The late American journalist Helen Rowland once wrote, "Life begins at 40—but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times." But Rowland, who died in 1950, never got to experience today's entertainment industry, so she wasn't aware of the fact that the window of opportunity in the music business begins to close much earlier. Almost everything—vocal talent, musicianship, and songwriting skills—is sacrificed on the altar of youth and pop culture. Once a pop singer hits 30, especially a female performer, she is considered past her prime.

After spending time with four gifted Christian women, all who've made their individual marks on the landscape of gospel music, I'm convinced nothing is further from the truth. For CeCe Winans, Kim Hill, Margaret Becker, and Bonnie Keen, life is so much more than music. And, contrary to what Rowland wrote, the fourth decade is finding these women standing stronger, seeing more clearly, and more aware than ever of who they are in Christ.

CeCe Winans

With six Grammy Awards, 18 Dove Awards, and millions of albums sold, CeCe Winans is that rare artist who crosses every genre from pop and R&B to gospel and contemporary Christian music. For 20 years, as both a solo performer and as half of an acclaimed family duet with her brother BeBe, her soaring vocal delivery and winning spirit have captivated audiences in church pews, on Oprah, and even at the White House. She has even done guest spots on popular TV shows, including 7th Heaven and PAX TV's Doc. With all those laurels to rest upon, it's amazing to find CeCe more passionate and more driven than ever.

Last year, she released an all–out worship album. Her most personal recording to date, Throne Room has allowed CeCe to share with the world the truth about what matters most.

"There has been such an urgency within my spirit," she says, "that I had no other choice but to record Throne Room. And I knew when I did that, I'd need to explain it. Even though people are in the church, they're not really taught about what worship is. But worship is not an option for the Christian. We need that intimacy with God in order to survive."

What CeCe calls living "in the throne room" is what some people refer to as "worship as a way of life," when everything in your life is filtered through the living, breathing relationship you have with the Lord. That is why she followed up the album with a book, Throne Room: Ushered Into the Presence of God (which was published in February), to help believers understand more about the peace and joy that comes from intimacy with God. It's not just another record or a book from another celebrity. This is her life now. It informs every part of her world—from her roles as a wife and mother of two to her calling as an artist and businesswoman.

"I've always been a worshiper of God, from the time I was a young girl," she says. "I always loved Him, and yet I used to try so hard to please everybody else, but it just doesn't work. God is merciful and kind, but trying to please others only steals your joy."

She adds: "Bottom line is, we're here to worship him, to please him. Period. Others are affected when we live to please Him, but it's only about pleasing Him. Sometimes it takes years to understand that. But when you get it, it will free you up in so many ways."