Ginny Owens has spent the last two decades as a singer/songwriter, author, teacher, and advocate. Her unique musical style and inspirational lyrics have taken her to many diverse venues, including the White House, the Sundance Film Festival, Lilith Fair, and the National Day of Prayer in Washington, DC. She has served as an adjunct professor at her Alma Mater, Belmont University in Nashville, TN, as a worship leader, and has partnered with non-profits. Her latest book, Singing in the Dark, is available on Amazon and in local bookstores.
Music has always been a part of her life, and she was the recipient of the Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year in 2000, recording over 10 albums since that time. As a child, she climbed trees, rode bikes, and played with the neighborhood kids. What might also be mentioned - for those who do not know her - is that Ginny Owens accomplished all this after losing her sight at age 3.
We sat down for a conversation recently and talked about finding peace during these turbulent times. It was a conversation surrounded by grace, and she had some gentle, encouraging thoughts to share with us...
How can God shape our trust in Him through challenging circumstances?
Limitations remind us to rely on God. We don’t need to prove ourselves if we know He’s got our back…
Remembering He goes before us allows us to trust in HIm. We can be sure that He’s in every situation we’ll go through, because He’s promised us He is!
Having to depend on HIm reminds us that no detail is too small.
God shows up creatively - depending on our circumstances - as our trust grows. As we open our hearts to hearing from him, our eyes will be open to the ways He provides.
Sometimes our limitations in one area enable us to excel in other areas. (How’s that for an attitude adjustment, friend?!)
What can we do in the midst of suffering?
In the Old Testament, we learn that at the start of a battle, the singers and musicians were sent in first. They prepared the environment by praising God in advance for His victory.
Practice Praise/Sing - it’s not really an invitation, but almost a command
Practice gratitude - Gratitude centers our hearts on God
Lay it all out before the Lord - Yes, He already knows, but prayer changes us
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6
Remember/think about what the Lord has already brought you through
Then we can find our peace and rest in God…
Helpful habits to start forming today - to keep a peaceful heart
Gratitude journal -
Create a “song” - one short sentence about a section of scripture you’re reading and go back to it throughout the day.
Find a verse about some area you’re having trouble with. Talk to yourself with Biblical truth!
Final encouragement
If you’re struggling right now, walking through a dark time...remember this:
There is always hope because when we put our trust in Jesus. We are putting our trust in Someone who walked through the worst darkness for us - because He loved us that much. We don’t always know why He is allowing suffering, but what we do know is that He never lets us go through it alone.
~ Ginny Owens
It was a lovely conversation, and you can hear it in its entirety here.
