The little country church
on the edge of town
(and bigger ones
across the nation)
are remembering
a Christian music pioneer tonight
because Chuck Girard died today.

His life was a love song
to the Lord he worshiped.
Sometimes alleluia
leapt from his lips
and sometimes changes
prompted groans
that only the Spirit of God could decipher
as the wind was low.

That other Chuck
sang this Chuck’s praises
before Pastor Smith joined Heaven’s choir.
And now both are
blending their voices
together as one
on the other side.

Tonight I invite you to
welcome back
forgotten memories
of “the Jesus Revolution”
when we made our way to Calvary Chapel
in the front seat
or the backseat
with or without shoes
with a hunger for God’s Word.

Let us be one
as we feel the love
and extend our two hands.
With one
reach out to Jesus
with gratitude
for Chuck’s ministry
and with the other
bring a friend
to your home
to talk about
the good old days
when we’d honk ‘cause we loved Jesus.  
And then,
while recalling that amazing time in our lives,
ask Alexa to play
music by Chuck Girard.
I just did!

Peace to his memory!