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This is the beginning of a new year, and with it comes new beginnings. Yet it is also a time of fond farewells. I am thankful for the promise that there are no tears in heaven, as tears on this earth have become all the more frequent, as we find ourselves saying goodbye to many artists and friends we have loved over the years~ J. D. Sumner, Glen Payne, Rex Nelon, Brock Speer, Howard Goodman, Hovie Lister, James Blackwood, and now Vestal Goodman and Jake Hess.

I am old enough to remember when a few others left this world for Home. Big Chief and Doy Ott, to name a few. What person singing gospel music today hasn't listened to the "Statesmen?" I was just a kid when these men passed away, but I still felt the loss. I sensed my father's sorrow as he listened to their records, remembering. And now we will do the same thing: we will listen, and we will remember. These musical pioneers trailblazed a path that decades later we still travel. And we are grateful.

But before a new era of icons rises in the ranks, more soldiers of the faith will fall. And we will greive their loss, though the Bible tell us that "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." And what of the vacuum they are creating? The hole they are leaving? These giants in our industry cannot easily be replaced. Come to think of it, they are irreplaceable. But the future brings with it dreamers. Aspiring singers, musicians, and writers join gospel music's ranks daily. And who will lead them? Those who know that the medium of music is entrusted to us by God for the advancing of His Kingdom. Those who know it is for HIS glory, and not our own. And they are already on the stage. They already wear the "mantle" passed down to them, just as Elisha wore Elijah's. They are the future of our industry. The ones who will leave the footsteps our children will follow. Jason Crabb in the James Blackwood roll. And Lauren Talley stepping into Vestal's shoes. Not to mention the countless others who have emerged on the scene, whose lives are "living epistles." The beauty is that these young people don't have to "be" anyone but themselves to be used of God. Their talent already stands on its own. They will keep gospel music moving forward, preparing the way for the next generation. And though we have said many "goodbyes" of late, we draw comfort in knowing that the way has been paved for the next generation~ which is a living legacy.

Kenna Turner West

www.westhouseonline.com

Reader Comments

Kenna- Thanks for always articulating what is in our hearts! We are so proud of you. Hope to see you soon!!!

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