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@nataliegrant

Your Stories

Hey friends,

i need your help with something. do you have a story of how one of my songs has changed your life? i will let you know soon what we will be using it for, but for now, i would love to know how one of my songs has impacted your life and helped to bring you through a desperate situation!
i look forward to reading every one….
much love!

Nat.

March 28, 2011  •  244 Comments  •  Posted in Blog
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  • http://cherylweston.blogspot.com/ Cheryl

    I was leading worship at a ladies weekend away in 2010, when one of the ladies said that she had been watching me all weekend and that I carried a pain around with me that I no longer had to carry but just lay it down at Jesus’ feet. For as long as I can remember I’ve held a very low level of self worth, struggled with anxiety, and just generally couldn’t see myself as worth anything. Fast forward to 2011, and again I was away with the same group of ladies. The theme of the weekend was for each of us to really see ourselves how God sees us. During one of the sessions, the speaker spoke to us on the masks that we put on each day to cover up how we really feel. She ended the session by playing ‘The Real Me’, which I hadn’t heard before. I sobbed my heart out – it was as if you’d put my feelings into the lyrics of that song, and my heart broke with the words “Wonderful, beautiful, is what you see, when you look at me. You’re turning the tattered fragments of my life into, a perfect tapestry”. I guess i’ve never really properly known my identity in Christ, but this song never fails to move me. Through a combination of worship, bible study, journalling and some counselling sessions, I’m finally beginning to figure out who ‘the real me’ in God’s eyes really is, and it’s exciting. Thank you for your honesty, integrity, and challenging in your songwriting – you are truly blessed, and annointed!!!!!!

  • Tiersa Baughman

    Mrs. Grant a friend of mind passed your name on to me when she read that one of your passions is to help end human trafficking. My husband Det. Christopher Baughman of the LVMPD works in the VICE unit as a member of the P.I.T. (Pandering Investigation Team). He has written a book which describes a specific case in great detail that is due to come out in September. His FB page that links to his book, as well as other things that he has been involved with is Anomaly. I think that it would be wonderful if the two of you could converse regarding something that you are both passionate about. I have only recently heard a few of your songs. However, the song that has touched me the most is Believe. I am sure that as I aquaint myself more with your music I will have more to share.

  • http://www.facebook.com/missarooker524 Melissa Jones

    The song that changed my life was “The Real Me”. It was about a year ago, that I started to listen to nothing but Christian music. Things weren’t going exactly wonderful in my homelife. My husband and I fought constantly over money, my weight, you name it we fought over it! He was unhappy with his job, so of course I am was his easy scape goat. At that time, we rode into work together. One morning, he was just ripping into me about my weight and would not let up. So, after I dropped him off I turned on KLOVE and proceded my way to work. On my way to work I kept telling myself, “ok, you can’t get upset..you have to put on a smile and act like everything is just honkey dorrey and hide the fact like inside you are just screaming for someone to just love you for you!” Then your song “The Real Me” came on KLOVE. I listened to the words and pulled into my work parking lot and as the song ended I just broke down in tears! I realized that one person does see all my pain and all my flaws and still LOVES ME!!! After I sat there for a minute and prayed thanking God for loving me despite all my imperfections! I went into work and I felt at peace with myself!

    Thank you for putting songs out like that one that inspires people! Things are better with my husband and I. He got a better job and isn’t so angry anymore. And when he brings up my weight, all I say to him is “GOD LOVES ME JUST THE WAY I AM AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS!!” Thank you again!

  • Stephanie

    I would like to share on behalf of my sister. My sister and I are both fans of yours and actually you impacted my life while I was in the program at Mercy Ministries in Nashville, TN and you came to minister to us.
    My sister (Natalie) is a missionary in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is trying to educate the people over there about Sex trafficking and help change the lives of young women. Everyday my sister faces challenges and struggles that many of us here in the US would never dream of. Take a moment and read part of her blog.
    This morning started with setting up for church shortly after 7pm.. and then after the service we went to Gomgo La Mboto where it was bombed about a couple months ago. Some government bombs went off unexpectedly and blew up several houses within this community.. The families are living in tents and and as many as 500 people are displaced. So today we went there as a church to bless them with clothes, money, keronse ovens and shoes. It was a long day.. We didn’t back to the house till after 6pm. I was so tired. But I enjoyed it.. It gave me more experience of Tanzania. I took a lot of pics of the kids, and the area. I guess there is still a house with bombs still sitting in it.. that the government hasn’t removed yet.. That’s so craziness to me.. Please continue to keep them in your prayers..

    Here’s my BIG news and my BIG prayer request. There’s this lady, Gloria, who attends our church.. She’s like the Oprah Winfrey of Tanzania. She has her own talk show called Heart to Heart. After sharing this morning about my heart for prostitution and sex trafficking and why I am here.. She asked me to be on her show this Tuesday.. I’m so nervous, but excited about this opportunity.. Pray for wisdom and it to go well.

    On Tuesday, I had my first experience of the rain when I got soaked to the bone after appearing on Heart to Heart, a local talk show here in Dar. I was simply amazed on how quickly everything was flooded even my yard.. I had about 3 inches of rain that I walked thru to get to my door..

    On Wed. another door opened when a lady from the church shared her story and talked about wanting to get involved with encouraging, praying and counseling abused women.. and as been encouraged to join the “new” ministry that I am starting.. After I spoke on Sunday about why I’m here, she felt God moving within her to ministry to the women of Dar. Also, I received a call from a local church in the area that has about 900 people on Sunday to speak at their women’s group next Wednesday, which averages about 40 women.

    I’m in complete awe of how God is opening doors in these two short weeks that I have been here.. :)

    Everyday is a learning experience.

    I know you and your music are an inspiration to my sister.

  • http://kendraogroske.blogspot.com/ Kendra

    Ok so I might be a little late here, but it’s funny you ask cuz I actually blogged about your song Human. Below is what I wrote along with the lyrics. Thank you for your music as it helps me get through my day!

    I’m Human, You’re Human, We are Human
    OK, so I’m sure you have all heard the song from Natalie Grant, Human. I hear it alot of Sirius Radio and I absolutely LOVE it. I want it stuck in my head daily so that I sing it at work, or wherever I am to keep reminding myself that I am living for HIM! Read the lyrics below, I hope this song makes an impact in your life like it has mine….thank you Natalie Grant for your amazing messages in your music!

