I was in a recording studio a few weeks ago, working on a batch of new songs and the producer kindly asked if my fascination with the spiritual world and this ‘following Jesus business’ had hindered my career in any way. The short answer is no (from my vantage point) and I went on to explain, much to his surprise, how much favor I have enjoyed in placing these types of songs in network television and or playing them in pubs and clubs around the world. In my experience, audiences in general know when a performer is telling the truth or is being genuine in the delivery of the art. A story teller doesn’t have to convince the audience that the story is true, but that he/she is being true in the sharing of it. Through my many stumbles and falls I have learnt that to be broken can be a great strength… especially for a writer. If Jesus is my light, then he shines brightest through the cracks. My songs about Jesus and or the pursuit of his peace, grace and mercy are from this joyfully broken place. These types of songs often resonate with other broken souls many of whom are closet seekers themselves. Several years ago I was in the final stages of mixing the Tree by The Water album and had taken some of the mixes home to listen to them over the weekend. On the Sunday afternoon some neighbors had dropped by for a barbecue and Andy, an avid music fan had asked if he could listen to one of the songs. Andy and I had already had several ‘interesting’ conversations about religion and knowing that he was an avowed agnostic I chose one of the ‘less offensive’ tracks. We chatted a little about the studio and recording techniques while the song played in the background. Before I knew it we were on to the next song and as I quickly reached out for the pause button Andy stopped me asking if he could listen to another track. And then my voice jumped out of the stereo singing “More of Jesus, More of Jesus in my life” and to my surprise, instead of leaving the room, Andy fell back into the couch as if he was staying for a while. After a few moments he said “Why do I love hearing the name Jesus?” This started a conversation that lasted several years. Andy told me that he had been secretly seeking for most of his life and that while driving home from work he would occasionally turn the radio dial to a religious station looking for some answer. “I wouldn’t stay there long… I didn’t want to listen to bad love songs like ‘Baby baby’… I wanted something more…. so I would turn to Dylan and Van Morrison… they’re always singing about Jesus… and you know something… when they sing about Jesus… I believe them?”