The life purpose of Beckah Shae can be wrapped in Acts 20:24, which says, ‘But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus â€" the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.’
Her destiny was mirrored in a simple act at an early age that reflected Gods grace. The little girl, who was already often called a songbird, was recorded singing “Jesus Loves Me” at the age of 2. Beckah’s mother was raised in a traditional Jewish home, and her conversion to Christianity was a crucial element in guiding Beckah to her own faith and witness through music. She would need that assurance of God’s love in the coming years. Her mother provided love, encouragement and grounding in the Word, but a series of poor choices led them to deal with difficult consequences.
Beckah’s parents divorced when she was 3. A series of trials led Beckah and her mother to spend much of Beckah’s childhood living in cars, hotels, foster homes, battered women shelters, going through a series of schools in the process. Despite what most people would describe as hardships, Beckah’s memories of that time are full of peace and joy. She developed a strong dependence on God and His Word to direct her path and found comfort in expressing herself through song during this time.
Beckah was penning songs at the age of 11, and by age 12, began singing in church. Her talent moved beyond the doors of the church shortly after when she tried out for Star Search and began performing locally. People who heard her recognized a power in her voice that came straight from the passion in her heart. The encouragement from those around her increased the desire she felt to develop and share her gift. The desire to use that gift started to grow into a passion for youth ministry throughout her high school years.
A talent scout discovered Beckah Shae shortly after she graduated, and quickly connected her with a manager. Within a few months, Beckah was recording a demo in Los Angeles, working with some of the top mainstream producers of the time, resulting in a meeting with Randy Jackson at Columbia Records.
Through the experience, she discovered what she truly desired was to use her gift with no compromise. She came to the realization that there was no greater gift she could give God than the one He first bestowed upon her.
Beckah Shae continued to write and perform locally, briefly joining a Christian rock/R&B band called Almost There. She was inspired to learn to play the guitar, which opened up a whole dimension of creativity. Her influences included Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Third Day and The Beatles.
After a short turn as a singer in another band, Beckah heard the call of God to move to Nashville. After many confirmations, and increasing faith, she used the new avenue of influence to pour into her first independent album, “Perfectly Designed.” The success of the five-song CD gave her the financial means to make the move. After three months of living in the Music City, she found herself attending GMA Week and sitting in the second row of the Dove Awards. It was there God revealed a bigger vision for the songbird.
Little did she know, God was working to provide a partner to help take her music to a new level. Beckah was introduced to Shoc, a rising young producer who had worked previously with Christian artists such as tobyMac, Lil’ iROCC and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard. He moved to Nashville about the same time as Beckah, and the two began to create new material. They discovered that their passions for ministry followed the same path, and as time progressed, their friendship and musical partnership developed into love. The pair married in August of 2004 and have since produced an independent work on Shae-Shoc Records, titled “Butterfly,” which is tinged with Beckah Shae’s soulful vocals and Shoc’s thick hip-hop/R&B beats. Her single off of “Butterfly” titled “No, No” is currently in rotation spreading across the country.
The talented singer is looking forward to the next bend in her journey. “I’ve learned more about God on a deeper level, more of who He is,” Beckah Shae said of the winding road she has traveled. “Without His grace and mercy, I am nothing. It’s not my ability, but His grace and favor combined with my obedience. Only with his wisdom and strength can I accomplish the things He’s called me to do for his Kingdom. He’s allowed me to endure all the things I’ve gone through in life to draw me close to Him, humble me and develop a heart of compassion and love for his people. We are here for only but a quick season, I plan on taking the risk and finding out what could happen if I live wholeheartedly for the King of heaven and earth.
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