In 1971, an ABC Movie of the Week captured the hearts of millions. It was quickly picked up by Columbia Pictures and shown in theaters across the country, and a remake was released in 2001 to wide acclaim. Way beyond the standard sports movie, Brian’s Song told the true story of Chicago Bears football player Brian Piccolo and his unlikely deep friendship with fellow running back Gayle Sayers. After an outstanding collegiate career, Piccolo spent four years largely in Sayer’s shadow as a player, but he was dedicated, determined, and widely liked.
In 1969, after only four years in the NFL, Brian Piccolo was diagnosed with cancer, and Brian’s Song recounts Sayers’ support and grief for his friend. When Sayers won an award for courage in the spring of 1970 as a rare black player in the NFL during the tumultuous racial climate of the times, Sayers dedicated it to the “more deserving” Piccolo. Sayers said, “Brian Piccolo has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent – cancer. He has the mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word ‘courage’ twenty-four hours a day.” In just over a month after Sayers’ emotional speech, Piccolo died from cancer at the age of 26, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters.
The Brian’s Song musical theme, “The Hands of Time,” quickly became a standard. It begins, “If the hands of time/ were hands that I could hold/ I’d keep them warm and in my hands/ They’d not turn cold. Hand in hand we’d choose/ the moments that should last/ the lovely moments that should have no future and no past.” It’s a beautiful, moving tear-jerker.
The movie continues to touch generations, especially because of the theme song. As I sang it as part of a high school choral performance, I vividly remember having to leave the stage in tears crying about the early death of my mother, also from cancer. I had no idea that another Brian, born in 1971 when the movie debuted, would have a song – actually, over a hundred songs – that would also have tremendous impact. Or that this notable Brian would also die of cancer.
That man is my nephew Brian Craig, the son of my oldest brother and his wife. Brian is widely described as a kind, generous, and humble man with an amazing talent for writing Christian worship music. His songs are literally heard around the world through his denomination’s multi-national presence, and his music can be found on YouTube and major streaming platforms. Brian is equally described as an evangelist with a pastoral heart who deeply loved his family and people, and who cared for them well.
Incredibly creative, Brian also is known for his artistic talent. His hand-drawn Christmas cards are anticipated every year and grace my refrigerator door until the next year’s replacement. As a young man, Brian drew the cover art for the first edition of my book No Stones – Women Redeemed from Sexual Addiction, published in 2002.
Just after Christmas twenty years later in 2022, this Brian – a beloved singer/songwriter, evangelist, worship leader, instructor, husband, father, son, brother, and friend – was diagnosed with an especially aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. His almost two-year journey with this devastating disease inspired all who knew him, as Brian continued to write, sing, and share vulnerably about his courageous faith during this unexpected interruption of life. On November 10th at age 53, Brian died surrounded by his wife and children, parents and siblings, and supported by hundreds of us from afar. As Brian’s song now rings in heaven, the outpouring of public support from across the globe has been astonishing.
As we focus on thanksgiving during this holiday week, my family is both heartbroken and immensely grateful for Brian Craig and for each other. Yet, ours is not a unique grief. Many of you will remember loved ones who once joined your Thanksgiving table and now are no longer on this earth. The ending words of Brian’s song “Anchor for the Soul” resonate deeply these poignant days: “When the day is gone/ When my journey ends/ Won’t be nothing better/ Than to be together/ With all my faithful friends/ We’ll all join in song/ Gathered ’round the throne/ There’ll be no more sorrow/ Someday when tomorrow/ Heaven is our home. I really hope you’ll take time to listen to this song that is comforting so many people even after Brian is gone.
As Christians, we live in hope that death is only the beginning of a different newness of life. On this Thanksgiving, I invite you to remember your loved ones who have passed away. Every year my heart aches for my mother, who died just before Thanksgiving in 1959, and this year I’ll especially think of Brian.
But even more, I urge you to celebrate those who are here – those who are part of your table of life whether they are physically present for the Thanksgiving meal or fellowshipping with you in spirit.
Make time to reach out to your people. Share what they mean to you and how your life would be different if they weren’t part of it. Celebrate the joys you bring to each other. Create your own heart’s “Brian’s Song” of fellowship, of friendship, of love, of gratitude.
Please know that I am immensely thankful for you and for being allowed into this sacred space in your life. Many blessings on you and yours this Thanksgiving!
Marnie C. Ferree
Bethesda Workshops Founder
