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Check Out the Stories Behind the Songs
October 4, 2010 - Comments (25)We have updated the web site with new content featuring the stories behind the songs. Check it out at: http://www.matthewwest.com/
POSTED BY:
muoto
25 comments
Comment
- @CabinMouse oh yeah, we'll if ur lurking, what did I have for lunch?
- @mandisaofficial The Price Is Right
- Excited to worship @peopleschurch !!RT @rickwhite: @matthew_west ok, bring that energy with you to TPC on Sunday. Looking forward to it.
- I know! May as well be Pig Latin... ight-ray?! RT @zacharyngarza: @matthew_west Nashville numbering?! That stuff confuses me. Lol.
- More..
Tue 5/10/10, 6:37 am
Matthew,
In case you read these- THANK YOU!!!! You have given a voice to so many people. Including me. So glad that all the “Broken Girls” were not left out. I can understand how hard it must have been to write that song, but I’m so glad you did. I adore this new album so much. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
If you are able to see this tour, please do. Hearing these stories and the songs in person is completely eye opening.
Tue 5/10/10, 7:51 am
A heartfelt “Thank You” from me as well for this CD being released at a time in my life when I needed this message of comfort. I heard the song “The Reason For the World” on the way to work on the radio a couple of weeks ago and immediately pre-ordered the CD-not something I do often. My husband of 27 years passed away from an apparent massive heart attack August 19th. He was only 50 and had no cardiac history or symptoms. We have been best friends since college, almost 30 years ago. I have lost my best friend, my love, my spiritual leader. I am only 47 and am still in shock to being carrying out this part of my life story alone. My two children, 20 and 14, and I are experiencing such deep grief and loss right now, yet I know that God is in control and he will be sufficient. We are okay, each day, each hour, each moment has it’s own challenges. This song has given me some comfort. Thanks again for allowing God to use this work. Blessings-Darlene
Tue 5/10/10, 8:15 am
Matthew, WOW!!!!
I heard Linda’s story on the radio and as often as your music does, it moved me soooo very much.
The day of release, a young couple at our church lost their child, of 17months in a drowning, and that day was his funeral. Several church members at the dinner before the funeral had listen to it also and we tried to find a copy or recording to no avail but God’s timing is perfect.
I’ve listened to several of your songs and have sent them onto my children and friends. This album is so moving and real.
We are truely blessed to have such an amazing gift from God.
See you Oct. 30th.
Lisa
Tue 5/10/10, 5:38 pm
Matthew – I hope to get to see you on tour. What a wonderful CD – I listened to it on the way to work and again on the way home. You have an amazing gift and I thank you for bringing hope and inspiration to those of us who remain somewhat silent with our struggles. I pray that God will bless you and all that you do. God is good and although we all have days when the last thing we want to do is rejoice, days when our situation is out of control, our mood is low, and we are feeling overwhelmed with worry, guilt, doubt, shame or grief. We must continue to ask Him to help us regain joy and know in our hearts that He will help us. He provides so much if we just let Him into our life like so many have shared. Thanks again for your dedication and idea to do this project. You have succeeded and will help many along the way.
Tue 5/10/10, 8:11 pm
Matthew, May God Bless you as you share these stories all over. The “Broken Girl” was me. Keyword, Was! Through the years God has taken that extreme pain and lies I believed about myself and used them for his glory. I stand today an advocate for domestic and sexual crimes and I have not done this on my own. Little by little God has put the pieces in place to bring peace, healing, and the ability to love back in my life. Then little by little he lead me into leadership roles and now I have a job where I can help others start this healing. Thank you for bringing these truths to light so that others will hear that there is hope.
Tue 5/10/10, 10:00 pm
I was listening to KLove today (I don’t often listen, but somedays there is a nagging at me to do so) Your song came on “Broken Girl”. It made me feel not so alone. As a teenager I went though so much and was ignored when I tried to tell someone. As a writer I expressed it in my poetry and to hear this song tells me there are people out there willing to listen. It filled me with a saddness as well as a happiness. I want to thank you for your devotion and the beauty of this song. I will forever charish it and save it even for my daughter for God forbid something ever happen to her without my knowledge…all women and girls should know there’s a place to turn even in their darkest hour. Please continue in reaching people’s hearts and soul! God Bless Always!
Wed 6/10/10, 8:06 am
The Story of Your Life was released yesterday. I just happened to have an appointment with my counselor at 1 p.m. (God ordained!) I began counseling due to marital issues 18 months ago; however the root of most of the distress in my life, was the sexual abuse that I SURVIVED for 7 years; that began when I was age 8; at the hands of the man who was supposed to be my “new daddy”; my stepfather. I have seen my counselor weekly since March when I was diagnosed with Sexual PTSD. Keeping secrets for 36 years is difficult to “undo”.
I was able to stop and buy your CD on my way to my appointment. However, I was unable to listen to it. I just read the liner notes over & over, while I ate lunch. It was nearly as sweet & healing as reading God’s Word.
