Rebecca was born in Sydney, Australia, to David and Helen Smallbone. She is the oldest of seven children, and currently lives in Los Angeles with Jacob. Rebecca took the name St. James from her grandmother, as it was her maiden name. Her album ‘’God’’ was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995. Also, ‘’Pray ‘’ was certified Gold by the RIAA on the last week of September 1999.
Rebecca's musical career began in 1990 at age 13 when she began opening shows for CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) artist Carman during his Australian tour which was promoted by her father's company, David Smallbone Promotions. That same year she recorded her first album, Refresh My Heart. In 1991 she moved to the United States upon signing with ForeFront Records, and took her stage name at the label's request.
In 1999 Rebecca received a Grammy Award for her album ''Pray'' in the Best Rock Gospel Album category. Rebecca is the eighth Australian artist or group to win a Grammy Award.
In 2003 she played the part of Maggie (Mary Magdalene) in the !HERO rock opera.
Rebecca is an open supporter of teenage sexual abstinence, and has become an unofficial spokesperson for True Love Waits. The single "Wait for Me", from her 2000 album Transform, encourages waiting to have sex until after marriage. Later that year it also became the title and focus of a 46-city tour. James wrote the song herself on a tour bus, and it became instantly popular. The song was also used on the TV program The O.C. Rebecca's first book, titled Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance, was published in 2002 and further addressed the issue.
In November of 2005, Rebecca released her highly anticipated album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something. After not putting out a new pop/rock album since 2000, this album combines Rebecca's overall versatility in vocal and song writing to the finest degree.
Rebecca sang a song on the 2005 soundtrack, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia called "Lion" for which she won a Dove Award.
A Special Edition of If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something was released in November 2006 and included two acoustic tracks and other special features.
In 2007. Rebecca released her live CD\DVD aLIVE In Florida featuring some of her No. 1 hits as well as fan favorites.
In 2008, two compilation albums, The Ultimate Collection (Double Disc) and Greatest Hits featuring some of her biggest hits were released. The same year she also released a new book called Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit which broke into Top 10 at #9 on the CBA bestseller's list in Feb 2009. Pure is also nominated among the Top 3 books of 2009 for the youth/teen market.
The September 09' release of Loved, (Hachette/Faithwords) and the fall national film release of Sarah’s Choice capped 2009 as one of Rebecca’s most creatively diverse years.
Here I Am
Rebecca St. James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now what will we answer? Will we go and do as he says?
All that he wants is a heart, ready, willing and waiting
Here I am
I surrender my life to the use of your plan
Here I am
I will do as you say I will go where you send
Jesus commanded us "Go and tell the good news"
For the harvest is many but the workers are so few
All that he wants is a heart, believing, serving and loving him
Here I am
I surrender my life to the use of your plan
Here I am
I will do as you say I will go where you send
Lord I give myself to you, my God I trust you
Lord, tell me your ways, show me how to live
Guide me in your truth and teach me my God, my Savior
Here I am
I surrender my life to the use of your plan
Here I am
I will do as you say I will go where you send
The song "Here I Am" by Rebecca St. James is a deeply spiritual and inspirational piece that speaks to the idea of surrendering one's life to God's plan. The lyrics begin with God asking the question, "Whom shall I send?" and challenging the listener to answer whether they are willing to do as He asks. The response from the singer is one of complete surrender, as she sings, "Here I am, I surrender my life to the use of your plan," expressing her willingness to follow God's will no matter where it may lead.
The song then goes on to reference Jesus' commandment to "Go and tell the good news" and how there is a great need for workers to help with the harvest. The singer once again expresses her readiness to serve, stating, "I will do as you say I will go where you send." The final verses of the song invoke a sense of trust and faith in God, with the singer asking for guidance and teaching as she surrenders her life to His will.
Overall, the message of "Here I Am" is one of complete surrender and devotion to God's plan. It is a reminder that we are called to serve and spread the good news, and that through trust and faith in God, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
God asks the question, "Whom shall I send?"
God is seeking someone who will obey His commands.
Now what will we answer? Will we go and do as he says?
God is waiting for our response as to whether we will follow His instructions.
All that he wants is a heart, ready, willing and waiting
God desires a receptive heart that is prepared and eager to follow Him.
Here I am
I am present and available to follow God's will.
I surrender my life to the use of your plan
I give up my own desires and submit to God's purpose and plan for my life.
I will do as you say I will go where you send
I am committed to obeying God's commands and going wherever He leads me.
Jesus commanded us "Go and tell the good news"
Jesus has instructed us to share the gospel message with others.
For the harvest is many but the workers are so few
There is a great need for laborers in the spiritual harvest of souls.
All that he wants is a heart, believing, serving and loving him
God desires a heart that trusts in Him, serves Him, and loves Him above all else.
Lord I give myself to you, my God I trust you
I offer myself completely to God and place my faith and confidence in Him.
Lord, tell me your ways, show me how to live
I seek guidance and direction from God on how to live my life in accordance with His will.
Guide me in your truth and teach me my God, my Savior
I ask God to lead me in His truth and to instruct me as my Savior and Lord.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ERIC CHAMPION, BILL DEATON, REBECCA ST. JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind