Tonya Sykes - SOUL OF ME CD Review
MISSION STATEMENT:
1) The focus of Pre-Flight Ministries
is to not only sing, minister to the needs and help prepare
people for their final flight, but also to reach out to seekers
and the lost with the glorious news about Jesus Christ and the
hope of the Gospel.
2) The focused purpose of the songs on
SOUL OF ME: Serving the body of Christ, leading others into
His presence and encouraging people into a deeper walk with
the Lord, which involves having heart knowledge and a relationship
with Jesus Christ.
About Tonya Sykes And Her Friends.............
"Christianity is not about having head
knowledge or a belief in God. It's about having heart knowledge
and a relationship with Jesus Christ."
Both Tonya Sykes, singer /songwriter
and founder of Pre-Flight Ministries, and Lisa Davis, who is
Tonya's manager-friend, also a songwriter and co-founder of
Pre-Flight Ministries, have a very strong bond in their music
ministry together, through their love of Jesus Christ, as both
women have experienced the healing love and supernatural deliverance
from serious consequences resulting from their destructive personal
choices made when they were very young women. These life-changing,
healing experiences turned their lives around, as they turned
from their weaknesses and began a spiritual walk with Jesus.
As a result of their personal experiences
with Jesus Christ, their deep love for the Lord and through
the power of the Holy Spirit, and with the support of their
families they started Pre-flight Ministries together, combining
their gifts, talents and love of the Lord Jesus, which has resulted
in a debut CD, SOUL OF ME, a soon to be released 2nd CD, and
opportunities for mission in music ministry. Pre-flight Ministries
is a nonprofit organization with a spirit-filled passion to
fulfill the Great Commission through a music ministry; a music
ministry that promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
During the week of July 23rd - 30th,
2003, Lisa and Tonya were invited to participate in a Crusade
concert in Haiti. Although Lisa and Tonya were unable to raise
the total of $10,000 for the Haiti Crusade, they did raise $1000,
as a result of a lot of hard work and gave it to Julio Volcy's
ministry (pastor that invited them). Tonya said, "The money
was used for VBS, and supplied 450 children with food, fun,
and the love of Jesus...we were so honored to be a part of that....we
were not happy we missed it, but it was not God's time or we
would have been there."
As of Sept. 4th, another door was opened
by the Lord for Pre-Flight Ministries. Tonya explains this new
development. "God has opened a huge door for the ministry.......Paramount
a division of United Artist has given me a songwriting contract....I
will be working with them from now on.....Lisa and I are so
excited about this...we know it is the Lord, we just sit back
in awe of Him. Who knows what God is up to?"
Paramount has chosen some new songs off
of Pre-flight Ministries second, soon to be released CD demo,
as songs they will promote first: They chose: "Come Together"...."Safe
Refuge"...."His Name is Jesus"....and "Emergency." Paramount
knows talent when they hear it, and the Lord will use these
songs in a mighty way to reach out to people in need of Him.
"With no earthly credits to their names,
the Lord has given them a great vision, to help bring in the
last harvest. They truly believe they're living in the last
days."
Tonya Sykes..........
The teen years are a confusing, sometimes
a rebellious time, and can be a rocky experience, despite being
raised in a Christian home. In her late teens, Tonya got off-track
and took a little detour and flirted with alcoholism, nicotine
addiction, and nearly died of an abortion at the tender age of
17. After her transforming experience with Jesus, who has been
known to make housecalls in various forms, she dedicated her
life to loving and serving Him, starting with getting back on
track and beginning a real relationship with Him, inspired by
a growing heart knowledge which led to a deeper walk.
Tonya explains the change in her walk,
after her spiritual experience with Jesus: "I knew about God
all my life. I knew His Word, but I never knew Him. Knowing
Him makes all the difference in this walk of faith."
As it often happens, Tonya's past troubles
and near death experience, combined with her transforming experience
with Jesus turned into a powerful Christian testimony in the
form of a book, "The Power of His Love", written by Tonya and
inspired by the Holy Spirit, 4 years ago. Her book explains
"how God has used this tragedy to stop other girls from getting
abortions."
Described as being "a wonderfully passionate
person for Christ, with a servant's heart," Tonya began her
music ministry for Jesus Christ at the age of 30, though she
had started to exercise her gift in music during middle school
and continued throughout high school. After high school, Tonya
explains, "Life took me in other directions, involving home
and family."
However, the Lord had plans for her musical
gifts and what she has learned in her walk with Him; to serve
in a music ministry for His purposes, using what He has taught
her through her life experiences, combined with her musical
talent. Tonya explains, "My faith and love for Jesus Christ
led me to pursue a career in the Contemporary Christian music
industry.
