By Jerry Bullock
Daily Record Columnist
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It has been a while since I have written about The Steel Magnolias. For those who don't know who The Steel Magnolias are, they are a unique Southern Gospel singing group that has been singing together for almost five years. Led by Ms. Debbie Daniels, these ladies put life in their music through innovative choreography.
So, you ask, what makes them unique? The simple answer to that is that they don't sing. At least they didn't when they started this in 2006. Part of their uniqueness is that they are senior citizens. I'm not sure what the average age would be but my guess would be somewhere in the mid-70s. The youngest member is in her late 30s and the oldest is 93.
They began singing together after Debbie recuperated from knee surgery. During her convalescence the ladies ministered to Debbie by bringing food and visiting.
One day she said to them, “We are going to get together and sing for the Lord.” And they said, “We don't sing.” And she said, “Then smile real big and act like you're happy in the Lord.” And they said, “We can do that.” Well, that was the beginning and since then they have traveled all over the state of Texas and Louisiana. Guess what, they have been singing for the Lord.
In 2009, the Magnolias performed 54 times. They are well on their way to doing more than that in 2010.
I am one of just a few husbands who make up part of the team. We are called “the buds.” Because I am a retired pastor I serve as the chaplain to the group. Gene Lunsford takes the equipment trailer – the Mag Bag – and helps to set up everything. Ken Switzer takes care of the sound and the sound equipment. Other buds come when they can and help put things together and take them apart.
The Magnolias have been invited to sing in September at Seniors Week in Glorieta, New Mexico, at the Baptist encampment. This is a great opportunity, but because we all pay our own expenses such an undertaking is expensive.
Embassy Suites to the rescue. We needed a place to showcase The Steel Magnolias and raise money to help defray the cost of the trip to Glorieta. Embassy Suites offered the use of one of their ballrooms for a Steel Magnolia concert. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. You need to be there.
These are your neighbors, and their one desire is to tell the story of Jesus Christ.
While doing this at a performance last year they collected more food for the San Marcos food bank than was raised by any other event in 2009. After Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston they went there to help clean up a church/daycare center.
I hope you will support them. Remember: Sunday, Aug. 22, 6. p.m.
Jerry Bullock has written his weekly column for the Daily Record for more than 20 years. Jerry is a retired Air Force colonel, an ordained Baptist minister, professional counselor, military historian, speaker, and writer. He is a native Texan.
