Gospel Highlights

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13, NKJV).

Trials and tribulations are a natural and reoccurring part of everyday life.  However, it is the way that one chooses to respond to a crisis that, oftentimes, dictates the outcome of a situation.  Take Sheri Jones-Moffett, for example.  Over a three year period of time, she had a daughter prematurely, became pregnant with a son that canceled any plans she had to work and faced a plethora of other circumstances that would bring weaker people to their knees.  How did she respond to the turmoil that was faced before her?  She sung through the storm and allowed the grace of God to umbrella her every move.

It was during this period of unmerited grace that Jones-Moffett was shown a different side of the LORD that she had never seen before.  And through those experiences, new material was written and the album Renewed was born.  The album is a testament of trial, error and the ultimate breakthrough that is sure to come if you endure to the end.  After a recent performance, we had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss the birthing process of the album and to catch a glimpse of some of the tests she had to pass in order to make it to this point.

Gospel Highlights: I would like to get into the album that you released recently, to start things off.  What is the title of the new album?

Sheri Jones-Moffett: The album is called Renewed.

Gospel Highlights: Is there any particular meaning or message behind the title of the album?

Sheri Jones-Moffett: Well, I shaped it around [the word] “renewed” because I needed a single word to captivate the state [where] I was in my life, my music, my career and my marriage.  And with that one word, moving from one place to the next, I could not take the way that I thought in that place to this [new] one.  I knew that something better and bigger was ahead of me, but I had to change my mind in order to wrap my brain around the concept. 

Gospel Highlights: According to the track listing, you have some pretty heavy hitting producers involved in the music.  Talk about the experience of creating the album and working with such talented musicians.

Sheri Jones-Moffett: This album actually came together over a period of three years.  I would prefer that, but this is a business and it does not always happen that way.  I had a chance to slowly live out what I wanted to say.  It was bits and pieces of my life up until this point, but specifically over the last three years.  I think it is important that for this space in my calling and career that I do not say what is expected.  I need to say what is the truth, the truth for me and how I found God in the process.

Gospel Highlights: With your previous music experience, did those things come into play with the formulation of the album?

Sheri Jones-Moffett: Absolutely!  I drew on everything that I have ever done.  Most recently, I have sang with the Tri-City Singers and my brother, Ted.  I learned the most, I think, from working with those groups.  I took everything that I learned and made it what works for me.

Gospel Highlights: I noticed there were no other featured artists on the album.  Is there any particular reason why you chose to go at it alone?

Sheri Jones-Moffett: I thought it was important [not to] because I just came from singing with several groups and a duo.  There were some things that I needed to say, and I had to say them by myself.   I am certainly not closed to that idea, and it will definitely happen in the future.  But, for this [album], I said what I had to say on my own.