Thank you, Matthew, for being angry at the sin that has changed the course of the lives of so very many children. Some children it has destroyed. Six months ago I thought that I would not survive; that I could not endure the pain. I know that my Heavenly Father was angry; that He wept for the precious little girl who spent so many nights in fear.
As I drove to the store; I thought; “I’ll probably buy a whole CD; just for one song,…” but these songs;
The Story of Your Life
Strong Enough
Family Tree
Broken Girl
The Healing Has Begun
they are like CHAPTERS in the book that is my life. Thank you, Matthew West, for being willing to feel the pain of so many broken & wounded people; & using the gifts God has given you to touch hearts; for eternity. The non-profit organization that I work for; our mission statement is Guided by God’s love and grace, we bring healing, help and hope.
That is what YOUR music will bring to millions of people; because of your obedience.
My counselor sat with me and listened to Broken Girl. She is going out to purchase your CD. I believe that she will use many of your songs in her office; to minister to hearts that are broken.
Lisa
A Broken Girl; Whose Healing Has Begun
Wed 6/10/10, 10:46 am
Thank you Matthew West.
I was a Broken Girl . . . now, a healing, Overcomer, filled with Grace and His abundant, overwhelming, completely saturating, 24/7 in every moment kind of LOVE.
Having spent years in Christ centered recovery, I moved on, having taken all the monsters, which were the scared little girls, out of my closet. My future has purpose and passion and there is joy in every day of my life! But, there is always the knowing of who I was. Your song made me weep, both for the joy of the healing Jesus has brought in my life and the reminder of how prevelent sexual abuse is. Your song and your heart brought a missing validation to me and brought an increase in blessing, healing, and love. Just when I think I know how much God loves me, He shows me that He loves me MORE!
I pray this work God has given you will touch thousands, if not millions of abuse victims, their families–everyone– and minister to them as your songs have ministered to me.
The world is a broken place in desperate need of Jesus, of unconditional LOVE.
Thank you again, for sharing This Love, This Healing Love. . .This Love that makes us
complete! 1 John 4:12
Wed 6/10/10, 12:02 pm
Matthew, I just got the new album in the mail and can’t wait to listen to it.
I heard a few of the songs and “Survivors” really hit home with me.
My two year-old cousin Avery was diagnosed with ALL T-cell leukemia back in January. She has an 80% chance of being cured but has to go through 2 years of chemo. And a little girl named Adrianna Cavanagh lost her battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma in late January. She was very brave and joyful and she knew God would take care of her.
Avery is sweet and caring and loves to make people laugh.
No child should have to go through cancer but God is healing Avery and Adrianna is smiling down us.
Thank you for making this album. =)
Wed 6/10/10, 2:32 pm
i just got your cd in the mail and sat down and listened to the whole thing right away
i love it! its awesome! i think my favorites are “two houses” and “to me”. “two houses” reminds me of my friend whose parents just recently finalized their divorce. she and her mom lived with my family for a year and a half while her mom earned enough money to get an apartment. i saw how much she hurt and i heard her ask “why?” But she always managed to put a smile on her face at the end of the day. now she lives with her mom about 2 blocks from her dads house… i feel like this is her story. and i cant wait for her to hear it. 
Wed 6/10/10, 4:48 pm
Hey! The song you wrote, 2 Houses, was written from my sister’s story. I absolutely loved it and cried my eyes out. Her daughter listened to it and looked at her mom and said, “That is exactly how I feel.” Thank you for showing her that people do understand what she is going through and she is not alone. We hope to see you in concert soon! God Bless You and thanks again!!!
Fri 8/10/10, 6:35 pm
Matthew,
My name is Dori. I am one of the Broken Girls who sent you my letter. I’ve been waiting and following your progress on the album and couldn’t wait for it to be released. I love your music and have been listening to it for a very long time.
When I heard the song for the 1st time, I broke down weeping. For an artist such as yourself, to be able to write a song as deeply, moving, and profound, it was as if you were inside of my soul feeling all my pain, the abuse, seeing my shattered and shredded heart, my torn and tormented soul, the ripping of my insides and the millions of tears I still shed today.
You have spoke for me to the world, to everyone, and I thank you so so much, thank you is really not a strong enough word. So I send you a huge hug. I don’t know if you read these comments because you’re so busy, but I hope you do.
………..Dori
Fri 8/10/10, 7:22 pm
I can’t stop listening to the new CD. There are not words to describe the amazing gift God has given you to write. You tell the stories so perfect and with such exact detail. Can’t wait to see you in Springfield, MO. It is my husband and I’s date night and I can’t think of a better way to spend it than with one of our favorite artist (we go between you and Chris Tomlin but his new album doesn’t come out until Nov so your number one now LOL). Thank you using the talents that God has given you to share His Love. Karma
Fri 8/10/10, 7:26 pm
Forgot to say in my last post the song with your little girls is by far one of my favorites there is just something about daddy’s and their little girls that gives the heart an awww feeling. Thanks for being a father that is raising his little girls in a God centered home.
Fri 8/10/10, 8:48 pm
i found @cabinmouse on the cd!!
