Praise and worship singer Christina Morgan-Diaz mirrors her resilience and faith in God during the hardest times in our individual lives and collectively. Diaz’ music always serves as a reminder that there is always hope, especially in the Christ. When Diaz decided to pursue her music journey, she first ministered to hundreds of women as a featured soloist in the Dominican Republic, and sharing the stage at Madison Square Garden and Izod Center for the Christ Tabernacle Choir for Hezekiah Walker and The Katinas. Diaz is also a mental health advocate and licensed therapist, and enjoys helping others overcome their mental anguish, depression and the like.
Her latest singe and music video with “I Need More,” is a powerful, motivational track written by Pastor Thomas Johnson and donated to her. The video features Diaz at Forest Park in Queens, NY, where she serenades us with her gorgeous voice in a dazzling blue dress, with scenery transition shots of her to a sunlit boat ride. Diaz and her music serves as a lifeline to God, amidst anguish and adversity, and she is doing her all and part to give glory to Him.
I love how you express your faith in God through your music. How does music, for you, give you the opportunity to spread God’s message?
Christina Morgan-Diaz: My heartfelt thanks to talent-in-borders.com for the opportunity to share a part of myself in this interview with you. I feel one of the reasons that music is so special is that it’s transcendental; it connects all people together whether they believe in God or not, it reaches the soul. This is one of the reasons why I love singing so much. I definitely feel the spiritual experience whenever I’m on stage, so when people ask me about the power behind what they felt in the music, I’m able to say “That’s God moving!”
Do you recall the time you decided to dedicate your life to Christ, and how did that make you feel?
Christina: I consider myself very fortunate to have been taught about Christ from my parents at a young age. However, after struggling to cope with family illness and poverty I was led astray and fell into backslidden state. It wasn’t until I went out of state to college and attended my first Gospel Concert at the University of Michigan that I rededicated my life to Christ at that make-shift altar within The Union Ballroom. I still remember the name of the Gospel group that performed that day…Broken Chains.
When did you know that you wanted to use your musical gift ministering to others?
Christina: I was very discouraged to become a singer due to all the hardship that the life of a performing artist ensures. However, when my dear friend died due to overdose at the young of 23, my life really turned upside down. I realized that life is too short and I felt an urgent need to do something to help save lives even if by the means of simply singing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song.
What was your experience like as a featured soloist in the Dominican Republic?
Christina: I was scared as heck when I answered the call to go to Dominican Republic. My mentor, Rev. Dr. Maggie Rodriguez ,asked me to come and share a cover song I had learned in Spanish called “El Regresara.” (He Will Return) by Isabel Valdez. I had never spoken Spanish in my life (even though I’m half Colombian) and had no idea how I was going to communicate with the woman. But somehow, by the grace of God, and the love poured out and received by all the women there, God took over and the whole experience turned out to be a very powerful one. More then 300 women were present on that sweltering hot weekend, and God moved in a mighty way as many women got delivered.
How do you receive creative satiation as a mental health therapist and singing praises to the Lord?
Christina: I decided in 2009 that I had to attend Nyack College and get my Master Degree as Mental Health Counselor. The only reason why I ever wanted to sing was to bring healing to the people. What better way to be inspired to sing and connect with an audience but through listening first-hand of the struggles that people are going through right now?
I love that your latest track “I Need More,” was written for you by Pastor Thomas Johnson to fulfill his vision. What does this song mean to you emotionally and spiritually?
Christina: When the season of the Corona Virus pandemic occurred, I was truly moved by our church’s decision to step out of our comfort zone and come help out and serve our community through their food pantry. So many people are in need of food now. It was then that I experienced a revelation of the true meaning of Pastor Johnson’s song. We’ve been asking God to move and heal the land, but what have we done with what He’s equipped us with to be able to give back and serve our people, which in turn is also serving Him?
What do you hope listeners take away from your music and walk with the Lord?
Christina: I am by no means a perfect person. We are all human and make mistakes every day. But what I can say is that every moment I am given to sing and share my very real struggles within my music, I am reminded that I have a help, and that is Jesus Christ . It’s due to His tremendous love that we soon find out of His power to heal us and RENEW our hope. All we need to do is ask.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite?
Christina: My first concert was with folk singer, Pete Seeger, at Carnegie Hall, NY. I was about 8 years old and my dad took me backstage to meet him.
What was your first album purchase on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Christina: My first cassette tape was Paula Abdul-Forever Your Girl. I was a huge fan of her dancing!
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Christina: That’s a tough one! (laughs)
Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard
Mariah Carey – MTV Unplugged
Celine Dion – Let’s Talk About Love
Juanita Bynum – A Piece of My Passion
Tasha Cobbs Leonard and so many more!
Which is your favorite verse of the Bible that you repeat often?
Christina: 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
What have you been currently reading, watching and/or listening to keep mentally/physically active during the current pandemic?
Christina: The Chosen Series on YouTube.com! Love it! I’ve also been reading the Bible and the chapters within Psalms and Proverbs.
Connect with Christina on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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