From the time I heard Porter Wagoner sing A Satisfied Mind, I was hooked on music. I love the old country ballads moan and groan of love gone wrong or life gone right. I grew up on Porter, Buck Owens, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn. But like any child I had some of my own favorites - The Cowsills, The Archies. Then I hit the teen years and fell in love with Rock & Roll. I still have my albums by Three Dog Night, Bob Seger, The Bee Gees and many more.
As the years rolled on and I became involved in church, I fell in love with those old gospel hymns, Amazing Grace, Mansion over the Hilltop, The Old Rugged Cross.
I went through the years with my children's music tastes. But instead of the usual "mom thing" of yelling for them to turn it down, I would pop into their rooms to listen as Bon Jovi sang You Give Love a Bad Name or Poison singing Every Rose has its Thorn. (I still have Bon Jovi CD's I listen to).
I always remembered my country roots and have stayed true to my country music. The old time greats will always touched my heart, He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones brings tears to my eyes. And newer ballads like Reba's I'll Keep on Loving You.
But nothing ever replaces the heart-felt love that comes from singing gospel music. It is a deep-seated love of God that brings true blessings from songs that sing of His Mercy, His Grace and the beautiful heaven He has prepared for us. Sometimes when I'm in the choir singing, I feel like God has sent angels down to stand among us, to help us lift our voices in heavenly praise. Some of the gospel songs, old and new, just make you feel like your feet are lifting off the ground.
They say music soothes the savage beast. I don't think you have to be a beast to be soothed by music. It is my lifeblood and I cannot image what life would be like if there was no music.
