Get to know Sandra McCracken, who is leading worship at our In the Word events with Jen Wilkin.
Have you ever wished you could sit down in a casual coffee shop with one of our authors or speakers and chat? We are so thankful for the amazing women of God we have the privilege of working with regularly. And while we can’t all gather in our favorite downtown coffee shop, we want to give you the opportunity to know them a little more personally.
Every so often we’re sharing a fresh “coffee chat” with a member of the Lifeway Women family to give you the opportunity to get to know her a little better. Let’s chat with Sandra McCracken!
For those who may be new to your music and ministry, would you share a little about your journey and what the Lord has been teaching you in this season?
I am a songwriter and lover of hymns and the stories behind them. Until recently, I’ve been in Nashville since college, making and recording music, and I’ve been working on several projects this year. One is a new collection of songs about heaven called the Homecoming EP. Another is an Americana/roots album that should come out later next year. I’m also working on a book called Singing Ourselves Forward, a collection of daily reflections on the psalms.
We’ve been in a season of transition as we’ve moved this summer. You probably know what that’s like! It has been a season of trusting and learning—so much learning—as I reflect on the rhythms and routines of life in a new place.
What are some simple rhythms that help you stay rooted in God’s Word?
I have three kids, and our home life stays pretty busy. I’ve noticed in recent years how quickly my relationships with each of them—as well as with my family and friends—are constantly changing. In light of this, if I want to stay rooted in God’s Word. It really helps me to get up early and make time to read and reflect. I like to journal or keep a notebook nearby while I’m reading, which really helps me concentrate.
Is there a song you’ve written that feels especially connected to what you’ll share at In the Word?
I love hearing the women sing together at these In the Word events. I especially love singing the classics, like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” alongside newer songs like “The Goodness of God” and “Steadfast.”
This year, Jen has been teaching on the Lord’s Prayer, which is such a familiar passage, but her insights and study have been incredible. Even though I felt like I already knew a lot about this prayer, it has opened my heart and mind to assumptions and the kind of rote thinking that can settle in around familiar words. I’ve been especially encouraged by the way she has explained the idea of temptation.
I’ve always thought of that word almost with cartoon images in my head when I hear it, but recently (and thanks in part to Jen’s teaching) I’ve begun to understand it more personally. We’re driven by our desire for comfort and even by our daily hunger and thirst—good things that we genuinely need—but when those good things become ultimate things, we can get so far off course. I’ve been grateful to study this prayer with the women at these events.
What excites you most about gathering with women around Scripture at In the Word?
I also love seeing so many groups of friends, sisters, and mothers and daughters who attend together. It’s such a meaningful way to spend time together—away from the pace of our normal, busy lives—to read, reflect, and sing together.
I’m so grateful to be a part of these gatherings. We all live such different lives, but I’m always amazed by how alike we are at the heart level. It’s a very refreshing experience—every time.
Join Jen Wilkin and Sandra McCracken at an In the Word event for thought-provoking Bible teaching and worship!
