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Answers by Denise Jones Q) Point of Grace has been around a while and had many hits on Christian radio. A lot of people who come to your concerts are well-off, Bible-carrying white women from the suburbs who have kids and love the Lord. What role does your group's music and career play in these ladies' lives?
I suppose you could say that about our audience, but it is definitely not all of our audience. I think we’ve always felt that our role for the Christian audience is to encourage. Life can be difficult and painful, and sometimes not fair. The one thing I’ve realized is that no matter what the outside of someone looks like, never assume you know their story. We all have things in our lives that have tried to destroy us. People need to be reminded that they are not forgotten and that they matter to Jesus. When we live being aware of all that God has done for us, we live differently. Hopefully, we do remind them of their value to God and those around them.
 Q) When a fan thinks of Point of Grace, what do you think they think about your group?Hopefully they think of us as friends. We’ve always had a strong connection with those who have supported us along the way. Although some see us as people who have it all together, I think that most of them see our imperfections and relate.
Q) Point of Grace has great harmony together. Tell me about who sings what part in the group and then describe each lady as well as yourself in one word. Don’t you know a girl can’t say anything in one word? I’ll try my best.
Heather - Definitely the highest part. As far as one word? Easy going
Shelley - Either the low part or melody. One word? Leader
Leigh – She can go all over. Typically the low part. One word? Enthusiastic
Denise - Usually the melody or middle part. One word? Loyal
Q) When you speak (and/or sing) to the audience, what is one of the major themes you like to share with them? God is teaching me so much about trusting Him in all circumstances. I so want to control everything and ultimately He is the one who is in control. You would think the sooner I learned that the better off I’d be, but still I continue to try to do things my way. We like to remind people that He loves them and wants the absolute best for them. There is Hope, if we will only choose to believe it.
Q) What would you say to a little girl who was abused by her parents and ran away and got into drugs and has no interest in hearing the Good News? What are some practical ways older women can reach younger women who seem so unreachable? First of all, you want her to know that the abuse was not her fault and you validate her pain. I think we are just there for them. What are her immediate needs? For someone like her it will often take a lot of time to trust anyone. Be there for her and be aware of the opportunities to speak truth to her. Every situation is so different that it is hard to answer that question. She needs to know that her life matters and someone cares. Over the years we have been able to point girls that are in trouble to a wonderful ministry called “Mercy Ministries of America,” but they have to want to go and get help. Most of the time that isn’t the case until they have reached complete desperation. Someone needs to be there when they’ve hit the bottom, so hang in there with them.
Q) Tell me about a time a fan came up to you and told you their story about how a particular song of yours changed their lives for the better. There have been many beautiful stories along the way of how God has spoken to someone through music that we have recorded. I’m always amazed how God shows Himself to people and I get to be a part in it. The most recent one that I can think of is from a lady who is going through a horrific divorce. The song “Waiting in the Wings” has meant so much to her. There is a line that says, “There is more to any story than just what’s here and now. There’s not one broken situation that can’t be turned around”. For her, she is able to continue to get out of bed in the morning and get through the day because God’s love is there no matter what else is going wrong. It’s real life and God is meeting her there.
Q) What do you think of Jesus? He is always there in the good and bad. I don’t deserve His love and devotion yet He gives it to me anyway. He is the Son of God and has paid for everything I’ve done. He gives me hope in dark days. Even when I try to find my own way, He is a constant that pulls me back towards Him. I can’t imagine life without His love.
Q) In the Southeastern United States, Jesus is everywhere, and very popular, but then you come to the Northeast and you might say, "Oh, there's a dark cloud over this place." Why is it that so many Christian groups avoid the dark places and seem to only go to the places where people think, act, and look like them? Oh, I don’t think that is why we haven’t visited the north as much as the area we live in. It’s all about the travel and cost of expenses. We LOVE singing in the Northeast. The people are awesome. We sang at a Women of Faith several years ago and the women were absolutely wonderful. I’ve never thought of it as a dark cloud. It’s just far away. The same reason goes for the Northwest. I truly wish we could visit more often.
Q) Does Point of Grace plan to continue touring and recording for years and years, or do you see the group breaking up in a few months or years so each lady can pursue other things, such as family time or solo careers? We’ve always taken one day at a time. We’ll continue as long as we feel that we are doing what God wants us to be doing. We would never want to walk where God was not going with us. The amount of days we travel changed drastically since we’ve all become moms. Who knows? We will just enjoy what we are doing right now. It’s hard enough to think about what I’m doing tomorrow; I sure can’t think about the years ahead.
Q) What is something that frustrates you about being in the Christian music business? I love what I do. We have worked with many amazing people and I don’t have many complaints. Always in “business,” the bottom line matters. Unfortunately for a business to make sense it has to think about money. That’s life. We just have to continue doing what we love and feel called to do and hope it makes sense in that world.
Q) Who are some of the recording artists in your own CD collection whom you listen to regularly and look up to? My boys are in the car with me a lot, and they LOVE the current Newsboys CD. I’m a big fan of Casting Crowns, and I love the writing and music of Nichole Nordeman. As far as other types, I’m a big Kelly Clarkson fan and Carrie Underwood. “Little Big Town” is awesome too.
Q) Why should someone come to see your group in concert, live? There are few groups who can sing in four-part harmony like we do. It will take them back to some of the Andrew Sisters-type harmonies. It’s fun and happy. It’s a concert that the whole family can enjoy.
Q) If a person wants to learn more about your group, and/or book them for a concert, what should they do? They can always visit our website: http://www.pointofgrace.net/ |
