Sara Evans’ Family and Faith Helped Her Grow ‘Stronger’

Sara Evans named her recently released sixth studio album 'Stronger' as a way to show how she's grown in the six years since she last released music.

In that time, Sara weathered a high-profile divorce, continued to write novels and tour behind her music, found love, remarried, moved from Nashville to Birmingham, Ala., and created with her new husband a home for their blended family of seven kids.

Looking back at the path that led her to return to songwriting and recording, Sara says she learned some lessons along the way that she shares with others who are going through tumultuous times. "You try really hard not to forget who you are. The main thing I say is don't become destructive," Sara tells The Boot. "You have to embrace the fact that none of us will go through this life without experiencing disappointment, devastation, pain and heartache. We will all experience that sooner or later. That shouldn't change who we are."

The Book of Job in the Bible gave Sara the strength to resolve the issues in her life. It also allowed her perspective to realize that although the world seemed bleak, there were countless rays of hope.

"I would remember that I'm not the only person going through something hard," she says. "I told myself 'I'll get through it. It's just for a season. Count your blessings for the things that are good.'"

When Sara faced dark days, she reminded herself of the joy that her children and their love for her brought. She also counted her blessings that they are healthy.

"Even now, when I'm having a bad day, I remember that doesn't change the most important things in my life," she says. "I love my family and they love me. That's the most important aspect of my life."

Watch 'A Little Bit Stronger'