I’m going to name drop this morning. I’ve done it once before and shared just a little about my Bible College music theory class. But today, I plan to share a little more information.

1978 was the year. Cincinnati Bible College was the place. Katie Cartwright was the professor. The upper level of the Coach House was the classroom. This stone building was the growing field of a few aspiring musicians.

I will admit I wasn’t one of them. I was a music major. Part of the course work was music theory. The workings of music. What made music sound like it does. That’s the stuff we were learning.

In the midst of this small group of first year music majors sat a young man named Rich Mullins. He’s all the buzz right now with the movie of his life. But I can honestly say, “I knew him when…”

It wasn’t the best year for some of us in that room. I was learning how to live on my own. I was sick quite a bit my freshman year. I didn’t always hand in my homework (and I have the handouts from Mrs. Cartwright to prove it…and by the way, Rich’s name was on the list too).

To be honest, I struggled with the ins and outs of my life as much as I struggled with the ins and outs of music!

That’s why I want to share this song with you today. Rich was a master of words. Yes, he was an excellent song-writer, but his words are what brings the music to life. Look at this line. “If I fall, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to you.”

I fall. But thankfully, God’s there to catch me and in His grace is where I land.

The Apostle Paul understood God’s grace. Romans 3:24 tells us that “we are justified freely by his grace” and Romans 5:17 speaks of “God’s abundant provision of grace.” In Ephesians 1:7-8 he says, “the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Paul reminded Timothy of the grace “poured out on me abundantly” in 1 Timothy 1:14.

And for those who might not believe Paul’s words, God said this in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV). “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

So, “let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You.” I will gladly sing Rich’s words and remind myself of God’s grace. I pray that you will do the same.

“If I Stand”

There’s more that rises in the morning
Than the sun
More that shines in the night
Than just the moon
There’s more than just this fire here
That keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger
Than this room

 
There’s a loyalty that’s deeper
Than mere sentiment
A music higher than the songs
That I can sing
The stuff of earth competes
For the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver
Of all good things

Chorus:
So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That You will pull me through
And if I can’t let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to You
If I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man
Who is longing for his home

 
There’s more that dances on the prairies
Than the wind
More that pulses in the ocean
Than the tide
There’s a love that is fiercer
Than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother’s
When her baby’s at her side

There’s a loyalty that’s deeper
Than mere sentiment
A music higher than the songs
That I can sing
The stuff of earth competes
For the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver
Of all good things

(Chorus)[i]

Click here if you’d like to listen to this Rich Mullins tune.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna