Episode Details

Country singer/songwriter, Laurel Taylor knows who she is. It took a comment from Jlo on American Idol to make her realize that she didn't know who she was at one point. She needed to go back home and to her Gospel roots, and recognize that she belonged to God, He had given her these gifts, and she would live her life for his kingdom and glory. 

Laurel, 29, knew from age 15 she wanted to sing, and she began writing songs in earnest at 17. But then went off the rails for a time, separating herself from friends, family, and God. At a crossroads (literally), after having lost it all, she chose God—seriously and for herself, this time—not just because she was raised in the faith. And she hasn't looked back. 

Some gems from today's conversation:

• When you preach something, it comes across differently than when you sing it.
• People still saw me as the person in my past. And for me to move forward, I had to sing about it.
• I'm always looking for an opportunity to talk about the Lord.
• I communicate a melody that they can't get out of their head.  That's my goal.
• I want to be known as a believer that loves Jesus with all their heart, and would go to the ends just to help someone, no matter what, and I always want to put myself last.  I just want to be seen different. I don't want to be categorized as she's a church girl.
• I know that I'm nothing without the Lord. And I'm nothing without his lyrics, his melodies, you know, he can literally mess my voice up as soon as I open my mouth.
• I embody God's welcoming heart by giving Him the reins, every time.

About Laurel by Laurel:

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…

• I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART

• I LOVE WRITING SONGS ABOUT FREEDOM, HEALING , AND RESTORATION

• I AM FROM ALABAMA , SO I SAY “ROLL TIDE”

• I AM A DOG MOM OF 2

• I LIKE SMILEY FACES

• I WOULD LOVE TO PRAY FOR YOU

She writes the music first, and then adds the lyrics, God-breathed, she says. And I believe it. 

Follow Laurel on instagram @laureltaylorofficial and you can hear her music on any of your listening platforms. Some of my favorite songs are: Song of Freedom, Healed, and her latest hit song, Old House. 

Hear a preview here.

Bio:

LAUREL TAYLOR IS AN ARTIST AND SINGER/SONGWRITER IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.  ORIGINALLY FROM ALABAMA, SHE MADE HER MOVE TO MUSIC CITY TEN YEARS AGO, RIGHT AFTER TURNING EIGHTEEN.  FROM THE AMERICAN IDOL STAGE, TO TOOTSIES ON BROADWAY, TO THE LOCAL CHURCH LEADING WORSHIP, HER VOICE AND SOUND SPEAKS TO EVERY CROWD.  LAUREL CARRIES AN EXCELLENT STAGE PRESENCE AND LIVE SHOW PERFORMANCE EVERYWHERE SHE GOES.  SHE HAS A RAW COUNTRY SOUND, MINISTRY MINDSET, AND HER OWN UNIQUE STYLE.  LAUREL USES HER LIFE STORIES TO SPEAK TO PEOPLE THRU HER MUSIC AND INTENTIONALLY WRITES FOR EVERYONE THAT LISTENS.

Sue Donaldson [00:00:01]:

Good morning. Did you know that the most important thing about you is that God loves you? He loved you to the cross and back. And part of his great love is that he gives you a life that matters. You never have to wonder, do I matter? Do I count? You are number one in God's book and he gives you opportunities every day to live a life beyond yourself.

Sue Donaldson [00:00:25]:

I like to call it a legacy life. This is Sue Donaldson. As you listen today, ask God, show me how to spend today investing in people and your word. Because both last forever. There's no better way to live. Hello. Good morning. Today I have a very special guest. Well, I guess they're all special because in God's sides they are. But this is a fun o