Foot-tapping numbers like Randall Hylton's "Hallelujah Turnpike," a bluegrass gospel song made popular by the likes of the legendary Lewis Family, are fun to listen to. And catchy songs like "Four Men Walking Around" and "Get On Board" offer a fresh take on familiar biblical stories. But other songs particularly stand out because of their contemporary themes and inspirational messages.
Ben, who wears the coolest hats, both literally and figuratively (as a producer, vocalist, writer and master of the doghouse bass!), and Rebecca capably set the mood on the title track as Sonya's soaring lead propels the bridge and final choruses straight to the heart. This song is sure to prompt contemplation and self-examination as it reflects on how we often find it difficult to forgive ourselves or others when God has already put a matter to rest.
"God Still Has a Plan," beautifully performed by the group's matriarch, Lily, reminds those who "think their best days are through" that God's plan for them did not expire when they perhaps became empty nesters, lost a spouse or began collecting pension checks. Writers Rebecca, Sonya and Sonya's husband, singer-songwriter Jimmy Yeary, are to be commended for reaching out to those believers who dismiss their usefulness amid the work of younger Christians or doubt the significance of the wisdom they have to offer.
Poignant and evocative, "Why" acknowledges that we cannot wrap our minds around human suffering, but the succeeding song, the late James McFall's "I Still Trust You," serves as a positive declaration of faith in the One who is ultimately in control and sees the bigger picture.
And "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," a powerful song born in part out of Lily's breast cancer experience, was cowritten by Sonya, Jimmy and Ben Hayslip. Martina McBride's recording of this song has become a major hit on country music radio. The prevalence of breast cancer and its toll instill fear in lives every day, but a commitment to God and each other, like that expressed in this song, has helped an untold number of couples bravely face the physical and emotional battle cancer inevitably wages.
Relevant and timely, Why Can't We dares to ask tough questions and candidly address subjects not easily talked about . . . even among pillars of the faith, but more importantly it engages, uplifts and reassures during these difficult times, making it a worthy addition to any music library.
For nearly half a century, Thomas P. Ashmore made the astronomical calculations for Grier's Almanac. Upon his death in 1882, he was succeeded by his nephew, Otis Ashmore. A Savannah educator and scientist, Otis Ashmore saw the almanac fall on hard times. It was in 1912 that Frank Lamar Fleming of John B. Daniel, Inc., an Atlanta wholesale drug company, acquired the publication at a Savannah bankruptcy auction. In spite of the ownership change, Otis Ashmore remained with Grier's, making astronomical calculations until his death in 1934. Pictured is his last issue.
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This sampling from the 1953 issue of Grier's Almanac features a half-page ad offering an "amazing liquid that tends to promote aversion (dislike) toward ALL intoxicating drinks." Also, kudzu had apparently not sufficiently invaded the South by 1953. B. W. Middlebrooks of Barnesville, Georgia, was advertising seed and kudzu crowns for sale! Quite a contrast from the previously illustrated 1934 edition, the 1953 issue featured ads from two separate publishers promoting illustrated books on the topic of sex!
