.

Freedom: liberty, independence, free will. It’s what our hearts long for. And it’s also the hot new single from Karen Harding that is taking the Southern Gospel world by storm. The song is being released this month and Karen will sing it live for the first time on July 4^th, Independence Day, in Cleveland, Texas.

“America defines freedom as being able to do what you want to do, freedom of speech, etc.,” says Karen Harding. “I believe it is being able to live free of tyranny, living under a democracy, and having rights.  Having the ability to get up every morning and go to work.  Being able to go to church and worship freely.  Being free of hate and greed.  Having the freedom to love, freedom to laugh and smile.”

Karen continues, “America is a wonderful place. I still cry when I say The Pledge.  I am very patriotic.  Absolute freedom would be the things I just mentioned and then to top that off with freedom in Christ.  Knowing you are saved, knowing your past is under the blood, and knowing you have a hope and an expected end.  You are then free to love and hope and dream!”

Singer and songwriter, Karen Harding cut her teeth singing Gospel Music and hasn’t stopped since. She was raised in a Christian family and knows the freedom of a life lived for Christ. She also appreciates the freedom found in the country she loves. Karen poured all of that into this remarkable single.

“This song talks about the freedom that comes when Jesus sets you free,” says Karen. “It could apply to any situation: finances, health, salvation, relationships, etc.  I wrote the chorus and John Darrin-Rowsey helped me write the verses.  I am the newest member of the Cross and Crown Music Family.  They decided to release this song to coincide with July 4th and the Freedom theme.”

“This is a wonderful song with a timely message,” says Rob Patz of the Southern Styles Show. “Karen is such a great communicator!”

Karen is excited about singing Freedom for the first time in her Independence Day concert in Texas. “I think that will be so appropriate.  I feel the audience will appreciate that we still live in a free nation and that we are free in Jesus Christ!”

Having traveled around the world with her music, Karen’s bluesy, soul style of singing has brought her many fans and allowed her to win the 2003 Exalting Him Talent Search. She has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Southern Gospel and participates in many Women’s and Singles’ conferences.

Karen herself is a single lady and often finds this a challenge in a church environment that usually revolves around the family unit. In a genre that was built on the male quartet sound, being a female soloist can also be a test at times.

“Sometimes I feel I have already had two strikes because I am a woman and I am single.  One more strike and I am out,” Karen laughs. “I think it is getting better.  About 50% of the U.S. is single, so I am not weird or strange for still being single.  Even Jesus was single!”

Karen continues, “I think people are becoming more understanding of singles.  I have been received well at most meetings.  Sometimes well meaning people say dumb things like, ‘When are you getting married?’  I feel like saying, ‘If I knew I would be printing invitations and you would get one’, but I just think it, and say, ‘Whenever the Lord brings me to the right man, sister!’”

“I am not broken. I don't need to be fixed.  I have just chosen to stay single for now.  There are other issues for people who are divorced or widowed.  As a church body we just need to be tolerant and loving.  Love really does make a difference.  Let the singles in your church feel included and loved.” Wise words from a loving Christian lady.

Karen sings and writes with the fervency of one who has a close walk with the Lord she honors with her music. “I know it sounds generic,” says Karen, “but I read my Bible every night before going to bed and I pray daily.  Talking to Jesus every day makes all the difference.  I start out by thanking Him.  I am so blessed and I keep an attitude of gratitude.”

“Of course staying connected to your local church body is a must,” Karen continues. “Also, having positive people in your life helps a lot.  Someone to pray for you and believe in you!”

“The Lord has been talking to me about my actions.  Every deed plants a seed.  I want my harvest to be a good crop.  You reap what you sow. Life is all about choices.  I am trying to sow into people and ministries that make a difference.”

“Freedom, Oh What a Word” is Karen’s latest seed she is sowing into the lives of all who need to experience that reality, as well as those who live a freedom life in Christ. It is a powerful song, presented at a time when the country needs to hear such words of truth.

“I know I am blessed,” says Karen. “I know great things are in store for me this year.  God's plans for me are bigger than what I could ask or think, so I am not going to limit Him.  I know that I want to go back overseas.  I want my songs to touch and change lives.  I want to be effective in ministry.  I want to be an example to others.  I want to prove that it is not a drudgery or hardship to serve Jesus.  It is fun.  It is awesome.  He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!  Freedom, Oh what a word!”

For more information on Karen Harding, click on to: http://www.karenharding.com/home.html