You See . . . Dreams Can Come True!

Well, here we are! It's August and NQC is only a few short weeks away! I can't wait! It is my favorite time of year!

I have been able to attend NQC for the last 15 years. NQC is my favorite SG event, by far. Everyone is in one place all at the same time. It is just a great week!

I have so many great memories of NQC, both as an artist, and a fan. So, here's a story for you. A story that shows how God can work.

I was, like SO many of you, a huge Cathedrals fan. Huge. Every time they were in the area when I was growing up, I would make sure I went to see them. I remember being excited in the days leading up to the concert, wondering what song they would start with, what new jokes they would tell, etc. I always had a secret dream that George would come out and say "Folks, Roger couldn't make it here tonight, is there anyone out there who knows our songs that would like to play piano for us tonight?" And I would run on stage and kick off whatever song he called. That day never came. Well, it sorta did.

When the Cathedrals were retiring, I wanted to make sure I had all of their music. I did, for the most part. I also wanted their new book that was written about George and Glen. So at NQC I bought it. Then I saw where you could wait in line to get it signed. So I waited...for 45 minutes. It was worth it. I got to talk to Glen and George. They were very cordial. They asked where I was from, and Glen replied "We're going to be there on October 24, Landmark Baptist Temple"(I already knew this, but I acted surprised) and George said "My goodness you're a tall drink of water!" I just laughed and then secretly imagined that he would introduce me on stage using that line if I played piano for them. I worked up the nerve to tell them I always wanted to play piano for them. They smiled and I remember George saying, "Well, if we ever need one, give us a call!" I knew he was just being nice. I closed my book, shook hands with both of them and walked away. It was the last time I would see Glen.

As time passed we all know how this story unfolded. Glen went to heaven. George, along with Ernie Haase, Jake Hess and Wesley Pritchard foremd the Old Friends Quartet. They were great! I continued practicing and playing at my church, still praying for the day that I would get that opportunity.

Then, the same week I got hired to play piano for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Quartet–it happened. On that special night I got to play for George Younce. I remember it so well! We did our entire set and then George made his way to the stage and sang "Suppertime." It was incredible. He looked so sharp in his suit. The guys were all circled around him. There were so many camera flashes going off, the entire room was lit up! As always, George was perfect. Even with his ailing health issues, he was great! He had made such an effort to be there! They rented an RV for his travel and he had undergone dialysis in Louisville the day before just so he would have the strength to sing one more song for the people. I was in total awe. I remember thinking the entire time, "I am playing for George Younce! I can't believe it!" God made my dream come true...in His time.

It's funny how God can take your dreams and use them for His glory. No matter what happens in my life, that dream that started at a Cathedrals concert and ended on the NQC stage will always be a special moment that I hold dear to my heart!

Until next time,

See ya at the table!