A Flyleaf Story: Chapter One 

Sameer had this message of freedom in personal faith when I met him after Rock the River, STL. I didn't understand at the time how a "Christian" band could not all be on the same page, but his words never left my mind. It took many years and and lots of religious heartache to finally get it. Thank you for being authentic, and generous with the fans. This music changed my life.

My inner 15 year old is bawling tears of joy right now! This was the reunion I'd been dreaming of for so long!

I couldn’t be more grateful for this reunion and the chance to see Flyleaf again! #FlyleafFamily

Lacey has just proven more what a loving person she is to everyone regardless of belief. She just wants to share her love in her way with her faith, and I love that the boys support that and work with her regardless of what they believe. It’s hard to find a group of people with deferring beliefs get along, but flyleaf are unique in that they have love in all different shapes and sizes.

As an mostly agnostic person, I always found Flyleaf to be very uplifting. Thank you for bringing your positive influence back to the world.

Lacey, Sameer, Pat, Jared, James, you are all part of my teenager years your music, your unique sound, each thoughtful lyrics you made inspired me to learn guitar, I'm glad to see u back again.

I've been following Flyleaf since the Memento Mori era and I can say as a non-Christian and LGBT person, Flyleaf's music has helped me throughout my life, the depth in the lyrics and the way you can relate to them is wonderful. let's spread respect and love and may flyleaf live forever!

Oh man, seeing this made me so happy but sad at the same time. After all these years, I'm starting to understand what happened to Flyleaf😥. Bands that sing openly about their faith rarely made it to the mainstream and when they did, they often end up leaving the faith. But despite their success, Flyleaf continued to rededicate themselves and their music back to God and I believe that's why God's hand was so evidently on them. Their songs of hope, conviction, struggle, restoration & redemption brought Biblical themes to the forefront and challenged people's conception of Christianity, including my own. They were never just another band making music about whatever but they were on an unapologetic mission that never wavered while using the full extent of their talents to the glory of God. Lacey, you are one of my biggest role models and the way God has used you and your story in so many people's lives is immeasurable. May God continue to bless you and your ministry abundantly! Sameer, I don't know where you are in your journey, but I know one thing: God has not changed. He is the same one that wooed you to His heart so many years ago. And to believe in Jesus and His message is not exclusionary like you might think. Truth is not subjective but objective and equally not ours to decide. Whenever you're ready, you'll find Jesus waiting where He has always been - with open arms, speaking truth with grace & love. Love you forever, Flyleaf 🖤

Finally, a group of individuals that can have different beliefs and still find common ground to love one another. #flyleaffamily

Yay! Lacey has been such an enormous blessing throughout my life!

Lacey, your place on Flyleaf has always been reserved for you. Never left to be yours! I cried a lot when you left the band, I prayed every day for you to come back. And now, this has happened, thank you for being part of my story, of my adolescence with your music! thank you for everything Flyleaf, love you! Hugs from Brazil, God bless you guys!! 🇧🇷🥰❤️🥰🤗❤️🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

Flyleaf and Lacy have been BASHED into pulp on the internet. It's refreshing to see this comment section so positive! A testament to the lives they touched.

@7:55 “I honor where you are on your journey, and I still have to hang on to where G-d has me on my journey” ❤ (well said, Lacey)

Always have and always will love Flyleaf, I'm 69 years old this month and your deep connection, talent, and love just touches me constantly

So glad I saw this pop up. I cried the whole time. Once upon a time, this band truly saved my life.

Please please please please go on a full tour!!! I didn't discover flyleaf until recently, and I was so sad that I would never be able to see them live. This is an absolute miracle, I am so beyond ecstatic that this is happening. Lacey, you are my hero. There isn't a single artist out there who puts to words what I'm thinking and feeling the way that you do, both in and out of flyleaf, you are incredible and annointed. Thank you so much, God bless you!!!

No ones gonna tell me this wasn't divinely timed 😂 Seriously, this is truly what the world needs right now. Thanks for sharing it with us.

You brought me back to Jesus. Thank you Lacey. Thank you to the entirety of Flyleaf. God Bless.

My heart is filled with so much joy seeing them again for a very long time. Been istening to them since high school and Im 30 years old now. The way God made them instrument to encourage and uplift people through their songs is beyond amazing. Their songs really saved me from the struggles and depression that Ive been through. Listening to their songs really brought tears to my eyes. ❤😢

So good to see you all playing again. I have missed Lacey singing with Flyleaf. What a blessing you all have been to me. God bless each of you.

