Artist: Gaither Homecoming Artists
Project Title: Women Of Homecoming Volume 1
Label: Gaither Music Group
Producers: Bill Gaither

Wow – if I had to describe this new Gaither Gospel series in one word it would have to be “WOW”.  Bill Gaither introduced this event as “Individually these women have strengths and callings as unique as their DNA, yet together they share a common foundation.  They are making our world better for eternity through their stories, their influence, and the powerful gift of music.”  Such a true statement about this group of women.  Several genres of music are represented and when their voices blend together, it creates a beautiful melody and one of excellence.

This DVD starts out with an upbeat song, “Bread Upon The Water” featuring the talents of Amber Nelon Thompson, TaRanda Greene, and Sandi Patty.  What angelic voices reminding us of the faithfulness of God and the powerful message that when we can never “outgive” God.  Natalie Grant and Kim Hopper lend their powerful solo voices on a beautiful song, “Jesus Saves”.  “You Brought Us Out” is a definite toe tapper and features Kelly Bowling, Joy Gardner and Destiny McGuire sharing the message that God is our deliverer.  Evie Karlsson sings her signature song, “Give Them All To Jesus”.  We all need to be reminded that we need to give our cares and concerns to the Lord.  He didn’t promise we would never experience difficulty, but He would give us joy in the journey when we give everything to Jesus.  The Gettys slowed the tempo down with a beautiful, heartfelt song written about their first child entitled “A Mother’s Prayer”.  This is the first opportunity I have had to hear The Gettys – The vocals were pure and the music was definitely ear candy.  Next up is one of my personal favorites, “I Will Fear No Evil” featuring Joyce Martin Sanders.  Joyce knows how to deliver a song and bring you right into that lyric and emotion with her.  This song reinforces that our suffering is not in vain and that our victory is sure.  Amy Grant shared a touching story about her dad and dementia.  The song ”Our Time Is Now” is about how fast time passes us by and the importance of utilizing the time we have.  Cherish every moment you have with family.  “Revive Us Again” is a beautiful hymn sung so sweetly and tenderly by Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Becky Isaacs Bowman.  Hearing this song made me go back to that little bedroom of my childhood where I remember playing a Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters album (with this song on it) on my little white and orange record player over and over again.  We all need that reviving touch from the Lord.  What a perfect song to segue into Natalie Grant’s powerful song, “Your Great Name”.  This song captivated my attention away from the notes I was taking while preparing this review.  What an awesome vocal talent and what a song of worship and praise, praising our Lord because He is worthy of all our praise, glory and honor.  Though this was sung in the company of 74 other women, it was obvious that Natalie was singing to an audience of One and led each of the ladies into that same atmosphere.

Young member, Jamie Grace, shared a fun, joyful song mixing hip hop, folk & pop entitled “Hold Me”.  The Isaacs shared a great song, “Grandpa” – what harmony and blend!  I have always loved this song and this version was the best I personally have ever heard.  Charlotte Ritchie offered her sweet, pure vocal and brought the “choir” back in to join her on this spiritual song, “Down To The River To Pray” and is joined on one of the verses by Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Becky Isaacs Bowman.  Lisa Daggs and her daughter Faith Charette share a touching song, “You Are My Ministry” reminding us that we must keep our priorities in order.  Get your tissues ready when you hear this song.  Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in what we are trying to accomplish for the Lord in our individual ministries that if we are not careful we can overlook the ministry in our own homes – a heartfelt message and one that we can all identify with.  Jeff Allen is up next providing the ladies (and myself) some laughs.  Solveig Leithaug, Sonya Isaacs Yeary & Becky Isaacs Bowman share a beautiful, soulful song “Everything Has Its Season”.  Angela Primm, TaRanda Greene and Reba Rambo-McGuire lend their powerful voices on the song “In Good Hands” – storms may come, winds may blow, but we can feel safe and secure in the hands of Jesus.  Kim Ruppe Lord, Heather Ruppe Day, and Valerie Ruppe Medkiff make up the dynamic trio, Sisters.  They put their “Sister” touch on a beautiful song “Just When I Need Him”.  Jesus truly is everything we need.  “I Stand Amazed” – displays the vocal talents of Dionne Dismuke, Joyce Martin Sanders, Judy Martin Hess, and TaRanda Greene.  “How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be, how marvelous, how wonderful, is my Savior’s love for me” – simply a beautiful song and beautiful message.  Rounding out this DVD is an encouraging song “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) featuring Melissa Brady and Christy Sutherland – “unending love, amazing grace” – it is so awesome to sing of the freedom we experience when we accept the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.  

In watching this DVD, I enjoyed the camaraderie between these ladies of Gospel Music and the spirit of worship present during this recording.  It is hard to determine what my favorite songs are on this project, but if I had to pick just three they would be, “I Will Fear No Evil”, “Your Great Name”, and “Grandpa”.  Thank you ladies for sharing your God-given talents, fantastic vocals, and beautiful smiles.  This DVD is certainly one you will not be disappointed in and will be a welcome addition to your collection. Fore more information visit www.gaither.com.