America, Redemption, and Johnny Cash
If America had a social media presence, her posts would reveal heartache and challenges but with a concurrent underlying passion to soar again. Yes, sometimes the status of our nation feels downright depressing. But nothing is impossible with God. If we turn from sins of all kinds and turn to Christ Himself, we can soar again as a nation.
This edition features one American who lived the black and white contrast of depressed lostness followed by brilliant redemption: Johnny Cash. The “man in black” dedicated his life to the “Man in White”: Jesus Christ.
This month, Johnny Cash became the first American musician honored by having a statue in the U.S. Capitol rotunda (Gibbs, 2024). He is the subject of this month's edition. This timely addition to the rotunda reminds everyone that God can do anything with anyone who turns to Him. He can change hearts and situations quickly and unexpectedly.
Johnny Cash stands as a good example of a life that God transformed suddenly. At one time, Johnny intentionally rejected God and lived a rebellious life. He slipped into a life of drugs, partying, and adultery. He fell so low that he abandoned his wife and family.
At the time, he was a super star and no one would have thought he would change his ways. Johnny easily could have died from wild living. Suddenly, Johnny Cash’s heart softened. God drew him to Himself. Johnny responded and said “yes” to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He chose to totally repent of his ways and live for God. All of this happened unexpectedly.
Johnny Cash transformed into an avid student of the Bible. He dedicated his life to learning as much as he could about Scripture and to share about Jesus far and wide. From sharing at numerous Billy Graham crusades to sharing the gospel at prisons, Johnny used every opportunity to share the Truth with love.
With the born again Johnny Cash, no one denied the transformation. His authentic testimony resonated with the hardest hearts. When he shared about the Lord, he did nothing to draw attention to himself and only to Jesus. The heart behind his music and work became more of a reflection of the Lord he loved. In fact, Johnny wrote and recorded many powerful Christian songs. Johnny Cash also reverently recorded the entire New Testament.
Did you know that Johnny Cash was also a veteran? He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile Security Service in Germany. During his time in the military, he served as a Morse Code Intercept Operator. We are grateful for his service to our country. Johnny loved his country and he was very patriotic. He recorded “Ragged Old Flag” with heart.
Again, Johnny Cash became the first American musician honored with a statue at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. We pray that this edition of Unite the USA, which captures his testimony, to encourage you during a dark time. Just like Johnny’s life turned around, it is certainly possible for hearts to change in our country and for our country to turn to Christ.
If that happens, then our country will survive and thrive as we love God and neighbor without prejudice. So let’s keep praying and doing all we can to share the Gospel and to help the USA! You never know who will be the next Johnny Cash who went from darkness to become part of God’s kingdom of light. Keep sharing. Keep praying. Keep shining!
God bless the USA,Dr. Carrie Stoelting and Stacie Stoelting Hudzinski
Reference: Gibbs, A. (2024, September 24). Nashville legend Johnny Cash becomes first musician honored with statue inside US capitol. The Tennessean. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/24/nashville-johnny-cash-statue-unveiled-us-capitol-arkansas/75361784007/
This edition features one American who lived the black and white contrast of depressed lostness followed by brilliant redemption: Johnny Cash. The “man in black” dedicated his life to the “Man in White”: Jesus Christ.
This month, Johnny Cash became the first American musician honored by having a statue in the U.S. Capitol rotunda (Gibbs, 2024). He is the subject of this month's edition. This timely addition to the rotunda reminds everyone that God can do anything with anyone who turns to Him. He can change hearts and situations quickly and unexpectedly.
Johnny Cash stands as a good example of a life that God transformed suddenly. At one time, Johnny intentionally rejected God and lived a rebellious life. He slipped into a life of drugs, partying, and adultery. He fell so low that he abandoned his wife and family.
At the time, he was a super star and no one would have thought he would change his ways. Johnny easily could have died from wild living. Suddenly, Johnny Cash’s heart softened. God drew him to Himself. Johnny responded and said “yes” to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He chose to totally repent of his ways and live for God. All of this happened unexpectedly.
Johnny Cash transformed into an avid student of the Bible. He dedicated his life to learning as much as he could about Scripture and to share about Jesus far and wide. From sharing at numerous Billy Graham crusades to sharing the gospel at prisons, Johnny used every opportunity to share the Truth with love.
