I
remember how I felt when I heard “it” for the first time. It was like something
great had taken hold of me…goose bumps, a tingling spine, wide eyes and the
feeling that anything was possible. In that moment, I forgot my bleak
surroundings as words and music brought my imagination to life. Right then and
there I didn’t just believe, I felt
that there was so much more to this life.
The world has been moved by the music of Steven Curtis Chapman. I don’t
need to list his impressive accolades for the loyal readers of
CCM Magazine. For the past 25 years,
they have faithfully chronicled his 51 Doves, five GRAMMY® Awards, 45 No. 1
singles, 10 million plus album sales and much more. No, I didn’t need to
mention them, but they remind us of the magnitude of his legacy. What really
captivates me about Chapman’s legacy is that the awards garnered by his music
pail in comparison to the number of lives changed by his message…and I am one
of them.
As a young Christian music fan, Chapman was
a staple in my cassette tape collection. There’s no telling how many times I
waited for that tape to rewind so I could sing “I Will Be Here” just one more
time. I remember the tears I cried when I abandoned it all “For the Sake of the
Call” over and over again. Steven was right there with me when I graduated to
compact disc. With the push of a button, we didn’t waste any time jamming out
with tobyMac to the song “Got To B Tru.” And now on my iPod, his music remains
timeless.
God only knew that 15 years later I would
have the opportunity to find out just how “tru” Steven really is. On Winter Jam
2007, Sanctus Real went on tour with Steven, and I got to know him and his
family for the first time—and then again on the “Live In This Moment Tour.” I tried
not to let on how closely I was watching the man we lovingly call “mentor,” but
I was really paying attention. Let me tell you what I learned about Steven. He
treats everyone like a friend. He pays attention when people speak to him. He
is affectionate with his wife and children. His heart for orphans is
infectious. He is humble, patient and kind. However, if he’s fighting for
something he believes in, say goodbye to mister nice guy! Yeah Steve, I saw
that too, and respect you more than you will ever know. You have encouraged me
to recklessly follow Christ and to make music that delivers His message with
passion and creativity.
It
was over 15 years ago, and I still remember those goose bumps. “It” was the
first song aired on the first Christian Hit music station in my little hometown
of Toledo, Ohio. On a Saturday at noon in 1992, I was 13 years young and ready
for the ride of my life. Thank you, Steven, for inspiring me to pursue “it”
with my whole heart. On behalf of
CCM
readers and Christian music fans around the world, thank you for showing us
what it means not just to hear, but also to live “The Great Adventure.” –
Matt Hammitt, Sanctus RealMatt
Hammitt is
the front man for Sanctus Real. The quintet can currently be found on the road
this spring with Third Day in support of its latest effort, We
Need Each Other (Sparrow). For more info,
summer dates and hilarious blogs, go to sanctusreal.com.