Pay Attention to that Still, Small Voice
Christopher smith: musician, producer, songwriter, and child of Christ
by Sharon Furrate Bailey • photos provided by Christopher smith
“Awaken, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”-Ephesians 5 :14
Q: When did you first discover you were an artist?
A: From around the age of five, I always knew I had this passion and love for music. It was all around me, and I found myself always getting drawn to the different types of instruments, styles and rhythms of music. Being co-raised by my grandparents who were solid Christians and growing up in a local Baptist church in Donaldsonville, music enveloped me. I mainly heard music that glorified God. As I began getting older, I discovered I had a talent for writing, putting lyrics together and creating what we call “rap” today. It was at that time I knew God would use this gift for greatness, a greatness that would serve and minister to the hearts of people.
Q: What would you say is your artist statement? What compels you to write songs and produce, among the many other things you do?
A: My reason for writing and producing songs is because I truly believe this is my calling. I was put on this earth to create, and I believe I am operating in God’s will by sharing my talent. My heart’s desire is to reach those who need to know the Lord in a personal way, those who may be lost in this chaotic world. During my daily prayer time, I always hope that my music breaks the yoke and bondage that many people carry. This world can be confusing and burdensome, but I know there is freedom in having a dependence on Christ. The Bible tells us that we are all strangers here on this earth – just passing through. So what must we do while we are here? From my experience, it is not just about the 9 to 5 job or getting into a career that makes a lot of money, or raising kids, though all of that is fine and well … but there is a greater purpose while we are here and that is to gain understanding of the truth which lies in Jesus Christ and to share that truth with others. This is what drives me to continue creating and walk with the Lord no matter what storms may come my way.
Q: What was the turning point in your career in terms of dedicating your work and music to Christ?
A: In 2008, I co-founded a music recording label by the name Blow Yo Mind Entertainment with a very close friend. Until 2010, I created music that glorified the world and went against everything godly. Being fresh out of college, my life consisted of drugs, partying, sex, chasing after every dollar, and a lot of local traveling and performing with my label mates. For those two years, I lived a reckless life. God had a higher calling for me because I am still in awe that I am alive and not dead. I knew during that period that without a shadow of a doubt, if I had died I would go straight to hell. In November of 2010, I took a break from the music scene and started experiencing a presence that felt like pure love. Every time I felt this presence, I found myself crying because my emotions would surface and overtake me. I would reflect back on my life during those times and when I would feel this loving presence, in my heart, I knew that it was the presence of God surrounding me. He was drawing and calling me unto Him. I knew that my life was in a spiritual battle of good and evil. His still small voice was calling me and I knew the sacrifice I would have to make to serve Him 100 percent. I would have to leave my old life behind. It was like God was presenting the changes and consequences to me as a warning before I made a move. I did not want to give up my lifestyle or lose friends along the way and it tore me to pieces thinking about it. Yet on May 14, 2012, when I had no place else to run, I surrendered my life fully to the Lord Jesus at a revival conference. The Holy Spirit filled me and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ began. Everything I am doing now is for the kingdom of Jehovah, God Almighty. Performing music, producing, evangelizing and participating in community outreach is for His Glory.
At the GiG (Gospel independant Grammy) awards with his wife, alwonda Randolph smith
Q: Do you ever feel God’s presence when writing or singing? What is one of your favorite songs to sing and share with others?
A: A: Anytime I get the urge to write a song, I know it’s something that God wants to speak through me and that I’m being led by the Holy Spirit, because unlike other artists who say they are always writing and coming up with songs and different ideas, I only write when I feel it on my heart. One of my favorite songs inspired by the Holy Spirit, is a song titled Don’t Run Away , from my debut album Awakening , which was released in April.* The song speaks about what people may be going through and that God has a plan for their life and that Jesus Christ is their salvation.
Q: Have you ever received a note from someone who heard you perform – telling you how it impacted their life for the better?
A: I have received so many messages on Facebook and love from people about how much one of my songs has touched them, and they thank God for my life and testimony. However, it has not just been my music that has had a positive impact, but my testimony and ministry as a whole. When I see others being motivated to go after the things of God rather than the things of this world, it gives me strength and I praise God when I get to witness another life changed for the better.
Q: Do you have a favorite book of the Bible or scripture that you have always enjoyed or reflected upon?
A: I love the whole Bible because it’s God’s word spoken through man and driven by the Holy Spirit, but I am crazy in love with the New Testament from the Gospel of Matthew to Revelation. All of my favorite scriptures come from the New Testament (John 3:16, Philippians 4:13, Matthew 5:14, 1 John 4:4, John 10:10 and so many others). Not only are these some of my favorite scriptures, but I see just about all these numbers every day at least once. There is not an hour that goes by that I don’t thank or talk to the Lord, because each time I see these numbers, I immediately quote that scripture and get in prayer or a conversation with the Holy Spirit.
Smith with WtQt’s Kerwyn Feeling
Q: Where have you performed before and where will you perform in the near future?
A: I have performed just about everywhere in this great state of Louisiana, as well as in Texas and Mississippi. However, 2018 is going to be my first BIG performance/ministering break since being a part of the gospel music scene. In May and June of 2018, my production company and music label, along with some other names, will kick off our first official southern regional tour called the Awakening Revival Tour, which will cover 33 cities. I know this is just the beginning of an awesome move of God. For updates, see the website www.CCBpro1.jimdo.com, or go to Facebook.com/Chris ChristChild.
Q: The name of your company, Jesus Muzik Dynasty, is very catchy. What does your company specifically do?
A: Not only am I a youth minister and musical talent, but I am also the founder and CEO of CCB Productions, one of the fastest growing production and label companies in Baton Rouge, as well as the supporting company for the recording label Jesus Muzik Dynasty Recording. If someone has a need for production, photography, videos, commercials, songwriting, or recording, they should give us a call or go to our website. We love to help others’ dreams become a reality
Q: Share anything you would like our readers to know about your journey.
A: I moved to Baton Rouge in 2015 with my beautiful wife Alwonda Randolph (facebook/ Alwonda.Randolph) and our kids (13 in all). They are blessings in our lives. Yes, our family is large enough to start our own football team, megachurch and more. We are committed to reaching people by showing love to others. Once a month, we (Living 4 Christ Outreach Ministry) go to the St. Vincent DePaul bridge and minister to those who are homeless or lost. We feed them and give them clothing. On Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving, we minister so that these people know we are about putting God’s purpose into action. This ministry is a non-profit organization and all we do comes out of our own pockets. We trust in God’s provision and believe he will bless us. We do not expect anything in return from those we help. We want them to feel someone cares and most importantly, God loves them. So if you would like to give or donate to Living 4 Christ Outreach Ministry Organization, please send your gift to 9466 Balboa Drive, Baton Rouge, La, 70810. Thank you for your time, loving heart and obedience … and pay attention to that still small voice. God changed my life for the better and he wants to be close to you.
Q: Share anything you would like our readers to know about your journey.
JMD official logo
Awakening can be downloaded on itunes, Google Play or CD Baby, or on the websites at www.CCBpro1.jimdo.com; youtube (search sons of God2000); and facebook.com (Chris.ChristChild)
Sharon Furrate Bailey grew up in Alexandria, La., and moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU. She earned a B.A. in English Literature in 1990. She attends Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Sharon has been in the field of marketing, sales and public relations since 1996. She is a gifted artist and has been a columnist since 2005. She can be reached at sharon@brclm.com.
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