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TobyMac

TobyMac Confesses He Quit Reading The Bible After Son Died, But God Drew Him Back

by Rhoda Gayle March 22, 2023

TobyMac confesses that he stopped reading the Bible after his son, Truett, died, but God drew him back.

TobyMac

The Grammy Award-winning Christian artist has been reading the whole Bible when his 21-year-old son died in 2019. TobyMac can’t finish reading it after that tragedy. He has stopped reading the Bible.

“I got about halfway through the Old Testament” before his son died. “… And I didn’t really have the heart to keep reading, so I put it down,” he said.

TobyMac [@tobymac]. TobyMac Concert. Instagram, March 12, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqKKGcrY45/

Stopped Reading the Bible

However, God drew him back into His Scripture. TobyMac also recalled how he learned many lessons during those tough days about his Christian faith.

“I looked up at God, and I told Him, ‘I’m going to give You a chance.’ That’s pretty bold to say to the God of all creation, you know what I’m saying? But I said that,” TobyMac said. “And I kept reading. And I learned something about relationships. You see, you can’t have a relationship with anyone if you’re not talking to them and they’re not talking to you. You can’t have a relationship if you’re not listening to them, and they’re not listening to you.”

God Drew Him Back

He then continued to explain that the Bible is how God talks to us and we respond to Him with our prayers.

“So I kept going. And there’s something beautiful that I learned that comes with having a relationship with God. You see, He makes us these promises. And the promise that I’ve been hanging on [to] for the last few years is this: God promised that if we have a relationship with Him, He will never leave us or forsake us. … He might not change what happened. He might not make everything different. But He doesn’t go away.”

TobyMac’s testimony of how God pulled him out of the tragedy is a lesson for all who have also been going through tough times. No matter what happens or whatever circumstance we are in, God will never leave us nor forsake us.

Reference: Christian Headlines
Header Image: TobyMac [@tobymac]. TobyMac Concert. Instagram, March 12, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqKKGcrY45/

March 22, 2023 0 comment

Articles

TobyMac Releases New Song That Marks Hope After Son’s Untimely Death

by Rhoda Gayle February 24, 2021

written by Rhoda Gayle

Christian artist TobyMac released his new song that represents the first time he could ‘scream hope’ after his son Truett’s untimely death.

TobyMac

After over a year since the untimely death of his firstborn son Truett, TobyMac released a new song that marks the first time he felt hope after the tragedy. On Friday, the Grammy Award-winning Christian artist released his first single of the year titled ‘Help Is on The Way (Maybe Midnight)’.

In a recent interview, the 56-year-old singer shared that he “didn’t do anything for a few months” after Truett’s death in October 2019. When he finally was able to muster up enough courage to write songs again, all he could write were songs that speak of his grieving.

“That was all I had in me,” he said. “I just started asking God, ‘What is going on? Is that all I’m going to be able to write? For the rest of my life?”

Hope

Right before Christmas of 2020, God showed Toby the hope he needed to continue doing his passion. Inspired by a verse in Psalms that speaks of how God comes to our rescue, he was able to write a chorus.

“What an image to hold on to, that the God of all creation is rolling up His sleeves on my behalf,” he said. “And I just, I just held on to that and started writing immediately.”

Help Is on The Way (Maybe Midnight)

It was the song that marks the first time he was able to “scream hope” since the death of his beloved son.

“I had no music yet, just melody and a lyric in my head,” he continued. “’Help is On the Way (Maybe Midnight)’ is the first time I think I felt sort of a turnaround where I could express hope. I felt hope through it all. But (the song) is the first time I could express it in an artistic, creative way. The first time I could scream hope from the mountaintop.”

‘Help Is on The Way (Maybe Midnight)’ is a song that speaks of hope and reassurance that God is on his way for our rescue. In the music video, TobyMac featured his son Judah McKeehan.

TobyMac - Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference: The Christian Post

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Articles

Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, TobyMac Join In Raising Funds For Churches At-Risk Of Closing

by Rhoda Gayle May 11, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, TobyMac, and other Christian artists are joining together to raise funds for churches at-risk of closing due to coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus At-Risk Church Relief Fund

AND Campaign and other Christian organizations have created the Church Helping Churches Challenge to create a Coronavirus At-Risk Church Relief Fund. The relief fundraising aims to provide $3,000 grants to small churches across America that are at risk of closing due to financial loss during the pandemic.

The challenge started in March and within just a month, it raised $431,000 from just 400 donors. The challenge will continue throughout May as “need far outweighs the available funds, as just over 1,200 churches have applied for assistance.”

“I have been blown away by the generosity of the body of Christ. But I have been overwhelmed and saddened by the great need that exists with many churches and communities across America,” president of the AND Campaign Justin Giboney said. “We serve a God that is the hope of the world. And He is moving and ministering through many of these small churches. Now is the time for us to come together to bear each other’s burdens.”

Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, TobyMac and others performing

A partner organization, Pulse, will host an online benefit simulcast that will be broadcasted on May 15th. Lauren Daigle, Lecrae, TobyMac, and other artists are performing for the simulcast.

