Someone has opined that it is a likely indication of one's growing older when the admonition to "slow down" comes, not from a member of the local law enforcement, but rather one's physician. To which it might be added that one's remembrance of names and personalities quite unknown to the present generation may be assumed to indicate much the same thing. But, anway...
During the early days of our nation's involvement in World War II things were not going well. The outcome was uncertain for a period of time. Indeed, some authorities have maintained that had Japan attacked the United States mainland itself as opposed to establishiing the war front in the Pacific, they might well have won.
During that dark period, the Mutual Broadcasting Company featured a nightly news commentator named Gabriel Heatter. In the interest of contributing to a rather strained and limited ray of hope, Mr. Heatter would come on the air each night with an enthusiastic, "There's good news tonight!" Much of the time he had to reach far to find something positive to share, but just the same, it represented one man's endeavor to lift spirits and engender hope. Of course, we all know the conflict's outcome.
Permit us to share the positive outcome of a later negative reality and its outcome that may be of inspiration to others in somewhat the same way that it has been to us. Some years ago - perhaps thirty or so if our speculation be anywhere near correct - a couple was driving down a traffic laden thoroughfare when their infant son was thrown out the window. Miraculously, those behind were able to dodge the little one; the law was called; the parents put under arrest; and the child taken to the hospital. The doctors said he would not live.
The baby's maternal grandparents were dedicated Christians.When given the negative prognosis, one family friend remarked that the physicians probably did not know the grandmother's ability to pray. And, indeed, the child did live. Assigned to the custody of his grandparents, he grew up learning the meaning spiritual values and faith. While mentally alert, there was a lingering handicap in terms of speech capability. One yet has to listen carefully to grasp what is being said.
The young man loved to sing. Living in the South where "Gospel sings" are a part of the religious culture, he continues to sing and share in song. However, rather than singing to tape or CD accompaniment as some do, he usually sings to another's recording of the song so that the artist's own vocalizing will contribute to the clarity of the words. As a drummer, he also plays in a church where the music is primarily of a contemporary genre. And now, as opportunity presents itself, he is doing some preaching. His love for the Lord is unmistakable; his enthusiasm infectious; his personality bright and cheerful. We have counted it a privilege to have known Tim Wiseman these past few years, and wish him God's best as he serves in expanding roles of ministry. Even in the darkening of the times, one may yet find "good news."
As to names from the past other than that of Gabriel Heatter: Some will recall a singer of days gone by whose unique style (particularly in terms of a somewhat nasal slurring off of [yes, we are aware of the incorrect grammer here] notes at the end of a phrase) and introduction of electric guitars and the like into areas of country music wherein they had been formerly disdained, earned him the sobriquet "father of honky-tonk." His name, of course, was Ernest Tubb. Some will also recall Tubb's one-time lead guitarist whose solos in a song were typically prefaced by Tubb's "Ahhh...Butterball." Butterfall was Tim Wiseman's grandfather who, having become a believer, left the bar and honky-tonk scene and was later member of a church pastored by a friend of ours. (Some may also recall Butterball's successor Billy Byrd, who similarly came to be known by the trademark, "Ahhh...Billy Byrd.")
One other "bright spot":
Lest we be deemed a rabid "country music" fan, permit us to observe that the most beautiful "Gospel" song we have heard in a long time came to our attention during the early hours of this morning while listening to the nationally syndicated "Songs Through the Night" program. The song: Bill Gaither's "Old Friends" as sung by the Larry Goss Singers.
As "Old Hans" would say: "Enough already."
Burl Ratzsch