With the born again Johnny Cash, no one denied the transformation. His authentic testimony resonated with the hardest hearts. When he shared about the Lord, he did nothing to draw attention to himself and only to Jesus. The heart behind his music and work became more of a reflection of the Lord he loved. In fact, Johnny wrote and recorded many powerful Christian songs. Johnny Cash also reverently recorded the entire New Testament.
Did you know that Johnny Cash was also a veteran? He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile Security Service in Germany. During his time in the military, he served as a Morse Code Intercept Operator. We are grateful for his service to our country. Johnny loved his country and he was very patriotic. He recorded “Ragged Old Flag” with heart.
Again, Johnny Cash became the first American musician honored with a statue at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. We pray that this edition of Unite the USA, which captures his testimony, to encourage you during a dark time. Just like Johnny’s life turned around, it is certainly possible for hearts to change in our country and for our country to turn to Christ.
If that happens, then our country will survive and thrive as we love God and neighbor without prejudice. So let’s keep praying and doing all we can to share the Gospel and to help the USA! You never know who will be the next Johnny Cash who went from darkness to become part of God’s kingdom of light. Keep sharing. Keep praying. Keep shining!
God bless the USA,Dr. Carrie Stoelting and Stacie Stoelting Hudzinski
Reference: Gibbs, A. (2024, September 24). Nashville legend Johnny Cash becomes first musician honored with statue inside US capitol. The Tennessean. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/24/nashville-johnny-cash-statue-unveiled-us-capitol-arkansas/75361784007/
We Have a Winner!
Congratulations to Carole R. of Owasso, OK for winning the God Bless the USA poster signed by Lee Greenwood! Carole entered on behalf of a Vietnam veteran who is currently battling cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. We appreciate his service to our country and were thankful to know he could receive this encouraging gift. And thank you so much to all who entered.
Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon
From Harvest Ministries: "Johnny Cash wasn’t just known for creating unique music, but for being a unique individual as well. Sinners thought Johnny was a saint, saints thought Johnny was a sinner, but, in reality, he was both. Just like us, he was flawed, he blew it, he fell, and he got up again. But he never lost his faith. In fact, at the very end of his life, it was stronger than ever.
He embodies the paradox of every Christian who wants to do what is right but struggles to do it, just like the apostle Paul described in Romans. That’s one reason I’ve wanted to tell his story for such a long time. His story is that of redemption, and it resonates with so many of us who mess up, yet still have God saying, “I’m not done with you yet.”
If we learn nothing else from the story of Johnny Cash, we learn that God gives second chances, and third ones, and fourth ones . . ."
Click here to find viewing options of Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.
He embodies the paradox of every Christian who wants to do what is right but struggles to do it, just like the apostle Paul described in Romans. That’s one reason I’ve wanted to tell his story for such a long time. His story is that of redemption, and it resonates with so many of us who mess up, yet still have God saying, “I’m not done with you yet.”
If we learn nothing else from the story of Johnny Cash, we learn that God gives second chances, and third ones, and fourth ones . . ."
Click here to find viewing options of Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.
Johnny Cash: 'Why Me Lord'
Enjoy this video in which Johnny Cash sings 'Why Me Lord' from a Billy Graham Crusade. It's excellent! It's powerful to hear Johnny boldly declare, "Jesus Christ is Lord of my life. Jesus Christ is Lord."
Featured Quote
Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect".
Featured Bible Verse
Unite the USA's
Featured Veteran of the Month: Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile Security Service in Germany. During his time in the military, he served as a Morse Code Intercept Operator. Click here to see a video about Johnny's military service.
Johnny Cash’s Faith and Friendship With Billy Graham
By Joy Allmond (BGEA)
“Johnny Cash was not only a legend but was a close personal friend,” Billy Graham once said. “Johnny was a good man who also struggled with many challenges in his life. Johnny was a deeply religious man. He and June came to a number of our Crusades over a period of many years.
“Ruth and I took a number of personal vacations with them at their home in Jamaica and in other places. They both were like a brother and sister to Ruth and me. We loved them. … I look forward to seeing Johnny and June in heaven one day.”
As we celebrate Cash’s life and faith, learn about the role his family played in his surrender to Christ, and read about a friendship that gave him another platform to share the hope he found.
Meet Me in Heaven.
That’s what gravesite visitors read on Johnny Cash’s tombstone, just outside of Nashville. And it’s what he urged audiences at numerous Billy Graham Crusades to do—in a manner of speaking.
