← The Bobby Bones Show
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- [00:00]
A
This is an I heart podcast.
- [00:02]
B
Guaranteed human.
- [00:04]
C
What God started in my life, he's going to finish the Joel Osteen Daily Podcast. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. What was meant for my harm? Lord, I want to thank you. Right now, you're turning to my advantage. Your daily source of hope and encouragement. Your second wind is on its way. God is about to breathe on your life in a new way. Listen to the Joel Osteen Daily podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
- [00:34]
B
Hey, guys, I'm Ann Wilson. After Jacob passed, where I was like, I literally will not live through this if I don't rely on God. My faith is my life. Jesus is the only hope for anything in life. He is the only way to get through whatever you're facing. And you can try and fill the void with things here on earth, but it will never satisfy you. And this is the upload.
- [01:01]
A
And Wilson is back in the building. I'm so happy to see you. Welcome to the upload. It's been so long, girl. I literally went back in my archives and was looking at some videos that we have done in the past. And in 2023, we talked about. We were talking about just like, artists that you want to work with. And you said Morgan Wallen in this specific video and how you would love to do something with him, whatever. And I'm like, man, won't God answer a prayer? Two years ago? How cool is that?
- [01:28]
B
I know. That's so cool to back on that.
- [01:30]
C
Yeah.
- [01:31]
A
Do you ever have those moments in your life where you're like, man, you pray this crazy prayer, you look back and you're like, God really said, yes,
- [01:39]
B
I do all the time. But, yeah, this summer, getting to open for him was like a dream come true.
- [01:43]
A
It was so.
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B
It still feels like it didn't even happen.
- [01:46]
A
It was so, so, so happy for you. Well, before we dive in here on the upload, we like to talk about basically just like, faith filled conversations. And I really am just curious on how you describe your faith. Like, if somebody is a fan, is in a meet and great line and they're like, hey, how you, like, what do you believe in? Like, what is your faith? Like, how would you answer them?
- [02:06]
B
Honestly, I feel like my faith is my life. You know, my whole life has been shaped by the church and having a relationship with Christ. And then especially when my brother passed away in 2017 and like, faith just was ignited then. I just feel like it's it's everything to me, and it's really the source of where all of my hope comes from, too, through all the different things in life, whether it's, you know, Jacob passing or struggling with depression and anxiety or what comes with a career and all those things. Like, it's. It's truly what anchors me and keeps me grounded.
- [02:39]
A
And I love that you said when your brother passed away, the word hope, because I feel like so many people, when a tragic moment like that happens in their life, it is.
- [02:48]
C
The.
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A
Hope is not the word that they would use to describe that. So I'd love to go back to that moment. And I know we've spoken about it before, but maybe somebody who hasn't heard your story and just where that came from, because I know that, like you said, it ignited a lot of faith, not just in you, but your family and in your career and just how that story all started.
- [03:06]
B
Yeah, so my brother passed away in 2017 in a car accident, which was so tragic. I mean, you know, it's something you never think would happen. And it happened our family, and it was really hard, and. And there was so many days it felt like, there's no way we're going to get through this. Like, just no way. But slowly but surely, God started to really, like, show up and would speak to us through a friend or through scripture or through nature. And, I mean, our faith just was our cornerstone. Like, it got us through. And then we started to see glimpses of hope, of, like, what the future is going to look like and. And what God is going to do with this tragedy and how he's going to use it for good. So it was really. It was a surrender moment for us. We're going to surrender everything to God and kind of allow him to lead our lives and. And make a story out of it. So right after my brother passed, I sang at his funeral for the first time in front of anyone and then ended up being discovered through a like. Or I guess it was like a cover video that we did on YouTube that went viral. And then that led to me signing a record deal when I was 17 and moving to Nashville at 18. And then my first song I put out was My Jesus when I was 19. And it's just like, one thing after the other and just was a. I think going back to that hope was like. Was just in Jesus and him continuing to give us peace of, like, this is the track that I want you on. You're on the right track, and I've got a plan for you and And I'm gonna use this for your good. And, like, it's been so cool to see now looking back on it all.
- [04:38]
A
Being 19 and basically being like, propelled into this business that I feel like is all about self. It's all about. You know, the music industry is such a cool space, but it also is one where it is hard to not be the center of attention. Right.
- [04:55]
B
Yeah.
- [04:55]
A
And I know as a believer, like one of our, you know, we want to have our hope in Jesus. We want to look towards Jesus. We don't want to, you know, glorify ourselves. How in that moment, especially being a teenager, just kind of like going straight in to this crazy music industry, kind of trying to keep yourself grounded in that. I'm sure there was lots of wrestles that you had to deal with.
- [05:17]
B
Yeah.
- [05:18]
A
While you're also dealing with the loss of your brother on top of that.
