Commentary
Tribute to Tony Greene
For those who know Tony and Taranda Greene, today is a sad day. I do not know them personally but, as someone who’s listened to the Greenes for 25 years, I will miss Tony as well.
The first time I saw Tony was in 1993 at an outdoor concert where the Greenes performed with the Hoppers, the Bishops and several lesser known groups and artists. Having never seen the Greenes in person before, I enjoyed watching Tim and Tony’s interaction with each other and the way they poured their heart out for the few people who were at that concert. (Besides my family, I don’t think I’m exaggerating to say everyone else there were performers on the program.) My sister, who was 7 at the time, had on a shirt that matched Tony’s. She pointed it out to him and he was so sweet and took time to make a big deal about it which made her feel special.
Later on, I heard that he was engaged to a lady named Taranda and, when they married, I was happy for them. In a lot of ways, theirs seemed like a story out of a book. It’s been a blessing to watch their family grow with the addition of Belle and Josie. We’ve laughed and cried with them and prayed for them often the last few years but the family will need us to continue to lift them up in prayer. I can only imagine the heartache they are facing but I trust God to wrap His arms around them and carry them through this difficult time.
I was blessed to see Tony perform with the Greenes at the National Quartet Convention this month. The picture above was taken as they sang “Whole Lot of Heaven in the House.” I bet Tony can sing that with even more energy now.
It’s hard to understand God’s timing in taking His children Home but I trust Him. Life really is like a vapor–here today and gone tomorrow–but, as we hold to God’s unchanging hand, we don’t have to fear. Whether it’s our time to go or our dear loved one’s, His grace is there when we need it. He is there to take His child Home and comfort those who are left behind until the day we join them in an environment that we can now only imagine.
As Tim Greene and Phil Cross wrote, “I don’t have to know the reasons. I don’t have to ask Him why. I know He knows what’s best for me, best for my life. So I’ll daily surrender to what He has for me. I will keep on trusting God.” (“I Don’t Have to Know” from The Greenes’ Glimpse of Glory CD)
Heading for Louisville
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the last National Quartet Convention but here we are again and I, for one, am filled with anticipation of everything God is going to do this coming week. Let’s be faithful to pray for the groups and attendees, that everyone there will receive the touch they need from God. He knows what the needs are and it’s not difficult for Him to meet those needs. I pray that those who have a close walk with Him will be a Light to those who don’t know Him or those who don’t have that close relationship that they desire.
The ministry I work for (Wisdom’s Gate) will have a booth (#302). If you are at the Convention, please stop by and say Hello. We will be running a conference special of half price subscriptions to the magazines we publish and we’ll have copies available for purchase if you would like to look through them before subscribing. You may especially be interested in the latest issue of An Encouraging Word since there is an article by Taryn Fowler (Scott Fowler’s wife) and Shelia Heil (whose articles appear in most issues of An Encouraging Word). I’m not at the booth much but hopefully our paths will cross and I’ll be able to meet some of you.
One thing I would advise you in: for those who attend the convention, make sure you’re not worshiping the singers but go prepared to worship the God who created music and inhabits our praise. The people who deliver the music are simply vessels who have been obedient to use the gifts God’s given them but most of them can use encouragement too so be sure to tell them how God has used them or their music in your life.
Have a blessed week and travel safe. For those who are not attending the Convention, please keep us in your prayers as well and I’ll be sure to fill you in on some of the highlights throughout the week.
Rick Fair Singing Bass for Southern Sound Quartet
I was pleased this week to hear about Rick Fair joining Southern Sound Quartet. My first introduction to him was when he was with the Palmetto State Quartet. I had not paid attention to them since the Harold Gilley/Brion Carter days but, when I heard Rick, I began to take notice. There was one song they sang at the time that, at times, I couldn’t tell if it were Rick or Aaron McCune (the bass singer at the time) so it doesn’t surprise me that Southern Sound hired him as a bass. I’ve no doubt he will be a fine one.
Priscilla McGruder’s Homegoing Celebration
I was blessed to be able to catch some of Priscilla McGruder’s Homegoing celebration, and a celebration it was. It wasn’t over the top but it was a great tribute to Priscilla with the focus being on her dedication to God and her readiness to go Home the minute she was called.
