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Youth in Gospel: Fayth Lore

Youth in Gospel by Lyndsey Chandler featuring Fayth Lore 

I am excited to introduce to you this month’s featured artist, Fayth Lore! 

Lyndsey Chandler: Where are you from? 

Fayth Lore: I am from Southern Ohio. I live in a town called Portsmouth. I like to imagine that my town could be painted like the unique small towns in all of the Hallmark movies. Everybody knows most everybody, and we have a lot of cool history. My house is in the rural part of the city. It’s typical to hear ‘watch for deer’ when you get ready to drive home.

LC: How long have you and your family been traveling?

FL:  My family never really intended to be doing ministry like we are right now. But, that’s the cool part about Christianity and letting Christ lead your life. Jesus makes life exciting. My dad was a pastor for most of my life, as well as a pharmacist. Mom took care of everything behind the scenes at home and was very active with the church my brother and I grew up at. Dad taught Samuel and I how to harmonize with him on a song that we surprised Mom with one Sunday night. I was 10 years old and Samuel was nine. The rest is history. We began singing a lot more in church, and then other churches invited us to come sing for them. In 2015, our family stepped into full time music ministry. We now call ourselves ‘musicianaries’.

LC: Do you have any siblings?

FL: I have one sibling named Darren Samuel Lore, but he goes by Samuel. He recently married his lovely bride, Rebekah, in May of 2019. So, I do have a new sister by marriage now.

The Lore Family

LC: Who’s your biggest inspiration in Southern gospel music?

FL: I admire a lot of people in the gospel music world. One person I’ll mention in particular, is Peg McKamey. To me, Peg represents faithfulness and authenticity. I’m a person who may try to fit a mold to make sure that someone likes me. When I look at her, though, I see a unique artist that has remained true to herself and her calling. I’ve never known another female singer to kick off a shoe during a song. When I hear Peg sing a song like, “God On The Mountain,” I feel like I’m right there with her. Her confidence in the lyric persuades me to hold onto hope.

Another artist that I aspire to be like is Karen Peck Gooch. To me, she is the epitome of southern hospitality. What stands out to me, is that Karen makes you feel like she’s singing every song on that stage just for you. When I’ve seen her in concert, or at places like NQC, I’ve always noticed that she pays attention to each and every person that approaches her product table. If she’s talking to you, she’s looking you in the eye, and truly listening to what you have to say. She cares for people. I love that about her and I’ve learned from it.

LC: What does a day off look like for you?

FL: I get this question all of the time. I’m sure most every artist sighs like I do when we hear this question. I don’t think that you truly ever have a day off when you do something like touring in music. There’s always bookings to be made, social media to update, marketing that needs done, laundry; the list goes on and on. So, I guess a day off would just be working with my dad on the behind the scenes work that goes into full time ministry. I live pretty close to my grandparents and family, so when we are home, I try to visit with them when I get the chance. Home is my favorite place to be.

LC: What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?

FL: Well, I think I am gifted with the rare skill of embarrassing myself daily. My family has picked up the song, “Boundless Love,” and we’ve been singing it acapella. My dad accidentally hit the wrong note on his keyboard, and we started singing it in the entirely wrong key. We knew something was off, but we tried to just flow with it for the first few lines. Finally, we had to stop and just start over on the right key. Of course, these are always the moments that the entire church has their phones out to record for Facebook.”

LC: What is something that motivates you to keep singing?

FL: I’m going to be real. I’ve stopped and reflected on this question quite a bit. I mostly want to be involved in something that truly makes a difference. What motivates me to keep singing is the audiences we sing to every week. I don’t want to just sing. How boring. I want to make music and sing music that people can feel. The best compliment I can get after a service or concert is when someone comes up and says that they felt something at church, inside of them for the first time in years. Some have come up to us and said that there is just something different about our group that feels real. That inspires me to keep going. And, I hope to inspire other artists to do more than just perform on stage. Jesus is real to me. The world deserves to know Him in the fullness that I am blessed to know Him.

LC: What is a message you would like to get out to young people?

