All it took was an angry and confused Brian Pillman and a spotlight-starved Steve Austin to change Monday night wrestling in Canada forever.

Late last year, during a live feed to WWF superstar Brian Pillman’s residence, another federation superstar, Steve Austin, broke into Pillman’s house—only to have a gun pulled on him.

Due to this incident, television officials at CKVR in Barrie met to discuss the future of Raw and the result of this incident. The decision was made that the show must be viewed before it reaches the air.

This decision greatly cost Canadian fans. WWF fans in Canada can no longer enjoy the monthly live Raws or the two-hour live shows. In their place is the Canadian version of Raw, which features the commentary of Ray Rougeau and Kevin Kelly. The show is also edited for content.

“I welcome all the fans to write to Jay Switzer at City TV or the general manager at the New VR and ask to have Raw back on live,” states the president of Titan Promotions, Canada, Carl De Marco.

The World Wrestling Federation in Canada has made every effort to bring Raw back to live TV but to no avail.

“We would like to have Raw back on live, but the New VR has created this policy where they view the tapes in advance to check out the content of the show,” continues De Marco.

CKVR is greatly concerned about the show’s content, and Titan Canada shares their concern over the Pillman gun angle. At the same time, De Marco went on record saying that the WWF would be cautious. He again encourages fans to let their voices be heard and persuade the New VR to bring Raw back on live.

Ensuring censorship is one thing, but Shotgun Saturday Night is another.

“There’s been numerous interest from networks in airing Shotgun Saturday Night, and that’s something we are looking into,” says De Marco.

A valued bonus for Canadian fans is that Titan Canada wants to have the program live. iT!

Thoughts From The Top

This week is packed with news, so let’s dive in.

Cover Story: WWF Recent Tapings – SPOILERS AHEAD

Raw Results:

• Marc Mero defeated the 1-2-3 Kid.

• Davey Boy Smith pinned Fatu with a powerslam.

• The Undertaker beat Owen Hart.

• Ahmed Johnson defeated Skip (the Body Donnas switched places unnoticed by the ref).

• Shawn Michaels beat Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

• The Body Donnas defeated Techno Team 2000.

• Justin Hawk Bradshaw beat Aldo Montoya.

• Vader pinned Duke Droese.

• Steve Austin defeated Marc Mero via disqualification.

• Savio Vega defeated the 1-2-3 Kid.

• Jake Roberts beat the British Bulldog by countout.

Superstars Results:

• Smoking Gunns defeated Techno Team 2000.

• Mankind beat Fatu.

• The Bushwhackers pulled off a surprising win against the Body Donnas.

• Steve Austin defeated Fatu (again).

• Owen Hart submitted Duke Droese.

• The New Rockers defeated the Godwinns.

• The Undertaker squashed Mankind in two minutes.

• Body Donnas defeated the New Rockers.

• Marc Mero beat the Brooklyn Brawler.

• Savio Vega and Justin Hawk Bradshaw fought to a double countout.

• Vader defeated Bob Holly.

• British Bulldog & Owen Hart beat Duke Droese & Bob Holly.

Analysis and Observations

WWF has rolled out several new storylines:

• Harvey Wippleman has returned, scouting referees.

• Bob Backlund continues his bizarre antics, targeting jobbers.

• Fatu is involved in a heated angle with two thugs.

The tag team division is bustling, but too much. With so many teams competing for attention, matches like The Body Donnas vs. The New Rockers (heel vs. heel) aren’t landing with fans. The return of the Smoking Gunns could stabilize things.

Marc Mero’s DQ loss to Steve Austin suggests WWF is starting to book its heels with more credibility. On the flip side, Owen Hart remains in mid-card limbo, picking up wins but losing to top stars.

Hunter Hearst Helmsley struggles despite rumors of Mr. Perfect joining him as a manager. Meanwhile, the Shawn Michaels vs. Davey Boy Smith feud is gaining steam, with Diana Smith adding intrigue to the storyline.

In Other News

• Jeff Jarrett might jump to WCW in November despite recently becoming the USWA Unified Champion and a key booker.

• The Giant defeated Ric Flair to win the WCW World Championship.

• Raw beat Nitro in last week’s ratings, scoring 3.9 to Nitro’s 2.1, though Nitro’s shift for the NBA playoffs likely impacted its numbers.

