Praying for Oxford’s Healing and Manifestation of God’s Mighty Good

 

“Mighty Good” (see link below)

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2018/03/mighty-good.html

“Unarmed—Aim for Love”  Illustration by ASM Art Media &Graphics

In light of recent events-the school shooting in Oxford, Michigan which left 4 dead and 11 injured,  let us keep the community especially the families of those students and others whose lives were taken by yet another senseless act of gun violence supported with our care and compassion.  Let us keep that community, our nation and other countries that are besieged by gun violence and inadequate gun safety laws, saturated in prayer and constructive follow up actions, giving our individual and corporate prayers feet as we aim to obtain social justice. Above is a link to an inspirational message I gave three years ago as a blog post. 

I offer it up today as a prayer, a message of hope and encouragement. God bless you. You can listen to it now as a podcast episode. Video forthcoming.

Blessings,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

ACA Survives Third Major Supreme Court Hurdle

 Recent ruling by the Supreme Court rescued President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare legislation, the Affordable Care Act a viable health insurance coverage plan for millions  of Americans from another attempt by Republican factions to defeat it. From the looks of this outcome the ACA appears to be on a secure path to providing affordable coverage for those who need it most.

Links to other articles on the ACA:

Alicia Keys Gets Exquisite Introduction at Sunday's Billboard Awards by Former First Lady Michelle Obama

 Alicia Keys is certainly one of my music favorites. I have always enjoyed covering her concert appearances and her caring humanitarian projects such as " Keep A Child Alive", a program she implemented to provide needed medicines to children suffering from AIDS in Africa. She appeared with Bono on a special episode of Oprah to promote the AIDS program and to promote a song she recorded with Bono to encourage Africa.

She performed a medley of some of the songs that made her a pop music icon in the soul and rhythm and blues genres. Michelle Obama proclaimed Alicia a "shining light and singular force" for her contributions  and mentioned how the music icon's song "Fallin'"  from her Grammy award winning debut album "Song's in A Minor" had such a profound impact on her musically, inspiring her as a young woman. Paraphrasing Obama, she said listening to that song made her feel like she was at church and the symphony all at the same time. 

Alicia entered Billboard center stage dressed to the nines. She was adorned in a fabulous sky blue tie dyed-ish pantsuit that fitted the occasion and Alicia like a glove. It was topped off by a stunning hat that accentuated  her beautiful facial bone structure. 

Alicia yours was certainly a key performance of the evening and you remain a Creativessel Inspiration for sure. All the best in your music career, Key's Soul Care venture and your role as nurturing mother to your incredible sons. Be sure to tune into my podcast at the link provided in the blog header above

 for additional highlights of the Billboard Awards and inspirational messages, reviews and updates.

To view the video so graciously provided by Access please click on this link or click on the Web Version link located in the bottom column of this blog.

Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson

Video of the Week- Travis Greene-Made a Way

 

Travis Greene beloved father, husband, friend to powerhouse pastors and superstar Gospel artists has been nominated for a Stellar Award this year in the category of Contemporary Male Artist of the Year. This week’s video from the archives includes his Stellar Award winning song of 2017, “Made a Way”which is energizingly performed. Feel the Holy Spirit’s healing anointing energy fall fresh. Notice: Click on web version link in bottom column to access video content on this blog if you are using your cell phone.

a full list of Stellar award nominees at this link. The awards show is scheduled for taping in Nashville on July 10. Stay tuned to the Stellar Awards website for upcoming broadcast times.

Progressive National Baptist Conventionion Live Stream Sunday, May 16, 2021

 

From the Obama Archives:Gun Control

 This poster was circulated during the Obama For America (OFA) campaign for gun control. It popped up as my Facebook Memories post on Facebook today.  I am lifting it up and sharing with you as a reference to the many successful programs and initiatives that Obama was a force for while he was President of the United States. We will be posting historic blog posts from time to time as part of the politics category on this blog.

Video of the Weekend-Medley Performed at 2017 Stellar Awards: Jonathan Butler, Israel Houghton, Travis Greene and Jonathan McReynolds-"I Gotta Have You";"You Made a Way";"You Make All Things New"; “I Will Follow You Forward”!