No way! Mrs. Sturm much love from Jacksonville Florida. Thank you for getting me through a rough few years during my childhood! I hope your family and you are doing great

Well this is an awesome surprise! God bless you Mrs Sturm and Long Live Flyleaf! #FlyleafFamily🤘🏽

I've been listening to Flyleaf since middle school (I'm 26 now). Their music has gotten me through so much. So I am forever grateful to them.

Flyleaf saved me at a very low time as a kid and now as an adult ive created an entire life and family for myself and I will forever be thankful for the strength given to me with their words.

You guys saved alot of suicidal people. Your story is always something worth telling. I am glad you all are back together :( I am glad I am still here.

More than elated to see this video and Flyleaf and the individual members. So grateful to have this. Thank you! The world needs Flyleaf! #FlyleafFamily

I'm no longer a man of faith, so the Christian messaging behind some of Flyleaf's music doesn't really resonate with me, but man, some of those songs still hit DEEP. Music is absolutely a common language that can speak to people of all walks, regardless of what the words are.

As an agnostic I respect all faiths, believe what you want to believe, doesn't matter to me. The music is beautiful and I feel you can find meaning in it no matter what faith you are. I have never agreed with Lacey regarding religion but have always respected it and her passion for it. I am glad Lacey can respect Sameer's open view of the world, to me that is being the most christian you can be, is respecting all faiths no matter what, do not be close-minded. Glad they came back together again!

There aren't words to explain what's happening in my soul right now…this is so beautiful and so timely

Lacey Sturm has been the one to help me find healing through her music I made it my goal to go see her live when I was 11 years old I'm now 22 and I can't wait to see them on tour in Texas someday 🤘💕

Man!!!! I’m screaming right now!!! Flyleaf forever! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I'm ready to cry - Bring it ON

I'm glad I'm watching this. Keep it up Lacey and Flyleaf.

it appears there is some difficulty with slightly differing visions of the bands purpose going forward. its authentic and admirable to be able to present that especially being able to communicate it to each other shows real maturity. Perhaps the willingness to find common ground is the way forward.

Watching this and seeing the band back together performing, I felt like I was spending time with old friends again. It's great to see everyone doing well and seeing the band back together even if it's only temporary. Been listening to Flyleaf and Lacey for years and the band still sounds great and Lacey's voice always sounds amazing.

So intense! To watch this band from over a decade ago, today. There's no words for that emotion.

Every album and song literally gave a voice to my journey thru every season and level of my spiritual growth! Grateful!!!!!! ❤Flyleaf! ❤ Lacey!!

My favorite female artist for life I am so blessed to have found such a beautiful, amazing, relatable person I just always feel a huge connection when I listen to her music and flyleafs there is so much love 🥰❤️

May God keep you blessed, thank you for inspiring other people to the only way in Jesus.

What a solid surprise! :)

I'm so excited you guys are reuniting! And I really admire Lacey and Sameer's acceptance and open mind toward each other; even if my viewpoint aligns more with Lacey's, everyone has to make their own choice about God. I hope the upcoming shows are a tremendous blessing to the band!

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE LACEY PERFORMING NEW HORIZONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh guys...that this actually will happen means more than the world to me! I have a borderline personality disorder and I struggle heavily every fuckin day with life and addiction.. Your music had and has a heavy impact on me..since day one you saved me so often that you can't even imagine. The fact that you have come together again as a band gives me so incredibly much strength to continue. Thank you so f***in much! 🖤

I still have the guitar pick that Jared gave me out of his shirt pocket after a show my Mom took me to for my 16th birthday gift. I spent the time watching them play with Jared's Mom, Dad and Aunt. They're great people. I've met Joshua too now. He hung out with my friend and I after he and Lacey played a set and we watched Otep. Followed Lacey and the guys throughout their journey. I've seen Flyleaf with Lacey and without. I've seen Lacey with Flyleaf and without. I've met Lacey five months pregnant on tour. They're all amazing people. My heart has been lost and I've lost my faith along the way. It's hard to hear all this now. I stopped listening for a while. I know it's always ok to come home, but I feel tainted now. I'm just grateful for their influence and safety that all of these amazing people have given me. I'm 29 trying to figure myself out now and it's a trip for sure. The adventure of your life is always waiting and you do have a purpose. Always. 💕⊂⁠(⁠´⁠･⁠◡⁠･⁠⊂⁠ ⁠)⁠∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠° Sending my love to everyone. Edit: hey Lacey I wonder sometimes if you still have the letters I've written to you all. I love you so much. Thank you. ❤

"It's Been A Long 11 Years" would be a sweet tour name for them to tour off of New Horizon b/c Lacey never performed anything off the album live! I hope this happens!

