I Am Unashamed

Building 429 Will Not Back Down And Motivates Others To Stay The Course

 

        Building 429 stepped into the music scene back 1999 releasing several independent albums and touring relentlessly.  However, one thing you will learn about lead singer Jason Roy, is he firmly believes when God calls you to move no matter what others say or what things might look like obedience is better than sacrifice.  

     I have personally always been a fan of Building 429 from the day Glory Defined and I crossed paths in 2004. Obviously that song had the same affect on others considering it was their first nationally recognized radio single which rose quickly to number one on numerous charts. It was a powerful anthem that many would say was when God defined His glory in them as a band. 

     In 2005, after six years of endless touring and hard work dedicated to become all that God had called them to do. They received four Dove Award nominations and walked away with Gospel Music Association's  New Artist of The Year award.  

      In a year where we have seen Christian persecution abroad and in our streets their latest album Unashamed could not have been released at a more encouraging time.  Their first single Impossible (video below) released on April 29, 2015 echos lead singer Jason's testimony about running with the dream God placed in his heart.  With a catchy melody and encouraging lyric I'm sure many get their dance on to this one when no one is watching.  "Nothing is impossible, when we trust the God of miracles." 

     Through the years of travelling and growing, many bands spend days and weeks at a time away from those they love. It's a difficult journey that takes strong faith to separate yourselves that long from those you hold dear.  However when you have a calling to try to lead people to a closer relationship with God through music, it's a sacrifice they make.  Hold Them Close is a beautiful testimony how we miss sometimes the biggest blessings we have been given. "I feel the grace of God, when my wife is by my side, a treasure I could never earn no matter how hard I've tried.  I took a look at a path that brought us where we are.  All I see is your faithfulness that has carried us this far."

     Ocean Deep ultimately captures the love that God has for us and how far His mercies extend. Passionately performed, though it's not your typical slow worship presentation, I would recommend ALL worship teams add this to their list if they can pull it off.  Without a doubt one of my favorites. "Would you look at us, we say we know your love.  Still we think if we fail, somehow you won't be enough.  Your mercy is an ocean deep. Your grace is washing over me.  Your grace is a like a wildfire chasing after me."

"Hearing a song can conjure memories as fresh and real as though they happened yesterday. For this reason, music can be an integral part of our personal histories. As believers, it has the power to become part of our journey’s story."- Jason Roy

     Lyrically this album has taken me a bit by surprise if I'm honest, it's personally hit me pretty hard.  The band makes it clear that they write songs that they feel are relevant to things they have experienced and others can relate to.  Hats off to them on that note, at least for me.  

     Questioning things that are happening in the world and feeling like nothing we do seems to make a difference is one thing I struggle with.  Be With Us Now triggered a deep emotional response out of me. "Help us to be faithful while we're waiting, when time goes by and nothing seems to change.  Cause Lord we need your hope, we need your healing."

     Heart's Collide is definitely one that will have you humming the melody later before you even know the words. Calling the church to rise up and collide showing the world what we are made of.  "You and I are like fire in the sky, we gotta show'em what we're made of.  There's nothing we're afraid of. One for all, even up against the wall, we will answer the call."  Very relevant to the persecution many are being faced with in this day and hour.

     Following down the same message lane, Unashamed has brought many believers together to stand and be counted as one who will not be ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir.  "I can't help but speak of the things you've done.  So let my life proclaim, I am unashamed.  I won't hide your name.  So all the world will know, that you are all that I live for." 

      When believers were recently selected and murdered because of their Christian faith in Oregon, Building 429 rallied others to share their testimonies unashamed.  Not only by video but making notations on their hands to create conversation in public.  I have included three links below from people who share a few minutes of some very personal struggles that lead to wonderful testimonies of God's love and grace.   
Kassaundra Wysong's Testimony
Tiah Dean's Testimony
Ethan Harris's Testimony

 

     Stronger comes across as someone who is being bullied or abused singing to the person who is trying to hurt them. What we don't often understand is that those who hurt others are often seriously emotionally wounded and spiritually broken inside. This song is a representation of that and reiterates a personal testimony from lead singer Jason, who was assaulted by someone and instead of pressing charges, he sees the man sitting alone in the court and forgives him and tells him Jesus loves him.  "I'm looking at your hands and I see scars, looking at the remnants of your broken heart when you push me.  You got less than you deserved, so you need someone to hurt. I want you to know that I'm getting stronger with every punch you throw."

     Go is a testament of faith to be obedient to whatever God calls us do to.  Earth Shaker is basically about the call that all of us have on our lives if we have been redeemed through the blood of Christ.  "I want to be a skyscraper, reaching for you. I want to be the game changer that's living for you."  Both of these songs call us to get up and show the world what His love and His life was all about.  If people are going to receive this revelation it's going to be through the life we live and the way we represent Christ to them.  

     It's a tough pick for me what my favorite track is on Unashamed, but Eyes Up is one of those melodies that I can't ever stop singing since reviewing this collection of goodies. Not only are the lyrics encouraging, but the delivery of this song just makes you happy. "You and I will be alright, God is always on our side, on our side. Go on lift your eyes up." This is truly a joyful song that reminds us that no matter what all we have to do it look to hills where our help comes from.  

     Though Building 429 may have not been recognized for their gifts and talents completely until 2005.  One thing is for certain, this release through Provident Label Group  a decade after their breakout moment is all the more proof that they are being used by God to unashamedly proclaim the gospel through their musical gifts and lyrical artistry. 

 

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