‘A Place to Belong’ by Circle of Friends – CD Review

I am normally not one to listen to music when I am driving (I am more of a Talk Radio person). However, I do get in a mood to groove – and to praise the Lord! So I was excited about the opportunity to review the ‘A Place to Belong’ CD by Circle of Friends.

Here is the press release pertaining to this CD and its companion book, ‘A Place to Belong:Out of Our Comfort Zone and Into God's Adventure’ by Lisa Troyer.

Every woman needs acceptance, love and a place to belong. That’s the underlying theme of the new music CD, A Place to Belong (Lifeway Worship) from singer/songwriter Lisa Troyer, president of Circle of Friends Ministries. Refreshingly authentic and dynamic, the companion worship CD to Troyer’s recently released book, A Place to Belong: Out of Our Comfort Zone and into God’s Adventure (Barbour Publishing), tenderly draws women into a place of true freedom and belonging in the very heart of God. In her book,Troyer shares her own journey to acceptance as well as the story of a group of dynamic “women helping women” who call themselves the Circle of Friends. Troyer encourages readers to form their own circle of friends, a safe place of truth and love where women can develop lasting relationships and discover together the purposes of God for their lives. Obviously noticeable in both the book and CD is Troyer’s passion to lead others into the bottomless love of God. This fierce desire compelled her to plunge deeply into the heart of the issues all women face, but most keep to themselves. With tendencies toward depression, anxiety attacks and an eating disorder, Troyer knows firsthand the bondage of secrecy and shame. “Living with a secret,” Troyer admits, “doesn’t make it go away. It doesn’t change your heart. As well hidden as your secret is, that is how deeply lonely you will be. I’ve been there. I know it’s true.” The newly released companion CD reinforces her book’s admonition that there is complete freedom and acceptance to be found in the Father. “This CD was birthed out of the knowledge that music is so often used by God to solidify a written and/or spoken message,” says Troyer. “Dawn Yoder and I have been blessed by the friendship and songwriting partnership God’s given us, and songs like ‘Let Us Bow Down,’ ‘Lifting My Praise Up’ and ‘I Found Grace’ (Circle of Friends theme song) are reflective of how, by finding a place to belong, we are inspired to share encouragement, while keeping our focusing on worshipping in ‘Spirit and in truth.’” A Place to Belong has the potential of changing the way women think about themselves, about others and about doing God’s work in this world. In both her book and worship CD, Troyer challenges women to connect to one another, comfort each other and affirm each other in using the gifts God has given them. Ultimately, A Place to Belong offers a healing dose of real hope that life can be rich, life can have purpose and no woman need ever be alone.

Here is Lisa Troyer performing one of the songs on the CD, ‘Your Love Endures:’

This song is indicative of the other 7 tracks on this CD in terms of tempo and style. This song was written by Susan Ashton, John Hartley, and Gary Sadler. I have been an admirer of Ms. Ashton since her debut release, ‘Wakened by the Wind,’ in 1991.

I enjoyed this CD. I can get a little riled up when I’m driving (….), so I will definitely keep it in my vehicle to help me focus on the Lord, not my fellow crazy drivers! Each song is soothing and ‘mellow’ and perfect to listen to at home or on the road.   

This CD was released by LifeWay Worship and provided for review purposes by the B&B Media Group.