Andy Andrews, who I last heard at Praise Gathering, was our morning speaker. His style was warm, intimate, humorous and engaging. His talk focused strongly on one of the "Seven Decisions": making the choice to be happy. Why was it that some people were successful and happy and others were not? How much of a part does perception or fear play into being who we are? If we can affect others' perceptions, how can we change ours? Andy reminded us that in between the mountaintops is where the growth happens...even in our worst times, hope remains. Using a football game metaphor, he said we should thank God for the first half of our lives. The tragedy is when someone doesn't come out for the second half because they've given up and quit. Everything we do matters.
Andy told us to strive for being a person others wanted to be around, noting Jesus grew in stature and in favor with God and man because He was this kind of person. One suggestion he made for us was to smile when we speak.
I admit to being slightly concerned when Andy said earlier in discussing success that encouragement was fine, but proof was better. As an encourager and coach, I would submit that in some instances I've found encouragement a necessary agent to eventually bring out proof. However, later on when he spoke of people whose lives were getting worse, that some of those never received encouragement, who received more "no" than "yes" from people. Thus, I was glad he did clarify and affirm the importance of encouragement.
The Sisters sang the Lord's Prayer, and then the "Moms" (Bev Lowry, Brenda Ruppe) provided a major God showing up moment for us. Brenda Ruppe testified and sang "We Were Born To Serve The Lord", with each daughter, Kim, Valerie and Heather, sharing what they learned from Brenda--primarily about how to serve the Lord. Bev and Mark did some good natured needling of each other. Mark explained that sometimes they do get into rather intense disagreements because they love each other so much and want to challenge each other. Bev sang "He Who Believeth" and declared she wanted that sung at her funeral--by herself, via video! Brenda and the Ruppe daughters sang the moving "Under His Wings" and Mark sang "Mary Did You Know".
After a lunch break came the Booth Brothers concert. Barbara Fairchild and Woody Wright opened with a few songs. I've never seen the Booth Brothers in a full concert prior to this, just in brief showcase settings or with the Gaither tour. You must, must, see their regular concert. Michael and Ronnie Booth and Jim Brady together and solo are wonderful singers, great entertainers (Michael is quite the character)and effective and sincere ministers. Some of the highlights for me were: a cover of the Imperials "I'm Forgiven", with a little Earth Wind and Fire "September" flavor thrown in; Jim Brady soloing on "For Sentimental Reasons" from the album of standards he made with his dear wife Melissa (great songs, great singing = sold. I headed to the product table for this one).
I really appreciated the sensitivity Michael Booth showed as he explained that he knew the love songs they sang wouldn't apply to everyone in the audience, such as those who lost love or have yet to find it...he was just trying to encourage those who are married to stay strong in the midst of so many divorces.
The Booth Brothers didn't sing their signature career tune "The Blind Man Saw It All" in this concert set, but I liked the one they sang which was written by the same composer and similar in style, called "He Would".
The Booth Brothers will be back in the "comedy blast" night...and so will I to report later.
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