This experience confirms to me that it is not just the music, but God himself touching our hearts through the music. I couldn’t understand the German language this piece was sung in, and I didn’t even know what music I was listening to at the time, but Christ spoke to me through it, regardless. Music has the ability to shift the atmosphere and environment in a way that makes us more attuned to the spiritual realm. In this state of heightened spiritual sensitivity, we can become more aware of God’s presence and voice. It is God Himself who changes our capacity to love and forgive, but I believe music is one of his favorite tools for doing so. He is a creative God, and he designed us to be creators as well—each one of us.

The creative process is an incredible tool for learning to walk with God. When I am writing a song, I am opening myself up to something beyond myself. The more I am able to forget about myself, the more easily the melodies and words flow through me. It’s exactly the same with love. The more I am able to forget about myself and put someone else’s needs above my own, the better I am able to love. I feel that all the time I have spent writing music has increased both my desire and capacity to live beyond myself. It has taught me how to listen for God’s voice and respond in faith. God is love, and the more He lives in us, the greater our capacity to love and forgive—both ourselves and others.