 Our video of the weekend, formerly “video of the week” is a Stellar Awards performance from the 2017 archives featuring an assembled quartet of gospel and jazz recording artists Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Jonathan Butler and Jonathan McReynolds. It was a smooth performance indeed.  Noteworthy.

Prayers Up!

Today I am lifting up special prayers for those who we don’t know are struggling with COVID and other illnesses because for some reason or other, their condition has not been shared with their communities. So the following link to an earlier prayer podcast that I recorded is dedicated especially to you. Perhaps you or your caregiver can provide an audio or visual message from them or you if you are able, that I can post on this blog and our  Facebook Pray in Place Prayer Circle to authenticate that you are indeed standing in the need of prayer for a serious health condition. I promise I will post it as soon as possible and circulate it to churches and the broader community. You can send it”to cynthiawilsonministries@gmail.com or creativessel@gmail.com. In the meantime, please listen to the podcast episode below, a prayer for your healing, uplift and encouragement.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41650279

Love,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

All Aboard! Next Station Academy Awards

      

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the producers and organizers of the Oscars televised broadcast tonight have come up with one of the most innovative and creative sets for the Academy Awards, ...wait for it... a little drum roll please...the Los Angeles train station. I can’t wait to see this in full swing. If only I had known in advance i.e., by at least 4 days, the location of tonight’s show, I would have zoomed in on that California Zephyr and arrived at my final destination right there, on time and on location. Well, a girl can’t have everything, can she? I’m still up for reviewing though. Look forward to the red carpets whether on railroad tracks, stone, carpeted or wood flooring. Can I get a witness?

For audio visit forthcoming podcast link.

Video of the Week-Biden Acknowledges Genocide of Armenians

 Today, Friday, April 23, 2021, we recognize the importance of keeping on track of the notable developments in our society including politics and culture. These are the latest political news, art and culture events of the week by category that are impacting our nation.

Below is a video of President Biden acknowledging the atrocity against  Armenians that amounted to genocide. This marks the first time that this event involving ‘mass killings’ had ever been formally acknowledged by any other President in our nation’s history. To watch the video click the View Web Version at the bottom of  this page.

This acknowledgment is perhaps more timely than we know in light of atrocities that are currently taking place in Myanmar and other hot spots of war, civil unrest and political upheaval. There have been  public outcries concerning killing sprees that are not being monitored sufficiently by local or National authorities nor intervened into pursuant to United Nations policies or protocols, particularly in Myanmar. 

Let us keep those regions and the leadership entities responsible for protecting human lives and human rights through monitoring and peace keeping missions lifted in prayer.

Jonathan McReynolds, Doe Jones, Join Chandler Moore of Maverick City in Breathe

Edited Sunday, April 25,2021

 “Let Everything that has breath, praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6 is a  very powerful scripture, one that makes up a significant lyric of this Holy Spirit filled song that inspires praise in the crucial everyday blessings like breathing, inhaling fresh air into our lungs that quite frankly we often overlook and take for granted. Without God’s gift of air and breath we could not sustain life nor could we lift up and sing praises.

“It’s a miracle that we can breathe” the group sings led by the powerful vocals of Jonathan McReynolds and Chandler Moore. But now that we are fighting a global pandemic, a virus that attacks the respiratory system, particularly the lungs as many who fall ill and subsequently hospitalized end up on breathing machines such as ventilators, this anthem takes on an even deeper meaning and urgency.

This was an awesome gathering of some very talented gospel musicians singing praises to God spontaneously in the round, a collaborative worship and praise style that has recently taken gospel music approach on live and taped recording sessions on video by storm. Jonathan McReynolds, Doe Jones, Chandler Moore, Israel Houghton and others making a joyful noise unto the Lord, singing and fervently lifting up God praises and sending out prayers also to those needing peaceful sleep throughout the night and those that may be challenged with hypertension as well. That was  an especially heartfelt intro solo and prayer from Jonathan as he closed out the song, adding a moving spirit filled touch. To view video if you’re on a mobile phone, click on link entitled view web version below.

