Inspire, Spring 2007

Inspire 21 planning, listening, challenging, researching, cheering, praying, and helping him do this thing God is using him so powerfully to do; and helping my staff do the same with our other clients. However God calls musicians to use their redemptive gifts, we serve them with all the passion and expertise we can muster. In 1987, I walked on the Cedarville College campus as an insecure young man, wondering if I had what it took to really be anything. I was angry with God for taking my dad “too early” and complacent and distant about the Jesus I knew. It was the pivotal moment of decision on whether or not I would live out the faith I might have. ’Ville chapels, professors, staff members, and priceless friendships at Cedarville changed my life, literally. Dick Walker ’74, Jim Leightenheimer ’80, Wes Baker, Dave Samuel ’86; the Carr 6 guys: Dave, Kelly, Matt, Jeff, Randy, Eric, Paul; and Becky, Jen, Laurel, Curtis, Kirsten, Sue, and others loved me and showed me Jesus. I am in their debt. I’m certain God gave them to me. They helped me find my voice. They believed in me before I believed in myself. They saw potential; they taught me in actions and in words that God was closer than I thought, that He cared for me, that He was pursuing me, and that He could not be outrun. I’ve learned that it’s foolish to measure our impact — the reach of our voice — by an economy that isn’t built like God’s. I have learned that I am an excellent number two or number three guy, and that it’s not about me anyway! I’m not the visionary, and I may never be seen or recognized for any of my work; in fact, that’s probably the plan. God has given me this opportunity to use my abilities and serve the creative musicians everyone sees. So now I make a career out of being unseen — just offstage, helping the guy onstage make it happen. I am the person who is responsible for those lights I’m not standing under, those speakers not amplifying my voice, the video screen I’m not on, and the buses and trucks that got them all there that night. If all goes well, the artist’s music and ministry hopes for the night happen without anyone seeing me. I’m no longer discouraged by that; in fact, I thrive on it. Maybe sometimes you feel unseen and unheard in your job or family or life. Can I encourage you? I know Someone who sees. I think wherever we have the opportunity, God can and will use us — if we let Him, if we trust Him, if we’re listening. I’m trying to trust Him again for that today … and then I’ll do that tomorrow … and then I’ll do that the next day … and the next. Jim Houser ’91 lives in Franklin, Tennessee. He is a partner at Creative Trust and general manager of the entertainment and literary management division. He never planned to be there and still wonders how he got there, and while he is there, he is incredibly honored to get to do what he does. Creative Trust clients include Steven Curtis Chapman, Ted Dekker, Brandon Heath, David Nasser, Angela Thomas, Phil Vischer, Grey Holiday, and Levi Smith. The real stars in Jim’s life are his wife, Sarah, sons, Stephen (7) and Grant (4), and daughter, Katie (2). E-mail Jim at jim.houser@creativetrust.com.