Something to think about:
I’ve been rereading Glad You’re Here by Walker Hayes and Craig Allen Cooper. I read it a couple of years ago and decided to reread it in prep for a sermon series planned for September/October. One of my “fears” is that when we get into the new addition we will lose sight of the closeness of a church family. The book is the unlikely friendship that developed between a pastor and his family (Cooper) and a country music, beer-loving, atheist (Hayes) and his family. God broke down the barriers that existed, especially in Walker’s heart and mind, until in the end they bought houses next to each other and tore down the fence between them.
But there was some “deeper magic” (as Narnia speaks about) that was going on. To quote Craig: “But Christianity is not about what we must do, it’s about what God has done.” Later in the next paragraph he wrote this:
“Salvation is a gift of grace that comes though the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus. If we think we have to earn it, salvation will never be ours. But if we can for a moment stop all the arguing and justifying of ourselves in our own minds long enough to simply embrace the beauty and the glory and the wonder of the gift of God, we will see that God freely gave what we could never earn.” (Quotes from p. 75)
It was this free gift-offered in unconditional love-that eventually broke down the barrier surrounding Walker’s heart.
Come to think of it, Walker is not alone. I’m included in that as well. And if you have accepted Jesus, so are you.
It always has and always will be about what God has done, Bill. This sounds like an excellent read, by the way. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
You are correct Martha. Always has and always will be. And yes, it is an excellent read. I’m not a CM fan but the story is good. Then he wrote the Applebee’s song.
I have heard Walker’s story of how he came to Christ. I am not a big fan of his music, but I am big fan of a pastor or any person who goes beyond the norm to welcome someone to their church and into a life of with Christ. Walker needed a different perspective of a Christ follower, and Craig provided that. With Craig just doing what Christ asked him to do, he was able to get Walker to trust him and listen to his story. Then of course, God worked on Walker’s heart. I like the fact that Walker starting reading the Bible while everyone was asleep, hiding it because he wasn’t completely sure he wanted to commit his life to Christ. God knew he could change that heart, and Craig just made sure Walker felt welcomed, loved, and not overlooked in his church. A good lesson for everyone.
You said it well Gail” “A good lesson for everyone.” Craig shows us that God can use even the smallest thing/words to make a difference.