- [05:21]
B
Yeah, it was really hard. I mean, there was a lot of moments of, like, just being so overwhelmed. Panic attacks and all the things. And I feel like counseling was something that really helped me get through that time. Just like, processing number 118 right out of high school, all of a sudden I have a song that's of a hit song, as they called it. I'm like, what does that even mean? And then my life changes. I'm on tour that year. I. The following year, I was gone 220 days from home. And then that leads into, you know, like, the continued success that God has so graciously given me and music. But then also, like you said, grieving my brother and still grieving, like, the loss of my best friend, like, that was. It was a lot. Like, honestly, looking back, I'm like, I don't know how I did all that. Now I'm in, like, a good place. And I feel like it's been enough time where I've gotten through a lot of those emotions and struggles. But looking back, I'm like, I went from a child at 15 to my brother being killed to a massive career that just, like, plopped on my lap from God and, like, wrestling with that. And so still Now I'm only 23, and I'm like, I can't believe that I've. I'm only 23, and then I've already lived so much life in these, you know, short years. It's crazy.
- [06:29]
A
You've lived so much.
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B
I know.
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A
Than so many people.
- [06:32]
B
I know.
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A
But how cool that God is using you as a, you know, someone to tell a story that so many people are relating to and not just Young people, you know, you know, older, thankful, older people that are dealing with, with loss and having to go through grief and not knowing where to turn. And you're like, listen, Jesus, is it. Yeah, for me, for you, for everybody.
- [06:55]
B
Yeah.
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A
Do you ever feel like a sense of pressure when it comes to that? That like, I don't know, people are just like looking to you for an answer and you're just like, it's not me, sister.
- [07:06]
B
Yeah, I mean, there's definitely moments of that. But I feel like I just, I kind of tell myself, like, just point them back to Jesus, you know, and eventually they'll find their way back to him. I feel like my whole life, you know, every song I've ever written is all about him. It has some connection to, back to my faith. So I feel like eventually people will find that. But it can definitely feel like, like I'm not the answer to your problems, only Jesus is.
- [07:28]
A
Well, I want to go back to what you were talking about. You were saying about therapy and how you did counseling. Yeah, because I feel like there's this world right now, there's just a lot. Like social media opens up just this world of so many things that people can see and look at. And whether that be, you know, bad things or, you know, violence or just like things that are happening in the world, going through as a teenager and having to process things and then using counseling as a tool, what are some of those ways that helped you through the panic attacks, the anxiety, the depression? Because that's such a real thing today.
- [08:01]
B
It is. Especially like in this generation. I grew up in a house where we didn't talk about counseling. I mean, it wasn't a thing when I was younger. I mean, I know it was, but not as talked about. You know, my parents would never go to counseling. Like that generation didn't believe in that. So I remember, I think it was like when I was 17 was the first time I went. Jacob died when I was 15. And yeah, 17. I had just signed a record deal and I got introduced to a counselor in town called Porter's Call, that they do free counseling services for artists in the music industry and kind of give you like tools on how to get through it all. And I remember like going through that and being so thankful because she gave me the tools of Realizing like a 19 year old is not meant to have this kind of success overnight, is not meant to be in the spotlight and is not meant to also be grieving the loss of their brother. Like all those things you're not meant for that. And it's you. You have to, like, have the tools in. In order to know how to process. So it was really helpful for me. And even just now, being 23, like, those things I learned back then are still helping me today as an adult and how to process all of it and still keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and still be ground grounded in who I am and also still remember that I'm only 23.
- [09:12]
A
Yeah.
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B
And I feel like the weight of a career can make you feel so much older than you are. For me, it has. And sometimes I'm like, I just need someone to shake me and be like, you're literally so young. Like, just go have fun and take a deep breath. It's gonna be okay.
- [09:25]
A
Yes.
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B
And so I've, like, this year, I've, like, learned that just, like, how to have fun again. And I know that sounds crazy, but for someone who's living their life on tour and, you know, people telling me you're my role model and I look up to you, and all those expectations and pressure, it can feel a lot sometimes. Yeah.
- [09:42]
A
Well. And there was this. I feel like, this trend that went on on Instagram that I've been seeing recently, where it's, like, pictures of, like, moms, like, walking around with their kids and, like, trying to have fun. And it's just, like, sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget that we're in our 30s, like, young women trying to live our lives, too. And that's so, like, it's true for you because. Yeah, when I was 23, I was not in the spotlight. I was not, you know, I didn't have a career. I was just out of college, trying to. I think I was working at a urology office at the time, like, to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. You know what I mean? It's just like, those normal things, like, I feel like you. They were just like, skip. Yeah. You're. You're going straight into the fire.
- [10:22]
B
Yeah. And I.
- [10:23]
A
And I love that we get to have conversations like this, because I feel like a lot of fans don't ever get to see that side of a career where they're just like, Anna's just in this beautiful dress on stage. She's singing. She's having the time of her life. She's doing meet and greets. She's signing autographs. She's doing this. She's writing a devotional. She's doing all these things. But you're like, at the end of the day, you're a human, too. Yeah. And you deal with the same pressures and the same stresses and struggles, obviously, to a different caliber.
