Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didnโt even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation - โIndescribable.โ The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God. Story had no idea her life would be used for such a purpose. Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in January 2008, Story is still learning that Godโs plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.
So how did a string bassist from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University.
โI was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,โ Story recalls. โHe said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band โ it had never even crossed my mind.โ The band was Silers Bald, who would later become a popular indie pop-rock band in the Southeast. The young man she met was vocalist Shane Williams, and by the time theyโd made it through the registration line, Story was their newest female member.
Story started out playing string bass, graduated to electric bass, and then took a stab at vocals when the original female vocalist left. Completely out of her comfort zone but willing to trust God with her newfound vocal ability, she even tried her hand at songwriting, and their fans desired more. โThe Lord taught me that itโs not necessarily what I think my strengths are. Thatโs not how He determines what Heโs going to use,โ says Story.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. โI knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,โ says Story. They amicably parted ways and Story ended up touring with folk-rock artist Andrew Peterson that spring. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own: โWhy would I do that?โ she answered. โThat would mean Iโd have to sing on it!โ Besides, she was out of money and didnโt have enough songs for a full record.
But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album with producer Stephen Gause and trusted that the last song she needed to round out the album would be provided. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, โIndescribableโฆuncontainableโฆYou placed the stars in the sky and You know them by nameโฆโ. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading Godโs own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. And considering the road Story had traveled to get to this place, โIndescribableโ was the perfect title track.
What brought โIndescribableโ into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmonโs Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Storyโs from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use โIndescribableโ as his first single, Story was shocked. โI remember saying, โThat song will never work for corporate worship. Thereโs no way congregations are going to sing that!โ But itโs humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldnโt find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.โ
โIndescribableโ flew up the AC charts where it stayed 1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlinโs 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but even with millions of people now familiar with her words, Story takes no more credit for writing them than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. โI always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I donโt know if Iโll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - Iโm just the first person who gets to hear them.โ
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and womenโs pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Storyโs life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of Godโs sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Storyโs husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
โThere was a time he was on a breathing machine and we werenโt sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, โโTis so sweet to trust in Jesus,โ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didnโt really know that sweetness,โ reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story has composed new songs with meaty, real substance that have ministered to her as much as they will minister to her listeners.
โItโs hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, thatโs when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though Iโve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. Heโs remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.โ
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and itโs not a job sheโs giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into othersโ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
โMine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next personโs, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form.โ
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, itโs exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bendโฆ
Perfect Peace
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep your eyes on me
Though this life is hard
I will give you perfect peace
In this time of trial
Pain that no one sees
Trust me when I say
And you'll never walk alone
And you'll never be in need
Though I may not calm the storms around you
You can hide in me
Burdens that you bear
Offer no relief
Let me bear your load
'Cause I will give you perfect peace
Stay close by my side
And you'll never walk alone
Keep your eyes on me
And you'll never be in need
Though this life is hard
Know that I will always give you perfect peace
I will give you perfect peace
The lyrics of Laura Story's "Perfect Peace" are a promise of comfort and reassurance. The song begins with a plea to the divine to remain by the singer's side and to always be mindful of them. In an imperfect and often painful life, the singer promises to provide a sense of perfect peace that can be achieved by trusting in a higher power. The song speaks to the struggles one may face, the pain that is often invisible to others, and the overwhelming burden that may weigh heavy on an individual's shoulders.
The song's chorus highlights the assurance that one will never be alone or in need as they navigate the stormy seas of life. Although the storm cannot be calmed, the singer emphasizes the refuge that can be discovered in this divine relationship by hiding in them. The lyrics conclude with the promise to bear one's load and offer perfect peace in return.
The song serves as a reminder that despite the difficulties of life, we can trust in something greater than ourselves. The message is universal and can be applied in various situations like sickness, grief, and emotional turmoil. The song's lyrics speak to the need for peace and comfort in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay close by my side
Stay with me and trust me.
Keep your eyes on me
Focus on me and my love.
Though this life is hard
Even when life is tough and challenging.
I will give you perfect peace
I will give you the peace that surpasses understanding.
In this time of trial
During these difficult times.
Pain that no one sees
The pain that is buried deep inside.
Trust me when I say
Believe in me and my love for you.
And you'll never walk alone
You will always have me by your side.
And you'll never be in need
I will always provide for you.
Though I may not calm the storms around you
I may not fix the problems that surround you.
You can hide in me
You can find comfort and safety in me.
Burdens that you bear
The struggles that you carry with you.
Offer no relief
They don't provide any comfort.
Let me bear your load
Let me carry your burdens for you.
'Cause I will give you perfect peace
This is because I will provide you with the peace that surpasses understanding.
Know that I will always give you perfect peace
Rest assured that I will always provide you with the peace that surpasses understanding.
Stay close by my side
Stay with me and trust me.
And you'll never walk alone
You will always have me by your side.
Keep your eyes on me
Focus on me and my love.
And you'll never be in need
I will always provide for you.
Though this life is hard
Even when life is tough and challenging.
I will give you perfect peace
I will give you the peace that surpasses understanding.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAURA MIXON STORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vale Andree
LYRICS
Stay close by my side
Keep your eyes on me
Though this life is hard
I wlil give you perfect peace
In this time of trial
Pain that noone sees
Trust me when i say
I will give you perfect peace
And youll never walk alone
And youll never be in need
Though i may not calm the storms around you
You can hide in me
Burdens that you bear
Offer no relief
Let me bear your load
Cause i will give you perfect
Stay close by my sid
And youll never walk alone
Keep your eyes on me
And you will never be in need
Though this life is hard
Know that i will always give you perfect peace
I will give you perfect peace
Zy Rogan
I hope that whoever reads this, finds healing, love and peace in the words of God. You are loved. ๐๐๐
Maestraako
Amen ๐๐ป
Thank you
Jane Villacampa
Thank you
Jayboy Klahang
Amen
Gracie Story
Thank you, I pray the same for you.
fiona pf
Amen , thank you
S Green
This isn't the song I was looking for but I believe the Holy Spirit led me to it. Thank you for posting. Selah.
Edlene Quisora
Jesus Christ, In your arms I find peace, security and love. Thank You! Even though sometimes I lack faith but in the end you never fail to make me realize that you are alive in my heart.
Hannah H
Amen sister!
Jeremiah Aneji
Amen