"Contemporary Christian Songs" by Fr. Matthew Hawkins
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Finding Community in Going Against the Grain
There's a Christian rapper from Brunswick, Georgia named Hulvey, and he has a track called "We Against the World" that I think speaks to something every person of faith has felt at one time or another — the sense that following Christ puts you out of step with the culture around you.
What strikes me about this song is the word we. Hulvey isn't talking about going it alone. He's honest about the pressures he faces as a young man in a world that measures your worth by your followers, your clout, your bank account. But instead of white-knuckling his way through it, he leans into community — into the body of believers who share the same struggle and the same hope.
That's a deeply Catholic instinct, whether Hulvey knows it or not. We don't do this alone. We never have. From the very beginning, God has called a people, not just persons.
The music itself captures something real about the Christian life. It's high-energy and intense, but underneath it there's a stillness — a peace that comes not from having it all figured out, but from surrender. Hulvey raps about the tension between what the world demands and what God offers, and he's not speaking in abstractions. He's talking about the daily fight to remember who you are and whose you are when everything around you is pulling you somewhere else.
Here's what I want us to sit with this week: being out of step with the world isn't a problem to be solved. It's a sign that something is working. Scripture never promises us that faith will make us popular. It promises us that we won't be alone.
At St. Benedict the Moor, we know something about
Scan for "We Against the World" Videobeing a community that doesn't quite fit the expected mold — and we know the strength that comes from standing together. Hulvey puts it to a beat. We live it out every Sunday.
So if you've been feeling like the odd one out lately — at work, at school, online, wherever — take heart. The world may be vast and loud, but it gets a lot smaller when you aren't standing against it by yourself.
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"You're Not Alone"February 22, 2026"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
There is a rapper named NF — Nate Feuerstein — whose music I want to bring to your attention this week, not because I expect it to show up on any liturgical playlist, but because one song in particular does something that we, as a parish community, are called to do every day. The song is called "Just Like You," and it is one of the most honest pieces of music I have heard in a long time.
Much of NF's work explores the dark corridors of his own mind — anxiety, depression, the intrusive thoughts that tell a person they are a burden, that nothing will ever change, that the mask they wear for the world is the only thing holding them together. If you have never felt any of those things, thank God. But if you have — and most of us have, at one time or another — then you know how isolating they can be. That isolation is one of the enemy's oldest strategies: convince you that your suffering is yours alone, that no one else could possibly understand, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
What NF does in "Just Like You" is refuse to let that lie stand.
He does not offer easy answers. He does not say "just pray harder" or "think positive." He says, in essence: I feel these things too. Millions of people feel these things. You are not broken in some unique and irreparable way. When he tells his listeners, "Even if you don't know what you're doing, you're not alone," it does not land as a greeting-card sentiment. It lands as testimony — one person in the trenches calling out to another.
NF's delivery is deliberately restrained. He is not sprinting toward a cure. He is walking, steadily, through the dark — and inviting you to walk with him. It is the musical equivalent of accompaniment, which Pope Francis has reminded us is the posture of the Church: not standing above people and pointing the way, but walking alongside them.
What strikes me most is how the song dismantles our culture's obsession with "having it all together." The Church has always known better. We are a community founded on the acknowledgment that we are wounded, that we cannot save ourselves, and that healing happens not in isolation but in communion. Every time we pray the Confiteor — "I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters" — we are doing exactly what NF does in this song: naming our brokenness out loud, in the presence of others, and discovering that the very admission creates a bond stronger than the shame that kept us silent
Scan for "Just Like You" Video
."Just Like You" does not end with a miracle. It ends with a commitment to keep going. That, too, is deeply Christian. We are an Easter people, yes — but we are also a people who walk through Good Friday and Holy Saturday before we get there. The song is a reminder that being in process is not the same as being in failure. God is not finished with any of us yet.
