1997, the year my baby twins died. Thankfully his songs reminded me the Lord is with us. The Lord gave me another baby girl two years later and I am thankful for his mercy.
Thanks for sharing, Christine. It pains me to read of such grief, but it comforts me to read the positives, and especially to think that you find such comfort in my favourite song.
I remeber when he passed and went home. I cried but not because he went to heaven. But because I didnt want him to go. Cause he was such an incredible kind man. That followed god from beginning to end. He still stood up for ehat he believed. And stood up for Christ. Because today our world needs our savior. And I wish more people like him "Rich Mullins" were around. Because y'all we need to make a stand. Who will you stand for?
I got one of Rich’s cd’s when I first got saved in 95’. I was 15 or 16. Then not long after I heard he died. Well that music meant so much to me. Touched my heart and soul. He was so not about the applause. But that’s bc he knew his imperfection and humanity.
Though the body is gone, The Ministry lives on. God still uses Richard Mullins for his Kingdom, even long after the body is gone, God is still at work Amen.
I remember when Rich Mullins was called home....I cried like I have never cried before... we lost an amazing awesome man...I still miss him... but I picture him singing in heaven and its a beautiful. ..peaceful. ... thought! I can't wait to wash his feet. ...when I get home! Debbie Fairchild
@@FaithCoach The saints will receive our new bodies and be absent from these old ones at the RESURRECTION. This will occur at His COMING. Jesus doesn't return every time someone dies. There is no dualism. You will not have four ears and two noses. You cannot be in two places at one time. The earth is home for the saints, just as specified in the Bible.
@dclaymoore - Oh, no - Rich never wanted applause, No, i remember a show where he had us all singing with our eyes shut and by the time we opened them, he was gone and we were there, alone with GOD. It was so cool. And that is what Rich Mullins was all about - look at Jesus. Look at God showing Himself to you in nature! Look at the trees! Isn't His creation neat? And wasn't it so very kind of that same God to give us this man who used his gifts and imperfections to point us to Jesus?!! Yes!!
This same year he peeformed at Grace Chapel (Lexington, Massachusetts ) with characteristic bare feet. He had two of my Wheaton classmates Harrod and Funk open for him. True worship service. One for the ages. I was completing a Counseling degree at Gordon -Conwell Theological Seminary and glad to see my classmates there.@Scott9II
I was able to go to a few of his concerts and got to jelp set up for one and met him and talked with him. He was such a humble man who had so much talent and such a love fir the Lord and songing hus praise. Im sad that hes gone but also almost jealous that he is home and gets to be with the Lord every day and ask all the questions we have one this earth.
I remember when I was little he was my favorite musician... and I cried the day my Dad told me how he met Rich, and even more when he told me that Rich was dead.
Just reading Psalm 84 and experiencing the Lord's presence, comfort and love in a way I haven't felt for a long time. Then He reminded me of this song, and I played it on Spotify and wept and wept as a man who is longing for his home. Thank You, Lord Jesus.
It was said of Rich Mullins by those who knew him best that he lived his life with one foot already in heaven and the other here on earth.... what an amazing thing to have said of you. You can hear the evidence of that here.... "if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home." Amen.
Authenticity. The only word I could use to describe this man. Which made him the legend to the Christian music industry. I think we could learn a lot from the legacy of Rich Mullins.
"Stand on the Promise... that you will pull me through... sing for the joy in these songs... if I weep let it be - as a man- who is longing -for his home.. there is more than wind on the prairie, love is fiercer than friends, mothers, sentiments the music is higher than our song, rejoice in the giver of all things!"- Rich Mullins
I am sorry that you have become an athiest. God still believes in you and loves you. He is waiting to reveal Himself to you, just open the eyes of your heart and let Him come in to your life.
My wife and I used this song for her processional in our wedding last year -- I got my groomsmen to come up with an acappella arrangement of it. I think the applause was fine. Some people fall in love with Mullins's music, and I think those who do, find it to be some of the best Christian music there is. But if someone doesn't have the same experience, I wouldn't want to accuse them of being less spiritual. Anyway, I can't imagine Rich wanting that.
