Story Behind Jillian Edwards' "Weak, Proudly"

One of the highlights of Jillian Edwards' new EP Meadows is "Weak, Proudly" (LISTEN HERE). The song is a beautifully crafted ballad that speaks of the joy and majesty of what it means to surrender to Jesus himself. Edwards has taken the time to tell the story behind this stellar piece.

"When I started writing for this album, I had no idea what it would sound like. In many ways, I was stepping onto new ground, undeniably compelled to write directly, honestly, and intentionally about the ongoing story of God in my life. Weak, Proudly was one of the first songs I recognized myself in.

It wraps up the thing I am constantly learning over and over again in the deepest chambers of my heart. It is the continuous renewal of surrender to the power, love, and strength of God...which starts with embracing my weakness - my own inability. This is so very backwards to the way of my human nature. The way of this world is to strive, to earn, to work...a do-it-yourself mentality. I must bring myself weak and weary to God, and rely upon the Holy Spirit to transform me by the renewing of my mind...so that the toxic pattern of this world loses it's grip, and the life-giving pattern of his good and perfect ways consumes my mind instead!

There is this absurd idea that the enemy loves to use in our lives which is that we have to figure out how to "be good" in order to be loved by God...that there is a fixing up and a getting ready we must do, a work that we must get done before arriving upon the goodness of God. Beloved friend, it is not true. Jesus already did that work. He lived the perfect life and he gave us credit for it. He offers you his own robe of righteousness. It is our admission to our weakness - and in turn trusting in HIS strength, HIS work, HIS life within us that brings intimacy with the Father, which brings life and peace.

The world screams "DO!" but the love of Jesus whispers "DONE." (I don't remember where I heard that, but it wasn't me.) This truth makes the scripture that says "I will boast in my weakness" something I can identify with. My spirit exhales, and I feel myself even now rest at the thought. When I gladly show up with my weaknesses to the throne of God, I see his power in my life...for his power is made perfect in weakness. It really all comes down to the fact that God is crazy about his kids and that's who we are...so let's run up to him messy and all and let ourselves be loved. 

I am so grateful to have written this song with one of my favorite people and writers, Peter Groenwald. 

Sidenote: I was reading Andrew Murray's "Abiding In Christ" devotional during the time I wrote this song and I can't think of this song with out thinking of that book. I would highly recommend! All about embracing our own weakness and resting on God's power and love instead." 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

About Jillian Edwards: 

For more than a decade, Edwards-who now resides in Nashville with her husband, Will, drummer for indie rock band Colony House, and their daughter, Willow Faye-has consistently written and recorded music through the lens of faith, even when she's crafting songs about love and relationships or writing songs specifically for film and television. The latter has seen Edwards' songs featured in television episodes of Nashville, Pretty Little Liars and Grey's Anatomy, and on commercials for Citibank among other high-profile brands. In addition, a collaboration with EDM DJ Thomas Gold resulted in a surprise hit for the singer/songwriter with "Magic," on which she is credited as a co-writer and featured vocalist. Her previous collection of original material, 2014's Daydream, topped iTunes' Singer/Songwriter chart and landed at No. 6 on Billboard's New Artist chart. In 2016, she released COVERS, putting her creative stamp on 10 reimagined versions of some of her favorite songs written by other artists. She is managed by the Stable Collective, and her booking agency is WME. 

 

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