One of the phrases that best describes Michelle Wagner's music is "down-to-earth." While there remain some things within the halls of Christendom that are so heavenly that they serve no earthly good, Michelle Wagner's new album, Heart of the Journey is an exception. Over the years, her music has continued to encourage her listeners towards childlike faith in God. Here, she continues in that vein... but in a different way.
The album is more cohesive in its arrangement of songs; this is an album whose underlying theme is hope. And this hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been shed abroad in the heart (and life) of Michelle Wagner. The reality of this hope unfolds as Wagner's lyrics reveal a level of introspection in relation to God's commitment to His children.
The album opens with "Heart of the Journey," which describes life as an "open road" and her desire for her Father to "show me which way I should go" focussing "on the One I serve..." "Something Wonderful" aptly happens as an encouraging melody that sticks as food to one's spiritual ribs for the long journey. The most metaphorical song, "Life is a String of Pearls," tells us that each pearl is "held together by a string of hope." This song contrasts the process of singular difficult life events (grains of sand) with the beauty that God brings about as those sand grains are left in His "faithful hands." Wagner openly admits it "took me turning [things] over to find what trust...truly means." Her poignant poetic pen points to the key of what makes hope not disappoint in the midst of life's circumstances-an abiding trust in the love that God has for you.
This point is driven home by a wrenching gut-honest song depicting a conversation between a Christian who knows this love of God and one whose Christian experience has not resulted in that restful state of trust. "You've heard it all before, it sounds so easy...the truth is black and white, but in a world of compromises we find it hard to practice what we preach." She makes no attempt to excuse observations about inconsistencies that can be seen and experienced in one's Christian walk. The lyrics simply conclude by stating, "I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do for you. What I can do is pray that you see the truth."
Though a statement of commitment to love is expressed in "When it Comes to Love," the sincere plea for God's presence is echoed in "Come by Here" as the song's lyrics depict the heart cry of one coming to terms with the shortcomings of her own human nature. The music in this song goes South-of-the-Mason-Dixon-line with a rich organ, piano, and fiddle arrangement that will make you feel like you've been to church and back.
The theme continues with a rhythmically pulsating tune called "Vision of Holiness." Hope is kept alive as its lyrics declare, "You are the promise of my transformation, casting all my doubts in glorious light. Lord, be the object of my affection...so I hold on with a whole heart to a vision of holiness," knowing that God will continue the work begun in those who "Just Believe."
While "Do You Know His Heart" reminds the listener that God's heart towards them is one of love, Wagner is careful to mention that experiencing such a relationship is not found in religiosity. By looking to the "Morning Star" one is promised the direction will be found in a dark world as one focuses on Him in whom there is no darkness.
The album concludes with a simple piano-accompanied rendition of an old hymn of the Church-"My Redeemer Lives." The string of hope which runs throughout a Christian's life is brought to life as Wagner sings, "though every earthly hope no comfort gives, I know that my Redeemer lives." In the music of this album and in the expressed heart of the musician, the eyes of the listener are encouraged to see the truth of pearls in their own heart's journey.