Wow. Who can fathom the depth of the emotion in this song ~ this longing for Home that Richard Mullins experienced. And, "Sometimes By Step." We will see him with our Savior, Yahshua haMashiach, soon! Our Deliverer is coming and every eye will see this Awesome God!
I have always loved this man ...but I also respect the fact that he must of been called to a single life of ministry for winning souls and healing through his music ..If I was to ever of had the chance to be his wifee ....I bet he would of been one great husband !!! cause he loves the Lord so much and this kind of man is hard to find ...
There's more power in this chorus than in any writing of man, I truly believe. As someone going through the full spectrum of the human experience at the moment, I will tell you there's an awesome power in both the standing and the falling on God's grace, in the singing for joy and weeping for home. A part of me wishes it over. Another part, however, and I'd like to think it's the part that fully appreciates the sentiment of this song, understands that calm seas do not make skilled sailors.
I was on the road doing concerts when I heard that Rich died. I could hardly breath it hurt so much. Let's put aside his amazing music (thanks of course to Beaker who wrote a lot of them with Rich). Rich was an incredible human being and Christian. He was so humble and just...I just have no words. Our concert that night after his death was a celebration of his life...but inside we were devastated to have lost a co-worker and also worried for Mitch's health and thankfully positive outcome. I am
I awakened with this song on my heart this morning for the National Day of Prayer. Remembering Rich this morning and missing him very much. I am standing in the gap for America, today. ~coach sam
I met him in 1995. I was on a mission trip and we had a presentation that included Sometimes by Step (well, probably just Step By Step, I dont think they thought a bunch of preteens would be good at the verses - we didn't know that Beeker wrote that part of the song). Turns out the small church in navajo reservation that we were working with was his home church. He came to our presentation, and sang with us. It was an amazing experience.
I think he would be uncomfortable that we hold him in such high esteem. I remember hearing him in high school on the way to a youth rally. I struggled with so many things then, and even worse after I left home. I soon forgot all my teaching, or tried to. Then after I came to faith again I saw that movie raggamuffin. That's what I respect most. Not that he continually struggled, but that he continued to get back up. I'm glad he was human. I wish I were less so.
I remember when I was going to Cincinnati Bible College back in 1988 and 89. I’ve been working at a church on the east side of Cincinnati. And I’ll never forget the day when the preacher had Rich Mullins songs on and the preacher said to me I have the same voice that Rich has I just wasn’t called to use it like he was. I’d set beside that preacher many times during worship service and I can tell you without a doubt, he was not a Rich Mullins type of voice. God love him but there was only one RM in my opinion.
My favorite song from Rich, I can't believe the crowd gave him such a small clap and then packed up and get out of their so fast... if they had only known that might be the last time they hear him.
This was during chapel, which is a required time three times a week in the middle of the school day. We all have classes right after chapel, which is why they were packing up and leaving so fast.
@TheRealJMarkJohns So true, my brother, that calm seas cannot build skilled sailors. Yet He is faithful and provides grace through our journeys, in this case, a light in the form of praise from Rich. We can all sing along and certainly it is pleasing to Him.
Someone showed me the movie Ragamuffin when I was first saved and I wanted to be just like him. Of course Jesus is my main example but I admired Mullins humility, modesty, honesty, style of songwriting, and if the movie was accurate, his hatred of wearing shoes lol.
I've never seen Rich before, although I've heard this song for years. Upon watching this, his ending seems to be borrowed (to the credit) from Keith Green, who is also abiding with the Father and left us with many beautiful anthems to God.
Visitationone it was a chapel service at Wheaton College. He lived on campus a few weeks while producing a musical called "Canticle of the plains" based on the life of St. Francis. Little did we know that only a few months later he would tragically die.
I read about Paulson being shipwrecked today in the gospel and am strengthened by the God who filled men like Paul with faith hope love and outright compassion and abadonment of self
Not yet. Jesus will return and resurrect the saints. Then they will rule with Him here on earth for 1,000 years. The coming kingdom on earth, not heaven, is the focus of the saints. It's very exciting!
Check out Andrew Peterson. I think a lot of his inspiration and the music really carries on. He is not into entertainment! He humbly toured with Steven Curtis Chapman last year. Been around for 10+ years and just recently being known to all of us. I know just from listning to Andrew's songs that one of his 'mentors' in music was Rich!!
