I've Got A Story - NEEDTOBREATHE and Tori Kelly

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About NEEDTOBREATHE, Tori Kelly, Tori Kelly

NEEDTOBREATHE are a South Carolina rock band led by brothers Bear and (formerly) Bo Rinehart, active since the late 1990s, known for crossover rock hits and a long string of GMA Dove Awards. Tori Kelly is an American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence via YouTube and American Idol, later releasing the Grammy-winning gospel album Hiding Place with Kirk Franklin, alongside her mainstream pop/R&B career. Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter who rose to fame via YouTube and American Idol, known for pop hits before releasing the gospel album Hiding Place with Kirk Franklin in 2018.

Faith journey and beliefs

Band members are Christians whose songs often carry spiritual undertones, though they resist being labelled strictly a "Christian band," saying that framing can create barriers with non-believing listeners. Kelly has publicly identified her Christian faith as central to who she is, describing in an "I Am Second" testimony how her identity is grounded in God rather than career validation, though she says she doesn't consider herself part of the Christian music genre specifically. Describes herself as a practicing Christian for whom faith is part of her identity 'in my childhood growing up' and beyond; has shared her faith story through the I Am Second film series and gospel album collaborations.

What this song is about

NEEDTOBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart, who wrote "I've Got A Story," has said he has always felt connected to the biblical story of King David, explaining, "I could always see myself in his story. Sometimes beauty and brokenness can exist in the same place... the song is really my story." Tori Kelly, who features on the track, has described it as "a song about struggle, perseverance, reflection, and triumph," adding, "I hope this song finds anyone who listens to it in a moment when they need it most, whether they're going through a painful time or a moment of victory."

Sources

This sits in the Music collection on Face of Faith, films, documentaries, music and books that shaped one person's journey into Christianity. If it lands with you, explore real testimonies, bite-sized faith snippets and why Christianity.

Reflection

Everyone is carrying a story, and often the most important parts are the ones we are tempted to hide: the failures, the detours, the years that did not go to plan. Scripture never shies away from messy stories. David, Rahab, Peter and Paul all had chapters they might have preferred to skip, yet those very chapters became part of how God's grace was displayed. 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,' Paul writes in Romans 8:28, not as a promise that everything is pleasant, but that nothing is wasted. A song built around personal testimony taps into something deeply biblical: the idea that our lives are not random accidents but narratives with meaning, watched over and woven together by a faithful God. Sharing our story, imperfect as it is, can be an act of worship and a gift to someone else walking a similar road, reminding them they are not alone in whatever chapter they are living now.

Questions to sit with

Which part of your own story have you been most reluctant to share?
How has God used a difficult chapter of your life for good?
Who might need to hear your story right now?

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