Christian recording artist Leanette Lopez is bringing a fresh wave of encouragement to listeners with her new single "We Have Hope," a vibrant, faith-filled anthem now impacting Christian AC and CHR radio. Written from a deeply personal place following her father's serious health battle, the song reflects a testimony of healing, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God's promises, drawing inspiration from 1 Thessalonians. With roots in church worship from a young age and a growing catalog of original music, Lopez continues to use her voice as a ministry, blending joyful melodies with messages that resonate across congregations. The single also serves as the unifying theme for the upcoming Voices of Hope Women's Conference in Ohio, reinforcing its central message: even in life's hardest seasons, hope in Christ remains steadfast and worth proclaiming.
Q: For those discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe your journey-from singing in church at a young age to becoming a recording artist and songwriter?
I always liked singing at church as a kid, but at age 13 it became something different. I wrote my first song. I remember it, "My Thanks to You, Lord." I don't think it was ready to be recorded, but it stirred something in the congregation that day, especially in me. I started journaling poetry before even writing my first song, so it was something innate being birthed. Years later, my pastor, who was also my father, invested in my first recording at Sweetwater Sound in Ft. Wayne, IN. After that, it launched our ministry into what it is today.
Q: "We Have Hope" is rooted in a deeply personal season involving your father's health-how did that experience shape both the message and emotion behind the song?
When my father first got sick around 7 years ago, we thought it was the end then, but as we continued to pray, Dad was seeing amazing doctors. We had support from our church family, our family, and many friends. As time passed, our hope grew. We had God's blessed assurance. Dad was able to continue fighting the good fight of faith. Yes, I did get emotional a bit during the recording at Gaither Studio while doing the "We Have Hope" vocals. I think I stopped once to clear my throat while holding back my emotions, yet I felt the Holy Spirit strengthening, comforting, guiding, and leading me to sing with conviction.
Q: The theme of hope is central to this release-what does "hope in Christ" look like for you in everyday life, especially during difficult seasons?
Hope for me is knowing that whatever storm is surrounding me, Jesus is my peace. I can rest in His arms with my prayers, worship, and ultimately joy and praise. It may not work for everyone, but during those moments when I don't feel so hopeful, just like people will fast-forward or skip to another song, I skip to a jubilant praise. I absolutely bask in the Lord's presence, but I make sure not to confuse the Lord's presence with self-pity or a downcast soul. The psalmist David in Ps. 42 would filter his emotions during self-examination, asking, "Why are you downcast, O my soul?" By the end of the Psalms, he would finish with praise. Praise may not take away your problem, but it can most certainly ease your pain.
Q: The song has a strong congregational and celebratory feel-was it intentional to create something that invites corporate worship and participation?
This is a great question. As a praise and worship leader, we often lead the congregation to engage with their entire being, not just look at it as a show on stage, but to give God their sacrifice of praise. In the Old Testament, people went through great lengths to bring their sacrificial lambs, etc., but when Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His life, the very least we can do is raise our hands in surrender to His will, offer our sincerest worship, clap our hands as they become the drumbeat to our vocals, and even dance as a sign of joy in the Lord. My favorite part of "We Have Hope" is the scripture that says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I have participated in many types of meetings, both secular and Christian. Often, they invite people to do positive affirmations. What better way to do this than through God's Word? So yes, I would say the participation is intentional. We all praise in different ways, and that's okay. God knows your heart.
Q: With the song tied to the Voices of Hope Women's Conference, how do you see music playing a role in uniting and encouraging communities of faith?
Voices of Hope, in its first year, started out as a ministry to help free people who experienced cult-like behavior that wasn't biblical. They continue to do so, but with fun involved, like giving prizes of gift baskets, etc., by local patrons. I joined them the year after that as their worship leader. The founder heard and saw me on Facebook. Women from various religious beliefs came from different states. I sang more worship than praise, but when I sang "God Is in the House," even the Amish women were jumping up and down. I got invited back over and over, this year being their 10th anniversary. Although inspired by my own hope in God, I wrote it in their honor, as they also helped lift me up during difficult moments. It is an amazing experience to see people being set free after years of oppression and different things.
Q: As you continue building your catalog and ministry, what can listeners expect next from you in terms of new music, projects, or outreach?
I am so glad you asked. We are currently working on my next project, "I Find Rest." We recorded the music and vocals while at Gaither this last time since we were already there. It's a song my daughter and I wrote with our poetic take on the 23rd Psalm. I'm excited to share it when it's finished. Our daughter recently got married but tries to travel with me whenever she can. We do the song as a duet. I am looking forward to releasing this song with her singing lead as well. She was in awe of being at Gaither Studio with me. We had fun.
Listen to "We Have Hope":
https://open.spotify.com/track/01RF5IAGKcPkGjJRHptJuj
Connect with Leanette Lopez:
https://www.facebook.com/redemptionpraisemusic
https://www.instagram.com/redemptionpraisemusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@leanettelopez
https://www.youtube.com/leanettelopez
