Anyone who has ever heard my testimony knows I share how my dad would always say to me, “Chub, baby, if you don’t mean it, don’t sing it.” That still stands true for me today. There are a lot of great songs and I hear a lot of wonderful people singing them. But, if they don’t hit me first, I can’t really communicate that truth to anyone else. And so, it’s been four years of silence and waiting.

I’ve been standing side-stage for thirteen years with other Homecoming Artists singing backup for Ben Speer as he sang, “‘Til The Storm Passes By”. I certainly did not know then that this song would become as much a part of my personal testimony as it has, but God knew! In the past couple of years, there have been a lot of trials in my daily life, ministry, family, and in care-giving for my sweet mom. This new album is more powerful and effective because of what I’ve been through and learned through these storms. Most importantly, I’ve come to know deeply that Jesus would be there — every step of the way during these trials. He is truly the greatest storm chaser of all times!

This is one of the most powerful albums I have done in 30 years of ministry! Everyone knows God is God on the mountain. Through the message of this album, they will also know that He’s the God of the storm. These songs will connect in a real and deep way with the heart of the listener for whatever storm they are experiencing.

Excitement is building as I have been singing some of these new songs across the country and the response has been overwhelming. Most of us know “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” from Vacation Bible School, church camp, and tent meetings as a casual and bouncy song that can almost be sung without reservation. My version is very different as it makes you want to bow and worship. It communicates the Cross and the sacrifice in following Jesus. It’s somber and haunting as the words paint a picture of how much sacrifice is required to carry the Cross. Once you start, there is no turning back. It brings the listener to a place of reverence, contemplation, and maybe even repentance. After singing this song in a recent concert, one lady came up to me with tears in her eyes and shared that she had committed her life to Jesus Christ. What a powerful response!

This has also been my most creative album. Working with Ben Isaacs on this project has been a dream come true! What each of us brought coming into this has resulted in a delightfully creative match. His bluegrass and other acoustic elements paired with songs from heart and soul bring forth an uncompromising honesty of the music and message. I also enjoyed working again with my brother, Michael Tait of the Newsboys on two songs that I wrote, “Strength of the Lord” and “He is There.” His background vocals are matchless! I call him the “king” of BGV’S!!! Amazing!!!