Healing & Hope Through Faith and Music
Gretchen grew up in Sacramento in a home shaped by the wisdom and love of a writer and a psychiatrist. Gretchen has the greatest love and respect for her late parents. But even living in the home of a psychiatrist did not keep Gretchen from her own mental health battles. She struggled with OCD, panic attacks, and depression. She felt hopeless as she had every bit of information to help her, but she was trapped in her fear.
Her life changed when her mother shared the words of Jesus from Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in spirit and you will find rest for your souls.” This verse touched her deeply, marking the beginning of her faith journey. Gretchen went from being trapped in mental and emotional bondage to finding peace, joy, and new dreams. The promise of Philippians 1:6, that God would complete the work He began in her, is a truth that Gretchen continues to see in her life.
After graduating with a degree in Journalism, Gretchen began a career in media. She worked at NBC as a page, served as a production assistant on Days of Our Lives, wrote news for an ABC affiliate, produced a talk radio show, and performed in theater, commercials, and television. During this time, she met her Christian husband, Randy, and together they built a loving family with three children. While Gretchen embraced her role as a wife and mother, her passion for music remained. She grew up in a musical home where her mother played piano, and they often sang show tunes and other standards together. One day, as her children got older, she found herself drawn back to music, singing along to tracks and playing the piano.
It was Randy who encouraged her to use her musical gifts for the Lord. Gretchen had always felt a desire to sing for God’s glory. They prayed about it and not after Gretchen joined their church ensemble and then was asked to lead worship. A role and calling Gretchen loves. A year later, Gretchen began using her writing gift to share her Christian faith in songs. Over the past decade, she has poured her heart into songwriting, and she is now preparing to release her fifth Christian studio album. Her journey has taken her from sharing her testimony to a group of TV executives to inmates at the Folsom Women’s Facility to women’s groups and beyond.
And through it all, she has discovered that no matter the setting, people are eager to hear about the hope found in Jesus. Writing and sharing her music remains one of Gretchen’s greatest joys, as she continues to testify to the transformative power of God’s love. Gretchen says she is so thankful for every opportunity to share her testimony and the good plans God has for us all.