“Don’t Shoot”

 

“Don’t Shoot” watercolor painting

The alarming rate of gun violence against unarmed young men was the impetus for this particular piece of art. Also, gun violence in general. Especially the recent mass shootings in Indianapolis. This is my artistic response, a proposed wall mural and poster. A gratis license is available to churches and non-profits that care to use the art to educate and promote awareness about Gun violence and peaceful measures that can be taken to effectively end it. To learn more, email Cynthia Wilson at creativessel@gmail.com.

 

At the top left of the work is an angel who is symbolically pouring out love on the matter  in the form of hearts. She is sounding the trumpets to alert those who will hear the message,which states clearly on an artistic representation of a target painted with the following in varying sequence: "Unarmed Mortal,Don't Shoot. Aim for Love. Drown Out/ Curb Violence. The word curb has been struck through because drown out seems more precise and therefore a more appropriate word in light of the water and heart filled gun and cannon which have been repurposed to pour out love symbolized by water infused with hearts. As a result violence is figuratively depicted saturated with water filled with hearts of love and drowned out. No harm is caused others. If anything, they will get a goodness shower from the water-filled gun and cannon filled with water and hearts.

 

Peace is the ultimate objective. This artwork is just one of many interpretations of a recurring social ill which notably resurfaced with the Trayvon Martin matter--young unarmed men running away from armed police shooting at them for no justifiable reasons.

I wrote and recorded a podcast of the song that was  removed (stolen)from my podcast page. It is being re-uploaded and will be made available soon. But I would like some of my favorite musicians to get together and make a recording of the song and make a video for a virtual concert. I’ve already recorded a version. The one on my podcast episode that’s missing. It’s a song that I hope everyone in our country would join in singing in unison, harmony or whenever the spirit moves them in their homes, at school, in the park at vigils held for loved ones they have lost to gun violence and make cover videos of the song versions they make as well. It’s about unity and people joining together to sing away this madness and evil that has seemed to take over our society and place us under a traumatic psychological state of siege.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

Video of the Week: Billy Preston-“That’s the Way God Planned It”

 Video of the Week is from way back. Billy Preston began as a church organist, had a string of pop gospel hits like the one in the video below. He was affectionately dubbed a fifth member of the Beatles and performed as an organist on their hit song “Let it Be” and other notable songs. Here he joins Beatle George Harrison in a performance before an audience of thousands at the historic and hugely successful benefit concert for Bangladesh held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971. The concert raised 12 million for the people of Bangladesh who were battling war-related starvation and genocide at the time. Royalties from the sale of the related documentary and album sales continue to this day to fund George Harrison’s Foundation for UNICEF, which was founded with famous Indian musician Ravi Shankar.

If you are reading this blog on your mobile device, go to the View web version link in the footer column at the bottom of this page. It will take you to the desktop version of this blog where you can view the video in its entirety by following the You Tube link or if you are feeling lucky, just Google it.

Enjoy this history lesson which is a segment of today’s podcast. The link will be provided in the near future. God bless your day.

Cynthia Wilson

An Eastertide Playlist

 

            Stations of the Cross Trilogy(no.3)watercolor by Cynthia Wilson

                    Eastertide Playlist (Link here) 

We are still in the Easter season until May 23 Pentecost Sunday. So it’s timely to continue celebrating the hope and joy of resurrection, renewals and new beginnings with some inspirational songs. Under the image above is a link to a playlist I created on Apple Music. Please feel free to share with family and friends.

 God bless you!  Stay healthy and well while keeping yours and other’s’  spirits lifted throughout the season.

Much joy, peace and love,

Cynthia Wilson

Worship Together: Global Easter Celebration Rocked Easter with Uplifting Musical Performances

 Gospel superstar Jonathan McReynolds hosted an inspiring concert featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and recording artists who rocked the Easter holiday in with some great worship music. To view the video go to the web version of this blog by clicking the link provided at the bottom of this page or viewing on your desktop version. You may also click on Vision TV at this link.