• Rumors suggest Brian Pillman is negotiating with WWF, though WCW’s Eric Bischoff denies it.

• Jim Neidhart may return to WWF and reunite with Bret Hart.

• Kevin Greene has signed with the Carolina Panthers, ruling out a WCW debut.

• Speculation hints this year’s King of the Ring could feature the Intercontinental title.

• Wrestling legend Ray Stevens sadly passed away on May 3.

Famous Last Words

Don’t miss next week’s issue—it will be BIG. I can’t reveal much yet, but you won’t be disappointed. Do you hot rumors or want to join the writing staff? Please email me!

See you next week!

Thoughts From The Top:

WrestleMania XII weekend is upon us! Let’s dive into the match card and predictions.

Cover Story:

WrestleMania XII is set for the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The event begins at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a countdown show at 6:30 p.m.

Match Predictions:

60-Minute Iron Man Match: Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels has the momentum, and Bret Hart is unlikely to retain the championship. Their Survivor Series ’92 clash ended with Bret’s victory, but the stakes are higher now. Bret remains at his peak while Shawn is surging into his. A loss for Shawn could delay another title shot, while Bret could risk his standing in the company.

Prediction: Shawn Michaels.

Do or Die Match: The Undertaker vs. Diesel
This feud ignited at In Your House #5 when Diesel cost The Undertaker a title shot against Bret Hart at the Royal Rumble. Since then, tensions have soared, with Diesel vandalizing Undertaker’s casket and targeting Paul Bearer. Diesel’s reckoning might be imminent.

Prediction: The Undertaker.

Hollywood Backlot Brawl: Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Goldust
This grudge match is deeply personal. Piper confronted Goldust over inappropriate behavior, escalating into physical altercations. Expect a brutal, no-holds-barred battle.

Prediction: Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley
The Ultimate Warrior makes his long-awaited return. While Helmsley symbolizes the “New Generation,” this match is Warrior’s chance to prove he still belongs on the big stage.

Prediction: Ultimate Warrior.

Vader, Davey Boy Smith & Owen Hart vs. Jake Roberts, Ahmed Johnson & Yokozuna
In this chaotic six-man tag match, each team has something to prove. A loss for Camp Cornette could mean five minutes in the ring with Yokozuna for Jim Cornette.

Prediction: There is no clear outcome in this explosive showdown.

Steve Austin vs. Savio Vega
This bitter rivalry has escalated after their double count-out clash. Both competitors bring relentless intensity, promising a hard-hitting contest.

Prediction: Too close to call.

Closing Notes:

A major surprise is rumored for WrestleMania XII. Don’t miss it—order now on Pay-Per-View!

In Other News:

• Razor Ramon has re-signed with WWF for one year and might appear at WrestleMania XII.
• Mark Mero (formerly Johnny B. Badd) is set to debut as “Wild Thing” Mark Mero.
• A backstage altercation involving two WWF superstars at Titan Towers has sparked rumors, but details remain scarce.
• WCW and Brian Pillman are at odds over contract negotiations; Pillman seeks $500,000, but WCW offers $225,000.
• Mr. Fuji might return as a face manager for Yokozuna.
• Sid is expected in June, while the Smoking Gunns and Jeff Jarrett are slated for May returns.

Upcoming Matches:

Raw:

• Mankind debuts against Bob Holly.
• Savio Vega vs. Isaac Yankem.
• Barry Horowitz & Aldo Montoya vs. The Body Donnas.
• The Undertaker vs. Justin Hawk Bradshaw.
• Shawn Michaels interview.

Superstars:

• The Godwinns vs. The Bulldog & Owen Hart.
• Savio Vega vs. Tatanka.
• Justin Hawk Bradshaw vs. Barry Horowitz.
• Steve Austin & The Bushwhackers vs. Enhancement Talent.

Additional Notes:

• Footage of Goldust at the Academy Awards will air on Superstars.
• The Hollywood Backlot Brawl and Huckster/Nacho Man match have already been taped for WrestleMania XII.

Famous Last Words:

Stay tuned for next week’s full WrestleMania XII results. iT!

Christian music artist Anya Lee has faced death and lived to tell the tale. In 2019, while hiking the Appalachian Trail, she was overcome by the elements and froze to death. Miraculously, she was revived in the ER, staring at bright lights and immediately understanding that God had spared her for a reason—her music. For Anya, music is not just a creative outlet; it’s the medium through which she shares her unshakable faith in Jesus’ love.

