Calibrating Compassion and Contentment in a World of Discontent" Sermon Preview

 This is a preview of a Sermonette I wrote  entitled "Calibrating Compassion and Contentment in a World of Discontent". One of the things I mention in my sermonette is the importance of "kindness". I also mentioned the most recent situation in Gary, Indiana. Though most of the utilities have been restored, there remains a need for prayer and more responsiveness concerning the loss of power for Gary and other cities that may face outtages in vital services as well over such an extended length of time.

By the way, displays of kindness should not be reduced to role playing  and idiotic electronic video games that make fun of the situation and its importance or that target purely intentioned others. (If you have something you want to say to me, come correct.)

There were many amazing tributes that came in the past few days in the wake of the passing of Country music legend Dolly Parton. From iconic Beyonce, John Mayer, Queen Latifah on BET and many others. There is a quote she made that really resonated with me about kindness. It is "Talent is universal kindness should be too.Talent is universal kindness should be too."

My full sermon will be available for download in the near future on the website.

Beyonce's MemoriamTribute to Dolly Parton

Beloved Country music legend and philantropist Dolly Parton passed away yesterday after a brief bout with cancer. She was 80 years old. Tributes and expressions of sympathy have been pouring in for the Country music icon including from music legend Beyonce who covered "Jolene" one of Dolly's notable songs on her groundbreaking Grammy Award-winning album "Cowboy Carter"which landed her an Album of the Year Award last year. Beyonce gave a tribute to Dolly on her website with expressions of regard and condolences. In addition to Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene”, Dolly  collaborated with Beyoncé on Tyrant and Dolly P., two other cuts on the album.

Chris Brown Ordered to Pay 13 Million An 'Unusually High Verdict' in Recent Dog Bite Ruling

 A California judge has ordered Chris Brown to pay what  may eventually be considered an unusually high verdict. The 13 Million payment ordered  by California Judge Avila in a recent dog bite case to be paid out of his R & B tour proceeds and  royalties.

Brown's attorneys are likely appealing the matter based on the remedy of remittitur, which grants the party ruled against to petition the court for a decrease in the amount of damages awarded the Plaintiff if it can be proven that the jury wanted to punish Brown since he is a controversial celebrity who has experienced legal scrapes in the past.  Jurors may have harbored prejudices that contributed to an unusually high judgment. Juror prejudices may have resulted in inaccurate calculations concerning the extent of plaintiff's physical injuries and actual pain and suffering. 

The remittitur process will also permit an examination of the financial award  to determine if it is severely disproportionate to Plaintiff's pay outs and documented costs, receipts for treatment and medical follow up for the physical and psychological injuries sustained.

As it currently stands the Judge may collect proceeds from Chris's R & B Tour proceeds. However, if the appeal of the 13 Million ruling  is successfully reduced through the process of remittitur the amount he has  been previously ordered to pay by the court  may be significantly reduced. In any event hopefully Brown had good insurance coverage. 

 Prayers going out that his legal team will handle all of these matters so he can keep his focus on touring  and remain shielded from these legal stresses and maintain his creative focus and energy levels throughout the tour. Praying also for the housekeeper's healing.

Please keep Brown's legal team lifted in prayer also.

Rev. Cynthia D. Wilson, Chaplain of Pop

Listening to:

Spotlight on Usher Raymond Our Saving Grace

  

It was another night of sold-out crowds, musical enrichment, stellar vocals, impeccable dance moves and stage light show enjoyment from a comfortable seat. There were moments when I thought I was viewing the actual firmament beyond the risers of Soldier's Field and in the midst of an actual star filled universe. It was awesome and not in the more mundane use of that word. Check out this video capture of Usher performing "You Got it Bad" before a packed Soldier's Field recorded by producer extraordinaire Jermaine Dupris. Dupris of course, has produced some of Usher's greatest hits.  It was great seeing him supporting the superstar and exchanging greetings with the concert luminaries and fans before and during the show. It was Dupris who first prophesied about the greatness of the tour and what it would do for the black community months before official kick-off at Mile High Stadium in Denver. From all accounts his forecast has been uncannily accurate and on point. Also, check out this series of poses taken by a fan and posted on Instagram. Speaks to the firmament again. This time Usher's brilliantly shining suit blends in or should I say dovetails with the stellar background.

Usher has had more than the R&B concert tour success to celebrate these days. He recently  checked his son into prestigious HBCU Howard University like a normal proud parent whose child is leaving the nest. His daughter also has accomplished a milestone graduating from pre-school. Usher was right there cheering her on. He also enjoys spectacular splashes in the family pool fully clothed with wife and kids upping the fun, splash harmony and humor.

There are some other things you may not know about this r&b icon. He gives back to the community graciously and consistently  and has been doing so for over 25 years through his New Look foundation. Ten interns were selected for participation in  the behind the scene production activities of the R&B Tour from big cities like Detroit and Atlanta through Usher's  New Look Foundation. He also contributed along with Detroit's own Big Sean a Million dollars in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to a creative studio for youth housed in Detroit's Michigan  Central Station. Usher also serves as an ambassador of Global Citizen. He has also supported the careers of up and coming artists like Kehlani, Miguel and others through through the aforementioned special mentor and music training program. Gracious and graceful Usher. 

Keep him lifted in prayer as he lifts up prayer to god in this photo and his and Chris Brown's (Breezy's) team with Pastor Gray before R&B Tour's opening concert in Detroit.

