The Secret of Significance

19 Sep ’11 By 20 Comments

It was standing room only last night.

And that’s just the way her memorial service should have been.

Sue Garland was worth coming out to celebrate.

The only way someone touches that many people that deeply is when Jesus is the source. And He most certainly, clearly, deliberately was her source.

Jesus was worth coming out to celebrate.

Dozens of people were saved, hundreds recommitted their hands to service, and we all left hoping that out lives could be lived as significantly as Sue’s.

The beautiful irony of significance is not knowing we are until we’re gone. It’s a life that daily honors the indwelling habitation of Christ, and puts others before one’s self.

I honestly think that Sue thought she was just an ordinary person. But a butterfly never does see the back of its own wings.

To everyone else, she was extraordinary. ch:

UPDATE: 10:25am – I pasted my article for local media this morning:

Hundreds Gather to Honor Sue Garland

Monday, September 19th 2011 – Written by Christopher Hopper

WATERTOWN, NY – There was standing room only last night as people gathered at New Life Christian Church to pay their respects to one of Watertown’s own. The late Sue Garland (01.14.1957 – 09.14.2011) died of heart failure in her home Wednesday morning at 423 South Massey St.

“We had over 500 people show up to honor her life,” said Kirk Gilchrist, senior pastor. “She was a remarkable woman who touched a lot of people through her Christ-like care.”

Those same sentiments were echoed throughout the night as friends and family members paid tribute to her from the podium.

“Her first thought was only to serve others,” said Debbie Allen, Clayton, NY. “We saw Jesus when we were around her.”

Steve Menard of Athens, GA, flew in with his wife and children to honor his late sister. “We were always trying to one-up each other,” he said. “Constantly happy, it was impossible to keep Sue down about anything.”

In his stately tribute to her, husband Ralph Garland charged couples in the audience to a lifestyle of selfless love. “Cherish one another. Don’t wait long to say ‘I’m sorry.’ Tell one another you love each other, and surrender your whole life to Jesus.”

Attendees were lead in a rousing chorus of “I Can Only Imagine,” hands lifted high, the sanctuary ringing with praises to God. A slideshow spanning five decades of Garland’s life played out over the big screens, and Eliza Gilhuly of Depauville sang “Amazing Grace.”

In his closing remarks, Pastor Gilchrist challenged the congregation to model Garland’s lifestyle. “Honor her life by living yours the way she did: serving Jesus.”

Funeral arrangements were made by Colarco Funeral Home. Additionally, Garland is succeeded by her sons Shane and Jeremy Marolf. ch:

 

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The Day the Sky Fell

11 Sep ’11 By 2 Comments

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A clear blue sky.

On a Tuesday morning.

I was working in my office at MasterView SoundCrafts Recording Studios in Freeville, NY, preparing for the release of my second album, Please Come In, and a 30-state national tour.

That’s when my dad yelled up at me from the first floor. “Son. Get down here, quick.”

Obviously, I’ll never forget what I saw on TV. Or what it was like driving back-and-forth to Rochester, NY over that next week without a trace of a single police officer, local or state.

Some days it feels like the sky is falling. Buck up. For some people, it really did.

Savor life’s every blessing; remember those who lost it; and honor those who gave it up. ch:

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Creation Festival East 2010

30 Jun ’10 By 25 Comments

Most times in ministry, if you’re trained right, you go out of your way to honor people. No matter what. It’s what Jesus did. No reward other than His smile. No kickback other than a hand on your shoulder saying, “Good job, son.” When you’re in my line of work, especially if you “have a name” that people recognize (which is mainly my kids because I change their diapers, my church because they change mine, and the very few conferences I frequent because they help me buy diapers), people think it’s all glory. 10% maybe. The other 90% is doing things no one will ever see. The “grunge,” as my daddy calls it. I think it’s that way with every profession, passion, or hobby. Even raising kids. Even being a friend. 90% grunge, 10% glory. (Thanks Daddy Hopper).

But every now and then God finds a way to just mess with you. He goes out of His way to go over the top. To make you speechless.

The next four days will be that for me.

First, I got asked to play with Paul Rohling and my beautiful bride, Jennifer, at Creation, on the bill for tomorrow night. Pretty much freaked me out right. (Meet us at the Late Night Stage in the tent at 12-midnight!). My dad was a part of the very first festival back when it was called “Jesus” in the early 70′s. I never thought I’d be performing at it almost 40 years later.

Honored.

Understatement.

But then, president and now friend, Harry Thomas asked me to speak at 3pm on Saturday. Speak. At Creation. Uh, OK Harry. No problem. How do you say no to someone who is Jesus on the inside and Santa Clause on the outside?

Double honored.

“Oh, and would you be willing to lead worship for the final service on Sunday morning?”

Let me check my Eight Ball. Never mind, it just blew up. Sure.

The funniest part it, I haven’t really been thinking about it. Not up until right now as I’m writing this post. No, I’m not trying to be a prima donna. I’m serious. Maybe because I’m in denial? Maybe because I’m so busy I only take one 12-hour chunk at a time? Or, in the words of my good friend, Kelly Stone, who always manages to keep me humble and yet still remind me of my assignment, “You were born for this; it’s just another day…” Because in the end, it’s not about the music.

It never was.

It’s about the Listener.

If you’re coming out, please make sure to come say hi! And if you’re not, say hi right here in the comments! Oh, and @loswhit, I’m going to finally meet you so my wife can stop hearing me talk about one of my few unmet bromances.

Speaking of diapers, I think I need to change mine now. ch:

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