Leslie Phillips - Strength of MY LIfe - Trenton NJ 1985

[kkkkkkatherine]

Recently, I have endured overwhelming physical illness...THANK YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST for having Been The Strength of my LIFE !!! I LOVE YOU, LORD!!!!

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. [ Because HE IS THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE...and He is in me--Glory be to HIM!!! ]

2 Cor. 12:10

[electrictroy2010]

This is a beautiful song. Even when I was just a kid, if this came on the radio I would just stop what I was doing, and listen

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Her voice is remarkable

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[goodprovidence]

It is only God's Grace that keeps us in His Will, I do not know what all the comments are about all I can say is if anyone goes astray pray for them, if you fell away isn't that what you would want

[bobby7771117]

Why don't people, that are Christians, pray for her, and stop judging her, Amy Grant, etc! I,m sick of the Judging--and I know we can and must judge actions among our Christian friends and church members! But you'll never know or meet them, so why not leave the judging to Christ--and you get started praying for them, and loving them! And pray others never expose your many, many sins and failures--even while you profess Christ as Lord!!! BobbyK

[cornerstone132]

@bobby7771117

You are so right. There's an old saying, 'Love the sinner, hate the sin'. It's about time that we stopped judging one another and start loving one another. In the immortal words from the Bible that was once sung by either Amy Grant or Leslie, "It's your kindness that leads us to repentance oh Lord.." (Romans 2v4). Thank God for His kindness and pray for it on their behalf!

[Gowavenger]

jimts has got the guts to say the truth. All those who water down the sacrifice & blood of Jesus better rethink their positions. I feel sorry for the woman, I liked her music, it was real worship. I pray for her, I don't want to see anyone go to hell, expecially a former sister in the Lord, but that's what we're playing with here. This is big time tempting Christ and we have to repent, man or woman. Let's agree, bind up the devil and get this backslider back to God before its too late.

[jimts67]

This Song is a lie I loved this ong it really inspired me to look to God and this song ministered to me and then you go to secular music Leslie Or Sam. Ans said you needed a change you turned your back on the responsibility God Gave you . You Lied to me and the people you ministered to with this song I hate you leslie or sam or who ever you are I really hate you

[wkmitchell]

@jimts67 I think I know what you are trying to say here but ..... hate?? Really? The Jesus I know commanded us to love even our enemies. I can understand your annoyance at her going secular, but that was her choice & right or wrong she & she alone will answer to God for her mistakes, not us. I know I have enough of my own failings to answer for but to publicly say you hate her I think is a little too full on & very much against what God wants all of us to do.That much I do know :)

[Achoobaby]

@jimts67 Being human people do stray. But your relationship with god is between you and god, you have to give account for whatever you do in this life. Live for yourself and die for yourself face the creator for yourself.

[jimts67]

And it's all Lies LESLIE PHILLIPS you lied I hate you for that

[tml4873]

This is some crazy stuff.

[KalineDW01]

She didn't quit being a christian, she got out of the "christian" market which can be as vicous as any secular label or record company. They wouldn't let her do her music only what they demanded... She was also used as a sex symbol as her "christian" labels. She left to broden her music and I'm glad she did she's now and has been able to write, sing, record how she feels. Even her "secular " cd's has God all over them...If you listen to the CD's after the cross over its easy to c she was bond

[heywhatnow]

what is all the yelling at the start all about?

[Lavenderrose73]

I have this song, managed to find the Dancing with Danger CD and only tonight while watching Music Choice Contemporary Christian on Comcast I found out during this song played she "renounced the Contemporary Christian scene after The Turning was released..." and I was like "What??" I just listened to maybe a minute of the song and... I miss the old Leslie. I GREW UP on the old Leslie.

[coysawyer]

out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." what you treasure the most is spoken of most often.

I doubt she has actually said that she wishes her Christian LPs were no longer in circulation...if so that's sad because so many people have been positively affected by her Christian music...

[meh0907]

About some of these negative comments about Leslie Phillips: You wouldn't like it either if your producers insisted that you perform like Cyndi Lauper either, would you? Because that is EXACTLY what they tried to make her do! Don't jump to conclusions. The industry treated her badly and some near-sighted so-called christians did the exact same without even knowing her. Now you tell me...is THAT behavior Christ-like? I think not.

