyone but Jason Roy. 🙂 Thanks so much for your years of giving us incredible music, and for reminding us to think outside the box. (It should be noted that I have also been given the “gift” of being long-winded, sorry ’bout that!)
Hey Jason what you write/sing inspires me all the time. I’m in college studying to be a respiratory therapist and I have always felt maybe this isn’t for me. But like you, I have been told by many I’m great at what I do. So I think to myself maybe this is what God wants me to do. Maybe being scared I’m not good enough is my weakness. All I know is every morning on my way to school or the hospital I listen to you guys. I love your voice and how different it is from other bands. Your messages in your songs inspires many. That’s why I have been to 5 of your shows and I will continue to go. Your voice is special and unique just like Building 429. 🙂
Jason you are so right. God doesn’t make any two people alike and he has made you the way HE wanted you. You voice is awesome the way it is. I had heard your band before then we had the most awesome experience of my life happen when I got to meet you and Micheal and spend that week with ya’ll and the people of the Dominican. You are an inspiration not only with your voice but with your heart. I feel like we got to know more about ya’ll and am blessed to say that I know you and believe that you don’t have to be perfect just keep being you and praising the Lord. Love you guys!!! Michelle Henry
Hi Jason:
Thank you for sharing such an awesome blog that many can relate to. I have been guilty of comparing myself to others and wanting to be them instead of the person God made me to be. I have often wished for a different life than the one God has blessed me with. I had low self-esteem when I was younger, but as I got older, my confidence increased. I used to be quite introverted, but working many years in retail changed that. Many people wouldn’t belive me now when I tell them I am naturally introverted and like to retreat into myself every so often. As someone who has also sang and performed, I was always a perfectionist and felt had to always be at my best. I think you have an awesome voice, Jason, and I love your music. I was introduced to your music by a good friend and I am hoping to see Building 429 play live for the first time in January. God bless. C.
No not at all. 🙂
I hate to see that you struggled with this. As you know I have known since you were a young teen that you had ALL the talent it took to make it to where you are today and have never doubted it for one second! Your testimony here proves to me once again that God knows exactly what He is doing. I am sure that what you have shared will help others to see that God has given us all different talents and He has given us each unique ways to share what he has blessed us with…we just need to trust in Him and our little lights will shine!! Thanks for sharing! You are the real deal and these blogs are as much a blessing to me as your music! Thanks as always for your honesty! I love you and am so proud of who you are and am overcome with joy everytime your light shines!
The Christmas show in Kinston last night was really everything I thought it would be and more. I have watched B429 grow so much over the years, with your music and your faith in God and yourselves. That’s what makes you what you are today. Love you all and remember you are so special “CHRIST”mas was made just for you. P.S. Keep Hannah off the stage while she’s visiting. Dance yes sing, oh no.
No definetly not. Your question has made me aware that my weakness is also my greatest strength. And I am starting to appreciate my weakness.
Jason, I have known you since you were a child and although I agree with everyone else, you are gifted and blessed by God to bring Him honor and glory with your voice; I believe you’re love for others is what really honors Him. I speak in reference to the way you treated my son, Shane when we came to one of your concerts in the little town of Hughes Springs, Tx a couple of years back. Shane had been struggling with drug addiction for several years and at that time was in a Christian rehabilitation program in Cache, Ok called Teen Challenge. It is a year long program and while he was there he asked Jesus to come into his heart and through the mighty hand of God he began a new life in Christ Jesus. The weekend Bldg429 played in our little town was all a part of God’s plan to encourage Shane. I was going to Oklahoma that day to pick him up for a 2 day visit when I saw on FB where your dad had posted that Bldg429 would be playing in Hughes Springs (which was a miracle in itself). When I picked Shane up I told him you were going to be in town doing a concert and he was excited to get to see you and hear your band perform. He went to the stage to speak to you before the concert and you were genuinely glad to see him and took him backstage and showed him around, then told him to stick around afterwards. Later, yall reminisced about times past and basketball and growing up together and you showed him the bus and introduced him to everyone. I cannot express to you how that made him feel… He said when we left that he couldn’t believe you would take the time to talk to him because, after all he was just a recovering drug addict. He also said that yall were laughing and talking about when you were teenagers and about what you wanted to be when you grew up and you said, “I want to sing and play in a band.” and Shane said, “Yeah right!”. We laughed about that! God has used and is still using you Jason and it has more to do with your heart than anything else in my opinion. Thank you.
Not at all and you can tell by the reponse-God is using your life to teach—not just your voice or music ability(which is great i might add) you have the unique ability to put thoughts into words of wisdom that we all need to hear-very inspirational-the way you write makes for easy and insiteful reading(kinda like a book you cant put down)thanks for what u do and who you are-we cant wait to watch how our Lord will use you next-we love you-Fran and Dad
Jason, I am shaking my head through the computer. It is amazing what Satan will use to try to get people off track of God’s plan. He plants that tiny seed of doubt in our lives and we just run with it. It is not just you, this seems to be such a common problem! I think for me part of the problem is self image. I often look at myself as “just a stay at home mom.” But then if you ask I will tell you that I feel like God wants me to homeschool my kids and that I am doing His will for my life. Makes no sense. If I am doing God’s will, why am I putting myself down like it is a bad thing? Now, thanks to your blog post, I need to change that perspective! Never really thought about it before today! Changing those negative thoughts is not easy, but if you can do it I can too!
You are amazing – so many lives have been changed through you and your ministry! I have enjoyed listening to you sing for years, but in the last few months have really gotten to know you better and the heart behind the music. Thank you for being so open and willing to follow where God is leading you – be it on stage, behind stage, on this blog or whereever. Keep up the good work and thank you for the sacrifices that you and your family make to share the gospel to the world! (now who has random musings, sorry)
Jason OMG you hit it right on the head! I’m so blessed that you shared this blog with us! I am so glad that I read this blog today because I can100 % say that your gift is GOD made and there is no one like you and will there be! The talents and ability that GOD gave you, YOU OWN THEM!!!! I have never met an artist like you and no I’m not in your intercircle but I can say you are AMAZING, a great artist, worship leader, and man! Don’t ever let the devil bring you down in that way; and know that you have those days sometimes but DON’T let the devil make you doubt what GOD has given you to do! I had the best time at the concert in Whiteville, NC on Saturday December 1,2012 with all of you!!! I CAN’T wait until I see you here in Wilmington and worship with B429 again! I love you guys! Enjoy the Christmas season and ill see you soon! GOD Bless!!!!
“Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
There is nothing wrong with admitting we are weak. It’s supposed to be that way. We are weak so HE can be strong in us. What a wonderful example of boasting in your weakness so that no other than God Almighty gets the glory. His strength for your weakness…not a bad deal.
Jason, thanks for sharing your heart and your music with us. God has given you a special gift, not only in your voice, but in your amazing song writing. “Where I Belong”, in my opinion, is one of the most thought provoking songs in Christian music today. We don’t have to have all the answers because God knows all. We just have to remember that when the earth shakes & the walls come tumbling down, our Father in Heaven stands strong as we put our trust in Him. I am weak but He is strong! It doesn’t get any better than that!