Michael Card
Michael Card
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael Joseph Card is an American Christian musician, author, and singer-songwriter.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on April 17, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Christian Musician, Author, Singer-Songwriter
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a musical family, Michael Card was exposed to various genres of music from an early age. His father, a Baptist minister, introduced him to gospel music, while his mother's love for classical music instilled in him an appreciation for orchestral arrangements. These diverse influences would later shape the unique sound and style that defined his music career.
As a teenager, Card began writing songs and performing at local churches and events. His early experiences as a musician laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong passion for creating music that explores faith, spirituality, and the human experience.
Major Accomplishments
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Card's rise to prominence in the Christian music scene was marked by several significant milestones:
Early Success: His 1985 album "The Edge of Morning" earned him two Grammy nominations.
Chart-Topping Hits: Singles like "El Shaddai" and "Need" topped the Billboard Christian charts, cementing his reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.
Literary Pursuits: Card has written several books on faith, music, and spirituality, including "Sacrifices of the Heart" (1990) and "The Hidden Power of Prayer" (2001).Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Michael Card's most notable works include:
Albums: "The Way Back Home" (1987), "Glory Revealed" (2006), and "Unveiled Hope" (2005)
Collaborations: He has worked with artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, and Mark Lowry
Mission Work: Card has traveled extensively for humanitarian missions, using his music as a tool for spreading hope and inspiration in areas of conflict or need.
Impact and Legacy
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Michael Card's contributions to Christian music have been profound. His unique blend of faith, storytelling, and melodic sensibility has inspired generations of artists and fans alike.
Through his songwriting and performing, Card has:
Pioneered a New Sound: Blending elements of folk, rock, and classical music, he helped shape the sound of contemporary Christian music.
Authentically Represented Faith: His lyrics have provided a voice for those seeking to explore their spirituality through music.
Empowered Others: Card's music has inspired countless individuals to use their talents for the greater good.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Michael Card is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Poignant Songwriting: His lyrics often capture the complexities of human experience, offering a reflection of hope and redemption.
Musical Innovation: Card's fusion of traditional and contemporary styles has made him a respected figure in the Christian music industry.
Commitment to Faith: His dedication to using his talents for spiritual growth and community service serves as an inspiration to fans worldwide.
As a respected artist, author, and humanitarian, Michael Card continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of faith and music.
Quotes by Michael Card
In the Hebrew mind hesed is always something you do. It is a verb. It is loading wounded people on donkeys, running to greet runaway children, forgiving enormous debts, paying someone who worked an hour as much as the ones who worked all day, giving a party to those who can’t pay you back. It is a resonant response to the overwhelming kindness of the God of Exodus 34, who is full of hesed.
Let’s ask for the grace to be in awe of the God who, when he opened the door of his life to us, had this word consistently on his lips, remembering that even though we have no right to expect anything from him he is pleased to give us everything. He is pleased to open his heart and life to us precisely because he is the God of hesed.
Let’s let go of the illusion that hesed can be reduced to one English “literal” word and instead see it as a key that can open a door into an entire world – the world of God’s own heart, the world of loving.
Then Luke commits his most grievous error, and I’m not sure I will ever be able to forgive him for it, at least this side of heaven. Luke reports in verse 27 that Jesus explained everything concerning himself in the Old Testament. What was Luke possibly thinking? The greatest Bible lesson of all time, and yet we have not a single word!
Behind every specific call, whether it is to teach or preach or write or encourage or comfort, there is a deeper call that gives shape to the first: the call to give ourselves away – the call to die.
But our wounds are part of who we are...and there is nothing left to chance....And pain's the pen that writes the songs....That call us forth to dance
To allow myself to be loved by God in my deepest brokenness is to experience a love that defies human comprehension.
To know that God loves us in the state of grace or disgrace is the most powerful motivation to respond with the aid of grace to His loving call.
To be rooted in love is to look beyond surface appearances to see the inner beauty in others often disfigured by sin.