The song debuted at No. 5 and is now at No. 7 in the publication, which serves the radio industry. Shaw, who has been the worship pastor at Faith Covenant Church in Westerville, Ohio, for 10 years, is joined on the chart by longtime artists that include Matt Redman and Phillips, Craig & Dean.
Shaw recently finished recording the rest of the album with members of the Nashville Symphony. The single was recorded and released earlier “just basically so radio stations wouldn’t forget about me,” she says, laughing.
Shaw’s first song, “Be Still” was released five years ago and was born of pain. In 2003, she nearly died from a miscarriage, and her father, Dave Chilcoat, was diagnosed with terminal ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
The day after learning her father’s diagnosis, she says, “I literally fell on the floor crying in front of God.”
She randomly opened her Bible to Psalm 42, which says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” She also was struck by the words of Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Be still and know that I am God.”
The result was her first song and album, “Be Still,” which she recorded as a Christmas present for her father. She never expected the music to get radio airplay.
The first printing of 1,000 CDs sold out in six weeks. “Within nine months, we were in hundreds of little Christian radio stations in places like South Africa and Australia,” she says. “I was shocked, but now that I’m doing this and know how hard it is to get on radio, I’m really shocked.”
Although the music was born of pain, it also is filled with joy for God’s faithfulness. “The promise that he will use all things to good for those who love him is true,” she says.
Three years ago, her son, Toby, was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. At the time, even a drop of water on his skin would cause him great pain.
Toby is now four and has received therapy. “You would never even know anything was ever wrong with him,” Shaw says. “He’s a miracle.”
Shaw was trained as an opera singer, but had to change her singing style when she was asked to lead worship at Faith Covenant. “In some ways, singing opera is a liability because you have to sing differently when you’re leading worship.”
She doesn’t regret making the decision, however. Shaw frequently performs at churches and conferences and says changing styles has enabled her to share the gospel more easily.
Shaw has turned down several offers by record labels to sign her because they most likely would limit her options to play at retreats and other smaller settings. She adds, “You just don’t own your schedule or your life.”
Shaw is excited about the new CD, which includes several members of the Nashville Symphony and was produced by Paul Marino, who has guided numerous hit projects.
The new album will be available through her website in October and is slated for wider distribution in January.
