When God finally got my attention in my late twenties, I started looking for music that reflected my new passion for Him. The only Christian music that I had been exposed to in my past were the hymns of old. Great songs, rich in theology, but lacking a modern, contemporary arrangement. So off I went, into my local Christian book store, inquiring about what Christian music was available for my generation.
Bands?! There were Christian bands? Yes! Petra, White Heart, 2nd Chapter of Acts, and much more! Drums, Electric Guitars? (After seeing these words typed out I realize just how out-of-touch I was in the late 80's - but you have to remember that my church experience never outran the trinity of a piano, organ and choir.)
Artists? How about Charlie Peacock, (still one of my favorites) Margaret Becker, DeGarmo & Key, Carman, Steve Camp, and my favorite discovery, Rich Mullins.
Just a few words about some of these artists; Charlie Peacock, who combined a love of jazz music with honest lyrics and experimental arrangements was one of my first purchases and I loved his approach to making music for God. Carman utilized storytelling and free concerts to help spread the gospel music around the world. Margaret Becker composed one of the most haunting songs I had ever heard, "Stay close to me", a song that burned in my soul, (produced by Charlie Peacock). But the artist that most transformed my view of God was Rich Mullins.
First of all, there were his lyrics. Lyrics that were staggering in their honesty. Lyrics that were intelligent and thoughtful. Lyrics that could encapsulate what I was feeling and transform those emotions into words. Lyrics that taught me theology, that helped form my perspective of who the Bible says that Jesus is. Next came the music. Creative, skillful arrangements that captured my attention and matched up perfectly with the words he had crafted to help share the gospel through his music. But what really sealed the deal was the transparent way that Rich lived out his life through his decisions and deeds. This is a man that capped the amount that he received through his music and donated the rest to ministries close to his heart. A man that performed wearing tattered jeans, t-shirt and no shoes. A man that proclaimed his weakness, vices, and continual fight with his flesh, without fear or pride. A man who at the height of his popularity, moved to New Mexico to live and teach music to impoverished Indian children.
This was a man unlike any other artist I had ever followed. A man not driven by his own ambitions but living the best way he could for Jesus. A man who constantly sought to bring a sense of wonder to worship as he pointed people to Jesus through his songs.
There is a small group of people that I am looking forward to spending time with in heaven. Friends that are already experiencing the physical presence of Jesus, Garnet, Drew and Rick. And of course family that have already passed on, my Grandpa Bible, Grandma Lee and many more are dwelling in eternity with Jesus. But next to meeting Jesus, (and Micky Mantle), I want to meet Rich Mullins. I want to shake his hands and tell him thank you for how he helped me to navigate life while keeping my eyes on Jesus. His life truly has helped transform my walk with Jesus and that is debt I can never repay.
