A devotional biography giving insight to the life of musician Rich Mullins ("Awesome God"), featuring his never before published spiritual writings.

A memoir about the loss of a friend through a vehicular accident and the healing power of love.

Rich Mullins was more than a musician. He was a poet and thinker who left behind a timeless legacy. As a columnist for Release magazine for nearly six years, Rich shared his musings on faith and life, conveying the wonder and awesomeness of his God with the same depth and simplicity that characterized his music. The World As I Remember It is a collection of these personal writings, complemented by striking photography and some of Rich's most memorable quotations. This one-of-a-kind collection will be cherished not only by his fans, but by anyone who appreciates fresh, deep spiritual nourishment. Rich Mullins was more than a musician. He was a poet and thinker who left a legacy of deep gratitude, humility, and delight before the dace of an awesome God. Here you'll find a treasury of Rich's engaging, intimate reflections on faith and life. Revealing the spiritual meaning behind the simplest events, Rich muses about subjects ranging from fear to contentment, childlikeness to emptiness, from war to music. This is a feast for anyone who appreciates fresh, deep spiritual nourishment. As you savor the arresting ideas of one of modern Christianity's most ardent pilgrims, you'll find your adoration focused on your Creator, Redeemer, and Inpirer. Story Behind the Book For nearly six years, Rich shared his thoughts about faith and life through his columns in Release magazine. When his first column was published in the spring of 1991, the editors introduced him this way: "Rich not only has a lot to say…he also has a unique way of saying it. And although Mr. Mullins could easily fit into that intellectual bohemian-type category (we’re sure he could hold his own in a discussion with any theologian or philosopher of old), most often, his message is a straightforward call back to the principles of faith. He’s a poet, a scholar, a gentleman, and yes, just a little bit off-center. But that’s why we like him, and are pleased to welcome Rich to Release with this regular column. We trust you’ll love him and what he has to say as much as we do…" Rich had a way with words, and a collection of his writings seems an appropriate tribute to a man who has been referred to as "the greatest songwriter of our time."

This collection features 30 songs from 9 records, spanning Rich Mullins entire, tragically short career. Includes: Awesome God * Creed * Eli's Song * Hold Me Jesus * Heaven in His Eyes * Hope to Carry On * I See You * If I Stand * Screen Door * and more. Also includes a biography, a discography, Rich's thoughts, and terrific full-color, full page photos.

Rich Mullins was a once-in-a-lifetime singer/songwriter whose impact on Christian music and the church is still felt today, even twenty years after his passing. His words and music softened and inspired the most hardened hearts to believe. His was a ragged and raw faith of a pilgrim, poet, and prophet. Now more than a dozen of today's singers, songwriters, producers, and authors gather to share never-before-heard stories and lessons that continue to influence their music and ministries today. These lessons, gleaned from Rich's own struggles and pursuits, are combined with lyrics from unreleased Rich Mullins songs that will inspire longtime Mullins fans, new Christian music followers, and spiritual seekers trying to understand the reckless love of God.

Previously published: Sisters, Or.: Multnomah Publishers, c2000.

In 1997, the world was rocked with the news of Rich Mullins' passing. Christians everywhere paused their lives to mourn the loss. Radio stations paid tributes. Newspapers dedicated articles. Friends, family members, fans and fellow musicians came together to remember this man that had impacted their lives. I was with my family when I heard. I was standing in our driveway. It seemed strange, because just a few hours prior, I saw Rich Mullins alive, leaving our house. My last conversation with him took place the night before in our living room. I still hadn't yet wrapped my mind around the fact that this legend had somehow come to stay at our house. Now... he was gone? The world listened in sad silence, trying to find out what they could. We listened too, and knew there were details to the story the world wouldn't hear. Years have gone by, and I've always felt compelled to write down the story of Rich, staying in our home for the last three weeks of his life as a guest. I know how good things can be forgotten, and I haven't wanted to forget how this has impacted me. Not long ago I picked up a pen. I knew that I probably never would if I didn't simply make a move. I began to write down what I remembered. Now, I want to share with you what this story has meant to me. Welcome to Meeting Rich. A liturgy. A legacy. A man with a guitar in my living room. "It is a beautiful description of the great and complex man Rich was". - Michael Aukofer