FL: Purpose. So many young people feel like they need to be more like the girl they wish they were more like on Instagram. Or guys feel like they need to have accomplished the same things as the other guy on the football team. God made you for a reason and a purpose that only you can fulfill. There never has been, and there never will be, another you. So, stop trying to be someone else and just be you for Jesus. He made you like you are for a reason, to fulfill your God-given destiny.

LC: I want to give a special thank you to Fayth for doing this interview with me. I hope you all enjoyed it!

To find more information about the Lore Family, you can go to thelorefamilyministries.com.

To see more Youth in Gospel articles, visit facebook.com/sgn.scoops.7.

Lyndsey Chandler

By Lyndsey Chandler

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in February 2020

SGNScoops Magazine: Remember making those Resolutions?

Editor’s Last Word for February 2020 SGNScoops Magazine by Lorraine Walker

Thank you for reading the February, 2020, edition of SGNScoops Magazine. Whether you are looking at the online version, or the condensed print version, I do hope that you have enjoyed reading about some of my favorite people. What better way to celebrate February, the month of love, than to celebrate the artists that love their savior, his music, and his people? I need to bring your attention back to the story of Kirsten Alting, and make sure you have prayed for her today. 

I remember hearing Mark Trammell with the Cathedral Quartet years ago when I was only little, well maybe a little more than a baby, and then forming an acquaintance with him in his Gold City days. I have always regarded him as one of the most committed men of God in Southern gospel. His advice was always spot on. As is his dry sense of humor. I’ve kind of lost connection with him but I’m glad Justin Gilmore was able to connect with him and his men, to draw them to our attention again. 

Jeff and Sheri Easter and their family are some of the nicest people you will meet, and I so enjoyed Jennifer Campbell’s article about them and their love for each other and for Jesus. I have to say, it was a toss-up between the Easters and Mark for the cover story, as they were both timely. I hope you enjoyed both and were able to sense the love of God throughout those features.

Special thanks to Lynn Whitely for sharing the story of the Turn Around Church. It’s great to read such positive results for a church family when so many of the smaller ones are fading away. 

Dixie Phillips brought us the story of Kirsten Alting, and I knew this was something we all needed to read. Life is fleeting and we need to treasure it. To Kirsten and all who live with chronic, debilitating pain, I understand and urge you to look to Jesus for peace and strength.

I hope you enjoyed the rest of our artists: Fayth Lore, Jimmy Reno, Sammy Ward, and the uber talented Rhonda Vincent. Our writers are also some of the best, and we thank Lyndsey Chandler, Jantina Baksteen, Les Butler, Vonda Armstrong, and Rob Patz. Special thanks to my proofer and encourager, Joan Walker. Of course, you wouldn’t see any of this without our creative and design team, Staci and Pete Schwager, and Stephanie Kelley.

Lorraine Walker

How are your resolutions going as we head into month number two of 2020? Are they touch-and-go like mine? Why is it so much easier to create bad habits than to create good ones? I think it may be because bad habits usually come with instant gratification. You eat chocolate, you get a burst of happy juice, also known as serotonin. However, this bad habit usually comes with delayed bad results, such as weight gain. 

Developing good habits is more difficult, I guess, because often the immediate result is discomfort or pain. You begin new exercises, your muscles become sore. Of course, there is the delayed gratification of a stronger body, happier heart, and perhaps weight loss. 

What about that new spiritual habit you are trying to form? More consistent prayer life, more in depth study of the Bible, or perhaps more regular church attendance? Does it interrupt your screen time or sofa time, or perhaps it disturbs some of your predetermined thoughts about God? However, does it also provide the immediate gratification of feeling closer to Jesus, more grounded in your belief, or developing a different outlook on the church family? Be watching for the delayed gratification too, which is experiencing a closer relationship with your Lord. A win-win for sure.

I do hope your habits are good ones to form. By this time next month, they may almost be ingrained in your lifestyle. March on, Christian soldier!

By Lorraine Walker, Editor SGNScoops Magazine

The Lore Family releases Hidden Blessings and shares their faith

Arden, North Carolina (October 11, 2019) — On their latest album Hidden Blessings, The Lore Family (website HERE)  acknowledges the vastness of God’s love and shares what wonders can be experienced with a little faith. The album, produced by Wayne Haun, is now available from Horizon Records.

