Tuesday, January 16, 2007

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.

11 comments:

Vicki said...

You're in the right place - physically, emotionally, spiritually, even mentally - when you recognize your God-given gift(s) and you put it to use for His glory!

The hairbrush-and-quilt-routine reminds me of an instance or two from my youth (and I have a photo to prove it...but I don't think it'll get posted). Thanks for expounding upon your response to the meme.

Brother Marty said...

I did "air guitar" and that was as close as I ever got to having a gift for singing.
Bless you for bringing it home to church. Imagine the other route: smoke-filled bars, small auditoriums, and maybe, perhaps, stardom. I wonder what stardom would do for regular church-goin folk? Maybe deprive them of your wonderful testimony. Me thinks the testimony is better.
Thanks for sharing such intimate things.
Marty

Art said...

You might just get an award for my favorite blogger:)

You simply don't realize what an enormous talent you have been blessed with. I wish your blog fans could hear your voice!

If I could find a video of the Trio, they just might!

(note to self: self, call D-Day)

The only bummer in your post is your mention of "Dolly". I really despise that name...

Otherwise, though, this was a fantastic post - maybe your best ever! Keep it up.

Love, your (non)-imaginary husband:)

Carolanne said...

I agree with Vicki.
Your last paragraph sums it up perfectly for all of us in whatever 'field' we may choose to excel or perform in. It's not about us, it's about God.

Stace said...

vicki - not sure if I'm really in the "right place" or not, but thanks for mentioning it.

brother marty - thanks for the visit and kind words.

art - you wouldn't be 'biased' now would you? Sorry 'bout the Dolly thing, but you know I love her (Parton that is...not the 'other one'! Oh and I love you beyond words can say!

carolanne - sooo true..it IS all about God!

Vicki said...

Stace & Art - Your blogfans would love it if you could post a little musical clip!

BTW - I love Dolly Parton, too. She may be artificial on the outside, but inside, she's the real deal. (Sorry, Art)

Susan as Herself said...

I have always been a Dolly fan...

And as someone who loved singing as a kid, and enjoyed being in the school chorus and was told to "sing more quietly and blend in more," I realized later as an adult that some people are not SUPPOSED to blend in, and that if your voice is naturally loud, then hell, "SING OUT LOUISE!!!"

Art said...

Actually, I don't have anything against Ms. Parton except that I despise her given name. Call it an inside joke. I will explain someday in a blistering 2000 word post that I have been secretly composing for almost 20 years:)

Vicki said...

Stacie - I heard some mighty fine singing going on over on Art's blog. Beautiful!

Art - I'm waiting anxiously (well, maybe just waiting) to hear why the name, D***y, would merit a "blistering 2000 word post."

Carolanne said...

Stacie,
Having heard your voice - definitely beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I probably would have been sitting right there down on the floor (in your imaginary audience) at the foot of your bed waiting for your name to be called so I could hear your speech. Very cute costume too! Oh and thank-you so much for the comment~