[meh0907]

Leslie / Sam is a Christian and will always be. She is a wonderful person, whom I have had the priviledge of meeting. The Christian music industry was and is filled with some unsavory folks, so don't jump to conclusions about why Leslie left it behind. Okay?

[mjwar6]

Jesus is my strength and I'm thankful for Leslie preforming this great song about the strength God gives us.

[vze2sr5d]

I absolutely love this song. When I first heard it years ago it ministered deeply to me and still does. Leslie Phillips music was so honest.

[STEVEMOR909]

She is not a believer anymore. She even said she wished that none of her Christian albums were even available anymore. She changed her name so people would not refer her to her Christian music career. She became very bitter of the Christian music industry and religion in general. But we know this from the parable about the seeds, some will spring up and grow, than die, others will grow strong but than the pressures and temptations of the world will choke them. Not everyone will endure!

[gabatxoguay]

She was wonderful as Leslie, and she is even better as Sam. Its too bad that an artist who has grown so much as a songwriter/poet would receive so many negative comments. The work she does now is intelligent, self-critical and introspective. While her music is less about God, which may be a disappointment to her most religious fans, her current music is about human interaction and the search for truth, meaning and honesty-- the flowering of what was here in the beginning.

[TheMewissa]

i love leslie

[vandyche]

Man looketh on the outside, but God looketh on the heart.

[frogfoots]

Careful you dear people judging things on the outside may risk missing the boat.. remember the story of the Sheep and the Goats it was LOVE that set those who entered in apart from those who didn't and don't forget those who said Lord Lord did we not do many miracle's in your name, huh' kinda sounds like religious folks to me, Hey' we don't all believe the same. but people throwing the Old Testament around al-ways make me wonder if they have really found the saviour

[deepcallsouttodeep]

Woe! Major flashback! Lord, restore her!

[drawandstrike]

Wow trappy since you seem to be so well informed about what's going on in Leslie's life and why she does what she does, seeing right into her heart and discerning her motives and all, please, don't stop now. Tell us more.

[ltkeng]

Is this the concert where she opened for David Meece? I was at that one. I remember getting there a little after the concert started and wondering who this awesome voice belonged to. I went out to the back table and bought her album right there and then.

[lsgator7]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I totally love this song. This song has always meant so much to me. Such a same she is not doing Christian music anymore. I know there used to be so much do's and don'ts back then only the strong survived. So easy to get caught up in the light and not the "Light of the World"

[tmk696969]

thank you so much I love it! by any chance can anyone share " Gina" great song by Leslie Phillips.

[varsityredheads]

I think that she was just too intelligent to march to the party line and the more searching she embarked upon, the more and difficult and complex it became. I don't think she lost her faith so much as she waded into the middle of the pool and found it deeper than she'd expected

[Trappyhands]

@varsityredheads Almost what I would say. Except that she found comfort in that gray area. Her faith in money became more important than her faith in God, at least for a while. I think and hope that she is starting to find way back. She seams to be a little less politically correct and more concerned with Christianity again lately. Good thing God gives us more than one chance to get it right.

[ValleyMermaid]

R you serious?How do U know it was about $? Did God the Father take a vacation & needed U 2 sit n for him? I mean get real! The Christian Music industry doesn't have a place for people that hear God asking them to express the gift He gave them, in a way that doesn't fit into their box. This has nothing to do w/ her faith or walk. Woe to U who judge w/ that plank in your eye! Last I checked,God was still sitting on His thrown.This is why Jesus hasn't returned, we haven't truly learned how 2luv.

[tomaganloop]

I loved her song "Your Kindness"

[cjunk351]

i think she was hot in Die Hard II

[soulwinner05]

I like her song by my Spirit. it's just sad that she left the faith (if it's true) & christian music because of the hypocrisy In the CCM industry. maybe she used christian music as her stepping stone to go secular. maybe that's her dream... maybe.... anyways, i still love the leslie phillips that i grew up listening to, then & now.

