DREAM Records
Release Date: September 2nd 2016
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Abigail Duhon– I’m Not Ashamed (Single) (iTunes/Amazon mp3)
Track Listing:
- I’m Not Ashamed
Weird isn’t it? Reviewing another single…isn’t 365 Days of Inspiring Media a site that reviews albums only? Sure, that is our main focus, but after Britt Nicole’s powerful and empowering new single “Through Your Eyes”, and now this new song from up and coming CCM/pop artist Abigail Duhon, maybe reviewing singles is looking like a good option. Not every radio single under the sun, just songs here and there. And “I’m Not Ashamed”, the song, which is also the title of the autobiographical movie of Rachel Scott, releasing later on during the year, has the power to become one of the most talked about, and one of the most impactful movie of the year (alongside the sequel God’s Not Dead 2 and the upcoming Joel Smallbone led Priceless). With the movie about the true story of how a young woman literally died for her faith in Christ in a public school setting, we are met with the companion of sorts, a song that shows us everything the movie is trying to portray. Yes, I know this song, movie and throwback to the time when this event rocked both the sacred and secular parts of society, is sure to create and dial up more feelings about schools, faith, sharing of it with people in public and the rest of it; nevertheless, Abigail’s song is what I reckon is needed for us to have the conversation of faith again.
Having the topic and discussion about faith isn’t necessarily an easy one. It never is. But on a day in 1999 at Columbine High School, the world changed as we all knew it. I don’t need to reiterate what happened that day. Everyone knows. And even if you don’t, I’m sure Google can be your friend when you find out information about that fateful day. What I will say is this- “I’m Not Ashamed”, the song, is a testament of faith, and while it is the theme song of the movie of the same name releasing in October 2016; Abigail has given is a timely reminder- if we’re faced with the same decision that Rachel made way back, would we declare and stand boldly, that we aren’t ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Because that’s what it is when it comes down to it- are we willing to state to the world publicly what we have declared in our hearts privately? An anthem for every Christian, it is the words of the chorus of the song that strike me the most- ‘…I am not ashamed, because You’ve given me life, I am not ashamed, because You’ve opened up my eyes, that whatever stands before me, I know You will hold me, I am not ashamed, no, I am not ashamed…’ Are we willing to be the salt and light of the world, even if it means we end up like Rachel on that fateful day? I know this is a tough question to answer…but then again, it isn’t. Because if we’re certain of our faith, then speaking up about it shouldn’t come to anyone as something that we need to think about. Because of what we know is true, are we willing to stand up, knowing full well of every consequence if we do?
This does sound like an exposé rather than an album review (or in this case a song review). But this is what I think- “I’m Not Ashamed”, the song, delves into the heart and the crux of what the movie, and in turn, what Rachel’s life, wants to portray to us. Behind all the light acoustics, the power vocals, the emotion, comes a question we all need to answer- are we ashamed of Christ, or are we not ashamed to declare to everyone that we have found the peace that passes all understanding, the hope that gives us a comfort unexplainable, and the love that allows us to love even the unlovable? The song just released today, and already it has become one of my favourite songs of 2016 thus far. It challenges you, and makes you really think- am I comfortable in my own brand of Christianity? Is God calling me out from where I hide behind? Is He challenging me to live out each day boldly and intentionally?
There’s nothing much more to say about a song that I believe speaks for itself. Even though Abigail isn’t fully known to the Christian music community yet, this song I’m sure will propel her to new heights. Abigail has potential, heart and emotion, something I personally, as a reviewer and a casual listener of music, haven’t really heard since new artists like Love and the Outcome and Lauren Daigle. She is an artist sure to be influential amongst the younger generation in months and even years to come, as “I’m Not Ashamed” is a reminder to us to be called into action, knowing full well that once we declare these three words, our lives will change forever. Well done Abigail for this life-changing song, can’t wait till when the next album/song/EP releases.
3 songs to listen to: Not an album, yet this song is by far one of my favourites of this year.
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Alexis Slifer, Spencer Kane, Moriah Peters, Jamie Grace, Rachel Lampa