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.
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.
To John,
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and the family and friends of Priscilla McGruder for your great loss. It is clear that this sister was very important to you and that is as it should be.
Your great affection for her is proof to us all that you have taken Jesus call to love very seriously “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35
God sends us these shining beacons in life and they fill us with courage, faith and a vision of our Lords great grace. When he takes them home the light of their lives passes or more accurately is transferred but our own responsibility to carry the light is doubled. It is by their example that we “let our light so shine” Mt 5:16
No Doubt we will see the light of Priscilla’s life and calling reflected in you, brother John.
Oh so often, we are parted, with sorrow
Benediction, often quickens, our pain
But we never, shall sorrow, in heaven
God be with you, till we meet again
Where the roses, bloom forever, and ever
And where separation, comes, no more
If we never meet again. this side of heaven
We shall meet on, that beautiful shore
In our Savior’s great love,
Rev Michael Bresciani
http://www.americanprophet.org
John, I truly agree with everything you have said about this lovely, Godly women. I love their singing. this world needs more Priscilla's. She was truly an example of God's grace and love!!!! Love in Christ!!! Shirley C.
ReplyDeleteWhat is our loss is truly Heavens' gain! What an anointing and what a message in this song! I have listened repeatedly as the tears have flowed! If we can just get in Gods' presence to see things from Heaven's point of view, what a difference it would make in our lives! To see things as God sees them, not only our circumstance but our hearts, how it would change us! I have been ministered to, thank you for posting this! I think of the song recorded by Naomi Sego, and also recorded by you, "Lord, Let Me Leave Song". Although she has left this world, Priscilla will continue minister to people thru her music. What a treasure! Thanks again John, this is soooo needed today!
ReplyDeleteBetty Dickerson
John,
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you for the beautiful words to express such a beautiful "Lady!" She was and always will be my hero. I have pictures of myself and Priscilla with my cheesy pre-teen grins and starry eyed looks as I stood there with the lady that I adored.
The older I became, the more I treasured the sacrifice of her life, as you wrote so well of. Her influence in my life is more than words can even begin to write and her memory is worth more than gold to me. I also still experience the gripping heartache over her loss on a regular basis. I've played her music so much lately that every time we get in the car, my 3 year old now asks me if we're gonna listen to "Pwiscida McGwuder" again. I always smile and answer "You bet!" Priscilla's voice and her memory gets sweeter every time I listen.
She didn't know me, other than from the frequent concerts I attended. Yet, every time I saw her, whether in passing before a concert or at the table, she always hugged me as though we were old friends and made me feel like I owned the world. Her kindness and her warm spirit just made her influence stronger in my life each and every time. There was never a doubt in my mind about how genuine she was. She was definitely the REAL DEAL!
Once again, thank you for the tribute. She deserves every kind word ever written about her.
She has inspired me moreso from her passing. Her anointed voice has reached my inner soul. You can never say that her ministry in this song doesn't reach beyond the grave- and tugs my heart to re-dedicate my life to the God of my childhood.
ReplyDeletei didnt know her that well but watching the videos she was a lady of god my sprit got uplifted hearing her sang so you could fell the spirit she will be missed god bless carroll and the family
ReplyDeleteI TRULY AM GREATFUL TO know PRISCILLA THROUGH HER MUSIC THEY HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION O ME AND I DO SING THERE SONGS AROUND THE HOUSE. SHE GIVES ME HOPE THAT THEIR IS MORE THEN JSUT SITTING ON THE PEWS AND NOT DOING GODS WORK. I MISS HER SO MUCH MUCH BUT I KNOW GOD IS HAPPY TO HAVE HIS ANNOINTED UP THERE WITH HIM HE MISSED HER GREATLY THATS WHY IT WAS HER TIME. THANK U JESUS FOR GIVING US A WOMEN OF FAITH PRAYER AND INSPIRITATON. IF SHE ONLY COULD SEE HOW SHE INSPIRED ALOT OF PEOPLE. THANKS FOR THIS DIANE FEB 12, 2011
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