Natalie Grant: 'Consistently grateful' to be called Mommy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Christian Examiner) – Natalie Grant is more thankful for the miracle of motherhood after struggling with fertility than for her career as a world-renowned singer/songwriter.
"I'll never forget the day I was told my husband and I would never be able to conceive children naturally," Grant wrote in an opinion for FOX News. "I received a phone call from the doctor delivering the news moments before I was to take the stage at the famed Ryman auditorium in Nashville."
Yet when she recently returned there, the 43-year-old's life was totally changed by twin 8-year-old daughters Grace and Bella and a 4-year-old daughter Sadie whom she called a "shock and awe baby" and a "God-wink" because of her natural conception.
"I'm incredibly grateful that we live in a country where I had skilled physicians and amazing advances in medicine that allowed my husband and I to conceive our twins," she wrote. Some of the songs on her newest album, "Be One," which debuted #1 on contemporary Christian album charts, were inspired by the faith she found while waiting for blessings.
Grant attributes the debut of her most successful album to a vibrant relationship with her online community, consistent touring, and the support of Christian radio, said a news release on her website.
"I am grateful and humbled that this new music is being so well received. I was overwhelmingly compelled to write these songs and to know that they are connecting with people is an answer to prayer," Grant said.
Grant credits God with all of her daughters' births. "I do not believe that faith and science can be separated, so I know that it is only through God, the Divine Giver of Life, that these miraculous medical advancements are even possible," she wrote for FOX.
The morning of her return to Ryman auditorium, Grant was ready to perform her song "Clean" before a baptism at her church when she was surprised and moved to tears by her twins' decision to be baptized.
"I love baptism Sunday. I cry every single time," wrote Grant on Facebook. "But what I didn't know is that my twin daughters Gracie & Bella would unexpectedly decide to get baptized today."
The girls decided to follow Christ but hadn't decided to be baptized until they chose to go together that morning. "And the icing on the cake? My husband got to baptize them. A moment in their journey with Christ and I will never forget it!!!"
The singer shared photos of her daughters in the baptismal with their father who talked to them and hugged them.
Grant says her three daughters are the greatest and hardest part of her life. She compares her earlier moment of despair backstage to her more recent experience with her daughters giggling, twirling, and dancing in the dressing room with her.
"I am reminded that there are so many women who are begging God for the same miracle, and yet have not received the same answer. My thoughts and prayers are constantly with those who are in the middle of this battle."
The lyrics of the song Grant sang at her daughters' baptism are related to the story of her faith: "I see shattered / You see whole / I see broken / But You see beautiful."
Grant says her sense of awe and responsibility are deep for the blessings she has been given. "My heart is consistently grateful that I gave birth to 3 children and I am regularly in awe, even when the nights are long and the cups of coffee are many!"