Due to the fact that I answer phones for our company and the sound was not real clear when I was able to tune in, I missed a lot of what was said but I think it was Priscilla’s brother who said, “I’ve seen hundreds of people die but I’ve never seen anyone die like that” (speaking of the peaceful way she went). What a testimony! What a walk with God to be so close to Heaven while you’re alive that it’s a graceful entry when you finally arrive at the door.
The songs included in the service were “Special,” “”We Have a Savior,” “Stand on the Word,” and “When We All Get to Heaven.”
Learning what I have of Sister Priscilla the past week or two has given me even more of a glimpse of what I want my end to be but it has to start now. I can’t expect God to say “Well done” up there if He’s not saying “Well done” down here. Priscilla fought the fight, she kept the faith, and she finished her race how she lived her life: praising the Lord. If you desire to meet her, you need to examine your life according to Scripture. When you arrive in Heaven, will you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord”? Or will you hear “Depart from me. I never knew you”?
“Behold, now is the accepted time ; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinithians 6:2).
A Tribute to Priscilla McGruder
On Thursday, April 29, Priscilla McGruder made her grand entrance into Heaven. As I prayed for the family in the days leading up to her Homegoing, I’ve been thinking a lot about the impact she’s made on people’s lives. I never had the blessing of meeting her in person but, as I watch videos of her dancing and singing, even after being diagnosed with cancer, the presence of God comes through and I am reminded of His power and of the miracle she’s been. When the doctors gave her a short time to live years ago, God overrode their prognosis and gave us a few more years with her. I praise Him for that.
As I look at Priscilla, I see a lady who enjoyed her life on earth but who was ready to go Home whenever her Master called her. I’ve heard her described as classy, anointed, and full of the Spirit.
She is now one of the special who has made it Home, looking upon the Master that she faithfully served. Humanly, it seems like she could have done so much more had she lived longer but God doesn’t make mistakes. He has a plan we may not see but one which will better fulfill His purposes. I miss her but I wouldn’t wish her back for the world. “Jasper walls, gates of pearl, rejoicing around the Throne. We call it special. The special call it Home!”
Please continue to keep Carroll and the rest of the McGruder family in your prayers.
Prayer Requested for Carroll and Priscilla McGruder
Most of you have probably heard by now that Priscilla McGruder of the McGruders has been placed under hospice care and there’s a good chance that God may take her Home soon. Let’s take some time to ask God to wrap His arms around Carroll and Priscilla and the family during this time. If you are on Facebook, there is a page here where you can leave a note of encouragement. If Carroll and Priscilla have been a blessing to you, please take a few minutes to let them know.
Kingdom Heirs Video Being Rated in the TellyAwards
I must confess I’d never heard of the TellyAwards but apparently they have been rating videos, films and commercials to let people know what they feel are the best. This year, for the first time, they have opened it up to the public to rate select videos with a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Among a variety of commercials, short films, TV program segments, etc. is The Kingdom Heirs’ “Live at Dollywood” DVD. I did not take the time to watch all the videos available but in looking at the images I didn’t see any other Gospel groups in the list. I don’t know totally how the awards work but I think it’d be neat if we let them know that these are the kind of videos worth watching. To participate, click this link and then click on the thumb. Rating ends on Saturday.
Influence
I was listening to the Cathedrals earlier today and thinking about the influence George & Glen had over so many–not just in the Christian community but in the secular one as well. Even people in the country music field respected them and I suspect it wasn’t just due to their charming personalities. They had to have seen a greater depth and strength that you can’t help but admire.
I think of Howard and Vestal Goodman who also had a lot of friends outside of gospel music. How many lives have been impacted due to their prayers and their faith?
As I think of those who have gone before and the impact they’ve had on my life and the lives of others, I wonder what kind of influence I’m having. When I die, will there be those who will meet me in Heaven because of the life I lived and the words I shared? Did they see God’s love in me that made them desire that love too?
Every one of us influences those around us in some way but we have to choose whether we leave a positive legacy or a negative one. I doubt any of us want to be a negative influence but we need to examine our hearts and lives to make sure we are reflecting Jesus in everything we do. It’s been said that we may be the only Jesus some people ever see. Let’s make sure we’re representing Him well.