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Where Are We Really Headed?January 11, 2026
Trip Lee's song "Homecoming" poses a question most of us would rather avoid: What happens when this life is over? For Lee, a Christian hip-hop artist who has spent years battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—a condition that has repeatedly forced him to step away from his career—this isn't an abstract theological question. It's deeply personal.
The song's central line cuts through all our usual anxieties about legacy and being remembered: "When I'm gone, who cares if I'm known / I'm just headed home." In a culture obsessed with leaving our mark, building our brand, and ensuring we're not forgotten, Lee offers something radically different: the freedom that comes from knowing our ultimate destination matters more than our earthly reputation.
This challenges the way we typically think about success. We measure our lives by accomplishments, recognition, and what we leave behind. But Lee suggests that true success is simpler and more profound: being welcomed home by the Father. Everything else—the accolades, the achievements, even being remembered—fades in importance when we grasp where we're actually going.
What strikes me most is how Lee frames death not as a tragedy but as a relocation, even instructing loved ones: "Don't cry this song, I'm where I belong." For someone whose body has often failed him, the promise of a resurrected body in a place of complete restoration carries particular weight. This echoes our Catholic hope in the resurrection of the body—not just survival of the soul, but the restoration of our whole selves, finally healed and made complete.
The song doesn't sound morbid; it sounds like celebration, like graduation day. Because that's what Christian death should be—a homecoming, not an ending. This is why the Church has historically called the anniversary of a saint's death their "birthday" into eternal life.
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But here's the challenging question Lee leaves us with: If our true home is heaven, how does that change how we live now? What burdens can we set down? What anxieties about legacy or reputation or success can we release? What becomes truly important when we remember we're just passing through?
This post-Christmas season, where we celebrated Christ's coming, might be the perfect time to reflect: Where are we really headed, and does the way we're living reflect that destination?
—Fr. Matthew
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When Giving Up Feels Like the Only OptionJanuary 4, 2026
Sometimes the songs that sound most cheerful carry the heaviest messages. That's certainly true of "Never Give Up" by the 116 collective, featuring Tedashii and Paul Russell. Released in 2021, it has the kind of bouncing beat that makes you want to roll down the windows on a summer drive. But listen closer, and you'll hear something much more profound: a testimony about choosing to endure when everything in you wants to quit.
What gives this song its power is who's delivering the message. Tedashii has walked through public tragedy—the kind of loss that would break most of us. When he raps about never giving up, he's not offering cheap positivity. He's speaking from experience, from the place where faith meets unbearable pain and somehow still chooses to move forward.
The song's anchor is beautifully simple: "My mama told me that I should never give up." In our most difficult moments, we often return to the simplest truths we learned from those who loved us. Complex theology can wait; sometimes what gets us through the day is remembering a parent's voice telling us to keep going.
But the song doesn't shy away from hard realities. It acknowledges the exhaustion of fighting for justice in an unjust world, the weariness that comes from trying to do the right thing when systems seem stacked against change. It names the feeling many of us have: that despite our best efforts, it never feels like enough. The scars are real. The struggle is real.
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Yet here's the crucial point: the resolve to continue isn't presented as human willpower or forced optimism. It's offered as spiritual discipline—a choice to trust that we're not abandoned in our struggles, that our efforts matter even when we can't see the results, that endurance itself is a form of faithfulness.
This resonates deeply with our Catholic understanding of perseverance. We don't believe faith protects us from suffering; we believe it sustains us through it. The song reminds us that keeping faith isn't about avoiding darkness—it's about outlasting it, one day at a time.
This week, if you're struggling, remember: you don't have to feel strong to be faithful. Sometimes faith looks like simply refusing to give up, even when you're exhausted. Especially then.
—Fr. Matthew
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2025
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POP. HIP HOP. HOPE.
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Hope With a Beat.
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Letting Your Light Shine in the Digital AgeDecember 28, 2025
Do you remember singing "This Little Light of Mine" as a child? That simple Sunday school song has found new life in an unexpected place: Christian hip-hop artist RaJan Monroe's 2022 track "Let it Shine."
