Beyond Redemption?

I recently saw Walk The Line- the biographical film about the life and music of singer-songwriter Johnny Cash.

Johnny Cash's story is one of tragedy, loss, addiction, and ultimately returning to faith.

Cash was born the son of a poor sharecropper in Arkansas. His Daddy was a workaholic and a mean drunk who was seldom around except when he felt it was time to dish out punishment and abuse. His mother sang in the church choir and taught him all the old time hymns and gospel songs. Johnny lost his brother Jack to a tragic accident as a boy that his Daddy blamed on him.

Johnny left it all behind and went off to join the Air Force- strumming his guitar and writing songs whenever he could find the time. He was discovered by a small-time record producer, who helped him cut an album and build his reputation.

In the meantime he got married, and fathered several children who left him when he got mired in infidelity, addiction, and an unrelenting tour schedule. As he grew more and more famous, he sunk deeper and deeper into addiction- first booze, then eventually cocaine, and prescription drugs.

The one bright spot in his life during those times was his growing relationship with June Carter, whom had begun to tour with him and his band. June and her family eventually helped Johnny to get off the drugs after he had hit rock bottom.

In a poignant scene, he had his parents and June's family over for Thanksgiving dinner one year. John's father did nothing but belittle John and put him down, and John finally confronted him. After a huge argument they all left, except June who helped him up and nursed him back to health- he said to her "I have done so many bad things. You should have left me. How can you ever forgive me?"

They stayed together, ended up getting married and were together until June died in 2003. John died several months later- probably of a broken heart.

He had sought forgiveness from those whom he loved whom he had hurt, as well as from God.

As I reflect upon John Cash's powerful life story, I am reminded that God never gives up on us- even when we may have given up on ourselves. There is always hope for new life when we turn to God and ask him to guide us, walk with us, and carry our burdens for us.

Peace on the Journey,

John