  • Michelle

    I come from a very abusive background. God has been gracious and has allowed me to share his rich blessings with others through teaching and professional counseling. Jesus has also provided for me to find healing of my own. However, recently a lot has been pressing down around me.

    I am a single mom, and I often feel alone and at times my despondency seems to blanket me like a thick black cloud. I was in the midst of such a storm about a month ago. I was at the end of myself – I was ready to call it quits. I could no longer handle the pain of healing, single parenting, loneliness and what seemed like silence from Jesus.

    I then stumbled across a YouTube video of Natalie’s Homecoming rendition of “I Am Not Alone” and I wept.

    I wish that I could say that at that moment everything felt better and things suddenly turned around, but they didn’t. In fact nothing has changed except my perspective. Truth was spoken into my heart and I remembered that I am NOT alone!

    Jesus doesn’t promise to take away all the pain, troubles and hardships – but he does promise that he will walk with us, guide us and give us his strength and mercy for the next step.

    I still am a single parent. I still feel lonely a lot. I still weep. But I do none of these alone! Praise Jesus!

    ~Michelle

  • Emily

    Hey Natalie
    i went to the concert in somerset ky Last night!!! I loved the concert you did great so did everyone else. I also lived you comment on where else would you be on a Thursday night in somerset. I totally agree with you!!! Any way I was just wondering if you could right back and tell me all of the songs you perfromed??? Also if you can can you telle all the songs that Brandon and mercy le perforemed??? Thanks for comming to somerset.
    Love ya,
    Emily

  • Elizabeth Novak

    My son passed away December 2010. He was two months old. A few days after that, I was looking for infant memorial songs and I found “Held.” I had heard it and even sung it before, but not the first two lines. I didn’t know they existed, I suppose I wasn’t listening closely enough. When I played the video I had found on Youtube, it struck me so hard…this song was not written for me, but it has helped to carry me through a very, very hard time. A time when I felt like I had nobody, since the baby’s father left shortly after and I literally could not turn to anyone but God on this. Thank you so much. I can’t imagine not being “held” through all of this.

  • melanie

    Hi, it is hard to pick but I would have to say The Real Me and Safe(gave my wound a voice). I have been hiding in the dark for 34 years with something that wounded me deeply & I was ready to end my life in 2005. I am in recovery 6 years now from a mess of a life and just this weekend at Women of Faith Columbus I gave this painful place in my heart to Jesus and He has come in to reign there and drain the wound of it’s power and stronghold. I also have been ministered by the Love Revolution CD since this breakthrough at the conference. “Your Great Name”, Daring to Be, Love REvolution are washing me over with Jesus’ love. I don’t have to be afraid and hide or reject myself anymore. He is going to give me my new identity each day and strengthen me in new ways of being. His perfect love drives out fear that causes torment!!!1 John 4:18 Thanks Natalie for your genuineness

  • Elizabeth lordson

    Natalie, I know among thousands of possible replies you will get I want to thankyou. I’m getting your book that you wrote about your eating disorder. I have been clean but mentally suffering for two years. I was saved when I was 18, on a nite that I gave it up to Christ and since then with him holding my hand every step of the way i have made it this far. I look at it like it’s my thorn in my side and with it it will always bring me closer to my Lord. I am very proud of you and your ministry and keep up the good work! You are truly a gem! I’m doing your new single, your great name, with another young lady in my church and i’m so excited now! When ever I hear that song, play it on the guitar I think about the victorious struggle you have and it encourages me so much. Thankyou for that, and may all your work be in the Lord and I pray that he will bless you for that!
    <3 Elizabeth

  • Mark Scott

    Your collaboration with Lecrae on the Dove Awards was outstanding!!! ENCORE!!!

    Grace & Peace,

    Mark and Keisha Scott

  • Hannah

    The lovely strains of all of your music never fails to fill my heart with peace. I have experienced some bad things in life, crazy home life, and when I was 7, I was sexually abused. It threw off my life’s course in many ways, and self worth was a big problem for me. The thing is I’ve grown up in church my whole life and this happened to me…so really I’ve always questioned how could this have happened? Now I am in the crazy maze of college, trying to find my way in life and see who I am supposed to be and I am searching for purpose. Sometimes I feel so alone as I walk in this life. But your music has really served as an anchor in my storms, to name a few, Make Me Over, The Real Me, I Am Not Alone. Natalie, I thank you for your heartfelt worship and for making YOUR story of what you struggled with a testimony for all of us. I wish you the best. Thanks.

  • Emily Rupe

    I have to agree with a lot of the other ladies on here. It’s hard to pick one. To be honest, I never really knew a lot of your music before WoF in Columbus recently. I was just going through the motions of life and trying to play christian. Then I bought your Love Revolution cd. The song that really stands out to me is Your Great Name. That song, plus the whole cd has brought a burning desire in my soul to want to praise God and all his greatness. I have never felt this desire before, but I must say, it is the best feeling one can have. I can’t thank you enough for your music. It helps me daily. You are fastly becoming my favorite singers.

  • Angelgirl

    Hello Natalie,
    Yes it’s Louise, again… :)

    This hasn’t happened yet but I am planning on visiting my mom’s friends’ friend’s exchange student in the hospital. This student is 17 and has cancer. She has been doing heavy treatment for a few days… and she wants to walk the stage for grad. next week. I want to visit her and share with her the songs Held, because I think it might help her realize that although she is in a foreign land and doesn’t have much family with her she is held by God and He can heal her!

    ~Louise

  • Bronwyn Wilson

    The song you sang without any music accompaniment at the Key Arena, at the close of the Women of Faith Conference last October was the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard–the words, your voice, the emotion, the reverberation, the power, the impact, the way your music reached our souls. If that moment wasn’t life-changing, it was certainly life-stirring. For the few minutes you sang the song, I could only think of the joy of the Lord and His power to heal our hearts through ministering spirits such as yourself. It seems to me that you dedicated the song to your dad or your grandfather, can’t recall exactly. I do recall, however, that I didn’t think of worries for one second as I listened to you. Only of God’s glory and goodness. Thank you for ministering to me on that day back in October 30, 2010.

