I'm a southern girl from a small town in southwest Mississippi and I've been listening to Glen Campbell sing and play for as long as I can remember. My parents had several of his vinyl albums and I very carefully played them on our old recod player on many an afternoon. (This was way back in the day so I date myself, I know.) I have always loved his music and his storytelling songs and have sung along to Rhinestone Cowboy, tapped my toes to The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and danced around the living room to Southern Nights on more than one occasion. The message behind the music when he sings I Will Never Pass This Way Again still warms my heart today.
My MainMost grew up in a family that loved Glen Campbell as well (his favorite song is Wichita Lineman), so it was fun to sit down and watch the new movie Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me together this weekend. What a film. We laughed, we cried, we shared, we talked . . . and then we laughed and cried some more. Watching together was a glorious reminder of what "in sickness and in health" truly means.
Though some may say that Glen Campbell was "just a good ole county boy who brought country music into the main stream," if you listen to him sing JESUS and Me, you'll hear the true story of his life -- the story of a man who met JESUS, the story of a man whose faith proves enough to see him through the trials of life, the story of what happens when we let JESUS be JESUS. And if you watch Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me you'll be blessed by the poignant story of love and laughter and what happens when a family determines to stay strong in the LORD and seek PEACE no matter what comes their way.
Watching the journey of the Campbell family through the beginning stages and rapid progressionn of Glens' Alzheimer's Disease, I am reminded that when it's all said and done, it's not about how much information you stored inside your head, but about how much love for family and friends you stored inside your heart. The MainMost and I were awed by the musical genius that continued to shine through as Glen performed on stage during his final concert tour. When he couldn't quite remember names of those he loved and when the memories of times spent with them were fading, he could still remember how to sing and play his guitar. How lovely it was to hear his daughter Ashley's proclamation of love for her father when she told him "Daddy don't you worry, I'll do the remembering." What a testimony to a life that was good and honored the LORD.
As I watched the movie, I was especially touched by the lyrics from a beautiful song called A Better Place. This simple song offers hope to us all -- whether we're facing battles of disease or battles of the heart, it's a great reminder that when we're confused by a past that gets in the way, we can hold tight to the promise that a better place awaits us in Heaven.
A Better Place
I've tried and I have failed, LORD
I've won and I have lost
I've lived and I have loved, LORD
Some times at such a cost.
One thing I know
The world's been good to me
A better place
Awaits, you'll see
Some days I'm so confused, LORD
My past gets in my way
I need the ones I love, LORD
More and more each day
One thing I know
The world's been good to me
A better place
Awaits, you'll see
Oh, a better place . . .
About the movie:
In 2011, when Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis – the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short “Goodbye Tour,” but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force.
This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song.
Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me is the true tale of how America’s greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds.
The film features those who know and love Glen, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many, many others. Rare vintage footage and extraordinary new performances of Glen’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man. With joy and a tireless sense of humor, Glen and his family live each moment in the present while preparing for the future, all while playing their music to sold out venues on a star spangled voyage spanning the country from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.
Faith trailer link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nafCCofiwtU
And if you love Glen Campbell's music as much as I do, make sure you take a moment to enter the giveaway below. One lucky reader will receive a movie soundtrack. How fun.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And if you love Glen Campbell's music as much as I do, make sure you take a moment to enter the giveaway below. One lucky reader will receive a movie soundtrack. How fun.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Not sure I'd call it a favorite, but I clearly remember listening to the 8 track with Rhinestone Cowboy on family trips.
ReplyDelete