The Nelons Do It Again!

The Nelons
Jason, Kelly, Autumn, and Amber

Those who have kept up with this blog know that I enjoy southern gospel music. No doubt a regular reader would also know that I enjoy attending concerts even if I'm not singing in them. And I dare say that even a casual observer knows that I have a handful of artists that I do everything within my power to attend a concert if they are near me. Such is the case with the Nelons. I've followed the Nelons for the majority of their ministry and they just keep getting better and better.

Friday night, I had the opportunity to attend a Nelons concert in Okeechobee. This is the second such opportunity this month! This particular concert, though, was extraordinary. I've heard the phrase before that Jesus showed up and showed out. Although I understand the sentiment, I personally can't stand the phrase. (Jesus doesn't show up ~ He's already present. He doesn't show out ~ a five year old shows out, before a spanking.) But what we experienced at this Nelons concert was a family of ministers ushering a congregation into the very throneroom of God! We were carried into His presence in an attitude of worship that was nothing short of incredible!

The song selection is always great and the musical ability of each member of this family is quite unique. Jason masterfully coordinates and improvises in a way that blows my mind. Not only does he write many of the songs, his ability to facilitate the musical nuances from the stage is nothing short of miraculous.

Kelly brings a rich alto voice that soothes the soul like no other. From the classic O, For a Thousand Tongues To Sing, to the more recent Settled At The Cross and everything in between, she has the ability to reach the heart of the listener with the love of Jesus. It beams on her face! Her father, Rex, would be proud of the way his legacy is continuing.

Amber is one of the most talented singers anywhere ~ bar none! Amber sings the soprano part with power and conviction. A young veteran of the concert stage, Amber's voice resonates with enthusiasm. The part that impresses me the most about this young lady is not necessarily what one sees on a concert stage or hears on a CD. I follow this family on Facebook and Twitter. More often than many would imagine, Amber shares thoughts from her personal devotional time with God. For a young lady in her age bracket, that impresses me!

We had a special treat tonight, because Autumn joined the family for a couple of songs. The picture above was taken when the ladies sang a song about yesteryear. "Grandpa, tell me 'about the good ole days . . . " Yes, I'm sure Autumn's grandpa's face is beaming as he looks down from Heaven! If you've not heard Autumn sing, she's just as talented as the rest of the family!

At the product table after the concert, the ministry continues. Oh sure, one can purchase CDs and DVDs of this great music ~ and we should! That helps not only financially, but it continues the message and ministry long after the Nelons have left the building. But the opportunity to visit and build personal relationships with this family is another thing that sets them apart from many other artists. I've visited with many artists down through the years ~ at concerts, on the phone, in a radio studio ~ you'll not find any others more personable and real than these folks. If they are ever in driving distance of where you are, please make it a point to go and participate in a concert with them. Tell 'em Steve from Trust Quartet sent you!