  • stephani ramos

    hi natalie :)
    i know im late with “your story” its my first time on your website and first time a song really touched me. i woke today ready to go to church but the enemy put in my head are you sure God is real so i started having my doubts about God, so what i did was kneel down and started praying asking God to let me feel him it was like i was testing him. but he i didnt feel him so it had my mind racing about so many things then i started listening to world music but didnt really want to you can say, i guess you can say i wasnt into it how i use to be then i just put christian music on i was jamming then thats when i clicked “i will not be moved” and all the words that you said in that song i can relate to it 100 % and it touched me and all those doubt i had about God went out that door !! that song is the story of my life ! and i just want to thank you for that i love you and God bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xo

  • Christine Wells-Carr

    Hi Natalie,

    I am thrilled that you will be in Ontario this week coming. Jamie and I have Songster Practice (we atttend The Salvation Army in Oshawa, ON) on Thursday night or we would be coming to the Ajax, ON venue to see you for your concert.

    By far, my favorite would have to be ‘Held’ as ‘Krista’ and I share much in common. After having the Hodgkin’s Disease (cancer of the lymphatic system)when I was a child I was told that I would never be able to have my own biological children.

    Thank God…in 1985 I gave birth to Heather (sadly her twin Iain did not survive) and then for many years we continued to try for another baby. After the two lost pregnancies (both with twins) I found myself to be pregnant again in the early ’90′s. Sadly, after carrying both babies for the five months, they both went to heaven to wait for me in God’s time.
    Your song means so much to me as my heart was broken to pieces at the time and I really only just hung onto God’s promises and my faith. That was September of 1990. In December, 1990 I returned to work and we resigned ourselves to the fact that God had blessed us immensely with our Heather and we would be thankful and love her to bits.
    Months later, in the summer of 1991, I found out I was expecting once again…and once again we were blessed with twins ~ a daughter and a son. In December of 1991, at 6 months, our William miscarried however Kathryn stayed put with alot of medical assistance and was delivered in March of 1992!!! Praise God!!!
    To make a very long story short, your song “Held” means so, so very much to me!!! KT is 19 now and I am so thankful to God that he blessed me with both Heather and Kathryn.
    Looking forward to seeing you in Oakville on Friday night!!! Have a safe trip up here and between venues. Jamie and I saw Dr. Campolo at the Embassy earlier in the year, as he travelled with World Vision.
    Love you, Pray for you and looking so forward to seeing you!!!
    Blessings,
    Christine Wells-Carr

  • Jessica

    Natalie, I have ceberal palsy, cut myself, and have an eating disorder. I got your Relentless CD and I listen to your song “Safe” all the time. It really helps to know that you care about someone who is thinking about cutting or is cutting themselves. I was just moved so much that you sang a song about cutting because when I want to cut I listen to the song “Safe” and it helps me. I have had an eating disorder since I was seventeen. I’m twentynine now. And it also helped me to know so much that you know what its like to go thru an eating disorder. It’s so hard to choose recovery everyday because now I still don’t like to eat. And I binge and purge almost every day if I do not make an effort to eat right and to realize that I am special in God’s eyes. I was and still am at times very angry at God because of many experiences that have made me hate myself and just think that God messed up with me and because of how my family life is. I cut because I want to get back at myself and because I get so angry after I eat at times that I don’t know how to handle it at all. Thank you for giving me hope when I have none. I’m trying to get back on track with recovery but some days I don’t think I will make it at all. Its hard. Its really hard. Please pray for me.

  • Randy

    Natalie,
    Your music is wonderful.
    Actually, I’m writing to thank you for the Home Foundation.
    After witnessing a “typical business deal” in Ethiopia,where
    Women were being bought,I praise God for you,your staff,and
    the voluteers that are fighting this fight.I spent six months voluteering
    at an orphanage,while there. I do believe it was that one moment
    that was the reason I was there. A heavy burden has been placed
    on my heart to di something.Again, thank you for the Home
    Foundation, it is the organization that I want to be a part of.
    Thank you for caring
    God Bless

  • Gail Buehl

    My story, your song “Held”.
    Nineteen years ago, our eighteen month daughter was given a 30% chance of living through the rest of the week. She was diagnosed with an aggressive, rare leukemia. Thousands of prayers were answered with her complete healing, over the course of many years of treatment through St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and God’s mercy and healing touch. Your song “Held” articulates the pain and sufferring of that journey, yet reflects the grace and mercy and sacrifice of our God. Now, we face another difficult journey with our now, 20 year old daughter. She has walked away from God and us. She has begun a downward spiral of pot and alcohol abuse, lost her job and driver’s license and has rejected our attempts to restart and come home. The pain is unbearable for me some days and we are trying to hold on, praying for her return to Christ and her family. Once again, I find perspective and assurance in your song, “Held”. Thank you.

  • Anna Haynes

    Natalie,
    I am 18 years old and I live in Alabama. I have always loved your music. I listen to your music all the time. This year on May 29th, I traveled to Ukara Island in Tanzania, Africa on a mission trip. The people on Ukara are an ureached people group. They have never heard about Jesus. When we arrived in Africa we had to travel on a small boat from a bigger island to Ukara Island. A lot of us were getting sea sick and my friend and I got out our iPod and listened to your song “Your Great Name.” It’s a great song and I love it, but it was God that put that song next on my iPod. It was the last one I listened to before we got off the boat. That night we went to what we call the “Jesus film” where we have a projector and large screen where we show the whole story of Jesus from before his birth to His resurrection in the native language. Many many people came forward and wanted to be saved and we started praying with them. Not long after we were praying people started falling out on the ground and screaming. Many people there were demon possessed. The demons did not like all the talk about Jesus and they made the people do crazy, scary things. The pastors laid hands on them and started yelling “by the name of Jesus Christ be gone!” over and over. The demons left. The whole time all I could do was sing “Your Great Name” which had been in my head since we got off that boat. -”Every fear has no place at the sound of Your great name. THE ENEMY, HE HAS TO LEAVE, AT THE SOUND OF YOUR GREAT NAME.” Singing this song helped calm my fear and helped me to understand the amazing power of God as I was watching it first hand. Thank you SO much for this song. It has changed my life.

