The Inspirations announce upcoming album,Up Above The World So High

AMY TURNER / CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (May 28, 2025) — Their receipt of the esteemed Singing News Favorite Artist of the Year award is only a few months in the rear-view mirror, and the ascent to the top of the charts by their latest single, “My Name’s Already There,” is more recent still, but the young men making up the refreshed lineup of legendary quartet, The Inspirations, are hardly letting the grass grow under their feet. Teamed for the first time with producer/pianist Roger Talley, The Inspirations are back from the ever-flowing well of tradition with Up Above The World So High, a new collection for Horizon Records — now available for pre-save/add ahead of its July 18 release — that’s sure to bring joy to any listener whose soul has ever resonated with the classic Inspirations sound.
“I attended my very first Inspirations concert in 1970,” notes Talley, “and I’ve admired them from afar ever since then. When they asked me to produce their new album, I got to know them in a far greater capacity by getting on the bus and going with them for a weekend of concert dates. These young men really care about the people they sing to, and I quickly learned how fiercely their fans love and support them in return.”

Indeed, the reasons for the fans’ devotion are apparent from the first notes of the album opener, “I’ll Wear a White Robe,” as Talley’s piano and pedal steel guitar from the group’s baritone singer—and multi-instrumentalist— Luke Vaught ring out with a profoundly traditional sound. At a time when the Southern Gospel tag includes so many modern variations, the thrilling sounds of yesteryear that the quartet — Roland Kesterson (lead), Isaac Moore (tenor), Wyatt Austin (bass) and Vaught — have captured so well serve not only to remind long-time listeners of the genre’s historical heights and offer an introduction to new fans, but center once again the kinds of lessons and stories that have brought comfort and joy to millions through the years.

With its blend of thoughtfully selected classics like the title track, the Luke Vaught guitar-driven “Press On, O Pilgrim, There Is Joy Ahead” and the intricately harmonized “I’ve Been A Walking With My Lord,” and well-matched new songs such as “He’s Still The Same God” brought to life with spirited arrangements that offer each member of the quartet a chance to take center stage, Up Above The World So High captures the musical and spiritual renewal The Inspirations bring to each of their performances.

Says Talley, “I admire their talents, but even more their dedication to serving the Lord and His children. I’m proud to call them my friends, and I hope you enjoy and are blessed by this new project!”

Salvation Is Beyond Human Effort

JEFF TURNER

In the Gospel of John, we often read about large crowds gathering to hear Jesus speak. However, many of these people left when His message challenged their beliefs. In John chapter 6, Jesus told the crowd that no one could come to Him unless the Father drew them. This statement offended many then, and it still unsettles people today.

The reason for this discomfort lies in human pride. All people are born sinners and naturally resist the idea that they cannot save themselves. Most false religions are built on the idea that people can earn their way to heaven through good works. But the Christian message is different. It teaches that salvation is not something we achieve; it is a gift from God, given through faith, so no one can boast about earning it.

Many struggle with this because they want to take credit for their salvation. Yet the Bible is clear: we are spiritually dead, blind, and trapped in sin without the power to free ourselves.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Transform Your Life Through God’s Love

FLOYD ROGERS

God loves you exactly as you are, and He is patiently waiting for you to let Him shape you into the person He knows you can become.

So, how does this transformation happen? It begins with recognising who Jesus truly is. He is the Son of God, sent into the world to give His life on the cross for your sins and mine. When He died, He took on the sins of everyone—past, present, and future. This act of love is available to everyone, no matter where they are or what their past looks like.

No matter who you are or where you find yourself today, Jesus loves you. He is waiting for you to say “Yes, Lord,” and surrender your life to Him. When you do, you will witness incredible changes as He works in your life, offering you hope and a new purpose.

By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

1 John 4:9

HighRoad’s Sarah Davison Shares Praise Report After Daughter’s Medical Emergency

AMY TURNER

The Southern Gospel community rallied in prayer this past week as High Road’s Sarah Davison and her husband Trevor faced every parent’s worst nightmare. Their six-month-old daughter, Ruth Ann, suffered a fall that resulted in bleeding on the brain, sending the family into a time of uncertainty and fear.

What began as a medical emergency has transformed into a testimony of God’s healing hand and faithful provision. Sarah Davison recently shared an encouraging update about Ruth Ann’s condition that has given us a reason to rejoice.

“We got the best care in the whole world. I think I was so impressed with the doctors and the nurses there,” Sarah reported. “We ended up having her admitted and the next day the doctors came in and after another scan, they said it looked like the bleeding had clotted and that we could go home that night.”

The relief and gratitude in Sarah’s voice was unmistakable as she continued: “So we are praising God big time right now for just the miraculous healing job that he did on Ruth Ann this weekend and we just gave him all the glory because it’s truly just a miracle that it wasn’t any worse than it was and we are home safe now with our little girl and she is doing great.”

Sarah’s heartfelt thanks extended to the prayer warriors who lifted their family up during this difficult time: “Thank you all so much for the prayers man our God is so awesome and he is so good to us.”

This testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God and the strength found in Christian community during times of trial. The Davison family’s experience demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change when the Lord intervenes, turning fear into praise and anxiety into thanksgiving.

Trusting God for Calmness in Troubling Times

AMY TURNER

Psalm 131:2 gives a gentle picture of peace, saying, “I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother.” Just as a baby must learn how to settle and rest without constant help, people of faith also need to find peace within themselves. While parents can comfort and reassure a child, there comes a time when the child must learn to drift into rest on their own.

In the same way, believers often struggle with worry, fear, and restless thoughts. It’s common for our minds to become tangled with concerns, leading to inner unrest. Simply hearing comforting words or reminders of God’s promises is not always enough. We need to personally accept and trust those truths.

The calmness of a child resting quietly with its mother is a beautiful example of the peace available to anyone who places their trust in God. This quiet strength comes not from avoiding trouble but from learning to lean on God’s presence through it.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7