Audrey Assad: Her spiritual walk is a melody

from catholic.org

Having already worked with some of the music industry's top stars, Audrey Assad is not what you usually think of when you hear the phrase "contemporary Christian music." Now in her late 20's, Assad graduated from high school in New York City. Soon after graduating, her parents relocated to Florida and it was during that time that she felt her spiritual life progress and her musical talents shine through.

Pursuing her passion for music, she spent a short while working and recording in Nashville, and later found a home in Phoenix, AZ. She attends mass and occasionally, when not on the road performing, sings with the worship team at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in nearby Tempe, AZ.

Assad is described as individualistic, nontraditional, a free spirit and an incredible talent. A convert to the Catholic faith, I would also describe her as one of those who represents a change in the winds of Christian music.

The most common criticism I hear of contemporary Christian music is that it lacks depth and substance. I tend to agree. What a shame, too. Music has the potential to reach the soul and lift our hearts closer to God. St. Augustine is attributed with saying that singing is like praying two-fold. We are oriented towards beauty as a result of being oriented towards God. Sin fogs the lens with which we see that beauty, but music has a way of piercing through the fog and reaching right to our hearts - even to our souls.

In fact, God is the author of creativity and beauty, both of which are found in music. So to have music without the depth and substance that draws us closer to God is a missed opportunity.

There are no missed opportunities with Audrey Assad's music. The personal nature of her lyrics reflects spiritual growth and personal experience. In watching a video of her singing "For Love of You," a popular song from her album, on K-LOVE radio, it's plain to see that with eyes closed she is offering her music up as an offering--a prayer, if you will--and the audience is free to join her.

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