  • http://www.thehopefulelephant.com Heather

    Held.

    We adopted a baby in 2006. He was born at 27 weeks. His birth mother was addicted to cocaine. So was he.

    Only we didn’t know that when we received him.

    At 6 months of age, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. At 8 months, he received his feeding tube.

    I’m a nurse. I’m used to difficult situations. I heard your song as I was praying with a patient one Sunday morning, and it literally brought me to my knees. I had spent so much time asking God, “Why?” and not enough time letting Him hold me.

  • http://karisheartfoundation.org Jennifer

    Hey Natalie,
    I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to your song “Your Great Name”. I have it on my ipod and sometimes I will play it and sing it over and over and over again. It is such a beautiful praise song and helps me focus because I often feel so scattered/shattered. My baby daughter died from heart disease 2 years ago, and I don’t know that I will ever recover and I’m quite sure that I will never be the same. “Your Great Name” is a huge comfort for me. Thank you so much.
    Jennifer

  • http://www.facebook.com/Pinkflamingokay Kayla Faught

    “The Real Me” has been my life motto song since I was 16 years old, I am now 22. When my parents were going through their divorce I was always told to stay strong, that everything would be okay, so I did. I put on a mask and always pretended that I was okay and I was happy. I felt during that time that I was nothing, that everything going on in my life was my fault and nobody, not even God knew the real me. It wasn’t until I heard the song “The Real Me” that I realized I didn’t have to wear a mask anymore. Through the words to this song I was changed. God spoke to me more than ever before and I COULD be the real me. That I WAS wonderful and beautiful just as I am. Thank you so much Natalie for sharing the pages of your journal for all of us to hear. You will never know how much this song has impacted me.

  • Jeremy

    Natalie,
    I have to be honest, I didn’t know much about you or your ministries until this year. I have been blessed recently by Perfect People and Your Great Name, and now looking at your past albums I am even more moved. But what really got to me was your performance of I Am Not Alone that is on YouTube. It’s from back a few years, but I just saw it for the first time. I have to tell you – the message and power really hit me hard. I was in tears halfway through and as you sang, “thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus” I was right there with you.
    Recently I’ve had to consider taking a retail job right out of college. I just graduated this past May and had hopes of landing a great fellowship or entry-level job in my field, but now I am taking my old job framing at a Michaels store. It seems so backwards that God would bring me so far in my education, my hope and my dreams, all to see me walk backwards. I know His plan is for good and trusting Him is all that I can really do, but it’s been tough. I Am Not Alone stirred my faith in my God who will supply all of my needs. I guess I don’t need that top job just yet – all I need is Him. And I know that I will never be alone, because He promised to walk beside me and be all that I need.
    Thank you for your ministry, for caring about victims of human trafficking, and for bringing your message with such conviction and passion. That song just changed my whole day! God bless you.

  • Angelgirl

    I know this isn’t a story but I wanted to reply to Jessica’s post. I hope she will read this.

    Jessica, I just want to let you know that your post really impacted me. I have a sister who has an eating disorder and has for 5 years… and I am so worried about her. I know I don’t know what it is like to have an eating disorder but I know what it is like to watch someone you love do that to themselves. I was only 10 when she started it, I didn’t even know what was happening until a year ago. And I would do ANYTHING to take her pain away. I suppose the main thing I wanted to tell you Jessica is that you are loved. I will be praying for you and I hope that one day you will be free of your disorder. Remember to the world you are one person but to someone you are the world. Don’t take that person’s world away from them. Love yourself and choose recovery. I know it won’t be easy but I just want to let you know that it’ll be worth it. I know you don’t know me but I just wanted to tell you that I care.

    Love,
    Louise

    P.S. I hope you got time to read this post Jessica

  • Angelgirl

    This again is not a story but it is for one of the users, Kayla Faught.
    Kayla Faught: I’m so happy that you now are changed another song that might help you heal further is Matthew West – Broken Girl. My favorite part of this song is when it says ‘You’re not the worthless they made you feel. There is a love that they can never steal away. You don’t have to stay the broken girl’. I also love the part where it goes ‘Those damaged goods you see in your reflection, love sees them differently, Love see perfection. A beautiful display of healing on the way tonight.’

    I hope this helps.

    ~Louise

  • http://www.amystephens.com Amy Stephens

    Hi Natalie! Your acoustic version of your lovely song ‘Home’ on the IJM Freedom album is so very beautiful! I’ve just gotten home from a long drive through the mountain passes in Northern Cal. Struck by the profound lyrics, I listened to the song many times in a row and am now at home, figuring out the piano part (I’m a composer/arranger/pianist). Gorgeous chord voicings and such a great arrangement. The song was particularly touching because I have a strong passion for God’s work to release women and children around the globe from the perils of human trafficking. I’m a long-time supporter of IJM, Freedom House here in the Bay Area, and my sister-in-law’s foundation in D.C. called Fair Fund. Just learned about Courage House here in Nor Cal from the links on your Home Foundation website–amazing what God’s people are up to there! Praying that in the midst of parenting my young children the Lord would open doors for me to be more involved on a personal level in the fight against modern-day slavery. Thanks for your very inspirational work and your very motivating song!

  • Justine

    I was listening to the Christian radio station in the car one day, and your song “Held” played. I have to say as many times as I have heard this song and thought how pretty it is; I never really listened to it. I started to cry. And when I got home, I listened to it over and over, and looked up the chords so I could play it on the piano…I just love to cry out to Him while I’m playing…And while I was online, I decided to see if there was a more specific meaning behind this song. I came across your interview. Human trafficking…child abuse…just children being hurt…there really are no words. And unlike you, I was aware of this sort of thing. When I was a little girl, I would stay up late on the weekends and watch whatever my dad had on the tv. I saw the music video “Dear Mister Jesus” and I couldn’t stop crying over the entire weekend. My heart was changed then, and these situations have always laid heavy on my heart. In our church, we support and have someone speak to us annually from Love 146. The first time they showed one of their videos about the children, some people couldn’t believe what they saw. They probably didn’t realize either. It was an uncomfortable day for many people. I think that we need to see things like this, though. We need to hurt. We need to cry and intercede for people. We have no idea what suffering really means, and then we would rather stay comfortable and pretend like nothing is happening than doing something about it. My husband and I have three small children, and we work with youth. We have no idea about some of these kids stories, and some we do, but we can see the ones that are hurting and just longing to be held. And when we get frustrated sometimes and just don’t feel like doing it anymore, one of us always pulls the other up. It’s about the kids, it’s not about us. And who knows whether or not you may be the only glimpse of Jesus that they have in their lives?! People need loved and held and cared about.

