Meet Thena Beam | Jesus-follower, wife, homeschool mama, worship leader, singer-songwriter & educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thena Beam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thena, how do you define success?
Success is doing what you were made to do. It’s the thing God created you to do, for the purpose of serving Him and others. When you find it, you know it, because it brings joy to you, to others, and to God. But chances are you’re probably already doing it, because it’s a natural extension of who you are. For me, singing and performing my original material is success. Being a wife and a mother is success. Serving my church is success. Inspiring young artists is success. Whether I’m performing or teaching my two boys as a busy homeschool mom, success is continuing to do what I love, and what God made me to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I make music that focuses on Christ, with the hope that it will bring encouragement to others. In a world of artists trying to sound like someone else, I sing with my own voice, feeling the freedom to be authentically me. One project I’m super proud of is the music video for my song Man of Sorrows. The way it came about was truly blessed. A dad in our homeschool community who is a film-maker heard my song, and offered to shoot the video. It was such an unexpected gift, and everyone who worked on the project gave of their time and energy so selflessly. Creating Man of Sorrows truly was a labor of love, and we’ve been amazed to see it go on to win numerous awards as it reaches a wider audience.

Today I’m thankful to be working on an album of all-original material, as well as speaking as a guest artist in colleges, performing, worship-leading, teaching, and co-writing songs for other artists. Getting to where I am was a hard road, because it started out with me trying to “make it” in the music industry in Los Angeles. It took me years to realize that while I thought I held my faith dear, in reality I was holding hands with the world, rather than God. I chose to walk away from that path, in order to honor and pursue commitment to Christ and my family. Music is still in the mix, but it’s more a joy than ever, because my priorities have landed and settled into their proper places. I’ve realized that there are different seasons for our giftings, and I have embraced the current season I’m in. I love that I get to be a mother, as well as teach my kids. I love walking through life beside my husband, confidant, and best friend. I love that I get to keep making music, at every opportunity that comes my way. And I love that I get to walk through life with God, trusting that He will continue to use my gifts for His glory.

What I’d like the world to know more than anything, is that Jesus loves them. He loves them harder and deeper than they’ve ever known or could ever imagine. He’s ready to welcome them home the second they turn away from this world to Him. All it takes is admitting that we can’t make it on our own. We will never be accomplished enough, desirable enough, accepted enough, strong enough, or brave enough – and we need Him desperately. Where we come to the end of ourselves, He’s right there, ready to open the door to another life, if we will only let Him. Just come to Him humbly, set aside your pen, and let Him write the pages of your story. As I sing in Man of Sorrows, “… and write the pages of my story, as you only know the way it goes.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was coming to town, I’d take her to downtown Greenville for dinner at Jianna, then walk along Falls Park on the Reedy River. We would walk across the bridge, look at shops and people-watch along the way. We might stop for ice cream at Jeni’s, or dessert at one of the several new spots downtown. If she was in town longer, I’d take her to the Biltmore where we’d tour the house, walk the gardens and do a wine-tasting. If we had more time, I’d take her for a day-trip drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we would stop at scenic overlooks to marvel at God’s creation. If we had more time, we’d spend a day biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, starting with crepes at Tandem in Travelers Rest, biking through Furman University, and ending up at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe. After her visit, I’m pretty sure she’d want to move here too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
James Ward, my music mentor, who encouraged me to study voice & keep making music. And Tierney Sutton, for welcoming me into her community of vocalists & educators, and believing in my ability to rise to the occasion.

Website: https://www.thenabeam.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamthena

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenabeam

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thenabeam

Image Credits
Jonathan Knox