As I sit down to write this article, December 29, 2003, I am still in shock at the passing of Vestal Goodman. But we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ Jesus. I choose to say that we have not lost Vestal. After all, you can't call someone lost if you know where they are. We are simply separated from her for a time, but we will see her again.
Today she is living the very songs that she made famous. I HOLD A CLEAR TITLE, WHAT HEAVEN MEANS TO ME, THE HOLY HILLS OF HEAVEN, RISE AND BE HEALED, THAT SOUNDS LIKE HOME TO ME, WAIT 'TIL YOU SEE MY BRAND NEW HOME, STANDING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING and I WOULDN'T TAKE NOTHIN' FOR MY JOURNEY NOW!!!
She was more than just a gospel singer. She was a mentor, encourager, praiser, worshipper, a prayer warrior and a hero of the faith. She was a songwriter's best friend. To my knowledge, I don't know that she ever wrote a song of her own. But she could take a lyric and make it so uniquely hers, so that it sounded as though she must have written every word of it. She could take a classic song like ROCK OF AGES and make you feel like you were hearing the lyric for the very first time. She could also take a brand new song like GOD WALKS THE DARK HILLS and put her stamp on it. Anyone that tried to sing one of her songs after she did it, would never quite accomplish what she was able to do with it.
I was not privileged to have her record any of my songs, although I came close on two occasions. But I did have the privilege of getting to know her. She was a founding member of River of Life Church in Smyrna TN, where Johnny Minick pastors. My wife and I are members there also. There have been many times over the last seven years when Vestal would take the stage and ask me to help her sing. I'll cherish those memories forever!
One Sunday morning I heard her tell about the night she got saved. She said she walked to the altar and fell in love with Jesus, and she decided right then and there that she didn't care who knew about it. That inspired me to write a song called I LOVE THE LORD which was later recorded by the Hoskins Family. In the chorus of that song I repeated what Vestal said that day.
I love the Lord, I love the Lord
I'm gonna sing it and shout it
I don't care who knows about it
I love the lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord
There is a lot of talk these days about ministry and entertainment. This lady balanced both perfectly. If you ever wonder what anointing is, look at her life. She lived in the anointing of the Holy Ghost.
To all the songwriters down through the years who did have a song recorded by Vestal and the Happy Goodmans, I say congratulations. I don't know of a higher honor a songwriter could have than to have an artist like this deliver your words and music to the world.
As I have listened to the many recordings by Vestal and the rest of the Goodmans, I noticed something about the songs they chose to record. They always encouraged the believer, lifted up the name of Jesus, or called a sinner to repentance. They never sang of gloom or doom. They never described a hopeless situation without pointing the listener to Christ, because they had hope in Jesus.
As you begin writing in 2004, keep this thought in mind. Make sure your lyrics are Biblically based. If you describe a problem, make sure you give the answer to that problem. It is Jesus. And then pray that God will send someone that can deliver your song to the world in a special way.
Until next time, keep on writing!
Daryl
Author: Daryl Williams
| Author's Website: http://darylwilliamstrio.net
Written: 12/31/2003
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Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Songwriter
Comments: 4
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Daryl, I look forward to your article every month. You are a good songwriter.
Daryl, This is the first time I have seen this web page. You made some wonderful remarks about Vestal. It is unfortunate that gospel music has to lose some one of her statue. She put all she had into her singing and I believe it should be that way. If we can't project God in our singing and our lives, we fail to get the message of Gods wonderful love toward us to those listening. Hope to re-visit again. Sincerely, George R Johns
I NEED THE WORDS TO THE SONG
I need the words to what heaven means to me can you help me. Sheila
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