Anthony’s confession to his audience, on that fateful night, took everyone by surprise. But like the crescendo of a song, the reasons for his sudden declaration had been building within him for a while.
“I had people in my life that had no business being there… and I was busy trying to make everybody happy.”
That juggling act began to take its toll on Anthony. And in time, it affected the one human relationship he valued the most – the one with his bride-to-be.
“…Every day, during the engagement, there were disguises and masks; trying to make sure that she thought I was great. I was afraid that she wouldn’t accept me, if she truly knew me… There was a lot of stuff I had to work through…I had to get over… Love doesn’t do disguises.”
All of the masks eventually crumbled into a mess. But working through the pain of it all not only led Anthony to moment of unexpected honestly with his audience; it compelled him to come face to face with himself. Out of that mess came an intimate message, which he chose to put to words and music.
I said I loved you but I protected, and kept my heart from you
I saw your hurting eyes still I decided to move away keep myself safe.
I apologize cause I’ve realized… love is willing to get hurt
Love gives needing no return
When Love lives it needs no words I’ve learned that’s what love is (**)
“Holding up a mask and trying to be everything you’re not is too much work,” Anthony has learned. “Keeping up such appearances is a drain of your time and energy. And it keeps you from doing what you should be doing.”
Taking account of his disguises both personal and professional, and remembering how receptive to worship his audience had been after his public declaration; Anthony re-evaluated what he should be doing. And the results have been life changing.
Not only has Anthony Evans become a much-sought-after worship leader, with invitations to Franklin Graham events and such venues as The National Worship Leaders Conference, the recording artist has also taken a leading role in producing the very music he records.
Having recently started his own record company, Anthony partnered with INO Records for the distribution of his upcoming project, Undisguised. For the first time, Anthony, who co-produced it along with Dove Award-nominated Rusty Varenkamp and up-and-coming producer Brandon Hood, oversaw every detail of this collection. Added to those duties, Anthony penned nine of the twelve tracks with Dove Award winner, Grammy-nominated songwriter (and friend) Jason Ingram – as well as “Wait,” and “You Alone” with Michael Boggs and “Rejoice” – with Boggs and renowned worship leader Kari Jobe.
