For singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli, “This is the Stuff” is more than just the title of one of her hit songs. It’s a reminder to remain calm by trusting God in the midst of chaos and confusion.
“The song is about perspective,” she said. “I wrote this song with my producer, Ian Eskelin, and another writer, Tony Wood. We were talking about the little things that can easily get on our nerves and drive us crazy and how God uses those things to refine our character and draw us closer to Him. It was really fun to make a list of all the things that frustrate us and to choose the ones that worked best for the song.
“If someone is having a bad day, I hope when they hear the song they are able to relax and be reminded that it’s not the end of the world. People are dealing with circumstances a lot worse than the trivial things we so often complain about.”
Over the past few years, Battistelli has garnered a Grammy nomination and won several Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, including the prestigious honors of “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Artist of the Year.” These achievements have increased her platform and provided the ability to reach a larger audience for Christ.
Wherever Battistelli performs, she remains focused on shining the spotlight on Christ.
During concerts, she often shares life lessons, hoping to encourage young girls with the message that God has a plan and purpose for their lives — and they should settle for nothing less than what God has designed for them.
“It’s been really cool to hear stories about how so many girls are realizing that God created them uniquely and that He loves them unconditionally,” Battistelli said. “I think it’s so important for them to hear that God has different plans for each person and they don’t have to measure up to someone else’s standards. They are free to be who God created them to be.
“When I was in school, I went through a time in my life where I struggled a lot with thinking that I had to be perfect in order for God to love me. I’m so thankful that’s not the case.”
With songs featured in movies and television programs, Battistelli enjoys hearing from people who have connected to the message behind the music.
“At one of my concerts, a girl came up to me and said she heard one of my songs on a TV show,” Battistelli said. “She wasn’t a Christian at the time, but she went online to find out who I was and bought my first album. When this girl started listening to the lyrics, the Lord really drew her heart to Him and she gave her life to Christ. Stories like that inspire me to keep writing songs that point to our Savior, who is willing and waiting for all who would receive Him.”
While touring across the country, Battistelli desires to maintain the proper perspective on ministry and motherhood while raising two young children.
“I’m no expert, but I think it’s so important to get the help you need with raising children and not be afraid to ask for assistance or advice,” she said. “Prayer is the only way for my husband and me to balance our schedules. There are times when it seems overwhelming trying to juggle everything, but then I’m reminded that the Lord is not going to give us anything that He hasn’t already equipped us for. That lifts a huge weight off my shoulders.
“Watching my children grow this past year has been remarkable and has really given me a sense of how fleeting time is. I’m really trying to enjoy every moment and trying not to dwell too much on the past or worrying too much about the future.”
Battistelli’s latest album, “Hundred More Years,” showcases songs about ordinary situations where God does an extraordinary work. The songs on this album were inspired by everyday living, including the joys and struggles of motherhood.
“I hope people are inspired by the songs on this album,” she said. “One of the themes is making every moment count. Life goes by really fast and tomorrow is not promised. When people come to a concert, I hope they are encouraged to live a life that honors God and is pleasing to Him.”
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