Kicking Off Poetry Month with Poem About Public Health

 This week’s Poetry Saturday entry is from recent archives, Saturday,March 6, 2021 entitled, “We Shall Not Be Overtaken by Coronavirus or Its Progeny”   The video was on our You Tube station.

Related artwork which is being imprinted on merchandise like t-shirts, caps and cups and will be available in the near future in our online store. Percentage of proceeds from sales will be donated to COVID related charities and programs. Stay tuned.

“Coronavirus Banned”

You may join a coronavirus prayer group that has been started on Facebook. It’s called “Pray in Place”. Prayers for coronavirus are there for you to read or link provided to audio to listen to.

“Were You There?” Easter Spiritual Hymn

 I awakened early this Easter morning with a classic Negro Spiritual spinning in my heart and on my mind. It takes me back, way back to the small neighborhood church where my grandmother would have my older sister and I starring in the annual Easter programs. Anyway, this is a song that always instilled me with awe and brought me to tears. I recorded it by God’s grace and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that I pray God will keep my soul and spirit in alignment with. After searching this morning for the complete lyrics and curious also about how many versions of the song had been done, since it is over 100 years old and in the public domain, I found quite a few. There are renditions by Mahalia Jackson, Willie Nelson, Sam Cooke, Three Mo’ Tenors, Jessie Norman, Johnny Cash and quite a few others. But my favorite version was shared by a helpful friend. It starts out with an instrumental jazz intro, a surprising vocal solo, additional brief solo parts and expands into a choir of many. It was beautiful to behold everyone singing, some their own special solo parts, coming together in unison on the shore at sunrise singing the last verse about how Jesus arose.The You Tube link is here.

 Your comments and emails are always welcome. Feel free to send feedback via email or in the comment box below. Not just on this Easter greeting. But on any other post or side-column you have an interest in on this blog. [Repost to right column.]

Let There Be Joyful Noise:Celebrating Easter with Own

Make a joyful noise to God,all the earth! 

Psalm 66:1

 This Easter holiday season, I vowed to listen to and share as much music as possible and lift the Easter holiday up while working on my Easter reflection. I even curated a playlist to share for the season. Watching Own's Easter concert was icing on the cake and spurred me on to complete the music playlist project for family, friends and hopefully for inclusion in my Apple radio station. It is actually a compilation of all of my jazz,r&b and inspirational music. 

So, you could say that my Holy week celebration got off to a great start watching Own network's concert starring  legendary gospel royalty from the Winans' family including BeBe,  CeCe and Deborah Joy Winans.  CeCe sang while BeBe and Deborah hosted the inspiring line up of performances by Stellar and Grammy winning recording artists including Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene,Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne,Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton and the Hamiltones, Lewis, Michelle Williams, Cedric the Entertainer, and several others including some amazing pastors and spiritual leaders who shared some of their enlightening and educational perspectives on Easter. It was an enriching experience all the way around with music and Biblical education. 

Own network has the full video up on their website. If you missed the original broadcast a complimentary viewing  will be available at this link until the end of this month. Enjoy!

On Racism and Cancel Culture Osborne and Morgan Style with Weigh Ins from Fox on Soul Queens

 

While the media stratosphere and blogosphere is rife with incidents sparking debates and “cancel culture” actions, I thought it important that I dig into my archives and share some commentary on racism from some of our great leaders. I found an essay I wrote about how Obama handled and weighed in on the outcome of the Trayvon Martin trial. Although that verdict is now unbelievably 8 years old, it is relevant as the incident that sparked this modern debate and stirred a controversy on racism of the police and auxiliary police that has expanded to other areas of our lives and provided the impetus for the Black Lives Matter movement. The recent swift release of Sharon Osbourne a co-host of the Talk for her aggressive questioning of Sheryl Underwood about what Piers Morgan did in Underwood’s view that was racist caused enough of a stir to have her leave the show she has been co-hosting for 11years even though Underwood in her media remarks had no objections to Osbourne’s line of questioning. Nor did she seem to have been offended. Likewise, the abrupt and seemingly heated and non-sensical rift that occurred between Morgan and the Duchessof Sussex has resulted in the same course of swift firings or resignations without any  follow up dialogue.

