The circles that I run in often do not create space for young leaders. And, as a father of three daughters, I am particularly concerned that we create such space for young and emerging women.

As I did with Sharon Hodde Miller, let me introduce you to another talented emerging leader. This is only my second musical digression here on the blog (the first being for my friends at Sojourn). But, I wanted to tell you a little about Cassie Curtis.

Cassie is new Christian artist from South Carolina. She recently completed her first CD, which is self-titled. It contains 7 originals and 4 covers. I've listened to it several times and have greatly enjoyed it. She has a great voice and her passion comes through in the music. She is a gifted song-writer, and her original music emphasizes the need for authentic living that magnifies the glory of God. She has been recommended by Mark Hall from Casting Crowns, and she just opened for Tenth Avenue North.

If you are interested in taking in some new music, you can order her from her website, www.cassiecurtis.com, or you can purchase the album from iTunes or Amazon. She also does concerts, etc. for churches and ministries.

Cassie grew up in a pastor's home (and her father is a friend of mine). She understands the challenge of living in a glass house and the temptation to please people rather than God. In her song "Hypocrite," she examines the pain of failing to live up to unrealistic expectations and the joy of learning that what really matters is pleasing God and living for His glory alone.

In "Fill It," Cassie examines the challenges of growing as a disciple of Christ. She expresses the sorrow that she feels when she fails to follow after Christ, and she acknowledges that only God can fill her heart with the desire and ability to honor Him.

Cassie's song "Your Eyes" chronicles the choices of the Prodigal Son and Jonah to run from God's will for their lives. It challenges the Christian to reverse that choice and instead "run away from who I am"and back to the waiting arms of God. Truly, the only safe place, the place of purpose, is found under the watchful eyes of our great God.

My favorite song is "I exist," based upon Paul's sermon on Mars Hill in Acts 17. It is a song of celebration that our existence is not some random event, but the result of the work of a sovereign God. As a result, our lives exist to show God's worth to the world.

As I mentioned, the CD also includes four cover songs that range from a rendition of Hillsong United's "Lead me to the Cross," to a soulful version of Watermark's "Knees to the Earth." Cassie rewrote the words and lyrics to a favorite old hymn, "Deep, Deep Love," and provides a spiritual rendition of Lady Antebellum's, "I run to you."

Take a look at her website here.