It doesn’t take much time to discover that Maria Long’s music comes from a different place than most artists. Unlike the throngs of artists who write songs to express their own angst, glory, and struggles, Maria writes to give something back.

Throughout her life, Maria has been involved in musical pursuits, almost beyond what seems plausible. Having parents who traveled with a singing group, she learned all their songs and sang them from the confines of her crib. She astounded them when she wrote her first song at the age of two; but they knew early on that Maria had a special gift.

She sang throughout her childhood and into college, in church and writing the melodies that she didn’t yet know how to express through instruments. Then, in a field outside of Dallas, Texas, during her freshman year of college, she stood among thousands of people at the Celebrate Freedom concert listening to Jennifer Knapp sing “Trinity,” and she knew she had to pick up the guitar. She signed up for guitar lessons and wrote her first song, “Saved by Grace,” as soon as it was over. Her musical roots were starting to make their way above ground.

Music, however, wasn’t the only important thing in her life. While she was learning to play guitar, God was building up another focus in her heart. During a 10-month stint as a missionary on the primitive South Pacific island of Yap, she discovered a love for children and teenagers – a love that God would eventually weave into the tapestry of her calling. Upon returning to Southwestern University, she immediately changed her major from broadcasting to education; and for six years, she used that degree as an elementary school teacher.

Compassion for her students overwhelmed her. She found herself seized by sympathy for the hurting kids and teenagers she met. Cutters, children broken by divorce, hurting people from all walks of life – Maria invited them into her life, starting a ministry called The Basement. Over time, nearly 80 teens were coming on a regular basis.

And that was the crucial combination, when Maria’s two passions – her gift for music and her love for teenagers – collided in a beautiful way. Two of the songs on Maria's album, Here With Me and Inside were written for and inspired by the teens she met at The Basement. Her desire was to reach them and help them to see that God’s love is available for them and that He longs to help them and heal them.

As you listen to her voice, which draw on influences like Knapp, Sheryl Crow, and Kelly Clarkson you will hear similarities. However the similarities stop there because Maria's raw lyrics set her apart from the rest. After listening you will find yourself moved by her vulnerability and encouraged.

Since all of this started falling into place, Maria has been overwhelmed at the amount of positive response to the album that she self-produced.

God continues to connect the dots for her, reminding her of that day in Texas, those teenagers in Michigan, and the love He has for all of them. And as people of all ages hear her songs, you can bet that she’ll keep giving away hope and encouragement and truth to the people she encounters.