Album Notes

Mark Miller
River of Faith

Sometimes life’s most meaningful artistic expression can arise out of the most difficult challenges we have to face. Mark Miller's debut CD, River of Faith, is no exception. We all face trials in life and Mark has been facing a season of struggle and change after being diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in December 2006.

The songs on this album have helped Mark work through this, surrender to it, find faith, hope and ultimately move forward with his life. "As a songwriter, artistic expression is an outlet for me," he explains. "I had no idea what I was facing when this news was presented to me. There is still much uncertainty but through prayer and my music I have been able to garner faith, hope and strength. This album is all about that." When asked to elaborate on how the songwriting and album production itself has helped him through this trial as well as how he thinks the album might help and inspire others, Mark said “God has a plan for each and every one of us and I think it’s no mistake that I was mentally and creatively prepared for this project when this all started. I was being prepared for what was coming and it was His plan all along - that I would have songwriting and this very project as a way to work through my feelings and fears. The project also served as another conduit, or lifeline, to be used for consistent spiritual connection. It’s almost as if God was throwing me a life vest before I even knew I needed one - before anything happened. That’s what the River of Faith album from a songwriting standpoint has meant to me and will always mean to me.” He continued by explaining, “These songs were a source of hope and strength for me, and I know God was working through my music to provide me with the tools I needed when I needed them the most. And, somewhere through this process, perhaps my music can also offer hope and inspire faith in others who are facing trials in their own lives. Lyrically, you can hear how I progressed through my circumstances in each song. There are a few songs that are born out of the initial period of struggle, others that focus on acceptance and surrender but most of them focus on the solution and are filled with hope, faith, a sense of strength and carrying on”.

When listening to the songs on “River of Faith”, it’s clear. Examples include “The Messenger” which speaks of a messenger from the heavens coming to intervene, lifting us up and ensuring that we remain on the right path in spite of our struggles – garnering faith and strength as we soar high above our strife. The song “River of Faith” is expressed in an almost prayer-like manner, asking Him to keep us safe, lifting our burdens off of our shoulders and guiding us while we navigate this “river” of faith that we know we must travel upon to accept and surrender to our circumstances. You’ll find that all of the songs on the album, which have been written in the midst of Mark’s challenge and inspired by his own struggles, are filled with hope and are universally applicable to anything you may be facing in your own life.

River of Faith is an album about surrender, hope, healing, faith and forward progress. The songs on River of Faith were conceived out of Mark's trial but the songwriting is universal and has mass appeal. For more information about Mark Miller and his music you can visit his web site or blog by using the links on the left side of the web page.