How many of you grew up in the church? You may ask, "What's growing up in the church?" Well, the only way that I can describe it is from my own experience. Between the ages of birth to 17 or 18, you had to go to church if your parents or the relative raising you went. Nothing else said, no matter what, you had to go, during the week and on weekends (smile)! One thing that I will never forget about my "growing up in the church" early years was the music and the singing. In the 60's, I remember the times of "song service". This was a part of my upbringing and I believe played a large role, influence, and inspiration in my life. Whenever I reflect back on those years, this is what comes to me. There was Sister Hollie, the church pianist who would play and sing. There were others also.

One of my other memories is that of the "Mothers" in the church, the older women. There was Mother Smith, and there was one who would break out... (Continued)