@dclaymoore I've seen this kind of behavior from Christians in other "concerts"... many just want to be entertained. Rich was a giant of faith walking among pixies.
@catmutterer - I disagree. I mean, it sucks for us, but no - he left the day that God planned before Rich was born. and look, here we are, still being ministered to by him! I would not wish him back from where he is now for anything :)
1997, the year my baby twins died. Thankfully his songs reminded me the Lord is with us. The Lord gave me another baby girl two years later and I am thankful for his mercy.
Thanks for sharing, Christine. It pains me to read of such grief, but it comforts me to read the positives, and especially to think that you find such comfort in my favourite song.
I remeber when he passed and went home. I cried but not because he went to heaven. But because I didnt want him to go. Cause he was such an incredible kind man. That followed god from beginning to end. He still stood up for ehat he believed. And stood up for Christ. Because today our world needs our savior. And I wish more people like him "Rich Mullins" were around. Because y'all we need to make a stand. Who will you stand for?
I got one of Rich’s cd’s when I first got saved in 95’. I was 15 or 16. Then not long after I heard he died. Well that music meant so much to me. Touched my heart and soul. He was so not about the applause. But that’s bc he knew his imperfection and humanity.
Amazing story. I remember his music as a little boy now in my 40’s enriched by his music. One day we will be in Glory with all our saved love ones
Though the body is gone, The Ministry lives on. God still uses Richard Mullins for his Kingdom, even long after the body is gone, God is still at work Amen.
I remember when Rich Mullins was called home....I cried like I have never cried before... we lost an amazing awesome man...I still miss him... but I picture him singing in heaven and its a beautiful. ..peaceful. ... thought! I can't wait to wash his feet. ...when I get home! Debbie Fairchild
The grave is not home. Rich will be resurrected!
I was devastated, too. What an awful day for those of us left behind.
@@FaithCoach The saints will receive our new bodies and be absent from these old ones at the RESURRECTION. This will occur at His COMING. Jesus doesn't return every time someone dies.
There is no dualism. You will not have four ears and two noses. You cannot be in two places at one time.
The earth is home for the saints, just as specified in the Bible.
@dclaymoore - Oh, no - Rich never wanted applause, No, i remember a show where he had us all singing with our eyes shut and by the time we opened them, he was gone and we were there, alone with GOD. It was so cool. And that is what Rich Mullins was all about - look at Jesus. Look at God showing Himself to you in nature! Look at the trees! Isn't His creation neat? And wasn't it so very kind of that same God to give us this man who used his gifts and imperfections to point us to Jesus?!! Yes!!
I had the exact same experience I know I know everything you're talkin about
This same year he peeformed at Grace Chapel (Lexington, Massachusetts ) with characteristic bare feet. He had two of my Wheaton classmates Harrod and Funk open for him. True worship service. One for the ages. I was completing a Counseling degree at Gordon -Conwell Theological Seminary and glad to see my classmates there.@Scott9II
Thank you. I miss him so much. I was 4 when he changed my life. Nobody else gets it
This guy was amazing. This song is incredible.
I truly miss Richard!Rest in peace! Gonna read the "The Ragamuffin Gospel Testimony By Rich Mullins.God bless!Awe-men !
I was able to go to a few of his concerts and got to jelp set up for one and met him and talked with him. He was such a humble man who had so much talent and such a love fir the Lord and songing hus praise. Im sad that hes gone but also almost jealous that he is home and gets to be with the Lord every day and ask all the questions we have one this earth.
Still one of my favorite songs! I was blessed to see him in concert -- and I remember what he wrote on my program -- "Becca, be God's."
I remember when I was little he was my favorite musician... and I cried the day my Dad told me how he met Rich, and even more when he told me that Rich was dead.
What a brilliant song writer--the world is less awesome without Rich Mullins, but thank the Lord he was here for a while. . .
Just reading Psalm 84 and experiencing the Lord's presence, comfort and love in a way I haven't felt for a long time. Then He reminded me of this song, and I played it on Spotify and wept and wept as a man who is longing for his home.
Thank You, Lord Jesus.
