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  

More thoughts on my recent difficult chapter

Several years ago – 2005 to be exact – I heard an interview with Rebecca St. James.  In it, she mentioned a difficult time that she had gone through.  She cited several facets of her painful storm, and then she made this statement: “It was literally like every single comfort zone in my life was taken away.”  I bring it up here because her words came to my mind as I attempted to capture the way I felt regarding my recent difficult chapter of sickness, followed by excruciating physical pain.

What is an example of a “comfort zone” that I felt was “taken away”?  Well, I have already mentioned how I couldn’t write anything for a period of time, due to it hurting too much.  You can tell how important of an example that is from how often I’ve mentioned it.  I’m happy to be able to return to writing again, even though there is still lingering pain as I do so.  But another development also occurred; to be honest, I feel a little uneasy about sharing this, but it’s another legitimate example, and it’s authentic.  So here it is.

During my recent illness, I decided to stop drinking soda pop.  I realize this may not seem like a big deal to you, but I used to drink this beverage almost every day, since way back to when I was a small boy.  Sporadically, I tried to have a few sips but it would only give me a headache.  So I knew I was going to have to give it up.  After nearly four decades of drinking pop, the thought of being without this comfort zone actually caused me to mourn.  You may want to tell me that I’m better off without it.  While I admit that you are absolutely right about that, it was still a sad development to me.

Let me return to that interview with Rebecca St. James for a minute.  She had been through a fiery trial.  But she went on to state that she had reached the point where she could look back and thank God for it because of the valuable lessons the Lord had taught her through it.  I am able to echo the same thing regarding my recent trial as well. 

Furthermore, the biggest point I’m trying to make today is when it seemed as if “every comfort zone in my life was taken away” to quote Rebecca again; when all I could do was cry out to God just to get through the day, I discovered a valuable lesson.  This was something that I knew intellectually but now I know it experientially: when you have the God of the universe by your side, you have everything you need!

In conclusion, I had a mental scene of us chatting about our various troubles.  And you said to me, “Kevin, I’m glad you are slowly getting to be on the mend.  But, the fact of the matter is I’m going through a very hard trial myself.”  You would then proceed to share your woes.  If that’s the case, please know that I am empathetic to your plight.  I hope you are helped by this quote from Corrie ten Boom.  She once said something that I had not heard until I came across it in preparation for today’s blog content.  She observed,

“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw the ticket away and jump off.  You sit still and trust the engineer.”  I want to encourage you – and I continue to remind myself of this – when you don’t know which way is up, and all you can see is the dark, trust in God. 

Kevin       

Walking through a difficult chapter...with God

I am so happy to return to blogging!  The adage “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is true.  Previously, no matter what was going on in my life, I could always lose myself in my writing.  However, because I was in such excruciating pain in my wrist and hand, I was unable to post anything.  But let me back up and give the full story.

Back in late November, I had a bad upper respiratory illness.  It was so intense that it actually kept me off work for longer than I have ever been in my adult life.  After a bout with this respiratory ailment, then a sinus infection, followed by miserable side effects from strong antibiotics, I was ready to return to the land of the living!  Today, I’m able to work, but I still have pain in my lungs/rib cage.  A recent x-ray showed that I have no signs of an infection anymore.  But the doctor said I will still have some lingering pain, and it is true.

And then in January, the severe pain in my shoulder, wrist, and hand began.  It has been the worst pain of my life.  The simplest of activities hurt me; from opening a door, to turning the key to my car ignition to start the engine, to putting a coat on or taking it off.  (Frankly it even hurts to write this blog now, but the pain level is slowly decreasing – and I’m taking breaks!).  My chiropractor’s assessment is when I was sick, I coughed so frequently that I actually threw my body so far out of alignment that it resulted in this awful pain.

My purpose in bringing all this up is to testify to God’s faithfulness through it all.  The Lord has used this strange time to bring up things in my life to the surface that shouldn’t be there.  For instance, I used to think that fear was something that I was essentially immune to, except for brief moments that were just blips on the screen.  But God showed me areas of my life where I have let fear grip my heart for much too long.  Isaiah 41:10 has become a new favorite verse of mine.  Here God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.”

Even though I could keep writing (I’ve missed it, can you tell?), let me begin to wrap this up for today.  I was deeply impacted by a Christian song called “Fires” in this difficult chapter.  It was written by Jordan St. Cyr.  At one point in the song, he sings to the Lord, “You’ve walked me through fires, pulled me from flames; if You’re in this with me, I won’t be afraid.  When the smoke billows higher…and it feels like I can barely breathe, I’ll walk through these fires, cause You’re walking with me.” 

Jordan and his wife have been through the fire.  In November of 2018, their daughter was born with a rare and severe brain condition.  Jordan’s attitude inspires me: “We know more than ever that God is with us and He always will be.  He has made us stronger and He has grown our faith in ways that we never thought was possible.  He’s taken the hardest parts of our story to refine our hearts and draw us closer to Him” (Source: https://freeccm.com/2020/10/06/behind-the-song-jordan-st-cyrs-shares-the-heart-behind-his-song-fires).

