Interview: Gospel Artist Tracy Randall on Faith After Cancer
Honest. Bold. Courageous. Fearless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when referring to gospel artist, Tracy Randall. At the age of 38, Tracy has gained an inspiring testimony through trial and error, cancer and faith. The Christian Post caught up with Randall to discuss his music career, his battle with cancer and his hopes for the entire body of Christ.
CP: Your goal was to become an electrical engineer. When did you receive the revelation that music was your calling?
Randall: I think that it went hand in hand. I sang in theatre when I was in high school. I was managing music clients at the age of 16 but could not go where they went because of my age. I didn't believe that singing was a sure shot so I choose electrical engineering because of the type of salary that came with the profession. During college I took a thermal dynamics class. When the professor wrote a formula that spanned across both boards, I realized that this was not for me. Music has always been a part of my life. I have just worked behind the scenes, never in the front.
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CP: You independently released your first album in 2006, "Sinners Have Souls Too." What emotions did you feel when you heard your single on the air for the first time?
Randall: I was shocked. I was looking to be a producer/song-writer. When I heard the single, it was a dream manifested. To be able to have a dream fulfilled was amazing.
CP: Like many Christians we veer off of our destined path at times. You left secular music to return to your gospel roots. What prompted your transition?
Randall: I don't think that we leave our path. I don't believe that I left. Secular artists and Christian artists all have a ministry. When you see secular artists give thanks to God, they are still giving him glory. That is ministry that may impact someone in a great way. I am labeled as the secular artist that came back to gospel. I believe that I had to take that path to learn the language to bridge the two worlds together.
CP: How did your faith shift when you found out that you were diagnosed with cancer?
Randall: Wow. My faith started to shift more when my mother passed away. My mother was a heavy smoker and did things in her life that she was not proud of. Before she died, I remember I came home from school and there was a no smoking sign on the door. My mother did not attend rehab, she just began to change. That is when I recognized that there was a higher power. I started to see the Christ in her which changed me. We are told to go to church, yet not told why. There is no back story. Many Christians do and say things out of habit not because they feel it in their heart. My mother's transformation changed me.
I was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2007 while doing "Healing for My Soul." This is around the time that I lost the first woman that I ever loved and never dealt with it. I was told that the cancer was terminal. I wasn't concerned about myself but more for my family. The comforting that was placed upon my soul was so unique. It is not something that you can buy in scripture or get in the church house.
I don't want people to think that I no longer have the illness. I have pain depression. There are times that I don't sleep for two days because I am afraid to sleep. However, my faith has grown tremendously. I am still learning and growing. I still get mad and ask God, "why me?" If this can be gone from me, then let it be. Yet, He touched my soul and I am still here. I am honored to speak on his behalf as a servant. The fact that He can cancel out what man can say about you, is pretty amazing!
CP: In what ways do you use your battle with cancer to empower your life and the lives of those around you?
Randall: When I see young kids diagnosed with leukemia smiling and excited about life, they do so much for me. I did not tell all of my family members for fear of them worrying. I am the person who takes care of my family and I did not want that burden on them. It's not that I did not want people to know, I did not want them to treat me differently. I don't know how I am impacting people but I receive emails and comments on Facebook where people say that they could never tell. Perhaps that is testimony within itself.
CP: How is your faith different now from five years ago?
Randall: I am more trusting of God. I am human so of course I still have my doubts. However, I know the depth of God's love for me.
CP: What is next for Tracy Randall?
Randall: To be able to continue to do what I am doing for God and honestly find a way to bridge the churched with the unchurched without people feeling awkward. It is not our place to judge if someone's praise or worship is sincere. I want people to be as unique as they are and still be accepted. I want people to see my boldness as well as my love and devotion for God.
