Blest with sons

When you see the words “self-published” what are your expectations for the product? I have had limited experience with self-published works, but in each case I knew the item was self-published without having to be told. Numerous errors, redundancies which a good editor would have caught, a lack of organized structure… all of these things are tip-offs that the professional touch is missing.

So you can understand why one of the first things I want to mention about Becky Prado’s gift book and CD titled Seeker, A Heart After You is that I was stunned to find out that it was self-published.

This lovely little book is actually a 31 day devotional centered around Becky’s original songs, songs which reveal a heart reaching out to the Savior. Each page is a like a small collage masterpiece, with different styles and moods to suit the content of the devotional text.

The lyrics to the fifteen songs on the accompanying cd are also presented throughout the book, with Becky’s notes as to how each song came about. I enjoyed perusing the book, but the CD naturally drew more of my attention. As with the book, there is no hint that the cd was not done in the finest recording studio that Nashville has to offer. The production is fantastic, with the levels of Becky’s lovely vocals, her masterful piano-playing, and the varying accompaniments beautifully balanced. Gifted violinists, percussionists, and other musicians lend their talents to add depth to these polished and poignant songs.

To me this cd is what you get if you cross Kathy Troccoli with Keith Green. Becky has a smooth alto sound combined with great piano and insightful lyrics. My favorite song on the album, whose lyrics remind me ever so slightly of Hinds Feet on High Places, is Lead Me. Check these lyrics out:

I said “Lead Me”…You took me to an altar
I said “Heal me”… You pressed a thorn into my heart
I said “Feed me”…You asked me to fast and pray
Don’t know what I’d have done had I known it would be this way

I said “Free me”…You asked me to be your bondslave
I said “Love me”…You said, “Correction’s on its way”
I said “Hear me”…You said I will but you must obey
Don’t know what I expected - but it’s not what I thought you’d say

I always thought that death to self
Meant a painless suicide
Never realizing I would now have to be crucified
“But if I die,” I cried out to you, “Then who will I be?”
I will live, yet not I, but Christ who lives in me.

But I want to know you in the power of your resurrection!
But Lord, can you tell me, cause I don’t even know how to die…
So I’ll cast myself on your altar…won’t You do what You will
Because I know no matter what happens, You’ll be with me still…

So I said “Lead me”…then You took me to a mountain
I said “Heal me”…and You pressed my hand into Your side
I said “Feed me”…”Yes come eat ’til you’re satisfied!”
I would never have known You like this if I had not died

The songs range from introspective ballads like this one to exuberant praise songs, and cover a wide array of subjects such as divorce, spiritual seekers, and leaders in crisis. So if you’re looking for a fresh sound, or a special gift for a music lover, I heartily recommend Seeker, A Heart After You. You can purchase it here.

I borrowed this book and cd for the purpose of review, for which I will receive no remuneration.