Cynthia Wilson, affectionately dubbed “Chaplain of Pop” has built a bridge between theology and popular culture as a blogger for twenty years providing commentary on faith,art, politics and music. Listen to her podcast by clicking the web version link at the bottom of this blog and at the top of the web version after the jump.
Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength; for by wise guidance you can wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 24:5-6
It is an established truth that the pen is mightier than the sword. Ask the authors of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution-if you could go back in time- and the average U.S. citizen who writes letters,makes regular comments or undertakes an email campaign to make their opinions known and counted by our government of the people,by the people and for the people. It is also true that the faithful who walk and not faint as they face the trials of life will have their strength renewed if they wait on god. The word says that no weapon formed against you will prosper. To borrow a line from Fred Hammond's gospel song "It won't work." Of course, those who have seen how real weapons work in real war may consider these statements and beliefs out of touch with the reality of actual war.
With these precepts in mind as you journey through life and each day facing enemies seen and unseen in the battles of good versus evil,right against wrong and doubt versus belief, "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18
I found these scriptures very instructive and a source of strength.
I hope they will be the same for you. We all face daily challenges with unseen enemies and wage the war of keeping faith in the face of reality every day. Some enemies are very real. Some are in the spirit. Some are in the mind. Some are imaginary. Pray that god will equip you with the courage and strength to stand when you need to and to say what you need to say. And if need be, to write what you should write even when you are not sure who the letter or correspondence should be addressed to.
Above art print "Moon Lady:Warrior Queen" copyright 2011. Cynthia Wilson, the Chaplain of Pop. All rights reserved.
Oprah's parting words on today's farewell show was not a goodbye,because she did not want to use that term. Instead she told her studio audience and millions of viewers worlwide, "Until we meet again. To god be the glory." Oprah has been a tremendous inspiration to me over the years and I join with millions of friends and viewers to the show in wishing her well. Oprah's humble manner and graciousness won me over as a fan and admirer from the beginning. I have been a loyal viewer for years.
The farewell season has been phenomenal. The United Center Spectacular was riveting. But,this show today was my favorite one of all. Why? Because Oprah in the way that only she could, came full circle and stressed the importance of her viewing audience, proof positive of the magical connection she has with everyday people.On the show,Oprah has no guests onstage. There is no fanfare and she says there will be no makeovers,no cars She stands regally, yet humbly before her guests with the presence of a spiritual leader or Guru as she reminesces in her "love letter" to us about how she got her start , humble beginnings in a rural Mississippi town , video clips of her first television show and other memorable show segments. There was no studio audience at her first show taping years ago. The studio she mentioned had no heat, only her and a couple guests in the throes of cooking chili. At this stage in her career, and in view of the luminaries and celebrities she has interviewed and the vasteness of her current audience, it is difficult to imagine that she was in a television broadcast studio with no people to bounce her interviews or shows topics off of.
She makes a point to today's audience that they have been as important to the shows success as she and her team and segues into the importance of "calling" and says that the "Oprah Show" and what she does is her calling. It is her passion. She emphasizes her wish that everyone of her viewers find their calling. She feels this is one of the true keys to success.
Segments of the show that stood out to me and which Oprah highlighted as some of the best moments were the ones in which friend and producer Tyler Perry revealed he was a victim of sexual abuse. This was the show where a large audience of men were liberated from the emotional trauma as well. It is a subject Oprah has discussed intimately in sharing her personal stories over the years with viewers in what has been a very illustrious journey.
The most memorable highlights of the show for me were:
• Her sharings about "calling" and passion
• The video clip of Iyanla Vanzant and how she transformed that into a powerful lesson about validation.
Oprah sealed it with the statement that we should always take the time to validate others.
• The heart and we should be of service and let our light shine
• the show clip on sexual abuse and Tyler Perry's revelation
• when Oprah imparts line from Color Purple "Everything Done to Me, Already Done to You", urging those in abusive relationships to leave them. The scene in the movie also prompted a lesson in what comes around goes around.
The statement she made about the importance of children and wanting to prevent sexual abuse and molestation to them.
The farewell spectacular at Chicago's United Center was the party that will never be forgotten with Oprah breaking down in tears as 300 men from Morehouse college walked down the isles with candles as an expression of appreciation for help she has given by way of scholarships to them to pursue their education. Celebrity after celebrity paraded on stage with phenomenal performances accompanied with creative and power packed accolades.
