We had a chance this week to sit down for five minutes with our friend Ru Cullen, and we have got a treat for you – this gem has got some wisdom. Ru is an incredibly talented worship leader and musician – she has thrown herself full force into a life for God, and she’s one of those people that you can’t spend time with without falling a bit more in love with Jesus. She’s one of the most faithful, loyal people – she had been my person since I first came to Cambridge; she’s been a game-changer for me.
Ru’s new album – Last to Leave – is out now, and it is one that you need to find, and give it a listen – a really honest, vulnerable album. You can find it on Spotify, on ITunes, or on any of the places that you would normally get your music – give it a listen!
Here’s what Ru had to say:
Hey Ru! We are so excited about the new album. How did Last to Leave begin to come together, and what inspired you as you were writing for the project?
Thanks for the album love! This project began around four years ago, when I started writing again after my first album. Things started really coming together last year when I started recording – we set a deadline for the November release and did it; I’m super pleased about that.
I’ve been inspired, as always, by the way the people around me navigate the challenges of life, and in particular the idea of resilience. Far out, we all need a strong dose of resilience to stand strong in those times.
Music is clearly a massive part of your life – what does a week in the life of Ru Cullen look like?
Music is a huge part of my life – it’s my passion and now my work, and I never tire of it. As far as a “week in the life” is concerned, no two weeks are the same! The last 18 months has been focused on studio time to record the album, in amongst family, life and two day jobs!
So, I move those things around into a configuration for the week that will work for everyone. It usually involves late nights and too much coffee!
You are busy! So what’s the secret to balancing it all?
There is no secret – I definitely haven’t got it down. I would say though – ask God where your focus should be. Commit your time to Him. Surrender your day to Him. Inquire of Him, where your energy should go – that will direct you. It’s immensely satisfying to know that you’re spending time doing the right things, even if you are physically tired.
What piece of advice would you give to a younger musician or creative type?
I would say this: Listen, learn and be humble.
Take every opportunity to maximize any potential you have. If you find work that you love or people you admire, work out why and learn from that. Assimilate it.
I have so much more to learn (and I hope I’m saying the same when I’m 80!)
You’ve got your three beautiful girls and your husband along for the ride. What are your hopes and dreams for your family?
Our biggest hope is that the girls would know God, love God and have everything they do stem from that love for Him. I don’t really mind what they end up doing, I only care about what the end up being. We really try to role model that at home.
I dream of our home being a life-long sanctuary both for us as a family, and for the people around us.
Is there a thought or verse that has been key to your journey?
I have two favourites:
Psalm 126:3 – The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!
1 Peter 3:4 – Be beautiful inside, in your hearts. With the lasting charm of a gentle and quieted spirit which is so precious to God.
Oooooh, I love those ones.
And what’s one piece of advice that has really stuck with you?
There’s a line from a song (of course!). It goes:
“How can you tell what a man is worth worth by what he builds or buys.
You can never see with your eyes on earth
You must look at your life
You must look at your life through heaven’s eyes”
