The Boys

Jerry and I got hooked on the Gaither Homecoming videos back in the early 90s. I was introduced to many southern gospel singers and many southern gospel songs that I'd never heard before. The videos were inspiring, relaxing and fun.

One of the performers I particularly enjoy is Ernie Haase. He sang tenor with The Cathedrals. When The Cathedrals retired, and the two longtime, original members of the group died, Ernie started his own quartet. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Suffice to say they are high energy!

My friend, Carol, gave me their first video. It was during a time I needed encouragement. I watched that video many times and it got me through some rough days. I also received their DVD Get Away Jordan and enjoyed that too. Its been a number of years since I've seen the video tape and DVD.

When Jerry was away for a night or two he'd call and ask what I was doing. I'd say, "I'm watching the boys!"  I guess he decided this craze would wear itself out, so he didn't say anything. And it did.

These last few weeks of helping Mom while in the hospital and bringing her to my home to live certainly changed my life. So, I just sat myself down the other evening while Jerry was at work and watched the boys! Their high energy hasn't slowed down, and the songs I could sing along with. It was a great way to relax!

My friend, Linda, goes to Lancaster each year to see them perform. I'm a little envious to say the least. Who knows, maybe one year I'll make that trip myself!

One of the songs I especially enjoy the boys singing is titled: Forgiven Again, written by Gloria Gaither and her son, Benjamin. I love the chorus . . .

"Just in sight of the place where the lane meets the road, The Father was waiting to carry my load,
His big arms were open to draw me to Him, Forgiven, Forgiven, Forgiven again."

"Then Came the Morning" is another song I love hearing the boys sing:

"Then came the morning, night turned into day; The stone was rolled away, hope rose with the dawn.
Then came the morning, shadows vanished before the sun, Death had lost and life had won, for morning had come."

If you've never watched a Gaither Homecoming DVD I'd recommend it. One of my favorites is "I'll Meet You on the Mountain."As I mentioned I've been introduced to many singers I'd never heard of before these videos came on the scene. Some of my favorites? Janet Paschal (who I saw in concert with my friend, Pam), Allison Durham Speer (who I saw with my friend, Carol,), Buddy Greene, who plays a great harmonica,  Debra Talley, who has a stunning alto voice, The Isaacs, whose CD Naturally, almost a cappella is great!, Kim Hopper, of The Hoppers, and her CD I Just Wanted You to Know, and The Hopper quartet too! I don't want to forget Squire Parsons, a fine country gentleman and Charlotte Ritchie, who sings like an angel (or so I think since I've never heared an angel before.)

I was also introduced to fine quartets and trios such as: The Booth Brother, The Martins, Greater Vision, and Jeff and Sherry Easter. There are so many groups I love to listen too. I thank God for godly singers who praise our God and worship our Lord.

And now that we finally got cable, I can watch the Homecoming crowd on Saturday evenings. During a show we recently watched, MeadowLark Lemon was a guest, and he said: "This is church. It's what I always thought church should be like."

Let me say that, no, the performers aren't perfect. After all, they're human. They go through all the trials and tribulations as you and me. They comfort each other and are comforted. But the spirit in the circle of performers inspires you to be a stronger Christian and encourages your heart.

I'm sure I'll be watching the boys again one day, and enjoy their high energy entertainment. The put a smile on my face! And at the end of the show Ernie sings his signature song, "Oh What a Savior!" That He is!