by Chuck Finney, President
If you rewound the clock to one year ago right now and told me about the great human losses in our CCM family between then and now, I would have been shocked. So much loss and change in such a short period of time:
- Steve Swanson
- Mandisa
- Chris Chicago
- Gabe Patillo
- Rob Dempsey
- Theresa Ross
All now dancing with Jesus.
And then, right before the New Year, news that dozens of friends at the Salem Fish stations are out of work.
This is hard . . . and God is still good.
And He is sovereign. It’s just harder to see it right now.
Often, we can find it difficult to be encouraging to our listeners at times when we ourselves are looking for personal encouragement. Please know you are not alone and remember to run to God and not away from him to help guide you on your journey.
When I was working on the air, on my hardest days, I would often drive to a nearby parking lot at lunchtime. And cry through a Psalm. Reaching out to God through King David’s lament.
Did it help? Yes. It wasn’t perfect. But, I was able to put one foot in front of the other and continue on.
All of this loss has reminded me of one of those Psalms that helped me when I was struggling. Would you pray with me this version of Psalm 22:1-5,19 that includes the family and friends of those we’ve lost last year and our Salem friends?
My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?
Why are you so far from saving us,
So far from our cries of anguish?
My God, we cry out by day, but you do not answer,
By night, but we find no rest.
Yet You are enthroned as the Holy One;
You are the One Israel praises.
In You our ancestors put their trust;
They trusted and You delivered them.
To You they cried out and were saved;
In You they trusted and were not put to shame.
But You, Lord, do not be far from us.
You are strength for Steve’s, Mandisa’s, Chris’s, Gabe’s, Rob’s, Theresa’s family and friends; come quickly to help bewildered friends from the Salem Fish stations and network.
Psalm 22:1-5, 19 NIV
Amen!
If you or someone you know in the industry finds themselves in a season of change, please know we are praying for you. We also are available to assist in connecting displaced talent with your ministry. So much talent now ready to bless you and your listeners. We’d love to help make a connection.
