Book Review: The World As I Remember It: Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin

The World As I Remember It:

Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin

Rich Mullins

On September 19, 1997, singer, songwriter, Rich Mullins lost control of his Jeep, was thrown from it, and killed there on a lonely highway near Peoria Illinois. Since that day Christian Music has never been the same for me, as I’m sure it has changed for thousands and thousands of others.

About three months ago, I found The World As I Remember It, as a discounted book, and thought I’d pick it up. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was as it was supposedly written by Rich Mullins, yet published 7 years after his death. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised.

The World as I Remember It: through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin is a collection of short writings by Rich Mullins originally published in Release Magazine. There not necessarily devotionals, nor are they deeply theological in nature. They cover topics from fear to contentment, childlikeness to emptiness, war to music, along with many others. The following quote is from the July August issue of 1995 "It is easy in the frantic, task-driven "day-to-day" for us to lose our "centers" our sense of who we are and what is really important. We are haunted by the ghosts of the "what ifs" who live in the shadows of the "if onlys." They accuse us, torment us, tempt us to abandon the freedom we have in Christ."

I’ve enjoyed reading through theses columns. That being said let me warn you, theologically, Rich Mullins and I differ in several areas. He seldom uses scripture with his thoughts, and if you don’t know who he is, this little book will hold little for you. However if you followed Rich’s music and ministry, this book will open yet a little more insight for you into who Rich was.

I’m going to step out on a limb and recommend these short reading to you. Rich Mullins was a man who lived his life for the Lord. He had a heart for missions to the Native Americans in the southwest. And although he was one of the biggest Christian song writers and musicians of his time, Rich seldom made more money then the poverty level here in the US. He gave all he made to his Church, asking for just what an "Average man" would make. Although not everyone may not enjoy these readings, they are a fitting tribute to a man who wouldn’t want the limelight, just to have people look to the Lord.