Mark Lowry

Item: The Last Word
Author: Ann Hathcock

The Last Word

(1993)

Reviewed by Ann Hathcock

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Word RecordsThe LighthouseJuly 1993

ccm comedy spoken word

Anyone need a laugh? Mark Lowry will deliver with his new release The Last Word. As with his last two recordings, Mark has combined personal stories of his life with a lineup of seven unique songs. His stand-up comedy is represented much better on the video than the audio although the material is the same since the video captures Mark's personality and his crazy expressions. The first song "If Your Heart Belongs To Jesus" is an upbeat reminder of our kinship through Jesus Christ despite our diverse backgrounds and church denominations. He continues this theme into his first story, "Presbyterian Baptismal." In the next story, Mark shares about being a single adult in "Praying To A Single Adult." He shows us that it is okay to be single because Jesus was a single adult. Following this, Mark shares "Baby Why Not Me," which is a parody of Amy Grant's "Baby Baby." The song is about Solomon and how Mark is trying to get tips (and "pick-up-lines") from the man with over 700 wives. The only problem is that Solomon tells us in the Bible that his women had "a tower for a nose, legs like cedar trees, and teeth like sheep." This is obviously not a 90's kind of woman-but the song certainly is creative. The next three stories are about Mark's personal life. "The New Dentist," "The Old Sanctuary," and "All Mama Ever Wanted" show how a hyperactive child got through childhood by torturing all those around him.

"The Last Word" reminds me of a Carman-style tune that tells of a conflict with Satan wanting the last word. We must fight to give Christ the final word and dominion in our lives. "Fritzy and Helen Hanft" is a story about Mark's neighbor who thought that Mark would never make anything of his life. "I Know, I Know" tells us that God can and will use us if we are submitting to His will. The next stories, "Flying With A Baby" and "Life Backwards" talk about reality of everyday life. Mark tells his theory that the life cycle is backward and that we should go from death to birth. Sounds good to me! At this point in the video and audio, the laughter stops and an altar call is given for those who do not know Christ to accept Him as Savior and Lord. Mark then sings two beautiful songs that he wrote. "Rest In The Arms" gives us the calm assurance of our Heavenly Father holding us for eternity. Would you trade anything in this world for a glimpse of Jesus? Mark expresses his desire to give any of this world's pleasures "For A Glimpse Of You." The audio ends with a reprise of "If Your Heart Belongs To Jesus." An extra treat is in store for those who view the video with a guest appearance by Bill Gaither, Michael English, and Sandi Patti. This concept tops off a great recording for Mark Lowry. I would highly recommend this video or audio for anyone who would like to lighten your day with laughter and reassure the soul of rest and peace in the Heavenly Father.