- [10:51]
B
Yeah.
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A
But you're dealing with those things, too. Yeah. And I think that you opening up about that is so. It's just needed, you know?
- [10:59]
B
Thank you. Yeah.
- [10:59]
A
And when you. When you do go through those things, do you have different people in your life that you look towards? Like, somebody that just models Jesus for you or somebody who is constantly, you know, pouring back into you?
- [11:12]
B
Yeah. I feel like my family, I mean, has always been, like, there, and. But honestly, in the last year, I feel like God has given me some of the sweetest friendships that I honestly didn't know to even pray for, and a group of girls that have really been, like, such a gift to my life and just, like, surrounding me and, like, reminding me to be my age. You know what I mean? Like, and. And truly, like, when I'm within, everything else just, like, shuts down in my brain and I can just have fun with my friends. And I feel like that's been the last year. They've just been my rock and, like, getting through things and just being there for me and supporting me, and that's been really sweet. And then honestly, like, my manager, Matthew west, is, like, truly such a rock for me, and he's an artist as well. And so, like, having his perspective on things and, like, having his just wisdom to, like, pull from and knowing, like, he's been an artist, he's done it himself, he knows what it's like. That's been such a gift because with all the stuff going on and. And the pressure and, like, you know, all the things you have to do as an artist and the ways that you feel like you have to measure up, like, he's just like, no, you don't. And then, like, reminds me of who I am in Christ and, like, that. That I'm doing this for Jesus and for his glory and not my own. And so Matthew's been, like, a big rock for me in this career.
- [12:25]
C
The Joel Osteen Daily Podcast. God's plans for you are for good. Be inspired. Get ready. God is about to exceed your expectations. Joel Osteen Daily Podcast. You are coming out of that dry place into more than enough daily encouragement right when you need it. There are opportunities in your future bigger than you can imagine. Listen to the Joel Osteen Daily podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
- [12:55]
A
And I love that you said community pretty much is what, you know, has Helped ground you because it's so important. It's like, you show me your five friends, and I can tell you exactly what you're gonna be like. You know what I mean? And having those people in your life that are gonna help ground you and are gonna help pour into you and be those rocks for you, especially as women in this world.
- [13:15]
B
Yeah.
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A
Where there's just so much comparison, and, you know, comparison truly is the thief of joy.
- [13:20]
B
Yeah. So true.
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A
And I mean, and I'm sure that it happens, too, on a different level for. For you as a female artist, period.
- [13:27]
B
Yeah.
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A
Because it's just like, well, this person's doing this, and this person's doing this. Why aren't you doing this? And you're just like, yeah, yeah, me. Just be for a second.
- [13:36]
B
Yeah, for sure.
- [13:37]
A
Those pressures, though, I have to. I have to ask and maybe, like, try to go a little bit deeper in that when you're dealing with those. Like when you say that you're dealing with depression, anxiety in the world of, like, your job.
- [13:49]
B
Yeah.
- [13:50]
A
What does that look like for you? Like, what is. What does that day look like for you?
- [13:55]
B
The anxiety is. Is more like, I am a very type A personality, which is so rare in the music industry. Most artists are type B flies by the seat of their pants, literally, like, so scatterbrained, late to everything, like, brains. Like this. Mine is, like, so structured. So I think coming into the industry, I was like, this is so. I, like, definitely am different than these artists. And sometimes it's in a good way, and then other times it's like, this is not like, the music industry, as you know, is so, like, all over the place and can be so, like, last minute. But for me, as an artist who likes to plan, it's just. It's. It's coming into it difficult. And then I think also I allow things to be more stressful than they probably need to be. For me, I've always been this way my whole life. So I feel like a lot of the anxiety is rooted in, like, just the weight of stuff, the stress of stuff, you know, like just being expected to get up on stage every day and be able to talk about my brother who died and being expected to be able to have it together when I don't, or, like, not getting days off to process things, you know, or just, you know, I think like you said earlier, people look at artists and think we have it all together and that we have an incredible life. And while that is true in some ways, and I'm so grateful for the life God has given me, it is. I still am a human being and I still have things I go through and it can be a lot to carry that. So I feel like that's where the anxiety is in and. But I honestly, like, I'm so thankful like since counseling, like I have, it's just given me the tools to know what to do in situations like that. And a lot of the times it's throwing my phone like across the room and just walking away from it.
- [15:30]
A
That is literally a good word for someone because I same if you. This, this is the root of so much stress for people. So much that I saw this thing and I, it like really convicted me because you know, with the word overstimulated is like such a big thing in parenthood where they're like, oh, you're just overstimulated because this sounds happening and this kid's doing this or whatever. You having to worry about this. And this woman, it was this older lady, she had to have been probably in her like 70s. She was like talking to her daughter in law and she was just like, you're not overstimulated. You are busy in your phone, your brain is trying to focus on this and your daughter is asking you to play with her. You're just distracted. She was like, you're not overstimulated. And I was just like, wow, this is what is the problem? Like that's.
