It is not very often that a 30 minute conversation with someone we just met leaves us feeling moved, inspired, valued, and better equipped for our own journey – all at the same time. But my 30 minutes with Dr. Jerry Goebel did just that.

Dr. Goebel is so unassuming that you would never know that he has five albums and six popular music awards to his name; that he has written multiple books and studies, speaks around the country, has helped address school violence in Canada, founded a school, and worked as a business manager – just to name a few of his accomplishments. Not to mention that he has taught and sang in many venues including schools, homeless shelters, and prisons. 

After spending time with him, some might call him a world-changer, a mentor, an encourager, a light to the world, and a friend. However, in all that, you would likely never guess that homeless was what he was once called. After his father asked him to leave at 15 (because of his desire to be a musician), Jerry continued to experience homelessness into his early 20’s. Sleeping in bus stations and on the streets showed him a world that needed hope and healing – a mission that he accepted and embraced for 40 years.

Jerry lives his life so as to inspire hope and bring healing to those he meets and works with. His music is a tool that invites people to participate and connect. He has seen music bypass the brain and open the heart –  especially when someone is facing overwhelming struggles and challenges.

He believes that the more you give, the more you have. One of the things that he most wants to give everyone, wherever he goes, is unconditional dignity – for him, this is the best way to communicate what love is. “How do I offer you dignity no matter how you are behaving?”  “How do I meet you where you are and bring my calm?” “How do I remain the calmest presence in this room or situation?” This is perhaps the foundation of providing a trauma informed response to those around us.

To be honest with you, I am not really sure what exactly his keynote topic will be at the 7th Annual CRI Conference, but I do know this – whatever Dr. Jerry Goebel does speak on, I want to hear it.