CeCe Winans, a 15-time Grammy Award-winning gospel icon, has been a beacon of inspiration for decades. From her stirring performances to her unwavering faith, Winans has touched countless lives through her music and ministry. This article explores her journey, highlighting her recent projects, personal milestones, and the impact she has on both the gospel music scene and the lives of those she mentors.
A Stellar Career Marked by Faith and Family
Music, faith, and family have been the cornerstones of Winans' life. As part of the renowned Winans family, she began her musical journey at a young age, eventually forming the acclaimed duo BeBe & CeCe Winans with her brother. Their music resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them numerous accolades and solidifying their place in gospel music history.
Despite her many blessings, Winans has also faced personal heartaches, including the loss of her brother Ronald to heart disease in 2005. This experience, while painful, reinforced her faith and deepened her commitment to spreading hope and encouragement through her music.
New Music: Bridging Divides and Sharing Inspiration
Winans continues to create music that transcends boundaries and touches hearts. Her recent projects, including the live albums "Believe For It" and "More Than This," showcase her incredible talent and her desire to connect with a wider audience.
"Believe For It": A Live Album Born During the Pandemic
"Believe For It," recorded during the pandemic with a limited audience, captured Winans' incredible live presence. The title track received unexpected airplay on Christian Adult Contemporary radio stations, a first for Winans as a solo artist. The album's success led to numerous awards, including Song of the Year at the 2022 GMA Dove Awards and a pair of GRAMMYs®.
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"More Than This": A Celebration of Authority and Identity in Christ
Winans' sophomore live set, "More Than This," released in April 2024, explores themes of authority and recognizing one's identity in Christ. Recorded at Rocketown in Nashville, the album features covers of popular CCM songs and original compositions, showcasing Winans' ability to bridge the gap between traditional gospel music and modern Christian pop.
Winans explains that her previous album was about faith and encouraging people not to give up, while "More Than This" focuses on authority and recognizing who you are in Christ.
"Goodness of God": A Song That Resonated Deeply
Winans' rendition of "Goodness of God" has also resonated with audiences, becoming a staple in her live performances and receiving significant airplay. Winans was initially hesitant to record the song, as many artists had already covered it. However, she ultimately decided to include it on "Believe For It" because it ministered to her personally.
Winans recognized that the song had the potential to reach a different audience, particularly within the Black church, where it may not have been as widely known. By lending her voice to the song, she aimed to bridge the gap between different cultures and denominations.
Mentorship and Legacy: Investing in the Next Generation
Winans is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of gospel artists. She believes that it is her responsibility to share her experiences and insights with those who are coming behind her.
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"GENERATIONS LIVE": Uniting Generations Through Faith
Winans embodies this vision through her "GENERATIONS LIVE" conference, an offshoot of the "GENERATIONS" YouTube series she hosts alongside her daughter and her mother. The show addresses a wide range of topics from a biblical point of view, emphasizing the importance of uniting multiple generations and learning from one another.
Winans believes that there is much to learn from those who have come before us and those who are coming after us. By fostering intergenerational connections, she hopes to create a stronger and more unified community of believers.
Advice for the Next Generation
The most important piece of advice she has for the next generation of artists is to be who you are and allow God to do what He wants to do through you. Winans has certainly walked out this motto through every season of her life.
Personal Milestones: Celebrating Love, Ministry, and Aging Gracefully
In addition to her musical achievements, Winans is also celebrating several personal milestones. She and her husband, Alvin Love II, celebrated 40 years of marriage on June 23. They also celebrated 12 years of ministry, with their son serving as the Lead Pastor for almost three years.
Winans also has a refreshingly positive attitude about aging. She acknowledges that getting older is a privilege and embraces each new chapter with grace and gratitude.
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BeBe Winans' Weight Loss Journey
While CeCe Winans' journey is primarily focused on her music, faith, and mentorship, her brother BeBe Winans has also inspired many through his weight loss journey. A chance encounter with his reflection served as a wake-up call.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Change: A Personal Weight Loss Journey
In May of 2022, an individual embarked on a transformative weight loss journey, marked by significant lifestyle changes and a commitment to personal well-being. This journey, which included Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery, offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of weight loss, habit reformation, and the importance of a strong support system.
Pre-Surgery Preparation: A Strict Liquid Diet
The journey began with a strict liquid diet for seven days before surgery. This diet consisted solely of protein shakes, broth, water, sugar-free popsicles or jello, and decaf coffee or tea. While initially anticipating a difficult week, the individual found that establishing a routine made the process manageable.
One of the most emotional days of this process was the day before surgery. I was nervous, excited, and pondered whether I was crazy to be doing this. It was a Sunday so I cleaned my house and made it as ready as I could to not really be cleaned for a few weeks since I didn’t know how long it would take me to recover. I read a book. I cried. It ended on a high note, though! I went to get Ashley, who was going to be my person at the hospital.
The Surgical Experience: A Robotic Laparoscopic Procedure
The surgery itself was a robotic laparoscopic procedure performed in Nashville. The individual recalls being impressed by the technology and the efficiency of the medical staff. Post-surgery, recovery involved managing pain, demonstrating the ability to stay hydrated and walk, and gradually reintroducing liquids and soft foods.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Challenges and Triumphs
The initial days after surgery presented challenges, including discomfort, difficulty consuming liquids, and adjusting to new physical restrictions. However, with the support of medical professionals and loved ones, the individual gradually regained strength and mobility.
Transitioning to Solid Foods: A Gradual Process
After two weeks, the individual transitioned to soft foods, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and cooked vegetables. This transition required careful attention to portion sizes and listening to the body's signals.
Right now, I’m about a week into the transition to solid/normal food. I was excited to eat a vegetable, something I have not had since May, but I still struggle to eat all my protein. From here on out, I will eat my protein first, then veg, then carb and I will have to pay close attention to my portion sizes and make sure that I listen to my body as I eat. I am starting to wonder if THIS transition from such a strict diet to “regular food” is the hard part-and it’s going to last for the rest of my life! Again it came with a learning curve, but so far it is progressing, slowly but surely as I learn my new limits.
Key Learnings and Reflections
The weight loss journey has been a profound learning experience, highlighting the importance of habit changes, physical restriction, and emotional well-being. The individual has gained a greater understanding of hunger cues and the role of emotional eating.
Both my liquid diet and my post op experience so far has really highlighted how much of what I considered previously as hunger was mind hunger. I imagine this too will be a continuous journey and process of learning.
The Importance of Support
Throughout the journey, the individual has relied on a strong support system of friends and family. Their encouragement and assistance have been invaluable in navigating the challenges and celebrating the successes. A huge, huge thanks to my sisters-from-other-misters, Ashley and Tina, and my Nashville family, Sherra, Winn, Justin, and Arthur, for checking in on me and making sure I had all I needed. Your support was so valuable and I love you all to pieces. Thanks too to my family and friends who were far away-experiences like this really do show a person just how lucky they are.