By day, Anya is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Way Up Near Canada State University. But her true passion lies in crafting melodies and lyrics that draw listeners into the profound love of God. With a blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences, Anya’s music offers a reminder of God’s closeness, even through life’s toughest challenges. Her tender vocals are wrapped in beats and rhythms, masterfully produced by soul artist Gregatron, creating a soothing and energizing sound.

As a pastor’s kid and Army brat, Anya has lived a constant movement, with 56 addresses to her name. She’s a lover of the outdoors, sci-fi, and backpacking. An introvert at heart, she finds comfort in quiet evenings with a good book or sewing project. Despite these quiet passions, her life experiences—including surviving three miracles—have pushed her to pursue her long-held dream of making music that resonates with others. We met Anya to discuss her musical journey, her latest tracks, and what inspires her.

Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist, particularly the moment you died and came back to life.

As a child, I remember saying three things I wanted to be when I grew up. First, a snake. Second, a Chinese pizza lady (we were walking in Brooklyn one day, and I saw a beautiful Asian woman spinning pizza dough and asserted to my parents that that was what I wanted to be). Finally, I wanted to be a lady in a sequined dress draped on a piano singing beautiful music. I’m still determining which movie or show it was where I saw this, but it locked into my memory. That was when my dream of being a singer-songwriter began.

I’ve always been active in church music ministry, community, and school choirs, where I shared my heart and my gift. All the while, I wrote poems that God laid on my heart. When I went off to undergrad, I realized I needed a major that would allow me a career and a paycheck, so I dropped the idea of a music major and shifted to Education and Psychology. This didn’t stop me from helping lead worship at the BSM (Baptist Student Ministries) and starting to write music that lived in my little three-ring binder.

After graduation, life got busy, complicated, and filled with so much drama, and I allowed my music to fall by the wayside. I underwent almost a dozen significant surgeries that affected my ability to play music and a couple of debilitating heartbreaks that I allowed to sideline my music writing. 

It was in 2019 that the most significant event occurred, bringing me back to my mission. I died. I was hiking with a long-time family friend and was left behind. I was overcome by hypothermia, rhabdomyolysis, and dehydration after five days. Two wonderful angels in the flesh “happened” by me, and on their way back, they found me. They scooped me up, put me in their car, and drove me to the nearest clinic. I saw and heard things that were difficult to explain, and when I awoke in the ER, I had this overwhelming hunger to write music and do something with it, though I didn’t know exactly what to do or how.

Then, it was 2022, and I came across an old note in that old three-ring binder about NCS (Nashville Christian Songwriters), and then an ad came across my FB feed. It was time to reach out and get serious.

I participated in two courses before the unique and ridiculously talented John Chisum expressed his confidence in my songs being ready to produce and release, and I jumped at the chance. Driving to Nashville to record at Wierok Studios was a blessing with the incredibly talented Greg “Gregatron” Williams, Phoebe Scott, and Josh Green. 

Since then, I’ve continued to learn and grow under the tutelage of John Chisum and Kevin McNeese of NRT (NewReleaseToday). I’ve continued to write and practice music more. 

Could you tell us about your most recent music? What inspired your new music, and what is the overall theme?

My latest song, “You’re the One,” was released in September. It was born from pain and darkness and declares who God is amid the valleys. Remember that time you just wanted someone to love you? Truly love you?

I’m twice divorced (long story) and am currently in my single-girl era. I’ve been in a home filled with spiritual warfare and words that cut to the quick. I’ve lived with a husband whose pornography addiction had him in a stranglehold. I’ve sat in my shower, volcanic hot water drenching me, sobbing into my fists and just begging God to either change my husband’s heart or close this door. 

I’ve wanted to be loved as much as I loved—husband, friend, parent, sibling—and the booming nothing I felt in my heart when it wasn’t reciprocated by those I loved was maddening. This desire sometimes led to poor choices or ignoring God’s still small voice, and I felt myself moving away from Him, but He was faithfully waiting for me to come home.

He met me on those long car rides to nowhere, in those lonely shower moments, and frequently since. He’s the one who longs for me, chases after me, never leaves me.

God met me in a dejected, shattered, gutted place. I wanted to write a song that captured my joy for the one who loves me more than I can comprehend.

What scripture inspired your new music?