Twenty thousand fans filled the United Center to celebrate her generosity,humanitarian stands and her involvement in matters that have touched their lives including mega stars Aretha Franklin,Stevie Wonder,Alicia Keys,Beyonce,Usher,Madonna, Patti LaBelle, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Halle Berry, Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning,Diane Sawyer,Josh Groban,Rascal Flatts, Rosie O'Donnell,Tom Hanks,Tyler Perry,Tom Cruise,Dr. Oz,Dr. Phil,Nate Burkus and ordinary viewers. Close friend Gayle King and partner Stedman Graham. Regular people traveled from all over the country to express their appreciation,support, and some, even sadness about the void they anticipate will be left on the tube in their living rooms during the time her broadcast usually fills for the first time in 25 years.
No matter what the controversy, the need to be met after a disaster, individual, family or community tragedy Oprah has always been a comforting presence. Two of my most poignant memories of her care and humanitarian range was the handling of the New Orleans Metro Dome disaster after Hurricane Katrina and her involvement in Barack Obama's Presidential campaign. She was there on the scene early to find out just what was going on and doing all she could, lending her influence in correcting the situation while making sure the news got out to the world. The second is the role she played in the election of President Barack Obama.
The courage to stand up for a presidential candidate in light of the risks and backlash she received was profound. Many have credited her with playing an instrumental role in the election of this nation's first Black President, Barack Obama. She while playing the feat down and being extremely modest about it--it wouldn't have been Oprah-ish to laud those laurels--will undoubtedly go down in history as achieving that whether it be an oral one in the griot tradition or substantiated on the books. I have also enjoyed blogging about several of her show episodes involving major celebrities and their involvement in humanitarian projects, which she has also embraced on her program including Alicia Keys, Bono, John Mayer and others. I enjoyed attending an Oprah taping at the Fox Theater in Detroit years ago and it was a singular experience. She was gracious and very down to earth. People,mostly women stood around the block waiting for hours to get a good seat in the audience.
Her "Oprah" show will be missed, but I feel that she is going on to broader purpose and influence on the OWN Network which has gotten off to a tremendous start with insightful, self help and life improving programming. I hope she can continue with her book club somehow as well as some spin off of "Oprah's Favorite Things" with an expansion into favorite causes and programs. Perhaps I've just summed up OWN?
I also fervently hope that I will have the opportunity to meet and work with her one day. I've been blessed with meeting many celebrities over the years,but only an audience encounter with Oprah. And,while you gave viewers and those wanting to get in contact with you your personal email address with an open invitation to send one, I can't help but think of the millions and millions of emails that will come flooding in. How will you possibly be able to answer them all? Well,I suppose in the same manner as you answered so many dreams,letters and emails of those who faithfully wrote you during your 25 years on television.By the grace of god,you answered so many.
For every tree is known by his own fruit.-Luke 6:44. I think we can all agree that Oprah has been a bearer of exceptionally good fruit.
Japan indeed is a wealthy country and the yen has amazingly soared after the worst natural disaster in its history. However, Japan is still very much in need of support in moral,spiritual and financial form. It was reported recently that fundraising for this disaster has lagged behind the last two disasters,including Haiti, Katrina and the Tsunami which all but demolished areas of Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Efforts are underway to raise funds and people from ordinary citizens doing art fundraisers to our national government sending in troops and supplies are all pitching in to save Japan. Please do what you can whether it be one dollar or a million dollars. The important thing is to give from your heart sincerely and with love.
It did my heart good to see such respect paid by the Recording Academy at Sunday night's Grammy Award show to some of the more seasoned among the artists honored. I am happy for Mavis Staples who received her first Grammy award ever after nearly 60 years in the business. If you are a Baby Boomer you certainly remember growing up listening to some of the hit tunes performed by the Staple singers consisting of Mavis ,her dad and sister. It was a family affair for sure. There was always a place that we were willing to have them take us. "I'll Take You There" was one of their most renown hits.
What pleases me most about her big win-and,yes she won only one Grammy- but it was a gigantic win for her because of what it represented. It must have justified her many years of perserverance,pressing on in faith and conviction even when the chips were down. The irony of it is that the record consists of spiritual songs produced and written by Jeff Tweedy, the lead member of the successful Chicago rock band Wilco. Mavis went back to her roots. She started out singing Gospel. "You Are Not Alone" won in the Americana category,but it still is church music. Staples beat out Rosanne Cash, Los Lobos, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant for the Grammy. She stated "this isn't the last the world has seen from Mavis Staples." That is good to know.
The tribute to Aretha Franklin was on fire and filled with soul. The Queen of Soul could not have been represented by a better group of voices. Yolanda Adams,Jennifer Hudson,Christina Aguillera,Martina McBride and Florence Welch did a wonderful job. Although she earned her credentials as a blue-eyed soul sister when she performed "This Is A Man's World" for the late James Brown, Christina Aguillerra definitely deserved her "soul" diva props for her handling of "Ain't No Way". It would be safe to say that she sang with almost as much soul as Aretha if not on a par. Jennifer Hudson definitely gets "Respect" for her performance of that classic Aretha song--the one that started it all. Martina McBride, Yolanda Adams and Florence welch demonstrated their vocal chops as well.
