Times Rated: 42

Rebecca St. James

A new album release, a wedding and a whirlwind trip to NYC

Rebecca St James takes a whirlwind tour of New York City for the release of her newest album, “I Will Praise You”. While in Manhattan, Rebecca also squeezed in a guest appearance on Sean Hannity’s show and shares some insider info with IV about her April wedding plans.

IV: Welcome to NYC! We've been listening to your new album, “I Will Praise You” and enjoy your song, “You Make Everything Beautiful”. It's a gentle song of encouragement. What’s the story behind it?

Rebecca: “You Make Everything Beautiful” came out of the overflow from a stressful time in my life. I wrote it as I moved from a time of pain to a time of joy. When you hear it in person, it’s very powerful. Would you believe that it almost didn’t make the album? We added it in at the last minute because we felt it was that important. It is from my heart. I really believe the message and it will be sung at my wedding.

IV: How did you choose to make the purity message your platform?

Rebecca: I don’t feel like I chose it, it happened very organically. The “True Love Waits” movement was starting out at the same time I was launching my career at age 15. Youth leaders asked me to say a few words at my concerts and kids responded in a profound way. Hearing a teen performer encourage others to say pure made a powerful impact. The need was deep for a role model and out of that organic start I found my platform. I wanted to do more to encourage teens so I wrote books and a song called “Wait for You” which became the foundation to my purity message. It has grown from there.

IV: Speaking to teens is a mission in itself! Have you been protected by your family that you can’t relate to the same pressures that a typical teenager would experience?

Rebecca: I’ve experienced a different kind of pressure than “normal” kids, at times it was harder. I’ve felt the typical teenage fears and have been overwhelmed like everyone else. I was able to blend my personal experiences into my songs, books and acting roles. Being on the road since I was 15, I’ve had to deal with loneliness and isolation. Loneliness feels the same whether you are a celebrity or a kid in high school. I don’t think you have to experience the exact same things to be able to empathize with what someone has gone through.

IV: Physical beauty is important for performers, and yet as a Christian, you know that God created you, perfectly, as you are. What are some of the struggles you face regarding fitting in as a celebrity?

Rebecca: I’ve never struggled with bulimia or anorexia… my mom would never let me get away with that! (laughs). My family has been very involved in my life and I’m grateful for them. We actually had to make adjustments to my diet because there was a time I was so busy I was loosing too much weight. As a teen, I definitely struggled with my self image and to this day, having all my flaws broadcast on a jumbotron screen is the worst! Having the pressure of photo shoots, cameras catching every blemish… it’s an extreme version of a high school nightmare. I struggled with (and survived) all those same teenage issues. I love who God created me to be and I’m grateful for my parents and their involvement in my career.

IV: During the creation of the “I Will Praise You” album, was there a time when you felt like, ‘I’ve done this my whole life. I’m burnt out and just going through the motions.’?

Rebecca: I always believe what I sing about. I’ve definitely gone through periods where I’ve been exhausted, jaded or needed a break. It happens to all people at some time, we are human after all! Two months of touring can wear anyone down. I’ve had to vent to God about life and disappointments when they happen. I used to think that was wrong, but if you read the Psalms and you see David express his heart and the real pain and isolation he went through it gives hope. If we hide from God, what is the point? He sees it all anyway, why not be honest?

IV: What brings you back and centers you when you do get worn down?

Rebecca: Music, a change in place, acting, writing… one art form will make me appreciate another art form. I don’t sit and say “Oh I’m going to switch from acting to writing today.” I think for a long time I felt duty, sense of honor and sacrifice was needed. I now believe and feel strongly that God leads us with our hearts. He births dreams and visions and desires for good things in our hearts and He leads us through our desires.

IV: I sometimes view Christianity as a “fishbowl” where everything is safe, contained. The spiritual ‘food’ comes on time every Sunday morning and I know what is expected of me. This CD seems like you are only reaching out to the Christians in the fishbowl. What was your target audience for the “I Will Praise You” CD?

Rebecca: I feel called to encourage Christians to be radical, mainstream ‘fish’ so they can impact their community. Someone needs to keep the ‘fish’ in the fishbowl alive and fed (winks). I want my music to be refreshing to believers because they are the ones doing the hard work. They are on the front lines, swimming up-stream, serving and being the light that non-believers see. God could show me otherwise, but after 17 years in the business, I think God has me in the right spot. My music will always be designed to encourage believers to press on in the work God calls them to do.

IV: Speaking of being on the front lines, you were on FOX Network’s show, “Hannity” last night. How did you become a panelist?