- [16:17]
B
Yeah, that's what makes you feel like you're. You are overstimulated. It's your phone. It's crazy. I've done a digital fast and it was life transforming for me. My church did it and my pastor literally wrote a book on it because of how it made it a huge splash. Churches all across the country were doing it. This was like a year and a half ago. And it is so crazy the difference it makes when you get off your phone and just like I'm like, all this stuff doesn't matter. I mean like, yes, it's important work stuff I have to get back to. But it's like at the end of the day, what's the most important thing is like what's right in front of you and the people that are in your life. And I think when I realized that, I mean I literally got Instagram when I was 9. Like I got my first iPhone when I was 9 years old and it was like the iPhone 3 or whatever. And because my mom and dad had no idea what that would do to me, they just. There was no. Exactly. So I got my first Instagram @9. It's the same account I have now. Actually just changed the username.
- [17:10]
A
What was the username before?
- [17:11]
B
I think it was like Ann Wilson underscore or something like that. And so like that shapes, you know, nine years old, I mean, that's like elementary school. And so that shaped my middle school and high school years pretty heavily and. And just ended up being the root of so much anxiety and then, you know, depression too. And I feel like depression is something that I struggled with a lot more when Jacob died of just the bed ridden stuff. Honestly, I days I just literally couldn't get out of bed and just feeling that weight of. Of that now it's like I have to get out of bed every day because I got stuff to do. But when I have those moments of like feeling like I'm kind of going back into that place, I honestly, songwriting is, is become like therapy for me in that. And like this album, we wrote a lot of it in February when I was going through like a really deep, dark depression month because it was a big month for me and I hadn't gone through that like since Jacob passed actually. And so it had been a, like years and we wrote half of the album. So I feel like songwriting has become like a source for me through that.
- [18:09]
A
Yeah. I think it's so important to, to touch on that where when you are in those moments of depression, like, and some sort of outlet to get. To help get you through that is so important. And whether it is songwriting or whether it's listening to a song or whether it's talking to someone or journaling, whatever it ha. Like whatever it is, getting your bible out and opening the Bible. Everybody deals with depression and anxiety and it's. Nobody would look at you on stage and be like, oh yeah, she's depressed this week. And you're like, oh, but guess what? I'm singing this song and then I'm going back and I'm, you know, feeling some type of way. But it's such a. It's almost like a refreshing thing to let people know, like, yeah, you're not alone.
- [18:51]
B
Yeah.
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A
You think that Instagram is telling you that everything's all right, but I'm a human too.
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B
Yeah. Yeah.
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A
And that's such a, such an important reminder, especially for this young generation of women. And I think that's so cool that you. We have this from you now. Hey, girl. For, you know, for, for young women to, to. To be able to look in here and look to Jesus. Yeah. And I mean, what a cool story. To, to know that you are a teenager going through some of the hardest moments of your life. And now you get to be in your young, you know, your early 20s.
- [19:24]
B
Yeah.
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A
And help other women, you know, look to Jesus. Like that's just such a cool thing.
- [19:28]
B
Thank you. I' about it. This devotional was so fun to write and because it was like true stories, you know, I was telling someone earlier today, I had to go, I like went back through my journals from middle school and high school to help write this and kind of pulled stories from, from that time of my life. And so, yeah, it's, it's just an, I hope it's an encouragement to girls to just be reminded of their identity and, and their worth being in Christ. Because it's so hard nowadays even for the current generation. Like your kids like that age group and what they're going to grow up experiencing is going to be so much harder than what I grew up in because now it's like babies know how to work iPhones and it's crazy.
- [20:04]
A
It is insane. My 4 year old sometimes will just like open it up and she'll be like, I'm calling dad. And I'm like, what?
- [20:10]
B
Yeah, it's crazy. So, yeah, it's crazy.
- [20:13]
A
And even just as a, like, as a human being knowing how much I use this as like comparison for, you know, it just happens. It's just like you open up Instagram, you're like, oh man, I wish I looked like that. Or wow, that family looks so happy. Like, my daughter was at school and she came home and I was like doing her hair one morning and she was like, no, no, mommy, I don't want Minnie Mouse hair. And I was just like, what do you mean? Because I usually do like two little space buns. And she was just like, so and so at school said I look like Minnie Mouse. And I was like, they're making fun of you at four?
- [20:41]
B
That's crazy.
- [20:42]
A
No, not yet. That's so, you know, sad.
- [20:45]
B
It's so sad. And a lot of it is because girls aren't rooted in their identity. So when, like, when girls say mean things, it's normally because they're insecure. And so the overall, the problem is just girls need to, to know their identity. And I think social media should not be a thing for girls, for young girls either. I think it is truly destroying these generations.