[spanky5476]

Christians are to damn judge mental. like an illness.God is the only only one worthy to judge.Who are we to judge ? I Believe she will be fine-God said he would never leave us or forsake us.She probably got to po ed at how things go in this world at times and decided to move on elsewhere where she was accepted for who she is! Deep down God is still her utmost desire! and i enjoyed her songs so much as i grew up and i still do.

[Trappyhands]

@spanky5476 It would be so convenient for Lucifer if he could convince enough people that we should NOT judge.

Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Christians are actually told to judge, as long as they have first judged themselves. We know to read it first and look to Gods law before mans.

[spanky5476]

@Trappyhands" let he that is without sin be the one to cast the first stone" JESUS

[possumsleeps]

@spanky5476 I agree with most of what you said- except for the 'd' word(ha) seriously though, olnly God can damn people- so maybe you could re-think using that word? thanks for your time!!!

[saeta68]

Too bad she does not sing anymore! I wonder what happened to her?

[mlmorgen]

She's still recording and has put out a wealth of great music and poetry in the last 20 years. Search 'Sam Phillips' on Amazon.

[gabatxoguay]

She still sings, under the name Sam Phillips.

[momatungba]

Leslie had also just begun writing this song, she only had the main chorus, but it was powerful, and touched a lot of lives.And she was a sweet, funny girl too. I was able to spend some down time during the week talking to Janice and her.

Leslie, wherever you are - God bless and keep you, and remember your own song

[momatungba]

Man, I just stumbled across this, and it brought a wave of memories and emotions. I met Leslie when she and another girl named Janice were at Life Bible college. They came up to Old Oak Ranch in Sonora CA for the week of High School summer camp I worked (81 or 82) There was a multi media presentation they were doing for an outreach ministry, and they were singing David Meece's song "We are the Reason" at the end of it.

I have to do this in 2 posts?

[619dolce619]

I would love to see some Alies, Bryan Duncan, Russ Taff, etc, etc...videos!!!

[tigerztuff]

yet she left the "church", and did not "speak out" in her secular pursuits.

I hope you bought her albums, to give her support.

Is called being 'hollow', not hallowed.

Use your discernment. Know Your Savior.

Know God's Word. soon and very soon . . . .

[StainFreeMedia]

She didn't "lose the way" and she hasn't "left he faith". She merely got sick and tired of the hypocrisy and the joke that IS Contemporary "Christian" Music. Hopefully she'll write that tell-all book she's threatened to write and spill the beans on what's going behind the scenes of "gospel" music. The drugs, the sex, etc, etc. It would blow your mind, trust me!!

[wanderingjew2008]

I second that. I've seen a lot of "Christian" media, and there are good people in there, but there are also some absolute charlatans. I don't blame her for "going secular". The more I've thought of that phrase, the less meaning it seems to have.

[ReceivingRed]

I've always loved Leslie's music ....Let's keep Leslie (Sam) in prayer.... God still loves her so much, it's not too late.... I pray for Bob Dylan also, as well as old friends that have left the faith ..... it's a scary thing leaving the Lord Creator (Luke 15:11-32) ..... keep those who have strayed in prayer... pray for the prodigals, cause the Father really loves them, and in many ways we are all prodigals in some way or another. Ray (ReceivingRed)

[christianman73]

Leslie did not leave the faith. She is still a believer. In her 1994 song (recorded as Sam Phillips), "I Need Love," she sang, "I need God, not the political church." She loves God-- just not the politics of the Christian music industry.

[spanky5476]

Well said ! the word "Christian " has got a bad name.Believer is probably a better term i'm not saying christian is bad but it has gotten a bad reputation,where i live. Don't preach it ! just shut up and live it ! is my motto. words are cheep !

[Trappyhands]

@spanky5476

.

I f Christians start to think that we should not make judgments, then we could never do what Christ tells us to do most. Which is teach people the truth of the good news.

"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

James 5:20 We are about saving souls from Hell. Not making people feel better about themselves.

[bodybasics]

@christianman73

amen

[temitayoMD]

am surprised when people quit being a Christian because you see hypocrisy in Christiandome of course you will see that, but remember Christianity is your PERSONAL relationship with Christ ....every one will face God personally on the judgment day ..my immediate family or church family will not be there..it will be just you or me alone with a mighty God siting in front of us ..remember Christianity is your personal relationship with God ..period

[kshavo]

Well said.

