I Love My Life
A Book, a Song, and a New Creative Experiment at the Intersection of Scripture, Music, and Technology
Press Release | January 9, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
Author and ministry leader Charles M. Garriott announces the release of a single, I Love My Life—Narcissism, Scripture, and Song, a creative project that unites a published book, Love and Power—Glimpses of the Gospel for those Addicted to Self, with an original companion song—made possible through a blend of original lyrics, Scripture, tradition, and emerging artificial intelligence tools.
The project traces its inspiration back to an unexpected encounter in 2016 with La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle. Though not typically drawn to romantic musicals, Garriott found himself captivated by the film’s imaginative fusion of music and narrative—particularly its opening freeway dance sequence, which transforms a mundane urban frustration into a moment of beauty and meaning.
That experience prompted a question that would linger for years: What if a book had a song? Drawing on the biblical encouragement to teach and admonish through “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19–20), Garriott began exploring the longstanding relationship between Scripture and music. He points to historic examples such as the Genevan Psalter, developed under the leadership of John Calvin, as evidence that theology and song have long shaped one another in Christian worship and formation.
Published in 2019, Love and Power was written as a ministry tool—particularly for readers in Washington, D.C.—reflecting on the encounter between Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17. From the outset, Garriott believed the book’s themes of wealth, power, and thestruggle of the human heart would be strengthened by music. Charles is also known in many circles as the author of Prayers for Trump—Petitions for the 45th President.
While traveling in Los Angeles, he began writing lyrics that would eventually become “I Love My Life”, a song that gives voice to the inner conflict of the Rich Young Ruler. The lyrics incorporate lines from the classic hymn O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus by Samuel Trevor Francis, placing Christ’s call and compassion at the heart of the composition. For years, the song remained unfinished. Using only basic tools such as GarageBand on his iPhone, Garriott (who studied at Baltimore’s Peabody Preparatory in jr. high) shaped melodies but lacked the resources to bring the project to completion. That changed in late 2025, when a conversation with his son Peter introduced the possibility of using artificial intelligence to complete the arrangement.
Within days, guided by Garriott’s lyrics and musical direction, AI-assisted tools produced a fully arranged and recorded version of the song. After refining several iterations, the final version captured the intended tone and message—marking the completion of a project more than seven years in the making.
“Time will tell whether a book-song pairing deepens engagement for readers,” Garriott said. “But I believe AI now makes possible creative work that once stalled due to time or cost. My hope is simple: that good writing inspires good music, that good music deepens reflection on good writing, and that God is honored in the process.”
Charles Garriott was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and educated at the University of Baltimore and Covenant Theological Seminary. For more than 20 years he pastored in Oklahoma City. He is the director of Ministry to State, developing ministry to people in government in Washington, D.C., and in state and international capitals, under the auspices of Mission to North America, Presbyterian Church in America. He has authored Work Excellence: A Biblical Perspective of Work; Obama Prayer: Prayers for the 44th President, Prayers for Trump:Petitions for the 45th President, and Rulers: Gospel and Government. Since 2003 he has lived with his wife Debby in the District of Columbia. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren.
