Vestal!: "Lord, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now" [Paperback]

Vestal Goodman (Author), Ken Abraham (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Long before Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker broadcast their histrionics to the world through television, The Happy Goodman Family, starring Vestal Goodman, was stirring up the sawdust trail to bring God's gospel music and message to tent revival meetings and gospel sings in municipal auditoriums throughout the South. Born in a small Alabama town, Vestal Goodman was the fourth of six children whose destiny was sealed by their father's prediction that someday VestalAthe name means "purity and chastity"Awould be preaching and singing the gospel message. At 16, Vestal dedicated her life to serving God through her own musical gifts. In her late teens, she met and fell in love with her soon-to-be husband, Howard Goodman, a preacher nine years her senior. Both husband and wife gave their all to God as they pastored churches and sang for congregations across the country, and they, along with their two children, soon became known as the Happy Goodman family. Vestal tells of God's challenges to their faith through a number of tragedies, including the deaths of family and friends and Vestal's own struggle with heart disease and cancer. Goodman portrays her healings from her medical conditions as proof that God can turn tragedy into an opportunity to trust God, and she has shared the healing work of Christ with music stars like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis, among others. Goodman's fans will appreciate her candid portrait of her life as the white handkerchief-waving, gospel-singing Sister Vestal.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

VESTAL GOODMAN has recorded 15 number one songs in her career. Her records have sold millions of copies. She’s performed over 3,500 concerts, including appearances at The Grand Ole Opry and the Chicago Music Festival. She’s shared the stage with such music greats as The Blackwood Brothers, Hank Williams Sr., and Bill and Gloria Gaither. KEN ABRAHAM is the author of over twenty-five books, including the best-selling I Was Wrong, with former PTL president and televangelist Jim Bakker.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578563003
• ISBN-13: 978-1578563005
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,077,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories of amazing grace, gospel singing, July 1, 2004

By 

C Wells (Odessa, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vestal!: "Lord, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now" (Paperback)

This is such a delightful, inspirational book that I chose to review it for a couple of the Round Table groups in our church. [These are groups of Christian women who meet monthly at a member's home for a book review, prayer-and-share time, food and fun.] I included a couple of video clips of her singing and praying. Vestal and her husband Howard (both recently deceased)led amazing lives full of faith and miracles as well as hardships and disappointments. They trusted God to meet their needs and he always did. They experienced miracles of all types, including physical healings. I "met" the Goodmans years ago on television and became "reacquainted" when they began appearing on the Gaither Gospel Concerts (live, video, tv) in 1991. Like the rest of Vestal's fans, I was attracted to her clear, strong, one-of-a-kind voice, and the sweet spirit that showed on her face with a special glow when she sang. I'm thankful to have been able to see and hear her in person in Dallas in 2003 just ten months before she died. Vestal always gave glory to God and Jesus when she sang. She was a spiritual advisor to hundreds of people including celebrities such as George Jones, and was known as a great Prayer Warrior. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and I laughed out loud at some of her stories. The book includes pictures of the Goodmans (and others) through the years. It's a special book that stays with you. I keep telling my friends about different stories from it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humor, Laughter, and Sadness, October 23, 2002

By 

Jonathan D. Kittrell (Bogalusa, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vestal (Hardcover)

I have admired Vestal Goodman for years, especially because of her former hairstyles. I read this book and could not put it down. I understood how her life had come up from bootstraps and how time and time again they were desolate and had nothing but the Goodman Family and faith. Vestal was honest and frank about several relationships and theology. She did not mince words on anything. Vestal wrote this book not to impress anyone but to honor God.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's the best!, July 25, 2000

By 

Kaitlyn (Easton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vestal!: "Lord, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now" (Paperback)

Vestal Goodman is an inspiration. I'm only 14 but I can see this lady is one of a kind! This book tells her life story. But it's not only about her. There's something more to it. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It's easy to read. I laughed and cried at times! This is definitely a wonderful book!