Brief Biography
Karen Clark Sheard was born the youngest of six children born to Pastor Elbert Clark and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, a pioneering gospel choral director. Clark-Sheard is best known for being a member of iconic gospel group The Clark Sisters.
Karen's involvement in the Island Inspirational All Stars' "Don't Give Up" in 1996 (along with Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, and Kirk Franklin) led to her signing with Island Records.[1] Her solo career began with the release of her debut album Finally Karen in 1997. The album, consisting of half studio recordings and half live recordings, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album in 1998. The set did however win the Lady Of Soul award for Best Gospel Album the same year.[2]
After Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard became the 2nd gospel artist to sign to Elektra Records. She released her Elektra debut album 2nd Chance in 2002 led off by the single "Be Sure". Though Clark-Sheard was in excellent form vocally, the slick, progressive sound of the disc was not received well. The 2003 followup The Heavens Are Telling fared well, but came at an awkward time when Elektra Records was being dissolved into Atlantic Records. In 2005, after a bidding war with several labels, Karen Clark Sheard finally signed with Word Records and issued It's Not Over, the following year.
Singers Mariah Carey, Faith Evans and Beyoncé all count Karen Clark-Sheard as one of their greatest vocal influences.[3]
Personal life
On June 16, 1984, Karen Clark-Sheard wed John Drew Sheard, a minister. Her husband is senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit. Together they have 2 children: Kierra, who is also a gospel recording artist, and John Drew Sheard II, a young musician and up-and-coming producer.
In 2001, Clark-Sheard was faced with a life-threatening crisis when a blood vessel burst during a scheduled hernia surgery. Her doctors only gave her a 2% chance of survival due to her complications. After the blood clot was surgically removed, Clark-Sheard fell into a coma. The coma lasted three and a half weeks[4], but Clark-Sheard made a miraculous [5][6]recovery and recorded her sophomore album, 2nd Chance (named so because of the "second chance" given to her by God) [7], in 2002. Clark-Sheard's near-death experience is referenced in her daughter Kierra's song "You Don't Know".
Voice
* 1st Soprano
Highest Note
* Eb6 in "Name it and Claim it" (Gospel, motion picture, 1982) and "Livin'" ("You Showed Me" was a C6 natural)
Lowest Note
* G3 in "So Good" and "Its Not Over" (version from album of same title)
We Are Not Ashamed
Karen Clark Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We are not ashamed of the gospel
Of Jesus Christ
For it is Gods power of salvation
It to everyone
To everyone that believes it
And its to everyone
To everyone that receives it
We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
For it is Gods power of salvation
And its to everyone
To everyone that believes it
Oh to everyone
To everyone that receives
Oh we shall have everlasting life
Gods word
Gods word is a light unto mu path way
His word
His word is a lamp unto my feet
Gods word
Gods word is guaranteed to set the free(set the captive free)
Give eternally
God word
His word is healing for every nation
His word
Gods word is power unto salvation
Gods word
Gods word all came all the way from glory
Sat the captive free made the blind to see
Oh we are not ashamed
We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Oh we have everlasting life
We are not ashamed
We are not ashamed
We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Of we have everlasting life
Oh we are not ashamed
We are not ashamed
Of the gospel of Jesus Christ ye ye ye ye ye
Oh we have everlasting life
Ye ye ye ye ye
We we we are not ashamed
We are not ashamed
We are not ashamed of the gospel ye ye ye of Jesus Christ
For we have everlasting life
The chorus of Karen Clark Sheard's song, We Are Not Ashamed, asserts a belief in the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The first line of the chorus repeats the title of the song, and the second line emphasizes the idea that the gospel is God's salvation. The chorus then states that the gospel is available to everyone who believes and receives it, and that through it, people can have everlasting life. Karen Clark Sheard's song asserts a boldness and pride in the gospel, declaring that the message is a light to the path and a lamp to the feet. It states that through God's word, captives can be set free, the blind can see, and healing can be found for every nation. The repetitive listing of the power of the gospel emphasizes the importance of the message, and highlights the message that the singer is not ashamed to proclaim it.
The song provides a powerful message for Christians who may feel shamed or intimidated by vocalizing their beliefs in the modern world. The lyrics assert that it is essential to be resolute in faith and that believers should not feel ashamed of their beliefs. The gospel is portrayed as a positive force, helping people find freedom, healing, and salvation. The message encourages people to have confidence in their faith, stating that their beliefs can lead to an eternal and fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
We are not ashamed of the gospel
We proudly and confidently proclaim our faith in Jesus and His gospel.
Of Jesus Christ
Specifically, we are not ashamed to confess our belief in Jesus as the Messiah.
For it is Gods power of salvation
The gospel represents God's mighty saving power which can redeem and transform lives.
It to everyone
This power of salvation is available to people of all nations, cultures, and backgrounds.
To everyone that believes it
However, this salvation can only be experienced and received by those who have faith and trust in Jesus.
And its to everyone
Again, this salvation is not just available to a select few, but is offered generously to all people.
To everyone that receives it
All who receive and accept this gift of salvation with open hearts will be forgiven and saved.
We shall hath everlasting life
As believers in Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven after we leave this earth.
Gods word is a light unto my pathway
The Bible is a source of divine guidance and direction for our lives, helping us navigate through the challenges of life.
His word is a lamp unto my feet
Like a lamp shining on a path, the Bible illuminates our steps and helps us avoid stumbling and falling.
Gods word is guaranteed to set the free
The Bible contains the truth that can break chains of sin and bondage, setting us free from guilt and shame.
Give eternally
The truth and promises of God's word lasts forever and never fades away.
Gods word is healing for every nation
The Bible contains healing power for people all around the world, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.
Gods word is power unto salvation
The Bible not only informs us about salvation, but its message has the power to actually bring about salvation in people's lives.
Gods word all came all the way from glory
The Bible originated from God Himself and is a holy and divine revelation.
Sat the captive free made the blind to see
The Bible is full of accounts of God's power to release people from bondage and bring sight to the blind.
We have everlasting life
As believers, our salvation is secure and we have the hope of eternity with Jesus.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: ANDRAE CROUCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Royce Mosley
Erica's instrument has such a soothing timbre. ❤
Ben Gillis
Wonderful song Karen. I am definitely not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We shall definitely have everlasting life’s. Love you and God bless you 🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️
bayBabe1
Karen Clark-Sheard's voice is amazing. It just does something to me. Great song.
R Benito
This song just gives me the chills!!!
Stevoy
This is one of the greatest collaborations I've heard in a while.
Shirley Parker
This message never ceases to be permanent!!!
Ms. Gracefully Broken
Mrs. Karen & Mary Mary..what can you say..except..3 powerhouses on one song..equals GREATNESS
Charlene Newbill
This song is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! I remember when my choir sang this, we ended up having a praise break afterward. WE are NOT ASHAMED of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!!!!
FGORING
I love this song. It's so powerful and timeless.
mr. stephall
This song really has a deeper meaning now that Andrae Crouch has passed. Karen and Mary Mary should sing this at his memorial service.