“Meet Me in Heaven” is also the title of a song inspired by Cash’s brother, Jack, who died an untimely death—and could very well have planted the seed of the Gospel in his younger brother’s heart.
“Uncle Johnny was closest to Jack out of all the siblings,” said Mike Garrett, Cash’s nephew. “And Jack was a profound witness to the family, especially during the last week of his life.”
Jack suffered fatal injuries from a table saw accident in Dyess, Arkansas, where the seven Cash siblings grew up. Carrie, their mother, prayed fervently over all her children, but it was Jack—the third child and one ahead of Johnny in the birth order—who was the evangelist in the family. He lived for a week following his accident. The family was gathered in his hospital room to hear his last words: “Can you see them? Can you see all the angels around? Meet me in heaven.”
Decades later, it is understood by Garrett to be one of the most pivotal events in the lives of the Cash family members: “My mother (Louise, Johnny’s older sister) said the room lit up—one of those kind of eerie but glowy’ moments right before he passed away.”
But it would be more than 20 years from that moment before the Man in Black would see the light.
Those years would see the peaks of his fame and career success, but it would also see the dark valleys of his drug and alcohol addiction.
Through it all, his family never wavered. And they never stopped praying for him.
A Decision for Christ, and a New Friendship “We lived in Memphis, and Uncle Johnny would occasionally come through town since he lived in Nashville. Mother always witnessed to him, prayed for him and tried to talk to him about Jesus,” Garrett remembered.
“One day, in the mid 1960s, I came home from school and mom told me that Uncle Johnny had visited and told her he had become a Christian. He took her for a drive around town to tell her the story. She thought they were going to have a wreck, because he was so excited about his new faith in Christ. At that point, he understood what it really meant to follow Jesus. Grandma Cash’s prayers were answered.”
Cash’s faith remained intact, despite his struggle with old habits and encounters with demons from the past. In the early 1970s, Billy Graham got word of Cash’s relatively new faith and invited him to be a part of Crusade events.
Billy Graham also invited Cash into what became a friendship that only strengthened as the two men grew older. Together with their wives, they visited one another’s homes and spent vacations together at Cash’s property in Jamaica.
“I remember Uncle Johnny saying to me that he had started going to Billy Graham Crusades—that he would sing and share his testimony. He made that a top priority—a higher priority than concert tours,” Garrett said.
Cash once addressed his worldly struggles from the stage at a 1989 Crusade in his home state of Arkansas: “My personal life—my personal problems—has been widely publicized. There have been things said about me that made people ask, ‘Is Johnny Cash really a Christian?’ I take great comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul, who said: ‘What I will to do I do not practice, but what I hate I do. It is no longer I that do it, but the sin that dwells within me. But who will deliver me from this body of death? It is Jesus Christ, our Lord.’”
His Spiritual Legacy Lives On
While many may say Johnny Cash was instrumental in their music careers, numerous people have credited his witness to their faith in Christ.
There was a graveside memorial service in 2014 to dedicate a new grave marker at Johnny Cash’s burial site. As Garrett—a minister—conducted the ceremony, he opened up the floor for the 200 in attendance to share any thoughts or memories that would honor his uncle.
“I can’t tell you how many spoke up and said that he was instrumental in them coming to faith in Christ,” Garrett said. “And some of them said he helped them clean their lives up—pointed them toward getting off drugs and alcohol. And pointed them toward good, and away from evil.”
Cash, who spent much of his time ministering to those enslaved in substance abuse, said this of his ultimate purpose in life:
“Only someone who has had such a problem (as substance abuse) can have complete love and compassion and understanding for such people. I love drug addicts. And I love alcoholics. When Jesus said He was sent to heal the brokenhearted and preach deliverance to the captives, I believe these were some of the people he was talking about.
“If some lost, lonely person somewhere out there in a dirty bed, in a dark room, can see the light of Jesus Christ in me, then that is my reward.”
“Johnny Cash was not only a legend but was a close personal friend,” Billy Graham once said. “Johnny was a good man who also struggled with many challenges in his life. Johnny was a deeply religious man. He and June came to a number of our Crusades over a period of many years.
“Ruth and I took a number of personal vacations with them at their home in Jamaica and in other places. They both were like a brother and sister to Ruth and me. We loved them. … I look forward to seeing Johnny and June in heaven one day.”
