Kevin Michael McKeehan (aka TobyMac) has experienced tremendous sadness and loss in the last several years with the death of his son, sister and bandmate. The pain and suffering will stay with TobyMac forever, but his newest album release Heaven On My Mind opened the door to wonder and curiosity again. As he processes all his loss, his focus is eternity.
Filled with peace and joy as he recalls the blessings he’s experienced in this life, TobyMac is entering into a season of Spring after a very long Winter. “Heaven On My Mind is this journey of going from total ashes to crawling to walking to standing up. It was me figuring out how to relate to God again, leading to all these questions, and ultimately something beautiful,” Toby reflects.
While wrestling through the healing, Toby’s become more sure of God, which impacts every aspect of his life. “I have a deeper relationship with God than I’ve ever had, because I walked through the valley with Him, and I decided I trusted Him,” proclaims TobyMac.
We’re all facing ups and downs. Toby uses his life’s experiences of tragedy and joy to relate to others on their journey and speak to their heart. Songwriting is where TobyMac can get his feelings out and he knows that his songs help others process their feelings as well.
TobyMac and Loss
The death of Toby’s oldest son, Truett, was the central focus of the 2022 album Life After Death. Quick to share that his community was essential to being able to breathe again after the death of his son, Toby relied on his family, friends and music. Long time collaborator and friend, Jon Reddick, came over the day after Truett’s death to play the piano. Filling their home with music also filled the McKeehan home with hope.
Bandmate and friend Gabe Patillo was a pivotal person in Toby’s community as well. Gabe and Toby worked together for over 25 years. Gabe first connected with Toby as a dancer for DC Talk and became a member of the Diverse City Band, which is where the two diligently prioritized community as a band. Through prayer, encouragement and challenging one another, the band created a genuine connection seen on and off the stage. Heaven on My Mind ends with a tribute to Gabe with the song “Goodbye (For Gabe)” who recently lost his battle with cancer.
When Toby needed people the most, his community came through. “A Lil Church (Nobody’s Too Lost)” is a statement about how the church exists far beyond the walls. A church isn’t about the beautiful stain glass and spires, it’s about God’s people coming together to support and build up one another.
Heaven on My Mind
Heaven on My Mind doesn’t highlight as many guest artists as previous albums, which makes Toby’s raw and vulnerable heart more central.
Matthew 6:19-21 speaks about where we store our treasures. Toby’s treasures have been here on earth as he’s focused on his beautiful wife, family, home and career. Now many of his treasures are in heaven, and he sees that his heart is there also (vs 21). He exclaims that placing treasure in heaven begins with loving well, treating others with dignity, compassion and respect. Though he longs to see those he’s lost again, he’s drawn to a strong purpose. “I don’t want to miss what’s in front of me,” says TobyMac. Loving God and people is where his ultimate focus lies.
Through the pain and sorrow as well as the joy and peace, TobyMac proclaims that there’s nothing greater than God. His grace is overwhelming, His gifts are sweet and His love is pure.
Top 9 TobyMac Songs:
1. I Just Need U.
2. Everything About You (feat. Marlee)
3. Cornerstone
4. Everything
5. Love Broke Through
6. City on Our Knees
7. Speak Life
8. Move (Keep Walking)
9. Can’t Stop Me – Heaven on My Mind
Play all these videos together and more of our favorite TobyMac songs on our YouTube Channel:
