Whether or not people recognize the group name Hillsong UNITED, they’re sure to recognize at least one worship song done by the group. Oceans, Lead Me to the Cross, and The Stand make regular appearances in many churches. Their past hits have proved UNITED’s goal to speak the truth and connect people with God. Their worship is powerful.
We’re huge Hillsong UNITED fans at my house. So when I had the opportunity to review their latest album, Empires, I was eager to have it hit the mailbox. I was even more excited when I caught a sneak peek of the song Touch the Sky on this recording from the Today Show.
When the CD arrived, my husband was the first to listen to it. When I asked his opinion, he was hesitant, which surprised me. We started talking through the issue. It came down to one line in one song, Even When It Hurts. The line “even when it hurts like hell” threw us for a loop.
We have a ten-year-old daughter who has a heart for music, especially worship music. What parent doesn’t want their kiddo to be found belting out lyrics of praise and worship? Our problem was that we don’t want her belting out the line from Even When It Hurts.
I don’t want this to come across as being legalistic. We live by grace. But as parents, we have a responsibility to surround our daughter with movies, books, and music that model age-appropriate behavior. While the lyrics describe well what life can be like, it’s a description more suited for an adult audience.I’ve seen the discussion on Facebook, so I know that we’re not alone in our mixed feelings about the album. Our options now are to keep the CD away from her or make her a copy that’s missing one song.
On the flip side, for an adult audience (or as an edited version), the album is filled with powerful worship music. My husband and I have both caught ourselves walking around the house humming Touch the Sky. When lyrics make their way into your mind, they can become a reminder of God’s love and power throughout the day. And that’s a win.
The Giveaway
Now that I’ve briefed you on our thoughts about the album, you can decide if you’d like to win a copy for yourself. To enter, simply leave a comment. Feel free to share your favorite Hillsong UNITED song with us if you’d like (not required).
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Entries will remain open until Sunday, June 7 at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly chosen. The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen. U.S. addresses only please. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this album in exchange for hosting this giveaway. All opinions are – as always – honest and my own.
I love Hillsong UNITED’s “Oceans” song. It is an incredibly moving song that I heard on KLOVE when I was going through a difficult time. It would be a wonderful blessing to win their CD. Thank you for offering this contest. 🙂
I love the song oceans it is,a very spiritual song. I enjoy so many of their songs but that US my favorite sing of theirs right now.
I’m one of those weirdos that doesn’t know who sings what songs, but I recognize Lead Me To The Cross – great song!
I love Hillsong and Oceans is a favorite!
My favorite of their songs is The Stand…but I love so many of them. Thanks for your honest review of this CD!!!
My daughter and I LOVE “HILLSONG” and Lead Me to the Cross is one of our favorites!! We know all their songs word for word and would LOVE to win this CD… Thanks for the opportunity ♡
Of course, Oceans.