  • Brianna

    All through junior high and highschool I delt with an eating disorder that mostly came from kids picking on my at school. I carried it through with me all through highschool which led to my hair falling out and people noticing a difference. Teachers would pull me aside and ask me what was wrong and friends after summer break noticed a change in my appearence. I have only been out of highschool for a couple months and still struggly with it daily. Your song Real Me really helps me get through it when I feel my lowest and want to start starving myself or binging. I also saw you at a conferense for teen girls in Pittsburge and I know you hear this alot but I am your biggest fan theres no doubt (-: but you had explained that you struggled with one too when you were in college. I was in complete shock that someone like you could even feel that way. Now when my mom or dad or anyone asks me who my role model is I say you. Even though we dont personally know eachother I feel so close to you. I sing your songs in church and I sing them in my room- for talent shows and everything. Your music has brought me through so much.

    Bri

  • Cassie

    natalie,
    we were on a very very long car ride and my mom was putting on music and she said “ooohh cassie you will love this artist” we only had one song:held” it almost made me cry ever sinse then i have come to know Him much better. this year i am going to creation fest i was really hopong to see you there! if you can plz plz plz email me! i have something that i really want to give you! i cant find your adress. in school were were told to pick your “hero”, find a pic of them and cut it in half. then we chose one side and drew the other side ! ever since then i have looked for your email adress and cant find it so plz email me !!!!, Cassie
    ps. i thought i would run out of room!!!

  • Chad

    Natalie,
    Life hands us a raw deal sometimes. Things happen that we can’t control, things that nearly destroy us emotionally and cause hurt on those we love. In short, my wife had an affair and decided to break apart the family when our daughter was only 2. Though I have worked through the devastation, my daughter who has just turned 7 is beginning to feel the effects more than ever. She is struggling. However, over what has now been 5 years, we have relied on your music, words of truth, encouragement, and reminders that God is God. In times of despair we have relied on your song “Held” to beginning to believe there is hope through “Make a Way” to confidence that no matter what happens, my faith is not shaken through “I will not be moved” to now worshiping God for how He has protected us by way of “Your Great Name”. I re-dedicated my daughter to the Lord, preluded by “In Better Hands” at the service. That song will always have tremendous meaning to us.
    I don’t know how or even if possible, but I would love for my daughter to meet you, hear from you somehow. We will be at your concert at the Biltmore Estate on July 29th, which celebrates the 1 year anniversary of my new marriage and we will be there, all 3 of us worshipping with you through song. We would love to hear from you.
    Thank you for what you do for so many.
    Chad

  • Elizabeth

    Hi Natalie! I have grew up in a Christian home always knowing about God and received Christ at a very early age. I gradually started getting stronger in my faith throughout my teen years, but like all teens, I went through my down times. One of my strongest struggles is one that I feel like all women can relate to at one point: body image. I have dealt with it hard and have gone to extremes in dieting for long periods of time. I was a senior in high school and seemed to have everything under control. But, I would not let anyone see the insecurities that I was so good at masking. I was really “dealing with my demon” as I like to call it when I went to the Revolve Tour in 2008. You sang your song “The Real Me” and spoke about your struggle. You inspired me and that song has helped me through the rough patches. That struggle isn’t one to go away, but I deal with it in much better ways now! Thank you so much for living your life in a way that others may grow closer to God!

  • http://www.9Miracles.com Leigh Watson

    Dear Ms. Grant,
    My name is Leigh Watson and I’m the author of “9 Miracles.” It’s the true story of the extraordinary events and incredible people I encountered on MY way – to and from – seeing my son off to war. It’s not my son’s story – it’s MY story. :) It talks about how I was “held” as I faced my darkest hour and how God reminded me that He cares and is right there with me through it all. I referenced your song, “Held” in the book and would love to send you an autographed copy of my book.
    Please email me the address in which I could mail your book to you.
    I look forward to hearing from you.
    God bless you!
    Leigh Watson

  • http://sweetsongbirdofmine.blogspot.com/ Evelin

    Dear Natalie:

    I should begin by saying that I’m already in tears, and I haven’t even begun to really write…that said, 26 years ago, my mother’s 6 year long struggle to keep my older brother alive, came to a halt. He went to be with the Lord in his sleep. God let her sleep that night too, she never did since she was always up with both him and me. He died peacefully, asleep next to me, as I always climbed into his crib from my crib. To this day, we celebrate his birthday, August 1st. A few years ago, when Held came out, I was listening to our local Christian radio station, driving to my mom’s house, all the while trying to figure out what to do to commemorate his life, as his birthday was approaching. I had to pull over and stop driving, because listening to Held brought me to tears immediately. I knew I had to play it for my mother. So on his birthday, I gave her a blown up picture of him, with the lyrics to your song framed together. I then played it for her. She said that your song described her pain, hope, suffering and joy all at once. Fast forward a few more years…my son, who happens to look EXACTLY like my brother, has been placed on the Autism Spectrum. Though he is high functioning, he self harms, and is sometimes a threat to his siblings and me. His OCD and other symptoms affect everything from his mood, to his childhood play. Every day, I struggle to understand his pain, I know he suffers silently, I know this, and it breaks my heart…but I also know like your song says, there is hope, and that we are loved. My son is loved, as was my brother, by their Creator, by their Lord. I cling to that promise. I know that one day, they will both be perfect, and there will be no more suffering, no more pain. Thank you for the opportunity to share this. God bless you, and may He continue to use you as He has to reach those in need. Thank you for your beautiful song, Held.

