Paul in the New Testament had a dramatic conversion that set him on a new path as an ardent advocate for Jesus.
Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame had a dramatic conversion that set him on a new path as a Christian solo act.
There was no blinding light at noonday, and Paul the folk singer was not persecuting Christians. His turn-around came one night in 1968 in Abilene, Texas, following a concert by the popular trio.
A brash young fan slipped past security during intermission and asked Paul if they could talk after the show. When the college-age boy came back with the crowd of autograph seekers, Paul asked what the boy wanted to talk about. The young man said, “I want to talk with you about the Lord.” That had to be put on hold while Peter, Paul, and Mary signed programs and albums, but the simple appeal struck a chord with Paul whose mother was a lapsed church member. So he took the youth and two of his friends to his motel room where they had a prayer meeting that resulted in Paul’s placing his faith in Jesus Christ.
About two years later, the three singers stopped their extensive touring and recording, for the most part going their separate ways. Paul’s wife Elizabeth was a longtime chaplain at a prep school. Together, Paul and Elizabeth committed themselves to a stable home life for their three daughters. He has continued to perform, mainly as a solo act, writing songs with deep social concern, reflecting his Christian compassion.
He said, “Ultimately we’re all responsible for putting our belief into action.” This conviction has led him to help political refugees in Central America. Also, a foundation guided by one of his daughters has donated nearly two million dollars to charities in countries around the world.
In an interview several years ago, he said this:
“My discovery and ultimate thankfulness for the patience of a Creator who would be involved in my life as I allowed, obviously altered my motivations tremendously. And most of the songs I’ve written since the late ‘60’s, though they may be really quite wide contextually, are from the ‘forgiven and Loved’ perspective that one inherits as a gift of the Spirit. I’m just hopeful that I can be an encouragement; a challenge to other folks to reach for peace on earth by starting within their own hearts” (http://www.peterpaulandmary.com/people/nps.htm).
The full name of the singer, who was born on this date, December 30, in 1937, is Noel Paul Stookey. He continues to use his talents as a composer and performer to entertain and to share with faith. Lyrics for some of his songs are available on his web site: http://www.noelpaulstookey.com. The site also carries detailed autobiographical information and access to on-line ordering of recordings by Paul and other performers.
He has recorded his own songs and songs written by others which reflect his faith. For example, he arranged a setting of Psalm 23. Michael Blanchard’s “Be Ye Glad” has the refrain: “Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the Grace of the Lord.”
Bill K. Hughes’ song “Blessed” reminds us, if we ever lose our way or have no place to stand, “Then it’s time to remember . . . Blessed are those who wait upon the Lord.”
Year’s end is traditionally a time to reflect on the need for change and to resolve to make those changes. Paul Stookey’s active commitment as a Christian is a challenge to each of us on the brink of a new year.
A Verse for Today:
“Therefore, anyone who is in Christ is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 Paraphrased).
Each day through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2013, inspirational thoughts will appear, in keeping with Christmas and New Year’s Day. These are from my book, Reflections for the Festive Seasons. © 2002. All rights reserved.
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