"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High:
To shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night,
Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound."
Psalm 92:1-3
(KJV)
If you have been a reader/follower of Homespun Devotions for long at all,
you will know how much bluegrass music means to us.
Both Kevin and I were raised on it, and it just seems to course through our veins!
So, it is no surprise that when I somehow stumbled across the talent and harmony of a group called High Road, I was instantly intrigued and hooked on their music.
Their distinctive sound just drew me in.
A few years later, we were so blessed to see them perform in concert and were able to talk with one of the members off stage.
How thrilled and grateful I was when I later requested an interview with the founder of the group, and she agreed!
It was a true joy and blessing to me to get to know her a bit better,
and I am so very excited to introduce you to her and the music of High Road today.
Cheryl: Please tell us about yourself.
Sarah: I grew up on a farm in southwestern Iowa. My family raises cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. My mom taught elementary for 34 years and just recently retired. Our hometown is about 180 strong and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my home area so much. The people there are so wonderful! I remember doing music as far back as my earliest memories go-- my dad would hold me as a baby while he played the piano and sang old country songs. That's where I learned to sing and play. I started playing with him when I was five at old time music festivals and concerts in our local park.
Cheryl: We would love to hear about your Christian testimony.
Sarah: My parents always were the greatest example when I was growing up. I watched them pray together and we talked through so many scriptures together as a family. Then my dad start our local Cowboy Church and I got to be involved in it from the ground up. I always knew I wanted to sing and play music and write gospel songs since I was thirteen- that was really the time where I decided to follow God and whatever He had planned for me in music. I was 21 when I was baptized and just out of college. That was a day I will never forget!
Cheryl: Who is your greatest spiritual mentor? How has this person helped you in your walk with Christ?
Sarah: My parents have been the most influential people in my walk with Christ. I still ask them questions and look for their guidance almost every day. I also really love the relationship I have with my cousin who I consider to be my sister, Amanda. She is one of my best friends and we pray for each other constantly. I think it's so important and special to have a person like that in our lives! I'm so thankful for her.
Cheryl: What is your earliest memory of singing?
Sarah: I remember singing at our township's community Memorial Day service when I was five. I played the old upright piano and sang God Bless America! I remember wearing a pink and white dress that my grandmother bought me and just how much fun it was to play and sing. Each Memorial Day our farm neighbors go to the little country cemetery on the hill and bring flowers in to decorate veterans graves. We sing and pray and have fellowship and all the children are involved. This annual event is one of the many wonderful memories I have of growing up on the family farm.
Cheryl: Who has most influenced your style, musically? Who were your favorite singers to listen to while growing up?
Sarah: My favorites are Patty Loveless, Suzy Bogguss, The Isaacs, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Floyd Cramer, and even Broadway musicals. I love classical piano too- Chopin is my favorite. Gospel music was always played in our house- The Cox Family, the Goodmans, Gaithers, and old hymnals were sitting on the piano all the time.
Cheryl: When did you know that God was calling you to sing full-time for Him?
Sarah: When I was thirteen I knew that I wanted to surrender to doing music full time someday.
Cheryl: Please share with us about your journey into singing and performing on a professional level.
Sarah: I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont university school of music. I was a jazz piano major and loved my time there. I met a lot of wonderful people and still love having those relationships to this days with my fellow students and teachers. After graduating I worked in the country music side of things for a while and was leading music at church every Sunday.
Cheryl: What musical instruments do you play, and how did you become involved in playing them?
Sarah: I play mainly piano only. I can also play a couple other instruments but not well enough to do them in public! Lap dulcimer, mandolin, trombone and tuba because of band in high school, etc!
Cheryl: Can you tell us about High Road? How did the group come to be?
Sarah: We all met through mutual friends in college. Some people ask if we are related- we aren't but we would claim each other!!!
Cheryl: What are some of your favorite parts about touring? What do you miss the most while you are on the road?
Sarah: I love traveling and always have. I miss my dog the most! Lol!
Cheryl: Can you share a special memory of seeing God move in a special way during one of your concerts?
