Shift in Her Dream Leads Julie Elias to Music

Many people dream of becoming an actor or actress in Hollywood. While many audition for roles, very few are selected and even fewer become famous. For Julie Elias, her dreams of becoming an actress became a reality. She appeared on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and CSI:NY, and even some major feature films. But as time passed, those things did not bring her the happiness and contentment she was looking for. Instead, she surrendered herself to what God wanted her to do: be an influence in Christian music and use her stories of rejection, beauty and her own faith to encourage others.

Within months, Julie was writing and recording her first album “A Wild Rose” and singing at Night of Joy at Disney World. In the past few years, she has released a Christmas album, fronted her own Christmas tours, sang at major Christian festivals and conferences, and worshipped with many churches throughout the United States and Canada. In 2014, she founded Aurora Ministries, a 501c3 non-profit that creates Christian material and events specifically for teen and tween girls. Through music, booklets, blogging, conferences and girls’ events, Elias has been able to share God’s role in her life – even when she didn’t think He was there – and find common ground to inspire young women all over the world.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 21:29-31

“A Girl Like Me” is her latest album which will be available on all digital music outlets. It is meant to be a companion to her girls’ events. Every original song on the album has an intentional purpose and story behind it, from the conflict with a good friend in “Forgive Me” to her own feelings of unworthiness in “A Girl Like Me” to revisiting one of her favorites when she was a teen, a cover of DC Talk’s “In the Light.”

The cover of “In the Light,” is probably one of our favorite songs on the album because it reminds us of the “youth group days,” and going to DC Talk concerts with our friends. Being a believer in junior high and high school is and was a challenge. Those words were and continue to be a good reminder to surround ourselves with others who were striving to be more like Christ and “shine like the stars from the heavens.”

Enter to win a copy of “A Girl Like Me” https://www.blessedfreebies.com/enter-to-win-a-girl-like-me.html

Risen Reflections

Dream big! Whether it is to become an actress, professional athlete or start our own ministry or business, each of us has dreams and aspirations. Take time this week to spend time with God. Ask Him to show you the gifts and talents he has given you. He wants you to use those to impact others for Him. He often uses our passions and dreams to bring others to Himself. It is easy for us to get discouraged because something doesn’t seem logical or we don’t think we can do it on our own. But remember that the God we serve can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. Ask Him to renew your faith if you are having a hard time believing that He is going to work through you.

Be in the light. God wants us first and foremost to spend time with Him. By doing so, we can be a light to others. He also wants us to surround ourselves with friends who are trying to live their lives for Him too. When we have friends that are like-minded, they can encourage us when we are down, challenge us when we are making a decision that might have negative consequences, and pray for us when we are going through difficult times.

Encourage a friend. Whether it is your daughter, teammate, or friend, take time this week to encourage someone with a song. It can be a song from Elias’ new CD or one that has impacted your life. Music has the power to encourage and lift people’s spirits. Write them a note about what the song means to you and what their friendship means to you. If you are able to, give them a CD or digital copy of an album as a gift. This can be especially powerful for a young believer.

For more info, visit www.julieeliasmusic.com

We were given a copy of “A Girl Like Me,” for review by Frontgate Media. All of our thoughts and opinions are our own.