Articles and thoughts by Steve Green.

A Sneak Preview!

October 29th, 2008

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hear people talk about you after you’re gone?  I mean, wouldn’t it be interesting to get a little preview of the kind of impression you have made on the world?  Well, I had that rare opportunity today! 

 A national radio program from California used one of my songs on yesterday’s broadcast and at the end of the song the speaker referred to me as “the late Steve Green!”  Imagine my surprise.  He thought I was departed!  I replayed the segment a few times trying to determine if there was any sorrow in his voice, any grief or angst.  But alas, it was just a passing comment and then on to the main point.

That’s it?  Just “the late Steve Green?  I’m afraid that’s kind of how it really is.  We are all rather quickly forgotten.  Sure, friends and family members gather and thankfully, recall the best and noteworthy of our lives, but it doesn’t take long before life moves on and the memory of our time here begins to fade.  

So, the moral of the story is that we mustn’t take ourselves too seriously or merely strive for public approval.  Instead, when our end nears, the circle of significant people is rather small.  That’s where our investment should be made.  Then, we mustn’t overlook the importance of our time on this earth.  Even though life is brief and the marks we make are gradually erased like the incoming tide washes the beach, we still have an important role to play.  Each of us is here for such a time as this.  And lastly, keep laughing, loving and living each day to the fullest!

45 Comments »

  1. I caught that myself yesterday and had to check it out. I was dumbfounded and I’m so glad you are still here!! I’ve been to one of your concerts at Moody Church and even shook your hand and had you sign my DVD. I love your music.
    Blessings!

    Comment by Linda Westcomb — October 29, 2008 @ 11:35 am

  2. Steve,

    I am sure that gave you a strange feeling but your thoughts are beautifully expressed.

    Marilyn

    Comment by Marilyn Weaver — October 29, 2008 @ 12:47 pm

  3. Glad to hear you’re still with us!

    I heard the same broadcast and was shocked to hear of your “departure”.

    Had to check your site to make sure you are alive and well!

    Blessings!

    Comment by Denise — October 29, 2008 @ 12:51 pm

  4. Steve, I live in central Arizona and I heard the broadcast at precisely the time that the host of that show made that statement and flipped out.

    I for one am glad your still with us and still sharing the Gospel with the World, that is my ministry as well.

    So keep the faith and I will be praying for you, John

    Comment by John Edmonds — October 29, 2008 @ 1:49 pm

  5. I heard his comment as I listened to on the way to work and when I got to work and I went to wikipedia ( I knew that people race to update that site with news) and it didn’t mention that you had died! I was very relieved! I then googled your name to find your website to be sure that there was no mention of your death. It was the first time that I had been to the site, so it all worked all just great. I love your music! I saw that you will be in Richmond in Dec, 2009, I hope to see you then. God Bless!

    Comment by Debbie — October 29, 2008 @ 2:05 pm

  6. Very gracious Steve.

    Thanks.

    Comment by Jeff Hooper — October 29, 2008 @ 2:28 pm

  7. I was just in the midst of finishing my birthday card to Dr. Billy Graham..and I just read this. Good reminder to me of loving and saying what needs to be said when we can!
    Glad you are alive and well, too.
    Psalms 128:5

    Comment by Natalie — October 29, 2008 @ 3:56 pm

  8. I heard Haven last night and was kind-of in shock at hearing of your “departure.” We appreciate your music and the ministry you have made in our hearts. Thanks for your faithful ministry over the years and your reminder to us of all we are “in Christ.”

    Comment by Jack — October 29, 2008 @ 9:38 pm

  9. Hi Steve,
    I heard the broadcast also, and had to find out if it was true or just a mistake. It has turned out to be a Blessing for you, because it has sent a LOT of people to your website, to check it out. God can (and does) turn all things for our good and for His Glory.
    Blessings to you my friend. We love your music.

    Comment by Wendy — October 29, 2008 @ 10:01 pm

  10. It is important to have a balanced view of your impact on mankind. It is true that some may not express sorrow at your passing. However, there are many many more people whom you have never met whose lives you have impacted greatly. Your music has been so encouraging to me most of my adult life. I know I’m far from being the only person that you don’t even know who would mourn your absence in this world and pray for your family while rejoicing on your behalf. After all, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the the flesh is more needful for you.” I join all these others who are thankful you are still with us.

    Comment by Nellie McFadden — October 30, 2008 @ 8:31 am

  11. Steve
    you are an inpiration to me! Thank God for your life and ministry and I thank God for your life. You are so special
    your friend and brother in Christ
    Alex Rezende

    Comment by Alex Rezende — October 30, 2008 @ 10:16 am

  12. I love you and your family very much. Your music is beautiful. When I heard “the late Steve Green” I was very concerned and upset. I am truly thankful to God that you are alive and able to continue your ministry and music.

