GRAND BAHAMA, THE BAHAMAS – Sometimes the most powerful songs are born from life’s darkest moments.
One Grand Bahamian artist is sharing how heartbreak, faith, and perseverance inspired a message that’s now touching listeners across the country and beyond.
Tonight, we hear the story behind a song that’s reminding people they can make it through, even their toughest battles.
For gospel artist Brendira Braynen, music has been more than a melody for over 20 years – it’s ministry.
The university lecturer, mother, and worship leader recently released her latest song, “We Winning,” drawing from personal experiences and scripture to encourage others who may feel defeated.
Braynen explains how one of life’s most difficult seasons inspired the message.
“When I think about the message of “We Winning”, it’s based on Psalms 23, when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. And for me, the experience had to do a lot with having child lost and feeling defeated. So, in 2024, I would have lost, I would have had a miscarriage and lost a daughter, and that, I really felt defeated in that moment, and I was kind of always pushing myself to get past that and get into, you know, a more joyous feeling because I know that. Once I’m relying on God, holding on to God, that I know that that season will last, you know.
Eventually I’ll be willing.”
But for Braynen, the song’s message reaches far beyond her own experience. She says every song she writes is meant to uplift people facing challenges of their own.
“My music, I base everything on trying to encourage, because there’s so many things around us that can make us feel defeated, make us feel sad, and just life itself just doesn’t always dish a good plate for us. And so my thing is, I just seek to encourage through the word of God and through the messages in the Bible and reminding others of exactly who God is and some of the characteristics of God, because sometimes we forget and we need to be reminded.”
And for braynen, one verse stands. Here, she sings the portion of “We Winning” that carries some of the song’s deepest meaning.
“So the song says my favorite part. When I walk through the valley and the shadow of my enemies, the Lord he walks with me. Preparing a table before me in front of my enemies.
My God, don’t play bout me. And he don’t play about you, too.”
