After years of working with young people Debbie says she is really proud of her “Magnolias.” She doesn’t have to worry about how they dress (no midriffs bared or skirts up to there) and she hopes they are all on their “drugs.” She has taken them on the road twice and they have been headliners in Gospel Sings and church services in Waco, Cameron and Rockdale. In Cameron at a Grand Ole Gospel Sing they received their first standing ovation and at Rockdale they were on the radio for the first time. I guess I will have to admit I was wrong and Mama can sing after all.

Three husbands travel with the girls just to keep them out of trouble. I have been the semi- official photographer for the group. We finally got a name; we are the “buds.” We have had more fun than the law allows and next weekend at Texas Old Town the May edition of the Grand Ole Gospel Sing will bring more Texas talent and the Magnolias to the stage. It is going to be a special day and if you love gospel music you won’t want to miss this concert: Sunday afternoon, 4:00, May 6, 2007, A Tribute to Mothers.

By the way, did I mention poppa don’t do stand-up comedy either. But Debbie has given me my big break. I’ll be doing a monologue; it may not be funny but it is guaranteed to make you enjoy the singing more. Most of my former church members know about my great uncle, Reverend Nathan Bullock. He was my grandfather’s brother and a circuit riding Baptist preacher on the West Texas plains from 1889 to 1945. He was pastor of more than 30 churches and founded twice as many. He left a legacy of Christian humor that I have tried to make a part of my persona as a pastor and storyteller. In other words, as my granddaughter says … “Grandpa, you’re weird.”

Be that as it may, if you want to spend a couple of real pleasant hours and enjoy some especially good gospel music, come on out in spite of me. I know you will enjoy the music and unless you’re an old grouch I might even make you smile. We’ve come a long way, baby. It’s not just the Steel Magnolias anymore, it’s the Steel Magnolias and the “buds.”