Tonya relates, "When I made this decision,
things began to fall in place. With the help of my manager and
friend, Lisa Davis, as well as my father, J.C. Parham, I came
in contact with Producer Mckelvie Wilder of The Sound Closet.
With a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears, we have released a
CD called SOUL OF ME."
Lisa Davis... "Lisa
Davis is the right arm of this ministry, as she wears many hats;
designing, interceding, song writing, and financing are just
a few."
Lisa Davis grew up in a single parent
home, raised by a God-fearing mother. Her teenage years were
also a rocky, rebellious time in her life, as she also got off
track and went down the slippery slope into the drug world.
Lisa explains her detour away from the
Lord, and how He reached out to her."Though loving and faithful,
my mother could not prevent me from testing the waters of disobedience.
I traveled a long road of detours, leading me farther and farther
from the truth that was hidden in my heart. When the Lord finally
allowed me to get to the end of myself, I was desperate and
cried out yo Him... He heard me and came running, and shouting,
'See me now... You're at your bottom... Look up... See me now!'"
Her reaction: "I heard Him, saw Him,
felt Him, loved Him in an instant that day, and I've never looked
back!" J.C. Parham..............
J. C. Parham, the father of Tonya, is
also a talented songwriter and contributed the title song, "Soul
of Me," for Tonya's debut CD. He has used his own musical gifts
for many years and has inspired Tonya to do so as well. He has
recently released 2 CD's as he follows the path that the Lord
is leading him down.
Mckelvie Wilder...
Located in Anderson, South Carolina,
Mckelvie Wilder of The Sound Closet, is a very talented Christian
music producer who was "a key instrument in helping Tonya and
Lisa get the music portion of Pre-Flight's ministries in order.
Mckelvie was responsible for the background vocals, keyboard,
mixing, and engineering, all which enhance the compositions,
lyrics, mood of each song, for the enjoyment and inspiration
of the listener.
About SOUL OF ME
Through the release of their debut CD,
SOUL OF ME, Tonya Sykes and Lisa Davis, Sykes' right arm co-founder
of Pre-Flight Ministries offer the listener some inspiring,
touching, thought-provoking songs that truly encourage spending
time with the Lord, through music and lyrics that express the
faithful love that the Lord has for each one of us, his willingness
to heal our hurts, his mercy, and his faithfulness and the hope
that Christians have in Jesus Christ. The stunning combination
of meaningful, Spirit-inspired lyrics, and catchy, moving musical
compositions has produced songs that will uplift and bless the
listener in his / her spiritual walk with the Lord.
CD Dedication: "That the music and lyrics
of these songs will have their place in the Lord's service for
His purpose, and touch the hearts of many, encouraging a closer,
deeper walk with the Lord." - Tonya Sykes.
SOUL OF ME CD Songs
* * + THE BIG SIGN - Words and Music
by Lisa Davis.
A light rock praise song, which makes
good use of the piano to establish the snappy beat, some counter
melody, which all supports the melody of Tonya's fine vocals.
Driven piano / drum introduction does a nice job establishing
the pop rock beat as well as providing a strong introduction
to the main melody. There is a fine electric guitar solo during
the interlude between verses. Nice violin sound is in background.
A song about how patient and merciful
our Lord is, who time after time leads us back on track in our
service for Him, like a good shepherd leads his sheep down the
right path.
. Related Scriptural References: (Romans
1:17, 1 John 3:1, Philippians 1:6 & 2:15, John 10:3-5)
Lyrical Samples:
1) On a road to nowhere, running in
circles round and round. How could I miss it. Time after time
you've opened my eyes.
Chorus: Flashing lights, arrows pointing
the way. I've been so blind, but now I see the big sign.
2) On a one way street, too many detours
to turn me around, couldn't see your light, so many times you
saved my life. Chorus
Hook: Keep leading the way lord, Keep
showing the way Lord.
Chorus: Through
flashing lights, arrows pointing the way. I've been so blind,
now I see the big sign...Show me the big sign.....
* * * HUSH< HUSH - Words and Music by
Tonya Sykes.
A favorite of this reviewer. A fun,
joyous, bouncy song whose lyrics tells the story of how the
Lord's Holy Spirit gently calls a believer to spend time with
her creator. The chorus brings home the point that the Lord
delights in our love and attention, as we are precious to Him.
An encouraging song for those of us who struggle to find the
time and make it a priority in our busy lives to spend time
with the Lord, who dearly loves us as his children, and delights
in spending time with us, hearing how we love Him.
Related Scriptural References: (1 John
4:19 & 3:1, Ephesians 1: 4-9, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 37:4-7,
Ephesians 3:16-19)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Deep in the night you come, kissing
me gently on my face, your Spirit whispers in my ear, spend
some time with me. Quickly I'm on my feet. Here I am Daddy dancing
for you. Suddenly I here you say, STOP EVERYTHING.. She's looking
my way.