Hidden Blessings begins with “Didn’t He Promise,” which sets the tone for the album, reminding us that God will always come through with mercy and grace, every time for all of time. The theme of the Lord’s timelessness in other songs, including “That Same Power,” recognizing God’s everlasting influence on our lives; “The Rock That Never Ages,” detailing how a firm foundation in the Lord provides comfort and safety; and “The Blood Flows From Calvary Still,” the album’s closing track and a powerful moment of worship featuring Sandy Lore.

On the album’s first single, “His Cross Is Now Empty,” The Lore Family tells the story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, praising and rejoicing in Him rising to new life, singing, “Now the cross is empty and so is the grave / The lamb slain for sinners arose the third day / Glory hallelujah our debt has been paid / His cross is now empty and so is the grave.”

Fayth Lore takes the lead on two up-beat tracks that capture the joy and happiness a relationship with God can bring. “I’ve Got A Really Good Feeling” tells of the peace and hope one feels after accepting Jesus as their savior. “Ready To Know,” their second radio single, talks about being prepared to see the glory of Heaven.

The group creates quiet moments throughout the album with “In His Presence,” a soft and reflective song about strength for the weary, featuring Samuel Lore; and “Keep Praying,” about leaning into God no matter what’s going on in life.

Written by Darren Lore, the title track, on which he takes the lead, explains we can’t know healing without pain or victory without battles. “Through every testing / Hidden blessings are coming our way,” Darren sings of what will happen when fear is replaced with faith.

On this album, The Lore Family shares their unshakable faith, detailing the peace, joy and hope it brings them. By sharing this message with their audiences, The Lore Family continues to grow their ministry with authentic music.

Listen to Hidden Blessings HERE.

The Lore Family

About The Lore Family

The Lore Family consists of Darren, Sandy and their two children, Fayth and Samuel. Over the past several years, The Lore Family, which calls Portsmouth, Ohio home, has ministered at hundreds of services, making sure each concert or ministry opportunity is fulfilled with excellence and authenticity. The Lores began their ministry traveling in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, but have now traveled across the United States, singing a mix of classic and current Southern Gospel favorites as well as originals written by Darren. ​The Lores have sung on many well-known stages across the country, including those at the National Quartet Convention, Gatlinburg Gathering Showcase, Singing In The Sun Showcase, Gospel Music Showcase TV, Great American Gospel TV, Gospel Music USA TV, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and more. Their radio releases have been consistently in the top 20 of the Singing News Chart, and are played regularly on satellite stations such as Sirius XM’s enLighten. Fans voting in the Singing News Fan Awards have voted The Lore Family in the top 5 category for Favorite New Mixed Group for 2 consecutive years. Although charts and awards are honoring, The Lore Family understands that these things come and go. Their main purpose for radio/TV ministry is to give a message of hope and encouragement to seekers and believers. As the Lord blesses, The Lore Family will continue to record and release quality, anointed Southern Gospel Music.

About Crossroads:

Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

The Lore Family signs with Horizon Records

The Lore Family has signed with Horizon Records. Back row, from left, are Crossroads’ Roger Talley, The Lore Family’s Samuel Lore and Crossroads’ Greg Bentley. Front row, from left, are The Lore Family’s Sandy Lore, Darren Lore and Fayth Lore. Op

Arden, North Carolina (August 27, 2019) — Over the past several years, The Lore Family (website HERE) have built up their ministry, spreading God’s word through song and using their talents to serve. After finding success as an independent artist, the family has now signed with Horizon Records to release new music.

The Lore Family, consisting of Darren, Sandy and their two children, Fayth and Samuel, says the decision to join the Crossroads family was made prayerfully and with much counsel.

“Once again, God has ordered the steps of our family. Over the past decade, He has allowed our paths to cross with many talented people. And, we have formed relationships with people who have truly wanted to see our ministry succeed. In God’s perfect timing, He has brought people in our lives to help us reach the next level,” says Darren Lore. “And, this is why we are honored and humbled to be joining the Horizon Records label. We believe that we have joined a stellar, professional, ministry-driven team. The family at Crossroads are some of the best in the industry. And, we believe that this is going to be a great, long-lasting relationship.”

