Unlearning the Need to Impress God and Each Other: Rebecca St. James & Zahriya Zachary

Unlearning the Need to Impress God and Each Other: Rebecca St. James & Zahriya Zachary

From Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith by Jesus Calling

April 23, 2026 · 20 min · Season 1 · Episode 509

About this episode

Rebecca St. James and Zahriya Zachary share their journeys of faith, personal struggles, and the freedom found in authenticity.

This week, we’ll hear from Rebecca St. James , a Grammy and Dove award-winning contemporary Christian music artist. When Rebecca’s family moved from Australia to the U.S. when Rebecca was a teen, they faced serious financial struggles—the kind that forced them to rely completely on each other and outside support for basic survival like food, transportation, and medical bills. This intense period of “making it work” became the bedrock of her career and is the focus of the film Unsung Hero .  Next, we meet Zahriya Zachary , an artist and worship leader with Bethel Music who experienced a major pivot in her early twenties. She shares how she shifted from the pursuit of a traditional career to an unexpected music career. Her story explores the struggle of unlearning the need for perfection and performance, and the profound freedom found in simply showing up as yourself.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned : Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Darlene Zschech Upcoming interview: Maria Lee   Jesus Listens for Moms Rebecca St. James Unsung Hero “You Make Everything Beautiful” My…

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