Words by Linley Allred | Image by Al Blanton

“Sing to the Lord a new song: sing to the Lord, all the earth.”

Psalm 96:1 has long reflected a central aspect of Emmi Grace Whitlock’s life. She cannot remember a time when she was not singing praises alongside her family. With a father who played guitar and led worship in church, Emmi Grace and her sister were welcomed onto the stage from an early age.

“I feel like I share my heart when I am on stage,” Emmi Grace says. “Worship songs are such a powerful way to speak life and declare the glory of God.”

Singing remains her favorite form of worship, though she also plays guitar and drums. For Emmi Grace, music is one of the clearest ways she connects faith, emotion, and expression.

That same sense of connection is part of what she values in the College and Careers group at Glory Fellowship Baptist Church in Jasper. Along with her husband, Andrew, she considers the Thursday night gathering a weekly priority.

“This group means so much to me. We worship together, have guest speakers once a month, have breakout groups, do service projects in the community, and social things outside of church, like play pickleball,” she sats. “It’s a wonderful way to build relationships with other believers and grow in your faith at such an important stage in life.”

Outside of church, Emmi Grace is also passionate about helping others feel beautiful. She earned her associate’s degree in Spa and Salon Management and Esthetics from Bevill State Community College. After a brief stint in dental assisting, she returned to the spa environment at Rastore Day Spa.

In many ways, her work there reflects the same heart seen in her worship and church life, one centered on encouragement, care, and connection. Whether she is singing on stage or serving others more quietly day to day, Emmi Grace seems most at home where people feel uplifted. 78