As of 2006, she has released nineteen albums. Thirty-two of her singles have reached the Number 1 position on Christian radio national airplay charts. These include "He Is Exalted", "God Is In Control", "We Bow Down" and "The Warrior Is A Child". She has received five GMA Dove Awards, and three American Songwriter Awards.
Some of Paris' songs have been included in the hymnals by a variety of churches including the United Methodist church and various Charismatic churches. In recent years, Paris has focused on recording new versions of some of her worship standards and writing new praise and worship music in contrast to contemporary Christian pop songs that she released the latter 1990s.
Her uncle, Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With A Mission, while her family started Ecclesia College in Elm Springs, Arkansas, where her brother Oren Paris III is president and father Oren Paris II is chancellor. Paris herself studied theology and sacred music, though she has claimed to have placed little emphasis in her formal studies on composition or songwriting. Beyond songwriting, she is the author of four books, three of which focus on contemporary Christian theology.
She and her husband Jack Wright have one child, Jack Paris Wright, born April 29, 2001.
Although widely associated for much of her career with Star Song Records, EMI switched her over to the Sparrow label in 1996, before her contract ended after 2003. In 2005, she switched to Michael Coleman's INO label.
Center of Your Will
Twila Paris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dealing with this clay,
I've been known to compromise,
You have seen me turn away
Though I am distracted by a temporary thrill
I could never live outside the center of Your will.
Resolutions broken, promises unkept.
Like a father while You wept
I've been on the edge before, and I have felt the chill
But I could never live outside the center of Your will.
(Bridge)
Keep me in the center-
In the center of Your will
Center of Your will
(repeat/echo/harmony)
I am bought and chosen, servant to the throne
Following a higher call, for my life is not my own.
Though I sometimes fear this place, and find it hard to fill
I could never live outside the center of Your will
The song "Center Of Your Will" by Twila Paris is a testament of faith and the struggle to continuously stay aligned with God's plan. The lyrics speak of the challenges the singer faces in living a life with God at the forefront, acknowledging her times of weakness and distraction, yet still determined to remain in the center of God's will. The "temple" and "clay" metaphor suggests living in a human body and dealing with human nature, which at times can lead to compromise and turning away from God. However, the singer recognizes that living a life without God's will is never an option as she feels incomplete, lost, and restless.
The lyrics go on to highlight the singer's journey of faith, where she has broken resolutions and unkept promises yet is amazed at God's unwavering love, described as holding her "faithless heart like a father while You wept." Nevertheless, the singer acknowledges the fear that at times can arise, a fear that arises from a place of not feeling worthy enough, questioning one's purpose or call, and not being confident in their abilities. The bridge echoes the song's title, emphasizing God's place at the center of the singer's life and her desire to remain there.
Line by Line Meaning
Living in this temple,
Existing within the confines of my physical body,
Dealing with this clay,
Navigating life's challenges and struggles,
I've been known to compromise,
I have given in to temptation and made mistakes,
You have seen me turn away
You, God, have witnessed me losing sight of your teachings and straying from your path,
Though I am distracted by a temporary thrill
Even when I get tempted by short-lived excitement,
I could never live outside the center of Your will.
I know that I cannot live a fulfilling life outside of your plan for me.
Resolutions broken, promises unkept.
I have failed to keep my commitments and break my vows to you,
You have held my faithless heart
You have comforted me and guided me back to your light even when I lacked faith,
Like a father while You wept
You have shown me love and care even when I disappointed you
I've been on the edge before, and I have felt the chill
I have been close to straying from your path and I have felt the fear of living without your guidance.
But I could never live outside the center of Your will.
I know that my ultimate purpose and happiness is found in following your plan.
Keep me in the center-
Please keep me close to you and within your will,
In the center of Your will
May my life be aligned with your plan,
Center of Your will
May your will be at the forefront of my thoughts and actions.
I am bought and chosen, servant to the throne
I am your faithful follower and devoted servant,
Following a higher call, for my life is not my own.
My life is guided by a higher purpose beyond my individual desires.
Though I sometimes fear this place, and find it hard to fill
Even when I find it difficult to live up to your expectations,
I could never live outside the center of Your will.
I know that my greatest fulfillment is achieved when living within your plan.
Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.