By Gordon Nary
Gordon: We interview people of many faiths, just to let our readers know that you are not Catholic. Were you raised in a particular religion?
Kindra: I was raised non-denominational, and after accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior at an early age, I quickly learned that faith is not about a religion, but a relationship with Jesus Christ. Denominations are man-made, and it is easy to get distracted by the differences, instead of focusing on what unites us as Believers – and that is Jesus Christ. Your invitation to interview me is an embodiment of the unity that should occur among the fellowship of believers; it must be about faith, not factions.
Gordon: What inspired you to be a Christian Songwriter?
Kindra: For me, it has not been a matter of what, but Who – my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the heartbeat of my life and of these songs. I have always loved Christian music, and for me, it has been such an important, and pivotal, lifeline to God. Even at my most desperate times, when I was unable to read the Bible or pray, I would listen to Christian music, and offer it up as a personal prayer to the Lord. It has kept me connected to Him in a tangible way, and He has always brought such comfort to me from it.
Gordon: Song can be a prayer when it is used to praise and communicate with God. What elements in music for you, do you believe have a spiritual subtext ?
Kindra: My songwriting has come as a result of becoming a better listener. What do I mean by this? My heart’s desire is to be an intimate friend of God. I have learned that, as with any friendship, a huge part of intimacy is listening. We often pray to the Lord, but how often do we listen? For me, this was a huge deficiency in my relationship with the Lord. As I have become a more disciplined listener, and started to faithfully practice Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God,” this stillness has resulted in God speaking His heart to me through music. Not only have I been blessed in getting to know Him more intimately, but I have also been blessed so much by what He has shared with me of His heart. Currently, this has resulted in over 50 songs at various stages of development and copyright. My hope and prayer are that, in and through this music, others will also be blessed by what He has shared.
Gordon: What was the first song that you wrote and what inspired it ?
Kindra: The first song that I wrote was “Who I am in You.” For much of my life, I have lived as a chameleon, trying to adapt to the surrounding people or environment; I have wrestled so much with seeking the approval of others. This led to many sinful choices and addictions. It also, unfortunately, prevented me from forming a solid identity. I spent most of my life never knowing who I was, and more importantly, who God had created me to be. As I have matured in intimacy and fellowship with the Lord, He has begun to reveal to me my unique identity in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks poignantly to this Truth: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” This song was written, as all my songs are, as a conversation between the Lord and me. It is a love song, expressing that through Jesus Christ, I have discovered my identity – it is “Who I am in You”, the You meaning Jesus.
Gordon: What do you consider your most spiritual song and why?
Kindra: In all honesty, I would say all of them! God has blessed me with so many beautiful songs, but I am simply God’s mouthpiece; these are His songs. He has literally chosen to use me as His instrument, and I am so grateful and blessed because of this. However, each and every one of these songs is the music of His heart. Because of this, they are equally worshipful and precious.
Gordon: Who are some or you favorite Christian songwriters and why?
Kindra: Boy, that is a toughie! I grew up with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and their music stirred a passion within me at a very young age. Various Christian artists have spoken to me in special and unique ways at different points in my life, depending upon the specific issues I was facing at the time. However, I have always connected personally with Plumb’s music because we have a very similar story in certain ways. Just as she has, I have struggled throughout my life with depression and anxiety. I personally relate to her struggles, and greatly appreciate the vulnerability that she expresses in her music; it is so refreshingly honest! The tone of my songs is very similar in that I “wear my heart on my sleeve” in the messages. I want listeners to be able to connect with, and personally encounter, the grace of Jesus Christ, as I have, no matter what they are facing or what they have done. This is the message of the Cross; this is the message of Jesus Christ; and this is the intended message of my music.
Gordon: Thank you for a great Interview.