On a healing note, I think we have to be very careful about alienating potential allies and folks of other races by knee jerking in the course of sensitive dialogue that may not be intended to cause harm, but is merely person’s trying to get to the heart of the issue without any racist intentions or objectives . Hear more on my upcoming podcast at a forthcoming link. I also mention a commentary I wrote about President Obama’s response to Trayvon Martin’s disappointing verdict which many thought was a racist and unfair outcome and what measures he thought could be taken to bring healing to the situation.

Taking Inventory of Obvious and Not So Obvious Blessings

Rev. Cynthia Wilson with Dr.Hyung Chung faculty organizer of  Union Theological Seminary's "Is Peace Possible Summit" circa 
 2013.

Happy Spring! On this second day of Spring, you may be considering Spring cleaning,taking inventory or otherwise getting things in order in preparation for resurrection Sunday or for renewing, refurbishing, reclaiming and rebuilding.

This morning  I read through chapter 1:1-11 in the book of Ezra in preparation for an inspiring word to share today. This portion of Ezra  is about Cyrus helping the exiles to return and taking inventory of the goods, supplies and financial assets that had been used to build their old temple, the one that King Nebuchadnezzar had leveled during the war according to scripture and taken to store in his temple. He had also sent the captives into exile.They were returning with King Cyrus' help and being restored. That restoration did not occur overnight but took place over a period of years and rulerships.The array of gold bowls, silver and other implements inventoried to be placed in the newly constructed tabernacle was staggering at 5,400. 

Couldn't help but think of how God will open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings you won't have room enough to contain. But you have to recognize your  blessings. Sometimes they come in forms you least expect. Remain prayerful, watchful and discerning, boldly stepping out on God's word and trusting in his provision.  For more tune into my forthcoming podcast on the topic of "Taking Inventory of Your Obvious and Not So Obvious Blessings." The link will be provided in the near future as a follow up to this post.

As you reflect on the word today, please continue to keep our Asian community lifted in prayer.

Above is a photo of me and my Seminary advisor, well regarded  Korean feminist and liberation theologian Professor Hyung Chung. She served as my advisor during my studies at Union Theological Seminary.  I am lifting her up today as part of my prayer to embrace and pray for our Asian community.

 

Please Pray for Cessation of Gun Violence: Supermarket Shooting Leaves 10 Dead

 Appallingly alarming. Here we go again. Mass murder is definitely a cycle that should never repeat itself in this country or anywhere else in the world. These horrific events should never be regarded casually. Nor should they be allowed to desensitize our nation to the dire need for the promulgation and enforcement of intelligent gun control laws.

 There is only so much the human psyche can take before shutting down and protecting itself from the repeated trauma caused by senseless acts of violence. Prayers are needed for the soul of our nation. This type of violence has to cease. It is a senseless way of handling internal or external conflict. Public health is at stake, especially our country’s mental health.

Prayers of comfort going out to the families of the victims including the Boulder police officer who perished in the attack.

Please pray mightily for the cessation of senseless gun violence.

No one should be afraid to go grocery shopping or filled with anxiety at the thought of being shot down at the market while leisurely shopping for their meals. God have mercy.

Spotlight on Terri Lynn Carrington

 This week's special video selections are  performances by renown female drummer Terri Lynne Carrington. The first video found below, is a performance with jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves and includes a solo drum segment a few minutes into the set.

The second video is a performance at NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert. History making, multiple Grammy Nominee, three time Grammy award winner,  jazz drummer, teacher, trailblazer and activist Terri Lynn Carrington is performing with her band Social Science at NPR Music's prestigious Tiny Desk Concert series. The  Tiny Desk concert video features special guests

Malcolm Jamal Warner reciting spoken word. 

 Carrington's latest album Waiting Game was nominated for a Grammy this year in the category of Best Jazz Instrumental Album. 

