Blessings On The River
The Southern Belle has always been one of the more fun and relaxing concerts that we do. We usually get there pretty early and set up, all while going back and forth by the peaceful running waters of the Tennessee River. It’s just always been something fun and different for us to do, plus the food is good too. But on October 12, 2009 God wanted to remind us of the importance of our jobs as ministers/evangelist of His gospel.
That night seemed like normal to us. The trips are pretty much on schedule once we leave the dock, dinner is served. We go through the food line first, because after all we’re the singers!! Hey it has its perks. Usually about forty-five minutes into the trip we start singing. Our set was normal and the crowd seemed to enjoy the songs. One thing we like to do on the boat is a “request” part, where if we know your favorite song we try to sing it. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad. I’m just being honest here.
This is when our night began to change. Songs like “Beulah Land”, “Amazing Grace”, and many other typical favorites were requested. Then the dreaded song “I’m Winging My Way Back Home” was requested by this little more mature lady. That has always been one song that has always scared me, the parts go everywhere plus you need a bass singer for, “I’m climbing each day” and “to glory divine”. You know the song. So we ask “is there’s a bass singer in the house?” Usually after a little coaxing we can get a guy up to sing a few lines. But this guy wouldn’t budge. So this little more mature lady the same one that requested the song said “I can sing the bass part”. So you know what we said don’t you? “Get on up here!”
Mrs. Watwood did wonderful! We were all amazed at how well she did we had never heard a women sing bass. Matter of fact we liked it so much we did a little of “Have a Little Talk with Jesus”, it was good too. We were so excited and Mrs. Watwood was too. She just kept telling us how much she enjoyed herself. So I leaned over to hug her neck and that’s when it happened.
She whispered in my ear “I’ve enjoyed this so much, please remember me next week when I start my chemo”. My heart was broken, but immediately my spirit mind was turning. As Mrs. Watwood walked away from the stage Jaron and I made eye contact and he knew something was up. So I turned to my microphone and asked the audience “how many of you believe in prayer? And how many of you believe that God still works and is still on His throne?” At that point Jaron took over and lead the congregation in a prayer especially for Mrs. Watwood.
You see we showed up that night for our last Southern Belle cruise of the year, but God showed up to deliver a message to one little mature lady of encouragement and peace. Not to mention all of the other people on the boat that night that needed exactly what we got too. Just a few days ago we received this email from Mrs. Watwood’s daughter,
“Hey guys!! Here are the pictures I said I’d send. I want to thank you for
what you done for my mom on the River Boat. God had big plans for that
night and I didn’t even know it. You just never know what God is going to
do, do ya? You’ll never know what that meant to her and me.
Don’t forget to pray for her. She starts her next round of chemo on the 21st and 22nd.
I’ll be going and staying with her. We enjoyed hearing you sing. We’d
never heard you before, and it was just delightful. You guys have amazing
talent. Again…Thank You for letting her forget her problems that night.
She hasn’t quit smiling yet. I may have to get her some mouth surgery
before the chemo. Lol. May God Bless you and yours.
Becky Gay and Gwynn Watwood.”
Becky was so kind to send us some pictures of that night, so I’ve posted a couple of them here. And will you do us a favor and remember Mrs. Watwood in your prayers. I know Becky will keep us connected with her and her situation. God Bless guys, and remember when your situation is bad someone else always has it worse.
How precious, Staclynn! And what a wonderful experience for everyone! Thanks for letting us know about it so we can put Mrs. Watwood on our prayer lists, too.
Well now…If I can type though the tears! I am so lost for words here. I am overwhelmed. How beautiful. Heaven is applauding you guys right now, for making one ” more mature little lady” (I loved how you put that) life complete. Thank you, is not even a word to express how mom and I feel here. As a daughter, sitting back and watching ,that was nothing but a night in heaven for me. And I thank you. And as special as that night was….what was the most precious to me….was that you had the mind spirit, as you put it, and listened to the voice of God. That is huge…I mean huge. God Bless you and yours and may God give you traveling mercy’s were ever he takes you in your journey.
Becky Gay & Gwynn Watwood
Becky has been a dear friend, and prayer warrior to me for many years. While I do not personally know her Mother, I know her in spirit, knowing Becky. They both are very precious and dear people, and God, an amazing God. Thank you for blessing them as you did.
That was wonderful Staclynn. I love hearing about you guys. I am so glad you are out there spreading the WONDERFUL WORD OF GOD you make my heart sing. Love you all and keep up the good work. We will also keep Mrs. Watwood in our prayers along with Voices Won.
THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING GOD’S CALLING NO MATTER WHERE OR WHEN HE CALLS YOU!
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!
WE KNOW THAT GOD IS USING YOU TO REACH HEARTS/MINDS AND SOULS FOR HIM!
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for making her time out there enjoyable, and thank you for the prayers. As her grandson, I am very thankful to have her in my life and have watched her touch so many hearts. I know that it means a lot to her when someone touches hers.
(((Thanks for sharing ~ I loved hearing about this
special night & will include Mrs Watwood in my prayers!!)))
(((Blessings to you all for all you do ~ you all are truly guided by the Lord ~ I especially love how you all inspire prayer with and for others ~ I love your music … you’re
voices at one ~ like angels …. heaven sent!
Keep up the good Lord’s work!!)))
Hi,
My wife and I were on the cruise at the next table to Gwynn and Becky. We got their names etc., so we could keep in touch.It was a great blessing, just being there.
Jerry
Well, thank you so much for letting my Granny sing with you guys! I know she had a great time! I am her oldest grandchild and you’re right, she is special. She has touched many people in her lifetime and I think she will touch many more…..Please continue to keep her in your prayers and we’ll do the same for you!
I’m so encouraged. I was hoping this story would touch people and it has and will continue to if you tell others about it. Today will start Round 2 for Mrs. Watwood, she needs our prayers. We love you sweetheart.
What a touching story…wonderful! God bless you guys!
[…] I’m very saddened today; there are two lovely ladies that have directly and indirectly affected my life. These ladies have gone on home to meet our wonderful Saviour. One is a lady from my church and from a family that is very close to ours, Mrs. Sybil Bailey. The other I received confirmation last night was Mrs. Gwynn Watwood, our little mature riverboat lady. […]