It's been awhile since I've been moved by a song that isn't a worship song. When I saw the music video to Colbie Caillat's "Try" spreading on Facebook, I watched it and had tears in my eyes. I know so many women, myself included, that feel like they need to "try" so hard to get people to accept/like/love them.

It is so tiring.

I know for me, personally, this song has an even deeper meaning. I know my worth is not found in my outward appearance or actions. I know that I have a Savior who loves me unconditionally. Who accepts me. I don't have to "try" to earn His love.

Ladies, don't just hear the message in this song. Believe it.

I chose to record this video without any makeup on for two reasons: 1) Because, let's face it - with two kids now, putting makeup on is a luxury. ;) 2) More importantly, I wanted to show that I believe these words.

(And even though I BELIEVE them, forgive me, I sang a few of the lyrics wrong... but the correct ones are below, ha!)

Disclaimer: the second verse talks about "getting your sexy on and taking your clothes off," I hope it is obvious that I am not endorsing such actions - the song is satire and encouraging us to do the opposite of what the world expects of us. Save the sexy for your future husband, that's my message. ;)  

  Put your make up on Get your nails done Curl your hair Run the extra mile Keep it slim, so they like you

do they like you?

  Get your sexy on Don't be shy, girl Take it off This is what you want,

to belong, so they like you Do you like you?

  You don't have to try so hard You don't have to give it all away You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up You don't have to change a single thing   You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try Yooou don't have to try   Get your shopping on, at the mall, max your credit cards You don't have to choose, buy it all, so they like you Do they like you?   Wait a second, Why should you care, what they think of you When you're all alone, by yourself, do you like you? Do you like you?

You don't have to try so hard You don't have to give it all away You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try so hard You don't have to bend until you break You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try

You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try Yooou don't have to try

You don't have to try so hard You don't have to give it all away You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try, try, try, try You don't have to try You don't have to try

Take your make up off Let your hair down Take a breath Look into the mirror, at yourself Don't you like you? Cause I like you

I've been putting up videos on Youtube for over two years now. What began as just an outlet to share new music with long-distance friends and family, turned into a community of followers and a beautiful way to connect with people across the world.  Today I wanted to feature some of my personal favorite youtube channels to visit. All of these ladies are independent artists - which means they fund everything on their own. Take a minute and stop by to visit them. Your support is what allows them to continue to do what they love.

Jayme Dee 

http://jaymedee.com

I am continually impressed by this girl. I first came across her Taylor Swift cover of "Dear John," but soon discovered she was also a great songwriter. If you love Corinne Bailey Rae or Sara Bareilles, you are sure to love Jayme. Check out her original song, "Love Whiplash!" below.

 Sarah Bella

One of my very first youtube "friends," Sarah Bella, is an incredible story-teller. She writes and sings about real life experiences - her own, as well as others. She has impacted many with her lyrics, and is currently working on recording an EP in Nashville, TN. Watch her support video below to see what it's all about.

Kina Grannis

http://kinagrannis.com

I think we can all thank Kina for making the splash in the world of Youtube singer/songwriters. She entered her original song, "Message from Your Heart" in the Crash the Superbowl contest in 2007. I remember voting for her and watching her video win! It wasn't long before her fanbase exploded. However, Kina chose to leave the label that signed her after winning the national contest and become an independent artist. Watch her latest music video below.

Emily Elbert

http://emilyelbert.com

I came across Emily's album "Bright Side" in 2006. I connected with her via Facebook and learned that we shared similar backgrounds, musically. She studied at Berklee and recently released another album, Proof. This is not your typical pop diva. Her songs provide depth both musically and lyrically. Don't miss out on hearing this fantastic voice.