The Queen of Soul has been faced with health challenges lately. Unfortunately she could not be present for what would have certainly been a healing dose of music. She watched it from her home. But,music connoisseurs and plain music lovers alike know how good music can make you feel when you're their live and in concert. Let's keep Aretha lifted in prayer and keep her songs alive.
Was it just me or did anyone else think that Mick Jagger's performance was "off the hook"? He really proved why he is a rock music legend. Hands down! That tribute to Solomon Burke was incredible. He is still going strong at nearly 70 years old. I feel that Solomon himself could feel that performance at the Grammy Awards. He done Mr. burke proud. I must admit I've been a Stones fan since the early days. I've seen Jagger get soulful with onstage appearances with Tina Turner,but this performance was extra special. This was also his first appearance on the Grammy stage. I gained a new appreciation for his range as an entertainer,artist and,of course, rock legend. He got the audience thoroughly stoked. Take a look:
Sometimes we have to look at things differently to find hope beyond appearances and seeming limitations. This drawing represents an imaginative perception of a city through a lens of love and hope. Viewed through a lens of love, hope and expectancy, decay and rust can be transformed into building blocks for a brighter day.
As I progressed through what started out as a sketch, it turned into a colorful drawing which incorporates some of the ambience of each of my favorite cities.Under the heading of Avenue "B'" Bridge and the auspices of love, I suppose it could be summed up as a love of city or City Love. Another way of looking at a real city from an imaginary standpoint while showing and hopefully symbolizing the love of urban life as we know it in the USA. I don't think there is anyone around that would not agree that our cities could use some love and devotion. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, this is a very timely theme. So let's pump up the volume. Think of something, however small or large,you could do to improve the quality of life in your city.
Have a great weekend and have a good time hanging out in your favorite places with the people you love and enjoy most. Hope you like the drawing. Don't forget to show some city love.
Brings to mind some of my favorite pop/soul tunes including Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City", John Mayer's "City Love and Jay-Z's featuring Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind.
It is uplifting to look at my favorite cities from this perspective. What do you need to look at from a heightened perspective today and perhaps tomorrow?
Have a great weekend and "be" loving and hopeful.
By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!
Cynthia
Scripture reference
I Corinthians13:13:
AND now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love
"Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, " If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, "You will be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly I tell you everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:31-36
Soar in the freedom of the word today', knowing you have been set free.
Peace,
cynthia
Graphic design "ON His Wings" copyright 2011.cynthia wilson. All rights reserved.
"OH Freedom" public domain freedom song audio part of this message can be downloaded here.
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who is challenged with cancer will be honored at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards music's biggest night. Joining in the tribute are Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride and Florence Welch. The awards show will air live on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, 8 P.M. ET/PT, on CBS.
I'd like to lift up Aretha Franklin who was born and raised in the Motown in her hour of need. She has been blessed with a voice that has been a force in the soul,R&B and Pop genres for nearly forty years. Her singing voice and style is original. No one else sings like Aretha.When she opens her mouth and that amazing force of music and emotion come wailing out, your soul has been blessed . She has given us so much. I remember every song she has ever recorded and as a Baby Boomer,grew up with "Respect",Ain't No Way,This is the House That Jack Built, Baby,Baby Sweet Baby, Call Me, and so many more. She started out singing gospel music like so many other popular recording artists and soul divas. Amazing Grace was her signature song and if you have listened to it you now immediately why she has been raved about for having a fantastic set of pipes.
She has had her share of personal trials including losing a dear sister, Carolyn Franklin,who also penned some of her earlier songs, to cancer years ago. The family hails from the city of Detroit and there is a rich history of the Franklins which began with her dad C.L. Franklin who served as the Pastor of the famous New Bethel Church.
There have been several prayer vigils that have been organized to give her support and love. I was happy to participate in a circle of prayer with my prayer line. I am very happy that she is being honored by her peers at the Grammy Awards on Sunday. She is richly deserving of the tribute. I'd love to be there in person to perform a special prayer for her. But since I won't be there in person I am dedicating this inspirational word to her:
"We stand on god's promise that the fervent, effectual prayers of the righteous availeth much and that where two or more are gathered in god's name touching and agreeing that it will be done then it is so. we claim god's healing of your body right now and wish you a long and productive life. May every blood cell,every molecule,every atom in your body and your bloodstream line up with the word of god for total healing now in the name of Jesus"- Amen.
