I recently traveled back in time to 1986. It was incredible, especially since the trip was unexpected.
When I landed, I suddenly found myself sitting next to my beloved grandfather, my “Papaw,” as we were driving down the winding country roads of Virginia in his dark red Ford Crown Victoria. The sunlight was glistening off the morning dew on the soybean and peanut crops passing by, filling the air with that sweet smell of summer. We passed several watermelon stands on the side of the road. “Oh, we have to get one for tonight,” I said. He nodded and smiled. We both were chewing Dentyne gum (he always offered it to me), and he was tapping on the steering wheel to the beat of my time machine.
Little did I know back then that my “time machine” would be music. Specifically, the music of The Inspirations. They’re a Southern Gospel quartet that first performed in 1964 – and is still on tour today!
I must have run across one of their songs in recent weeks, because… ZAP… hearing their music instantly transported me back in time – 35 years – to that precious moment with my Papaw. It’s amazing how a song can do that! A memory that had been completely forgotten was suddenly vivid, bringing joy to my heart, all because of music that was etched into my soul.
The song I recently heard may not have been the same one we were listening to in 1986. But it doesn’t matter, because the band’s voices are unforgettable. I’ve never heard anything like the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass vocals of Mike Holcomb. I remember asking, “How does that guy sing so low?” Papaw got a kick out of me trying to imitate that deep voice coming from his cassette player.
While their music took me back in time, the lyrics of The Inspirations fill me with gratitude for the present and future hope we have in Jesus Christ. From their song, Touring That City:
Here on earth we have troubles that to us seem so heavy
But in Heaven no one will be sad
Mom and Dad will be singing; Heaven’s praises will be ringing
For the dearest Friend I ever had
Some morning you’ll find me touring that city
where the Son of God is the Light
You’ll find me there on the streets so pretty
made of gold so pure and so bright
With Jesus the One who gave me the victory
Who led me across the divide
Some morning you’ll find me touring that city
Where with Him I will ever abide
Do you have a song that takes you back to a joyful time in your life? It’s well worth getting in that time machine. Enjoy the ride!
– Ed Doney, Writer/Videographer