Rebecca: Sean Hannity has become a good friend and big supporter of my music. As a featured panelist, I’m there to bring a Christian viewpoint to the discussion. I know Sean will always ask one question that makes the entire panel squirm. His surprise topics are a great way to get an honest response so no panelist can defer to a scripted answer. It sure can be nerve racking, but I love sharing my faith and perspective with his audience.

IV: You’ve made a big crossover from music to acting. Do you think more people will be attracted to your music if they see you in a film?

Rebecca: I think that if you are being true to who you are as a Christian, it can and will appeal to non-believers or any person in any walk of life. If they are being convicted in their lives, maybe they will begin to search for answers. I did a mainstream film last year with no Christian content in it. Maybe people will trace me from that film and investigate who I am and what I believe. Time will tell...

IV: If you look back in 10 years, as you make choices on the projects you select, do you think you will regret doing secular projects?

Rebecca: I’ve been in 6 or 7 films now. With music I think it will always be Christian music. I don’t foresee any crossover with music. With films, Hannity and some of the other media I’m exploring, I hope there is crossover. I have a book coming out in the Fall about dating and because people are looking for answers, truth and advice they may seek out other books I’ve written.

My new book is called, “What is He Thinking?” It’s about dating, getting into the minds of men and what guys wish girls knew. It was a fascinating book to write and I feel like people who don’t know God could actually read the book and pick up a lot of truth and not be “weirded out” by the Christian content. My beliefs are in there, but it’s not overpowering. A lot of it is very practical day-to-day advice.

IV: How do we encourage kids to embrace a Christian mindset when performers like Lady Gaga, Brittany Spears, Kei$ha, Katie Perry and others are role models now. How can Christians make the message of purity ‘fragrant’ and how do we make it something kids would want to embrace?

Rebecca: I think one thing that appeals to every girl is the idea of a fairy tale and romance. That concept of romance is innately built into the psyche of women. What if Cinderella had gone down a path where she would have rebelled and been this edgy, sassy, back-talking kind of teenager? Would that have been something you would have respected? I doubt a movie would have been made about her if she was like that! It was her humility, gently heart and grace that won over the prince.

I’m living the true romantic story right now and I don’t feel like I’ve missed out at all by staying true to the purity message. I didn’t want to dress trashy or be promiscuous and let it get in the way of my Cinderella story. I think every girl understands that concept. Every girl wants to be a Cinderella who finds her prince and lives happily ever after.

I’m not saying that life is perfect and not saying that my life and marriage are going to be perfect. My journey has involved a lot of pain and challenges, but don’t let anything get in the way of that beautiful story that God wants for you… your Cinderella story is priceless. You are worth it!

IV: OK, it’s time to switch topics and talk about your wedding. Who’s designing your dress?

Rebecca: Yay! [as her face brightens] Actually, I’m co-designing it. I found a dress that was a simple design and absolutely gorgeous fabric. I felt like a princess in it, but I had very distinct ideas of what I wanted the dress to look like. [I haven’t seen that in any one dress.] So I’m actually redesigning it myself, and a designer is putting the finishing touches on it. It’s a really cool experience and I’m excited to tell Jacob on my wedding day that this is part of my creativity that I’m offering to him as a bride.

IV: Are things going to stay as normal as they have been after the wedding?

Rebecca: I am very traditional, so I see my role as being involved in Jacob’s ministry quite heavily and doing my "thing" on the side. I will go out and do a show or two, then come back and be with my husband. I definitely feel that creativity can happen wherever you are, so for writing or creating, I can be anywhere and still be able to write music and books.

IV: So we don’t have to worry that you will give up music completely?

Rebecca: I have to be obedient to God and respectful of my husband. I have to hear from God about my calling and our calling as a married couple, so we’ll see. [Rebecca winks] and… if a family starts, well, that will change all our plans for sure!

IV: What’s one last bit of advice you would like to give our readers?

Rebecca: I recently finished reading “Blessing Your Husband” by Deborah Evans…There are so many beautiful things in there! But one thing I’ve picked up on is, “Don’t look at the negative.” You find what you look for in life… period. So if you’re looking for the negative in people, you’ll harp on that and create resentment. I think for our self-protection, as humans, we tend look for what we can be hurt by and get into this self-protecting spiraling downward mindset. It’s a rip-off tactic of the enemy. Really try to think the best [of people] and be gracious and don’t look for the negative. Pray for them and bless them.

IV: Yes, I agree. We need to ask the Lord for his help to love people the way he does and treat them with mercy, respect and grace (lots of grace!). Thanks for being a great example by living your life in a way that pleases the Lord. Thanks for taking the time for this interview…we wish you much success with your new album and marriage!

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Suzanne Rahn is the Director of Development at InnerVoice. Suzanne is a freelance writer by day and a mother of 4 great kids the rest of the time. Suzanne lives in Somerset County and attends Liquid Church, Morristown campus.

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