Sarah: One of the most special moments I recall was in East Tennessee when we had an invitation to pray for a woman who just found out she had cancer. It was one of the most powerful worshipful times of prayer I've ever felt. So awesome!!!
Cheryl: What would you most like to accomplish through your musical career?
Sarah: To be honest I don't think about the word accomplish too often-- I mainly think about what can I do to make a positive impact for Christ and be used in whatever way I can. This entire groups ministry is God's, and He put it together- so everything we do is not what we are doing, but what He puts in front of us.
Cheryl: High Road will soon release a new album. How can it be purchased?
Sarah: It's going to be on iTunes as well as our website www.highroadmusic.com.
Cheryl: On a personal level, what are some of your favorite things to do when you are taking some time off?
Sarah: I love to crochet, bake pies and cakes, and make jam!
Cheryl: Thus far in life, what is the most fulfilling thing you have ever done? What about this experience meant the most to you?
Sarah: The most fulfilling thing I've done if I say what comes to mind first would be to play on the Grand Ole Opry a couple times this year. It's always been a dream of mine and it was amazing to be a part of it!!!
Cheryl: What are some things that still remain on your bucket list?
Sarah: Bucket list item --would be to perform at the Ryman someday!
Cheryl: Looking back over your Christian journey, what would you define as one of the darkest places, so far? How did your faith in God sustain you through that difficult time?
Sarah: There was a time just a couple years ago where I felt like Satan was trying to tear our ministry apart- using distraction and deceit in every way. I felt very alone and unsure of the future. It was a really tough time. Over a few weeks of serious prayer and reflection one day this assurance just came over me that said GO ON. And so I did. It was then I realized that God was teaching me to give everything to Him and let Him have the reins. Wow! Ever since that time I have felt like a weight was lifted off me. He is so good to us even when we don't deserve it.
Cheryl: How do you stay encouraged, spiritually? Are there certain Scriptures, books, hymns, or other resources that you would like to recommend to the reader who may be finding it hard to remain hopeful in these troubled times?
Sarah: I started writing scriptures on the mirror in my bathroom for a good amount of time- it's the first thing I see and the last thing I read usually and it helps me memorize verses. I also love listening to online messages and studies when we travel- I subscribe to several!!!
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sarah: Pray that this next album would just be an instrument to be used in whatever way God sees fit to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it. We want to be real transparent people and these songs on the new project are almost all original, so it's really a window into our hearts. We pray it reaches someone in need and makes a difference for the good to a lot of folks!
Sarah: I grew up on a farm in southwestern Iowa. My family raises cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. My mom taught elementary for 34 years and just recently retired. Our hometown is about 180 strong and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my home area so much. The people there are so wonderful! I remember doing music as far back as my earliest memories go-- my dad would hold me as a baby while he played the piano and sang old country songs. That's where I learned to sing and play. I started playing with him when I was five at old time music festivals and concerts in our local park.
Cheryl: We would love to hear about your Christian testimony.
Sarah: My parents always were the greatest example when I was growing up. I watched them pray together and we talked through so many scriptures together as a family. Then my dad start our local Cowboy Church and I got to be involved in it from the ground up. I always knew I wanted to sing and play music and write gospel songs since I was thirteen- that was really the time where I decided to follow God and whatever He had planned for me in music. I was 21 when I was baptized and just out of college. That was a day I will never forget!
Cheryl: Who is your greatest spiritual mentor? How has this person helped you in your walk with Christ?
Sarah: My parents have been the most influential people in my walk with Christ. I still ask them questions and look for their guidance almost every day. I also really love the relationship I have with my cousin who I consider to be my sister, Amanda. She is one of my best friends and we pray for each other constantly. I think it's so important and special to have a person like that in our lives! I'm so thankful for her.
Cheryl: What is your earliest memory of singing?
Sarah: I remember singing at our township's community Memorial Day service when I was five. I played the old upright piano and sang God Bless America! I remember wearing a pink and white dress that my grandmother bought me and just how much fun it was to play and sing. Each Memorial Day our farm neighbors go to the little country cemetery on the hill and bring flowers in to decorate veterans graves. We sing and pray and have fellowship and all the children are involved. This annual event is one of the many wonderful memories I have of growing up on the family farm.