    Comment by Mary — October 30, 2008 @ 1:41 pm

  13. I also heard this and am praising the Lord that you are still singing for His glory. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry. Your reply was gracious and a reminder to us all.
    Thanks

    Comment by Anna — October 30, 2008 @ 6:24 pm

  14. Dear Steve,

    I heard about that on the night when I am listening to the Chritian station here in the Philippines, so immediately in the morning I surf the net for the news update, am glad to find out that you were still here in the planet. Moreso I found out that we had one thing in common - we have the same birthdate but you are ahead in years. Lastly I want you to know that your songs had been a blessing to me for the last 20 years. Praise Him for as servant like you….

    Comment by jun — October 30, 2008 @ 8:13 pm

  15. Steve,
    I assure you that many here on earth will pay your passing more than a brief nod. As it is, physical death is to be expected; but for those of us so assured I’m confident that I’m not the only one looking forward to spending eternity in full communion with the Lord and all of our brothers and sisters.

    Comment by Jim Pemberton — November 1, 2008 @ 6:16 pm

  16. Dear Steve,
    I so appreciate your humility, even in telling this funny story. My husband and I watched a video of your testimony not too long ago and the grace of God is
    so shown forth from your life (and your sweet wife).

    Comment by Kim — November 2, 2008 @ 2:08 pm

  17. Hi Steve,
    My wife and I live in upstate New York and were lying in bed, listening to Haven in the wee hours of the morning, when we heard of your “demise”. Needless to say, we are so glad you are still with us! There are still many souls hungry for your anointed music. God Bless You

    Comment by Rich Wanser — November 2, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

  18. my Mom passed away August 23. I found a clipping of “find us faithful” in her Bible. Beside it she wrote “may this be me”.
    Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ for the legacy that she left behind for me to know that I will see her again some sweet day and be able to thank Jesus for what He has done for me.

    Comment by Cheryl — November 4, 2008 @ 6:03 pm

  19. I’m glad you’re still here with us, Steve. I so appreciate you and your music. There have been many times that I have popped in one of your CDs and the Lord has ministered to my soul. Thanks for letting Jesus use you.

    Comment by Jordan — November 5, 2008 @ 2:39 pm

  20. My husband and I were **SHOCKED** to hear of the “Late Steve Green”! Our alarm is set for 5:30 am and after the broadcast we get up & get ready for work. I love how he uses contemporary songs with the radio show –and lucky you! Actually we said -Maybe he means the “late” Keith Green –but it was YOUR song!! What a hoot! So we really are listening at 5:30 am!!

    Comment by Carolyn — November 5, 2008 @ 3:32 pm

  21. When I am discouraged, when I want to be revived, when I want to teach my children, when I want to celebrate, when I want to be exhorted to be faithful in missionary work, when I want to be reminded that there is still faith on earth, and humility and purity…I am always strengthened by the living memory of God’s word and the testimony of Jesus that manifests so clearly through you, your life, and of course your music (and wonderful children’s videos). Oh, mortal man and the regrets of our lips, unintentional or careless–I would imagine too that the poor radio broadcaster was thinking of Keith Green and will never again this side of glory repeat the same mistake. When I worked in radio, I once told listeners to watch for “freezing dribble” only to pause the mic, laugh, turn it back on and say, calmly, “rather drizzle.” Then sink into my seat!

    Comment by Jennifer — November 6, 2008 @ 10:04 am

  22. Dear Steve:

    What were you late for? Just kidding of course. But seriously, I believe every human will have an appointment in the future with the “composer and conductor of the universe” and I pray (by His grace)it will be a joyous occasion for those who believe in Jesus Christ and have “embraced the cross”.

    P.S. I agree with Carolyn and Jennifer — I think the radio broadcaster was probably thinking of Keith Green… whoops! However, I can understand the confusion with both of you being Christian musicians with guitars. LOL

    BUT… thanks be to God that you are still alive and able to continue the “Symphony of Praise”.

    Sing-cerely,

    Mark

    Comment by Mark La Flamme — November 7, 2008 @ 7:35 am

  23. I am serving God in Mexico and I came to your site tonight to find the lyrics for “Sorrow Mixed With Light”. In 2005 or 2006 I first heard “In Brokenness You Shine” when you sang it live at a church in Statesville, NC. It affected me deeply on the spot, and the whole album “Somewhere Between” has majorly impacted my life since then. I appreciate all your music and ministry, but today I am specifically thanking you for this album. It is a ministry all its own- one broken heart addressing and connecting with other broken hearts. Thanks, and God bless you.

