My family listens to mostly Christian music. However, there will be times when you might find us listening to some country songs. (Now, if the children are not present, you might also find me reminiscing with all things 90’s!) It was last fall when our family stumbled upon a song called “Craig” by Walker Hayes. I had personally never heard Hayes before, but I was immediately impressed with his singing voice, and mostly his story-telling ability.
After listening to the song, it quickly became a family favorite. We loved the realness of Craig and we all wanted to be a “Craig” in the life of someone else. The best part of this song was that it was completely true! Recently we purchased “Glad You’re Here.” This book is the full story behind the song and the transformation Jesus made in Walker Hayes’ life.
This book is written by both Walker and Craig. In the chapters they describe various events that have happened from each of their perspectives. Initially when Walker met Craig, he was an unbeliever who didn’t really want much to do with God. He attended church for his wife’s sake and was an alcoholic. Craig, a church-planter and minister, began an unlikely friendship with Walker. He began to show Walker the love of Christ through practical acts of love and hospitality. When Walker’s life and career was at an all-time low, Craig and his family came through to provide the Hayes family with a van so that all their kids could travel in a vehicle with seat belts. Hence, the song Craig was penned.
Due to Craig’s amazing love and signs of friendship, Walker eventually left the alcohol behind and accepted the salvation that Christ had to offer! This book is an amazing encouragement for Christians to show how lives can be changed when we truly live out the love of Christ in practical and radical ways. May we all find a way to be a “Craig” in someone’s journey to Christ!
Craig by Walker Hayes featuring Mercy Me
I met Craig at a church called Redeeming Grace
It’s like he understood my “I-don’t-wanna-be-here” face
I didn’t bow my head, not one single prayer
But he just shook my hand, said, “I’m glad you’re here”
He says, “We’ll all be judged” but he was never judgmental
And even though my songs don’t belong in no hymnal
He’d quote me my lyrics, slap me on the back
Said, “Man you’ve got a gift! How you write like that?”Yeah, I know, he sounds cool right?
Not your typical kid from Sunday School, right?
I still ain’t figured out church yet but Craig, I get
Nah, he can’t walk on water, turn the Napa Valley red
But he just might be tight with a man that did
Nah, he’s not the light of the world
But I wish that mine was bright as his
Yeah, he just might be tight with a man that isWhen you lose a record deal, all the perks fade fast
Dealership said, “We’re going to need to get that minivan back”
So, we were down on one car and broke as I felt
My wife and six kids with only five seat belts
I needed help but couldn’t admit, I was strong
Said, “Craig, it’s all good” but he knew it all wasn’t
A “Hey man I’m praying for you” would’ve been sufficient but nah
He took roadside assistance to a whole other level, to sacrificial heightsShowed up at the ballpark after my son’s game one night
In two cars, with his wife Laura watching from the other
Said, “What in the world are y’all doing here, brother?”
He just laughed inside that old Chrysler Town and Country van
With the keys, and a title, and a pen in his hand
Said, “Man, all you got to do is sign and it’s yours”I said “No, no way” but he wouldn’t take “No” for an answer
Said, “Please do, somebody did this for me once, just let me do this for you”
We argued about it for a little while
Then I teared up, and Craig smiledHe can’t walk on water, turn the Napa Valley red
But he just might be tight with a man that did
Yeah, he’s not the light of the world
But I wish that mine was bright as his
Yeah, he just might be tight with a man that isMy pride was way too ashamed to be adequately grateful at the moment
But I signed the dotted line, and I drove the kids home
And when the cop pulled up beside us at the light, they didn’t have to duck
Because thanks to Craig, they were all buckled up