Stellar Awards Music of Hope is Here Again

President Biden Holds Candlelit Remembrance and Moment of Silence for 500,000 Lives Lost to Covd-19 Virus

 President Joseph Biden was joined by First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris  and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff in a ceremony  at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., our Nation's Capitol, paying tribute to the 500,000 lives lost to the Coronavirus pandemic. The nation paused to pay respects to lives lost in what has become a sad and sobering milestone in public health for our nation.

During his speech, Biden stated that more lives have been lost to Covid-19 than to the Vietnam War, WW1 and WWII combined. He emphasized how many died alone without loved ones to comfort them or relatives and friends to pray and comfort  them at their bedsides, or to grieve and mourn them during customary funeral services and rituals.

He ordered flags flown at half staff around the country. Let us keep our country and world lifted in prayer and genuine concern for those currently challenged with the virus.

Movin' On:Lifting Up Grammy Nominees Jonathan McReynolds’ & Mali Music P.1

Raised and nurtured in the Church of God in Christ, Jonathan McReynolds has been singing and uplifting traditional Gospel music at his home church in Chicago as well as in front of large congregations across the country and throughout the globe.

Jonathan performing at West Angeles COGIC's Christmas concert in 2017

Jonathan McReynolds arrived on the Gospel music scene inspiring and captivating audiences with his beautifully crafted gospel songs that express and share his God given anointing to connect worshippers creatively and sensitively with the word of God and his personal relationship with God. Songs from his first album  Life Music released in 2012 took the Gospel world  by storm. An album that is filled with  beautifully simple, cutting edge and moving contemporary Gospel songs accentuated by his signature vocal style. 

Kirk Franklin has honored and proclaimed multiple award winning Jonathan as the 'future of Gospel'. Jonathan has  received eight (8) Stellar Awards, 2 Dove Awards and has several Grammy nominated albums to his credit, including Life Music  Stage Two and Make Room. His recent hit single “Movin’ On" in collaboration with Grammy

award-winning recording artist and producer Mali Music from his latest album release “People”, has been nominated in this year's Grammy category of Best Contemporary Gospel Performance.  

Jonathan has  inspired church and mainstream audiences around the globe for nearly a decade. This is Jonathan performing a very deeply felt acoustic rendition of "Make Room".

Blessings on you and Mali’s Grammy nomination for Movin’ On. May there be continued grace, healing and favor from God in your life. May God continue to richly bless your music ministry and mainstream appeal.

Vice President’s Tie Breaking Vote to Advance Biden Coronavirus Bill Closer to Passage

 During the wee hours of this morning Senate Democrats  were busy at work on the 1.9 Trillion pandemic relief package proposed  by President Joe Biden which includes provisions for a $1,400 payment to individuals, $400.00 per week federal unemployment benefit, $350 billion for state and local governments, a minimum wage increase to $15.00 per hour and more money for child care, schools and vaccine distributions. The budget resolution passed the Senate in a 50-50 party-line vote which will allow Democrats to pass coronavirus relief without Republican support. Voting was very close. In fact, Vice President Kamala Harris cast her first official vote as a Senate tie breaker at 5:30 a.m. tipping the scales for Democrats at least at this stage. Since changes were made to the resolution it will go back to the US House of Representatives where lawmakers will need to pass it for a second time. 

Senate approval of the budget resolution followed a vote-a-rama that lasted from 2:30p.m. on Thursday and ended at 5:30 a.m Friday morning. By the way there were a grand total of 800 amendments that had been filed as of Thursday night.

Good to see progress being made on coronavirus relief. Keeping the entire voting process lifted up in prayer. Many are waiting on congress to get this accomplished so that they can get tangible assistance in hand. 

 

Inaugural Gospel Concert Makes a Joyful Noise in Celebration of Biden-Harris

If any of you missed the Inaugural Gospel Celebration, “A Night of Inspiration and Unity”, you missed a good show. But you can still view segments of performances by some of your favorite gospel artists on the You Tube channel. See preview above.

