Celebrating the example and ministry of Carman

John Diggle, on the TV show “Arrow”, in the midst of deep grief over losing a friend, once remarked: “The world seems as little less bright without him in it.”  I feel the same way when I reflect on the recent death of Christian musician Carman Licciardello, better known as simply Carman.  Last week, he passed away from complications of hernia surgery.  He was just 65.  

While I did not get the chance to meet Carman personally, I have still been in mourning since I heard the news.  I’ve been blessed by his vocation in Christian music since I was a teenager.  I know the immense talent that Carman had, and the unique style he had that no one else could ever duplicate.  He was one of a kind.  But he used his creativity to point others to the Lord.  Yes, the world does indeed feel a little less bright today.

As I’ve absorbed the news of the loss of Carman, countless songs he wrote and performed have been playing in my head.  I could go on and on with amazing songs that powerfully capture the love of God, and His gospel.  But consider this song from his “R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth)” album.

In a track titled “Not 4 Sale”, he describes how the devil “came to my house” and “knocked on my door.”  The devil said, “You are quite a talent, the making of a star, and with a little help from me, you really could go far.”  The evil one goes on to say that he will help him, just so long as he never mentions the name of Jesus.  “You can do something positive, but just don’t misbehave, like using your notoriety to get someone saved.”  Carman’s response: “I have been bought with a price when Jesus hung on that tree; my life is not my own, I’ll never follow your lead…so get thee behind me, Satan, I’m not for sale.”  This song captures Carman’s heart, creativity, and life mission. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, for decades, Carman was a bachelor.  One article I read states that in 2015, fans asked him why he hadn’t settled down, he said he’d “rather want something I don’t have than have something I don’t want…when the right one surfaces and it’s the right time I’ll do it.”  The right one was a woman named Dana, whom he married in 2017 (information can be found at this link https://www.thefocus.news/music/carman-licciardello-wife/).  I find myself inspired by Carman’s willingness to choose God’s plan over cultural expectation.

Carman’s songs were often more like cinematic events than traditional music.  Perhaps nowhere was this more evident than in a track from his “Addicted to Jesus” album, titled “The Third Heaven”.  Here he creatively depicts dying and going to Heaven!  I wish I could share much more of this song, but let me just hit the high points.

It began in the Emergency Room, with doctors and nurses trying to resuscitate him as death neared.  After a few minutes, we hear, “He’s not going to make it.  We’ve lost him.”  He goes on to describe the beauty of Heaven.  Eventually, he sees the face of Jesus, in all His glory.  But the Lord tells him that many are grieved by his death, and He is willing to send him back.  Carman’s reply is so helpful to those of us who have lost a cherished one who is now in the bliss of Heaven. 

He says, “Lord, if my loved ones only knew the limitless wonders of Heaven; if they could steal but one brief glimpse of glory, I know what they would do, because they loved me.  They’d never ask that I return to the confines of my human body.  Lord, I can’t go back.  Please let me stay with You.”  The scene ends with him worshipping the Lord. 

In conclusion, Carman sang a beautiful song in the track “Serve the Lord” in a best of CD collection.  He sings, “By the grace of God, I will serve the Lord.”  But by the song’s end, he sings, “I believe I’m not alone with my faith in Jesus Christ; that is why all the more we will serve Him” (italics added for emphasis).  Carman may be enjoying his rewards in Heaven now, but his example will continue to inspire others to serve the Lord, and to speak boldly for Him.  May it start right here with me! 

Kevin

Happy Valentine’s Day (one day late)

While I wasn’t able to blog on the actual holiday, I do have a few Valentine’s Day thoughts I want to present now.

My favorite show on TV is the CW show “The Flash” starring Grant Gustin.  I could go on and on about this show.  I have seen every episode since it debuted in 2014, and it has been an absolute pleasure to view it.  In a few weeks the 7th season premieres.  The 6th season ended earlier than normal because of covid-19 (interestingly it had a total of 19 episodes, rather than the usual 22 or 23).  I bring it up now because in the 3rd season, Barry Allen (alias the Flash) proposed to the love of his life, Iris West.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to describe the details of his proposal.  He sang a beautiful, romantic song to her.  The song always makes me cry because it just oozes the love and adoration Barry has for Iris.  As the Flash, Barry is able to run at incredibly fast speeds; so it is apt when he sings a song that mentions running home to her.  Here’s a sampling:

“All I want to do is come running home to you, come running home to you; and all my life I promise to keep running home to you, keep running home to you.  And I could see it, right from the start…that you would be, be my light in the dark, light in the dark.  Oh, you gave me no other choice but to love you.”  He pulled out an engagement ring, as he continued singing, “Can’t say how the days will unfold; can’t change what the future may hold, but I want you in it every hour, every minute.”  He then asked if she would marry him, and she said yes.

