Growing up, I was a huge fan of contemporary Christian music (CCM). I loved CCM radio and loved the idea of Christian music and the fact that you could minister while creating great music. I had my favorite artists like everyone does. There were the ones who consistently put out great music and the others that were just hit or miss. For me, if it played on WAY-FM here in Nashville, I probably would listen to it.

Around 14, I attended a day of Christian music at Opryland, the wonderful theme park here in Nashville that was replaced by a horrid shopping mall, much to everyone’s chagrin. During that day, I listened to one of those artists that I’d catch on WAY-FM frequently. I sat through his set and loved it! After the performance, I stood in line to have him autograph the Z-TV flyer that I’d picked up somewhere in the park (CCM fans will remember Z-TV as the MTV of Christian Music). I never owned his music, but I always loved what I’d heard on the radio.

Flash forward to a few months ago. I’m rummaging through a used music store and I stumble upon both of the records by the artist that I’d met that day at Opryland. I knew I had to get them. I promptly listened and reminisced about what I thought were the glory days of Christian music. I kinda got to wondering what he was up to these days, long forgotten by the industry that gave him 15 minutes of fame so long ago. A quick Google search turned up a Twitter account with his name. I found that he’s no longer doing music, but now teaching and coaching basketball. I shot a tweet at him just to tell him I was a fan and that I loved his music. We exchanged a few messages back and forth. Nothing special, but still an awesome thing to me.

I somehow have to think that my words of gratitude all these years later had to have meant something to him. I think they probably did. Those songs made an impact in my life and spurred me on in my faith. Those songs were strong reminders of the young Christian I was at the time. But really, I’m still that young Christian, needing to hear those songs that encourage me in my walk.

- Zach