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.
Runner
Twila Paris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Messenger noble, sent in His name
Faster and harder, run through the night
Desperate relay, carry the light, carry the light
Runner when the road is long
Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on
Oh runner, when the race is won
Obstacle ancient, chilling the way
Enemy wakened, stoking the fray
Still be determined, fearless and true
Lift high the standard, carry it through, carry it through
Runner when the road is long
Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on
Oh runner, when the race is won
You will run into His arms
Mindful of many waiting to run
Destined to finish, what you've begun
Millions before you cheering you on
Godspeed dear runner, carry it home, carry it home
Runner when the road is long
Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on
Oh runner, when the race is won
You will run into His arms
Runner when the road is long
Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on
Oh runner, when the race is won
You will run into His arms
The song "Runner" by Twila Paris is a motivational anthem for those who face struggles and adversity in life. The lyrics illustrate the image of a messenger, bearing a torch, rushing through obstacles and darkness to deliver a message of hope and light. This messenger runs with determination, steadfastness and courage, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
The song urges the listener to keep on running, to stay strong, and never give up, even when feelings of doubt and weariness set in. The chorus repeats the phrase "Runner when the road is long, feel like giving in, but you're hanging on, oh runner when the race is won, you will run into His arms", which conveys the message that the ultimate goal of the race is to reach the loving embrace of God.
The words of the song inspire and encourage the listener to keep on pushing through, to fight for what is right, and to never lose sight of the finish line. The metaphor of the runner is used to symbolize the struggles we face in life, but also the aspirations we have to overcome them and reach our full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
Courier valiant, bearing the flame
You are a brave and honorable messenger carrying the light of God's word.
Messenger noble, sent in His name
You are a trustworthy agent sent forth in the Lord's name.
Faster and harder, run through the night
The journey is hard and long, but persist and progress steadfastly even in the darkest of times.
Desperate relay, carry the light, carry the light
It is urgent that you relay the message, carry it on passionately, and never give up.
Obstacle ancient, chilling the way
There may be ancient obstacles discouraging you to move forward.
Enemy wakened, stoking the fray
The demon tries to shake your determination by creating strife around you.
Still be determined, fearless and true
Remain steadfast and faithful, and do not let fear conquer you.
Lift high the standard, carry it through, carry it through
Stand proud and elevate the standard of God's light to combat darkness; persist in the mission and conquer it.
Mindful of many waiting to run
Be conscious of the multitudes of people waiting to take up the torch from you.
Destined to finish, what you've begun
It's your destiny to finish what you started and reach the final goal.
Millions before you cheering you on
Know that millions of people have come before you and want you to succeed.
Godspeed dear runner, carry it home, carry it home
May God speed you along and guide you home so that you can complete your mission.
Runner when the road is long
Throughout the long and testing journey, always remember you are a runner.
Feel like giving in, but you're hanging on
Although feeling like giving up, carry on hanging on and persevering.
Oh runner, when the race is won
When you have triumphed the race, remember that you are still a runner and revel in this achievement.
You will run into His arms
Reunite with God in His embrace and celebrate your victory.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GIORGIO MORODER, TOM WHITLOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Colin Chisek
One of my favorite songs by Twila Paris. Still powerful after all these years. Really hits home.
Bob Marshall
Thanks, Claire! That's 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, by the way. My wife gave me a set of verses to use in the video, and that's the first passage she supplied, although I ended up not using that one in the video. It was nice to be able to help out my sister with her devotion. I've made lots of videos upon request by complete strangers all around the world, so it was different making one for someone as special as my sister.
dava ruby
nice
King Priest
This is one of my best and favourite song of all times. The video is fantastic. It reminds me of my purpose on earth...and never to give up no matter how tough it gets. The thought of running into his arms revives the fire. Jesus is for me.
Thank you Twila
Geoffrey Sonnen
One of my ultimate fave songs ever! Lifts up my heart! Praise to Y'shua!
Anthony Eugene
Beautiful song, wonderful editing. Jesus be praised!
Karen Hernandez
This was always my favorite songs!!!!!😀
Michelle McDougall
I used to sing this song in church all the time. Miss those days.
Irenee Shubert
Love it
jessica Dowsey
Amen... I love this song been listening to it since i was a little child i am 30 now. Twila paris has such a amazing voice. and this song just tells us not to give up because there is a Adrenaline telling us I dare you to keep going I dare you to keep coming because if God did it for you. You can do it for him