The Man In Black

For the past couple of years I have become increasingly more interested in the life and music of The Man in Black, Johnny Cash. Near the end of his life, he put together a series of CD's entitled Love, Murder, God, and Life. It was a compilation of his earlier works. It was a mix of his gospel and rockabilly sounds.

Last month, Marti and I went to see Walk The Line, the new movie about Johnny's early life. It was an incredible movie. It showed the good, the bad, and the ugly. The movie inspired an increased interest in his music and I have since bought the CD, Lonesome in Black.

I think two things from his life and music stand out. First, he understood pain. His relationship with his father was very strained.
He continually sought his approval. Not surprisingly, he struggled with booze, drugs, and divorce. His music speaks to these simple but deep struggles. He understood the condition of man.

More importantly however, he also understood redemption. His gospel sounds clearly speak to this understanding. His life also witnessed to this fact later in his life.

Again, not surprisingly, people who understand pain at a deep personal level, when confronted with the grace of God, better understand the gift of redemption. God is certainly a God of mercy and extraordinary grace. Praise be to Him.

Comments

[Rob T.]

I thought Dale Earnhart was the man in black?

[Matthew Loftus]

I love listening to Johnny Cash, especially his later music-- his voice is simply stunnning. The video for his cover of "Hurt" is jaw-dropping.

I wanted to let you know that The Luke Society didn't work out for me, but now I'm trying to decide between the Institute of Human Virology, Arab World Ministries, Serving in Mission, and Breaking Borders for the summer... all of them medical opportunities... ay yi yi.

[Charles]

Hi there, dropped by to catch-up on your blog. I recently saw Walk The Line. I was given the music set of 4 CDs by a friend, before seeing the movie. V v haunting but inspiring music. One can tell that Cash was coming to terms with his life and saying good-bye. Absolutely extraodinary music.

All the best to you my friend. God continues to work miracles in my life and I trust he is very present for you, too.