Monroe—who is also a pastor and radio host—takes the familiar melody we learned in childhood and transforms it into something urgent for our time. He reminds us that our faith isn't meant to be a "little light" we hide away, but a bright beacon we carry boldly into a world that often prefers darkness.
What strikes me most about this song is how Monroe acknowledges the real challenges of living faith publicly today. When he raps about letting his light glow "even when they start to troll," he's naming something many of us face: the fear of being mocked or dismissed for our beliefs, especially online. The song becomes a kind of anthem for anyone who's ever felt pressure to dim their faith to fit in.
But Monroe makes an essential point: the light we carry isn't our own achievement. It's a gift we've been given, a divine deposit we're called to steward. We're not bragging about our own greatness when we let our light shine—we're simply being faithful witnesses to what God has done in us.
The song poses a challenging question for all of us: If our faith is real, is it visible? Would the people we encounter daily—at work, in our neighborhoods, online—know we follow Christ? Not because we're self-righteous or preachy, but because something genuinely different emanates from how we live?
In a culture that increasingly asks us to keep our faith private and polite, Monroe's message feels countercultural. He suggests that the most radical thing we can do is remain joyfully, publicly Christian—letting our lives reflect the light we've been given.
This week, consider: Where might God be calling you to shine more brightly? What fears keep you from letting your light be seen?Scan QR Code for YouTube Video
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Christian Hip Hop: Lecrae, “I’ll Find You”February 23, 2025
There are moments in life when the weight of suffering feels unbearable—when fear, loss, and uncertainty press in, making hope seem like a distant light flickering on the horizon. I’ll Find You by Lecrae speaks directly into that darkness, offering a reminder that even in our lowest moments, we are not abandoned. This song is a powerful message for anyone battling illness, grief, depression, or any struggle that makes faith feel fragile.
Lecrae’s raw, heartfelt verses acknowledge the pain we often try to hide, the desperation of searching for God when He seems silent. Yet, the song doesn’t leave us in despair. It testifies to the enduring truth that God is present in the struggle, walking with us even when we feel lost. The chorus, sung with soulful intensity by Tori Kelly, echoes the promise that no matter how far we fall, no matter how heavy the burden, God will always find us.
I'll Find You
Listening to I’ll Find You is like a prayer in which God speaks to us through music. It is a plea for perseverance, for trust, for the strength to keep moving forward when everything seems to crumble. It reminds us that faith isn’t about avoiding storms but knowing we don’t face them alone. Click the QR code below, take a breath, and let the music and words remind you: you are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone.
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Contemporary Christian Song of the Week: Roses,February 9, 2025
by Sajan Nauriyal & Matthew Parker
The lyrics of this week’s contemporary Christian song provide a deeply personal and reflective message, touching on themes of urgency, loss, divine calling, mindfulness, and emotional renewal. It is hard to avoid being stirred as these words echo in your ears:
We're movin' too fast, and everybody knows it
I don't wanna lose nobody else to overdosin'
Feelin' left out 'til You told me I'm chosen
I just gotta stop and smell the roses
Don't look down when the sun comes out
There's beauty in the moment your heart is unfrozen
I see stars through the thunderclouds
I just gotta stop and smеll the roses.
Slow down, I can't let these blessings go unnoticed
I don't wanna spend more time lookin' at thorns than rosesThe opening line establishes the pace of modern life as overwhelming and
Roseswidely acknowledged as a problem. The fast pace of urban life and the rapid progression of personal struggles are reflected here. The phrase "everybody knows it" tells us that this issue is neither hidden nor subjective; it is an undeniable reality that people recognize yet find difficult to change.The lyrics introduce the theme of loss, specifically due to overdose, which refers to the tragic consequences of drug abuse but can also refer simply to being overwhelmed by life. These words reinforce the urgency of slowing down, as unchecked excess and overstimulation lead to devastating results.