“Pulse has always existed to work in, through, and for the local church. And now, in the midst of this pandemic, our local churches are suffering. Especially those in urban and immigrant communities,” founder of Pulse and visionary for Together 2020 Nick Hall said. “It’s time for us all to come together to meet this urgent need.”

Reference: The Christian Post

May 11, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Christian Artists Halt Touring

by Rhoda Gayle March 20, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Several Christian artists including Lauren Daigle and TobyMac have canceled their planned 2020 tours amid coronavirus quarantine in some countries.

COVID-19

As of March 20, the confirmed cases of the COVID-19 are now 245,670 worldwide. The disease has a mortality rate of only 4%.

As the coronavirus is affecting many people worldwide, safety precautions are being implemented by governments to stop the virus from spreading, which has included quarantine in some countries.

On March 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement recommending to limit gatherings to only 50 or less. That limitation should be observed for the next eight weeks to avoid further spreading of the virus. With that being said, world tours for Christian artists are being canceled.

Lauren Daigle

Award-winning Christian singer Lauren Daigle was on the road for her first world tour when this crisis began. Lauren posted on Instagram announcing that her tour would be postponed and that she will be refunding all the tickets purchased.

“When we’re out on the road, my heart is to give you a place to escape, a space to laugh, dance, sing, and experience joy without worry,” Lauren wrote on her Instagram post. “In response to the COVID-19 developments, we’ve decided to reschedule all our upcoming shows…through 4/29.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Lauren Daigle, winner of Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for ‘You Say’, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for ‘Look Up Child’, poses in the press room during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Lauren also urged everyone to pray for those being affected.

“We love you all so much, and we are doing our best to keep everyone’s health & safety in mind. May the peace of Christ cover you at this time. Please keep those impacted in your prayers. Our hearts go out to all of you!”

TobyMac

Christian rapper TobyMac also canceled his remaining shows for the “Hit Deep Tour 2020.”

“It is with a heavy heart but a responsible mind that I have to announce that the remaining 10 shows of the Hits Deep Tour are being postponed until August. We are at this very moment completely set up in Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock and regretfully, but responsibly won’t be able to play tonight. We love you guys and are so thankful for you. And we encourage you to be safe, pray, and care for your families. We have faced so much lately, but I am holding on (with everything in me) to the promise that He will never leave or forsake us. He is a Good, Good, Father and I will stand on that,” TobyMac also shared on Instagram.

Christian artists

Some more Christian artists including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and For King & Country also canceled their planned tours. But, they are assuring everyone that there’s still hope if we put our trust to Jesus Christ.

“In what people have referred to as uncertain times, I am certain of this: God is in control and loves us more than we can even imagine,” Smith said in a statement. “I rest in Him and I trust Him. I look forward to rescheduling these concerts and doing what I feel God has called me to do.”

Reference: The Christian Post

March 20, 2020 0 comment

Video

TobyMac Releases New Song ’21 Years’ About His Son Who Recently Died

by Rhoda Gayle January 13, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Christian artist TobyMac released a new song “21 Years” which about his son, Truett McKeehan, who recently died at the age of 21.

Truett McKeehan

On October 23, 2019, Truett, an American rapper known as truDog, was found dead. Investigation as to the cause of his death is still ongoing but initial reports say that Truett suffered cardiac arrest. His grieving family and friends held Truett’s funeral just before Thanksgiving.

21 Years

Last Thursday, TobyMac released an emotional song that he has written to express his feelings about the death of his firstborn child. The song “21 Years” shows the heart of a father grieving for his son and at the same time, rejoicing for his “coming home” to heaven.

“Heart shattered in a thousand ways / They tell me pain gonna come in waves / They tell me I’m gonna be ok / I’m still waiting for the first to break”

TobyMac

A day before the release of the song, TobyMac shared a story about the song in a tweet.

“The last couple of months have been the hardest I’ve ever faced,” TobyMac wrote in a tweet. “Thank you for the love and support. Part of my process has always been to write about the things I’m going through, but this went to a whole new level. What started out as getting some of my thoughts and feelings about losing my firstborn son down on paper, ended up a song. ‘21 Years’ is a song I never wanted to write. I hope it’s for someone out there, or maybe it’s just for me. Out Tomorrow.”

Prodigal son

The award-winning Christian artist talked about the prodigal son in the music video. He also mentioned that Truett had referred to himself as a prodigal son.

“And while he was still a long way off, the father saw his son and ran to him.”

TobyMac then ended his song by thanking God for the life of his son.

“Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful son”

TobyMac - 21 Years

Reference: YouTube | TobyMac

January 13, 2020 0 comment

Articles

TobyMac Opens About How God’s Love Made Son’s Death ‘Bearable’ On Thanksgiving Week

by Rhoda Gayle November 27, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

TobyMac tweets images of Truett’s funeral and opens-up about how God’s love made his son’s death bearable on Thanksgiving week.

Truett’s Death

This year’s Thanksgiving is different from previous Thanksgivings for the McKeehan family. In October this year, the McKeehan’s unexpectedly lost their firstborn, Truett Foster McKeehan, at the age of 21.

