Things We Can Learn From Rocky

Some time ago I went to see the last Rocky movie. I've been a fan of these films for years, and I was so excited to see a new chapter. The movie was excellent. The ending was not what I expected, though it was a fitting ending for the character. But the purpose of my writing this column is not a review of the movie, but rather some thoughts on our lives that were triggered by the movie's storyline.

In the last movie of the Rocky series, Rocky finds himself in a totally different life than the one he knew before. He owns a restaurant and he spends his time there telling stories about his glory days. He is older, most of the people he loved are gone, and he seems to spend a lot of time looking back. In fact, at one point Paulie tells him that he is "living backward". That one line really stuck with me, and it really hit home with me.

I can't help but wonder how many of us look back and think about the way things used to be. How many of us may feel that the glory days are behind them, that they are now just biding time until the end? Maybe we don't have a special person in our life, and we're lonely. We may remember a time when it wasn't that way, and "live backward" in those memories. Maybe we aren't as successful as we thought we would be, and we "live backward" to a time when we made more money or had nicer things.

I have to admit that many times I've longed for what I've called the "glory days of Southern Gospel." There are days that I'd give anything to see Kenny Hinson walk out on stage one more time and start to sing in that wonderful voice of his, or to hear Jake Hess and George Younce singing God's praises again. But I've realized recently that I've spent so much time looking back at the Southern Gospel that used to be that I've missed some great things about the Southern Gospel that is. That, my friends, is a disservice to the many people who are still singing great Southern Gospel music. People like the McKameys, the Harris Family, the Revelators and many others too numerous to mention are working their tails off to bring great music and ministry to listeners around the world.

Here at the Gospel Music Times we report news about those who are well-known in the industry - but our ministry is one of trying to help those who may not be so well known by introducing you, the listener, to their ministry and music. They may not have huge marketing firms behind them or have an expensive radio promoter at their beck and call, but they are the real deal. You would do well to support these "weekend warriors" either financially or through an encouraging word or two. I guarantee that you will be blessed.

Many have asked why our chart contains artists or groups who are not nationally known. Since our chart is 100% fan-voted, currently the only one in the Southern Gospel industry, fans are given a place on the ballot to "write in" their favorite song if they don't see it on the ballot. When a song is "written in" a certain number of times we add it to the ballot so others can vote on it if they like. I'm consistently amazed at how some of the votes for lesser-known groups and/or artists will be more than the well-known folk. But, it's based on what you, the listener, wants to hear. If Southern Gospel radio is smart, they will take notice and play more of what the fans want to hear.

The apostle Paul wrote "forgetting those things which are behind, I press forward to the mark." For me, I'll always remember fondly those artists of days gone by, but I've decided to live forward rather than backward in today's Southern Gospel music. It is so easy to get caught up in the trap of living in our memories that we fail to see what is available now.

Who knows? In a few years, we may be looking back at this time wishing we could relive the memories from now.

What do you think? I'd like to know!

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Reader Comments:

KellyB says: Mr. Editor, you got me immediately with your Rocky reference, as I too love the movies & grew up acting them out with my brother! But meanwhile... I share your heart about the future of SG music. I was not around for it in its 'glory days,' though I love seeing & hearing music from those times. What I love most now is being in a room with groups of people I have met - mostly those not 'nationally known,' & experiencing their talents & their hearts. I know there is a place for business & charts, but as fan, I don't really care about that. When I hear a song that touches me & is well done, that's the one I celebrate. Very well said!

H. Moore says: Hi Dave, Loved the article but never saw the movies. I still appreciate the analogy though and you're right. The primary reason I started reading and continue to read the Gospel Music Times is because it is directed toward the walk-a-day person. Other mags seem to be directed more toward the talent than the audience with their articles and comments. It's unformtunate there is so much missed material around because of the short sightedness of so many publishers and editors. I liken it to the people who passed on groups such as the Beatles or Elvis when they were unknowns. Because they aren't established chart-toppers no one in the industry wants to be bothered with them or seek them out. GMT is that very wise and appreciated resource that does do so. I have watched as the magazine started out as some obscure curioustity to become a major influence very quickly. It's because you aren't some indifferent publication owned by some conglomerate sold on the stock exchange but nobody knows. Keep doing things as you have been because I'm not even interested in what the other publications have to say anymore. They're pandering to the Southern gospel elite and that leaves me out and a very large portion of the rest of us. It's kinda like when books are written about stuff but they are structured toward the ones who already know it. GMT is not only the only resource I read but the only one I recommend to anyone else because of the much broader attitudes it incorporates. Thanks, for being a resource anyone, regardless of position can enjoy,