In this inspiring debut memoir, Helen Smallbone, mother of seven
creative children―including Christian music artists for KING & COUNTRY
and Rebecca St. James―chronicles the family's journey of faith across
the ocean to go where God was leading. Written from a mother's
perspective, Helen shares stories of peaks, valleys, and a family
trusting God for provision.
Helen Smallbone's heartfelt story illustrates what it means to really
let God lead, which almost always means living outside the box of how
the world says to live. How did an ordinary Australian family produce
two Grammy Award-winning artists―Rebecca St. James and for KING &
COUNTRY? What happened to bring the Smallbones through closed doors and
to new beginnings in the United States? In Behind the Lights, Helen
shares not only these stories of her family but of the life lessons they
all learned along the way.
In 1991 Helen and her husband, David, packed up their family and sixteen
suitcases to move from Australia to the United States. Completely
isolated from the support of family and friends, they relied on God to
provide them with hope and direction. Helen watched her children join
forces as Rebecca St. James' career grew, soon followed by blossoming
careers for the others―as artists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers―and the
rise of Joel and Luke's for KING & COUNTRY on Christian music charts.
Helen shares untold stories and insights into how her family worked and
stuck together, constantly relying on their faith to guide the way.
Helen's journey includes:
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Meeting her future husband with a cockatoo on her shoulder
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The family's move to the states in blind faith
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The kindness of neighbors and the local church that gave them the
encouragement they so desperately needed
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Years of touring alongside Rebecca and the formation of for KING &
COUNTRY
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The ways God led and enabled her to homeschool and think about
education differently
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An inside look at the stories and dynamics of the entire Smallbone
family
No matter where you are in life, Helen shows through her own experiences
that what God has done in her life, He will do in yours, too.
"Make sure you're buckled in, because it was quite a treacherous and
miraculous journey as we, the Smallbone family, fumbled our way toward
learning how to sing harmoniously in the lights and, even more
importantly, behind them. We believe this book tells the story of all
the lessons we were taught growing up with heart and courage. Behind the
Lights truly demonstrates that life is a remarkable adventure."
--Joel and Luke, for KING & COUNTRY
"Helen is a reflection of strength and relentless perseverance. The
story of her life has encouraged me to never stop fighting for my
family, my faith, and my joy. Her character is rooted deep in God's
truth, and her kindness for others is infectious. Behind the Lights
reflects her raw authenticity of truth and always choosing what's right
over what is easy. You will be challenged in your faith, relationships
with others, and living a life above reproach. The world will read
Behind the Lights and be encouraged to see how Helen walks through hard
things and yet comes out looking very different than most do on the
other side."
--Heather Houle, cofounder of MUMlife
"Helen and her entire marvelous family have been dear friends of mine
since we first met at the Sydney Opera House for a couple concerts back
in the '70s. They're family to my husband Pelle and me! It is a joy to
see how God has directed each one of them in life and in music ministry.
Jesus has always been the focus, and for that, I salute and thank them."
--Evie Karlsson, Dove Award-winning music artist