The phrase "Feelin' left out" evokes a sense of isolation due to personal struggles, self-doubt, or an inability to keep up with the relentless speed of life. The capitalized "You" speaks of divine intervention—a reference to God, who reassures the speaker of his worth and unique purpose. The shift from exclusion to divine selection is at the core of Christian belief and speaks to the transformative power of faith and identity.
The line “I just gotta stop and smell the roses” is a literal and metaphorical refrain. This phrase is a call to pause and appreciate the beauty of life rather than rushing through it. "just" suggests a simple yet often-overlooked solution to the chaos described earlier—slowing down and embracing the present moment.
This phrase, “Don’t look down when the sun comes out,” symbolizes hope and renewal, urging the listener not to dwell on darkness when the light emerges. "Don't look down" also warns against succumbing to fear or despair, as looking down implies vulnerability or discouragement. As a symbol of clarity, truth, and new beginnings, the sun invites an openness to transformation.
The imagery of "stars through the thunderclouds" juxtaposes light and darkness, hope and adversity. Thunderclouds symbolize turmoil, depression, or external chaos, while stars represent guidance, inspiration, and perseverance. Seeing stars through the storm suggests resilience—finding light in the midst of struggle rather than waiting for the storm to pass.
The line "I don't wanna spend more time lookin' at thorns than roses." contrasts thorns and roses, evoking a classic metaphor for suffering versus beauty. Thorns represent pain, hardship, struggle, or negativity, while roses symbolize beauty, love, joy, and grace. The line says the speaker has spent too much time focusing on difficulties rather than appreciating life’s beauty and blessings.
The phrase "I don't wanna spend more time" implies a recognition of past mistakes or an unhealthy focus on the negative. There is a shift in perspective here—the speaker is choosing to prioritize gratitude and beauty over dwelling on struggles. Moreover, the use of "more time" suggests an awareness of finite time—perhaps a realization that life is short and should be spent focusing on what is uplifting rather than being consumed by negativity.
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Contemporary Christian Song of the Week, Let Go by Sam RiveraFebruary 2, 2025
Let GoAt its heart, Let Go is about internal conflict, spiritual surrender, and the aching desire to reconcile personal struggles with a deeper connection to God. Rivera’s lyrics balance the pain of holding on to destructive patterns and the transformative power of releasing them. The result is a song that cuts straight to the soul.A Deep Dive into the ThemesWhat makes Let Go so compelling is its thematic depth. The lyrics explore the tug-of-war between fleeting pleasures and enduring faith. Lines like “This pleasure is poison” lay bare the speaker’s realization that indulgence without grounding comes at a cost. Rivera captures the universal struggle of living authentically while grappling with the allure of what ultimately harms us.The act of surrender—symbolized in the repeated refrain “I gotta let go”—isn’t a sign of weakness but an act of courage and liberation. This theme resonates particularly with anyone who’s ever felt trapped in their contradictions, seeking a way out that feels both genuine and transformative.Imagery That Speaks to the SoulRivera’s use of imagery amplifies the song’s emotional and spiritual layers. Phrases like “walk through the night” and “no feelings in my heart… so cold” evoke a palpable sense of wandering and numbness, a darkness many listeners will recognize. The metaphor “playing with fire” sharpens the stakes, reminding us of the dangers inherent in self-destructive choices.But the simplicity and universality of “let go” lingers. It’s more than a phrase—it’s a mantra, a prayer, and a call to action.An Emotional Journey in Sound and LyricThe emotional arc of Let Go is where Rivera truly shines. The verses are steeped in vulnerability, admitting to moments of guilt, shame, and despair. Yet the chorus offers a sense of release and hope. It’s a reminder that while struggle is inevitable, surrendering to Christ leads to healing.Rivera’s delivery matches the weight of the lyrics. His vocal performance is intimate yet powerful, drawing you in like a conversation with an old friend. The production complements this intimacy with a stripped-back sound that allows the lyrics to take center stage while building to moments of cathartic intensity.Why You Should ListenLet Go isn’t just a song—it’s an invitation to reflect, confront your struggles, and find solace in the idea that letting go can be the first step toward becoming whole. Whether navigating a season of doubt, seeking a spiritual reset, or simply looking for music that speaks to the depths of the human condition, Sam Rivera has crafted something truly special.Don’t just hear this song—feel it. It will reveal the beauty that can emerge from surrendering to grace.