In a lot of ways, Luke 16:11-32 did inspire this song. We don’t have to squander everything and find ourselves in a pig pen to be prodigal sons and daughters. We can do that spiritually and emotionally. I know I have. 

Tell us about your journey to work with NRT Music.

I found NRT when it was still NewReleaseTuesday and fell in love with the resource and mission. Learning about many talented new artists in one place was a dream come true for me. Who knew I’d end up here?

I was blessed to have musical mastermind John Chisum of NCS invite me to participate in the Artist Development Course. The course involves several sessions with NRT founder Kevin McNeese, who mentors, guides, and offers wisdom to fledgling and developing artists.

When I was told about NRT Music being an option, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to put my trust in the NRT Family’s hands to get my music out there. To have such close and careful attention as a new artist has been so refreshing, and knowing that NRT is in my corner is genuinely surreal.

What other projects are you currently working on?

I am working on a Christmas song, a fantastic anthem about my near-death experience while hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and a couple of other pieces I’m excited to bring to life with Gregatron and Phoebe Scott.

I have been developing new merchandise that I would love to see people wearing as they rock out to my songs. A music video may also be in the works. But remember that whole introvert business? Yeah, I’m doing my best.

Who are some of your musical inspirations? Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I’m old enough to have been raised on DC Talk and Audio Adrenaline, so I will always have love for my early music influences. I wanted to learn guitar because I enjoyed Christian contemporary mainstays Sara Groves and Shane & Shane as a young adult. 

There are so many artists in my most listened-to playlist that it’s hard to narrow it down, but I love DOE, Marizu, Sharon, Pennsylvania, and Sarah Reeves. Being able to sing with Todd McVicker, For King & Country, Stars Go Dim, or a dozen others might cause me to cry.

Finally, how can we be praying for you?

I have had a long history of medical issues, and the Lord has seen fit to heal me from three major ones: hallelujah. However, I do have a couple that continue to make life challenging. I would be grateful for prayers for my health, parents, the next chapter, and music to speak to the right people at the right time to change hearts and draw them to the Most High.

Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every stream and every purchase. It may not seem like much, but you are helping a little girl who wanted to be a sequined-dress singer realize her calling to make music for the kingdom, and that’s no small thing. 

And if you have been living with a dream buried deep in your heart that God gave you to tend and grow, find a way to nurture it and give it the light it needs. When you do your part, the Father is faithful to do His. iT!

Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.

Grace Graber is a Christian artist from Nashville, Tennessee. She is passionate about mental health and loves all things pop-punk. Her musical journey started when a song by Christian rock band Hawk Nelson saved her life as a teenager. Since then, she’s been sharing hope and encouragement through her songs. 

Growing up on early 2000s Christian rock bands, her sound naturally leans into that pop-punk vibe that feels like a throwback—but with a fresh twist. Her goal? To connect with anyone who’s ever felt like they’re struggling and to remind them they’re never alone. Whether through catchy hooks or honest lyrics, she’s here to spread a message of faith, resilience, and finding light in the darkest times.

Could you tell us about your latest project, Breakthrough? What’s the story and inspiration behind the album? 

The Breakthrough is my first full-length album—and I can’t believe it! My producer, Blake Cross, and I have worked hard on this project for over two years. The concept of this album comes from realizing that God can take all our broken pieces and fashion them into something beautiful.

Your latest project touches on mental health. Why that topic? If applicable, how do you struggle with mental health?

I was diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at the age of 13 after being verbally and physically assaulted in middle school. I’ve been fighting to protect my younger self my entire adult life. And so mental health is such an important topic for me because it’s something almost all of us can relate to on some level.

Mental health is health. It’s just such an internal thing that it often feels exceptionally personal. But I have learned in my journey that God allows us to go through some of those things to walk us through them. He wants us to let Him into every part of our lives. My new album highlights many internal struggles and how we can see God on the other side of them. 

You love rock. Could you tell us more about that? 

It’s who I am. Every time I go to write a song, it comes out with a punk rock twist that I can’t control and don’t want to control. Every upbeat song comes out with so much energy, and it really leaves the slow songs intimate and time of worship, and that’s genuinely who I am.

Who are some of your musical inspirations? 

Before I answer, the team on this album—Blake Cross, Joseph O’Brien, Tyler Moody, Ross Black, Andrew Cojo, and Jonathan Berlin—worked so hard. This was a passion project for everyone, and we are so proud. 