It was said of Rich Mullins by those who knew him best that he lived his life with one foot already in heaven and the other here on earth.... what an amazing thing to have said of you. You can hear the evidence of that here.... "if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home." Amen.
Rich Mullins was a really gifted musician. His songs contain such rich imagery. Most impressive is that he was a man who truly walked his faith.
"If I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to you." So true.
Hard to say what your favorite song of all time is, but this one makes the short list.
Authenticity. The only word I could use to describe this man. Which made him the legend to the Christian music industry. I think we could learn a lot from the legacy of Rich Mullins.
One of the greatest song writers of the 20th century.
This song has lifted me so many times over the years.
"Stand on the Promise... that you will pull me through...
sing for the joy in these songs... if I weep let it be - as a man- who is longing -for his home..
there is more than wind on the prairie, love is fiercer than friends, mothers, sentiments
the music is higher than our song, rejoice in the giver of all things!"- Rich Mullins
I have become essentially an atheist and I still love this song - Rich Mullins could always get me to feel so deeply. Still does.
I am sorry that you have become an athiest. God still believes in you and loves you. He is waiting to reveal Himself to you, just open the eyes of your heart and let Him come in to your life.
My wife and I used this song for her processional in our wedding last year -- I got my groomsmen to come up with an acappella arrangement of it.
I think the applause was fine. Some people fall in love with Mullins's music, and I think those who do, find it to be some of the best Christian music there is. But if someone doesn't have the same experience, I wouldn't want to accuse them of being less spiritual. Anyway, I can't imagine Rich wanting that.
Thank you Rich Mullins for your love for Jesus Christ and your desire to share this love with the unsaved. I hope to meet you someday brother.
Wow. Who can fathom the depth of the emotion in this song ~ this longing for Home that Richard Mullins experienced. And, "Sometimes By Step." We will see him with our Savior, Yahshua haMashiach, soon! Our Deliverer is coming and every eye will see this Awesome God!
I have always loved this man ...but I also respect the fact that he must of been called to a single life of ministry for winning souls and healing through his music ..If I was to ever of had the chance to be his wifee ....I bet he would of been one great husband !!! cause he loves the Lord so much and this kind of man is hard to find ...
There's more power in this chorus than in any writing of man, I truly believe. As someone going through the full spectrum of the human experience at the moment, I will tell you there's an awesome power in both the standing and the falling on God's grace, in the singing for joy and weeping for home. A part of me wishes it over. Another part, however, and I'd like to think it's the part that fully appreciates the sentiment of this song, understands that calm seas do not make skilled sailors.
I was on the road doing concerts when I heard that Rich died. I could hardly breath it hurt so much. Let's put aside his amazing music (thanks of course to Beaker who wrote a lot of them with Rich). Rich was an incredible human being and Christian. He was so humble and just...I just have no words. Our concert that night after his death was a celebration of his life...but inside we were devastated to have lost a co-worker and also worried for Mitch's health and thankfully positive outcome. I am
Rich was a man with a contagious love for God and people! We miss him so very much! In Christ's Love, BobbyK
I awakened with this song on my heart this morning for the National Day of Prayer. Remembering Rich this morning and missing him very much. I am standing in the gap for America, today. ~coach sam
That man could sing!
All my love and respect to Mullins!
one of the most gifted songwriters of the last 20 years-he left us way too soon. Thanks for the post.
I met him in 1995. I was on a mission trip and we had a presentation that included Sometimes by Step (well, probably just Step By Step, I dont think they thought a bunch of preteens would be good at the verses - we didn't know that Beeker wrote that part of the song). Turns out the small church in navajo reservation that we were working with was his home church. He came to our presentation, and sang with us.
It was an amazing experience.
I think he would be uncomfortable that we hold him in such high esteem. I remember hearing him in high school on the way to a youth rally. I struggled with so many things then, and even worse after I left home. I soon forgot all my teaching, or tried to. Then after I came to faith again I saw that movie raggamuffin. That's what I respect most. Not that he continually struggled, but that he continued to get back up. I'm glad he was human. I wish I were less so.
@savage beast I think he just means that he wished he made alot less mistakes...
he might be uncomfortable. but that does not mean he is unworthy of it. though ultimately to God be the glory
The great teacher of my life. He died in a car crash. Too early as well loves.
one awesome human being. Miss you Rich.
