Reasons to Shout - Saturday recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Today was the first day I was able to be at Silver Dollar City for the Southern Gospel Picnic. My morning started at Red Gold Hall and ended at Echo Hollow with one of gospel music's most beloved family groups. Here's a look at who I saw and some highlights!

The Ball Brothers

• "It's About the Cross" - Forever a favorite song they sing! Always such a powerful response!
• "Forgiven"
• "Gentle Shepherd"
• "Count Your Blessings" - Love hearing them on the big band style songs!
• "Mercy Tree"

2nd Generation 

• "Blessed Assurance" - They started their set with this one a cappella.
• "On Business for the King"
• "Waving on the Other Side" - They set this one up by singing "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" with the audience.
• "All Our Hope"

The Whisnants

• "I've Prayed Through It" - This is a brand new song from Susan's solo CD. She shared a little bit of testimony and how the song was written for her. What a moment this was!
• "Be Not Afraid"
• "Grave Mistake"
• "1+2+3" - I was glad to get to hear this song from Austin and Ethan's CD live.
• "New Day Dawning" - The audience was on its feet clapping only a few measures into the song!

The Hoppers

Given all this family has been through in the last few weeks, it was so good to see them. Dean, of course, is still recovering but the rest of the family was there. Shane McConnell, previously with Canton Junction, filled in for Dean.

• "Life Is Good"
• "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin"
• "Grace Will Get You Through" - It was good to hear Connie on this song.
• "Jerusalem" 
• "I've Come Too Far" - Before this song is when they shared their testimony about the last few weeks and all they had been through. Dean had a successful surgery with the stent but Kim shared if they hadn't been able to do the surgery when they did, things could have been much different. They had so much to be thankful for. Also, where Dean had the stroke has caused no permanent damage. He's still walking, talking and will be able to sing again when the doctors release him.  
• "Something's Happening" - I love hearing this song live! So powerful! 
• "If I Could Help Somebody" - Claude dedicated this song to Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas. Such a sweet moment!
• "Shoutin' Time" - As soon as Claude announced it was shoutin' time, the audience was on its feet clapping along!