To answer your question, my musical inspirations include Hawk Nelson, Run Kid Run, Philmont, and Christian contemporary music (CCM) from the early 2000s. 

How do you balance your career as an esthetician and independent artist?

I don’t. Haha! I work full-time and couldn’t pay the bills without it. It has allowed this album to happen, and I am thrilled to have such a supportive workplace.

What other projects are you currently working on? 

Many. The following year is planned. So, get ready. 

And, finally, how can we be praying for you?

Pray God’s will be done. I have plenty of music in the queue and a great team. The rest is going to be whatever God has for me. I pray that God will honor the hands that worked on this. iT!

Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.

Whenever NRT Music artist Niki Lou Savich felt deeply about something, she would write poetry to express her feelings. To her surprise, she sat down to write a poem one day, but song lyrics flowed out instead. When this kept happening, she decided to search online for a songwriting workshop and came across Nashville Christian Songwriters. Niki attended their workshop in late 2019, where she met John Chisum, the founder and president of NCS.

At the event, Niki fell in love with songwriting and began online sessions with John, who coached her on songwriting.  Her craft continued to grow until she finished her last session with him in January 2021. But it wasn’t until she reconnected in the late summer of 2022 that John encouraged her to record the new songs she had been writing since their last session. Songs that flowed from a broken heart. I got to catch up with Niki to discuss her new music, musical inspirations, and the journey to NRT Music.

ould you tell us about your latest music? What’s the story and inspiration behind your new music? What is the overall theme?

Just a few months after I’d finished my coaching sessions with John in 2021, I experienced the unexpected loss of both of my parents, only six weeks apart. Then, in December of that same year, I lost two of my closest friends as well. Little did I know that my first album, Million Tears, would be born as I began to pour out my heart and tears by writing songs. That’s when John and I reconnected. That’s when he listened to these songs of loss and grief and encouraged me to start recording them. The entire album consists of 12 hope-filled laments, all written in the style of American Roots music.

What scripture inspired your new music?

I can’t pick just one scripture since many truths from God’s Word permeate these songs of lament. That’s where the hope comes in. I love that we can lament to God, knowing His Word has the hope we need. The last song on this album, “With Me,” is my favorite and is inspired by Psalm 139: 7-12.

Could you tell us about your journey to work with NRT Music?

Last summer, John had already begun walking me through the NCS Artist Development program when he introduced me to Kevin McNeese at NRT Music.  Kevin had put together an excellent course called ChristianArtist.Pro Master Class, or CAP for short, to help independent artists learn how to navigate the business side of their music.  As part of my artistic development, I was so blessed to be mentored by Kevin through this online course. Then, just a year after I had gone through CAP, Kevin told me that NRT was signing a deal with Syntax Distribution to represent and connect independent artists like me to a major music distributor. I’m so grateful that Kevin invited me in as one of the artists he thought would be a good fit for this venture.

What other projects are you currently working on?

Even though I am in the full promotion phase for Million Tears (releasing singles, shooting music videos, posting on social media, and so on), I am simultaneously in the full production phase for album #2. I’m thrilled that Gordon Mote, the producer and arranger for Million Tears, is also producing and arranging this new project.

Who are some of your musical inspirations? Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Looking back, I realize that I had been inspired by all the music I’ve ever heard and enjoyed, from “Rose Garden” and “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'” in the ’60s to the soundtracks of movies such as The Hunger Games and Songcatcher. And I realized something else, too. A long time ago, I learned that if I let God lead me to the people, places, and things that He has already planned for me, nothing could ever be better for me than that.

How can we be praying for you?

Bless you, that you will pray for me. If you come across anything and everything that applies to God’s Word, please pray it for me. Thank you so very much.

Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

Yes, God loves us more deeply and passionately than all of us put together could ever comprehend. There are a lot of songs in that one statement alone, and He is worthy of all of them. Shalom. iT!

Paul E. Phillips is a Canadian journalist with 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.

Let you inside, wish I would have known from the start

Looking for words to help me cheat

The hardest part now, is admitting defeat.

Now I only want to be with you.

