Not too long ago, I received an email from a very kind Southern Gospel artist named John Lanier, (www.johnlanier.com) probably most well known for singing with Tony Gore and Majesty. At the beginning of this journey of creating this site in memory of Priscilla, I linked at the bottom of the site, a tribute written by Mr. Lanier. In his email, he gave me permission to publish the tribute he wrote about how influenced he was by the life of Priscilla McGruder. From his writings, I think it would be safe to say that Mr. Lanier was one of her biggest fans. So, the following is his written tribute regarding Priscilla's influence in life. It's so well written, I'm very happy to get to share it with the rest of the fans of "The Lady" who frequent this site........ENJOY......
Gospel music has lost many beloved figures during my ministerial career. I will never forget how I felt when Vestal Goodman passed away, and I grieved the tragic death of Dottie Rambo for weeks. But I cannot begin to describe the emptiness I felt when I got word that Priscilla McGruder had left this world.
Each of these people, in one way or another, were positive influences in my life. Some helped shape the ministry I have today, and some even became precious friends. I have been greatly blessed to have known many who are considered legends and icons. More importantly, they were great mentors and deeply respected spiritual leaders. Such is the case with Priscilla McGruder.
It's not that I love or esteem one man or woman of God over the other. But Priscilla McGruder walked boldly and passionately to fulfill the call of God on her life to the fullest potential, selflessly willing to pay the price for the powerful anointing God placed on her without fear or compromise - and it was evident. I mean no offense to any other minister of the gospel, but the truth is - there are very few in the ministry today that are willing to walk in the crucified way as did Sister McGruder.
The impact of her passing was devastating to me. Yes, this one was very personal. Weeks after the news of her passing, I still weep when I think that such a true soldier has left us. There was no one else like her. Since her homegoing day, I have pulled out all of my McGruders CDs and DVDs and have worshipped with her over and over and over again.
The following is a memorial tribute to Sister McGruder that I wrote for the upcoming July issue of Chrstian Voice Magazine. If you are one that was blessed by her music or touched in any way by her ministry, please share your comments below.
Each of these people, in one way or another, were positive influences in my life. Some helped shape the ministry I have today, and some even became precious friends. I have been greatly blessed to have known many who are considered legends and icons. More importantly, they were great mentors and deeply respected spiritual leaders. Such is the case with Priscilla McGruder.
It's not that I love or esteem one man or woman of God over the other. But Priscilla McGruder walked boldly and passionately to fulfill the call of God on her life to the fullest potential, selflessly willing to pay the price for the powerful anointing God placed on her without fear or compromise - and it was evident. I mean no offense to any other minister of the gospel, but the truth is - there are very few in the ministry today that are willing to walk in the crucified way as did Sister McGruder.
The impact of her passing was devastating to me. Yes, this one was very personal. Weeks after the news of her passing, I still weep when I think that such a true soldier has left us. There was no one else like her. Since her homegoing day, I have pulled out all of my McGruders CDs and DVDs and have worshipped with her over and over and over again.
The following is a memorial tribute to Sister McGruder that I wrote for the upcoming July issue of Chrstian Voice Magazine. If you are one that was blessed by her music or touched in any way by her ministry, please share your comments below.
The Lady And Her Lord
Priscilla McGruder finally meets the love of her life, face to face
By John Lanier
The evangelistic music ministry of The McGruders was formed nearly 30 years ago, founded in faith, fashioned by anointing and fueled by spiritual fire. Unarguably, however, it was the voice and presence of Priscilla McGruder that propelled the family ministry to national prominence.
To those who encountered her, Priscilla was highly esteemed as "one of the most anointed singers in Christian music." Whether she was preaching, singing or testifying of God's faithfulness, she delivered her message pure and simple, with the fingerprint of the Holy Spirit all over it.
It wasn't uncommon for her to walk the aisles during a concert or a worship service, ministering to those in the audience, trembling with the reverential fear of God. While her approach was gentle and graceful, the power of God that flowed through her shook the very gates of hell and built bridges leading straight to Calvary.
Her life of prayer and commitment to God was clearly evident as she reached out with undeniable power and anointing from on high. Testimonies from around the world indicate that thousands upon thousands of people consider themselves blessed to have been touched by Jesus through the life and ministry of Priscilla McGruder.
Sister McGruder was diagnosed with cancer once again, years after surviving a previous battle with the life-threatening disease. Yet, throughout both battles, her faith and commitment never wavered. She was known for her positive attitude, her passion and ministry, despite the challenges associated with her sickness. Throughout her entire ministerial career, and in the wake of her battles with cancer, people all over the world who knew her followed her journeys and shared their love and appreciation for her selfless labors.
As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she dearly loved and cherished her family. As a minister, she reached out with great compassion to those who were lost and hurting. As a Christian music artist, she genuinely loved and appreciated her extended family of loyal, prayerful supporters.
But, most of all, she loved her Lord Jesus Christ. Her life was dedicated to serving Him and she longed for the day she would meet the love of her life, face to face. Finally, on April 29, 2010, as the windows of Heaven opened, Priscilla McGruder accepted her invitation to come home. At the age of 61, she escaped this life with her family and closest friends at her bedside rejoicing with her. Praying in the Spirit, the last words she ever spoke on this earth could not be understood by those surrounding her, but those Heavenly words are forever recorded in the realms of glory.
The beloved Priscilla McGruder was one of the most effective ministers of our lifetime. Some admired her for her talents, for no one could deliver a song quite like she could. Some even desired a portion of her anointing, and others wished for her power in prayer and dedication to touch them.
Whether in singing or preaching; her powerful voice would wake up the "callings which are without repentance" inside us. She has been acclaimed, acknowledged, awarded, appreciated, and best of all, elevated to a level of acceptance experienced by very few.
We will miss her presence, but her legacy of faith is forever imprinted upon our hearts. We shall never forget the impact Sister Priscilla McGruder made upon us all.
1 comment:
Dearly missed keep singing with the angles.
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