And the award goes to....

Me! As one of those questions in the previous meme post asked what was something you've always dreamed about doing, and since some folks are sort of questioning my singing professionally answer, I figured I should address this issue.

My sweet husband alluded to the fact that I was a "professional" singer. Let me clarify what "professional singer" means to me. In my humble opinion, a professional singer is someone who has a record contract, agent, band, etc. Someone who's out there on the road trying to "make it", or one who's already "made it".

What my husband is referring to in his comment is the time when I was a member of Trinity Trio. This was a group formed by me and a couple of my dearest friends, Joanie and Darrell Day. We were a Southern Gospel trio and we did record a project and we did make a few appearances and we were paid occasionally. For those of you who are wondering what type of music Southern Gospel is, it's kind of like a cross between Gospel and Contemporary Christian music. It's a kind of music that's been around over a hundred years. It's an old fashioned, clap your hands, stomp your feet sort of thing. Usually it features split parts, harmonies, and soaring melodies. While I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in the group, this is not really what I envisioned when I originally answered the question in that meme.

For as long as I can remember I have been singing. Singing in the car, singing at home, singing at church. Some of my earliest memories are of standing up in church singing beside the piano. Sometimes standing in a chair so folks could see me. Every revival we ever went to or anytime we visited a church, my parents or my pastor would drag me up to the front to sing. Well, that's how it seemed at the time. Now that I'm older I understand that my singing ministered to the people, but back then sometimes it was a chore.

I was raised on Country music and Southern Gospel music, which is probably why I still like them. I knew every word to every Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams etc. songs there were. Of course this was becuase my Dad owned all their 8-tracks. Ooo..jealous aren't you! HA! I would sing along in the car and then once inside the house, keep on singing. And then afterwards, grab my huge quilt my grandmother made me, wrap it around myself kind of like a strapless dress, get my hairbrush and stand in front of my mirror belting out "Stand By Your Man" pretending I was Tammy at an awards show. After a quick costume change (consisting of rearranging the quilt), I would sit on the bed awaiting my name to be called as "Female Vocalist of the Year" or some other equally prestigious award. I had my acceptance speech all ready. Thanks to my parents, my imaginary husband and all my many fans. Well, that's how I pictured it all.

Now, tho I may lead the singing at my church, direct the choir, and occasionally sing a solo, I realize that I don't have to be on stage in front of the entire world. It's more important to me now to be more like the child I was, singing whenever I'm asked and thanking God that I was blessed with this gift and that I can minister to God's people in grateful response for what all God has done for me.