“When I am weak, I’m strong; the less I have, the more I depend on Him." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
It’s been said – life’s a roller
coaster - surprising, exhilarating, frightening! At 15, Lauren relished her life. Then she got sick, really sick.
What was originally thought to
be mono, later turned out to be its nasty, stronger cousin – CMV or cytomegalovirus. With no cure or antidote, CMV can be serious
or even fatal.
Treatment involves isolation - allowing the body’s own
immune system to outlast the disease. No
going to school, no visits from friends; just rest and praying she were someone
else. Worst of all, she hadn’t even the strength
to sing. Blessed with a voice both smoky
and sweet, her Mom nicknamed her “The Music Box” as a child.
Her passion for singing coupled with her love of music came
from deep within her heart and soul.
She’d dreamed of making her name shine in lights; her voice known
worldwide. But now she felt her life was
over; her dreams just a cruel joke. As
she sank deeper into despair, doctors prescribed nothing but rest. It felt like she was dying.
Lauren yearned for any escape. Her Mom gave her a devotional titled: “One
Minute of Praise,” which was about all she was good for - one minute! She’d always had a strong faith. Or thought so. Now it was being tested beyond her endurance. Even if she survived this disease physically,
could she survive it spiritually?
Over the next two years, her health gradually improved. In the quiet solitude forced by CMV, God spoke.
This time alone was meant to strengthen
her resolve.
After finishing high school, Lauren Daigle enrolled at LSU where joining the choir allowed her to finally rekindle the joy that singing had always provided. Later she’d audition twice for American Idol only to get cut in the final rounds.
Critics compared her to Amy
Grant. Opportunities for bigger and
bigger venues opened up. Her first album
reached #1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart in 2015. It went Platinum, producing three #1 singles.
Her third album, Look Up
Child, was released in September 2018. Bolstered by the pop crossover success of the
single ‘You Say’ it went on to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200
chart, becoming the highest-charting Christian album by a woman in over 20
years.
“You Say was written at a
time when I felt completely overwhelmed," said Lauren Daigle in a recent
interview. It reminded me that when I’m
weak, He is strong.” The ballad assures listeners
of a victory over their struggles if they put their trust in the right hands.
Heavenly Father, help me learn to be content
in all things for Christ's sake; to be increasingly conscious of my own human
weakness so that I may be inspired by the strength of Your mighty
power. Amen
