A Journey to Renewal with "ReFormation"| Posted October 05, 2024
Stephanie Staples has released her tenth studio record, and can be heard on her album "ReFormation".
The album has three distinct sections. The theme of the first section of the album is "Invitation to Return". This section has two songs that invite all who have been struggling or left the faith to revisit their understanding of truth, rebuild their foundation, and simply come back home.
"Prodigal" addresses our struggles and need for God's love. This song urges us to put aside our pride and return to His grace.
"Reconstruct" adds an extra element. It is about coming back to embrace His love and letting Him heal the wounds of the past and lead us back to faith.
The theme of the second section of the album is "Call to Awaken". This section has three songs that call Christians to wake up and remember their calling.
"Something More" is our spiritual wake-up call, an awakening, urging us to stop trying to find security and peace in worldly philosophies, but return to God and build a foundation based on faith.
"Awake, O Sleeper" is a song that encourages us to wake up, get into action, and answer His call. It's an invitation to renew our minds and hearts, see His justice and glory, and to rekindle the Spirit fire in our hearts.
"Anthem" is a song that reminds us that God is always with us, ready to heal us and lead us to victory. It inspires us to boldly declare His holiness and to rejoice in the amazing promise of His infinite goodness.
The theme of the third section of the album is "Ballads of Hope". This section has 5 songs, songs that Stephanie has written over the past 26 years. They carry a message of perseverance, encouraging all to hold on and keep the faith at all times..
"Give Me Hope" is a prayer to God for strength, just like the prayer of Hannah and Sarah. God promises that He is always with. He is with us in times of joy, and in times of weakness and loneliness. He is there when we mess up our lives and is ready to guide us back & fill us with hope.
"Holding On" emphasizes that we're not alone, even when it feels as if you're drowning in despair or disappointment. The key message is "Don't give up!"
"Naive" is about the fact that there always will be challenges and pain, a sober wake up call. This part of the song really nails it: "I will be not be naive to think the war is over // This is reality sometimes hearts must break // I will be not be naive to think the war is over // This is reality sometimes hearts must break to be set free"
"Still Waters" is a very personal song for Stephanie. A reminder of painful times. Stephanie initially intended this song as balm for her pain, and after some encouragement by others, she is sharing the song with us. The lyrics describe a journey of hanging onto faith throughout the storms, trusting God's unseen plans, and finding peace in His grace.
"Grace" is another song that emphasizes that we're cradled by our Savior's grace. It reminds us that there isn't a fall in our lives that is too deep for His mercy to heal and renew.
This is such a beautiful collection of inspiring and relatable songs. Songs that support a journey of renewal that will lead us before our Lord and Savior, where we may eagerly await two most precious words: "Welcome home!". Enjoy!