Dear Friends,
What am I going to write about? Each morning I wake up early with
the goal of writing something worth reading, something that will encourage you,
challenge you, and hopefully point you to Jesus. Sometimes words come easy, and
I know right off what I want to say. Sometimes, however, I struggle, and I am
not sure what to write or where to begin.
This morning was one of those days. I lay in bed wondering what to
share and the thought of music came to mind. Not just any music, but country
music and specifically the spiritual side of country music.
Those who know me, are aware that I am passionate enthusiast of
classic country music. I’ve attended concerts of Reba McEntire, Don Williams,
Randy Travis, Merle Haggard, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn, and my favorite
concert of all, George Strait’s Farewell Tour. There is something about country
music that speaks to me. I suspect it’s the stories in the music that moves my
heart.
I have been rewatching Ken Burns 8-part documentary on Country
Music, and if you haven’t seen it, it is a must watch. I promise you that
whether you enjoy country music or not, watching this documentary will give you
a new appreciation for this music genre. I bet by the time you finish watching
it, some of you will be up and dancing to Boot ‘Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks and
Dunn.
But as I lay awake this morning, I started reflecting on country
songs that carry a spiritual message, ones that have drawn people closer to
Jesus. I scrolled through a number of songs, listened to a few of them- and
while I knew most of them, there were a few that were new to me. Having done so,
I came up with “Crenshaw’s Country Spiritual Classics,” songs that I thought
you would enjoy, but more importantly that would point you to Jesus.
They include Carrie Underwood’s, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” recently
voted the 4th best country song of the decade and the song that
kicked off her career as a country music super star. Also, on the list is
one of my favorites, “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis whose music career
was sadly cut short by a stroke. Included on my list is Brooks and Dunn’s,
powerful rendition of “Believe,” and Alabama’s “Angels Among Us.” On that list
is Steve Wariner’s “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” one of my all-time
favorites. And who could forget the gospel classics, “The Old Rugged Cross” and
“The Family Bible” by two of country’s greatest singers, the late Johnny Cash
and George Jones?
I can guarantee listening to Vince Gill sing “Go Rest High on That
Mountain” will bring tears to your eyes. It was written for the funeral of the
late Keith Whitely who died far too young, and it was sung at the funeral of
George Jones by Vince and Patty Loveless (bring the tissues). Josh Turner, a
strong believer, has two of my favorites on the list, “The Long Black Train”
and “Me and God.” George Strait has a powerful rendition of “I Saw God Today,”
and included on my list is “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
I listened to a few songs that I had never heard before that are
worth listening to: Brad Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going,” John Michael
Montgomery’s “The Little Girl,” “New Again” by Sara Evans and Brad Paisely,
“Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and the Scott family, “Something in the Water
by Carrie Underwood and one I especially loved, “When I Get Where I am Going,”
by Brad Paisely and Dolly Parton.
And when you have listened to all of them, I suggest
the following: Garth Brooks, “Unanswered Prayer,” Merle Haggard, “Pray”, Tammy
Wynette, “Precious Memories,” Willie Nelson, “Uncloudy Days,” The Carter
Family, “Can the Circle be Unbroken,” Dolly Parton, “He’s Alive,”
Kris Kristofferson, “Why Me Lord,” Hank Williams, “I Saw the
Light,” and the all-time country classic, “The Great Speckled Bird” by Roy
Acuff.
That’s enough to get your day started with a little
“singspiration.” Let me know what you think about my choices and be sure and
include your all-time spiritual country classics.
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
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