NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For singer/songwriter Brandon Heath, “What If We” is more than just the title of his newest CD. It’s also a challenge to Christians to put worship into motion and put their faith into action worldwide.
Furthermore, Heath hopes the message behind the music will serve as a reminder to share Christ’s love in everyday surroundings and bring unity to Christians.
“Every part of that phrase, ‘what if we,’ is important,” Heath says. “The ‘what if’ part is about possibilities, and the ‘we’ part is saying: ‘Let’s do this together. Let’s not do this alone.’”
By living out this “what if we” message, Heath has been able to take a public platform and merge it with his heart for community by working with missions organizations such as Young Life, Blood:Water Mission, Restore International and other human rights groups.
Recently, Heath participated in the Art-Music-Justice Tour, benefiting both the International Justice Mission and Food for the Hungry. The tour raised more than $35,000 for IJM and Food for the Hungry received sponsorships for 560 children.
“One of the core goals of my ministry is focused on striking up conversations about social injustices around the world and being a voice for those who have often been silenced by poverty or lack of influence,” he said.
At Heath’s concerts, he shares valuable lessons he’s learned in hopes of inspiring others to take action.
“What I am learning, what I am finding, and what I am observing — those are the things I am putting into songs,” Heath said. “And if I can lead people into the spirit of the Lord and maybe reveal some things in their life that God wants to be a part of as well, that’s the ultimate goal.”
Heath’s message and music are being well received. He garnered New Artist of the Year honors at the 2008 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and this year, he received two Grammy nominations—“Give Me Your Eyes” for Best Gospel Song and “What If We” for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
“The song ‘Give Me Your Eyes’ was inspired from the idea that every once in awhile, God gives us his eyes,” Heath said.
“I think that the longer I get to know the character of Jesus, the more compassion I personally have for others. When you see someone at, say, like an airport or wherever, you never know what that person is struggling with at the time. They may have just lost their job or be at a really low point in their life.
“‘Give Me Your Eyes’ is saying, ‘Lord, give me your eyes so that I can see people the way you see people, so I can love people the way you love people and reach out and minister to them.’
“I want to challenge people more, through songs like this one. It is one thing to have compassion and quite another to act on it. Most times, it starts with the people around you.”