David said in Psalm 51:15, “Oh Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise!” David had just been chastised by the prophet Nathan, and David, feeling the weight of his sin, throws himself at God’s feet in guilt and repentance. Our repentant selves are possibly the most honest we will ever be, with our God or with ourselves. This outpouring of heart and soul is the inspiration behind HBC Original Praise. When all we are is laid bare before Jesus our Savior, all our awe, wonder, love, and inspiration pours out through whatever creative means He gives us.

A song about … the duality of joy and pain that comes from dying to ourselves in pursuit of becoming more like Christ. We gain infinitely more by becoming closer to Jesus, but it does still mean that we need to let go of ourselves, and that is not an enjoyable experience. Matthew 16:24

A song about … how the relationship we share with Jesus is symbolized in the marriage of a man and woman. As the bride of Christ, we share a lot of the same characteristics as the Wife and Jesus stands as our Husband. Inspired by Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3.

A song about … God reassuring Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather, of his role in God’s plan. Those of us with mixed families need the reminder sometimes that God works through every family situation. By divine design, Jesus was born into a hers/mine/ours family.

A song about … the moment you realize that accountability, responsibility and humility all start with you. Understanding the reason you need a Savior, and bowing to Him in recognition of that.

A song about … Coming to the realization that in order to grow closer to Christ, one must die to themselves. (John 3:30) While what we gain is infinitely better than what we lose, there is still the fear and hesitation of letting go of ourselves. (Matthew 16:24)

A song about … a vicious circle of sin and apathy. Knowing the way out is our faith in Christ, living in His power, and yet resigning to remain in ourselves alone. (Jeremiah 29:13)

A song about… the Biblical account of the prophet Jonah. Inspired by the prophet’s run from God, the story reminds us our purpose and mission is absolute. It is ridiculously futile to run from the Lord.

A song about… the notion that we can feel distant from a Holy God, even when that distance is completely unreal. The only way to break through is the prayerful study of Scripture, coupled with new eyes in perspective upon our everyday lives.