- [21:05]
A
You know, there, there are some good things that can come out of social media, but I'm with you. I think that if this could be our social media.
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B
Exactly.
- [21:12]
A
You know, I know the world would just be so much nicer. It would be so much more kind. And I'm just thinking about, like, different scriptures, like, going through the Bible. Like, are there ones that anchor you when you are in those moments where you're like, listen, this is. This is the verse I'm standing on today, and this is what I'm looking to.
- [21:28]
B
Honestly, recently, it's been the verse that talks about guarding your heart because everything flows from it. And I feel like that has kind of been, like, verse for me the last few months. In any writing this album, too, there's a song called hold your horses. It's about that, but with this devotional, specifically, like, I feel like making sure that you're only filling yourself with good things has been like, the anthem these last few months for me. Just, like, whether it's like, social media, like, only feeling yourself, like, if. If there's a moment where comparison pops up or in a girl, you're like, oh, I want to look like that. Like, shutting it down and reminding myself, like, to guard my heart and to keep my eyes fixed on who Jesus says I am. That's been huge for me because, I mean, even me, like, I've comp myself, you know, it's something that every person does and. Or it's like an. If it's an identity issue of whatever it might be. I think it's just important to keep your heart guarded and to remind yourself that you are who God says you are and not what people think and say about you. And honestly, that's really freeing, too. Like, it's so freeing for me when I play a show and let's say it's not my best show, and I'm just, like, not feeling good about it. And then I'm like, oh, wait, it doesn't matter. I'm literally doing this for God's glory, not my own. Like, that weight just falls off. And then I'm like, I don't care. Just gonna do my best and let him do the rest.
- [22:43]
A
It's the best when you shift that perspective, because when you get rooted in the. The, like, constant chaos in your mind of, like, oh, well, what about this? What about this? And you're like, when? The second you're like, this isn't about me. Yeah, it just gets. Like, you said, the chains just, like, fall to the ground, and you're like, okay, this is so much better, and life is just so much easier.
- [23:03]
B
It is. It really is. Is.
- [23:04]
A
And I was just reading in Proverbs 29:18, where it says, where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint, but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction. And basically, like, where there's no vision, there's. There's chaos. Like, there's so much chaos in life. And. But if you have that vision of just, like, where God sends me, what God wants for me, what he's doing through this, like, the chaos just goes away. And it's, like you said, just such a freeing thing to not have to worry about.
- [23:32]
B
Yeah, you're so right.
- [23:33]
A
The chaos of life.
- [23:35]
B
Yeah.
- [23:35]
A
Because it's hard.
- [23:37]
B
Yeah.
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A
So when you were. I'm curious about your devotional, because I feel like writing something that is, you know, it's a devotional.
- [23:45]
B
It's.
- [23:45]
A
It's spending time with. With God and. And wanting to help people in that. Were there ever moments of, like, doubt where you're like, you know what? I don't know if I'm equipped for this or I don't think that I can do this. Did you ever have wrestle with those moments when you're putting it together?
- [24:01]
B
There were times where I didn't necessarily think I couldn't do it, but the Enemy would, like, make me feel inadequate, you know, or just. I would just lack that confidence of, am I doing the right thing? You know, or worried, like, are people gonna even want to buy this? Or are people gonna even want to read this? And those are always, like, natural things, even when writing albums and other books that I've done that come up. But I did just feel. I felt a piece about this devotional and, like, honestly, a need for it. I have a couple of friends that are, like, in their 30s and 40s with kids. And this one particular friend has a daughter, like, 10, 11 years old. And she was just saying there's, like, not a lot of devotionals in that age bracket for middle school and high school girls that specifically talk about identity. And so it was like, I think, just seeing the need for that. And then, you know, mom's telling me often that I'm a role model for their girls, which is so sweet and precious. Like, when I. When I hear those things, I'm like, well, I want to continue that. So I feel like the devotional was, like, the right way to do it. And then just too. Just like, I can only sing. Sing. I can only write so many songs. I can only sing so many songs about identity. I can only say so much at a live show. And so being able to have something like that that they can take home with them and read is Just special. And it continue like a daily reminder of their identity.
- [25:16]
A
I love that. And I think that the Enemy is, you know, the schemes are going to be the same.
- [25:20]
B
Yeah.
- [25:21]
A
You're not good enough. You can't do this. And it's just like, even walking into this room sometimes, it's just like, are you sure that you can talk about that today? You know what I mean? And it's just like reminding yourself that it's a lie.
- [25:33]
B
Yeah.
- [25:33]
A
And I think a lot of people, too, who might not know Jesus or might not have that relationship with him, where they listen to those lies and they start to believe them. What a powerful thing it is to. When you finally understand that you have the power of the Holy Spirit and you can shut that.
