Shelly E. Johnson Reveals How the Tragic Death of a 17-Month-Old Girl Inspired Her New Song

Lifeway Worship's 2012 Songwriter of the Year and nationally known worship leader Shelly E. Johnson releases the heart-wrenching ballad "Heaven Is Too Far Away." In October 2021, some friends of Johnson's experienced the sudden loss of their 17-month old baby girl through a tragic car accident. Their story rocked her to her core because their precious daughter was the same age as Johnson's son, Brooks.

In January 2022, God gave Johnson this song, inspired by their experience. It has brought comfort to this grieving family, and Johnson's prayer is that it can now bring comfort to countless other families who have walked a similar road of suffering and heartbreak. 

Known for writing the powerful worship anthem "Power of the Cross", which has been recorded by Natalie Grant, Steve Green and is being used in churches worldwide, Johnson has served as worship leader alongside Beth Moore, Tony Nolan and Andy Stanley, and has toured North America with renowned Irish hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty.

After graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007, Johnson's songs began garnering attention by the Christian music industry, as "Power of the Cross" was awarded Song of the Year by the Gospel Music Association at the 2008 Music In The Rockies Conference.

Johnson's first independent album, "Mosaic of Grace," was released in 2009, which led the singer/songwriter to sign her first publishing and recording deal with LifeWay Worship in February 2011. In August 2012, her debut EP, "Power of the Cross," was released in partnership with Maranatha! Music, with the lead off single "All Things Beautiful" impacting Christian radio formats.

As God continued opening more doors nationwide for Johnson to minister through her music, her full-length worship album "Your Kingdom Come" was released worldwide in September 2014 in partnership with LifeWay Worship and Elevate Entertainment. Less than two years later, in January 2016, Johnson followed up that release with "Measureless", a five-song EP featuring solid new anthems and modern hymns for the Church.

For more information about Johnson, visit shellyejohnson.com. Like on Facebook at facebook.com/ShellyEJohnson. Follow on Twitter and Instagram @shellyejohnson.

 

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