As a new season of “American Idol” premieres Monday night, Jan. 26, on ABC, contestant Hannah Harper is sharing how God calmed her spirit amid a battle with postpartum depression, leading her to write the song she performed during her audition.
Harper’s song brought tears to judge Carrie Underwood tears. She told Harper, “Well that’s just about the most relatable song I’ve ever heard.”
Harper, a mother of three boys, has shared that after the birth of her youngest child she struggled with postpartum depression.
“I remember being on the couch,” Harper said, recalling a day when all three of her children were crying at once. “All I wanted was to be a mom, and I couldn’t do it. I was praying that the Lord would calm my spirit. I got up off my couch and I wrote this song.”
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“Last year around this time, I was bathing the idea of pursuing a solo career in country music in prayer. I didn’t want to tread on ground that wasn’t appointed for my feet,” Harper posted on Instagram. “And boy, let me tell you…this is ground I never imagined myself standing on—but when He opened the door, I ran through it and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads
.”
Harper concluded her post by sharing Joshua 1:9, “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
While describing her song “String Cheese” which she performed during her American Idol audition, Harper said it represents her “ministry” of leading her children in the “ways of the Lord.”
“A few months ago, I found myself in a trench, overwhelmed by laundry and dishes,” Harper said. “It was 4 PM when I realized I hadn’t eaten all day because I was so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs. I sat on the couch and threw myself a pity party, but then the Lord reminded me of my purpose here on earth as my baby crawled into my lap, wanting me to open his snack.”
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Harper added, “This is my ministry. My calling is to lead and guide them in the ways of the Lord through my words and actions in everyday life.”
“The thought of them growing up and not needing me one day breaks my heart, but I pray to soak in these moments while they still depend on me for their daily needs,” she continued. “I am incredibly thankful that the Lord entrusted me with three little boys, even on the heavy days when being a mom feels like a challenge.”
“String Cheese” is available on all major streaming platforms under her stage name, Hannah Noelle.