  • Jade

    Hi Natalie –
    Well, when I was little, I remember my parents arguing all of the time. Then I gained knowledge that they were doing drugs, being abusive and were just extremely unhappy. As I started getting older, I noticed that I wasn’t normal either. I always thought that every little girl always felt sad. But, I was wrong I guess. My parents divorced when I was 8 years old. I had been going to church and learning about God, but didn’t believe that a God could be comforting yet allowing things to happen to me that were hurtful. In 2005, I still lived in Orlando and heard about the first-ever Revolve Tour that would kick off in Orlando. I went, never hearing before of any of the artists or their stories. I heard you sing and right during the lunch break, I ran up to the table and bought a book. I got in line quickly and had you sign in. Your story was the first I had ever heard that made me realize that little girls weren’t always sad, that hurtful things happened, and that God could really make something beautiful out of the mess. The three songs that truly resonated with me were first: The Real Me because I never thought that anyone else dealt with things like I was, pain like I felt, and just pure loneliness. Second: Held because I had longed for someone to love me. I had never felt loved my entire life because my parents were caught up in their own issues, I was left to raise myself in some ways and it really opened my eyes up to the fact that God is so much more than a “mighty” creator…he is the keeper of our hearts and so much desires to comfort and love on us. Third: Something Beatiful because it gave me hope that God really does have a plan no matter what may happen. This all happened in what I like to refer as “the calm before the storm” in my life. I hadn’t yet realized that there was something really wrong with the way I felt. I began quitting everything I had interest in, going through phases where I’d starve myself and would lose 10 lbs in a week, sleeping all the time, and crying whenever I did anything besides sleep. When I first started realizing that I wanted to die, I knew that I was depressed. I moved to Asheville, NC with only my mother and as support and a reminder, I had your CD. I played Held over and over and over, then would switch to The Real Me when I felt like nobody really saw my pain. Over and over I listened to those two songs. They got me through 2 years of being suicidal and really got my heart set on seeking a life lived through God. But, the depression soon got to be too bad and I had no treatment; in fact, my family didn’t even realize that I had depression because I learned to hide it. I was afraid that if they knew, I’d have no secrets. They’d take my secret. Cutting became my throne. For you, it was the bathroom, for me, it was the same, just for different purposes. In the midst of my addiction to self-injury and anorexic bouts, Held was the only song that kept me going. I was hospitalized twice in 2009 for my depression. The first time I went to the hospital was not too long after I had admitted and begged for help. I was taken to a small room – I had none of my own clothing and hadn’t taken a shower for a couple of days. I was a wreck. I turned off the lights and melted into the corner of the room onto the floor and just prayed that God would fix me, that he would see me, and hold me. Over and over I sang Held and The Real Me without even thinking about it. My heart was just praising God in the midst of brokeness and I really think that because of your music, my heart found a way to praise God in a way that is real. I started getting treatment for depression and the song Captured became my life’s song. I hummed to the tune almost everyday – especially on a sunny one. Time goes by… I am now 18. But, just a few weeks before my birthday, I had felt the complete blow of my depression again which I felt building up for a couple of months. I had decided that those two months were too much for me to take. I attempted suicide by overdose and almost died. I was rushed to the hospital and somehow, saved. My doctor in the hospital said I was a miracle to be alive and 100% functioning – she said I should’ve been a vegetable. All though I wasn’t glad to be alive at first, I realized that it is indeed “what it is to be held.” God desires and is made to hold us through everything. The times when we ask, the times when we don’t, the times when we are happy, and the times when we are broken. He holds us in the times that we need and desire him to, and in this specific incident especially, the times when we wish he wouldn’t have. He holds us through it all. Your songs became my life’s songs that helped me become grounded before the storm, braced in the midst, and stronger and thankful in recovery. I didn’t know God before that day that I walked into the TD Waterhouse in Orlando. I didn’t know who Natalie Grant was, Tammy Trent, ZoeGirl, or Chad Eastham. I didn’t know that I was about to endure as great a deal of pain as I did. But, God knew and somehow, your story, your music, and your heart really spoke to something deep inside of me.
    While that is just a snipit of what has been my life, it’s just the grand overview and something I see your ministry playing a huge part in. I’ve been on numerous in-country mission trips in the midst of all of this, volunteered at shelters and worked with kids time after time, and if there is one “public figure” I always share about, it’s you because you’ve given your life to God and the world as an open-book and in turn, have envoked so many others to open their hands and hearts – especially me. I hope to somehow share my story and reach out to girls with similar ones, or even totally different ones because I feel that, like I said before, God has a plan for my story someday.

  • Tori

    Natalie:
    I struggle with bulimia every day, and have struggled for the past three years. I felt the need to hide it all away, and make sure everyone thought I was okay, and that no one could see my true pain. Your song, The Real Me, dragged me out of the darkness and made me realize that our King sees me, all of me, in my shame and embarrassment, but lifts me above all of that just to hold me and remind me I am loved. Through the help of your song, I was able to tell my parents, and I am on the rough road to recovery. It’s not always easy, but God sees me and all of me… he sees the real me, and he loves the real me. Thank you Natalie.
    Tori

  • Kristy Findley

    Hi Natalie,
    “Better hands now” I had introduced the Lord into my life about 5 years ago when I met my husband Matthew. I feel EVERYDAY that I am in his hands completely! I prayed and prayed to meet someone special and he brought me Matt, whom I’ve been married to for almost 4 years. Then the child I so longed for was born October 25, 2009…her name is Sadie Grace. She was 7lbs 8oz and 19 1/2 inches of pure WONDERFUL! Thank you for your wonderful music, I’m so sad I missed you at the Women of Faith concert here in Kansas City. My best friend said you were absolutely glowing (pregnant with your Sadie) Your music is both inspirational and very real. Thank you for everything you bring into all of our lives.

    God Bless,
    Kristy Findley

  • Allison Sack

    Wow, this is the first time I have visited your website (all because of how your music affected my 19 year-old daughter), and here I see the opportunity to share that with you is available! What timing!

    I lost my beautiful daughter, Carly, in a custody battle shortly after I became a believer in 1995. She was just 6 years old, and the only family I had. My own precious Jewish family was hurt over my new-found belief in Jesus, and removed all support and involvement in my life. I was a single mom who was radically changed by Jesus and wanted to protect my daughter from the ungodly lifestyle of her father. He had been controlling and abusive toward me during our short time together and was using my daughter to try and hurt and control me.

