Hi Friends:
Well … This may be the first time in recorded history in which a video by Elton John is followed by … The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet …
Yet, it confirms the fact that, many times, it is only the words of a song, the words of a poem, which can comfort us, can encourage us, and can help us, in those most difficult times of our life. The power of a song, the words of a song, just can’t be under-stated. And, it seems, the more difficult the time … the more a particular song can, and will, comfort and encourage us … To illustrate this further, just think about the “best times” of your life … how hearing a song, from “that time,” can “take you back” and bring a smile. In the same way, a song which ministered to you, during a difficult time, can make you think back to how God “got you through it,” and, how, just hearing that song, maybe even years later, can bring to remembrance how faithful God was then … and, is now …
I think back to an interview I heard, years ago, on Public Radio. It was in the months following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The interview was with a singer from Canada. It was a major point, at the beginning of the interview, to bring up the fact that the first song this singer sang, as she greeted the audience, was a Gospel song … even though she wasn’t known as a Gospel singer … The song she sang was “The Old Gospel Ship,” which begins with the lines,
“I have good news to bring
And that is why I sing”
She explained how the audience just needed to “hear good news;” they were just so anxious to hear “good news.” I’ll never forget that statement.
So, anyway, a few weeks ago, I had one of those “really, really bad days.” We’ve all had them, and this was “my day.” I was frustrated, angry, upset, etc. Bad day. I sat down at the computer, and pulled up a folder on my computer, which I use to put everything into, which I am storing to use later. I have many videos in there, and all videos I share, including this one, come from that folder. Anyway, on that day, of all the videos to choose from, this was the video I chose to listen to, first. It just blessed me, comforted me, and gave me hope. Now, I know that I had hope “when I walked in,” that I was already so blessed-regardless of the day I was having … I know all that …. But, listening to this song … well, on that day, at that time, when I needed “a little good news” the most … it was this song which helped. Before the song was over, I had forgotten my troubles, and, just smiled … yes, smiled, in the midst of despair, as I “heard” what this song was saying …
Here we go: It’s the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet … Tennessee Ernie Ford, Granpa Jones, Stringbean, and Roy Clark … and, oh yes … I see George Lindsey and Gordie Tapp …
and, I still feel the words to the song …
One more thing:
I had a great day today … but, many didn’t. On that “bad day” I referenced above, many were having great days. I think the true power of a song is when the same song can touch your deepest emotions … on either a bad day … or a good day. I’ll write more about the show, and the singers, later. For now, here are the words to “A Beautiful Life,” written by William Golden.
A Beautiful Life
William M. Golden
Each day I’ll do a golden deed
By helping those who are in need
My life on earth is but a span
And so I’ll do the best I can
Life’s evening sun is sinking low
A few more days, and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done
Where there will be no setting sun
To be a child of God each day
My light must shine along the way
I’ll sing His praise while ages roll
And strive to help some troubled soul
Life’s evening sun is sinking low
A few more days, and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done
Where there will be no setting sun
The only life that will endure
Is one that’s kind and good and pure
And so for God I’ll take my stand
Each day I’ll lend a helping hand
Life’s evening sun is sinking low
A few more days, and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done
Where there will be no setting sun
I’ll help someone in time of need
And journey on with rapid speed
I’ll help the sick and poor and weak
And words of kindness to them speak
Life’s evening sun is sinking low
A few more days, and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done
Where there will be no setting sun
While going down life’s weary road
I’ll try to lift some trav’ler’s load
I’ll try to turn the night to day
Make flowers bloom along the way
The song:
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