CHORUS 1:

Why do I always run forever

I have to find a way to admit this to

I only want to be with you

Unspoken words should have been spoken a long time ago

I thought time could arrange a normal pace,

Without a clue, I’m running in a race

Everything appears to be a game

Even looking for ways to avoid speaking your name

Now I only want to be with you

CHORUS 2:

Why does today appear to be forever

How do you admit this to,

I only want to be with you

Unspoken words could have been spoken so long ago.

REPEAT CHORUS

Why does today appear to be forever.

How do I admit this to,

I only want to be with you

Unspoken words would have been spoken so long ago.

Written by: Phill Feltham

Date: January 30, 1997.

Growing up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he found early inspiration in artists like Wyclef Jean and Wu-Tang Clan, shaping his artistic vision from a young age. However, it wasn’t until later in life, after dedicating his talents to God, that Legin’s path unfolded. 

Now, as a husband and father of two, he continues to make waves in the music industry while serving as a leader at CrossRoads Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where his passion for preaching and crafting vision shines through. Join us as we dive into Legin’s story, exploring the intersections of faith, art, and community that define his remarkable journey.

You have such a passion for Jesus. How did you come to Christ?

I came to Christ after forgiving my father for a 15-year absence in my life from the ages of five to 20, and right after I forgave him, we passed away by surprise. Despite the life I was living then, God graciously used that moment to show me how important forgiveness is to Him, that He would orchestrate that meeting, and it showed me who He is and how much I needed forgiveness. Since then, my heart has been for the fatherless, the father-wounded, and teaching a message of forgiveness, as stated in Romans 5:8, and reconciliation, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18, through music, media, and message. 

Tell us about your recent EP, God Is Iconic.

In 2020, the world’s divisiveness was on full display. Very real problems and injustices were politicized, and hypocrisies were rampant about what you care about based on how you voted or what culture you were from. 

We couldn’t tour and see people, so I did a virtual concert to reach people wherever they were. When thinking about a name, I thought, “Everyone is fighting for your attention, but only God is iconic.” He’s the only one worth listening to. The free virtual show had about 1,000 people tune in, and hoodies and shirts flew like crazy. The message resonated, and four years later, it seems more prevalent than ever, especially during election season. 

So, I released this project to continue to proactively proclaim that even though “Everyone is fighting for your attention, only God is iconic.” My favorite song is the anthemic “Keep Going High” because it gets me moving, addresses inaccuracies in entertainment, politics, and religious leaders, and calls people to keep going high toward Christ.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I’m a fan of hip-hop artist Nobigdyl; I enjoy what he’s doing and what he is clearly saying. I’ve also been a fan of hip-hop veterans Propaganda and Sho Baraka; their blend of challenging gospel thought, social engagement, and reality poetry has always inspired me. Fellow hip-hopper Derek Minor and I have been discussing doing something. Also, cross-genre collaborations are something I’m interested in, like international sounds blended with hip-hop and poetry and collaborations nobody sees coming. I’ve been blessed to make a few new friends lately, so we’ll see what happens. 

Do you have any takeaway messages for our readers?

Forgiveness is not a suggestion from our Lord. It’s literally what He came, what He uses to reconcile us to Himself, what He commands us to heal ourselves and others by His grace, and the embodiment of bringing His kingdom to this earth. But we treat it like a suggestion, hold grudges, hate political parties and politicians we don’t support, and do it in Jesus’ name—of all the hypocrisies—while ignoring the imago Dei [image of God] in them and don’t forgive (because we don’t understand what it is). I encourage all, myself included, to seek God to forgive our debts as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us and take that seriously, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Could you describe your writing process for your music?

I’d say I begin with the end in mind. When I hear some music, I know instantly where I want to go and what I’m inspired by at a 30,000-foot level. I also start at the beginning and jotting lines; it just flows. As I begin to write the first line, the ending point of what I want to say as a building block point and lyric comes to mind, so I skip ahead a few lines, jot that down, and then backfill the other lines to get to it. I hear the melodies match the lyrics and play with different layers to emphasize certain parts. I just brain vomit initially and then go back and chisel a bit after I finish. 

What’s next?

I’m working on a God is Iconic Deluxe Version to drop soon, along with some new songs to keep the life and energy in the album. I’m also working on fresh ways to connect with my audience more directly, utilizing streaming for listening but giving straightforward engagement. I want to connect with my listeners more directly than just socials, you know? I also have several other singles I’m finishing that are ready to go, and I’m also working to get my music synced for TV and Film. 

