Converted to Grits and Southern Gospel

            I’ve had the privilege of living in Warren, OH for almost 17 years. Coming from Atlanta, GA was a slight adjustment, having been a college teacher there for a number of years; however, a greater adjustment was moving to the South initially, seeing that I was a “Yankee” by birth. Other than getting used to the “southern drawl” and the ongoing tension of the Civil War, my only two other hurdles were the diet and music. Growing up in a northern German family, I had never heard of grits, turnip greens or black-eyed peas. The closest thing to “grits” I had ever seen was Farina or cream of wheat. Despite the many invitations and “exhortations” to try this “southern ice-cream,” I refused. I was not about to swallow that bland-looking stuff! I must admit, however, that I have never had a problem with Southern-fried Chicken. Yummy!

            This grit thing became an issue to some of my southern friends. In fact, often when being introduced to speak at a gathering, it was mentioned that I had not yet been “converted to grits.” It almost became offensive, like I was a fish out of water or something. I know these people loved me, but they made it seem like something would always be lacking until the “grits conversion” took place. To make a long story short, it wasn’t ‘til my move from Atlanta to Warren that I was brought into the “fold.” During that trip north, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Virginia for breakfast. A man at the next table had ordered eggs, bacon, and, you guess it---grits. It was like a voice said to me, “This is it, try those grits.” The rest is history! Something happened to me that day, as I launched out into the “deep,” with my first order of grits; incidentally, I didn’t partake without first praying and then “murdering” this delicacy with butter, salt and pepper! The word of my “conversion” travelled quickly to Atlanta and other places.

            The second monumental experience was being “captured” by Southern Gospel music. A bit different than the typical hymns of the Church, this music reflected the difficult lives of those in the South in the early 1900s. Hard times and simple faith produced music that emphasized the future hope of Heaven. It took on a happy, upbeat genre of a Biblical expression of deep, settled faith in Christ. Usually sung by a male quartet with piano accompaniment, it was known as “old-timey quartet singing.” (Wikipedia)

 Groups like the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals, the Imperials, and Gold City have brought great joy and wholesome entertainment to multitudes for many decades. Probably the best-known contemporary group today is the Gaither Vocal Band. I knew very little of such blessed music until moving South. I didn’t have the same struggle as with the “grits,” but it wasn’t long until this “Gospel” music became ingrained in my soul as a bona fide expression of heavenly hope.

            Someone recently commented that our local newspaper only reported on “crime and murders.” Obviously that was a bias statement, since The Tribune Chronicle covers a broad gamut of subjects; however, so much of our local activity centers around the corruption and crime perpetrated in our city. It’s nauseating indeed, but simply reflects what’s going on across our beloved land. Sin is rampant and universal, but so is hope in Christ and His Word!

Somehow we need to look beyond the darkness and utter depressed state of this world. There’s another “world” out there, “wherein dwells peace and righteousness.” That’s the main theme of Southern Gospel music; and what a way to “escape” the pollution of this world system, and thus focus on that which is yet to come!

            Recognizing this fact, our local Tribune has sponsored such spiritually uplifting events. The upcoming concert with Gold City at Packard Music Hall on May 19^th is one such event. If you’re curious, skeptical, disenchanted, or even “rebellious” as I was, get a ticket while you can. You’ll be glad you did. I’m looking forward to this joyous and uplifting program, especially since I’ve already been “converted to grits and Southern Gospel.” Hope to see you there!