Highlights from the National Quartet Convention 2010
I debated on whether to do a really long blog post featuring the whole week or if I should do each day separately. Since so much time has gone by and so as not to drag it out forever, I decided to do one big post with all the highlights. this may be extra long but it may not take long to skim the details. I have not read the other blog reviews of NQC so hopefully I’ll have some new insights or details that have not yet been covered.
In previous years, I’ve focused more on attending concerts in Freedom Hall but not going to a lot of the showcases. This year, I was able to see some of the lesser known groups perform and I’m glad I did.
Monday afternoon was my first time to see the Crist Family. I’ve been hearing good things about them but it was nice to experience them in person. They sang “Big Hallelujah” and “Joy’s Gonna Come in the Morning.” The group was very charismatic, especially Tami, so I can see why people like them. I picked up their latest CD and, although I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, I look forward to doing so.
Gerald Wolfe was the emcee Monday night and that was probably my biggest concert night. I saw Greater Vision, Tribute Quartet, The Inspirations, The Perrys, Squire Parsons, Gold City, Dixie Melody Boys, the McKameys, The Collingsworth Family, Naomi & the Segos, and Brian Free & Assurance.
I didn’t get to many of the concerts on Tuesday so will move along to Wednesday.
Thursday was the Bluegrass showcase. I was never into bluegrass growing up but I’ve learned to appreciate some of it in recent years. The performers were The Watkins Family, The Rochesters, The Isaacs, The Primitive Quartet, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, and a surprise visit by Jerry Salley. They also gave away awards that night as follows:
Female Vocalist: Becky Matthews (Rochesters)
Male Vocalist: Ben Rochester (Rochesters)
Instrumentalist: Ben Rochester (Rochesters)
Group: The Primitive Quartet
New Artist: Triple L Band
Song: “I’m a Soldier” (Rochesters)
Later that evening, I got to see the Diplomats and the Freemans back to back. Both groups were excellent. I’m still becoming familiar with the Diplomats but I think the Freemans were better than ever.
On Friday, I went to see Canaan’s Crossing. Some of you may remember me reviewing one of their CDs a couple months ago. I’ve enjoyed what I heard so it was neat to see them in person. Tina Miller seems like a neat lady and is very talented. I picked up their new CD too so I’m sure another review will be coming sometime in 2011.
That night I also saw The Kingsmen, Triumphant, The Easters, the Perrys, and I loved the finale of one of my favorite songs: “I Wish I Could Have Been there.” I don’t think I will ever get tired of seeing them perform that and I hope they never get tired of singing it.
Saturday‘s showcase was a tremendous highlight for me. It was the 100th Anniversary celebration of Southern Gospel music and the reunions that stage held were some that I never thought I’d see.
First of all, the LeFevre Quartet, the Blackwood Brothers and the Chuck Wagon Gang sang a few songs to honor their heritage. Then Lulu Roman sang “Two More Hands” and “King of Who I Am”–two songs which I remember well from the 1980s.
Dony, Reba and Destiny McGuire did the tribute to the Rambos with a medley of songs the Rambos had made popular. I missed having Dottie there but have to trust God in His timing. Buck Rambo joined them on “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” “Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of That City,” and “Things Are Gonna Be Better.”
The Nelons sang, “The Son’s Coming Up, “Son Go Bring My Children Home,” “O For a Thousand Tongues,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.”
Scott Fowler, Gerald Wolfe, Danny Funderburk, Mark Trammell and Glenn Dustin paid a tribute to the Cathedrals, and then Ed Hill, Dewayne Burke, Rick Strickland, Michael English and Clayton Inman formed the Singing Americans to sing “Home,” “Glory Road,” and “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy.”
What a wonderful afternoon. It was about two hours long but they packed a lot into that short amount of time.
On the main stage that evening, the performers included the Inspirations, the Primitive Quartet, the Blackwood Brothers, and the Mark Trammell Quartet.
I felt so blessed the whole week. Some of my friends didn’t arrive until Wednesday or Thursday but I met some new friends and enjoyed time with people that I don’t see but once a year. I still didn’t get a full ice cream cone but was able to finish some of my sister’s ice cream in a cup. We also never got around to getting our annual funnel cake but maybe next year.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my review. There’s a lot that I’ve probably forgot to mention or highlight but I’ve given you an overview and this, along with what’s been covered on other blogs, should fill you in on what you missed if you weren’t able to attend. If you were there, I’d love to hear about anything special God did for you that week. He is so faithful!