I. Foundations of Faith

  1. "Sunday Go to Meetin'" by Bryan Duncan

    • This song is pure nostalgia for me. It reminds me of the joy and energy of my youth. This was the opening song to many a pretend concert I performed in my bedroom.

  2. "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" by Ray Boltz

    • I first heard this powerful anthem in my early days of faith, and it became a symbol of commitment and devotion to God.

  3. "Thy Word" by Amy Grant

    • This song has always been a calming reminder that God’s Word lights our path, even when the journey feels dark.

  4. "Jerusalem" by Gold City (written by Paula Stefanovich)

    • This hymn holds a special place in my heart because it was written by my friend Paula Stefanovich. It’s a beautiful reminder of hope and the promise of Heaven.

  5. "You Say" by Lauren Daigle

    • This modern anthem of identity and worth mirrors the foundational lessons I’ve was taught about God’s love.

II. Questioning and Deconstruction

  1. "Take Me to Church" by Hozier

    • This song isn’t just about religion; it’s about the tension between faith and institutional expectations, a theme I wrestle with deeply.

  2. "Latter Days" by Over the Rhine

    • Over the Rhine’s poetic lyrics in this song perfectly capture the bittersweet nature of change and the complexity of moving forward.

  3. "One of Us" by Joan Osborne

    • What if God was one of us? This song asks the kind of questions that shaped my journey of rethinking who God is and how He interacts with humanity.

  4. "This Mystery" by Nichole Nordeman

    • Nichole’s lyrics reflect the beauty and wonder of not having all the answers—something I’ve come to embrace in my faith.

  5. "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.

    • This song captures the feeling of letting go of old ways of thinking and stepping into the unknown with doubt and courage.

Jesus and Me – A Journey in Songs

This playlist is a musical reflection of my story in Jesus and Me. Each song was chosen because it resonates with a specific moment, theme, or emotion from my journey. From growing up in the church to deconstructing and rebuilding my faith, these songs capture the highs, lows, and beautiful in-betweens of walking with Jesus and discovering my soul’s alignment.

III. Exploring the Soul, Creation, and Humanity

  1. "Imagine" by The Beatles

    • John Lennon’s timeless anthem envisions a world of peace and unity, challenging us to think beyond boundaries—a perspective that mirrors my evolving spirituality.

  2. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen

    • This hauntingly beautiful song reminds me of the interplay between faith, doubt, and the complexities of divine love.

  3. "Flood" by Jars of Clay

    • This song brings me back to moments of struggle and vulnerability, crying out for rescue and feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

  4. "Faith" by George Michael

    • While playful, this song is a reminder that faith—whether in God or ourselves—requires courage and trust.

IV. Rebuilding and Acceptance

  1. "Rise Up" by Andra Day

    • This anthem of resilience reflects my determination to rise above trauma and step forward in strength.

  2. "Faithfully Dangerous" by Over the Rhine

    • This track resonates with the vulnerability and trust needed to navigate the uncertainty of faith and life.

  3. "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell

    • Joni’s exploration of life’s dualities mirrors my acceptance of complexity, nuance, and the multivocality of my faith journey.

  4. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

    • This song celebrates the freedom and authenticity of writing our own stories, a theme central to my spiritual evolution.

V. Grace and Spirituality

  1. "Be Still My Soul" (traditional hymn)

    • This hymn is a grounding moment of trust and peace, reminding me to rest in God’s grace.

  2. "Amazing Grace" by Aretha Franklin

    • Aretha’s soul-stirring rendition of this classic hymn perfectly concludes the playlist, embodying grace, redemption, and the beauty of the journey.

Closing Note

These songs don’t just represent a playlist—they’re a soundtrack to my story. I hope they resonate with your own journey, offering hope, encouragement, and reflection as you listen.