Monday, August 24, 2020

“Hopeful History Made, Blunting Coronavirus’ Toll


The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been blunted notably by the historic nomination of Kamala Harris, the first black woman to ever make it within threshold reach of the Vice Presidential office. For many blacks, it is an historic and hopeful time, though many are worn out and drained from what has been an unceasing  Covid-19 roller coaster ride. The uncertainties that have hatched since its onslaught,and the haphazard way in which the entire matter has been managed still leaves tremendous psychological burdens and trauma on the public. Everyday the community of consciousness takes a beating from media reports of mounting deaths and new contractions of the disease, people being buried in mass gravesites,etc.

The politicians want to point fingers at one another and maneuver the menace of coronavirus into a game changer for either side. The party or person that can come up with a medicinal cure  or who can successfully employ social  stratagems of containment and order to ameliorate the financial impact of joblessness,lost tax revenue from cancellations of major events and mass depression, will be our qualified tested and true heroes. Well, in case you have not figured it out yet, there is a higher and larger dynamic at play here. 

In short and to the point, man’s limitation is God’s opportunity. It’s time to bring the faith communities together like never before and call on our creator for guidance and direction in employing resources to our surrounding communities and broader world. Though notable strides have been made to neutralize the virus’ impact in many ways, measures have been taken to curb its spread, healthcare workers are being lifted up and truly appreciated,neighbors are reaching out in kindness to their neighbors more,doctors are racing for a cure. But Coronavirus continues to bob its relentless head up again and again. New Zealand, Brazil, El Salvador and a host of other countries around the world including the US can attest to that. Human kind seems to be somehow mysteriously log jammed and intermittently stuck. However, Congress has done amazingly in a short time getting the first round of economic relief out to citizens. 

 But, I wonder while many still don’t have steady income or jobs what is taking so long for our leaders to take constructive actions now and pass and sign a bill that will continue unemployment compensation,emergency loans to small needy businesses and substantial relief  to individuals? We need to turn up the volume and shine the spotlight on that. Re-distributing the mammoth loans that went out overpaying wealthy corporations, back to poor families struggling to make ends meet is a good start in infusing hope in the public and restoring faith in our system of government. This action would certainly serve to energize the masses and aid in fortifying the spirit to overcome Covid-19.

I think the Biden Harris ticket can do that and much more with significant input from ordinary citizens like those highlighted during the Democratic Convention’s innovative keynote--a brilliant idea, by the way. Hooray for Kamala!

God is able.

Sunday, August 23, 2020

The Stellar Stellars! An Amazing Night of Gospel Music




An amazing show tonight. Catch everything here on You Tube. The lead in shows in Houston as well as the special promotional videos that Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne did as co-hosts had me and I’m sure many more eagerly anticipating this year’s 35th Annual Stellar awards. See Houston interview and performance clip here. You will discover a few things about the co-hosts you may not have known beforehand in the interview by Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston. Jonathan winner of seven(7) Stellars so far is also an author. His latest book is “Make Room:Finding Where Faith Fits” and his latest record release is People. Jonathan also has a Masters degree in Biblical Studies and is an official member of membership organizations. For geniuses, Mensa. Koryn Hawthorn has a no.1 single “You Still Love Me and, of course, the legendary Kirk Franklin is still soaring as a gospel chart topper and maintaining his masterful musicianship and influence in the field Picking up 5 awards for his latest album release “Love Theory”.  The full list of tonight’s winners and categories can be found here. Stellar awards production is also making a program booklet of the show available for download free of charge. 

All performances from the original live show broadcast can be viewed on the BET network.  Moving performances by Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne,Tye Tribett, Zacardi Cortez, Group Fire, Anthony Brown,  James Fortune featuring Deborah Carolina, CeCe Winans who performed a special memorial tribute to  Congressman John Lewis with Bridge Over Troubled Water, Pastor Mike, Tamala Mann and JJ Hairston featuring Kierra Sheard on the award winning “Miracle Worker” ; they all kept the show brimming with inspiration from beginning to end, all the way to the last performance. Tasha Cobb Leonard accepted her award for Song of the Year humbly and with grace. Of course, we know that gospel music is inspiration and drives our church praise teams and Sunday morning worship services every week.The Stellars celebrated gospel music this year with panache and style despite the inability to broadcast live in their usual manner pre-coronavirus.

Jonathan’s Mc Reynold’s “Best Thing”, performance videotaped outdoors was lively and lit with the show lights shining brightly...speaking of which, I have to admit that I have had his 2018 CD “Make Room” on replay in my disc player even though People is his latest release. Both are best. So make room for People as well. But you know, it’s great when an artist can have his earlier release  listened to and enjoyed as much as his earlier record...that is definitely a double portion.

 The producers, editors and behind the scenes crew did a great job of pulling the segments together creatively in light of the Coronavirus social distancing protocols that have caused the television industry to re-think and re-design live broadcasts. The show was edited nicely. I enjoyed the way it segued from the hosts intro of each artist into their video performances. Tamala Mann looked magnificent singing her song from that picturesque mountaintop scene and Doe and Travis Greene’s performance was strong and energetic. In fact all performances were moving and spirit filled. 

God bless! Stay safe and well out there. Keeping you all in my prayers. 

Tune in to our podcast where you can listen to selected blog posts and playlists  featuring music from some of your  favorite artists. Join Pray in Place Prayer Circle every Wednesday morning at 9:00a.m on Zoom. Specific details forthcoming.




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