1 Peter 5:10 says, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”  An “amen” belongs here!

Kevin 

Ten years!

Today is a very special day.  It was on this day, in 2011, when I first launched this blog.

As I thought about what to do to commemorate this event, the Lord laid a sermon on my heart.  I have heard a lot of sermons in my life, but this one is certainly in the top five of my list.  It was preached by Michael Youssef.  Dr. Youssef is the founding pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.  Interestingly, it was also in 2011 when he preached a sermon titled “When God’s plan for our life differs from ours”.  This sermon gripped my heart from the first time I heard it all those years ago, and it still does to this day. 

His text was Acts 16:6-10 where we are told about one of Paul and his team’s missionary journeys.  Acts 16:6 says that as they were on their way to Bithynia, God told them not to go there, instead they were to go to Troas.  At first, the team didn’t have a clue why God wanted them to make this detour in their plans.  In verse 9, while in Troas, they had a vision: someone from Macedonia was pleading with them to come and help them.  I looked at a map in the back of my Bible and discovered that Macedonia would have been much too far out of their way had they gone to Bithynia. 

The point Dr. Youssef was illustrating is there are times when God, in His perfect wisdom, has His followers go in a direction that makes no sense to them, but ultimately His will and way is always best.  I would love to quote so much great content that Youssef said in that sermon.  But, let me give this one quote.  He said,

“Every time I became disappointed with God’s plan for me; every time I became angry with God that I could not get my own way…I look back and realize how foolish it is!  I look back and find myself thanking God every single day that He did not allow me to have my plan.  You see, in the long run, His plan is far superior…In hindsight, I am so grateful that He blocked my plans, and stopped me from going the way I wanted to go, because His is much better.”  I love his transparency and candor!  Moreover, I’ve lived long enough to know that Dr. Youssef is absolutely right.

In conclusion, I love the song by Jonathan Traylor titled: “You get the glory from this”.  It is my heart’s cry regarding this blog, and my entire life’s journey.  With Traylor, I sing these words to God: “You get the glory from this.  No matter what I have to go through in this world, as long as You get the glory from it.  Tribulation; persecution; my affliction, You get the glory from it.  In my weakness; in my brokenness; in the crushing, You get the glory from it.  On the mountain top; in the valley low; You are in control.  You get the glory from this.  On my good days; on my bad days; I will still say, You get the glory from this.  You get the glory from this.  Please get the glory from this.”  

Kevin

The power of hope

Happy New Year, everyone!  My plan was to post this blog on New Year’s Day – or even New Year’s Eve – but as per usual, life took over.  So without further delay, let’s dive right in.

I’ve been thinking about a memorable episode from the TV show “Lois and Clark” starring Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain.  In the fourth season of the series, Howie Mandel guest starred as an imp from another dimension named Mr. Mxyzptlk (Mandel pronounced it “Mix-yez-pit-lick”).  Incidentally, Howie Mandel, the “Deal or No deal” host, was so good in this role.

While one may have trouble with this character’s name, his plan was diabolical.  He planned to eliminate hope by placing the entire world in a time loop.  In a storyline similar to the film “Groundhog Day” after several hours, time itself reverted back to 12 noon.  But in an intriguing twist, whenever it did loop back, humanity lost a little bit more of its hope.  Mxyzyptlk himself put it this way: “Superman is the symbol of hope.  If you take away hope, he’s the symbol of nothing.  In a world without hope, he’s powerless.  Take away tomorrow means there’s no hope for tomorrow.”

It was fascinating to see the decline of hope as the time loop persisted.  Humanity was losing hope.  Many were growing despondent, angry, and in some cases suicidal.  And so Mxyzyptlk showed up and presented Superman with an offer.  In a pivotal scene, the imp says if Superman will leave Earth forever, he will remove the loop.  The Man of Steel refuses to leave, and asserts that there is always hope.  

This powerful moment actually releases Lois from the time loop.  “I could feel you rejecting hopelessness,” she says to him.  “It hit me like a wave.”  The two of them work together to restore hope to humanity, and they subsequently trick Mxyzyptlk to say his name backwards, which banishes him back to his dimension.  I love the episode because it illustrates an important principle: the power of hope.  And how devastating it is when one doesn’t have it.

2020 was a tough year.  It’s a year that I will never forget, and neither will you.  There were challenges in it that no one would have predicted.  But, even still, I have hope in my heart.  Not because we have concluded 2020 (after all, 2021 will have its challenges as well).  I have hope because the God of the universe is holding my hand, and He won’t let me go.  He is in absolute control.  Like Superman in that episode, God will never leave me or forsake me.  He will fight for me, even when I can’t fight for myself (to quote Riley Clemmons and her song, “Fighting for me”)

In conclusion, Romans 15:13 is a verse that God has riveted on my heart; it says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Amen and amen!

Kevin