Baylee Littrell, the 21-year-old son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, moved judges and audiences with his original song ‘Hey Jesus’ during Hollywood Week on “American Idol.”
Many of us know how faith becomes stronger when we face tough times. When we lose someone we love, turning to God can give us the hope we need.
Baylee’s story shows us that our deepest pain can become our most powerful testimony when we bring it to God in honest prayer and worship.
During his performance, Baylee shared the personal story behind his song. “I wrote this song when I was going through a pretty tough time in my life. I lost somebody I loved,” he told the judges.
He wrote the song after losing his grandmother about three years ago. She had been his “best friend” and was always there for him when his father was on tour.
“She understood me like not many people do,” Baylee said. “I thought she was going to be around for moments like this. I never expected to lose her.”
This loss made him question his faith at first. “I had pushed away faith. I thought I would not find it again,” he admitted. But writing “Hey Jesus” helped him find his way back to God.
His song included words about giving up control to God: “I surrender everything to you” and admitting his struggles: “I’ve tried to fight all my battles without you by my side.”
Fellow contestants joined him in worship and gave him a standing ovation.
The judges were equally moved by his performance. Carrie Underwood said, “Your heart and genuineness just coming through. You’re so good.”
Lionel Richie praised his lyrics, while Underwood called the song “a conversation with God.”
The Littrell family roots run deep in their Christian faith. Brian Littrell released a Christian album called ‘Welcome Home’ in 2006 that reached No. 3 on the Christian charts.
In 2015, Brian and his wife Leighanne were baptized in the Jordan River while visiting Israel.
When life breaks your wings, fight your battles on your knees. Like Baylee discovered, true strength comes when we surrender everything to God.
Our brokenness becomes beautiful when placed in His hands. Today, whatever battle you face, may you find the courage to say, “Hey Jesus, I surrender everything to you.”
WATCH: Baylee Littrell Sings Moving Original Song ‘Hey Jesus’ on American Idol
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