Rich is my favorite all time Artist.... love his lyrics which reflect his deep, personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.
This song is also my favorite song by Rich. I miss Rich alot.
I'm longing for my home with Him!
On earth!
I am crying listening this song it connects me to God .. 😭
I remember when I was going to Cincinnati Bible College back in 1988 and 89. I’ve been working at a church on the east side of Cincinnati. And I’ll never forget the day when the preacher had Rich Mullins songs on and the preacher said to me I have the same voice that Rich has I just wasn’t called to use it like he was. I’d set beside that preacher many times during worship service and I can tell you without a doubt, he was not a Rich Mullins type of voice. God love him but there was only one RM in my opinion.
Rich is an accomplished musician and songwriter...timeless lyrics!
This is the most beautiful song I know.
what a blessing his music is... this song never fails to touch my heart.
My favorite song from Rich, I can't believe the crowd gave him such a small clap and then packed up and get out of their so fast... if they had only known that might be the last time they hear him.
let me stand on the promise!!! Fall on the grace that first brought me to you!!!
This was during chapel, which is a required time three times a week in the middle of the school day. We all have classes right after chapel, which is why they were packing up and leaving so fast.
Amazing song!
20 years...I miss you rich
@TheRealJMarkJohns
So true, my brother, that calm seas cannot build skilled sailors. Yet He is faithful and provides grace through our journeys, in this case, a light in the form of praise from Rich. We can all sing along and certainly it is pleasing to Him.
Someone showed me the movie Ragamuffin when I was first saved and I wanted to be just like him. Of course Jesus is my main example but I admired Mullins humility, modesty, honesty, style of songwriting, and if the movie was accurate, his hatred of wearing shoes lol.
I've never seen Rich before, although I've heard this song for years. Upon watching this, his ending seems to be borrowed (to the credit) from Keith Green, who is also abiding with the Father and left us with many beautiful anthems to God.
True gospel singers don't ask for money
Visitationone it was a chapel service at Wheaton College. He lived on campus a few weeks while producing a musical called "Canticle of the plains" based on the life of St. Francis. Little did we know that only a few months later he would tragically die.
A man who man so much money and told his accounting team to give him a minimal salary, and give the rest away. We didn’t deserve Rich Mullins.
My 4 year old Keith Wayne Green is named after them both. With a nod to Keith Wheeler which coincidently wayne means wagoner.
My Dad even showed me the road where he died...
Amen and amen!
I read about Paulson being shipwrecked today in the gospel and am strengthened by the God who filled men like Paul with faith hope love and outright compassion and abadonment of self
Never mind, now he's singing for the Lord in heaven.
Not yet. Jesus will return and resurrect the saints. Then they will rule with Him here on earth for 1,000 years. The coming kingdom on earth, not heaven, is the focus of the saints. It's very exciting!
He left us too soon.
Rich was a good man.
:( He is with his Lord finally home where he belongs :)
absolutely correct
They don't make 'em hymns like they used to. :)
I'd urge Rich's brother to comment on this, please.
of course, Justin -- the one and only Wheaton College!
Check out Andrew Peterson. I think a lot of his inspiration and the music really carries on. He is not into entertainment! He humbly toured with Steven Curtis Chapman last year. Been around for 10+ years and just recently being known to all of us. I know just from listning to Andrew's songs that one of his 'mentors' in music was Rich!!
Wheaton College in Illinois?
@dclaymoore I've seen this kind of behavior from Christians in other "concerts"... many just want to be entertained. Rich was a giant of faith walking among pixies.
Does anybody know what kind of presentation it was?
Doesn't seem like a regular concert, maybe a conference?
The awesome transcript of the chapel program he spoke and sung at before he played this song: kidbrothers.net/transcripts/wheaton-college-apr1197.html
Why are so many of Rich's You Tube performances no longer available? That seems so wrong. Is it a profit thing? We know how he'd feel about that.
@catmutterer - I disagree. I mean, it sucks for us, but no - he left the day that God planned before Rich was born. and look, here we are, still being ministered to by him! I would not wish him back from where he is now for anything :)
No doubt, shoulda been way more applause.