Larry Norman Dies At Age 60I feel as though part of my history has ended.
Larry Norman's music, and the almost revolutionary nature of his expression of his relationship with God, formed during the beginning of the 'Jesus People' movement of the 1960's and 70's, were a constant encouragement to me at that time, another young man who, in his own way, was on fire for God. Over the years I've listened to Larry's music, the last time just a few days ago when I listened to a live album he recorded. Seeing him live, and working in the venue where he performed, showed me that he could be abrasive in his approach to people, primarily because he was a perfectionist when it came to his music and uncompromising in this walk with God. Alas, this caused him to make not a few people upset at him. Still, he had far more friends than detractors, I think.
I've followed his continuing story over the years and have tried to keep him in my prayers. Being only a few years older than me makes me feel even closer to him. He suffered from very serious health problems in his later life and spent a lot of time in very expensive U.S. hospitals getting very expensive surgeries and treatments. I know his suffering wasn't useless as I'm certain it brought him closer to the God of comfort and consolation. Below is the 'goodbye' letter he wrote shortly before he died, from his website at larrynorman.com. I'm sure his family wouldn't mind my sharing it with you. Goodbye, Larry, and Godspeed. Thanks for the joy you brought into my life.
"I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home.
My brother Charles is right, I won't be here much longer. I can't do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help.
My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. But still it will be costly because of funeral arrangement, transportation to the gravesite, entombment, coordination, legal papers etc. However money is not really what I need, I want to say I love you.
I'd like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be a funeral posted here on the website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again.
Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
Larry"
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