The Lore Family

Crossroads’ Greg Bentley adds that he’s heard The Lore Family’s songs on SiriusXM enLighten and watched them climb the charts. After meeting the family, he says they’re a great fit with Horizon’s roster of artists.

“We strive to not just load up labels because someone wants to record with us. We look into who they are and what they’ve done, but mostly what kind of people they are,” says Bentley. “I knew when we sat down with the whole family to meet that they have a focus on ministry and doing things in a first-class way. It is our goal to take the foundation they have laid and build upon that to take some of the load off them so they can truly focus on the ministry side sharing Jesus through song.”

The Lore Family‘s upcoming album, Hidden Blessings, produced by Wayne Haun, will be released October 11 on Horizon Records.

About The Lore Family

The Lore Family consists of Darren, Sandy and their two children, Fayth and Samuel. Over the past several years, The Lore Family, which calls Portsmouth, Ohio home, has ministered at hundreds of services, making sure each concert or ministry opportunity is fulfilled with excellence and authenticity. The Lores began their ministry traveling in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, but have now traveled across the United States, singing a mix of classic and current Southern Gospel favorites as well as originals written by Darren. ​The Lores have sung on many well-known stages across the country, including those at the National Quartet Convention, Gatlinburg Gathering Showcase, Singing In The Sun Showcase, Gospel Music Showcase TV, Great American Gospel TV, Gospel Music USA TV, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and more. Their radio releases have been consistently in the top 20 of the Singing News Chart, and are played regularly on satellite stations such as Sirius XM’s enLighten. Fans voting in the Singing News Fan Awards have voted The Lore Family in the top 5 category for Favorite New Mixed Group for 2 consecutive years. Although charts and awards are honoring, The Lore Family understands that these things come and go. Their main purpose for radio/TV ministry is to give a message of hope and encouragement to seekers and believers. As the Lord blesses, The Lore Family will continue to record and release quality, anointed Southern Gospel Music.

About Crossroads:

Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Southern Gospel Sweethearts: the Peyton Sisters by Fayth Lore

The Peyton Sisters

It is said that when a girl has a sister, she’ll always have a best friend. Not only are these sisters best friends, but they are also in pursuit of making a lifetime career out of their shared passion. Some of Southern gospel’s most beloved groups feature sisters, including Sisters (Kim Sheffield, Heather Bennett and Valerie Medkiff), Karen Peck and New River (Karen Gooch and Susan Jackson), the Collingsworth Family (Brooklyn Blair, Courtney Metz and Olivia Collingsworth), the Isaacs (Sonya Yeary and Becky Bowman) and the Martins (Joyce Sanders and Judy Hess).

Rachael and Riley Peyton began singing when they were only 5 and 6 years old, respectively, at a local nursing home. They would help their mother by offering some songs for the residents, following a devotion that she would give.

Eventually, a staff member of the nursing home asked the young girls to perform at her church for a mother-and-daughter banquet. Some local pastors’ wives heard the sister duo and invited them to their churches. And so, a career was born.

The Peyton sisters have been traveling and singing now for approximately four years. Based out of southern Illinois, the girls make most of their stops in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. They average 120 dates per year, with most of their performances happening on the weekend and an occasional concert during the week. While neither of their parents claim to be vocalists, the girls were raised with a rich understanding of Southern gospel music.

“We were surrounded by Southern gospel music growing up,” Rachael says. “When Mom would clean the house, she would put (on) a Gaither video. Riley and I would sit on a blanket, play with our toys and watch Bill Gaither.”

Sanders, a Gaither regular, is an inspiration to the girls.

“Joyce is our vocal coach,” Riley points out. “She is also an amazing person and encourager.”

Sanders was the producer of the Peyton Sisters’ most recent album, and the Gaither Vocal Band laid the tracks for the project.

The ladies released the CD, featuring four original songs, at the 2017 Gaither Fall Fest. Rachael wrote two songs by herself on the project, one of which she feels has had a big impact in their concerts.

“My favorite would be ‘I Am There,’” Rachel shares. “I wrote that one, and I love it to bits. It has a beautiful message to it. Wherever you are in your life and your circumstances, He is right there. It is just an awesome reminder.”