Chorus: Hush, Hush, Can you hear her
coming? The pitterpatter of her little feet running to me. Hush,
Hush, she's gonna tell me she loves me. Sing and dance and shout
how I've set her free.
2) With galaxies, moons, and stars in
the way. Billions of angels singing Your praise, Still I can
hear You say, Stop Everything, she's looking my way.
* * * THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT - Words
and Music by Tonya Sykes.
Another favorite of this reviewer. Lovely
counter melodies by guitars and piano, meld perfectly with main
beautiful melody carried by the fine, expressive vocals. Great
composition, plus great lyrics and vocals is an uplifting addition
to the CD.
Related Scriptural References: (John 3:16, 1 Thess. 1:16-17,
& 4:17, 1 Thess. 5:10)
Lyrical Samples:
1) With a broken heart, our Heavenly
Father devised the perfect plan. Creating a seed of love. His
only Son would come. He came, He died, He rose again, bridging
the gap between God and man. Have you been washed in His precious
blood. Will you surrender to His love?
Chorus: This could be the night, the
King of Heaven comes back for His Bride. This could be the night,
the Father's smile splits the eastern skies, in a moment in
the twinkling of an eye, this could be the night.
2) He now sits in Heaven, at the Father's
right hand. The Lion of Judea has given this command. Go tell
the world everything that I have done. One day very soon I will
return. Chorus
Hook: Are you ready for the trumpet to sound? Changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. This
could be the night.
* * * + CRIMSON FLOOD - Words and Music
by Tonya Sykes.
The favorite praise and worship song
of this reviewer. Hauntingly beautiful song is written in a
minor key. Begins with broken chords of an acoustical guitar
and the mournful melody intro by an electrical guitar. Tonya's
expressive vocals and light percussion, acoustical guitar broken
chords, and fine electrical guitar chord / embellishment support
in background. Wonderful meter change from verses to chorus,
which brings joy to the good news of Jesus Christ. Also enjoyed
the musical interludes between verses.
Related Scriptural References: (John
3:16, Hebrews 13:5-6)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Your soul cries out for so much more.
Hoping to find your purpose in this world. You think you're
all alone, but I AM by your side. Will you receive My sacrifice?
Chorus: There is a crimson flood, a river
of love that flows for you. All sin is washed away from those
who come to me. I'll cleanse you in My blood, Heal your heart
and set you free. Come be washed away in my river of love.
2) I stand at the door, will you let
me in? My arms are open wide, let Me hold you. Choose you this
day, death or life. Will you receive My sacrifice? Chorus
Hook: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, I've cleanse you
in my blood, heal your heart and set you free; Come be washed
away in My river of love.............
* * * LET ME LOVE THEM WITH YOUR HEART
- Words and Music by Tonya Sykes.
A well done, upbeat, prayer contemporary
worship hymn, which would be welcome in any contemporary worship
service. Lovely use of guitars, which produce a nice ensemble,
choir-like support of the inspiring melody well-done vocals
of the song.
Related Scriptural References: (2 Thess.
2:16, 1 John 3:18)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Yeah, Yeah...Lord will You teach me.
How to touch the world. See through Your eyes. Be used to change
a life. Lead me ... Guide me. Pour out Your love, yes, pour
our Your love through my life.
2) Take my hands and touch them. Look
at them through my eyes, take my arms and hold them, Let me
love them with Your heart. Oh please Jesus, Use me, Use me to
show them who You are.
3) Lord I want to serve You. You are
so good to me. Showered me with Love. Took me in Your family.
You say that I've loved You. When I've loved the least of these,
So lead the way I am Your hands and feet.
4) So many souls are hurting in the
world today, one simple act of love. I've seen the difference
it can make. Father use this willing heart, all I want to do
is my part. Let me love them with Your heart. Hey ya.
Hook: Let me love them with Your heart..........Let
me love them with Your heart.
* * * DADDY - Words and Music by Lisa
Davis.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
narrative song which is written in a minor key, which starts
with a solemn keyboard introduction. Vocals and keyboards carry
the first verse. Guitars and light percussion join at the chorus.
During the Hook, the song ends on a positive chord, which reflects
the peace given to this child from the Lord, found in a relationship
with Him.
The Lyrics were inspired from Lisa's
childhood, and they really tug at the listener's heart. This
song explores the heartbreaking pain of a little girl who desperately
wants a Daddy to love, suffering a deep emotional hole in her
heart. Though she never finds her birth father, her heavenly
Lord reaches out to her in a dream with his comforting presence.
Jesus in our lives can heal any emotional hole / hurt we have
in our hearts if we let Him; for His love is perfect, faithful,
and unconditional, and He is always with us. Kirk Franklin and
Byron Cage, among many other believers who also grew up with
no Daddy would agree with this message.
