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History
My name is Ashley Jean. I’m twenty years old and live in St. Augustine,
Fl (nation’s oldest city). I grew up hanging around on our historical
downtown streets, listening to the street performers. I loved simple
live music. In high school I had the opportunity to take a classical
guitar class. I couldn’t understand why everyone wasn’t signed up.
I learned all the basics there, but realized it took time to practice and
I needed a guitar of my own. So, I didn’t really start playing until
I moved to Lake Charles, La. I met a friend, Hannah. I would
get chills when I listened to her. Her playing inspired me to pick
it back up. Within a few months my parents bought me a guitar for
my birthday..
I loved to sing and play. The only problem was that not everyone
liked to listen. I wasn’t really good. From the beginning I
was trying to express myself through it. I prayed, "oh Lord, if You
let me play music, I’ll play it for you!" I promised Him. And
honestly, I really started to begin getting better after that. I
learned lots of praise and worship stuff, but really only played for God
and me..
When I was seventeen I turned my back to God in a big way. I tried
to push Him out of my life. And for about a year I really didn’t
play too much. That was a rough time for me. My faith went
through a complete overhaul. I didn’t know anything for sure.
I gave up God, the only thing that really meant anything to me. Once
I finally gave God a chance again, I was broken, bruised., on the inside
I mean. I hurt, and I cried out to God through my pain. He
lifted me up and kissed my wounds. He continues to heal me, daily
proving to me that I can trust Him.
Awe. That’s the best word I know. The first song I wrote on
the journey home was "Outpour". I know it was a complete blessing
from Our Father. I sat down and just started writing, and then picked
up my guitar and started singing. There wasn’t a whole lot of effort
on my part.
I went to bible school for a year in Canada, and there I really got over
a lot of fears. I learned I could lead people in worship through
music. And that people could actually "like" to listen to me.
It was a weird new experience for me. But I praise God because I know He
guided me. After bible school I went on a traveling youth ministry
team called "Behold the Lamb". That was totally a rockin time in
my life! I had awesome brothers and sisters in Christ. These
people loved Jesus with all their hearts and desired to follow Him. Plus,
we were all so musical; it was really amazing! We would have awesome
praise times, just us. I am so thankful! We did lots
of dramas and skits on the team. I was able to get up and give talks,
all these things teaching me that God did give me a voice, and I could
use it. I began writing music while I was in Canada, but mostly started
after moving back home to Florida, while learning to live each day for
Him in an even deeper way.
I think my music has a theme of surrender, of trust, of my complete amazement
at His love! I wrote all these songs as prayers (besides "breakdown"
and "trusting"), and even those are me trying to express myself honestly
before God. These songs were just for God and me until many people
started saying to me that I should look into sharing them. I lead
praise and worship for the college age group I am involved in, and that
is more of a blessing than I can say! I also go back to the streets
where I grew up listening to live music and play. It’s really a neat
atmosphere, open, sharing. People really open up to me. It’s
so awesome!
So now, here I am, wondering what God has in store. Only time will
tell. If all gifts of music were taken away from me tomorrow, I would
still be completely astounded at all He has allowed to happen up until
now. I know I don’t have to search, or strive; He will guide
me. I can’t complain. I am so blessed! I just desire to daily
listen to His voice and follow close behind. Take Jesus my everything!
Be glorified Lord!
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