[temitayoMD]

Leslie Phillips is so gifted by God, this worship song has helped so many people all over the world ..and it will continue to strengthen generations ..

[Lavenderrose73]

@temitayoMD Yeah, I hear that. I know we're supposed to share Jesus' love with others, but how can we do that when we're surrounded by people who've heard it all, many of which other Christians have given a reason to want nothing with Christ? I'm a Theatre major, and just one of my classmates who's gay said he was raised in a Christian home. Don't remember the rest, but I feel like all I can do is strive to treat them the way Jesus would.

[cjunk351]

@Lavenderrose73 Please don't treat them as Jesus would "wipe the dust of your feet'..............treat them as you would like to be treated. Don't 'cast them off to satan', but just be yourself no matter who they are.

[Lavenderrose73]

@cjunk351 That's what I was saying; I'm at a loss with why I received this reply. I've never criticized them, and where'd the "wipe the dust off your feet" part come into play? It appears that you're reproaching me for something I wasn't doing. I was only saying I don't know how to witness to people who appear not to want to hear it, but that doesn't mean I am less than kind to them. I've been cut on behind my back, but I don't think it ever had anything to do with how I treat others.

[cjunk351]

@temitayoMD Actually most leave because they dont see any point believing it any more. Hypocrasy is just the first signs something is wrong with this world view. Many of us come from the 'PERSONAL' relationship aspect. Often people leave for the same reason they believed.......a desire for truth, understanding and intellectual satisfaction.

[ruchan68]

i think its 1987 when i heard this song strength of my life, i practiced this song and simply say its my fave song that time.... and i thank God for this song i have a great husband i can say a God given..thru this song the guy i prayed for more than 3 years noticed me at last during the time when i sang this song at the chapel hour> i don't know how God used the song to open his heart for me but one thing i'm sure God talked to him saying that's the girl i want for you son.To God be the glory!

[seekhim777]

I can relate to this,I was under attack a year ago coming this August 28th and was delivered for 17 years under attack And each and every day you have to put on that full armour and just let go she is singing just that

[london7657]

GOD Bollocks

[bryandfan]

BEAUTIFUL

[eden512]

One of the things that made the Leslie years was the tenderness and sweetness voice inflections she would use. Of course the next song she was belting out vocals. If youre a fan check out her fan page on Shoutlife. Blessings.

[sonson226]

Dudes--she's on iTunes....You can get all these old albums of hers on iTunes....Then burn yourself a cd. Look under Sam Phillips & Leslie Phillips...

[newanda999]

I grew up on her music. In fact, I had all of her Christian albums. And Steve Taylor's as well. My favorites are "You're my Lord" and "Your Kindness" from Black and White in a Grey World; Of course, "strength of my life" from Dancing with Danger; "love is not lost" "beating heart" and "GOd is watching you" from the Turning. I would LOVE to get my hands on any of these!! Especially the last two mentioned songs.

[mvmays]

kshave-Great post Thank you so very much !!!

5 Stars !!!

Lisa Marie this is a lovely girl with a great song and message. Rings so very true for me!!!

Thank you dear one, Love, Michael

[hailsmom28]

thanks for posting this video..i grew up listening to her..so is an amazing singer..!! this brings me back..and lifts me up also!

[nascrat17]

To the individual who posted this video.....THANK YOU!!!! I've got about 50 contemporary Christian cd's from the late early 80's to the late 90's. I have two of leslie's CD's that are now out of print. One of them is called "Recollection", the other I'm not sure, but I am so glad and feel so privileged to own her stuff and quite a few others from her era. Anyone interested in owning a CD of her hits, let me know and I will burn you a copy and mail it to you for free. Steve

[whitecottage4322]

I think the other album you may be thinking of is "Dancing with Danger". I know it's out of print..bummer. Has a great song for girls/women called Powder Room Politics.

[nascrat17]

Yes, Dancing With Danger is the CD I was thinking about and the good thing is that I have it in my CD cabinet, just forgot all about it. Awesome tunes. My two favorites from that CD would have to be "Strength of My Life" and "Song In The Night", I kind of like the rock-n-roll spin she puts on "Song In The Night".

