Last week, I posted a few things that I considered to be "right" with Southern Gospel music. I then solicited your thoughts about our favorite music. For the most part, the responses were positive. In fact, all of them were - except one.

Below are highlights -copied and pasted directly from the original mail -from some of the musings I received.

April 23rd of this year will be a day I will never forget. For it is the day that I lost my mother. In fact, today has been exactly 12 weeks since she passed away. When we planned her funeral, there was music-want to guess what kind? Southern gospel, of course!!!! Why? Because of what you said in your article-the lyrics. The lyrics have the power to change a life forever. They also have the power to help someone through a very tough time-I know, I am living proof to that.

I just love Southern Gospel music. If I could sing or play an insturment, it would become my livelihood. But since I am not blessed in that way, I will be a supporter.

Paula

What's right about Southern Gospel music is the hearts of the performers. Yes, it is a business and yes, they do entertain us, but for most, more than anything it is a ministry and an honor to carry the message of hope and redemption people that the Lord loves. It could be a 93 year old who goes to see the Kingdom Heirs on his birthday and each one takes time for a picture and an autograph. Or perhaps it is Booth Brothers concert when they tell the crowd about their product and then annouce that if the music ministers to someone and they can't afford the price of a CD, just let them know and they will give them one at no charge. The same attitude is present in many groups and artists. The love of God shows through and that is so very, very right.

Joe

Southern gospel artists are to be commended for their continuing efforts in dealing with ever increasing travel costs. On recent occasions, we have heard several accounts concerning the impact of high fuel prices and maintenance of buses. We, as southern gospel fans, should keep this in mind when we attend concerts. We can be supportive by purchasing products and giving liberally when it is a situation of a love offering concert. We should also make it a point to offer words of support and encouragement.

Vernie

I think another thing that is right with Southern Gospel Music is the accesability and availability of the artist to the fan. To be more than the guy or gal on the stage. To be the minister that you have called to be on a more personal level. To really make a difference in someones life. I think this personal interaction of the artist and the fan, that by the way is extremely rare in any other genre, is the glue somewhat that holds the genre together. The message from the guy singing on stage is good, the message from a friend, from someone who cares, from someone who just prayed for you is priceless.

I know that it is tough sometimes on the artist. The only refuge sometimes is the bus, and even that gets infringed upon, but it's a sacrifice that I believe most are willing to make to see the genre go forward and most importantly see the Gospel go forward.

Brian

My additions to "what is right" with Southern Gospel Music include using technology that is equal to other music genres. For example, groups and ministries are using websites, blogs, posts, e-commerce, e-newsletters, Web 2.0, etc. That type of interaction between the fans and their favorite artists was simply not possible when we were growing up. In my opinion this has solidified the community. Also many Southern Gospel artists are utilizing the lastest technology (when appropriate) in concert settings, such as video screens and great lighting effects. Lastly, but most important, because of the great work of the Holy Spirit, each day new songs are born into the hearts of gifted people, just as new souls are continually being born into the family of God. The music does not belong to us, we just share what God has put in our hearts. He does the rest!

Kevin

The real distinguishing characteristic of Southern Gospel music is the lyrics of the songs. It truly is music with substance. There is an unashamed presentation of the gospel: the blood, the cross, the resurrection, heaven. There are songs about the life and ministry of Jesus, songs of testimony and songs of the goodness and the love of God. Many songs are a source of encouragement in trials of life. The songs have helped me to grow spiritually. Although God does not give us a promise of tomorrow on this earth, He does give a promise of eternity. Southern Gospel music helps to remind me each day that I am in a safe place--in the hollow of God's hand.

Donna

I see a lot that's right about Southern Gospel music. The movement of the Holy Spirit upon the writer of the song, the singer and the audience is so profound. It's as if God already knew who needed the message in a song.

Carolyn

You are totally right (yes, pun intended) about this.

Another right thing with Southern Gospel is that it's a tool God uses to unify the body of Christ. As we all know, Southern Gospel trancends denominational, geographical, racial, or any other bounds that often divide the church.

Quaid

Like I said, all but one of the responses were positive. So in the spirit of giving everyone their say, let me share part of one person's comments as he offered his disagreement (and understand that because the original response was very lengthy, it's been trimmed to what you see below):

you are a well paid executive with Singingnews, Im sure you earn 100.000.00 ayear or more plus your travel exp that are paid for by S.N. and all the free stuff you get from product tables cds videos etc. So of course you are going to be very positive about Southern Gospel. I have been following Gospel since 1960 and I see the trmendous changes that have taken place. The big name gospel singers are in it for theMONEY and that is the bottom line. they sing a few songs, talk about new cd or video have piano player play for about 10 minutes, sing another song or two and are ready for... pay day or the freewill offering... little ole ladies on SSI still find it in their spirits to give 20.00 bills...also the nerve you have when some gospel singinger has a health problem... I m supposed to send them a financial gift to help pay thei medical expense. why cant they have BlueCross Blue Sheild like the rest of humanity does... Let mne tell them I have chealth problems and cant pay for a cd or video, sorry fellow, you give us money or no cd or video..and the jewelry these phoneys wear and expect a big offering. Im not giving a dime in the opffering when I see the rocks...they wear on their fingers, and the luxerious millinon dallor or more buses these people drive around in. come on lets match the talk with the walk...

Neal

Whether or not you agree or disagree that there are several things that are "right" about Southern Gospel, the fact remains that many people are avid - even borderline rabid - supporters of this music.

And that, my friends, is another thing that is right.