I was ordained recently, and I thought I’d been actively preaching for 15 years (once a month at my church for the last ten plus other churches, conferences, camps, and so on). I’m working to create more speaking videos to serve people wherever they are, post my sermons, and create a curriculum that I can take into schools that have gospel principles but aren’t directly religious so I can serve various crowds.

Lastly, we’re working on a documentary film called Legindary that tells my story of forgiving my dad and how that turned into coming to Christ, my music and ministry career, launching the anti-trafficking non-profit Safe House Project, fighting for racial reconciliation, and more. We’re praying for major distribution of that film from a network.

How can we be praying for you?

Please pray for the music, message, and media to reach people. I’ve got albums coming, the new The Legin Podcast season in a few weeks, the Legindary documentary, sermons, and more content on the way. 

Pray that I connect with my audience authentically and serve them well and regularly.

Pray for funding for my non-profit, which I support through, for wisdom for my Board, which helps me make the initiative and ministry decisions.

Pray for a healthy balance of rest (first), family time, and then production for what I’m called to do. I also pray for growth in spiritual practices in the way of Christ to be authentically lived into in my family.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT provided some assistance with this article. Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with 20 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.

As I boarded the bus, I felt a swirl of relief and fear. Relief because I was finally leaving the institution behind, even if it was only for a while. Fear because I hadn’t been outside since I was first brought in. My mind wandered back to that day, the day I was taken away because of that psycho. His name… what was his name? I felt it slipping away, like sand through my fingers. I knew I had to remember him, or I might start losing track of who I was.

Shaking off the thought, I found the first available seat and sat down. The others around me were either excited, anxious, or indifferent, but we all clearly felt the weight of what this trip represented. Freedom, even temporarily, was something none of us could take lightly. For me, it was a chance to leave the institution behind and maybe forget—forget the past, forget Michael Kobaine. But even as I tried to focus on the moment, it became clear that this trip wouldn’t magically erase everything, no matter how much Dr. Matthews wanted it to.

Dr. Matthews had been pushing me to forget what happened two years ago, urging me to focus on my mysterious return to life instead. He believed this trip would help me reset, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he saw me as more of an experiment than a patient. The thought that he might drive me to true insanity crossed my mind more than once.

After a few minutes of waiting, Dr. Matthews boarded the bus. His usual calm but authoritative presence filled the space as he stood at the front, demanding our attention.

“Okay, everyone, settle down now. I want to explain what this trip is about,” he began, looking around the bus at each of us. “You are a selected group of patients, chosen to come on this trip because we believe you may be ready for life outside the hospital. This trip is a test—a chance for you to prove that you can make it without constant treatment.”

The bus was silent, all eyes on him as he continued. “A group of doctors will observe you during this trip to see if you can reintegrate into the outside world. If you want that chance, if you want your freedom back, then be on your best behavior. Prove that you’re ready to leave the hospital for good.”

“Show our stuff!” a patient from the back yelled, breaking the tension.

Dr. Matthews smiled, nodding. “Exactly.”

With that, the bus roared to life, and we began the long journey. From New York to Washington, D.C., the drive stretched on for hours. When we arrived in D.C., we spent the night in a hotel, a rare treat for most of us. The next morning, we were back on the road, driving the final stretch toward the small town of Prelude.

The monotony of the drive and the hum of the engine lulled me into a strange, dreamlike state. My eyes drifted to the window, watching the trees blur by, when something caught my attention. For a split second, I saw a man—a man wearing a ski mask—choking a teenage girl to death. Her face was frozen in terror, her eyes wide and pleading. My heart pounded in my chest, and I shut my eyes tight, trying to shake the image from my mind.

When I finally opened them, the scene was gone. There was nothing out there but the passing landscape. Had I imagined it? Or was it something more? I couldn’t tell anymore.

The hallucination left me rattled, but deep down, I knew what it meant. Michael Kobaine was still there, lingering in the corners of my mind. History was trying to repeat itself, and if it did, I knew I had to be ready. If I had to face him again—if I had to confront the man who haunted my nightmares—I would make sure that this time, I killed him for good.

As the bus neared the town of Prelude, a sense of foreboding settled over me. Camp Prelude was supposed to be a place for healing, where we could prove we were ready for the outside world. But for me, it felt like a return to the nightmare—a place where unfinished business might resurface.

I hoped I’d be strong enough to survive this time. iT!