“They say that slow and steady wins the race, and I guess maybe I am an example of that! Honestly, it is when I learned to hold my dreams loosely, when my selfish ambition turned in to a deeper spiritual pursuit of Christ, and when my desire for success became less, God began blessing me with success like never before. When I stopped trying so hard, things happened a lot easier.”
This honesty comes courtesy of a two-time reigning GMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” and a successful recording artist, Natalie Grant. But she’ll tell you that it’s not record sales or Dove Awards that define her. These days, her life is aimed more at shining a light on the injustices of the world and giving a voice to the helpless victims of human trafficking.
After learning about the horrors of modern-day slavery, Natalie decided to take action; and in 2005 she founded The Home Foundation, an organization that seeks to educate others and help abolish human trafficking.
“Starting The Home Foundation has been one of the more significant things of my life,” says Natalie. “It influences every aspect of my life… The awareness of these precious victims of trafficking has inspired me to be all the more real and raw and honest. I am so sick of this candy-coated ‘Jesus message’ that the American church has been selling for so long. Jesus didn’t call us to live comfortable, suburban lives. He was radical… I pray that I will follow His example and do whatever I can for the least of these.”
Nowhere is the fruit of her obedience more evident than through her work with The Home Foundation. Not only has the organization helped to build orphanages for rescued victims, but it has also partnered with multiple organizations such as World Vision and the International Justice Mission to educate communities, build shelters and provide medical assistance. The Home Foundation is also working with the Department of Health and Human Services to set up local coalitions across the country. In addition, this year three college students will be the first to participate in an internship program sponsored by Grant’s foundation. The students will travel to India for 10 weeks to directly work with trafficking victims. “I am only one,” says Natalie, “and while I do believe that one can change the world, if I can get college students to devote their lives to this fight, we’ll change the world that much faster.”
Her passion to change the world can’t help but spill over into her music. Her brand-new album, Relentless (releasing Feb. 12 on Curb Records), is filled with honest lyrics and raw, edgy hooks, evidenced by the first single, “In Better Hands.” A portion of the proceeds from all pre-orders of Relentless through Family Christian Stores will go to The Home Foundation. Furthermore, Natalie intends to continue to use her platform to encourage others to do something about human trafficking.