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Christian Rap of the Week: Holupwait, LecraeJanuary 26, 2025
The heart of this song lies in its dynamic interplay of faith, street culture, and personal growth. It captures a narrative of spiritual resilience in the face of worldly challenges, emphasizing themes such as:
Spiritual Warfare and Faith: Lecrae reflects on the struggle of walking in the Spirit amidst the temptations and dangers of a harsh environment. He relies on God as a source of strength and guidance.
Redemption and Mission: The lyrics highlight Lecrae’s desire to bring light to others living in darkness,
Holupwait, Lecraeoffering hope and knowledge in challenging circumstances.
Authenticity and Transformation: He acknowledges his evolution and the tension his growth brings, especially when others misunderstand him. Lecrae stresses the importance of being true to his faith and purpose.
Critique of Materialism: Lecrae points out the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, juxtaposing it with the eternal value of spiritual riches.
Community and Influence: He acknowledges his platform and responsibility, aiming to inspire others while remaining humble and authentic.
This week’s song is an anthem of faith and perseverance, delivered with energy and urgency, encouraging us to stay spiritually "fired up" amidst life's complexities. -
OUTSIDEJanuary 5, 2025
Indie Tribe, Mogli the Iceburg, and nobigdyl. (2021)
“The Savior told me it's okay if I get sad for a while. 
"OUTSIDE'"Sometimes it's evil to laugh. Sometimes it's tragic to smile. I said ‘but why cry when your friend die if you gon' resurrect him?’ He said, ‘The promise of heaven don't take away the depression.’” The lyrics of this song explore the struggle of wrestling with faith and navigating the tension between human suffering and a sense of divine presence. They capture the journey of someone learning to accept life's imperfections while searching for meaning and truth. The song reflects the raw and sacred balance of faith—a mix of despair and hope, silence and connection, human weakness, and divine strength.
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Just Like You, NF (2021)January 19, 2025
“Everybody falls sometimes. Just remember that that's alright. It's the
Just Like You rainy days that give us love for the sun, and if it isn't, I'll be fine believing it does. It's the lows in life that make you cherish the highs.” NF's "Just Like You" is a heartfelt and relatable song for anyone going through tough times. It offers comfort by highlighting the shared struggles we all face, finding meaning in challenges, and embracing the ups and downs of life. The song reminds us that while life can be unpredictable and difficult, our connections with others and how we view our experiences can bring us strength and hope. -
No Shame, Tenth Avenue North (2019)January 12, 2025
No Shame
scared of the ceiling. I can look like a fool and enjoy it. I can cry like a man, and I own it. It may look like I'm broke, but I'm healing. I'm learning to bring everything that I'm feeling. So forgiven, it's hard to explain. I'm finally living with no shame.” Tenth Avenue North's “No Shame” celebrates the life-changing freedom that comes from faith in Christ and could apply to the sacrament of confession's healing power. Christ frees us from the pressure to live up to others' expectations, allowing us to be our true selves while confessing our sins enables us to let go of guilt and shame. Tenth Avenue North describes the grace of God, which is a love we have not earned and do not merit, as something that makes us so free we feel like we’re “stealing” or getting away with something. Faith in Christ and confessing our sins opens the door to a life filled with confidence, joy, and peace, grounded in the assurance of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
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Christian Rap of the Week 2024
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Trip Lee’s “Homecoming” (2022)December 15
"Homecoming"“When I’m gone, who cares if I’m known? I’m just headed home, So tell them you can play this when I’m gone. You ain't gotta groan. I’m where I belong.” These lyrics transform mourning into a moment of reflection, hope, and even joy. They remind the living of the temporary nature of earthly life and the enduring promise of eternal life. The song weaves together themes of assurance, transcendence, and celebration. It creates a space where grief is tempered by faith, and listeners are invited to think about their ultimate destination and the legacy they are building.
