We are constantly reminded what we don’t have and ways in which we are not good enough. We accept our faults in an unhealthy way and think we are only our mistakes and our failures. Personally, for Julie, this has been a real struggle, feeling many of times like she is “not good enough” for the things she deeply desires…and then, of course, feeling guilty about not being thankful for the things we do have makes us beat ourselves up even more.
But even when life isn’t what we want it to be, God is still good. The title song, “A Girl Like Me,” is about how despite our shortcomings, a girl like me…is still worthy of a King. Nothing we can do will make us “not good enough” for God. Echoes of this central theme are evident in every song throughout the album.
Through various musical styles and influences, the album centers over one theme. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says this: “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” We need to acknowledge those very weaknesses, fears and failures that make us feel like we aren’t good enough; but instead of succumbing as a helpless victim, we need to choose to trust God more than we did before and fight the darkness with bravery and fortitude He gives us.
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Piano Pop With A Message of Worth| Posted December 22, 2017
As both an actress who has appeared in high-profile shows like Grey's Anatomy and CSI: NY in addition to several major films and the founder of Aurora Ministries and the Topic-Driven Concert Series for teenagers, Julie Elias has time and time again shown that her talents go far beyond just music. A multi-faceted artist with a passion for sharing the Gospel with the world, Julie's latest release A Girl Like Me strives to remind listeners that they are always loved by God, regardless of their shortcomings and faults.
Opening track "Unchained" boasts fun pop vibes while speaking of our freedom found in Christ, followed by equally peppy "piano-pop" styled "Only For Awhile." The lead single from the album, "Awaken," holds a bit of a darker tone and offers a powerful moment of prayerful longing. The title track "A Girl Like Me" unfolds with a reverent string section, setting the tone for a more vulnerable lyric: "When I fall apart, You see my heart, every weakness and shame / yet You still love me / You still believe a girl like me could be worthy of a King."
Carried by power-packed guitar riffs, "Alive" will have you singing along with the catchy melody. Back to Julie's signature piano-pop style, "Forgive Me" is an enjoyable listen, contrasting well with edgier "Lost." "Here With Us" stands out as a softer moment of praise, leaving "Wherever You Roam" and Julie's cover of the dc Talk classic "In The Light" to close out the album with inspirational messages and strong vocal talent.
The Bottom Line: Julie Elias is a woman of many talents, one of which certainly is crafting pop songs that inspire all who hear them. With A Girl Like Me, Julie continues to be a strong voice in CCM as her powerhouse vocal and message of acceptance make this a record you'll be encouraged by.
For Fans Of: Natasha Owens, Holly Starr, Abigail Duhon
Song To Download Now:
"Alive" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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