“The Good Doc,” at least that is what he always called me. I remember it like it was yesterday, but, in actuality, it was nearly 11 years ago. In 2001, upon learning about a group of artists collectively known as “The Gaithers,” I attended Praise Gathering in Indianapolis, Indiana for the first time. I had never met a single artist but knew every one of them by name. I had done my homework, watched the videos, and memorized all their songs. They were my personal friends—they just didn’t know it yet.

With a 101 degree temperature and my first case of Strep throat ever, I left Upstate, NY with a warm forehead and multiple body aches in search of meeting my newfound friends and telling them so! The first artist I met was Mark Lowry; I could not believe I met Mr. Mary–Did-You-Know himself! I got an autographed book. Next, it was over to Guy Penrod—this isn’t happening I thought! I am meeting the man whose voice, at the time, helped calm me to sleep every night. Shortly after that, I met Lynda Randle. Lynda never met a stranger. I shared with her my story and she immediately tugged my arm to pull me in closer, clasped her hands over mine and began to pray for me and my fever. I truly did feel better—not to mention, shed a few tears as well! I looked a few tables over and there I saw him. He was a large figure, tall, poised and seemingly mild in his mannerisms.

I immediately approached the table and said, “Hi! I am a chiropractor.  I watch you on the Gaither videos and you have an awesome voice. My mother and I both like it."

He responded, “Well thank you Doctor… what is your name?”

“Sherry and it’s my first time hearing and seeing all of you.”

“You have an interesting accent,” he said.

“Yes, I am hearing/speech impaired. I wear two hearing aids.”

“Doctor, do you have one of my Cd’s?”

“Not yet!”

“Well, here, let me get one for you. This is my newest album.”

And with that, he proceeded to open up the Cd case and inscribe the words, ”God Bless You! Doctor Stephen Hill.”

Nice penmanship! I listened to the whole album and wrote him back and forth about it for a while. He appreciated my feedback. For the next 11 years, whenever I would see him, he would ever so slightly tilt his head (reminiscent of John Wayne keeping his post) and in his casual, yet, charming demeanor say, “Evening, Doctor,” to which I would (while trying my best to emulate his “coolness”) respond, “Evening, Sir,” and off I would go. I also recall the time that I was recording a project with Woody Wright.  Stephen called to talk to his buddy and told him to wish “the good doctor” well on her project. Thank you Stephen (and Woody)! Such true friends!

Perhaps, my fondest memory, however, occurred late one night in March of 2009 on the Gaither Caribbean Cruise, after I had just finished giving a few artists some chiropractic recommendations. Stephen looked right at me with his soft, yet, penetrating eyes, crooked his right index finger and signaled for me to take a seat nearby. I sat down and he proceeded to inquire about how this hearing-impaired-chiropractor-turned-gospel-singer was doing in her musical career. I must have gotten a little down on myself at the time because he sat back, looked up, calculated his words and gave me much needed fatherly advice. I don’t remember all of the conversation but I do know he was very gracious to me and I left shedding a few tears--deeply touched by his encouragement and compassion... a gentleman indeed. 

A gentle giant has been slain… oh, how our Savoir understands! “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)

Stephen has taken “Life’s Railway to Heaven” and joins his Savior now. A thinker, musician, teacher, husband, father and friend, I think Stephen sang it, actually, wrote it best when he penned: “He’s Such a Valuable Friend… Jesus Saves.”

Love, joy and sorrow,
Dr. Sherry Anne

Friends… with this tribute I begin my monthly column: “Dr. Sherry Anne's Forum.” Feel free to write the SG Music Forum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it regarding questions, comments and thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sherry Anne Lints, a Doctor of Chiropractic, singer, speaker, actress, writer and fitness trainer, was born with a bilateral hearing and speech impairment. She appeared in the films, Clancy and The Perfect Gift and was a special guest on 100 Huntley Street, in Ontario, Canada. She is a contributing author for the book, Modern-Day Miracles and recently released her second CD, Keep on Prayin’, (Click Here for review of this project).  For more information, visit: www.SherryAnne.com or contact Sherry Anne at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*All information contained herein not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Consult your physician regarding any health concerns.