- [25:49]
B
Yeah.
- [25:49]
A
You know, shut that thing down. So true.
- [25:51]
B
Yeah.
- [25:52]
A
How awesome it is to be able to, like, help spread that message as, you know, someone with a platform to say, like, listen, sister, like, you don't have to listen to the lies of the Enemy. You can, you know, know, you can shut that down real quick, you know? Yeah.
- [26:05]
B
It's so true, man.
- [26:07]
A
And I. I feel like being a female, specifically in the music industry, I feel like I've talked to a lot of the guys about sort of, you know, there's. There's like temptations out on the road. There's this, there's that, like, you're so busy, there's so many things that happen. But as a female being out on the road with, say, temptation or just even isolation or, like, time away, what are some of those ways that you stay rooted in who you are? I know, like, obviously you would get up and you sing on stage and sing about Jesus, but off the stage, what are some ways that you kind of spend time with the Lord? And what does that time, that intimacy look like with you guys?
- [26:40]
B
It definitely has to be intentional. Like, it is so easy to not. It's so easy to find a thousand other things to do with my day than to read the Bible, because there's so much going on. I mean, you wake up on a bus with your crew and your band, so it's like there's always someone to talk to and hang out with, you know, and go do something with, whether it's going to lunch or whatever it is. And so I think, like, I have to be really intentional about it. But for me, it's just like getting in the word and journaling my thoughts for the day and just writing down what I'm going through, things I'm struggling with, or, you know, prayers I have, for me or other people in my life and being intentional about that. And then it's. It's. I think it's also just getting away from like the venues and getting out into the town that I'm in, whether it's going to a coffee shop or a restaurant or sometimes I'll literally, if I have time, I'll just go to like a few stores and like, shop. I won't even buy anything. But just like being out in like, like, just like normalcy helps me with just like a day. It's just like, okay, let's just go do something to get my mind off of this. And. But for me, it's like, honestly, I. So I'm. I'm an introvert. So isolation, I guess not isolation, but being alone throughout the day is sometimes a gift because then it's like the rest of the time I'm with people 24 7, my band, my crew, meeting 150 fans every night, whatever it may be. So sometimes those moments in the day to just kind of go and be alone with God or go on a walk, like, those are amazing. You know, I'm so grateful for those.
- [28:00]
A
Yeah. And I feel like those are some of the times where you hear him the loudest too.
- [28:03]
B
Yes.
- [28:03]
A
When you're in tune, you know, when all the noise is. Is quiet and you're just like, okay, what do you have to say?
- [28:09]
B
Yeah.
- [28:10]
A
And you're really just leaned into the conversation.
- [28:12]
B
Yeah. It's so true.
- [28:13]
A
I love isolation. Like in.
- [28:15]
C
In.
- [28:16]
A
In a healthy way. In a healthy way. Right? Where you're just like, okay, Lord, like, what do you. What do you need to say? Cuz. Yeah. Who knows what the. The loudness of everything around you.
- [28:25]
B
So true, you know? Yeah.
- [28:27]
A
When you worship. Because here thinking of me, I'm not an artist. I love getting in my car and turning on worship music and singing on the top of my lungs just to myself in my car or like church on Sunday. I love, I love the worship in the beginning at church. For you, someone who is an artist, someone who's gifted with the talent of music, what does worship look like for you? Like, do you love playing for yourself? Do you love turning on some other artists? Like, what does worship look like for you?
- [28:56]
B
For me, it's nothing to do with me and it's all to do with other people. People I. Because I'm a Christian, contemporary, country, I don't do worship music. You know, it's like a different thing. So worship music is. Is not something that I've written You know, or. I mean, I've written a few songs here and there with worship, but most of it is, like, stories about my life or things I'm learning. And so for me, worship is something that I love to just kind of receive it. And so whether it's, like, at church or just listening to worship in my car, I feel like it's. I sing along with it, but it's such a, like, moment for me to just. Just like. I don't even think about it even being, like, a music genre or anything to do with the music industry, even though it is. I just think about it as this is my time to worship God and to praise him and thank him. And when I can go to church, if I'm home on a Sunday, it's such a blessing to be able to just go and not get on that stage and not have to sing and not have to play an instrument, but just so I can be filled up myself. Because that's the other part about doing Christian music is, like, you are. I mean, you kind of have this expectation to almost be a pastor figure, too, not just a singer. And in Christian music, it's this whole other culture that country music does not have of. Not only do you have to be an incredible songwriter and singer and artist and performer, but you also have to be an encourager and, like, a pastor figure. Like, you have to be able to preach the gospel and. And do it in a way that, like, fits everyone's liking and expectations. And so I think a lot of that can just. I mean, I'm pouring everything out at these shows. And so when I get home, I need to be filled back up with the Lord. And sometime reading my Bible doesn't cut it. Like, I just. Sometimes I just want to worship. So I love being able to play. I love Jesus image. I don't know if you've heard them out of Florida. Upper Room is some of my favorites. And then just being at church, like, anytime I get to go to church on a Sunday, it's like, literally, it feels like a miracle.
