On the night of January 23, 2005, Ginny Owens performed at the Liberty Christian Center in the town Fairfield, California, which is about an hour drive north of San Francisco. I had reviewed every track on her most recent album, Beautiful, before I headed out to see her live for the first time. I was quite impressed with her simple yet deep songs and looked forward to receiving much grace.

Ginny Owens was the winner for Best New Artist in the year 2000 Dove Awards and is known to be very gifted in songwriting and unique in singing style. I did not know what to expect, but my heart was ready for a very positive experience and worship with God.

As I stepped into the Liberty Christian center, it felt cozy and humble, quite opposite of a rock concert. Mosaic, a Christian women group presented by By Faith Productions opened with soulful worship songs. Powerful voices and inspiring lyrics filled the hall preparing each person's heart spiritually. A touching power-point presentation closed the first segment of the night.

Then the very humorous host of the event immediately came on stage and brightened the atmosphere, and led the crowd to become more lively and active. Kids ran around and conversation filled the place. However, when the time came for Ginny Owens to perform, all quickly gathered and sat still.

Silent anticipation fell over the crowd who was waiting for her entrance. When she made her entrance, I saw before me a humble image of one who wished to worship God and give all glory to God. There at the center of the stage sat Owens and her piano.

She opened with the song "Free" from her first album, Without Condition, and not a single sound was made during the performance. The audience was captivated, and so was I. After the song, she engaged the audience in conversation humbly revealing her weaknesses and God's strength through inspiring stories. Although she could not see physically, her spirit sung praises to the Lord beautifully.

The many interesting stories she shared throughout the night were full of inspiration and encouragement. It was sincere and she sounds better live. One song after another, she shared a bit more about events in her life that led her to where she stands now.

Among the many songs that were performed from various albums, "Call me Beautiful," was a song that brought me nearer to Christ. Interaction with the audience was great as she led the audience to sing with her in the song, "I love the way," which had an R & B touch. Later, Owens introduced a new song from her upcoming album and the phrase "something to sing about" was repeated many times as the theme of the song, reminding each person that we must live life ending each day with something beautiful to sing about.

Then, Owens led the crowd to praise and worship along to well-known praises including, "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Step by Step, God is an Awesome God, and Shout to the Lord." The Holy Spirit was present and I lifted my spirit to freely praise God along with everyone else.

Owens continued with her performances, including the heart-rending song, "If you want me to" towards the last segment. Every face in the crowd seemed to shine softly in the light of the Holy Spirit.

A bonus was that when the night has concluded, Ginny Owens appeared for one last encore performance. The crowd cheered loudly.

After the night has finally concluded, several concert attendants shared their thoughts on the night.

Nicole Vannoy, touched by Owens, shared, "She (Ginny Owens) came in the morning and sang a teaser, and it made me cry. I love music, and no one has this style of music. She is someone I can really enjoy. I'm someone not so high on the energy, but I am on the mellow on jazz." Vannoy's favorite song is "Because you ask me to."

Leslie Walker testified the power and strength that Owens' music has given her through trials and hardships. "I had gone through a divorce, and there was so much loneliness, so I listened to Ginny Owens every night on my headphones. It brought me so much comfort. The lyrics are so real and I could relate to it. It made me stronger. I felt like I could face the world again, and that I can go through anything. She is an artist that writes from the heart."

"One of my three children has a disability. Ginny Owens gives me great inspirations. Even with her disability, God is using her ability to the fullest. I just love the way she sings. She is gifted and is using her gifts to do great wonders. Her presence can is very strong," says Donna Cruz from Suisan City.

Simply, Owens, her piano, and God's spirit made a great team. Live with Ginny Owens was even better than listening to her exceptional recordings. I stepped out inspired and wanted to praise the Lord for working through Ginny Owens.


Ruth Powell
ruth@breathecast.com