It was a cavalcade of gospel greats, a star studded virtual inspiration from beginning to end with strong performances from Tasha Cobbs Leonard who was first to perform in the line up, singing “Break Every Chain” and “You’re Gonna Get the Glory”, Jonathan McReynolds who sang an energetic and upbeat “I’m Not Lucky, I’m Loved” without his guitar. He still sounded great as he entered into call and response with the audience who joined in singing with him. Also performing were Koryn Hawthorne with “Won’t He Do It”, L’Andria Johnson, “This is My Exodus”, Tye Tribett lit up the stage with “We Gonna Be Alright”,Todd Dulaney, JJ Hairston, Dietrich Haddon, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Keke Wyatt who sang a traditional hymn “Blessed Assurance”. Hezekiah Walker was also there with his full choir. The concert was hosted by Anthony Anderson with special guests fellow Howard University alum Taraji P. Henson. They bantered back and forth a little about both being Howard alums like the Vice President.  Morris Chestnut and LaMann Rucker were also there as special guests. Pastor Shirley Caesar made a special presentation from her living room joining the concert via video tape. 

It was a show that made me proud to be a gospel music fan as I realized how much talent came together for an amazing demonstration of inspiration and unity for the country’s newly elected and long awaited President Biden and VicePresident Harris, the nation’s first woman and first black to hold that position. The music was fitting for the occasion.

Listen to an audio blurb about the event on my podcast at this forthcoming link.

An Alicia Keys Documentary by Mercedes Benz

Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds and Kelly Price at BET Awards

 Our video pick of the week is a clip of  BET’s Award Show broadcast June 23, 2019. Podcast episode forthcoming with a summary of the show.

Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell and Kelly Price open the awards show and sing with Kirk Franklin in a special rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Love Theory” from his 2019 CD release “Long Live Love.”

46th President of the US, Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Take Oaths of Office in Peace and Light

 

President elect Joe Biden took his oath of office at 12Noon today sworn in by Chief Justice Roberts following the swearing in of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to serve as Vice-President of the United States by the first Latina woman to sit on the Supreme Court, Justice

Sonia Sotomayor. It was an inauguration ceremony that was blessed with apparent clear skies,  spiritually soothing  performances by Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Garth Brooks and our nation’s elegant wordsmith, first National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. The 22-year old made history as the youngest inaugural poet and shined brilliantly while reciting her poem ending in a poetic call to not only have the courage to see the light  but also to become the light. President Biden’s pastor friend of 30 years from his home state of Delaware pictured in the above video, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Beamon gave the prayer and benediction.

It was a welcome sight to see the Capitol grounds in an orderly and peaceful state, visibly free of troops after all the media build up and tension about them. The inaugural stage was very peaceful.It was an entirely different scene than the one of two weeks ago in which riotous crowds stormed the grounds and forced their way into the Capitol building.

President Biden gave a comforting and very sincere address inspiring an atmosphere of unity and togetherness, neighbors working together earnestly helping one another. I got the sense that he really meant what he was saying. Moreover, and more importantly, I believed him. His plain talk and honest direct speech reassured me that our country is in good hands.

In Honor of Dr. King on the Celebration of his Birthday

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of god.-Matthew 5:9

In the midst of a global pandemic that has left hundreds of thousands dead, countries challenged  with health care delivery shortages and the US on the heels of a historic Presidential impeachment, with charges of inciting a seditious riot leveled against him, our nation and the world will celebrate the birthday of Dr.Martin Luther King,one of the most extraordinary peacemakers of our times. Many are remembering his capacity to galvanize thousands in a peaceful manner through prayer and non-violent protest.The most memorable one being the 1963 March on Washington that culminated in his powerful “I Have a Dream” speech. Thousands of people filled the nation’s Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial grounds were filled with a sea of orderly non-violent protestors. Dr. King’s love and compassion for his fellow man created an environment of exceptional harmony. The crowd of a quarter million engaged in peaceful non-violent protest, demonstrating in their fight for equal rights to employment, fair housing and other civil rights denied over hundreds of years. They did not storm the Capitol, become destructive nor unruly. No riotous behavior ensued. 

