Interview with Laura Story

Laura Story, artist of some of the most well-known and beloved songs including “Mighty to Save” and “Blessings” recently released her first Christmas album God With Us, featuring Steven Curtis Chapman and Brandon Heath. Story is accompanied on the album by a 120 voice choir and a 50 piece orchestra on several tracks. Recently, Story participated in Todd Starnes Fox News Radio two-hour Christmas Special.

I chatted with Laura Story about her new album, her new book, her family and her life as an artist, wife and mom.

Chelsea: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I’d like to begin by telling you how much your song, “Blessings” has personally impacted me. I appreciate your vulnerability in that song.

Laura: I appreciate you saying that! Honestly, I was amazed at the response this song has received. It really has struck a nerve with people, while it was a hard song to share, I found it important because it was written from a place of honesty before the Lord.

Chelsea: I love your newest album, God with Us.  One of the things I liked was the fact that you didn’t do a whole album of Christmas songs, you added some originals in there. Can you talk a little bit more about your Christmas album and your decision to add in other songs?

Laura: My goal was to make God with Us a diverse album. I grew up loving many different genres of music, from bluegrass to orchestral and classical. Christmas is a great time to explore different genres. I’m not a fan of making old songs new, so we kept the standard Christmas songs classic. One of the most beloved songs on the album is the song, “I lift My Eyes – Mary’s Song“, based off Psalm 121. I can only imagine what Mary was thinking and feeling during the time between when she found out she was pregnant and when Jesus was born. More than likely, she turned to the Psalms, and cried out in desperation. It was sweet to channel pieces of scripture and Mary’s heart into a song.

Story recently released her second book, “When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted To Learn; Truths You Can’t Live Without” Eight years ago, Story’s husband was diagnose with a brain injury which has left him with some disabilities. Story is the mother of three children, an artist and songwriter, but most importantly she’s a Christian seeking to live as a faithful Christian through difficult circumstances.

Chelsea: Can you talk more about your book and why you decided to write it?

Laura: The book is for those who have seemingly unanswered prayers and for those who are struggling in a time of suffering. Often times, God allows His children to walk through hard things and open ended difficulties. What I mean by “open ended difficulties” is when a trial doesn’t have an end to it on this earth. For instance, sometimes God heals people or they pass on into eternity – that trial has an end. Sometimes we have trials in our life that will last a life time, i.e. my husband’s disability. We must learn how to trust God and live the abundant life God promised. The abundant life is more than comfort and quick fixes,  it’s found in God alone.

Pick up a copy of Story’s book here.