"For All My Life" singer, songwriter, and worship leader TAYA is our guest in this episode of The Walk. She tells a story of how she has consistently chosen the way of Jesus in the midst of really difficult seasons. Her faith in God’s goodness and mercy led her through a redemption process even though she continues to face the same hurt and letdown over and over and over again.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Along the journey and through those broken relationships she mentions, TAYA also tells of her father stepping away from the church and the deep hurt that caused her. But her constant companion of scripture, prayer, and worship are at the center of her faith journey. TAYA teaches us all, through her suffering, that God will comfort the broken hearted and is working all things for his glory.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV) 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
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Who is TAYA Gaukrodger? 
Long before TAYA became one of UNITED’s most acclaimed and impactful vocalists, with over one billion streams and numerous world tours over the last decade, her journey with Jesus began in the small town of Lismore, Australia. Her mother led her in the sinner’s prayer at age five and she attended a small community church with her family where her father was an elder & worship leader.
The singer grew up listening to the local radio stations, her father’s record collection (Fleetwood Mac, Beatles) and classical music. After starting to lead worship in her high school years, TAYA cried out to God to use her: “I love to sing but whatever you want God.” After that, she couldn’t shake the strong feeling she associated with singing faith-based songs. TAYA left Lismore for bustling Sydney at the age of 21 with only $200 dollars to her name and a very specific goal: to make music her career.
Not wanting to just attend a church, TAYA began serving as a youth leader in her local church on Friday nights when she was off from her retail job. Her church began offering her opportunities, culminating in UNITED longtime producer & guitarist, Michael Guy Chislett, inviting her first to sing backing vocals on a recording project (which turned into UNITED’s Zion album) then singing lead on the song that became the group’s record breaking worship anthem of the decade, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).”