Let us pray this day that the current atmosphere in the nations capital will be worked out peaceably and honorably among our political leaders and that justice and righteousness will prevail.  That the environment will be imbued with the decorum fitting of elder statesmen, those who honor their sacred trust to represent the people according to their oaths and convictions. Further, that they will take responsibility for their actions, stepping up to the plate and tackling those very difficult issues while withdrawing from those positions when it is evident that further action would not be in the best interests of their country. 

Pray and move forward stepping out on the power of God’s word, inspired and motivated by  hope for the targeted and victimized to have a better future. Keep showing compassion and do good fiercely in the face of what manifests as insurmountable odds and activities of chaos and evil staring you in the face. The kind that would incite an angry, violence driven and hate-filled mob to storm the US Capitol. The good news is that we can and will overcome “together” inch by inch, triumph by triumph, milestone by milestone standing on God’s promises as we step forward with faith, love and compassion. But remember, “all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.”

The audio podcast of this post can be found at this link. You may also access the link in the header of the desktop version of this blog.  

Prayerfully,

Reverend Cynthia Wilson

 

UNION Theological Seminary Celebrates Senator Elect Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock

 

Do Not Fret Thyself, Have Faith

The pre-recorded message for today can also be found in its entirety at this podcast link:

The full link in case you have difficulty with the link impression is:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41590786

   "Do Not Fret Thyself", Have Faith"

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-9

Do not fret because of the wicked;do not be envious of wrongdoers,

 for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

Trust in The Lord,and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

Take delight in The Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart...Commit 

your way to The Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication

shine like the light,and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before The Lord,and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry out evil devices.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret--it leads only to evil.

For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for The Lord shall inherit the land.

James 2:14-18&20-26

Song-Sanctified

Let's talk. Candidly. Plain English. Just what is it to fret?  To be constantly and visibly worried and anxious.

Now, I know some may be thinking,particularly men and women of action,and do believe that you just can't sit idly by twiddling thumbs,sitting like a bump on a log wishing and hoping, thinking and praying, expecting a miracle...something good 'out of the blue' to happen, well...yes you can. It’s a good thing and there is no loss in expecting a miracle. But it’s often best to expect one while you are doing and have done all you can to give your prayers feet. God will fight your battles but you can’t expect a problem to be solved while not applying any pressure,devising some strategy,calling on a committee or committing some course of action to counter an unexpected onslaught of misfortune, a perceived threat, some usual trial of life or contrary wind set in motion, propelled by devious minds and their machinations or even possibly by an unexpected Act of God. After all,  faith without works is dead:

"What good is it,my brothers and sisters,if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them,"Go in peace; keep warm and well fed", but does nothing about their physical needs,what good is it? In the same way,faith by itself,if it is not accompanied by action,is dead. But someone will say,"You have faith; I have deeds."(James 2:14-18) continue by listening to the podcast here.

Not Slave, But Free

 Today’s scripture, whisked in by the spirit this morning is from the New Testament epistle Galatians 4:31-5:1.

“So then, friends, we are children, not of  the slave but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

To be updated soon.

Speak Hallelujah!

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peaks of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah for the Lord our God the almighty reigns. —Revelation 19:6

Hallelujah means God be praised! It is to praise and rejoice in God's goodness. Speaking hallelujah in no way suggests that stark realities of grief, loneliness,sorrow, pain, loss or sadness be dismissed or disregarded. These emotions are more evident it seems during this season of advent when the way is being prepared for the celebration of  Christ's birth. The one holiday which not only aligns with qualities of peace,joy,togetherness, hope and love, but which as a community of believers we earnestly seek and make every effort to acknowledge and manifest here on earth.

Speaking hallellujah does not imply to disregard bad things and evil doings of this world with a formulaic command or phrase. It is 'Holy Spirit' powered realization, divine internalization bolstered by faith in God's mighty and enlightening word that negative emotions, situations, actions or circumstances do not have dominion, power nor the ultimate victory.

Rev. Cynthia Wilson