Matthew West, “Family Tree”

My wife, noted KPop writer Caths Deen, recently gave me for an anniversary present the latest album of Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West. The Story of Your Life CD/DVD package is one of the best CCM albums I’ve ever heard for a variety of reasons, and the criminal absence of a #1 Billboard hit from this offering, Matthew’s first since his indie label debut, Sellout, does not undermine the fact that this is a brilliant album.

Aside from the clear-cut singles, My Own Little World (peak:7) and Strong Enough (peak:3), another standout track is the moving song Family Tree. Recently featured on The Vampire Diaries, Family Tree is an encouraging song for anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak as the result of a soured relationship with a family member, or pretty much anyone who’s struggled to understand why their families are wired the way they are.

At the end of the day, Matthew’s encouraging words – the bridge You are loved sung over and over – is a powerful reminder that God is still in control, and we have the power by His grace, to change our circumstances. We are not defined by our earthly families, we are defined by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that bought us at a price, and that our reunion with our real Father, the God Who created the universe, is a stark reminder that we can and will overcome anything life throws at us, even a twisted family tree. God can use us to heal that family tree and end generational curses… if we let Him.

If you’re here looking for prayer with your family situation, please do not hesitate to email me at ganns at gannsdeen dot com. I am here for you.

FAMILY TREE Lyrics
Matthew West

You didn’t ask for this
Nobody ever would
Caught in the middle of this dysfunction
It’s your sad reality
It’s your messed up family tree
And now you’re left with all these questions

Are you gonna be like your father was and his father was
Do you have to carry what they handed down?

No, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

I have a dream for you
It’s better than where’ve you’ve been
It’s bigger than your imagination
You’re gonna find real love
And you’re gonna hold your kids
You’ll change the course of generations

Oh, this is not your legacy
This is not your destiny
Yesterday does not define you
No, this is not your legacy
This is not your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

‘Cause you’re my child
You’re my chosen
You are loved
You are loved
And I will restore
All that was broken
You are loved
You are loved

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You’re bringing new life to your family tree now
Yes you are, you are

Oh, this will be your legacy
This is will be your destiny
Yesterday did not define you
Oh, this will be your legacy
This will be your meant to be
I can break the chains that bind you

And just like the seasons change
Winter into spring
You’re bringing new life to your family tree now