Cheryl: Who has most influenced your style, musically? Who were your favorite singers to listen to while growing up?
Sarah: My favorites are Patty Loveless, Suzy Bogguss, The Isaacs, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Floyd Cramer, and even Broadway musicals. I love classical piano too- Chopin is my favorite. Gospel music was always played in our house- The Cox Family, the Goodmans, Gaithers, and old hymnals were sitting on the piano all the time.
Cheryl: When did you know that God was calling you to sing full-time for Him?
Sarah: When I was thirteen I knew that I wanted to surrender to doing music full time someday.
Cheryl: Please share with us about your journey into singing and performing on a professional level.
Sarah: I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont university school of music. I was a jazz piano major and loved my time there. I met a lot of wonderful people and still love having those relationships to this days with my fellow students and teachers. After graduating I worked in the country music side of things for a while and was leading music at church every Sunday.
Cheryl: What musical instruments do you play, and how did you become involved in playing them?
Sarah: I play mainly piano only. I can also play a couple other instruments but not well enough to do them in public! Lap dulcimer, mandolin, trombone and tuba because of band in high school, etc!
Cheryl: Can you tell us about High Road? How did the group come to be?
Sarah: We all met through mutual friends in college. Some people ask if we are related- we aren't but we would claim each other!!!
Cheryl: What are some of your favorite parts about touring? What do you miss the most while you are on the road?
Sarah: I love traveling and always have. I miss my dog the most! Lol!
Cheryl: Can you share a special memory of seeing God move in a special way during one of your concerts?
Sarah: One of the most special moments I recall was in East Tennessee when we had an invitation to pray for a woman who just found out she had cancer. It was one of the most powerful worshipful times of prayer I've ever felt. So awesome!!!
Cheryl: What would you most like to accomplish through your musical career?
Sarah: To be honest I don't think about the word accomplish too often-- I mainly think about what can I do to make a positive impact for Christ and be used in whatever way I can. This entire groups ministry is God's, and He put it together- so everything we do is not what we are doing, but what He puts in front of us.
Cheryl: High Road will soon release a new album. How can it be purchased?
Sarah: It's going to be on iTunes as well as our website www.highroadmusic.com.
Cheryl: On a personal level, what are some of your favorite things to do when you are taking some time off?
Sarah: I love to crochet, bake pies and cakes, and make jam!
Cheryl: Thus far in life, what is the most fulfilling thing you have ever done? What about this experience meant the most to you?
Sarah: The most fulfilling thing I've done if I say what comes to mind first would be to play on the Grand Ole Opry a couple times this year. It's always been a dream of mine and it was amazing to be a part of it!!!
Cheryl: What are some things that still remain on your bucket list?
Sarah: Bucket list item --would be to perform at the Ryman someday!
Cheryl: Looking back over your Christian journey, what would you define as one of the darkest places, so far? How did your faith in God sustain you through that difficult time?
Sarah: There was a time just a couple years ago where I felt like Satan was trying to tear our ministry apart- using distraction and deceit in every way. I felt very alone and unsure of the future. It was a really tough time. Over a few weeks of serious prayer and reflection one day this assurance just came over me that said GO ON. And so I did. It was then I realized that God was teaching me to give everything to Him and let Him have the reins. Wow! Ever since that time I have felt like a weight was lifted off me. He is so good to us even when we don't deserve it.
Cheryl: How do you stay encouraged, spiritually? Are there certain Scriptures, books, hymns, or other resources that you would like to recommend to the reader who may be finding it hard to remain hopeful in these troubled times?
Sarah: I started writing scriptures on the mirror in my bathroom for a good amount of time- it's the first thing I see and the last thing I read usually and it helps me memorize verses. I also love listening to online messages and studies when we travel- I subscribe to several!!!
Cheryl: How can we pray for you?
Sarah: Pray that this next album would just be an instrument to be used in whatever way God sees fit to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it. We want to be real transparent people and these songs on the new project are almost all original, so it's really a window into our hearts. We pray it reaches someone in need and makes a difference for the good to a lot of folks!
