I am a product of the system! What I mean is I grew up on Christian music. I was that kid who, while singing in front of the mirror playing a mean tennis racket , imagined singing with my favorite Christian artist rather than some big rock star. Now some could say that was just the beginning of what would be a major calling in my life. I tend to think I just needed to play outside more and have fewer imaginary friends. Regardless how you choose to see it, this is who I am. The first album I ever bought with my own money was Petra “More Power to Ya.” Actually bought it twice because I literally wore the first one out. Because of that record, I became consumed with CCM. Growing up, I would spend every penny of my allowance on whatever music the local Christian bookstore carried. Did anyone else own every Stephen Curtis Chapman and Wayne Watson accompaniment tape and sing every chance the church doors were open, or was that just me? I also had a mullet and wore a sweater vest so that I would be taken seriously. I remember watching my girlfriend in seventh grade sing some First Call tune, and knowing I was in love…well, as in love as you can be for a seventh grader. She is now my wife by the way. I remember joining my first praise band. I remember doing my first church camp. I remember when we started MercyMe. I remember making our first independent album. I remember the first time I led a kid to Christ at one of our concerts. I remember the first time I heard one of our songs on the radio. I cried. Not because it was on the radio, but because my dad believed it would happen one day. I am a product of the system to say the least. Christian music has played an enormous role in who I am today, and I am forever grateful.