Main Review
You ever played that game? You know, the one where you let yourself fall and have to trust a total stranger to catch you?
Ginny Owens lives that every day. Blind from a young age, she’s had to trust God with where she literally places her foot
down, every step of the way. And you think ordinary faith is hard to do? Let me just say I seriously admire her for that. Get
In, I'm Driving, her latest album, evidences in the bold spirit of faith necessary to live no matter what the challenges.
The title track has a little gospel background flavour as Ginny describes making peace with her limitations. When we try to
do God's job, we just wind up wiping out. It's only when we give Him the driver's seat that we can stop worrying. "Mystery of
Grace" lovingly encourages someone to accept what God has done for them and open the door to new possibilities. Next,
"Before You Fly" is an upbeat tune born out of a tough season for Ginny. It reminds us that giving up is not the answer.
Rather, we should keep on fighting as long as there's life in us. "Rain", a piano-driven song, is also angst-ridden but
weaved through with the hope that the hard season won't last forever.
"Joined At The Heart" is not just another adoption song; the tender love is evident in the lyrics, co-written by friends of
Ginny's who adopted a little girl. With a lullaby feel, it's sure to become a favourite for adoptive parents everywhere. The
next song, "Better Off", takes a complete U-turn, topic-wise; it's about the relationships we'd be better off not cultivating.
Ginny asserts that we are better off without the negative influences of certain people in our lives. Burdens are the subject
of "Lay It Down"; naturally, the song reminds us that Jesus died to take away all of ours, so why try to carry them all
ourselves?
Ginny covers Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground", a song that juggles 4 topics; the way the world is now, the imminence of
Christ's return, thankfulness for being saved, and striving to come ever closer to being like Jesus. Phew! She says it's a
"slower, darker version". I say great message but not my favorite sound from her. "Daughter of Destiny" was inspired by a
friend's poem. It's a song for women and girls, reminding them who they are is found in Whose they are. It's an often-
expressed idea, but one which cannot be said enough times. "Better That Way" is an original idea for a song; a slow
piano jazz tune about a girl who has a crush on a celebrity, but prefers to let it exist as a dream. There isn't much of a
message here, but could be seen by some as condoning idol worship. At least she's content with her life as it is. Last of
all, "The Song" is a quiet conclusion, to this album. Ginny's mission statement, if you will, likens the Holy Spirit to a song,
a melody calling us on a great adventure if we surrender. It's the perfect conclusion to this collection.
Closing Thoughts
Ginny Owens is a wise woman, and that doesn't come easily. Get In, I'm Driving is a motley collection of lessons learned,
love given, and a touch of whimsy. An album for all seasons.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers [laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 9/13/2011
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