It all started in 1991 in central Indiana. It wasn’t a glamorous place but I called it home for the better part of 20 years. Since I left the corn fields of Indiana I have had the privilege of living overseas as well as 4 other states.
I am one of 8 children born to an incredible Mom and Dad. For all the ways they failed as they learned how to be parents to an army of kids, one of the many things I believe they succeeded in was showing us the value and worth of Jesus Christ. Listen, those early years, I was in the church every time the doors were unlocked. We did morning and evening devotions. ( no, that’s not an exaggeration ) And although, at the time, I found it to be an utter annoyance and buzz kill, now, after several decades on I feel unbelievably grateful.
I was only a young boy when I made a profession of faith in Jesus. However, as it is unfortunately common, I grew into my adolescent years and began honing my skills of “double living”, as it were. All about Jesus when it was advantageous and all about Benjamin the rest of the time.
We don’t have time here for all the ups and downs and ins and outs that have shaped my life so far. We can save that for a coffee conversation. Suffice to say, grace has reigned in my life. And I can see the finger prints of God’s providence all over the pages of my short life.
I love how the song “Remembrance” by Hillsong puts it, “You’ve been so so good to me. Oh, to think where I would be if not for you, if not for you…”
It’s enough to keep my up at night thinking about where I could be if it wasn’t for Christ saving me from my sinful pursuits of fleeting pleasures.
But here I am in Groveland, Florida trying my best to help others be Glad in the Glory of Christ. Or as the Psalmist puts it, “Taste and See that the Lord is good.”
It’s a joy in this season of life having the opportunity both through music and preaching to pursue and help others pursue gladness in Christ.
