Terry Lang Jones, formerly of the national platinum recording group Point of Grace, recently released her first solo album, “I Will Speak”. She says, “This record is my honest effort to be who I am, honor God and make great music that connects people in our humanness.”

Terry attended college at Ouachita Baptist University where she and three of her friends began the group Say So. Later changing their name to Point of Grace, their successful musical journey included performing roughly 300 shows a year, seven Dove awards, 12 Dove nominations, two Grammy nominations, six Gold albums, two Platinum albums, 27 #1 singles, and appearances on The View, Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee, CBS This Morning, and more.

In 1994, Terry married Chris Jones whom she met in college. Married 20 years, they have three children, Cole, 15, Luke, 13, and Mallory, 11. Terry shares with Little Rock Family the loves of her life that lead her to “speak” musically again.

Little Rock Family: Describe the progression of your musical career and the impact it had on family.

TJ: Chris worked night shifts and the schedule worked with our quirky personalities. I was touring a lot. There weren’t cell phones back then, so it was more difficult to stay connected. I remember sitting in the hallway with the hotel phone cord stretched to have a private conversation. He would also come out on the road with me sometimes. There were long tours where we were out on the road for up to seven days at a time, but we both knew what we were signing on for.

How did things change as you had children?

Cole was born in 1998. We were still touring and very busy. He always went with me. My first show after his birth was in Alaska when he was two weeks old. Chris would join us and we’d have a nanny while I was working. As Luke and Mallory came along, I continued to tour. They went with me. It was a lot to juggle. Over the years though it became increasingly difficult for me to be the wife and mom I wanted to be. My heart pulled me to be home. I wanted us to have breakfast at home, not on a tour bus.

How did you make your decision to leave your career with Point of Grace?

Each of us needs to obey what God puts on our hearts. I had mentors, close friends and family around me. I prayed and sought wise counsel. I actually waited for a year or two to make the decision. I knew it was what I wanted, but that didn’t make it any easier. People don’t usually stop in the music business. About nine years ago, I left it.

What was life like after leaving Point of Grace?

I felt relief and freedom. The kids loved the road and got to travel all over, but they enjoyed not being rushed. We can have hours to do whatever. There was an adjustment period though. Things were so different including less income. We feel the best thing we can do for our kids is to love each other well.

To others there’s been a gap between Point of Grace and now. To me, life has been so full. It’s busier because I dove into home life and there’s no outside help anymore. Moms have a lot to be responsible for. That’s where the stuff of life has been for me.

What led you to a solo path now?

I’ve continued singing over the years, but three or four years ago I began songwriting as a creative outlet. The songs are about life, love, relationships, and families. When I started work on the record, it was a full time job sandwiched between games, school, practices, etc. It’s been a family effort. Everyone has pitched in for me to do this.

Songwriting makes you vulnerable because it’s your own creativity. I am an introvert at heart. Expressing outwardly is a challenge. Music can move people in ways conversation cannot. It’s important for me to invest, connect and share my love for people.

What would you like to share with other parents?

Live where you’re planted. Cultivate who is closest to you. Invest in the people God gave you. Don’t want for anything else. Be true to who you are uniquely called to be.