If you are a Christian and over the age of 25, you most likely have at least heard a Ray Boltz song. Some of his greats; Thank You, The Anchor Holds, Watch the Lamb, Feel the Nails, The Hammer, I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb, One Drop of Blood and many others.
Boltz was an icon in the CCM music scene in the nineties. His music reached thousands and I believe all of his songs were inspired out of his deep love for God and the convictions of his faith.
Recently, Ray announced that he is gay. He and his wife separated and ultimately divorced. He has apparently embraced this new life style.
I am not here to condemn Ray Boltz. I am certainly not here to plead his case. What I am here to do is share with you that may be hurting, or angered, or at a loss by this news the peace and hope of God.
God is still very much on His throne and I believe He is very much still in control. His comfort and peace in this time are the things you must cling to. I pray that Ray is seeking God’s face and clinging to the hope that can only be found in Christ.
I realize that this issue is very politicized. I know many a Christian will mock, scorn and beat down Ray in this time. My heart breaks to know that the church is going to kick and stomp on a man that in the past they lifted up. Kind of sounds like the Christ followers in Jesus’ day. Lift Him up – crucify him later.
While I cannot condone Ray’s choice, I do accept him. I pray for him and his family, I pray for you and I pray for those that cannot pray for themselves. I ask for God to surround all of us in this time and to speak His wisdom into our hearts and minds.
In respect and honor to a body of work that touched and changed my life over the years, I am embedding a few of the greatest Ray Boltz songs. These songs I have sang, performed and listened to over and over again. I know the real gospel behind them and I pray they truly touch your life and speak to your heart.
To conclude, I will quote one of Ray’s greatest songs…
“I have fallen on my knees, as I face the raging seas… The Anchor holds… in spite of the storm….”
No matter where you are, that is still very true, the Anchor holds in spite of all. Christ is still on the throne.
Filed under: Life, Music, The Church | Tagged: Coming Out, Feel the Nails, Gay, I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb, Ray Boltz, Thank You
What a sad situation with Boltz. I do hope the Christian world will pray for him and also exhort him. Remember that we are called to exhort one another when we see a brother in sin. Here’s a fictional conversation between Ray Boltz and Jesus…
http://shawnbarr.wordpress.com/2008/09/26/ray-boltz-talks-to-jesus/
[...] seen or were not aware, recently Ray Boltz came out of the closet as gay. I wrote about it HERE. [...]