Your testimony at Dry Bones 2021 was super influential in me coming back to Christ. Thank you for holding on to Him and being a city on hill that cannot be hidden. It's actually making a difference

So glad you guys are back! ❤

💥💪🏽 I love this. Jesus is our Father. Glad you all are Keeping it Real. LVH

wow are you kidding me? I was like checking to make sure this wasnt some old video being re uploaded and crush my soul if I got my hopes up for no reason lol But I think this is legit .. Lacey is back in Flyleaf! My daughter and I bonded over Laceys music solo stuff and old flyleaf I have many great memories with my daughter that Laceys voice was apart of! Thank you Lacey and Flyleaf I cant wait to hand my daughter a ticket to your life show whenever that happens

Flyleaf tracks have always been in my "current" playlists. Flyleaf don't die, they multiply 🪰🍁🔥❤️

Flyleaf was my first band I ever saw live on the Family Values tour 2006 and was blown away by everyone’s energy on stage and it was inspiring for me to want to be a musician. I will always hold that memory near and dear to my heart!

Great news to hear the boys again and with Lacey ❤

I honestly will never forget the first time I heard Flyleaf. I prayed for better music because I needed something to uplift me and God answered that by my foster sister giving me a burned cd because she didn't like it because it was rock and didn't like rock. I will never forget falling in love with Lacey's voice. Prayer answered!! Fan ever since!

Amazing to see the band back together. I know there's a snowball's chance that Lacey or Sameer will ever see this comment, but I recently finished an essay that has a lot to do with what Sameer seems to be grappling with. Hope it helps. ...I have long been of the mind that this is where comparative religion may come in handy. For it seems that many students of modern education are puzzled about how the salvation of the world sprung up like a mushroom one day, though the world doubtlessly needed it all along. And, exactly like a mushroom, the answer is that its mycelium (or fungal version of roots) had been there all along. There is one long, strong continuity between the pagan and Christian worlds that is verifiable, its only difference being that the pagans thought it a boon for the gifted and aristocratic, where Christ democratized it...Chapter 8 of Evola’s (1898-1974) Revolt Against the Modern World is an excellent compilation of how various pagan civilizations all had the same thing: “[In Rome] the ‘heroes’ or demigods…were beings who at death…did not emanate a ‘shadow’ or the larva of an ego that was eventually destined to die anyway; instead, they were beings who had achieved the self-subsistent, transcendent, and incorruptible life…They were those who had ‘overcome the second death.’ This was possible because they had more or less directly imposed upon their own vital force that change of nature I mentioned before when talking about the transcendent meaning of ‘sacrifice.’ Ancient Egyptian traditions clearly articulated the task of creating out of the ka some kind of new incorruptible body (sahu) that was supposed to replace the physical body and ‘stand on its own feet’ in the invisible dimension. In other traditions it is possible to find the identical concept under the names of ‘immortal body,’ ‘body of glory,’ or ‘resurrection body.’” Agrippa’s Three Books, and especially the chapter “Of the Degrees of Souls…” confirms that even a scholar in the early 1500s could identify the same: “[The soul] is not immortal, unless it be united to an immortal mind…Therefore the soul which is united to the mind, is called the soul standing not falling…Whosoever therefore being upheld by the divine grace have obtained a mind, these according to the proportion of their works become immortal…But those who have lived a middle life, though they have not obtained the divine intelligence…these men’s souls, when they shall depart from their bodies, are bound over to a certain secret receptacles, where they are affected with sensitive powers, and…do either extremely rejoice, or grievously lament. Of which opinion Saint [Augustine] also was, in his book which he wrote Of the Spirit and Soul; the wise men of the Indians, Persians, Egyptians and Chaldeans have delivered, that this soul superviveth much longer than its body, yet that it is not made altogether immortal, unless by transmigration.” Thankfully, all of this can be summarized quite simply. The mycelium of [identity & immortality] is that one needs it and must delve deep to earn it; the ‘fruit’ of the mycelium is that one needs it and may pluck it freely. In the pagan world, one had to delve deep to earn this prize, and it is entirely unclear how many of them actually grasped those microscopic strands. In the Christian world, the mushroom grows in plain sight upon a cross-shaped piece of wood and needs merely to be reached for. In Luke 23, just before the veil of Solomon’s temple rips in twain, one may spy the end of the pagan world and the beginning of the Christian one, when a thief and murderer plucks with ease what many magi struggled for: “And one of the malefactors which were hanging railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” To ask that this be reversed-to request that all of humanity leave this ‘fruit’ on the ‘vine’ or go back to digging in the dirt for the mere chance at a soul with the strength to stand-is a grievous misunderstanding that can only inspire one response: “Father; forgive them; they know not what they do.”

