Reply by Katie's Dad in Nashville, TN @ 23:35 on Apr 23 2008

Hi concerned CCM Fan... I just wanted to respond to your question about why Katie decided to record the song "Anyway". We were driving home from a concert in Illinois, and Katie heard that song on the radio. She immediately began to cry because she felt the song mirrored her life and testimony. She has dreamed a dream that felt out of reach, she has sung songs of praise to God that fell on deaf ears, she has prayed out of obedience, not knowing the outcome. She felt God speaking to her through that song, and knew that if He could speak to her that way, He would speak to others as well. She felt God telling her to bring this song to His people, and she was obedient.

The difference between her singing Anyway, and Carrie Underwood singing "Jesus Take the Wheel" is that Katie has made a stand for Jesus and has indentified herself as a CCM artist. Carrie is a mainstream artist who's never chosen to proclaim her faith in her music, or take a public stand as a Christain. Though I do believe you can be a mainstream artist, and also be a genuine believer.

"Anyway" became Katie's highest charting song on Christian radio, not because it was a "cover" tune, but because people connected to the lyric, and felt the Holy Spirit speaking to them when they listened.

I hope this helps you understand. God bless.

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Reply by shelly c in Chicago, IL @ 14:02 on Jul 15 2009

I heard Katie a couple years ago in concert and through her testimony found her to be a nice and sensitive young woman. She sings with strong emotion however it did appear at that time though she shared about struggles with weight and body acceptance it was evident that she was not truly happy with where she was -most people that have long term weight struggle have deeper issues - often times it related to acceptance and issues of disappointing those you love. If Katie's parents have been closely involved in her music career it might be time for them to release some control and let her walk, stumble at times and gain strength on her own - they may want to be a part of her success but often times this could mean being a support but not actively involved. There is no blaming here but rarely is a person able to work freely with their parents in the entertainment industry the same as a non-relative. For some reason her father has expressed his opinion with every posting especially ones that he feels are not as supportive and somehow brings it back to the writer. If this is posted and he replies - the answer is "Yes" I know what it is like to struggle with weight and "Yes" I do know what it is like to have a child in the music industry - we let ours go after a short time of involvement and she is doing well and very happy. Continued success to Katie and may she slowly step out on her own and see all that God has for her.

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Reply by Marc Giguere in Nashville @ 23:19 on Apr 23 2008

Jean:

I'm not sure why you feel so compelled to push this theory of yours that Katie cannot possibly be a well-balanced, positive young Christian woman if I (her father) am involved in her career, but I encourage you to email her directly and ask her whatever question you feel would put your mind at ease. Do you have a child who has gone astray? If so, my prayers are with you, but thankfully, Katie continues to be a well-adjusted grounded you lady who makes all of us proud. You can reach her directly at ecmgroupnashville@yahoo.com Blessings to you.

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Reply by Jean Gering in Hackensack, NJ @ 00:17 on Sep 14 2007

Every family hopes their child will not follow in the unfortunate path as some of the music artists/actors in the spotlight - whether it be the of drugs, alcohol, food, sex and other indulgences - sometimes the families do not notice their contribution as they are too close to the situation but others should try to alert them and the family should be open to what is said.

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