As we celebrate Cash’s life and faith, learn about the role his family played in his surrender to Christ, and read about a friendship that gave him another platform to share the hope he found.
Meet Me in Heaven.
That’s what gravesite visitors read on Johnny Cash’s tombstone, just outside of Nashville. And it’s what he urged audiences at numerous Billy Graham Crusades to do—in a manner of speaking.
“Meet Me in Heaven” is also the title of a song inspired by Cash’s brother, Jack, who died an untimely death—and could very well have planted the seed of the Gospel in his younger brother’s heart.
“Uncle Johnny was closest to Jack out of all the siblings,” said Mike Garrett, Cash’s nephew. “And Jack was a profound witness to the family, especially during the last week of his life.”
Jack suffered fatal injuries from a table saw accident in Dyess, Arkansas, where the seven Cash siblings grew up. Carrie, their mother, prayed fervently over all her children, but it was Jack—the third child and one ahead of Johnny in the birth order—who was the evangelist in the family. He lived for a week following his accident. The family was gathered in his hospital room to hear his last words: “Can you see them? Can you see all the angels around? Meet me in heaven.”
Decades later, it is understood by Garrett to be one of the most pivotal events in the lives of the Cash family members: “My mother (Louise, Johnny’s older sister) said the room lit up—one of those kind of eerie but glowy’ moments right before he passed away.”
But it would be more than 20 years from that moment before the Man in Black would see the light.
Those years would see the peaks of his fame and career success, but it would also see the dark valleys of his drug and alcohol addiction.
Through it all, his family never wavered. And they never stopped praying for him.
A Decision for Christ, and a New Friendship “We lived in Memphis, and Uncle Johnny would occasionally come through town since he lived in Nashville. Mother always witnessed to him, prayed for him and tried to talk to him about Jesus,” Garrett remembered.
“One day, in the mid 1960s, I came home from school and mom told me that Uncle Johnny had visited and told her he had become a Christian. He took her for a drive around town to tell her the story. She thought they were going to have a wreck, because he was so excited about his new faith in Christ. At that point, he understood what it really meant to follow Jesus. Grandma Cash’s prayers were answered.”
Cash’s faith remained intact, despite his struggle with old habits and encounters with demons from the past. In the early 1970s, Billy Graham got word of Cash’s relatively new faith and invited him to be a part of Crusade events.
Billy Graham also invited Cash into what became a friendship that only strengthened as the two men grew older. Together with their wives, they visited one another’s homes and spent vacations together at Cash’s property in Jamaica.
“I remember Uncle Johnny saying to me that he had started going to Billy Graham Crusades—that he would sing and share his testimony. He made that a top priority—a higher priority than concert tours,” Garrett said.
Cash once addressed his worldly struggles from the stage at a 1989 Crusade in his home state of Arkansas: “My personal life—my personal problems—has been widely publicized. There have been things said about me that made people ask, ‘Is Johnny Cash really a Christian?’ I take great comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul, who said: ‘What I will to do I do not practice, but what I hate I do. It is no longer I that do it, but the sin that dwells within me. But who will deliver me from this body of death? It is Jesus Christ, our Lord.’”
His Spiritual Legacy Lives On
While many may say Johnny Cash was instrumental in their music careers, numerous people have credited his witness to their faith in Christ.
There was a graveside memorial service in 2014 to dedicate a new grave marker at Johnny Cash’s burial site. As Garrett—a minister—conducted the ceremony, he opened up the floor for the 200 in attendance to share any thoughts or memories that would honor his uncle.
“I can’t tell you how many spoke up and said that he was instrumental in them coming to faith in Christ,” Garrett said. “And some of them said he helped them clean their lives up—pointed them toward getting off drugs and alcohol. And pointed them toward good, and away from evil.”
Cash, who spent much of his time ministering to those enslaved in substance abuse, said this of his ultimate purpose in life:
“Only someone who has had such a problem (as substance abuse) can have complete love and compassion and understanding for such people. I love drug addicts. And I love alcoholics. When Jesus said He was sent to heal the brokenhearted and preach deliverance to the captives, I believe these were some of the people he was talking about.
“If some lost, lonely person somewhere out there in a dirty bed, in a dark room, can see the light of Jesus Christ in me, then that is my reward.”
How To Know Jesus
Question: How do Stacie and Carrie know they'll go to Heaven?
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV) For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV) Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV) For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV) Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.