I dont have a twitter account but i saw you and @cabinmouse tweeting about it… so i just thought i’d say that. Lol. i think the cd is awesome!!
Fri 8/10/10, 10:15 pm
I am so excited about the new album. I wish I would have known about the stories that people were able to submit. I was looking very hard to find a way to contact Matthew directly.
I’m a female, in my mid-20′s with a wide history of severe trauma that began at age 3. Physical and sexual abuse was the ‘norm’. My mother was also involved with a ritualistic Satanist group for several years. To add to confusion, I had a “radical Christian” aunt, who knew nothing about my mother’s involvement with Satanism, and would proceed to tell me about how God was going to damn me to Hell for my lack of involvement in church.
I have since found the strength to move away from my entire family. I found Christ through listening to Christian radio, and got baptized in December 2007. I continue to rely on him as I walk through my journey of healing through all of the child sexual abuse, and Satanic Ritual Abuse.
I am now a therapist, who works with children and adults that have a history of trauma themselves.
For many, many years, and even still, I find it so hard to let go of the fact that I have a horrible, horrible mother and father (who attempted to murder me, then later committed suicide). But after listening to songs from the new CD, it somehow made me realize, I have a Father, who loves me more than anything.
Sat 9/10/10, 5:04 am
Wondering when you will come to Hattiesburg, MS??? Your music & singing is truely your gift from God!!
Sat 9/10/10, 6:46 pm
Matthew,
Your music is so beautiful and inspiring. My husband and I were married 5 weeks ago and we used your song “When I Say I DO” during the lighting of our unity candle and our first comunion together as husband and wife. It was so touching as we still had time before the song was completed and while we were standing there my husband was singing along with the music the words to me. Are guest tell me that was the most romantic thing to see and they loved the song.
Thank you for writing such beautiful music.
I look forward to seeing your concert tomorrow in Columbus, Indiana. Have a safe trip there and see hope to see you.
God Bless,
Mary and Brett Holdeman
Mon 11/10/10, 10:58 am
Purchased the CD this weekend. I don’t think I have ever connected with as many songs on a CD as I have with this one. Favorite is the title track. It has truly hit home and couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.
Wed 13/10/10, 9:15 am
what a wonderful cd! my wife and i can’t stop playing it. the song ” my own little world” speaks loudly to the culture we live in today.
Thu 14/10/10, 6:31 pm
i discovered something awesome and unendingly hilarious about your cd, today. if i fast forward it on my DVD player, it sounds like Alvin and the chipmunks, lol!! i laughed for about 10 minutes haha
i just had to tell you that lol
Sat 6/11/10, 7:13 pm
I was also a “Broken Girl”, I wrote you my story and I am glad that you wrote this song! I was also very surprised to see my picture is on the back cover on the cd. I love all the songs but that song is definitely a song that helps me know that God is most certainly with me and is healing me every day.
Thanks!
Much love, Cassie
Thu 18/11/10, 7:26 pm
I WROTE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY A MUSIC CRITIQUE OF THIS PROJECT. THERE ARE SOME SONGS ON THIS PROJECT THAT ARE GENIUS AND AN ANTHEM FOR THE SEEKER.
Thu 30/12/10, 4:40 pm
I was inspired by the song my own little world.
I love this song and it has really reached out to me. I have wanted to make a difference and i really enjoy working with kids. I wrote this poem about being a history maker and going on mission trips to serve the Lord.
He is the story that no one would believe
Searching for a place of his own
As he cries in the corner, the orphans’ heart is torn.
Somehow the world so consumed by themselves
Everyone is population: me
Why have I never cared?
I need the heart to love the broken hearted.
Among the sight of people
The orphan thinks – who will love me for me?
As he dreams for better days
Seconds seem like minutes which turn to hours.
Saying prayers to God
On the inside looking out
When the oceans rage
Calling out his name
But does anybody hear him?
If only one thing is true
The orphan knows-
There is hope in the distance
With light at the end of the tunnel.
The Lord is his strength,
His everlasting love
Though always scars may be
Joy comes in the morning.
The orphan uses his hands and feet
To share love
His smile lights up the sky.
He keeps his heart more alive
Than a million city lights
The orphan is the greatest treasure.
In this life,
I know who I have been and
I can’t maintain these regrets because I am beneath mercy
But only love like the orphan.
From population: me
To third world missions,
I will follow into homes of the weary and the weak.
Love over grief
Trying to stay up straight
Love is the song that some have forgotten.
The orphan had faith that could move mountains
The impossible is possible and
Prayers are answered.
Life is more than what eyes can see
We are one family
This is home
You, me and the orphan.
Mon 12/3/12, 11:08 am
will this i want to tall you my grama dont have car end my grampa end my grama fit end wen i see him fit i cry bot i want to tall you that help me plese if you here me plese im a litle gril end i nit help end my sister to end evry my family plese help me end i want to tall you i want to see you i like your songs tankhiu mathew west i love you thankhiu end you are a good person i dont want to life like this thankiu sow much to here me i loveeeeeeeeeeeeee you