These teenagers are eager to reach all generations. They want to span the gap between their peers and an older audience, as is evident in their latest project, entitled “Undivided.” Half of the album is contemporary, while the other half is Southern gospel.

“So many times people put a line in between Southern gospel and contemporary,” Riley says. “They think you cannot listen to both. I think it’s good to span the generations. Let there be undivided unity.”

Rachel adds, “The thing that sets Southern gospel apart from other genres is the lyrics and the music. It’s not the singer that makes it different. Any artist can learn to sing any genre they want to.”

The two have some interesting advice on the best way to reach their generation.

Read more »

Fayth Lore announces June cover feature for SGNScoops featuring Karen Peck and New River

Fayth Lore talks to Grant Gibson, Kari Gooch of Karen Peck and New River

Fayth Lore of the Lore Family is a writer for SGNScoops Magazine and often does our cover features. She has been working hard on the cover for the June 2018 edition and gives us a brief scoop on what it contains!

You may have heard that Karen Peck and New River recently underwent a personnel change. Their new vocalist is Grant Gibson, formerly of 11th Hour. Fayth went indepth with this congenial tenor and his new group. She will share all the minute details in the June edition of SGNScoops.

Be sure to watch for the June edition of SGNScoops Magazine.

READ The latest PDF Version Of SGNScoops Magazine here.

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Fayth Lore of the Lore Family talks about a Mother’s Love

Fayth Lore and the Lore Family

When you’re a little girl, you watch your mother with the intent of being just like her. She’s what makes you love people a bit deeper. She’s what makes your home look and smell good, and she’s the epitome of God’s love. Little boys go to their mother for care and concern and live with the expectation that she can make anything better again. Their mother is who shows them love in the first place.

If God blesses you with a mother, or someone who treated you like their own, He has blessed you with something that will last a lifetime. Mothers deserve more than just a day to recognize them, but take a moment today, or two, and wrap those arms around your mother or the special lady in your life and remind her of the love she has given you.

Fayth Lore and her mom, Sandy

Fayth Lore of the Lore Family truly knows the leadership and guidance of having a special mother. I asked Fayth the following questions, to which you can feel the reality of their relationship, and the love and respect she holds for her mother.

What do you admire most about your mother?

“There are so many things that I admire about my mother. It’s hard to pick just one. Anyone who knows Sandy Lore knows that she loves God, and she loves her family. Mom isn’t the type of person who just lives for Jesus on Sundays and on stage. She lives for Him each day and behind the scenes when nobody’s watching. One thing I have always appreciated about my mother is that she is as real as they come. She’s not a fake person. She sincerely cares about people and hurts when they hurt. I’ve watched her talk to individuals after concerts and later write their name down on her prayer board that she prays over daily. She is a woman of faith.

“She is absolutely hilarious when you get to know her and extremely sarcastic, but she’s never been afraid to let me see her hard days. She’s allowed me to be her best friend, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I share pretty much every detail of my life with my mother, because I have confidence in her discrepancy, advice and love. She’s always told me that she loves me, but she’s never shied away from telling me when I’m wrong. She is the epitome of class, but she knows how to cut up and have a good time.”

What is it like singing on stage with your mother?

“It is something special to have the opportunity to sing with my family on stage. Not very many young women get that chance. We’re a pretty normal, average family. We all drive each other crazy, but that’s what makes road trips so fun. Hah. We say that we’re like a three-ring circus, and it’s probably true. In the end, I know that family is the most precious possession that God has given me on this side of Heaven. I wouldn’t trade singing next to my crazy bunch, for the world.

“At our latest teen girl conference, True Purpose Girls Conference 2017, Mom and I both caught eyes while singing a duet together on one of our latest songs, “Many Sparrows” (written by Marcia Henry). Looking each other in the eye, we both began to tear up. Later, we discussed what was running through our minds as we caught eyes, and we discovered that we were thinking the same thing. The lyrics say, “You are worth more than many sparrows. It’s important that you know, God knows exactly where you are. And you, don’t be afraid about tomorrow. For no matter where you go, God goes. He is looking out for many sparrows.” Running through both of our minds was the thought of how special the other person is. The quality time that I get to spend with my mom every weekend, I’m sure I take for granted many of times. But, I will never forget our special moments that God gives us.”