- [30:44]
A
That's the one of thing that I think a lot of people, like, don't understand. Like, fans.
- [30:47]
B
Yeah.
- [30:47]
A
You're on the road, like, Sunday morning, Sunday, you're traveling back to home. So you don't get to have those moments.
- [30:54]
B
No.
- [30:54]
A
So what a gift to be able to go and, you know, and actually be in the house. I know. Because there really is something different about it. Like, yeah, like you said, reading your Bible on your own or doing, you know, a Bible study. With friends or that kind of stuff, but just getting in church.
- [31:10]
B
Yeah.
- [31:11]
A
When there's, you know, corporate worship, man, it's just the best.
- [31:14]
B
It is. It really is. It's so special.
- [31:16]
A
And I think that that's important that you said that, too, about filling yourself back. Back up.
- [31:20]
B
Yeah.
- [31:20]
A
Because whether it is, like, you specifically as an artist and, you know, you're constantly pouring. There's probably a mom that's watching that's constantly pouring out to all of her family, or maybe a friend that's just constantly. The good. The good friend that is checking on everybody else and constantly pouring. You have to remember, too, to pour into yourself and have other people pour into you, because pouring from an empty cup, like, gosh, that can be exhausting.
- [31:46]
B
It can be. Yeah. And so unhealthy, too.
- [31:48]
A
Yes.
- [31:49]
B
Yeah.
- [31:49]
A
And it's you. You hit that rock bottom, and it's just like, okay, you know, and. And who better to fill up our cup than Jesus, you know?
- [31:55]
B
Absolutely. Yeah. I love that.
- [31:57]
A
It's so funny, too, whenever I get into, like, a really weird mindset of where it's just a bad day. What? Just turning on worship music can be such a simple way to fill. To fill you up.
- [32:06]
B
Yeah. That's so true.
- [32:07]
A
Change the atmosphere. Make it happen, you know? So I'm curious if somebody was watching this right now. Maybe they're not a fan of yours. They're just watching the podcast or listening to the podcast, or maybe they are a fan of and they're just feeling a little. Maybe lonely or depressed or they're dealing with some sort of grief. Maybe they lost a loved one. What encouragement would you give them? As someone who's kind of gone through
- [32:34]
B
all of that, I would say that Jesus is the only hope for anything in life. He is the only way to get through whatever you're facing. The hope that he offers is like nothing else. And you can try and fill the void with things here on earth, but it will never saturate, satisfy you. And I think that I got to that point after Jacob passed where I was like, I literally will not live through this if I don't rely on God and if he is not my strength and. And then, you know, other things pop up over the years that are, you know, hard to get through. And I'll try and rely on my own strength and realize really quickly I can't, and that I have to rely on God's strength. And so I just think he's the only hope. And I also think this perspective of, like, we weren't made for suffering, like we were made for the garden. We were made for beauty and everything to be perfect. And then when everything happen, happened with the fall, it's like. I mean, that's when sin was introduced and pain and suffering and loss was introduced. And so I think that from. I think I remind myself of that. Like, we, in our actual bodies, we're not made for that. And that's where Jesus comes in. That's where we have to surrender and say, God, like, you lead this. Like, I'm gonna put my faith and trust in you, and you're gonna have to be my hope, and you're gonna have to be my comfort, and you're gonna have to be the strength that I need to get through this. And so, yeah, that's just been something that I feel like I remind myself often and would encourage those listening. Like, you weren't made for what you're going through. So just rest in that. Give yourself grace in that. Like, you don't have to have it all together. Just lean on Jesus, keep your eyes fixed on him, and just knowing that he's the only one that will get you through it. And it might not be overnight, but, like, God always uses pain and he brings it for our good every single time.
- [34:15]
A
I mean, case in point, your brother passing away was the most painful thing that ever happened to you.
- [34:20]
B
Yeah.
- [34:20]
A
And what purpose did he use through that man? Like, that's right there, a tangible story that's just like, he will use your pain for a. A purpose. And getting through that, like, you have those blinders on. Somebody once told me, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I don't live there. So it's just like, if you have that mindset of, like, I'm not. I don't live in this. This part of my life, this pain, whatever I'm going through, there is an exit. I'm walking towards the exit. I don't know how long it's going to take me to get there, but the exit is coming. Yes. And. And really reminding yourself that is so important because, gosh, we aren't meant to carry all of this never stuff.
- [34:59]
B
Yeah.
- [35:00]
A
Ever. I'm curious to know, just kind of as we wrap up here at the end, something that God's been teaching you in this season, something that you're learning that you'd like to share with us.
- [35:11]
B
Honestly, it's been a lot of going back to childhood recently, which is so interesting. I always pray for word of the year. Do you ever do this?
