Natalie Grant at NPAC for a Sunday show

VW independent/submitted information

The Pregnancy Life Center of Van Wert presents four-time Grammy-nominated Natalie Grant at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center this Sunday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Grant is known for her powerful and soaring vocals, heart-gripping lyrics, and passionate performances, and has remained one of the top-selling Christian and Gospel artists since her 2005 breakout RIAA Gold certified album, “Awaken.” She has since gone on to have over 3 million in career sales. The Gospel Music Association has named her Female Vocalist of the Year 5 times and she has had multiple No.1 hits on the Billboard chart.

Grant’s story is, in many ways, every woman’s story. She juggles the responsibilities as a mother of three with the demands of a full-time career, while managing to find time for the pursuits that are important to her. Her daily life informs her music, which radiates encouragement, centered on a simple message: sometimes, all it takes to change the world is a shift in personal perspective. The chorus to the title track from Be One (Curb Records, 11.13.15) is the perfect summary: “Why sit around and wait for a miracle to come when you can be one?”

Grant’s music is rooted in a spirit of hope and strength, but also one of urgency.

“I had an overwhelming sense of ‘I have songs and messages brewing in my heart that I have to get out’,” she said, “Being in such a strong and positive place in my own life has made me want to create songs that would remind people you can’t always change your circumstances, but you can always change your perspective, and with a change in perspective, you can find joy and freedom amidst the struggle.

“One of the biggest problems in our entire culture, especially American culture, I believe, stems from a sense of entitlement,” she explains. “I’m entitled to a good life, I’m entitled to success. When we have a sense of entitlement in our own life, we can’t stop to think about what somebody else needs, because we’re too busy being upset about our own unmet expectations. I think it all comes down to a change in perspective, when you instead ask yourself, ‘What can I do’ instead of ‘what can they do?’ ”

That idea surfaces again and again throughout her newest release, Be One.

Inspired by soulfully-elegant and innovative artists of her upbringing like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, coupled with some ‘80s inspired production — Grant weaves original melodies and arrangements with the substantial and meaningful lyrics she’s become known for. Grant soars on the powerful title track, reminiscent at times of Whitney, while on the sparkling “Symphonies,” which recalls the avante-pop of Sia, she declares, “I won’t let my fear resound/ chaos, you won’t drown me out” as strings soar and swell behind her. On the bright, ringing “Good Day” she sings, “When everything is changing, the truth is still the same/…I’m gonna dance to the beat of ‘Amazing Grace.’” And on the softly driving “Love Has Won,” she exhorts, “lift up your head” over tense, throbbing electronics. Throughout, Grant’s message is clear: we all have the ability to persevere and to triumph, change is not beyond our grasp, but sometimes we need to take the first steps.

“So many people are panicking over what they perceive to be a greater presence of darkness in the world,” Grant says. “To me, it’s not a greater presence of darkness — it’s an absence of light.” Throughout, ‘Be One’ challenges listeners to be that light, and gives them the encouragement to do so.

‘Be One’ is the first time since my very first record where I led the process,” says Grant. The record’s forward-thinking sound was as important as its message. “One of my goals on this record was to create something that was contemporary, yet at the same time classic. I wanted to make it sound fresh, but still feel like home.”

She accomplishes just that by co-writing seven of the album’s 11 tracks and enlisting her husband, Bernie Herms (currently producing Barbra Streisand and Josh Groban’s next projects), as producer, and featuring her brother, Steve, on “Nothing But The Blood” and daughters Grace and Bella (8-year-old twins) and Sadie (4) on “Ever Be.” Those moments are what Be One is all about — focusing energy on the things in life that truly matter, turning the impossible into possible by changing your own perspective, and not simply waiting for a miracle, but deciding to be one.

“When you take your mind off your own problems and ask, ‘How can I be a light in the world? How can I stop saying ‘you should’ and start saying ‘I will?’ I will do more than talk about hope and love — I will live a life that demonstrates hope and love.”

Over the course of her 16-year career, Grant has seen the results of her commitment. Her nine albums have netted her a total of 25 Dove Award nominations (and eight wins), and she has received four Grammy nominations, including one for her last No. 1 album Hurricane.

Be One is Grant’s most evocative and personal album to date, one designed to bring a message of hope and light to listeners everywhere.

Supporting sponsors for the event are Betsey’s Boutique Shop in Rockford, WTLW, STAR 88.3 and The Decatur Daily Democrat. Tickets begin at $20 and are still available online at NPACVW.ORG or through the Box Office, 419.238.6722, Monday through Friday, noon- 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount and special group benefits.

The Niswonger is located at 10700 Ohio 118 on the south edge of Van Wert.