As I said, I always cry as I watch this scene.  To hear Barry sing his heart out in such a lovely way is truly unforgettable (and Grant’s wonderful singing voice helps too).  Frankly, attempting to capture this grand, romance gesture in mere word form on a blog platform does it a bit of a disservice.  But several videos of the song – titled “Running Home to You” – can be found on You Tube.

In conclusion, let me acknowledge that some people call Valentine’s Day, “Singleness Awareness Day” or just the acrostic “sad” for short!  While we may chuckle at that, I’m well aware of the pain you may be experiencing as you read this right now.  Believe me, I understand.  I could write an entire blog about this subject matter (in fact, very soon, maybe I will).  But for now, let me state this: I have come to the conclusion that Valentine’s Day should celebrate love; whether or not that includes romantic love.  We all need to cherish the loved ones in our lives.  Furthermore, and most importantly, we should all stop and thank the Lord for His amazing love for us, and that He “so loved the world that He gave His Only Son” (John 3:16).  I bask in His great love for you and me today.   

Kevin

"Sing of my Redeemer"

Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with a coworker at my job at Chick-fil-A.  It probably would be better stated to call it a divine appointment.  In a moment of downtime, a guy who loves to talk and make conversation called my name.  His initial question was, “You’re a Christian, right?”  I answered yes.  In a respectful and curious tone, he simply asked me, “why?”  I wish this conversation was transcribed, but as near as I can remember it, without any thought, I just answered with these words:

“Because I’m a sinner in need of a Savior.  No matter how hard I try, I can’t save myself.  I need someone to do for me what I can’t do for myself: I need someone to forgive me of my sins.  Jesus is God.  He paid the price for my sin.  I am trusting in Him.”  When a guy like this coworker of mine is at a loss for words, you must have said something noteworthy!  He just kept silently processing what was said.  Finally, he said something like, “Very interesting!”

There are several different ways I could go after sharing such a memorable incident with you.  But, first and foremost, I give all the glory to God for that answer.  Jesus once said, “do not worry about how or what you should speak.  For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20).  Furthermore, as I was putting all this together, I was reminded of an old hymn.  It captures my heart of gratitude and worship to God: “Sing, O sing, of my Redeemer.  With His blood, He purchased me; on the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free!”  

Second, I think some would be surprised that I brought up sin.  I was just being honest.  I’ve been a Christian since a boy of 6 years old.  And yet I still sin.  I hate that I do so, but it’s undeniable.  The Bible says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).  And then, with that as the context, we read the familiar words of verse 9:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  To be clear: a Christian is to grow in Christ-likeness, righteousness, and holiness, as well as to fight against sin.  I’m not suggesting otherwise.  But I also know I will have an inherent sin problem until I breathe my last breath on this Earth, and go to Heaven.   

This particular conversation with my coworker eventually turned to him inquiring if my parents were Christians as well.  This is a common response; whenever God has opened a door for me to have this kind of dialogue with others, the subject of a parent’s faith seems to come up.  While I affirmed my parent’s Christian faith to him – and I am grateful for their example – it’s not particularly relevant to the discussion. 

I didn’t get the chance to bring this up point with my coworker, but I’ve used this illustration in the past.  Incidentally, as this month is the 5-year anniversary of the Denver Broncos winning Super Bowl 50, it seems all the more fitting for me to give the following illustration:

If you were to see a toddler in Denver Broncos apparel, as cute as he/she may be that child had no say in his apparel; he isn’t actually a fan of the Broncos.  But consider this: after the child grows up, they may decide to follow the Broncos, but they may not.  What I’m getting at is it’s a matter of their individual choice, not their parent’s prior commitment.  The same principle goes for their faith or lack thereof in Christ.  As someone memorably put it: “God has no grandchild.”

Kevin