This is the comeback that I’ve waited for so much time 😭💙

I remember when I first heard Flyleaf, back when MTV had the TRL countdown - I had never heard anything like it or any vocalist like Lacey. She made a huge imprint on my life and my own journey, I just didn't know it at the time. Fast forward and I get to share her music with my 13 year old niece and sing along with her. It's just TOO MUCH AWESOMENESS! Man, the power of music...TY Lacey and God Bless You and Yours!

What I've learned is that the message or gospel of Jesus Christ is as a gift to be shared to others and not forced upon others. God gives us all free will and us trying to force Jesus Christ on others is taking away their free will in a sense. Plant the seed and share Jesus.

I got full body chills. This makes me so happy beyond belief. Flyleaf has been one of the greatest things in my life since I was 13 years old and I turn 32 this year. They’ve helped me so much in my faith. Can’t wait to see them again

Flyleaf has been part of my teen years for the longest time and their music really inspired me so much. Their music and message about Jesus helped me throughout my teenage years and I wouldn't be the same, without them. God bless you Flyleaf and thank you for being such an amazing inspiration to millions of people, through your music. :')

"The source of that is the personal God that became flesh in Jesus Christ". Thank you, my wonderful Christian sister, for faithfully proclaiming this truth all these years. Your lyrics kept me away from some very poisonous ideas when I was studying theology and it continues to ground me. Your albums have a special place on my bookshelf, along with the rest of the great theologians that have shaped me over the last decade.

I was just thinking of Flyleaf the other day, the first album was with me through so much

This really takes me back. I remember hearing “Breathe Today” for the first time on some website. It was from your Flyleaf EP. I instantly fell in love with it. I went to Best Buy and bought the EP and listened to it all the time. Then when your first full studio album was released I bought that and fell in love with it as well. “So I Thought” remains to be one of my most favorite songs, lyrically. “Broken Wings”, the early version, is one of my favorite songs by you guys though.

Team Lacey, love your music and flyleaf's music rock on sister ❤ #laceysturm #flyleaffamily

this reconnection is a powerful message to the world. No matter how different we are or how different we believe LOVE Connects us! I want to see them Live, that energy and synergy will be epic

to me its not just about faith i used to have friends and family really into god and thats how i found out about flyleaf i knew of them from im so sick and then like being obsessed with them and i was young like 8 or 9 and i NEVER knew the lyrics had ANYTHING to do with god or being christian etc. so finding that out was weird but being anti religion i stayed for the badass vocals and music like be who you want to be believe what you want to believe but i honestly don't care. to me its just been another rock band i fell in LOVE with in my early girlhood/teens and even now i come back and listen to the music from time to time even forgetting Lacey is solo now or dropped the name basically. i been really getting back into Lacey and the flyleaf music recently and havent seen this video yet and im catching up on YEARS of stuff i missed and im glad you're still making music one of my top 5 favorite female vocalists for sure! ROCK ON!

As someone who is both spiritual and also believes in God, Flyleaf has always given me a space to feel seen, even if only to myself. Love the band #Flyleaffamily

I remember the old days of MySpace and finding Flyleaf on my recommendations and I became a fan instantly ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I always felt like Flyleaf's music lacked the aggressive tone that Lacey's solo stuff has, I hope this reunion brings some of that!

Flyleaf and Lacey in particular has been a MASSIVE effect on my life!! Watching this made me cry!!!❤❤❤

I always lived how City Kids and So I Thought are the same song, just written in different times of one's life, I keep thinking, we often split our life's in 3 "generations"or" phases" I hope we will get the last one. It was always so meaningful to me...

