Great job. That's the first of that genre I think I have heard here and it sets the bar mighty high indeed.

Southern Gospel.... there was a time I was into that style. I had picked up a piano from a church for practically nothing. I was also hearing a number of local gospel groups.... it's certainly a very popular music style here in NC.

Regarding getting baptized in the creek behind the church.... My SIL decided to get baptized at the church she was attending in the mountains.... in November.... yeah, that was some SERIOUSLY COLD water. I'd have said... this is gonna have to wait until July or something.... even in July that water was barely in the low 60s.

The mix on the song is nice too.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.