If video doesn't load, click here.
To order High Road's latest CD, click HERE, then click on "store".
A BIG thank you to Sarah Davison for taking the time to share her thoughts and heart with us here.
Please keep Sarah and her group in your prayers, dear readers.
May God just bless them abundantly as they travel and share His precious Gospel in song!
Surely God has a plan for us all, and even though our talents and gifts are varied and unique,
we are all important to the body of Christ.
So often, we struggle in trying to find out what it is that we are truly supposed to be doing in this life.
But, if we examine what we do well, naturally and without much effort, if often leads us to being able to figure out the Divine purpose for which we were created.
What are your gifts and talents, my friend?
Can you sing well?
Are you able to proficiently play a musical instrument?
Are you comfortable and in your element while publicly speaking?
Do you come alive while teaching?
Are you passionate about encouraging children and youth?
Does it fulfill you to the brim to write?
Are you often inspired while spending time with or ministering to the elderly?
God has a special place for each one of us to work in His Kingdom,
and there is certainly no shortage on work to be done.
and there is certainly no shortage on work to be done.
"Then saith He unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few..."
(Matthew 9:37)
God often directs us to our special place of ministry by allowing our personal gifts and talents to become evident and by allowing them to become the things we most love to do.
If we pay attention to this, it is really not all that difficult to figure out our life's purpose.
Once we figure it out and embrace it, God will always be faithful to open the right doors
to allow us to live out our Divinely-ordained mission while on this earth.
Once He opens the doors, it is up to you...and to me....to walk through them.
Is there something God is showing you to do, but you haven't yet quite mustered the courage to take that first step of obedience ?
Your world...your realm of influence...your family, friends, loved ones, and acquaintances
are waiting to receive the blessings that only you living out your God-ordained purpose can bestow.
I encourage you to step forward and start sharing your gifts to edify your brothers and sisters in Christ!
I was challenged by a comment our sweet friend, Beth Willis Miller left on the blog
to encourage Zach after his recent interview.
to encourage Zach after his recent interview.
"What would a boy, just like you, do in a situation just like the one you are in, if he was absolutely certain that God was with him?"
I place the same challenge before you, dear friend.
Be certain that God is with you.
Take that leap of faith you have been so hesitant to take, and be all God has created you to be!
I am so thankful Sarah and High Road have found the path God has created them to follow.
What a blessing they are to us all!
I hope you can take the time to enjoy a couple of their videos below,
and maybe even catch one of their upcoming concerts!
You can find their schedule by going to their website, then clicking "Calendar".
and maybe even catch one of their upcoming concerts!
You can find their schedule by going to their website, then clicking "Calendar".
If video doesn't load, click here.
If video doesn't load, click here.
Thank you for reading, for praying, and for supporting the ministry endeavors we highlight here on Inner Views!!
To read previous
click the links below.
Wow. What an amazing young lady! These last two interviews have really spoke to what our Father is doing in and through the next generations.
ReplyDeletePraying for Sarah and High Road. May God bless and use them in the way He designed them to bring honor and understanding of who He is.
Yes, praise God, He still has a remnant of young people who will stand firm for Him! I am so grateful for that, too. Thank you for your encouragement and support, brother. God bless you, and I hope you are feeling much better. I am praying for you.
DeleteAmazing how many of your interviewees say that they were raised Christian by their parents. Their first steps in life were led by their parents into Christianity.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing a good job with your husband, Cheryl.
God bless.
Isn't that wonderful, Victor? I love knowing that so many have had that foundation laid for them in their youth. Thank your for your kind words! God bless you, my friend.
DeleteHi Cheryl and Sarah! Nitty Gritty Dirt Band! Love them :)
ReplyDeleteWe were just in Nashville this summer, and it really is a hot bed for up and coming bands. I hope you get to your joyful hope of singing at the Ryman. Wouldn't that be awesome?? You are going for your dream, and spreading your faith. What more could God ask of you? I wish you every blessing on your way to a greater audience for him!