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Tauren Wells, “Up” (2022)December 22
"UP"With the refrain, “Keep your head high, keep on fighting, 'Cause the pressure makes a diamond. Ain’t no way you’re giving up,” Tauren Wells’ “Up” is an empowering anthem for resilience and hope. It encourages fighting through challenges, drawing on the transformative power of persistence and faith. The lyrics offer a practical and emotional boost to listeners navigating difficulties. The song’s strength lies in its ability to address both the immediacy of personal struggles and the broader promise of renewal, making it a source of comfort and motivation for anyone feeling discouraged.
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Be Alrigh, Danny Gokey, Evan Craft, and Redimi2 (2022)December 29
With the words, “Father, You say everything is gonna be alright, But my
"Be Alright"circumstances say I won't last through the night; I need Your word to hold me now, need You to pull me through … Am I small enough to slip through the cracks? Can You take my broken pieces and put them back? Give me faith to believe You are on my side. Open my eyes to see You working in my life…” Gokey, Craft, and Redimi2’s “Be Alright” is a powerful and uplifting song that brings comfort by connecting human struggles with the assurance of God’s presence. It offers hope by emphasizing God’s faithfulness and ability to bring peace, even in the toughest times, while acknowledging the doubts and hardships we all face. With heartfelt lyrics, the song invites listeners to trust in God’s power to heal and guide. Its blend of personal sincerity and universal perspective makes it both a prayer and a declaration of unshakable faith.
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Trip Lee’s "Robot": A Journey to True Freedom
Trip Lee’s "Robot" is more than a song—it’s a story about breaking free from the things that enslave us. It takes listeners on a journey from being stuck in a life of lies, empty routines, and false freedom to discovering a life of authenticity and purpose through encountering Christ. With vivid language and relatable metaphors, Trip Lee’s message resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal expectations, unhealthy desires, or spiritual struggles.
At the heart of "Robot" is the idea that many of us live without realizing we’re stuck in patterns that control us. Trip Lee describes
Robot his pre-transformation life as robotic—he followed the crowd, conformed to external pressures, and let his desires drive him without questioning where they were leading. He thought he was free, but as he reflects, the freedom he felt was just an illusion. In his words, “The freedom that I thought I had was really a mirage.” This raw honesty challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we truly free, or are we just going through the motions, shaped by forces we don’t fully understand?
The song also shines a spotlight on three powerful forces that often keep us in this cycle: the world, the devil, and the flesh. Trip Lee calls out the world’s lies, the devil’s desire to chain us, and the internal struggle we all face with our own weaknesses. He doesn’t sugarcoat these challenges but confronts them head-on, declaring his confidence in a greater power: Christ. By trusting in Christ, Trip Lee says he’s been remade—his heart is no longer hardened, his identity no longer tied to what the world tells him, and his life no longer controlled by empty habits or harmful desires.
What makes "Robot" especially compelling is its invitation for others to join in this freedom. Trip Lee doesn’t stop at sharing his own story; he calls out to those who still feel trapped, urging them to step into a new way of living. His message is clear: It’s never too late to break free. When he sings, “To my friends who are still on lock-down... He can free everybody from the top down,” it’s a direct reminder that no matter where you’re starting from, change is possible.
The song ends with a rallying cry: “I’m not a robot now.” This simple declaration captures the joy and hope of finding true freedom. It’s not just a personal statement but an anthem for anyone who has left behind a life of going through the motions and stepped into a life of meaning and purpose.
At its core, "Robot" is about rejecting the lies and illusions that hold us back and embracing a life that’s real and fulfilling. It’s a celebration of hope and transformation, reminding us that we don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns. Through faith and a willingness to change, we can break free and truly live. Whether you’re on your own journey of self-discovery or looking for inspiration, "Robot" is a powerful reminder that freedom is always within reach.
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