They deserve your best

As the GWSGFF draws nearer, my thoughts go to how the country's best gospel singers will be received by their many fans in this part of the country.

I get to thinking at times that it's got to be tough on singers on these occasions, since they'll be essentially in a three day fishbowl, with people watching their every move and paying ultra close attention.

My own situation is not nearly so challenging, but I can relate in some ways to what those people will be going through.

After all, in this area, I am relatively well-known by my voice and what I've done on the radio for so many years. Believe it or not, when I go into stores around here, people recognize me...and know who I am and what I do. I've learned to take this flattering recognition in stride, for I am by no means a "famous" person. In fact, it makes me smile a bit when I realize that these (mostly)kind and good people have no idea that I am not nearly as revered or wealthy as they imagine I am(I can only wish!).

One thing I always try to do when I encounter those kinds of people is give them as much time and attention as I can, not only because these are nice people who appear sincerely interested in getting to know me better, but because I am called as a tenet of my faith to be as good a witness to the hope that lies within me as I can.

There are times when I don't have time to be as solicitous as I want to be, but under no circumstances do I avoid trying to make my "fans"(and future friends)as special and important as possible. I owe God that much, and I owe these people as much as well.

I imagine that most gospel singers share my feelings about this. Certainly the majority of the ones I've met have acted this way. And I know it can't always be easy for them to always "give the world a smile".

For these men and women have cares, concerns, families, and life situations of their very own. Yet, when they enter an auditorium or a church to sing for people, they are expected to leave all of that behind for two or three hours, and put all their thought and energy into giving us fans their very best effort, and be a light for them.

And then, they are expected to smile continuously, sign autographs, pose for pictures, and make conversation with total strangers who imagine them close friends they know really well, even though the only contact that any of these people have had with these artists is through recordings, and concerts previously attended.

Do you ever wonder sometimes if they sometimes don't feel like always smiling, or talking to you?

I do...I'm sure that has been the case on occasion when I have tried to make conversation with them. Yet, invariably, they nearly always summon up a smile and a word for me.

I imagine they do for the same reason the rest of us do with people we have to encounter, and reach out to. It's our duty, and it's what we ought to do as people.

I was always taught as a young broadcaster to never let the audience know when I didn't feel good, or was preoccupied with some personal issue. They didn't turn the radio on to my program to hear about my problems, they more than likely have enough of their own. They tune in to hear me give them what they want, whether it be the news, stimulating discussion about an important issue, or just some good music and light dialogue to make them smile, and get through their days that much better.

And when those singers come to Fresno's Save Mart Center next week to sing God's praises to you, don't expect any of those people to complain, or be rude, or not give you the time of day. (Don't expect, on the other hand, for them to delay going back on stage to let you finish crying on their shoulders!:-)) They know why they're there...and why you're there, too. Expect them to try to sing their best for you, and to bless your hearts and comfort your minds with the most enduring message on earth.

So I challenge you all who attend the GWSGFF or any other gospel concert to take the time to personally thank at least one of the singers who's come out here to sing for you, and make him/her feel as special as they make you feel by their gift of music and their singing(and their calling).

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