In , Richard Smallwood was enduring one of the darkest periods of his life. He was serving as a primary caregiver for two people he loved dearly: his mother, who was battling dementia , and his godbrother, who was terminally ill with cancer .
However, as he began to compose, he felt a spiritual shift. He later shared that God spoke to his heart, saying, "I want your praise no matter what the situation you are in, good or bad" . Instead of a song of defeat, he began to craft a declaration of . The Inspiration: Psalm 121
Genesis of a Gospel Song: 'Total Praise' | Deep Roots Magazine Total Praise - Richard Smallwood
Released in on the album Adoration: Live in Atlanta , "Total Praise" quickly transcended the walls of the church.
One afternoon, while sitting at his piano feeling broken and "left by God," Smallwood sat down with the intention of writing a song that reflected his pain. He wanted to write a "pity-party song" to express his frustration and sorrow. In , Richard Smallwood was enduring one of
Smallwood often described this time as overwhelming, stating that the demands of caregiving left him feeling physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually "inadequate".
The story behind "Total Praise" by is a powerful testament to finding faith in the middle of heartbreak. Here is the narrative of how this legendary gospel anthem came to be. The Season of Sorrow He later shared that God spoke to his
Smallwood turned to for the foundation of the lyrics. The scripture— "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help" —became the opening of a modern hymn that acknowledged the "storm" while centering God as the "source of strength". A Global Anthem