The Passing of a Legend- Larry Norman

I intended to write about something else today but the passing of Larry Norman far supersedes any measly thing I may have to say. Mr. Norman has been a huge influence on my thinking throughout my life. I have likely been listening to his albums since I was still in diapers and my respect for a musician could never run deeper than it does for him.

I had the privilege of meeting Larry one brief time. The last time he played the Creation Festival (shame on them for not having him at their anniversary celebrations – without Larry Norman there is no “Christian Rock.” I digress…) my wife and I were among a handful of people who turned out to watch him play under a beautiful, blue sky. I hung on every word. Later that day, as I was buying up as many of his hard-to-find CDs as I could, I saw him standing in the crowd behind me, simply talking with people as if he had known each one forever. After some convincing from my wife (I tend to shy away from being the “super-fan” guy even if my insides are begging me to do it, I finally bought a picture and hoped to catch him to ask for an autograph. I approached him with my picture and said something to the effect of “I have been listening to your music my whole life and I’m so glad to meet you. You are amazing.” Maybe it was something even dorkier, I honestly don’t remember. He stared quizzically at me for second, as if I were a three-headed alien. It seemed like an eternity. Then in a fraction of a second he smiled at me. Not just a polite smile, a whole face smile. The kind of whole face smile that says “Welcome, friend. I’ve missed seeing you.” without ever uttering a word. We exchanged some pleasantries, he autographed my picture, and then I stepped away and, in retrospect, I hope that my stepping away allowed someone else an equally embracing experience with the man whose lyrics helped shape me.

Larry Norman’s charisma was inspiring and his love for people was unquestionable but most of all his words spoke with an authority that is unmatched in today’s wishy-washy music scene. His body will be greatly missed but his songs will live forever in my home and, I pray, my children’s homes as well someday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. I wish them the same comfort that their dear friend and family member has so often given me. Above all else though I wish all of you the hope that Larry Norman’s music boldly offered.

“You say we beat the Russians to the moon. I say you starved your children to do it. You say all men are equal, all men are brothers, then why are the rich more equal than others? Don’t ask me for the answers, I’ve only got one. A man leaves his darkness when he follows the son.”

“Lead me on where you’re going…”