Interview with Jamie Grace | Jamie Talks New Music, Advice for Girls with Physical Disorders, Favorite Snapchat Filters + More!

In the midst of having Tourette Syndrome and other life complications or whatever, the hope that I have found is in the Lord. The assurance that in my weeping and imperfections, there is joy, from a King, and I have the privilege of choosing it every day. -Jamie Grace

NOTE FROM JENNY: I’m so excited to share our first-ever interview on Little Faith Blog—with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Jamie Grace! Jamie’s music has been touching my life for years and years. I remember jamming out to her hit single, “Hold Me,” when it was first released in 2011, and then excitedly listening to her debut album for the first time, falling in love with songs like “Show Jesus,” “God Girl,” and “1945.” Not only is Jamie a Dove Award-winning artist, she’s also a worship leader, speaker, actress (seen in Grace Unplugged), YouTuber and Godly role model to young girls everywhere. Her music and many other ministries have impacted countless God Girls over the years, and I’m so excited and honored to share this interview with you!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED ON NOVEMBER 1ST, 2016

HOW HAS CHRISTIAN MUSIC MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

Sappy story alert, ha! 😉 When I was a kid I was really sick. I was about 13 years old, two years into a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, and I was pretty depressed. I rarely left my house or my room because I felt awful physically and was bullied by other kids and struggled with school work. I started to feel like God didn’t love me and like I was running out of hope.

One day, my granddaddy brought something to the house. He figured he could make me smile by setting up an electric guitar and amp for my sister Morgan and a drum set for me. He taught her a few chords and he and my dad taught me one drumbeat. The very first song I ever played and sang with my sister, that same night, was, “Amazing love… how can it be… that you my King would die for me?”*

I was a hopeless and depressed teenager, but the only song I knew was one that spoke of hope and love. Over the next few years I would get really serious about drumming and playing the guitar and every song that became a core song for my jam session was based off of my Faith and began building my Faith stronger than ever.

Even when we don’t know what we’re singing, lyrics have an impact on our lives. I’ve always been so thankful that the music that consumes my headspace has lyrics of positivity and encouragement. So even when I’m feeling awful and emotional and I want to sing, my default choice is music that won’t leave me in a broken place but instead is a part of pulling me out.

…I told you it was gonna be sappy! 😉 But if you need a laugh, know that Morgan and I playing those instruments for the first time in our lives that night? We sounded awful! Haha.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTIAN BANDS?

Needtobreathe, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nichole Nordeman, Morgan Harper Nichols, Ayiesha Woods, The Neverclaim, Stars Go Dim, Unspoken, The Walls Group, Michael W. Smith, Dara Maclean, Superchic[k], Mahalia Jackson, Natalie Grant and Amy Grant.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM?

Ohhhh it changes like every day! Haha. Presently I’m so excited about the new stuff that I’m really into playing those songs. There’s one called “16” that’s the prayer of a girl on her 16th birthday. I have so many “little sisters” through my church and even through social media and I think about them every time I play it. Just hoping their hearts connect with it well.

I also love anything I play with my sister Morgan! At some point we want to do an album together (we have a country duo called Harper Still), so any Needtobreathe cover we get to do is a blast.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO GIRLS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH A PHYSICAL DISORDER OR ILLNESS?

Sometimes people think I’m being too emotional when I say this, haha, but I think it’s fair to go ahead and make sure you acknowledge, “Life is hard.” Especially as young women, we have to remind ourselves that life isn’t going to be perfect or easy. We have to say it, out loud, so that we know that the difficulties and struggles we may be facing are not always our fault and that we’re not facing them alone! It’s simply the fact that life is hard.

Now, don’t say that and go to sleep, haha. The story is far from over! Because even though life is hard? God is good. SO good. And He is always here for us. He is a Friend, Brother, Father. He isn’t promising a life of perfection, but walking with Him? You’ll never be alone! In the midst of having Tourette Syndrome and other life complications or whatever, the hope that I have found is in the Lord. The assurance that in my weeping and imperfections, there is joy, from a King, and I have the privilege of choosing it every day.

(Psalm 30:5)

CAN YOU TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT A FUTURE ALBUM?

It’s coming so soon! I feel like I can smell it, haha. 😉 I think the biggest hint I would drop is to look out for my birthday… ummm k bye! (UPDATE: Check out Jamie’s new album here!)

JUST FOR FUN: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNAPCHAT FILTER?

I love the flower ones! They’re great. And also any of them that make it look like you’re eating food (they had one where crumbs were going everywhere at one point) because I think they’re hilarious!

*Amazing Love – Newsboys

To learn more about Jamie Grace, visit JamieGrace.com!