Faith A Subtle Undercurrent Of Tylerite's Music

29 October 2011

By Raymond Billy | ResonateNews.com

Miranda Day doesn't consider herself a Christian artist. The gloomily raw nature of some of her lyrics belie the optimism that Christians expect in their brand of music. But, the 24-year-old Tylerite said, her songs do have a spiritual message — one that speaks of life, truth and consequences.

“When I was 7 or 8 years old, a lady who babysat me died in a car accident along with her baby. She was an alcoholic and she'd been drinking that day. I wrote “No Turning Back” about her — and the tragic price we have to pay for the choices we make sometimes,” Day said, whose music is a blend of folk, blues and rock. “Some people say 'Your music is too depressing, it's not Christian.' But that's life. Just because you're a Christian, that doesn't mean you're not exposed to some really difficult experiences. I want my music to reflect my life and what I've seen and gone through.”

Day said she hasn't felt compelled to make music into a ministry of sorts. But if anyone listens closely enough — and is spiritually receptive — they will recognize God's influence in her music, she said.

“There's hope in a lot of my lyrics, and that hope comes from God. And there's a message that — if people's hearts are ready — they'll see God in it.

“I wrote 'When I Fall' when I was going through a really rough period in college. God was my strength. He got me through it,” Day said.

Day said musical bonds helped her learn how much she could rely upon God and how close her relationship to him could be.

MEETING AT THE MALL

Day said it was almost a decade ago when her love of God and music were energized. She had grown up around music — her dad was a natural musician with a knack for teaching himself any instrument and her mom was an avid music lover. For Day, music was both pastime and a pacifier, as she would sing to herself for comfort in what she described as a tension-filled home.

During a summer outing to the mall when she was 15, she and a friend were approached by a group of local musicians trying to spread the word about an upcoming concert. It was a Christian band called Mahanaim. Day said the band members and their music had a powerful impact on her. 

“Every time they had a show, I was there,” said Day, who recalls following Mahanaim to places such as Dallas, Shreveport and Kilgore to hear them play. “I looked up to them as role models and it wasn't just musical; it was spiritual.

“They were the first people I met who really talked about God being the center of everything. Growing up, God wasn't an open topic. But they (Mahanaim) let God lead what they did in their music. Before meeting them, I was more used to listening to bands that sang about making money or becoming famous. With Mahanaim it was about pleasing God rather than what the world says you should be striving for.”

Day said she accepted Christ when she was 8 years old at the leading of one of her grandmother's neighbors. But growing up in a nominally Christian home, she didn't receive much spiritual guidance from her parents. She said Bibles lay unopened in her home and church attendance in her family was scant. The members of Mahanaim provided the kind of Christian mentorship she lacked from her parents. Day said finding a deeper level of intimacy with God has brought healing to her family.

“I never could have imagined after the ugliness growing up that I could have a good relationship with my family. I've learned to show grace instead of reacting angrily anytime someone says something that's hurtful. That has made the greatest difference and I owe that to my walk with God.

MUSICIAN AND AMBASSADOR

Day's first foray into professional music was in 2008 when she released a self-titled five-song disc. But her music career took a backseat to her college studies, which she completed last year at The University of Texas at Tyler. 

Earlier this year, she began work on her first album, “Broken and Bright,” which she is currently recording and hopes to complet by January. She also started touring in the summer to promote her music. Her travels have taken her to places such as G.I.G. on the strip in San Antonio, Neutral Ground in New Orleans and Full Cup Bakery & Cafe in Edmond, OK.

Although her music is not evangelical in nature, Day said she relishes the opportunity to talk to people about her faith — and wants people to know it.

“I’ve made it my mission in life to show people and tell them what being a follower of Christ is really all about,” Day wrote in a June blog post before her summer tour began. “I bet a lot of folks would be surprised about what’s true and what’s just a bad stereotype or misconception. If you have questions about having faith in God and what that really means, please ask me! I’m always more than happy to talk about it.”

Day said her eagerness to share her beliefs is new. But she doesn't want to be too eager, but prepared to explain Christianity when asked.

“I'm not going to force it. But you never know when a conversation will open up where you can plant a seed of faith in someones mind.”