Joseph Habedank ‘autobiography’

Written by: Celita Diaz-Perillo (Date written: 05/23/2024)

Springtime is a time of renewal, refreshing, beauty, and relief after a long winter. There is more sunshine, and much cleaning up to do after the storms and dreariness of the colder weather; and, of course, there is the evidence of life everywhere. The birds start to sing, the plants blossom and bloom, and all of creation feels and sees the difference in the temperature, the climate, and in colors abounding everywhere.

This new southern gospel album by Joseph Habedank, autobiography, feels like springtime. Like the deep sigh of relief after a crazy storm that is finally abating. Like a rainbow after a week’s worth of spring showers. There is no hiding from the gray clouds and strong winds and wetness that beats and chases, but all things do come to an end. But to what end?

We all have hard times and challenges in our lives. Joseph Habedank lays out some of the chapters of his life-book for us to hear in these lyrics and in this music. In these words, we can all look back to see where he was, and then, we can also acknowledge where he is now. The journey was long. There were hardships, weariness, grief, disappointments, and trauma; but there is also strength, deliverance, perseverance, hope, and triumph in Jesus!

For all of us, this real and raw perspective of some of the challenges faced is also a way to help us understand that, to be okay in and through it all, we need to seek Jesus, humble ourselves and surrender to Him. We need to go back to the basics of faith, hope, and love, so that we can have His healing and peace. And we can have new beginnings! Hallelujah!

It all points to this truth: Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you! Keep Him first in the good, bad, and ugly times. Keep finding strength by surrendering to Him, praising Him, and thanking Him.

Here are some of the songs that really stood out to me. If you have been in tough circumstances, or are in tough circumstances, please listen.

While Joseph Habedank’s testimony includes the divorce of his parents, alcoholism, and recovery, the foundation of these songs are all about the human condition, and our deep need for Jesus, His character, His healing, and His fruit in our lives. You will find yourself relating in one way or another. They are very real-to-life situations.

JESUS WALKED IN (featuring Chris Blue) is such a great song. There were a couple spots where I had to really listen, as sometimes some words sounded mashed together, but once I got a grasp of what was being said- oh wow. They are lyrics proclaiming the effect of Jesus on, and in, a life. I mean, He “carried the shackles of choices I made.” Ouch, right? But then, “Jesus walked in, changed everything. When He’s in the room, nothin’s the same…” Powerful!

TELL THE DEVIL is, for sure, an encouraging song for trials and battle times. It is all about “taking courage” and affirming your soul with God’s truth, using scripture. “Get behind me, Satan, where you belong. I’m taking back my freedom, taking back my song…” Amen!

FORGIVEN is a thanksgiving song, a song showing appreciation for God’s work, deliverance, help, healing, forgiveness. It is a gentle balm of praise and worship.

This is just a taste of the sweet goodness that is present in this testimony-album aptly titled autobiography.

May you also be able to testify of how God pulled you through the trials and storms and trauma of this life with His hope and strength and guidance. May you also feel His healing for all the raw, sore, gaping wounds of your heart, mind, and soul. All of this I ask, in Jesus’ name and power, amen!

Philippians 1:6 “…He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”

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