I went to a fabulous concert Saturday night. Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. It was so uplifting. The music was wonderful. They sang a version of "I Am a Child of God" that was rousing and beautiful. All kinds of spiritual music--from LDS hymns to spirituals to Protestant hymns that aren't in our hymnbook. I loved hearing "Blessed Assurance." Still remembered every word.
The testimonies were awesome. Brother McDowell (Gladys Knight's husband) gave such a stirring testimony of the gospel and his path to it. He spoke of being raised by "goodly grandparents" who knew and loved Jesus Christ as their Savior, who read and studied the Bible and made their children and grandchildren go to church and learn about God. His question became, "If this [the LDS church] is the *true* church, what about them? What does that make what they believe?" He finally came to the realization that it doesn't change a thing for his family. They gave him the gift of study and learning so that he could find more. This is exactly how I feel about my family and the grounding that I got in religion.
Gladys Knight spoke of her journey as well...of being raised with morals and a Christian background, of going from church to church looking for "more," and of finding the LDS church through her own children. She spoke of meeting with President Hinckley and how he kissed her on the cheek...how he said to her, "I hear you don't like our music." LOL And then she spoke of how she's now able to be a missionary and sing.
I think I smiled all the way through the concert. I'm so grateful to Suzanne for inviting me. I just know that she was prompted and I'm glad she listened and followed through on it. With all the upheaval of the last week, I think I really needed a time to just sit and enjoy the Spirit. Thanks, Suzanne!
No comments:
Post a Comment