    We ended up in court where his family, an anti-G-d judge and just plain persecution came stacked against me, and I found myself losing the very apple of my eye. My relationship with Carly went from being loving and close to terribly torn apart. We were limited to a few precious hours every other week for the next 13 years. Before I lost her, she gave her heart to the L-rd while I was giving my testimony at Church. She loved to worship the L-rd with her gifts for song and dance, and many nights, she drifted off to sleep as I read the bible.

    All those beautiful things were replaced with everything dark at her father’s house. Pornography, lying, witchcraft, astrology, abuse, sexual immorality and more filled the environment she lived in. During that time, I kept praying to G-d and she kept crying out for me to do something. She expressed the desire to come back home to live with me to her dad, but he refused to listen and began masking her feelings with medication and various excesses to appease her. My husband and I tried to gain custody back, but the judge wouldn’t let go of the case and continued to be against my “radical” faith and lifestyle.
    Carly was heartbroken and resigned herself to believing that G-d doesn’t hear her prayers.

    As she went into adolescence and began making choices that reflected her father’s values, I continued to pray and wait for G-d to fulfill the promises he had made from Jeremiah and Joel when I lost her- that one day she would return and he would restore the years to us that were lost.

    Right before her Senior year in high school, the physical abuse got much worse and her father kicked her out. She bounced in and out of our home for the next two years, became pregnant and was on the road to abortion. We prayed and fasted and believed, and by the grace of G-d, my precious granddaughter was born. Carly was home with us, and we thought she might get on the right track, but too much confusion and chaos in her life had been born from all the deception. She left, went back to her father’s in search of that love that he never could give her. She experienced post-partum depression and was placed in the hospital, and the baby was placed in foster care without her or I knowing.

    Since then, our granddaughter has been placed with a family member temporarily until Carly can get the healing she needs. During the time She was away from our home, we just kept praying. I would wake up in the middle of the night, and just cry and plead with G-d to breakthrough the darkness in her life. Little did we know, G-d was breaking through in her life through music.

    8 weeks ago, she came back home and we spoke for the first time in 5 months. I sat stunned as she shared how K-love and especially your music had impacted her. She cried out in prayer for the first time, asking G-d to wash her in the blood of the lamb. Excitedly, she said, “Mom, do you know the song by Natalie Grant, “I will not be moved?! I love it and I love her!” We would sit and watch your videos on youtube, singing them together. It felt so much like a dream to see and hear her become alive in worship to the L-rd again after 13 years, especially after the recent years of rebellion.

    Previously, she just tolerated my listening to K-love, and was always more interested in listening to secular rock. As I watched this miracle of the L-rd reaching her heart, my own heart swelled with overwhelming joy. While she was listening to your music, The L-rd spoke a precious verse to me over Carly from Psalm 32:7 that says, “You surround me with songs of deliverance”.

    Over the next few weeks, Carly came up against great opposition for being back in my home and, ultimately, for standing with Jesus. She left our home again, confused about many things, but we continue to hold on to every verse spoken and the prayer of faith she offered up to G-d. We are standing on the promises and waiting for the healing hand of G-d to move.

    Never in a million years would I have guessed that G-d would use the music I was listening to in the car and at home around Carly to break through in her life. All those times she acted like she didn’t care, seeds were being planted. Thank you for using your beautiful talents to bring light and healing to so many, and especially my precious daughter. Thank you for singing “songs of deliverance”.

    Allison

    Thank you for using your beautiful talents to be raw and honest, and to

  • Kari

    Natalie,

    My nine year old daughter (Chloe) dances in a competition group. She is a beautiful dancer and quite talented. She is a bit shy, but performs as if she is not. This coming year she will perform an entire lyrical solo for 3 competitions. This is her first time doing this. With the advice of our studio owner, it is to bring her out of her shell. Her first competition will be in January and she has been working on her dance since June. Her song is your “Held”!!! Every time I watch her practice, I cry. What a beautiful song and it couldn’t be more perfect for her. She is my cuddler. She loves to be held. Her dance really moves me. I had her watch your video for the song and I can tell she feels a connection now…it’s not just a song she is dancing to. We think you are a beautiful person inside and out and maybe someday our paths will cross and you could see her dance “Held”. God has truly blessed our family and he continues to do so everyday. Thank you for “Held”. With your song and God on her side, she can do this solo!!

  • Sarah

    I am twelve years old, and I never used to be shy. But once I got into Middle School, my two very best friends in the world at the time both just left me, and I couldn’t figure out why. Nothing seemed to be going right, we had problems at home, at school I was hearing nasty things about me that my “friends” were saying. I heard your song “In Better Hands”, and was reminded that God was still watching over me, that He cares about me and loves me and that’s all that matters. I listen to this song about 65 times a day now!!! :) Thank you for that song!

  • Crystallynn Miller

    I was introduced to your music when I was 19. I checked myself into a faith based Christian rehab for drugs. My teacher played I Will Not Be Moved. As my recovery progressed I fell more in love with the song. When I graduate form the program I used it as my graduation song. Because the way I saw things then I was untouchable because I was God’s. As life began to happen around me things got hard. I listened to it every time I felt like giving up. And u would push through. I would quote it in my head as a reminder that all other ground was sinking sand. Well needless to say I fail off the rock and back into my eating disorder. I felt like it is the only thing I can control. I’ve fallen away from God well away from where I was. I told my mom the other day that I was a mistake. But I realized what I said. I know God doesn’t make mistakes. Its my addiction talking not me any more. I’ve gotten to the place of desperation but at the same time scared of recovery. I heard your song The Real Me for the first time tonight. I want to be able to do what you said in the song loosen up my grasp. I’m just afraid I will lose control though. But it did remind me that even though no one else sees me the real me He still does. So thank you.

