The Most Important Statement of His Career
5
By alsoncole
Steven Curtis Chapman has a knack for well-crafted songs with thoughtful lyrics and fresh but accessible melodies. His musicianship is stellar. And he's never been afraid to get personal. But Beauty Will Rise takes it all to another level.
I discovered this album not long after it came out, having heard about the family tragedy that inspired these songs. Like everyone who follows his career, I was curious as to what the songs would be like. I worried the album would be unlistenable, just too painful. But quite the opposite is the case. Granted, this album is far less commerical than his other projects, but these songs are a great testament to the strength of his faith. They also hit the nail on the head for all of us when we are in pain and find our faith being put the test. And not to trivialize Steven's pain or his family's pain, but what he so beautifully articulates through these songs are sentiments so many of us have felt and words of true wisdom we all need to hear. This album is the blueprint for how to work through grief in a healthy, constructive way. Not to take anything away from professional counseling, but this album accomplishes in $10 what it takes many people hundreds of dollars and hours to work through on a counselor's couch.
A former student of mine died in 2015. He was only 21. He had cancer. He had a little brother who died years ago at the age of barely 2. At the funeral, I didn't know what to say to the mother. Her pain was obvious and overwhelming. But afterward, I thought of this album and sent it to her because it says everything I wanted to say but just couldn't.
And lately I've been going through a particulary dark time of my own--not a death, but a very personal and painful journey. And I find myself clinging to the lyrics of these songs. I need to hear lines like "This is not how it should be, this is not how it could be, but this is how it is and our God is in control." And no matter what time of year it is, I love the metaphor of "Spring is Coming."
Each of these songs offers a mini-devotional opportunity. I find myself repeating the lyrics to these songs as a sort of mantra throughout my day, even when I'm not listening to the songs. As difficult as it must've been for Steven to share these things, I'm so glad he did because they are a blessing in my life, and I'm sure they are to countless others. I think this album is the most powerful statement in all of Steven's catalogue.