Thanksgiving

The Christian rapper recently posted an emotional message during this week’s Thanksgiving holiday that included photos at his son’s funeral. A month after Truett’s death, TobyMac expressed his thanksgiving to the Lord for the “overwhelming love” that He has poured upon them.

“Such overwhelming love has surrounded us this last month,” TobyMac wrote in a Tweet. “As we mourn our firstborn son, God has poured out His love on us through people.”

God’s love

Toby McKeehan, popularly known as TobyMac, also thanked everyone who has been by their side through the toughest season of their lives.

“He has loved us through you….your kind acts and words and prayers and thoughts and songs and poems and teachings and gifts and meals and time and expertise and travel have made death bearable. You have been God’s light to us in our darkest days. Comfort to our broken hearts,” he added.

The award-winning artist also shared how they’ve been encouraging themselves to believe in the promise of God.

God’s promise

Thanksgiving

“We’ve been encouraging ourselves to stand on this…the place of death is actually where all that we believe is most significant. That God has the power to do what he promised, defeat death and give life to anyone who believes,” he shared.

Despite mourning the passing of their son, the McKeehans are still thanking the Lord for His kindness.

“So from the valley of the shadow of death we pray a flood of thankfulness will rise this week. Thankfulness to a kind God who is not afraid.”

Reference: Tweeter | TobyMac

November 27, 2019 0 comment

Articles Video

‘America’s Got Talent’ Winner Kodi Lee Performs Unfinished Song Of TobyMac’s Son Truett McKeehan

by Rhoda Gayle November 5, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

“America’s Got Talent” winner, Kodi Lee, performed the unfinished song of Truett Foster McKeehan, Christian rapper TobyMac’s late son.

In memory of Truett Foster

At Liberty University’s Convocation meeting, they commemorated Truett Foster, the late son of the University’s Alumnus Toby McKeehan. Truett was an aspiring musician and rapper who died on October 23. He was just 21.

Kodi Lee

To honor the late artist, Liberty University and Kodi Lee worked together to finish and perform the unfinished song written by Truett. Kodi Lee won the recent season of “America’s Got Talent.”

Liberty University’s senior vice president for spiritual development, David Nasser, introduced the performance and shared its back story.

Truett’s unfinished song

“I was just texting Toby yesterday, and it dawned on me that one of the songs—the last time he was here at Convocation—that he had allowed me and Kevin to listen to on the back deck of my house at lunch, was a song that his son as an artist was beginning to develop and work,” David said to the audience. “And so literally this morning, just in honor and in memory of Truett, I asked Sal if he would let Kodi and him listen to it just for a few minutes. I kid you not—they listened to it [and] in about two minutes, they began to just compose something.”

“I Can Only Imagine”

After the moving performance, Kodi Lee then sang MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine” and everyone was in tears.

“So if Amanda [and] Toby, if you’re watching, your Liberty family is with you. We’re praying for you. We mourn for you. But here’s the good news in all of this tragedy. We know that this is not an ultimate goodbye. We know that Truett belongs to the Lord, and that he’s ultimately healed and he’s in heaven,” David added.

Kodi Lee - Liberty University Convocation

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Reference: Charisma

November 5, 2019 0 comment

Video

Christian Rapper TobyMac’s 21-Year-Old Son Dies

by GOD TV October 25, 2019

written by GOD TV

Christian rapper Kevin (TobyMac) McKeehan’s 21-year-old son, Truett Foster, died Wednesday morning at his home in Nashville. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

Truett Foster McKeehan

Truett was the eldest of TobyMac’s five children and was following in the footsteps of his dad pursuing the music industry. Truett was an aspiring rapper and musician and known by his stage names truDog, TRU and Shiloh.

TobyMac has released the song “Scars” on his album “The Elements” earlier this year. While promoting the album, he revealed that the song was his favorite and written specifically for Truett.

TobyMac - Scars (Come With Livin')

Watch this video on YouTube

“’Scars’ is deeply personal and for me, it is about my son,” he said. “He left home and he is doing his own thing now.”

“The Elements” was released on October 12, about a week before Truett’s first show. As a proud father, TobyMac made sure he was in the audience.

“Watching people you love go through hard things is tough, and I want people to know that they are not alone,” he added.

TobyMac’s Tribute

The Grammy-winning Christian artist has not yet released a statement about his son’s death. However, he has posted a heart-warming tribute to his son on his Instagram.

“Truett always had a soft spot for God. The Bible moved him. His heart was warm to the things of his King,” TobyMac wrote on his Instagram.

TobyMac also wrote that Truett may not be like any Christian but he is a “believer who fights to keep believing”.

“He was by no means a cookie-cutter Christian but give me a believer who fights to keep believing. Give me a broken man who recognizes his need for a Savior every time. That’s who Truett was and how he should be remembered,” he added.

TobyMac ended his tribute for his late son by praising God, though grieving, and expressing his love for Him.

“We follow God because we love Him. It’s our honor. He is the God of the hills and the valleys. And He is beautiful above all things,” he wrote.

Written by Gail Marvel.

Reference: Instagram | TobyMac

October 25, 2019 0 comment