🎶📻📽️✝️ I Can Only Imagine ✝️📽️📻🎶 (2018) - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gld
edition (February 13, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785216731
ISBN-13: 978-0785216735
Click Picture for Purchase Information
“The captivating story behind the bestselling
single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it
MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only
Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about
the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard,
award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s
transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in
music history.
Go behind the scenes of Bart’s life—and the
movie based on it—to discover how God repaired a broken family, prepared Bart
for ministry through music, and wrote the words on his heart that would change
his life forever. I Can Only
Imagine is a front-row seat to witnessing God’s presence throughout
Bart’s life. Whether falling in love with his childhood sweetheart or mourning
his father’s death, founding MercyMe or flailing in the midst of its success,
Bart continues to place his trust in God’s plans—plans that continue to
surprise and surpass what Bart could have ever imagined.”
I first heard this song in 2008 at a funeral for an acquaintance’s daughter. It would, three years later (2011), be played at my aunt’s funeral. So, I am very familiar with the song. As a result, I definitely wanted to read this touching memoir.
“I Can Only Imagine” is a
beautiful, poignant, moving memoir about what inspired the famous song of the
same name by Millard’s band – Mercy Me.
As the band is Christian
based, so too is this book. There are a lot of religious themes in it along
with God and bible references. Then again, anyone who enjoys the beautiful
ballad or the group shouldn’t be too surprised by that element. Bart even lists
75 verses that are dear to him.
Bart Millard (with Robert
Noland) takes the readers through the journey which starts with his childhood.
For a memoir, it is a short read (the memoir part is about 173 pages, paperback
edition). It also includes his wife Shannon’s take on certain aspects. It is
interesting to note her parents were his second-grade Sunday school teachers.
I couldn’t imagine that
such a beautiful song was inspired by an abusive past. Yet, it isn’t the abuse,
but the redemption that fueled the story.
Millard’s father, Arthur
Millard Jr, wasn’t always violent. He was described, by some, as a “big ol’
teddy bear”. That was until a car accident in 1969, three years before Bart was
born. Arthur was working with the Texas Highway Department when a diesel truck
struck him. Arthur had obviously suffered some head trauma. He had also played
football in high school which may have also led to some injuries.
The accident changed his
personality where he would have fits of rage and violence. Eventually Bart’s
mother left his father – originally taking the boys, Bart and his older brother
Steven, later the two boys would reside with him.
Bart’s childhood was
filled with the brunt of his father’s rage. Even his father’s mother (Mammaw
Millard) never suspected it. The boys also didn’t say anything. Bart’s only
escape was music.
When Bart was in 9th
grade, a stunning development changed everything. His father was diagnosed with
terminal pancreatic cancer. Like the accident in 1969, Arthur changed once
again, finding his way with the church and Jesus. In finding his way, the
relationship between Arthur and Bart started healing and coming together.
Over his father’s several
year cancer battle, Bart watches as his father embraces Jesus and becomes the
father he should’ve been. Bart recounts the conversations he and his father
would have.
It is after his father’s
funeral that Bart decides to fulfill his dreams – music. Mercy Me was formed in
1994 which ironically came from Mammaw Millard’s reaction to Bart’s
announcement of the band – “Mercy me, Bart!”
The band, through its ups
and downs, finally finds its success when Bart cannot stop thinking about
something Mammaw Millard said at Arthur’s funeral – “I can only imagine what
Bub must be seeing right now” – thus bringing life to “I Can Only Imagine”.
(Bub was her nickname for Arthur).
After a few hits or
misses and some minor albums, the band finally has a major deal, but needs a
“radio” song. Originally slated to be Amy Grant’s single from a new album –
she, knowing the story, lets Mercy Me release it.
On October 12, 2001 – one
month and a day after 9/11, the song debuts on the radio becoming a sensation.
Not just on Christian radio, but soon mainstream radio as well.
“I Can Only Imagine” is
the band’s successful “crossover” hit. It serves as a front-row seat to
witnessing the presence that God has had in Bart’s life – even through his
challenges with his father’s abuse, his father’s illness and subsequent death,
as well as his son’s illness – Bart has always followed God’s lead.
This memoir is
compelling, sad, inspirational, and comforting. Bart is honest and candid as he
recounts what led to the song which also served as the inspiration for the
movie.
And, Bart continues to
put his trust in God.
This book was a quick and
easy read. Despite some of the content, I couldn't put it down.
This book is recommended
for fans of the band and the song, or Christians who want to see how God works
backstage in our lives.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bart Millard is a founding member and lead singer of the
multi-platinum selling contemporary Christian band MercyMe. He is married to
his childhood sweetheart, Shannon. They reside in Franklin, TN along with their
children Sam, Gracie, Charlie, Sophie, and Miles.
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