I usually do not write these Spotlight articles personally, but I felt compelled to do so in this case. Where do I begin?.... Well I guess by just saying 'Wow!'. Granbury Live is simply amazing. I must admit that I am a little concerned that I will not be able to convey the magnitude of what I am thinking nor make the reader understand that I am not using these words lightly.

I will preface my article by making the bold and honest statement that in my personal years upon this earth so far, I have never seen such a display of God's gifts of musical and entertaining talent as I have seen on the stage of Granbury Live. When the Lord was dishing out his musical spiritial gifts, He dished out one heaping triple portion upon this troupe of believers.

I was first introduced to Granbury Live about four months ago when some friends invited my family to one of their shows. It was a relatively small theatre, by today's 'mega' standards, but it is nestled in the quaint town square of the marvelous Christ-centered community of Granbury, Texas. The whole place had the warm feeling of family hospitality and I felt all my cares and worries of metropolitan life begin to melt from my mind. The usher escorted me and my family down to the front row, and I tell you, from that moment on, the next two hours were pure magic.

It all began in 1998 as a vision between Russ and Wendy Hearn and a Bible study acquaintance, Tom McRae, who passed away to be with the Lord recently. It was a vision to bring music into an old musicless space within the town square, a space which would later become Granbury Live. They had discussed their dream on several occasions, agreed to embark on this heartfelt journey, then "joined hands and committed their new business to glorify and honor Christ". Short on money, but overflowing in faith, through the grace and abundance of God, eight weeks later, the doors were opened.

As if God Himself had opened the door of the Ark of Musical Talent, lowered the gangplank, and carefully checked off the names of His A-list performers; down they came straight into the doors of Granbury Live. All sharing an obvious personal humility, a love of this country, a dedication to family Christian values, and an immense love of the Lord, they came in perfect complement: Russ and Wendy Hearn, Carey Dyer, Linda Morgan, Alecia Horning, Abby Swearingen, Mike Echols, Joel Lagrone, Jerry Woods, Cass Moore, Steve Slayton, and Roger Ramsey. I could now easily speak to each one of the troupe and their God-intended fit into this multi-faceted body; however, I would get carried away and space is limited. Let's just say, not a better family-safe, Christ-oriented and honored, nostalgia show have I seen. Some of their shows include: God Bless Texas; Old Time Rock'n Roll; Big Fun; and Elvis, Chuck & Buddy. After seeing the first show, my entire family was hooked. Luckily we only live about an hours drive from Granbury, cause we came back each week until we had seen all four shows. It wasn't a question as to if we were going to do it, we were all in agreement, it was just how soon could we do it.

As for me and my house, we've gone past the point of no return now. I guarantee we will see each and every show that comes out of Granbury Live. My parting words to you are thus: If you are ever within the geographic sphere of possibility of making one of the shows of Granbury Live; grab your family, friends and strangers; check your hectic lifestyle at the door of the theatre, and come on in. You will laugh, you will cry, you will sing along. But mostly, you will smile. That's ok, cause God will be smiling along with you. I know He is pleased because I could feel His pleasure every step of the way. 

Brian Howard
GodlyPlaces.com