South London grime star Stormzy beat Ed Sheeran and Lorde to be named artist of the year at the 2017 BBC Music Awards last week; and his debut album Gang Signs and Prayers is the first grime record to reach number one.

Simon Peters, Children’s and Youth Work Programme Officer, reflects on just what one of Stormzy’s hit records has in common with Bible passage John 1:12-14.

‘Like many Grime albums, Stormzy’s music may appear to some, at first listen, to be quite aggressive, boastful and messy,’ says Simon. ‘There’s a reason for that. The world can be a difficult place to be in, especially for those who are so often ignored, neglected or misunderstood. Grime music is one avenue which some people chose to assert themselves, vent their feelings and express their identity.

‘Behind the rough exterior, though, it doesn’t take long to find concepts and values vital to human thriving. Family, compassion, solidarity, perseverance, and, of course, faith in the lyrics and rhymes which Grime artists share.

‘And in his hit record Blinded By Your Grace Pt.2, the artist talks about the ways in which God has fixed and transformed his life.

‘Through his words, Stormzy sums up the Christian message. Whoever we are, whatever our background, whatever we’ve done, wherever we’re headed, whether we’re the first born or one of many, find ourselves fulfilled or broken, raring to go or tired and unworthy, God loves us. If we trust God, God will use the gifts and talents we’ve been given to help us rise from the ashes of out troubles to know reassurance, comfort and hope once again.

‘Stormzy’s words haven’t been written for worship. They haven’t been formed in a factory purely to make money. They come straight from the heart of a young man, his friends and colleagues, who have experienced God in times of struggle, giving us much to reflect on and be inspired by.

‘Have you ever felt broken? Have you ever felt unworthy? How did you react? Where was God in those times? What gifts and talents were you able to call on as you sought a way out of your struggles? How might we better recognise and trust the presence of God to help us in times of trial?

‘Reflect on these popular words of the Grace:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God, 

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with us all, 

evermore. 

‘Amen.’

Picture: Gabriel Barletta