Jun

Farewell Dana Key

The Pledge album cover (DeGarmo & Key) Today I heard some sad news — Dana Key has passed away at the age of 56.

As I push higher into the decade count in my own life, I have to expect more news like this — those who have been leaders, motivators, encourages and, dare I say, heroes in my life being called home.

Dana was a man who had a heart for God. That was obvious by the music that he and his friend Eddie DeGarmo wrote and performed for so many years. As a young man in college, I remember listening to their albums. I even got to see them in concert once. The music that they performed was backed up by their lives.

If you are a fan of DeGarmo & Key then I know that you will share in my sorrow. But you must also share in the joy of knowing that Dana has been called home. He is with Jesus, the one to whom he dedicated his life 40 years ago. Jesus has welcomed him and acknowledged his faithfulness. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

At this time I would like to express my condolences to Dana’s family, friends and fans. When I was looking up the passage that I wanted to put here in support I ended up looking at the wrong passage. Or did I? Perhaps God directed me to Romans 12 even though that was not where I intended to go. But here I find this verse:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.” Rom 12:1 (NIV)

I think that this sums up what Dana’s music taught me. And I think that Dana lived this verse. And as Paul says in 1 Thes 4:13 (NIV) “Brothers, we do not want yo to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.”

If you do not know this hope for yourself, I know that Dana would join me in urging you to find it. Cry out to God to show you how to have this hope. Ask him to bring people into your life that will guide you. Ask for his holy spirit to give you wisdom. Read the Bible. Find a church group that reveres God’s word. E-mail me. Don’t give up until you know the hope that inspired the music of D&K.

My all time favourite song from D&K is The Pledge. It’s a pretty simple song, but very powerful. Sometimes the simplest things are the most powerful.

The Pledge
It’s a world of choices patterned to confuse.
Distracting little voices whisper what to do.
Searching for the pieces one step from the edge.
Turn your heart toward Jesus. Make this solemn pledge.

He died for me. I’ll live for Him.

Above all lords and regents. He is the King of kings.
I’m pledging my allegiance through these words I sing.
Take this oath of service. Write it on your wall.
It’s our only purpose for living life at all.

He died for me. I’ll live for Him.
He died for me. I’ll live for Him.
He died for me. I’ll live for Him.

by Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key © 1989 DKB Music