Read Kevin Davis' Review from New Release Tuesday!
Heals Your Heart
Posted August 30, 2014
By kevindavis, Staff Reviewer
When I first heard “No Matter What” by Kerrie Roberts, I was immediately hooked by the inspirational and personal message. The line that really connects with me is: "Before A Heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands." God wants us to know that when we face those fiery furnaces in our lives we need to rely on Him. Her last release Time for the Show was one of my Top 5 Albums of 2013.
Kerrie's albums are also great for fans of Kelly Clarkson and Natalie Grant. Her songs are totally inspiring and great reminders to have faith and to allow God to use you, no matter what. With that context I settled in to listen to her EP, My Heart’s Lifted, available on September 9.
From the moment I first heard the song “My Heart's Lifted,” I was impressed by Kerrie's emotive and strong vocals. I hear an even deeper yearning and joy for God in the song and throughout this incredible five track album perfectly representing her music ministry and spiritual journey. Her father is a pastor and she was inspired by his teaching for the song.
The album’s theme is: “This world can't bring me down because of all You've done.” In the lyrics, “This is my song, my heart's lifted” is a beautiful nod to Kerrie's favorite hymn, "Blessed Assurance." I get tingles when Kerrie belts out "I want to shine just like Your Son!" Matthew 5 tells us: "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept."
"Why do I forget that I'm forgiven? I want to seek Your face" is the Psalm-like expression of “Seek Your Face.” The reflective song has a super-catchy musical vibe and is a wonderful prayer-song about finding regular strength and courage in God's faithful kindness and listening to His still small voice. Every song is a great reminder for followers of Jesus wrestling with doubts and trying to live out their faith.
My new favorite Kerrie Roberts song is “Come Back to Life.” The song is inspired by Romans 8:11: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." Kerrie had a friend suffering with depression and considering self-harm and taking their life which led to her writing and singing these poignant words: "You made a home inside your pain...There's grace that's stronger, holds on longer, deeper than your wounds, so open up your eyes, you’re coming back to life. Just come back to life." Kerrie has made a stirring music video that captures the hope-filled message of Grace in the bridge: "Just remember the One who defeated death to heal your heart." Amen. I'm captivated by how her song moves me emotionally and connects me spiritually to the truth behind the song. Check out the music video here.
“The Broken Ones” and “Love Like You” touch on themes perfectly stated by Psalm 92:4: “You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.”
Closing thoughts:
There are transparent and vulnerable lyrics found throughout this very compelling album. Musically and lyrically, I am captivated by the hook-filled and honest nature of these songs. Kerrie pours her heart out in every single song and demonstrates how she is living out Matthew 11:29: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” In Christ, we can all learn to receive love and our hearts can be lifted. These songs will have you hanging on every word that Kerrie tenderly and powerfully sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul and the lyrics will direct your attention on the One who defeated death to heal your heart. This flawless album gives glimpses of how Kerrie's heart is lifted. Listening to this album and singing these songs to God heals your heart.
You can buy the album here.