Things Rich Mullins Taught Me

With a "thanks for the idea" to Amy Swanson, fellow-member of the Rich Mullins Remembered Facebook page, here are some things I've learned by listening to the songs of Rich Mullins:

There's a rest you can find in your work that you can't get out of sleep. ("When You Love")

The other side of the world is not so far away as I thought that it was. ("The Other Side of the World")

There's more that dances on the prairies than the wind; more that pulses through the ocean than the tide. ("If I Stand")

It's a wounded world that needs a healing touch. ("Alrightokuhhuhamen")

Here, I'm tested and made worthy; tossed about but lifted up in the reckless, raging fury that they call the love of God. ("The Love of God")

Even Pontius Pilate played a part. ("Who God Is Gonna Use")

Much joy can blossom from many tears. ("Hello Old Friends")

The world draws up its lines, but at the foot of the cross, there's room for everyone. ("Everyman")

Love is found in the things we've given up more than in the things that we have kept. ("What Susan Said")

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...I say these are things I've learned, but I'm still in the process of living them out. I'm grateful for the songs Yahweh welled up within Rich, and I look forward to the day I can truthfully sing:

I cannot hide this longing that grows

In this temple of silence and stars

But a thief in the night stole in and broke

Every chain that had bound up my heart

I cannot cling to shadows again

So here on this altar tonight

I lay every dream I've ever dreamt

To burn in the fire He lights

("Cry the Name")