I have been following Tim Timmons for a few years now because his music resonated with me the first time I heard “Starts With Me”. I was hooked after I learned about his battle with cancer. There are some people you feel connected to when you meet them for the first time. I connect with his music because his struggles speak to my soul. I get it and need the reminder each time I hear “Cast My Cares”.
Tim Timmons Lives While Worshiping
Tim Timmons and Citizens Way came to my hometown of Traverse City, Michigan for the Northern Michigan Worship Arts Conference in November. I was completely excited and walked into the concert that evening with expectations based on other Christian concerts I had attended. The auditorium at West Side Community Church offers an intimate setting, but I assumed it would be a high-energy concert. Tim shattered my expectations. I was blown away and thought about why I originally decided to see him. He changed my understanding of what it means for God to be in control. If you don’t already know, Tim has been living with an incurable cancer for 13 years. He was told when he was first diagnosed and long before having kids that he had five years to live. When you love a song and learn something about an artist that could have shattered their entire existence, you pay attention even more.
Why He Quit Performing Concerts
Tim Timmons doesn’t perform a concert anymore – he even admitted this. Instead, he leads a deep and powerful worship session. I chose to do more than just show up. I allowed myself to be fully present, regardless of anyone around me who heard my off-key notes belting out. The Holy Spirit filled the room that evening and I’m positive that I wasn’t the only one questioning what I thought about who God really is and what He is capable of doing in your life. He asked, “What if He is God and I am not? What if it is true?” Let this sink deep!
What If He Is God and I Am Not?
Cancer doesn’t have a grip on Tim – God does. Tim has allowed God to use this cancer for His glory and transform him into a new being. We can see a glimpse of this as Tim shares his music, which is really him sharing his soul and struggles with God.
A Precious Father
Many Christian artists try to connect with the audience through telling jokes and stories. Tim became real when he told the story of his two-year-old running into the wall while riding a tricycle and how he responded as a father. It was hard to hold back tears when he spoke about his six-year-old daughter making hand motions while listening to “Christ In Me” and she said, “What if I believed in your power and really lived it. What if I believe Christ in me. Christ in me.” It hit home with Tim as he suddenly realized how amazing and powerful it would be if his daughter actually began her life believing that Christ’s power is within her. It’s evident that Tim’s family is on his mind while he is away. Seeing a father who melts when he catches a hint of his children is endearing and a small window into how God sees all of His precious children.
Inviting Me to Be Still
One major difference in a concert and Tim Timmons’ worship session (as I’m calling it) is that he stops singing in the middle of his songs! Honestly, this drove me crazy because I love to keep singing. This killed expectations of getting caught up in the song, but it also quieted my spirit so God could “stir my soul.” It’s so important to be quiet and let God in and I’m now thankful for how Tim invited me into the quiet moments with our savior. The entire time Tim was on stage felt as though he was having a conversation with God and he invited us to hear it.
Tim Timmons doesn’t perform a concert. He uses the time he has to draw people to Christ and it’s amazing to see this unravel live. I feel blessed each time I hear one of his songs after having witnessed him live, which is often since his CD’s live in my car. Thank you Tim for creating precious moments and sharing them with us so we can pass them onto others, such as singing “Good Night My Love” with my daughter and turning it up so she can ‘sing with the kids’. Please come back to Michigan!
Article by Elise Cleary
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.
