In the 1990’s I registered for a Christian writer’s conference in Hannibal, MO. When submitting my application, I inquired if there might be another attendee from my locale.  The conference staff were happy to oblige me with contact information for the other person. At that time, it was pre cell-phone and texting. Mrs. McEntire was not yet an e-mail user, so she and I chatted a couple of times via phone. A time and place were arranged to meet and carpool over to MO.

When I arrived to pick her up, she and her husband were most outgoing and personable, so the three of us agreed sharing a ride to the conference would be beneficial. From the onset the two of us conversed with much ease and pleasant interaction. However, shortly into our journey, my curiosity had the “best of me” and I just had to know if she was related to Reba. Yes, indeed she was. She was her aunt by marriage. Reba’s Daddy and Mrs. McEntire’s husband were brothers, owning very large ranches in OK.

Because I have forgotten Mrs. McEntire’s first name, for the sake of this story, I will call her Dorothy (as I think that might be what her first name was), she had much admiration for Reba and her talent. Dorothy shared of Reba’s father’s devotion to her and her siblings. Reba’s Daddy was a huge asset in bringing her name to the forefront. The rest is history, as I imagine all reading this blog know of Reba McEntire’s beautiful voice.

Each of us have been given gifts from God. Not all of us have the ability or financial advantages to allow us fame. Nonetheless, our talents can be used of God for His service. Some may serve quietly “behind the scenes”, while others enjoy being in front of the action. Whatever He has called us to do, do it for His glory to others. I Peter NKJ, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”