[nascrat17]

Please disregard the comment I posted about burning any of Leslie's CD's. After thinking about my offer I have come to the realization that my offer would be harming the rights that Leslie has as an artist to be paid for her musical talent. My intentions were pure but it would definitely be unfair to Ms. Phillips to reproduce her music without her written permission......sorry about that, Steve

[wevetra13]

HHHHMMMMM...."I need God, not the political church..." In 1995, that song(I need love) got me through the death of my lover, Raymond. In 1998 it got me through AIDS. In 2007 I have re-discovered this womans music. To all the previous posts...keep supporting her!!! And to all those who fail to see god in the common, wake up!!! Leslie, or Sam, or Morton....keep singing!!!! Thanx, Chuck!!!

[RocknDrTom]

I had lunch with Leslie the day of this concert! I rember this one pretty well. It's funny seeing the difference of her here, and her role as the silent villianness in Bruce Willis' Die Hard movie (I don't remember which one exactly).

[cjunk351]

That was Die Hard 2. As a christian I listened alot to leslie Phillips music. I loved a particaulr version of 'Its your kindness' I heard once at chruch, but could never find again.

When I saw the movie Die Hard, I never ever knew that was Leslie Phillips, it was a pleasant surprise years later when I found out. even now, no longer a believer, I listen to 'strength of my life'

--peace--

[chrisst41]

It was Die Hard 3, Die Hard 2 was with Fred Thompsom before he was Senator.

[vanapple1]

I saw Leslie during one of her first tours (wth Steve Taylor, I think), and she was great, as you can see. But "The Turning" was a major wake-up call for all of us stuck in the bubblegum world of '80s Christian music. Leslie was honest, and for her pains we turned her out, as we continue to do to anyone who fails to toe the party line. The miracle is that she continues to use her God-given gifts to speak the truth and call us to a more authentic reality. Thank you, Sam!

[WVECSpirit]

Can't help but wonder what could have been.

[worshipfreak]

we have always / every day to choose again, that God is our strength - that song was / is inpired for me too. Now it is our turn every day to live it, not only for Sam - and "even in the hard times... each day"

[soundforme]

This song really ministered to me during a rough time years back. It still blesses me to this day. I don't know exactly why she chose to stop singing Christian Music, or what ingnited her conflict of faith (read an interview where she stated this), but I pray that one day she will realize that the impact her ministry had on people was not just because of her gift, but because of her connection to God and her ability to communicate His heart to us all.

[kshavo]

Thanks for the comment. I think you summed it up well!!

[swingkid]

Thanks for posting this. It's one of my favorite songs!

[Steviejoh]

nice old stuff...

I still love the new "Sam Phillips" stuff the best.

[setfree2day]

This song means so much to me. You can tell she loved him so much at one time. I believe that the Lord is in controll and he's watching her and she will eventully come back. She has experienced his love before.. you can't help but miss it when your away. I know cause I walked away before. And I came back.

[kyutkyut]

awesome thanks God and thanks for posting this song one of my favorite

[jnseney]

This is one of my favorite songs but I'll never understand what happened with Leslie Phillips.

[gothicdragontamer89]

what happened 2 her? i love this song! i steal this tape from my mom all the time! LOL

[gwenzel2]

She quit christian music and became Sam Phillips and recorded a cd called bikinis and bars (or something like that). If you read anyone of her interviews that she gave during the time she was quiting Christian music, the tones of the interviews were so bitter about something. I miss her music that is for sure and if she had hung around long enough she would have out shined Amy Grant and many others by leaps and bounds.

[Steviejoh]

It was called "Martinis and Bikinis" and it was pretty good.

[psalms140]

I loved the song, how could she sing this if she did not believe it. Russ Taff sounds great in the background. I'm praying for her. If she's upset with Christian life-what is real life like?

[gabatxoguay]

You're thinking of Martinis and Bikinis, a very beautiful, Beatlesesque album. That was actually, I believe, her third album as Sam, after the Indescribable Wow and Cruel Inventions. Her later stuff is awesome too.

[historyguy67]

Listen to her last Christian album, "The Turning". One of the classics of all time, but the lyrics to the songs pretty much tell what happened. She was very disillusioned by the hypocrisy she found in the Christian music industry.

[boodaddy910]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!!  Any others???