Of all the amazing traits your mother has, what do you feel is her best?

“Her hazel eyes. She does have beautiful eyes, but in all seriousness, my mom has a pure heart. Like I said, she is just real with people. When people come to her with questions or prayer requests, she always tries to sympathize with them and takes time to listen. If there is an issue, she’s not very good at sweeping it under the rug. She believes in getting things into the light, because the truth will set you free. We always say that if someone is going to get hurt or sick in the family, it will be mom. We say it’s because she’s the most spiritual one of the four of us, and Satan is trying to take her out. But, she has full faith in the power of God. She’s not afraid to pray about anything and believe what she’s praying for.”

What trait(s) does your mother possess that you hope to exemplify one day for yourself?

“Her faith and her class. Mom and Dad both grew up at the same church, up the holler. We’re country as cornbread as they say. Maybe not that country, but we do live in Southern Ohio. My mother is a classy woman, and she believes in taking care of yourself and looking your best. But, she also showed Samuel and I how to make Indian War paint with river water and river rock. She’d smear it on our cheeks when we were younger, and we’d pretend like we were Indians. I hope to have her sincerity and faith someday. I tend to be too analytical and downcast about situations or goals. But, when Mom claims something in Jesus’ name, she believes it wholeheartedly.”

Read more »

Peyton Sisters and Fayth Lore in SGNScoops April 2018

Peyton Sisters

SGNScoops Magazine has recently posted the March 2018 issue, however, we are giving a taste of what you can expect in the April 2018 issue.

Fayth Lore, who not only sings with the Lore Family but also writes for the SGNScoops Magazine, has been doing a series entitled the Sweethearts of Southern Gospel. In April, her guests will be the duo who have been seen on Gaither videos, the Peyton Sisters. These young ladies pour their hearts out to Lore in a feature you will not want to miss.

What Love Looks Like: Featuring Morgan Easter from Jeff and Sheri Easter

Morgan Easter

By: Fayth D. Lore

She is a woman full of personality, Jesus and talent. With her contagious smile and confident voice, she walks on stages all across the country with her parents right by her side. Kraft Macaroni and Fruity Pebbles pull the highest rankings in her favorite food category. And, her favorite fur baby is her cat, Alfie. This month’s featured artist is a keeper for sure. I’m pleased to get to share with you about Ms. Morgan Easter, as she shares with us what love looks like.

 After six Dove Awards, two career GRAMMY nominations and multiple other accolades, I believe Jeff and Sheri Easter could say that: “Over and over, again and again, God has been faithful.” Both Jeff and Sheri came from a rich heritage of Gospel Music. Thankfully, for us, they have passed on their love for God and music to their three children.

Morgan Easter with parents Jeff and Sheri Easter

Morgan is their middle child, and the eldest sister. Jeff and Sheri began their singing career in 1988, just a short time after their marriage. Morgan said that her first time on the road was at 10 days old. Morgan explains, “I’ve always traveled with them and don’t know anything different.” However, she didn’t begin traveling full time in the ministry until her teenage years.

“I did attend public school all 12 years. Our school system, where all of my family has graduated from, worked so well with us. They said as long as I kept my grades up I could travel. It was definitely challenging at times, especially the last few years, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It gave me a taste of a normal life and because of it I have many lifelong friends that I cherish deeply.
Read more »

What Love Looks Like Featuring Hope Bowling

Hope Bowling with The Bowling Family

By Fayth Lore

While Hope Bowling has not been singing very long with her family, The Bowling Family, she is no stranger to Southern Gospel music. Hope’s father, Mike Bowling, sang with various groups and eventually went into a solo career. Hope’s mom, Kelly, sang with one of Southern Gospel’s most loved families, The Crabb Family, for years. After the birth of their third child, Mike and Kelly began to tour as The Bowling Family. Hope began singing with her parents four years ago.  

I love seeing other young women singing for the Lord. So, I was so encouraged to see Hope standing on stage singing with her parents. Every time Hope walks on the stage, audiences across the country can’t help but fall in love with her humble and sincere spirit. Her voice blends perfectly into that family harmony that is unbeatable.