Big thanks to the fans who generously share their photos and videos on the Gram. I appreciate you.

Next stop Santa Clara.

Peace and blessings,

Rev. Cynthia D.  Wilson, Chaplain of Pop

Related Posts:

50 Cents, Fat Joe, Jadakiss,Lil Baby,Tank,Eric Bellinger Join Usher and Brown on New York Leg of Tour at Metlife Stadium in Jersey; Divas Ashanti, Mary J. Blige & Others Join Tour on Second Night

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing

"We should always be praying"

"Unity in the Community" and "Prayer is Important" On Tour

Introductory Video Commentary by Rev. Cynthia D. Wilson

I have enjoyed following what has been proclaimed and has gained its rightful place as the biggest tour for Rhythm and Blues this year because of two of the biggest stars  Chris Brown and Usher are co-headliners. As a promoter of prayer and co-founder of Chaplain of Pop outreach  ministry of presence, through prayer and support, I was as thrilled to have been considered for the opportunity and happy to see the tour opened with prayer before Detroit's show at Ford Field last month by Rev. Gray.  He did a great job. Also, Chris and Usher facilitated an opening prayer by a local pastor before one of the Detroit shows as well.  I would have loved to have been present for such a monumental night giving the prayer myself or just being among the prayer circle. But due to unforseen reasons. I ask that you pray for me to get beyond and overcome these man-made obstacles.

I do look forward to attending in person in the future. In the meantime I  can always do a video as I have been constantly reminded. Though hugs and handshakes are more effective in person. I still have enjoyed some of the performances via live stream and have messaged short prayers and comments during the "live chats". Those  interactions are impotant as well.

 Live chat provides an opportunity for me and others to message prayers and comments throughout the show. Its was good to listen to the perspectives and opinions of fans and also see the concert "live" from a different angle. When you can't  be there in person to interview them or mingle for whatever reasons it is the next best thing. I really appreciated the setting even though intermittent loud and excited expressions from fans produced varied versions of the songs. The songs come off slightly different when overdubbed with exhilarated singing and shouts from loving fans. But I was glad to experience the concert all the more from that aspect. Though I would have preferred to be there in person even more. Working on it...!

The streamers are dedicated and very concerned about others being able to see the show, especially when the wifi connection is lost. The fade out happens but only lasts a few seconds usually. They demand uninterrupted continuity and flow of the show, as it must go on. A special "shout out" to the streamers who stood in the gap and also produced some entertainment of their own with their cheering and excited commentary. Though sometimes a bit risque  you have to remember that Chris Brown is a co-headliner of the concert. And  of course Usher's fans were as exhilarated from his performance as Brown's fans were of his. The tenor of the expressions and the language used varied a bit for each artist and was interesting to note. 

Chris Brown and Usher continued their excellence in delivery of great music with impeccable vocals and dance routines with some exciting surprises in their guest line up and dance performance changes in  the first night's show. 

There was a beautifully tasteful and giant black and white background photo display of  Chris Brown during the early days during one of the songs performed which provided a lovely touch.

Chris usually clad in chains, all black leather and all black pants when performing the "Under the Influence/ Take You Down" pole dance segment, the most sexually provocative scene of the show, was sporting overalls during the first night's skit which took the steaminess down a few notches. Also, the stage lights were dimmed during the ascending of the staircase scene after the pole dance interval leaving it to the audience's imagination, at least from my viewing angle. It was done in good taste though, in my opinion.

Check out this link for a terrific Instagram capture. Also you can go to Chris Brown or Usher's fan sites for other videos of this and other shows from the R&B Tour.

 New York's concerts on both nights of the R&B Tour also took on a whole new dimension with an exciting line-up of guest performances. You had rappers like 50 Cents whose surprise appearance had the concert audience welcoming him to the stage with thunderous applause. Other rappers making surprise appearances were Jadakiss and Fat Joe who joined Usher on stage for a performance of a long rap and R&B medley of music and verse. The impromptu performance was reminiscent of  homies in the neighborhood getting together and having a jam session of old friends. It was clear they and the audience were enjoying every second. 

In non-verbal language when Jadakiss and Fat Joe swaggered onstage after climbing the stairs to join their friends their entrance body language spoke loud and clear--we are your back-up and have your back in our neighborhood. After the three of them performed together, Usher gracefully yielded the stage to Fat Joe and Jadakiss who rapped a few numbers together. There was also a surprise rap performance by Lil Baby. I couldn’t help but speculate that Jay-Z may have sent them as emissaries to roll out a New York homage and welcome for the two r&b icons. After all Usher did make a surprise appearance at his concert at Yankee Stadium.

It was great to see an array of rappers joining Usher’s and Chris Brown’s R&B Tour party. Eric Bellinger and Tank also made guest appearances performing their popular rhythm and blues songs.

R&B crooners Mario and Eric Bellinger also showed up again for the second show. The biggest surprise came the second night of the concert when two Hip Hop and r&b diva-icons Mary J. Blige and Ashanti joined Usher on stage for outstanding segments. It was great to see the ladies join the R&B Tour  party. Rapper Fortune, Method Man, A Boogie made it as well.

Here's another nice video montage that was prepared of the special guests performing on day two.

Chaplain of Pop video updates forthcoming soon  at link.

Cynthia Wilson, Chaplain of Pop