LAKE STEVENS — He’s a Christian rocker with a message and a mission. Jeremiah James, of Lake Stevens, released his latest album, “Out of the Ashes… Rise,” earlier this month. The eight songs recount his fall upon hard times and emerging from those troubles. James, 37, credits his faith in Jesus Christ for helping him through his darkest days.
By sharing that pain, the singer and guitarist hopes to inspire people to support those who are struggling, instead of condemning their faults.
James grew up in the small town of Sumas with dreams of becoming a big, rich rock star. He said he attended a Lutheran church, mostly because his parents made him.
As a teen, a pastor helped him realize his unruly ways weren’t in line with God’s word. James abandoned his rebellious style.
“I was filled with the Holy Spirit and my life was forever changed,” he said.
But his troubles didn’t end there.
He was distanced from his three children after a bitter divorce in 2013, he said. He struggled with the split because his religious beliefs frown upon breaking up a marriage.
“I really kind of lost my way,” he said. “I felt worthless.”
Before his divorce, James said, he used Christianity as a weapon. He preached of the fire and brimstone that come with such sins at a Granite Falls church. He was humiliated when it happened to him.
“There’s nothing more humbling than becoming a hypocrite,” he said.
After his painful breakup, James eventually picked himself up, dusted off and started over. Again with help from a pastor, he accepted God’s grace and learned a lesson.
“No matter how much you falter in your steps, you’re never beyond God’s reach,” he said.
Earlier this year, James remarried. He and his new wife, Jaime, recently welcomed a baby into their lives.
James vows to never forget how far he’s fallen. He refuses to look down on others for their faults.
His album aims to share that lesson. The eclectic mix of southern rock, contemporary worship and classic sounds is available online through sellers such as Amazon, iTunes and his independent record label, the Tate Music Group.
James wants to use the money from his music to support those in need. “I really want to help people, not just give lip service,” he said. “That’s what Jesus calls us to do.”
Locals might know James as Jeremiah Bromley. The self-taught musician goes by his first and middle names on stage. He works in Everett as a service manager at a work-uniform manufacturing company.
Now that his album is finished, James is looking for charity projects that could benefit from his music.
“I know I can’t save the world but I can do something to make someone’s life a little better,” he said. “God’s not done with me yet.”
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports
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