I got an email that slammed me in the gut yesterday…

Back in 2001 I was in a band called, “Drive” that featured Rich Hall on guitars, Ron Berg on drums and me handling the vocals. This was a mainstream rock project, but as always, my Christianity managed to leak into whatever I do and certain concepts made their way into my lyrics.

At the time, Ron Berg had been in remission with cancer. When I was in the band back in 2001, he was still in his late teens… he had read through some of my lyrics and called me one night to and said to me, “This song (Dream) is really about God, isn’t it?”. I remember standing in the kitchen of my house and talking on the phone with Ronnie about it literally for hours. It was a deep and personal conversation with a great guy.

Amongst many things, we talked about how he had been to psychics in the time-frame that he had been dealing with cancer and how they had given him some foresight in his life. When I told him that unlike some Christians, I didn’t shrug that stuff off, he was surprised. When I asked him how the words of the psychics made him feel, he said it had a “dark” overtone to the message. I told him that I see in the Bible that “mediums” and such have the ability to communicate with “spiritual forces” and that yes, they do have real information. But that this is what I called “back door” spirituality. Not to mention that they can not tell the future. Grant it, they have a huge communication network and know human nature better than any man – let’s just say that they can see what ever proverbial writing may be on the wall – and while they may only know “in part” they make it seem as though they have the whole picture.

On the other hand, Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. - John 14:6 - The Message I asked if he was only interested in mere “back door spirituality”, consorting with the likes of those that fell out of Heaven, or if he wanted a relationship with the one who is the creator and sustainer of all…

We had spent time recording in the studio and were making real headway with writing and rehearsing. Rich and more specifically Ron had amazing contacts (including Ron’s personal friendship with drummer Gregg Bissonette). Although things were going amazingly well with the project, I succumbed to what I will label “outside influences” and under much pressure, I left the band.

I still love the guys and think of them often. And I can honestly say that this is one of the few times in my life that I wish things had turned out differently.

My wife and I bumped into Ron and his father in the parking lot outside the Poughkeepsie Galleria back in August 2004. It was so good to see him! I told both Ron and his father how much I appreciated them and the brief time we had shared.

Back to yesterday –

I haven’t heard from Rich since 2002. I know that he was upset, and understandably so, with me over my departure. He must have run across my name or something though and felt compelled to tell me that Ronnie had lost his battle with cancer in December 2004.

Rich also shared with me that one of the songs we had written, Dream, the one Ronnie had called me about, was played at his funeral.

I cried. I mean I really cried. It hurt so bad and even now writing this, it hurts again. And I hurt for Ron’s family and for Rich Hall. I am sincerely grateful to Rich for letting me know about Ron’s passing. I am also so grateful to both of them for the time we shared.

The timing nailed me though… Ron’s passed in December and here it is literally days before I leave for Nashville, with the plans for Soultuary – a church that will specifically reach out to those who tend to be more creative and artistic… and likely not plugged into a church. It really solidified in my heart that this church plant is exactly what I need to do. I need to do it for the other “Rich and Ronnies” out there…

I pray that Ron is at peace with God and amazing the angels with his skills in Heaven right now. In his memory – Here are the lyrics for “Dream” – Please consider giving the song a listen too by clicking HERE.

DREAM
Drums by Ron Berg
Guitars, Bass & Backing Vox by Rich Hall
Lyrics / Lead Vocals by Ray LeGrand

How I wish I could fly…

There are times that I feel bolted down
I’ve been there so long that I’ve rusted to the ground
That’s when I close my eyes

I will soar on the wings of a dream
Flyin’ high where nobody sees

Somehow I know that there’s something more
I wanna step out but I can’t find the door
That’s when I fall on my knees

I will soar on the wings of a dream
Flyin’ high where nobody sees

So hard to believe that You’re trusting in me
I’m just not sure
Am I really ready?
Oh God, I hear what You’re saying to me
You want me to fly
To fly outside of my dreams

I will soar on the wings of a dream
Flyin’ high where nobody sees

And now I know the source of these dreams
You are the One that gave them to me
I won’t be afraid of what men may say
I’m gonna fly
Yeah, I’m gonna fly

© HBL Music 2001

Rest well my friend… You are missed.

Later- (And I long for that to be true)
Ray

¶ 4/28/2005 08:00:00 PM

 Anonymous said...
Dear Ray, It's so amazing to me that our lives connect and drift and then reconnect, and my faith in God grows with each re-encounter with people I believe are gone and only part of my past. I pray that Ron is saved and being embraced by our Lord, and that his friends will desire to know Him more through the song, Dream, played at his memorial.
Also, your heart for Soultuary is also mine. I've been involved in a program called Crucible, that I think would be of interest to you (an off-shoot of The Foundry ministry.)It, too, focuses on creative people who are seeking God. Let's talk about it! Love ya, sher (And WELCOME BACK to you, and all the rest of the Rays!)  

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