Flyleaf got me through some tough times and seeing you all together again just brings back all the feels!! I feel like I've grown up with y'all and am so excited see what the future holds! Loved Lacey's solo music but seeing y'all back together just feels right!!

Flyleaf changed my life forever. I was a young kid when the first album came out and i got it from my friends church. I was raised Christian but in an abusive home. Flyleaf was my only tether to life for a long time. I got to see you guys in 2010 in buffalo NY. I was 10 years old!! I struggled so badly through the abuse and addiction that tore my family and home apart. I stopped listening for a while. Then my dad passed from his addiction and i started listening to Flyleaf again to connect to my childhood. It brought back a piece of me that is such a fighter and survivor and that will never leave me. Flyleaf started my fire and I’ve kept it burning all my life. Thank you so much.

Hey Lacey.. I never got a chance to thank u for what u did for my husband a few yrs ago. It changed our lives. ❤ the Devore's

They're 100% the BEST faith-based band of all time. I'm surprised they haven't broken through more to the mainstream.

I hope you guys can come to Oklahoma. My daughters have grown up on Flyleaf and I would be so happy for them to see a show.

I'm so glad I found this band all those years ago.

One of the best bands ever

I love, love, love this family. And that is what Flyleaf is, more than anything. I cannot explain how I would feel after walking away from one of their performances other than it was always a blessing. I would leave feeling hopeful, encouraged and heard. I was always reminded that I was not alone in this great big world. This band has always been very special to my daughter Gabby and I. I've been taking her to see Flyleaf since 2006, she was 7. I cannot express how happy I am that this family has been reunited and I can't wait to be on that barricade again, now with my youngest daughter who is 7♡

Omg is flyleaf coming back!!!!!

I’ve loved y’all since I was eleven years old! I am beyond excited that y’all are back together ❤❤❤❤❤

First concert tickets I ever bought were for Flyleaf years ago :)

Flyleaf helped me get through so much. I'm not Christian, and the music still spoke to me.

I'm so thankful for you Lacey and all you do for us as fans. This is one of the best things to happen in music, the reformation of Flyleaf with Lacey is awesome!! God Bless!!

Fly leaf was my first introduction to scream music and it has help me when i was younger dealing with alot of stuff will always love lacey music no matter its flyleaf songs our her own music and albums

Keep preaching Jesus Lacey!! 🙃

I love this band so much! Your songs have saved me so many times, even before I began journey with Jesus and many times after when I felt I was wavering in my faith. You all are a gift from God, please please please do a reunion tour!!

Literally getting chills the whole way through this video and I'm so beyond happy yall are doing this and I swear if yall end up like completely back together make new music/albums again. I will Literally cry tears of joy. 🙏

Saludos desde Chile, esperaba está vuelta junto a Flyleaf aunque sea de lejos, aunque tus cosas solista son excelentes igual!!!

I havent stopped listening all these years

Thank you, guys, for this! Love you. I named my cat Cassie after your song almost 11 years ago. She is still alive and with me

Oh wow! I might just stay up till 2 am for this!

I pray Laceys faith in Jesus wont be shaken or watered down through all of this. Her music stands out because of the light and love she is carrying inside of her for our King ❤

I hope you know how much you and Flyleaf truly mean to people. Your music has always been a cleansing of sorts for me to sing along to and get out the weight of the world through song. Serving in the military taught me to hold everything in and your music breaks that dam and lets it out in a positive way.

Lacey, your personal story of fighting through an all time low and dusting yourself off will always stick with me. I've had my struggles with faith since I was a teenager and have also since then found a spouse, have a house, and two beautiful children. These miracles bring people around full circle. I wish that everyone could share my experience as well and everyone would be better off.

Amen Lacey ❤ well said.

I certainly do resonate with energy and message of faith and love ... Language is different ., but { heart and one Consciousness binds all living and lifeless beings .

Absolutely Beautiful Lacey, and to Everyone in Flyleaf….🙌🎤🎸🥁💜🤟🎼❤️

I'm so happy ya'll are back together in this way. Love ya'll so much

Aww! I love you all so much! So beautiful watching your journey! Praying for each of you!

It's amazing to see y'all where you are and feel blessed to have seen your journey from early on when y'all would come play in my youth group. I feel sad that I missed your home show the other night. Excited to see what the future holds with you back!