Commentary
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.
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.