  • Rachel Reindl

    On mothers day of 2005 I was almost due with my third child, a son. I had with me my beautiful daughters Lyvia and Ella, together we attended church. This time was bitter sweet, on such a special day I was counting down the moments til I would lose my baby. At 20 weeks I went to the doctor for a routine sonogram, I went alone, my husband stayed with our young girls. It was at this appointment I found out we were having the son my husband was desperate for, and also that my son had anencephaly, a tubal-nural defect that is always fatal. When I left church that Mothers Day I was gulping back tears, I pulled into Trader Joes parking lot with Klove Radio on, and a song swept over me…I felt peace and comfort, as if it healed my heart a bit. I didnt really hear the song as much as I felt it, they did say your name and the name of the song after it was played, and I wrote it down to check out later…On May 25, 2005 I gave birth to Cayden Earl, he was precious, he never took a breath, and his heart slowly stopped beating as we held him. We held him all day after he passed. His sisters, aunt, uncle and grandparents came to see him, and our pastor. We shared laughter and tears. In the evening we wrapped him up in a recieving blanket and lay him in a crib, and left the hospital with very empty arms. That was the hardest moment of my life…. We had prearranged a small memorial, so the next few days were in preperation for that. I remembered the peace I had felt through the song I had heard before, so I sent my husband to find it. I read the lyrics as I listened to the song ” Held”, I couldnt believe how perfectly it ministered to my loss. We played it at the memorial, we actually printed the words in a card with my sons name, birthdate & weight anda picture my four year old drew of her and her little sister and Cayden together. I’m so thankful to God for Holding us through our journey. Thank you Natalie, for singing this song.

  • http://www.nataliegrant.com Lauren komo

    Hi Natalie well in 2007 your song Held help me thorugh a hard time with my health .I was dignosed with a rare inflamitory dissies called Takayasu’s Arteritis; since then I listen to your music everyday to help me with the pain that I go through from my dissies. thank’s for your music it really has helped me through the hard times. God Bless

  • Ryan

    Natalie,
    Although I can’t post my life story, I want you to know that your ministry has been life saving. A couple years ago, I felt as though I was heading down a path away from God. I have grown up in a christian home all my life, but had never really acted like one. One night, I felt as though I was on an all time low, and I was simply not happy with the way my life was playing out. I remember hearing your song “In better hands now” for the first time. Something about that song completely captivated me. I was up for hours playing it over and over again. I felt as though the very presence of God was in the room. That was the night I made a stance to change my life around. God, through your music reached to me in a time of need.

    I’ve also been through some really difficult situations with self esteem since then. However, God helped me get through it all. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t try to listen to at least one of your songs. “To find my strength” and “Make a way” have helped to to get through these difficult times.

    Natalie, I can’t thank you enough for leading a career that glorifies him. You are touching so many people out there, not just the ones that are posting. PLEASE, don’t ever stop making this music, please please don’t ever stop~

  • Karly Alexandra

    Im Karly and i am 17 yrs old. I first heard you song “The Real Me” when i was in 6th grade. A woman was teaching me CCD at her house because my mother never taught me. She knew that there was something going on but had no idea what. She played your song and i immediately had tears streaming down my cheeks. I had been dealing with anorexia for 2 years at that time and there was a lot going on at home that no one knew about yet. That song has kept me alive in many instances…i will briefly explain…in 7th grade i began cutting myself and the abuse continued…my eating disorder also alternated between anorexia and bulimia and the bullying at school became intollerable…8th grade, my friend was killed and i went away to camp for the summer…i refused to eat and managed to lose 10lbs in 4 days. I was told if i didnt eat i would have to leave…so i ate but continued to purge and cut…In 9th grade i was admitted to the hospital for anorexia and i stayed to weeks it was strictly for re-feeding and medical stablization…i put Jeremiah 29:11 and YOUR song THE REAL ME (lyrics) on my wall to keep me strong…after i was discharged i feel right back into my bad habits and the cutting became much worse…the bullying also escalated and i was threatened and tormented everday at school…i didnt want to get out of bed and face the world anymore…then again this past January of my Junior year i was admitted to a residential eating disorder program for 2 months…i was allowed to have my iPod and i would listen to that same song over and over again…crying Lord when are you going to help me im sooo stinkin tired…and yet again i was discharged…my eating has been better and i havent purged in a long time…however it kills me to eat…i still listen to your song almost on a daily basis and it makes me feel like im not alone and that i dont have to put on my mask with God. HE knows my heart and he weeps with me…Natalie your music has such an impact on my life and you dont even know it. I met you when i was in 7th grade at Revolve. You signed a scrapbook my friend made for me, the same friend that introduced me to your music…and i wanted to tell you so much because i knew you had struggled with ED…but i was so scared and afraid i would look weak…but if you see this please know how much you have changed my life…without your song i would probably not have made it through sixth grade…i thank you fromt the bottom of my hear! xoxo much love! Karly Alexandra

  • Karly Alexandra

    Allison, i was scrolling down this page and i stopped because i have the same name as your daughter…this was such a beautiful testimony…i cried a lot…i am overjoyed at what God has done for you and your daughter…i shall keep y’all in my prayers…thank you for this beautiful and moving post! xoxo Karly Alexandra

  • Kay

    When I was 14, I was struggling with depression, and I was in sin so deep, it was over my knees. After a terrible moment in my life I was walking past a christian store and I stumbled upon the Relentless CD. God’s grace helped me through the hardest times of my life through your music. Thoughts of sucicide crossed my mind but it seemed like there was something else out there for me. One year later the Lord cured me. Currently, I’m 17 going on 18 and God grace has led me through the darkest and most heartbreaking moments of my life. Now life is so much more brighter, I finally have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I have an amazing church and awesome relationships with both believers and unbelievers. Although the walk gets tough at times, I will not be moved because he is the rock I stand on. If God had not worked through your music I dunno where i’d be today.

  • Karly Alexandra

    Lovey you just gave me sooo much hope…i struggle with anorexia and used to struggle with bulimia…i am soooo proud of you!!! I hope you are doing well you will be in my prayers! xoxo

  • Eryn Davis

    My name is Eryn and I am 21 years young. I fell in love with your lyrics about 3 years ago when I found myself in a backseat of a car about to give myself away. I was traumatized and at life’s end when Jesus Christ rescued me from the rubble. Your song “make a way” is the story of the rubble I was in. It explains it so clearly. Today I stand unashamed of my Jesus. He is the reason I’m alive today. The reason I will stand before a called congregation to share where He has brought me thus far. Tomorrow I will sing “Make A Way” letting all these hurting women know that Jesus Christ will make a way if they just give their lives to Him!
    Natalie, please keep sharing your faith with this dark world. I owe you a BIG thank you for sharing Christ’s love through song! Keep on shining!
    I would love to know the stories behind all the songs you have written and put on track!

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