September 21, 2008: Rich Mullins

Dear Friend,

May peace rain down from Heaven
Like little pieces of the sky
Little keepers of the promise
Falling on these souls this drought has dried
In His Blood and in His Body
In this Bread and in this Wine
Peace to you
Peace of Christ to you

Today was a little bit of a rest/work day. I took my time getting things done, didn’t stress out about too much. Most of today’s work was writing and posting blog entries from my days in the Retezat. During most of that, I listened to my favorite contemporary Christian music artist: Rich Mullins.

Rich Mullins lived the latter part of his life until his death on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. He lived in a hogan and taught music to children. He lived on an average U.S. salary, which was taken out of the money he earned from touring and album sales. The rest of the money was given to charity. He died in an automobile accident September 19, 1997. He had been engaged once, but his fiancée called it off. Other than that, he was never married and didn’t have children.

This is really only a small part of why I like Rich Mullins. In all actuality, I like him for his music. The lyrics above are the chorus from his song “Peace.” The ones that follow are from his song “Be With You.”

And when my body lies in the ruins
Of the lies that nearly ruined me
Will You pick up the pieces
That were pure and true
And breathe Your life into them
And set them free?

And when You start this world over
Again from scratch
Will You make me anew
Out of the stuff that lasts?
Stuff that's purer than gold is
And clearer than glass could ever be
Can I be with You?
Can I be with You?

Rich actually grew up going to a Quaker church. The Quaker’s beliefs about peace and social justice greatly influenced his life and his lyrics. He was also greatly influenced by St. Francis of Assisi and tried living his life on the Navajo reservation similarly to St. Francis’.

The lyrics of Rich Mullins’ songs speak volumes to me. I can’t listen to one of his songs and not be moved to think of the majesty and even the mystery of God. He’s very profound, very poetic, and very musical. If you get the chance to listen to any of his songs, just sit and listen to the words. Think on them for awhile. You don’t necessarily have to like him. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, you have to admit that he has a lot to say in what he sings. Here’s the chorus to “If I Stand:”

So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home

Hope you find as much inspiration in these lyrics as I do, friend. Peace of Christ to you.

Blessings.
Kailen