    Comment by Linda Weaver — November 9, 2008 @ 1:11 am

  24. Steve, I feel very fortunate that I missed this program and the hearing of the rumors of your death. Although, I would know where to find you it would’ve have been horrible to not have you with us after so many years of being such a blessing.
    It will only be on the other side of eternity that you will truly know how many lives you’ve touched serving our King.

    Comment by Doug Hughes — November 11, 2008 @ 3:32 pm

  25. Hola Steve soy de Ecuador te felicito por el talento dedicado a Dios y me gustaría que le agregaras a tu pagina una sección de acordes para guitarra sigue adelante que Dios te Bendiga tu música es muy buena un abrazo y seria genial tener un concierto en Ecuador Amen

    Comment by Daniel — November 11, 2008 @ 7:34 pm

  26. hey steve!

    Glad that I didn’t have the chance to hear that on the radio. Not from this part of the world! ;-)

    Your songs have been an inspiration to me as i was growing up as a teen and even now when I listen to your songs again and again.

    In particular, I want to thank you for 2 songs that have touched my heart:
    1) Wounded Soilder - it reminds me of how we as christians cannot live in isolation and need our bro & sis to “heal” our wounds.
    2) Refiner’s Fire - shared this with a friend struck with cancer and how it spoke to her about the “tests” that we have to go tru life with. In the end “… no matter what I may lose, I choose the refiner’s fire.”

    - Singapore

    Comment by Alan Fu — November 14, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

  27. YOUR MUSIC IS VERY BEAUTIFUL

    Comment by SERGIO ISAAC CARRILLO MTZ — November 15, 2008 @ 3:56 pm

  28. As you can see by all those who respnded to news of your “departure”, there are many of us who are blessed by your ministry! God is good!

    Comment by Tricia — November 21, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

  29. Steve,

    Strangely, I was compelled to find your website today. My son was singing some lines from a Christmas song that I have heard you sing and it took me back to the many albums I have purchased and the many songs I know and have sung.

    I have sung your music in church so many times, and it touches me every time I hear or sing them. I attended your Christmas concert in NC a few years ago. “Symphony of Praise” is one of my very favorites because it provides a visual display of God and his creation, and the greatness of it all.

    God bless you and your family. Thanks for the many years of service and giving of your talents. Many will see our Father in heaven because of your commitment and love.

    Curtis Kriner

    Comment by Curtis Kriner — November 23, 2008 @ 10:11 am

  30. Not quite ready for you to come home. You still have plenty of work to do!

    Comment by God — November 24, 2008 @ 1:18 pm

  31. Gracias por visitarnos Steve, que Dios te bendiga mucho siempre y nos veremos pronto después si Dios quiere, de parte de nosotros te lo agradecemos en verdad.

    Comment by Hugo Gómez — November 25, 2008 @ 2:52 pm

  32. Steve,

    Hebrews 12:1 comes to mind. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” I think that anyone who has heard the gospel out of your ministry is that “cloud of witnesses” that this verse is talking about. Furthermore, I think that the same applies to all of us Christians, as we need to be mindful that people do observe our lives, and as Paul says, we ought to live our lives as a living gospel. So I thank you for the great example that you and your family are. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry.

    Comment by Juan Cabrera — November 26, 2008 @ 9:53 am

  33. Since I heard your song attributed to “the late Steve Green” it has been in the back of my mind to check the internet for verification of your “promotion to glory.” What a joy it has been over these past weeks to reflect on your life anew, and to revive my prayer focus for my children who are also MKs. I remember clearly your in-concert testimony about how you went from mission field, to secular life to ministry life. My children are teens, and have lived on a shoestring all their lives. I pray they see in ministers like you the joy and abundance of a life of submission to the will of God.

    Comment by Laurel Hurst — November 27, 2008 @ 5:21 am

  34. Esta es la primera vez que entro a este sitio, y no por haber escuchado que usted se murió… …De todas maneras vivo en Chile, y nunca pude haber oído eso, pues en la radio cristiana mñas importante de Chile, Armonía, tocan mucho sus canciones. Y en lo personal, ayer puse tres canciones suyas en mi pendrive, que me bendecían mucho, pero que jamás me había dado el tiempo de buscar. Bueno las puse, y hoy estoy aquí, buscando información de usted.
    Que bueno que sigue vivo !ja!, De seguro que no hay nada más lindo que irse con el Señor, pero si usted se hubiera ido antes que nosotros, ¿Que Steve Green hubieramos escuchado entonces?
    Bendiciones

    Comment by Isaac Navarrete — December 2, 2008 @ 12:10 pm

  35. Hey, Steve,

    This is the first I have heard of the “late Steve Green,” but am so glad to hear it’s not true! Who in the world would I get to sing “Happy 50th Birthday” to my wife, Dotty?! By the way, I have sung many of your songs over the past 20 years, and I think it is time that we do a duet — not very exciting for you, I know, but it would be one of the highlights of my life! Take care, My Friend, and I hope to see you again someday. Blessings!

