“Breathe Again” was written in grief. It was submitted two weeks ago and scheduled to be released today. The timing is not lost on me. So many in our nation are grieving.
I recorded this song to honor my cousin David who passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a family who aches every day because he is gone. David knew the grief of losing a parent. His mother died of cancer when he was very young. I know he would want me to also dedicate it to Charlie Kirk’s family. Especially to his precious children who will carry the excruciating pain of loss with them every moment of their lives.
Anyone who has suffered a loss knows that grief can take our breath away—we feel it in our bodies. This song asks the Lord to breathe life into us so we can breathe again.
A song will never ease the ache of loss. But the Psalms are full lament and point to hope. This song is a personal lament but I am sending it into the world for all who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s for my dear friends who have lost children and spouses, siblings and parents. It’s for the parents of children who have been victims of gun violence all over the US and for my own community who still mourns the loss of six people murdered in school here. It’s for the body of Christ who grieves whenever a member leaves this earth.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18
This is our hope: the nearness of Jesus.
David, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I I’m holding you in my heart and will continue to pray for our family to find comfort and strength in Jesus.
Love,
Stephanie
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Spotify
Produced and Engineered by Mitch Dane
Strings arranged by Caitlin Anselmo
Guitars Nate Dugger
Bass James Gregory
Drums Paul Eckberg
Piano Caitlin Anselmo
Violins David Davidson, David Angell
Viola Betsy Lamb
Cello Austin Hoke
(C) Stephanie Staples ASCAP
