“I Will Follow” – Aaron Boyd feat. Beth Guckenberger – (Official Lyric Video)

A new song by Aaron Boyd (with Beth Guckenberger)

Thanks to a mutual friend, I was introduced to Aaron Boyd, Irish songwriter and performer, known for many popular Christian songs, including “God of this City.” We jumped on some Zoom calls and brainstormed the possibility of writing a song around the idea of reckless faith. 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWoytB_XpE[/embedyt]

We talked about the concept of stepping out in faith, taking risks, turning left when everyone says turn right. Aaron had a melody running around in his head, a chorus that sounded to me like an anthem. We started to populate some lyrics, with him contributing 90% and me offering up a word here and there.

A few days later, he sent me a voice memo of him putting together the words and the music.  I knew it was strong when I hummed it for the rest of the day. I told him I was merely his cheerleader; he was the professional, I didn’t have much feedback, just encouragement of his talent.  

Another couple of weeks pass, and in Ireland, he’s working on all the parts that go into making a song demo.  I told a few friends cheekily I was co-writing a song, but they knew I was only kidding.  It was just fun to be a part of something and use new muscles.

Then Aaron texted and asked me to try and write a few verses. He was feeling stuck on the ending and was hoping some of my ideas would contribute to the completion of the song.  Are you kidding, Lord?

I was waiting in the car while my son was taking a driver’s test, telling Jesus I am in now in way over my head. I started thinking about what “reckless faith” still means to me,  more than a decade after I first put those words together. I let my heart relax and my mind wander:

It means I run into hard stories.
I renounce lies.
I stay even when I am weak.
I stand firm in dark places, because Jesus is my truth…

Opening my eyes, still, in the car, I put my fingers on the keyboard and wrote verse after verse. (Even though only a few of those lines ended up in the final draft,) it was a moment of worship between God and me.

I was singing truths He had written over my heart through many circumstances and relationships. I knew those words to be true. I wondered if this was how the Psalmist David felt, penning his songs after moments of both victory and defeat.

I can’t imagine songwriting is much in my future. I have more respect than ever for those who are gifted to give music to our community. Now, when I am belting out a song on the radio, I do wonder if the lyric I am singing was written by someone in their car. 

“I Will Follow” is a song of triumph and commitment. No matter where, how, or when God calls, I will go, speak up, sacrifice, fight, and serve, regardless of the result or expense. I will follow you, Jesus, knowing You’re enough for me.