    Gene Fortenberry

    Comment by Gene Fortenberry — December 4, 2008 @ 12:12 am

  36. Wonderful!!!! great u steve! of all the songs I’ve heard, to tell you the truth I heard your songs when i joined the missionary. My partner bought a tape from then on I really love to play almost everyday. Thanks to you. Hope and pray. Take care. God bless!

    Comment by mel — December 12, 2008 @ 1:04 am

  37. Hi Steve,
    I am sure glad that I did not hear about your “leaving”. It would have been a sad time for me. My brother who loves your ministry so much would equally have been very sad. You would never imagine how much you ministered to his heart when he saw and heard you sing A Mighty Fortress is our God on a video I have (1987). He still talks about it today. I thank God for your life and your obedience to sing His praises that touch so many lives. May God continue to keep you in good health.

    Comment by Gemma — December 16, 2008 @ 2:13 pm

  38. Dios le bendiga Hermano Steve, su música y su ministerio han bendecido mucho mi vida y estoy esperando con ansias que saque otra produccion en Español porque la ultima fue excelente. Dios lo guarde.

    Comment by Gabriel Solano — December 16, 2008 @ 2:58 pm

  39. Hi Steve,

    If there was any truth to that statement I would have been sad and not just for the moment. I happen to love you brother. Every song that you sing and have ever sang has blessed and ministered to my heart. Like you my ministry is singing and I sing all your songs, and because your songs blesses my heart I am able to bless the hearts of the people in my church. I am happy that you are still with us.Bless you and love you my brother.

    Comment by Shawn Ector — December 16, 2008 @ 6:40 pm

  40. My friend and I just talk about one of you songs that really blessed me throughout the years of my walk with Christ “People nedd The Lord”). And after that, I search to see your clip of that song on youtube. And oh my…, I was really surprised when I read one of the comment on the clip that indicates you already went ‘home’. I quickly check wikipedia and found my way to your homepage. Thanks God!!! You are still given the opportunity to sing and serve our Master. Blessings from me and my family from way down here in Indonesia (the largest moslem country in the world). People in my country surely need The Lord.

    Comment by Imanuel — December 17, 2008 @ 12:03 pm

  41. I just purchased Hide Em In Your Heart DVDs for my 2 yr. old and was telling my husband that’s it’s going to be a very sad day when you go home to be with the Lord. I grew up listening to and being blessed by your music.
    Watching these movies bring back so many memories–thank you for serving the Lord all these years! I’m so glad you’re still with us!

    Comment by Susanne — December 31, 2008 @ 6:48 pm

  42. Much time is wasted in front of the TV, the computer, etc. instead of invested in the lives of those around us, particularly our children and wives. How do our priorities get so messed up? Its time to redeem the time.

    By the way, the Lord used your album “For God and God Alone” to bring me through a time of deep depression. When all around me was dark and dreary, God was still God. He hadn’t changed. Somehow He brought me through and I still don’t know how. But I am thankful that He did.

    Your music continues to be a great encouragement and challenged to me. Songs of Worship reminded me that, “You know the depths of my heart and You love me the same.” Thanks.

    Yours in Christ,
    Brent

    Comment by Brent — January 25, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

  43. Steve, you have been a favoite of mine since the 80’s. Even though I don’t hear much of your music anymore, I know that you are still in ministry up to your ears. Praise God, and thank you for your humility, and the wonderful work you are doing for the Lord. Some of your songs are still my favorites, and I’ve sung many of them at Chruch.

    Comment by Cecil — January 26, 2009 @ 9:26 pm

  44. Steve,you have truly been an inspiration to me for many years,you see i’m from a small Caribbean island called Trinidad and Tobago,and in the 80’s we had a radio station that played three hours of gospel music every Wednesday night,and the DJ played a lot of your music.
    I must say your music gave me and my friends a lot of hope and encouragement for back in those days when we had newly gotten saved.We sang your songs in church in concerts.Your songs spoke to all our hearts You forever will be a tremendous blessing to us.God Bless You Steve.

    Comment by tony — February 8, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

  45. I’m 17 years old, I was born and raised in the Philippines as an MK, thank the Lord, was raised in a family of 10, in a small village in the jungles of Mindanao…not in a bording school.
    I was blessed by what you had to say in the Gaither video “Giving Thanks.”
    So i googled you, and this is what i found, so I just had to leave my thoughts on this one.
    “Only one life twill soon be past, only whats done for Christ will last.”

    Comment by Jewel Hart — January 18, 2012 @ 6:36 pm

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