On the Road

Hope Bowling

Hope shared with me that she had mixed emotions about joining the singing group. She was extremely excited to be sharing the stage with her parents, but it was also a bit scary for a 13 year old. Four years into road life, Hope says that her favorite part is getting to see the world and meet new people. Ironically, she says she is also a homebody, so there are moments when she really misses being home.

Hope has two younger sisters, Katelanne (13) and Gracie (10). The three sisters have begun to sing a song or two in Bowling Family Concerts across the country. When the three sisters take the stage, you can see their parent’s faces light up with joy and pride.

Siblings have a special bond and Hope certainly shares that bond with her younger sisters. Hope said that if she could describe Katelanne in three words she would say funny, talented and creative. Hope would describe her youngest sister, Gracie as being spunky, determined and smart.

Answering the Hard Questions

The Bowling bus crash

If you have followed Southern Gospel Music for any time, you will remember about a tragedy that shook the lives of The Bowlings forever. It impacted the entire Southern Gospel industry, and sparked a national call to prayer. Recovery from their tragedy would have to be nothing short of a miracle. In 2010, The Bowling Family was heading down the highway in Belmont, NC, when all of a sudden their bus was hit head-on by a semi-truck going 60 miles per hour. This accident took a toll on the entire family, but Mike, Kelly and Katelanne suffered the most severe injuries. Hope was only 10 years old when everything happened, but she remembers that “It was a rough time.”

Some people ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people”? That question could be asked under the circumstances of what The Bowling Family lived through. I asked Hope how the accident affected her spiritually and mentally.

“I didn’t question, because I was a kid. I’ve been taught that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. I have seen this first hand through our accident. I believe we are changed for the better.” Romans 8:28 has been a scripture that many Christians turn to in their time of suffering. As Christians, we understand that while not everything in life is good, God is working it all together for good. This biblical truth and promise of God is something to rejoice over.

Showing What Love Looks Like

Hope Bowling by LaDonna Ann Photography

First Corinthians 13:6 says: ‘Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth. Jesus has told us through the Bible that He is the way, the TRUTH and the life. In Him, we can find life and life more abundant. Even in the dark times of life, we can have a joy in knowing the truth. It seems like so many people in our world are desperate to find hope and fulfillment in their life. I asked Hope how she felt that Christians could help spread the Gospel to unbelievers.

“I think showing the love of Jesus is really important, and something we as Christians can forget. I’m always reminded that actions speak louder than words.”

I have heard those words many times in my life too. Even Jesus spoke that faith without works is dead. It is obvious that in order to show the world what love looks like, it’s important that we live out our faith and rejoice in the truth. This Christmas season, enjoy the warmth of family traditions. But, don’t forget to spread the love of Jesus to a world in need of hope.

Pop Quiz for Hope Bowling

The Bowling Sisters

I love getting to know some of my most favorite Southern Gospel artists personally, and I’m sure you do too. So, I asked Hope some fun questions…

Fayth: Do you have any unknown talents or hobbies?
Hope: I play guitar. I love photography and playing around with makeup.

Fayth: Would you rather scroll through Instagram or check out the latest snapchat stories?
Hope: Scroll through Instagram.

Fayth: Would you rather eat your meal first or dessert?
Hope: Meal first.

Fayth: Would you rather ride the merry-go-round or the Fire-Hawk at King’s Island?
Hope: I’ve never been on the Fire-Hawk, but I love roller coasters, so Fire-Hawk!

Fayth: Would you rather watch Pride and Prejudice or Tangled?
Hope: Pride and Prejudice.

Fayth: Would you rather DIY or just order from Etsy?
Hope: Order from Etsy. I’m a bit of an Etsy junky!

Fayth Lore

It is always a joy to chat with the young ladies in Southern Gospel music. If you enjoy reading words of spiritual inspiration and getting to know these girls more, be watching for the next issue of What Love Looks Like. 

Photo Credits: Candi Combs and Hope Bowling

By Fayth Lore

First published by SGNScoops magazine in December 2016. Feature has been edited.

For more information on The Bowling Family click here.

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