Another benefit I have found in gospel song writing is the partnership I have with my husband in this endeavor. We work together on the songs. I write the lyrics and Paul does most of the work with the melodies. He will ask me how I envision the song’s sound. I tell him if I hear it as having a slow, mid or fast tempo. Sometimes I have an idea for the melody, many times I don’t. He will begin piecing it together on the guitar and I will make suggestions. Always, before we begin, we pray together for God’s leading. Before we go out to sing together, we pray. Not only has gospel song writing provided a ministry we can take part in as a couple, it has deepened our spiritual relationship as we pray about and discuss it.
Gospel song writing has afforded us opportunities to travel as gospel singers locally and regionally. We see this as a benefit because we love to travel and do not often indulge, unless it has to do with music. We travel to the NQC occasionally. We go primarily to meet groups and pitch songs. We spend most of the week in the exhibit halls.
To our surprise, we also have the opportunity to travel to awards shows. Five projects for which we have written all songs have been nominated by MIANS (Music Industry of Nova Scotia) for Inspirational Album of the Year. These shows have taken us to various parts of our province. Also, we have had a couple of nominations by the MGMA (Maritime Gospel Music Association) as Duet of the Year for our music which required travel further abroad.
Another benefit of gospel song writing I deeply treasure is friendships I have made because of the Lord’s music. A few have blossomed into deeper friendships. I’m not usually a name dropper, but here I am going to. I have their permissions to do so! You’ve all heard the expression, “It’s a God thing!” I believe each of these friendships is just that—“a God thing.”
In 2009, when we attended the NQC in Louisville, Kentucky, I went to Canaan’s Crossing’s booth in the exhibit hall to introduce myself to Tim Maze. Tim wasn’t there and I met Tina Miller instead. Canaan’s Crossing won the 2015 Diamond Award as Favorite Bluegrass Gospel Artist of the year. Tina Miller sings lead on many of their songs and plays fiddle for the group. Tina and I chatted every day of the Convention. At the end of the week, she said to me, “You and I have to stay in touch so we can be friends,” and we have. We chat on Facebook, on the phone and were able to get together in Alabama for supper this past December when we went to Florida for the presentation of our cantata. Though we don’t see each other often, I value my sweet friend greatly.
In 2011, I made another lasting friendship while pitching songs at NQC. I had pitched Sandy Glass songs since 2008 before I met her. Sandy describes herself as “primarily a regional singer” who has “sung in many foreign countries and has made precious friendships with many people including Paul and Penny Ferguson.” When I introduced myself to Sandy, I was surprised she knew who I was and she hugged me saying, “I can tell by your songs you and I have the same heart for the Lord.” I continued to pitch songs to Sandy and she and I have become friends through our exchanges. When I announced I was working on a cantata, Sandy was immediately supportive and interested and it was the choir she directs at Enon Baptist Church in Walnut Hill, Florida that presented “Follow the Star to Calvary” this pasted December. I shall always be grateful to Sandy for this and to her for her wonderful Christian friendship.
One other friendship I will mention is with a fellow gospel song writer whom I have never met-- Frank Diehl from Indiana. Frank and I first “met” in 2009 when I, not knowing he was a gospel song writer, pitched him a song. Frank and I exchange songs and I am grateful to him for his encouraging words, advice and friendship.
The final benefit for gospel song writing I will mention is the deep sense of humility I feel when I hear an artist, group or choir present a song I have written. I had always secretly harbored the fear it might make me prideful, but I have found the opposite to be true. That they would have enough faith in one of our songs to choose to sing it, and to hear them give God the opportunity to work through something He has inspired me to write, humbles me to the point of tears. I am deeply grateful to both God and the singers for each opportunity. |
