This is a demo that Rich Mullins recorded for an album he never got to record because of his premature death in 1997. I met him once when we were on tour. He only said a few things. The thing he said to me that I remember most: "Be God's"
The quality of the recording is poor because of the nature of the demo recording. But the words, the longing, the hope, the human condition, the questions - this is why I loved Rich Mullins. Because he was willing to be real.
It reminds me of our conversation this morning. I'm sure you've probably heard it before. But it's worth a listen nonetheless! I hope as you listen it's a blessing. I'm so thankful for each of you.
The quality of the recording is poor because of the nature of the demo recording. But the words, the longing, the hope, the human condition, the questions - this is why I loved Rich Mullins. Because he was willing to be real.
It reminds me of our conversation this morning. I'm sure you've probably heard it before. But it's worth a listen nonetheless! I hope as you listen it's a blessing. I'm so thankful for each of you.
Hard to Get
Rich Mullins
You who live in heaven,
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth,
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened in the hurt.
Do you remember when you lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread?
Did you forget about us after you had flown away?
Well I memorized every word you said.
Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath,
While you're up there just playing hard to get.
You who live in radiance,
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin;
We have a love that's not as patient as yours was,
Still we do love now and then...
Did you ever know loneliness? Did you ever know need?
Do you remember just how long a night can get?
When you were barely holding on,
And your friends fall asleep,
And don't see the blood that's running in your sweat?
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted,
While you're up there just playing hard to get?
And I know you bore our sorrows.
And I know you feel our pain.
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained.
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the one who loves me most;
And after I figured this, somehow
What I really need to know...
Is if you who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time?
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free from what we've left behind.
I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears:
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret.
I can't see how you're leading me unless you've led me here,
To where I'm lost enough to let myself be led.
And so you've been here all along, I guess;
It's just your ways and you are just plain hard to get.
Rich Mullins
You who live in heaven,
Hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth,
Who are afraid of being left by those we love
And who get hardened in the hurt.
Do you remember when you lived down here where we all scrape
To find the faith to ask for daily bread?
Did you forget about us after you had flown away?
Well I memorized every word you said.
Still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath,
While you're up there just playing hard to get.
You who live in radiance,
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin;
We have a love that's not as patient as yours was,
Still we do love now and then...
Did you ever know loneliness? Did you ever know need?
Do you remember just how long a night can get?
When you were barely holding on,
And your friends fall asleep,
And don't see the blood that's running in your sweat?
Will those who mourn be left uncomforted,
While you're up there just playing hard to get?
And I know you bore our sorrows.
And I know you feel our pain.
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained.
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the one who loves me most;
And after I figured this, somehow
What I really need to know...
Is if you who live in eternity
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in time?
We can't see what's ahead
And we can not get free from what we've left behind.
I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears:
All the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret.
I can't see how you're leading me unless you've led me here,
To where I'm lost enough to let myself be led.
And so you've been here all along, I guess;
It's just your ways and you are just plain hard to get.