Related Scriptural References: (Hebrews
13:5-6, Matthew 7:7-8, 2 Cor: 1:3-4, Matt. 6:33, John 14:1 &
John 10: 27-30)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Everyday as a little girl, I remember
coming home to an empty house. Wiping the tears from my clouded
eyes, I went through that door, And shouted out loud.
Chorus: Daddy! Daddy where are You?
Daddy!! Daddy I love you. Daddy! I really need you. Did you
hear me Daddy? I said I love you.
2) Weary and tired from my desperate
search for a man I had never seen. Slumped over in a corner
with a tear-streaked face, there was nothing to lose, I cried
myself to sleep. Chorus
Hook: Then
He came, He came to me in a dream, My Heavenly Father. "Here
I Am, Here I Am, Here I Am child. Here I Am."
* * * + Title Song: SOUL OF ME - Words
and Lyrics by J. C. Parham.
The favorite praise/prayer hymn on this CD of this reviewer. Music accompaniment that supports
the transcending melody, heart-felt vocals and meaningful lyrics
has a spiritual aura that swirls over the listener, bringing
a peace to the mind and soul. Lyrics are a comforting reminder
of the enduring characteristics of our Lord, and His promises
to us which help relieve the tension of life and inspire the
listener to depend on, trust in and pray to the Lord.
A personal praise prayer hymn to the
Lord with a lovely melody, written in the spirit of a praise
Psalm, describing the close relationship between a believer
and the Lord, where the believer depends on the Lord for guidance,
discernment, friendship, support, empowerment, and for our spiritual
growth and development, so that we may be more Christ-like,
and have an effective ministry for the Gospel.
Related Scriptural References: (Philip.
4:6-8, 1 John 2:5, 1 John 18-24)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Like wings upon the wind, we seek
and desire, that breath of hopefulness to take us much higher.
I see within Your eyes, a sparkling seed, extending from You
into the soul of me.
2) Expressions of the heart, can be timid
or bold. I need You by my side as my life unfolds, You've been
a bright light that's helped me to see, far and beyond the soul
of me.
Bridge: You mean the world to me. You're
my best friend. Meeting You is when my life began. You took
me to that mountain top, and spread my wings so wide, then you
whispered in my ear, It's time to fly. You're my shelter from
the storm, You distance me from harm. Your flame in my heart,
burns brighter than a star. I was captured like a bird, until
You set me free. You're the keeper of the doorway, into the
soul of me.
Bridge Hook: Then You whispered in my
ear, it's time to fly. Speaking to the Soul of Me. It's time
to fly. Fly, fly,...It's time to fly.
* * * FOR ALL ETERNITY.....Words and
Music by Tonya Sykes.
A praise song with a catchy rhythm, brought
out by fine electric guitar work, interesting piano support
and light percussion, hints of keyboard which all come together
to provide fine support for the infectious melody, punctuating
the lyrics.
Related Scriptural References: (Psalm
116:1-2, John 3:16-18, Psalm 119)
Lyrical Samples:
1) You're what I need your all I want.
I give it all to you my Lord. Whatever you say is what I'll
do. You are my King and I do love You. I need You, Jesus yes
I do.
Chorus: For all eternity I'll sit at
your throne, bow before You, sing You a love song. You gave
Your life to set me free. I'll gladly lay my crowns at your
feet.
2) I don't know what my future holds.
But I am sure I won't be alone, even though we're still in this
world. His Spirit says it won't be long, all God's children
are going home.
* * + I DON'T WANNA RUSH YOU - Words
and Music by Tonya Sykes.
Another peppy, rhythmic prayer song,
which is a conversation between a person in prayer with the
Lord. Nice use of light percussion, keyboards, electric guitar,
acoustic guitar, which provide as ensemble fine support for
the vocals, both rhythmically and melody support. Nice dynamics.
Related Scriptural References: (Romans
8:28, 2nd Peter 3:8-9, John 11:5-7, Philip. 4:19)
Lyrical Samples:
1) A destiny awaits me, a plan for my
life. I'm here for a reason. Prepare me for my flight, there's
a time, there is a season.
Chorus: I don't wanna rush You, I'll
wait on Your perfect time. I am gonna trust You. I feel like
I could fly, tell the world about You. That's what I want to
do, but I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't
wanna rush You, rush You.
2) Remove the floor of heaven, pour out
your love, send forth revival, cover the whole earth. Is it
the time, Is it the season. (Music interlude) Chorus
Reviewed by: Julie Carr - Christianmusic.com
To find out more about Tonya Sykes, Lisa Davis, their CDs and
their music ministry, visit their website: www.preflightministries.org.