Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn’t 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 - “Indescribable.” 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 God’s 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.
“I was a YoungLife leader, and I saw another guy in line wearing a YoungLife t-shirt,” Story recalls. “He said he was in a band and asked me if I wanted to come play with them. I had never played in a band – it had never even crossed my mind.” 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 they’d 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. “The Lord taught me that it’s not necessarily what I think my strengths are. That’s not how He determines what He’s going to use,” 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. “I knew the Lord was telling me it was time for something new, and I needed to be in or out,” 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: “Why would I do that?” she answered. “That would mean I’d have to sing on it!” Besides, she was out of money and didn’t 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, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God’s 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, “Indescribable” was the perfect title track.
What brought “Indescribable” 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 (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”
“Indescribable” 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, Tomlin’s 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. “I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don’t know if I’ll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His - I’m just the first person who gets to hear them.”
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 women’s pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.
Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story’s life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty, but also serve as fodder for the songs on her new record. After one year of marriage, Story’s husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.
“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness,” 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.
“It’s 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, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.”
On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it’s not a job she’s giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others’ lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.
“Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person’s, 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.”
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it’s exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend…
This Is the Day
Laura Story Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By the power of Christ, the truth in my life
I can't explain the difference He's made
Old things have gone, something new has begun
This is the day of my salvation
I will rejoice with a song of praise
This is the day of my salvation
I'm not the same, I have been changed
The hope that I've found has turned me around
I finally feel forgiveness that's real
This thankful heart gets a brand new start, yeah
This is the day of my salvation
I will rejoice with a song of praise
This is the day of my salvation
I will rejoice in Christ, my salvation
Come, let us be glad, come, let us rejoice
Come, let us be glad, come, let us rejoice
Come, let us be glad, come, let us rejoice
And come, let us be glad, and come, let us rejoice, yeah
This is the day of my salvation
I will rejoice with a song of praise
This is the day of my salvation
I will rejoice in Christ, my salvation
Laura Story's "This Is the Day" is about experiencing the transformative power of Christ and how it changes a person's life for the better. The songwriter emphasizes that the power of Christ changed her and made her different from who she was before. She finds it difficult to explain the magnitude of the difference Christ has brought to her life. She has experienced salvation, and as a result, she rejoices with a song of praise. The song takes a shift as the songwriter expresses how she has turned around, and the hope that she has found. She finally feels a forgiveness that is real, and her thankful heart gets a brand new start. The joy of experiencing salvation is contagious, and the songwriter invites everyone to join her in being glad and rejoicing together.
In essence, the song is a testimony of the songwriter's faith and journey towards salvation. The writer expresses how Christ has transformed her life, and she now finds hope, forgiveness, and joy in him. It's a powerful message of encouragement and inspiration that gives hope to believers struggling with their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not the same, I have been changed
With the power of Christ and truth that He provides, my very being and essence has permanently transformed.
By the power of Christ, the truth in my life
Through the help of Christ's unwavering guidance and presence within my life, my very soul has changed.
I can't explain the difference He's made
Although I cannot quite articulate the significant differences in my life that Christ has brought, the changes are profoundly noticeable.
Old things have gone, something new has begun
My past actions, behaviors, and patterns of thought have been replaced with a newfound wholesome mentality and lifestyle that is completely fresh and new.
This is the day of my salvation
This very day marks the beginning of my journey with salvation and the immense grace of Christ.
I will rejoice with a song of praise
With overwhelming gratitude and elation, I will sing out praises towards Christ for saving me.
The hope that I've found has turned me around
Discovering the hope that Christ provides has completely altered and improved the direction of my life.
I finally feel forgiveness that's real
The weight of my past mistakes and shortcomings has been lifted as Christ has shown me true forgiveness and grace.
This thankful heart gets a brand new start, yeah
A heart overflowing with gratitude for God's blessings has been given an entirely fresh start at life, leaving the past behind and moving forward with purpose and passion.
Come, let us be glad, come, let us rejoice
Let us join together in cheer and jubilation in celebration of the wondrous works of Christ.
And come, let us be glad, and come, let us rejoice, yeah
Once again, let us join together in happy celebration of Christ's love and grace.
I will rejoice in Christ, my salvation
My ultimate source of joy and elation is with Christ's immense love and grace, which have saved me from my past and given me a bright future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: ALLISON CHRISTIE FAGERSTEDT, LAURA MIXON STORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Isabelle Lourenco
I will rejoice in Christ and am already a Christian. My heart has changed. My heart is more thankful and forgiving. I sing God’s praises.
Teressa-Christy D. Bennetths
Laura, I really enjoy your songs. And I know by heart some of them. I'm just learning to sing with you.
God bless...!
freakundude
I dont really listen to alot of religious music but I absolutely love this tune and Laura's voice! :)
Insideoutswimmer
This is the day of my salvation. Today is my spirtual birthday. Five years of beauty with Christ now. June 11th <3
Esther R
i got my holy spirit on april 2 and im only 12 im so glad i recieved it. because i am not the same. i have changed (: my sister also got it but before me...and GOD has answered her prayers...she is now going to preach for the very first time to a youth at our church..
Cheryl Williams
Love all your songs very good and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Mary Say
Amen!!
Donna Bergeton
laura story is an awesome singer
dkich34
Amen!
Jennimina Kim
i love you god,please show us that you are truly there with us forever until the day we go back to the dust in which we were made...