- [35:18]
A
Okay, so family this year.
- [35:20]
B
I love that mine was wonder.
- [35:22]
A
Okay.
- [35:23]
B
And it was about going back. Back to the wonder of, like. Like childlike wonder, faith and wonder of, like, being a little girl and back before, you know, you're. You're in your innocence and the reality of things haven't hit you and you're just like, never worrying about anything, but you're just delighted in. And you just delight in things and you're happy and carefree, like, getting back to that place. And we ended up so wonder was the word of the year. My album was written, like, a month after that. And the whole album has that spirit of just, like, going back to the joy of what it means to just be a daughter of Jesus, honestly. And so it's been sweet because it's not just, like, about the album, but in my personal life, like, I feel like this has just been what God's been speaking to me all year and. And kind of what I said earlier, just about, like, being my age, allowing myself to be my age, allowing myself to have fun.
- [36:09]
C
Yes.
- [36:09]
B
And be present with the people that I'm with who are in front of me. And like, just being, like, present where God has me, I feel like has been something that has been so on my heart this year and. But also just an encouragement for others listening, like, just to be content where you're at and to go back to that place of, like, childlike wonder and faith, of, like, what God can do in your life. And it reminds. It's like my album cover. It's me looking up at the stars. And I feel like that picture of, like, you just kind of looking up at, like, all that God can do in your life and dreaming bigger dreams and. And having these visions for your life and. And. And never. And knowing that no dream is too big for God, you know?
- [36:48]
A
100%. Yeah. And it's such one of those, like, cliche, like, quotes to say, you know, dream big, whatever. But honestly, God will give you the desires of your heart.
- [36:58]
B
Yeah.
- [36:58]
A
It might not look how you are envisioning it to look.
- [37:01]
B
Yeah.
- [37:02]
A
But, like, he doesn't plant that seed of desire in your heart for no reason.
- [37:05]
B
Absolutely.
- [37:06]
A
And I think that I specifically have a girlfriend. She's like, she wants to be a mom so bad, but she hasn't. You know, she doesn't have a husband yet. She doesn't. You know, she's in her mid-30s. She's like, is it for me? And I'm like, sister, there's adoption. There's surrogacy. Like, there's so many ways that, like, God is going to. He did not give you a desire to be a mother for no reason.
- [37:25]
B
Absolutely.
- [37:25]
A
You know, and just hearing things like that, it's such a good reminder for those listening what. Whatever you're going through, it might not look exactly how you envisioned it.
- [37:33]
B
Yeah.
- [37:34]
A
But, man, God will. Yeah, God will give it to you.
- [37:36]
B
He will.
- [37:37]
A
He sure will. Well, as we wrap up, I want to say first and foremost, congratulations on the new album and the. The devotional. I'm so excited for you. But how can we pray for you specifically right now? Something that's on your heart, that you're believing for, something you're going through. Just how we can just cover you in prayer?
- [37:53]
B
Honestly, just this. This. A new album launch is always like, something that's so near and dear to me of just. I want God to use these songs, and I feel like music has such a power in it and. And being able to connect with people and reach people, but also specifically, like, for the gospel and with the state of our country and the world, like, the gospel is so talked about now like it never has been before. And so I just pray that these songs would. Would just be an encouragement to others and just to be able to, like, give people the hope they need. I feel like that's always the point I come back to in my music is I went through loss and I want to be able to inspire other people going through that and give them the hope that they're looking for through Jesus.
- [38:33]
A
You got it, sister.
- [38:34]
B
Yeah. Thank you.
- [38:34]
A
Pray us out.
- [38:35]
B
Yeah, absolutely.
- [38:36]
A
Dear heavenly Father, Lord, just thank you for. Just thank you for platforms to use these microphones to speak about you. God. We just thank you for Anne and her heart for you, Lord, that she's. She's really just used this pain and you've given it purpose and she has leaned completely into the vision and the. Just the. The. The way that you've designed her to be used, God, and we are just so grateful for her saying yes. And we just are. Are praying over the words that you continue to give her, that she puts to paper and puts into song, Lord, that you would just continue to use them for your good, that she wouldn't grow weary, that she would have divine strength. Strength that you would fill her with just compassion and wisdom and discernment, and she would just continue to just be bold and on fire for you and that she would continue to give others hope, Lord, that you would just continue to speak through her, that you would allow her to just stay joyful in this season that she would enjoy life, that you would give her the courage to say no when she has to say no and say yes when she has to say yes. Lord. Lord. And that you would just continue to allow her to grow not only in her musical career, God, but in her relationship with you. And that you would just allow her to enjoy where she is right at this moment, right where you've placed her to be. In your heavenly name we pray. Amen. Amen. Love you, sis.
- [40:03]
B
Love you.
- [40:09]
A
This is an I heart podcast.
- [40:11]
B
Guaranteed human.