Blessings,
Ceil
Yes! I love them, too...do you remember the bluegrass album they did several years ago? That was the best. We have a cassette by John McEwan (not sure if I spelled that right), but he is the guy who used to play banjo for them, and oh, my, I love that cassette. There is this one song on there called "Dismal Swamp" that is one of my favorite banjo tunes. Thanks so much for your support, Ceil. God bless you!
Delete
ReplyDeleteToday I made a list of blogging friends on my sidebar, and you are on it!
Hugs,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
How wonderful, Laura! I can't thank you enough...will be over to visit you and check it out! Sending you love and hugs, sweet friend. :)
DeleteOh, how I've been missing you and your so inspiring posts, my precious Cheryl, blessed be !
ReplyDeleteHope your week is off to a good start I'm wishing you all my best for the remainder of your week, sending hugs and more hugs across the many miles
Xx Dany
Bless your dear heart, Daniela! It was SO nice to visit with you...both here and at your own sweet blog. Sending you hugs and much love back across the miles!
DeleteI love Sarah's heart to pray for people and uplift others through her music and life! This is a beautiful innerview of a talented vessel who loves her Lord! Good job, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much, sweet friend. So very thankful for you!!
DeleteI love how God gives His gifts to bless Him and others - thanks for sharing this great interview and talent!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, dear Sue! God bless you abundantly for your kind words and encouragement!
DeleteI am very sorry, Cheryl, for not having made myself clear on my Blog competition. I meant to say he passes through each door. I have corrected the mistake. Please have another go. Print the diagram and with a pen walk from room to room starting from the manager's office.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God bless.
Oh, no worries at all, my friend! Will go back and try to figure this out with Zach...he is so much sharper than me! God bless you!!
DeleteThanks for this interview! So encouraging to hear what God is doing in the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteMusic blesses so many.
Yes, it surely does! Thank you ever so much for stopping by and reading, TC! God bless you!
DeleteSuch an incredible young lady you have spotlighted dear Cheryl! Oh how it brought joy to my heart to hear her sing and play in the two videos you shared, and then I went on to hear her sing and play "Victory in Jesus" in that same setting with her band. Oh it was wonderful. I know how tough it is to both sing and play the piano, and she is nothing short of amazing! Her voice, her testimony, and what an exciting journey she is on. Will certainly be praying for her that the Lord keeps His hand on her and blesses and uses her mightily! Thank you again ever so much for sharing these wonderfully inspiring testimonies with us, just a real inspiration! Much love and hugs to you today!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am SO thankful you enjoyed this so much! Thank you so much for your precious encouragement, support, and friendship! You are such a dear blessing to me. God bless you abundantly, in return, sweet friend!
DeleteI've been thinking that I need to do more listening to Christian music, and here you are, Cheryl, with a great recommendation!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! That's great, Michele! He always knows what we need and when we need it most! Sending you love and hugs, my friend. ;)
DeleteGood interview! I knew I'd like Sarah Davison the moment I read she's an Iowa farm girl. :) Cheers for a fellow Iowan.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's right, Bethany! I forgot you are from Iowa, too! So happy to make this introduction to you, sweet sister. God bless you!
DeleteHere from the Simple Homestead Linkup... Great to hear the recommendation. Me, my taste in worship music are very traditional (How traditional? Missa Papae Marcelli traditional). But, I love the idea of people applying their talents in any field for the greater glory of God. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello, Stephen! I am ever so grateful for your visit! Now, see YOU have introduced me to something new, too! I had never heard Missa Papae Marcelli until you so kindly mentioned it. I am listening to it now, and oh, my, it is just beautiful! Very, very moving. Thank you so much, and I trust you will visit again and often. Have a blessed Sunday!
DeleteNo problem at all - glad you loved it so much!
DeleteMusic in a family is fulfilling and your innerview of Sarah Davison is inspiring. God fearing parents are a foundation for our youth that is difficult to be pushed aside. May God bless all her efforts as she ministers and sings for our Lord. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much, Hazel! I so appreciate your visit and kind words. Sending you love and gratitude!
Delete