Special Prayer for Survivors of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

 

 

 

The following is a Prayer that I wrote for those devastated by previous Hurricanes. You can find it at the "Pray in Place" prayer group archives at this link. Links are also provided to blog posts and updates about experiences our group encountered as we provided   disaster relief to those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. 

 I was a member of a group of seminarians, ministers, clergy and social workers from Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University who traveled from New York City to Atlanta,Georgia, Biloxi,Mississippi and Ocean Springs, Mississippi to pray and provide comfort to Survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

 Another resource which I refer you to if you are headed to Florida and North Carolina is a book of prayers, reflections resources and stories entitled Katrina: Listening with Our Hearts prepared by scholars, social workers and clergy documenting our trip. You can purchase the book at this link. Two of my blog articles are contained in that book as well.

This is a prayer for Puerto Rico that I posted on Facebook after the Hurricane. It can be repurposed for Hurricanes Helene and Milton:

Most high, magnificent, omnipotent, wonder working, mighty God, you are a strong tower, a present help in the hour and minute of need,

a shelter from the storm. Most beneficent all powerful maker of heaven and earth, creator of ways out of no way, we call upon you at this critical time. Our planet is in an emergency in deep need of your intervention in these calamitous and disturbing times with back to back hurricanes, tropical storms, cyclones, tornadoes, flooding shaking up our way of life and devastating our cities. It appears that our very planet is in an uproar screaming out for help. Please calm the chaos in the weather as the winds appear to be sounding alarms that we have not heeded by taking better care of our planet. Manifest calm, sound reason and diminish the threats and rumors of war and global conflict. Steady the weather, bring peace to our politics and stability to earth's terrain.

Hear our prayers. We stand on your word and trust in your ability to intercede in our desperate time of need. Calm the mighty winds. Bring our challenged regions of the Carribean and Eastern seaboard into alignment with your will and your grace, saturated by your divine mercy which endures forever. Please steady the ground on the islands of Puerto Rico and all others in the path of this latest raging hurricane. We love you God. We need you now. Help the victims of the storms in Houston and throughout Texas, Florida, the Carribean. We await your miracle. Please answer our prayer. We will be careful to give you all the praise, all the honor and all the glory! In the name of God almighty! Please answer our prayers. Amen.

 

If you have prayers you would like to offer for family AND friends in affected areas. please feel free to add them in the comments.

Biden-Harris Greet Freed Russian Hostages

In a monumental exchange of prisoners which President Biden described as a feat of diplomacy and friendship, he and Vice President Kamala Harris greet them and their very happily relieved families  at the airport. (The above news video is courtesy of the Guardian Newspaper.)

Kamala Harris to Visit Detroit for Labor Day Events

 

 Democratic Presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Detroit for Labor Day events including Detroit's popular yearly Labor Day Parade. The parade is a favorite event attended by politicians and labor leaders alike.  President Barack Obama attended and gave one of his rousing speeches before hundreds back in 2011. 

Click on the link below to review a podcast of my archived post from September 2011. You can also find the written blog article by searching the search box on the right-hand column of this blog. The search box will appear in the lower right hand column of this blog when you click on the "View Web Version" link found at the bottom of this page. The post's title is "Detroit Welcomes Obama with Fired Up Chants of Four More Years". If you would like to read more articles on Obama, just type in Obama and a number of archived posts will appear.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/restoration-harvest-part-3-episode-2--41182465 

Have an eventful Labor Day! Enjoy the parade! And, let's keep Vice President Harris and her running mate Governor Walz lifted in prayer.

Blessings,

Cynthia Wilson

 

 

 

 

 

Fortuitous Swahili Mass Sunday, August 25, 2024

  Scripture Reference-Ephesians 4:1-6

 

Yesterday, I rushed to get to worship service at my church on time. It was my expectation and goal to make it there by at least 11:00a.m.
But as fortune would have it, and though my intentions were completely honorable, I just could not meet that expectation. I fervently desired to be among the congregation and fellow worshippers lifting up hands and praising God in unison.

I scanned the clock, it was already 11:00 by the time I showered,put on my clothes and ate a small breakfast. No way I am going to make it to church in time enough  even for the sermon, I thought to myself. Then I started a quick review in my mind of all the churches nearby that I could attend instead. I had been invited to attend a neighborhood church a few days earlier by a minister who told me she was preaching. I strongly considered that possibility. Then, my old home church is less than 10 minutes away. But their service began at 10:00 am.
Not being a denominational snob as I have both preached and attended various churches over the years from Baptist, Interdenominational, Unity, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal to Catholic, Old St. Mary's quickly came to mind. As an occasional visitor there over the years, I knew their Mass started at 12noon and I had plenty of time to make it there for the service. Also, I always enjoy the wonderful aroma of that Frankincense and myrrh incense that wafts through the air during worship...very soothing and relaxing.

Turns out my visit was a real treat. The word was delivered by the Pastor who I later learned was from Tanzania. I was amazed,really.

After service,  I was blessed with a homemade banana split  at the ice cream social and the opportunity to attend a real live Swahili Mass. No English spoken or read. All attendees hailed from African countries...  I praised God for his wondrous guidance  through the Holy Ghost which transcends all human made religious and denominational boundaries. Although I could not make my originally intended destination, God had another plan for me that worked out just fine.

As a real trivia plus while in conversation with the Pastor, I also learned that Mt. Killiamanjaro is in Tanzania, not Kenya,
as most people have been led to believe.

Note:
Cross reference my essay "Spartan Village..." in which I make reference to traveling to my "Swahili" class
at MSU.

Maxwell Releases Al Green's R&B Classic "Simply Beautiful""

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Neo-Soul, R&B legend Maxwell recent releases and croons in his magnificently soulful style, Al Green's "Simply Beautiful" and his version is simply wonderful. Reminiscent of the slow and melodic songs that he has made famous and is widely known for  with classic hits such as Fortunate, Ocean,Pretty Wings, Ascension, Lifetime and others, it's as much an homage to Al Green as a welcome demonstration and testament to Maxwell's award-winning vocal skills. 

 

Check out a review and mention of one of his earlier songs "Help Somebody" on this blog from his Black Summer's Night" album a few years back at this link. Maxwell will be on his Serenade  tour starting in October. Google him and the shows scheduled in your city or vicinity will be listed.

 

Truth Talk-- Detroit Music Lover's Experience: Detroit Celebrates Michigan Central Opening with Special Concert and Community Viewing Parties at Campus Martius and Several Other Community Venues

I headed out early in the evening about an hour and a half before showtime to see and experience the spectacular line-up for yet another stellar Detroit event. Detroit was abuzz and streams of people parking their cars and headed to the concert got thicker and thicker as I traveled from home to downtown and inched my way down Michigan avenue and over to Corktown.

I had contacted a few high-powered friends just a day ago when I heard that all of the tickets had already been distributed, hoping to get a few tickets for me and a couple of good friends. But something more important happened after praying. It was a blessing--that I could either gain entrance as part of the media team, since I am an avid music concert blogger whenever I can make it to the venue. But this concert was announced so rapidly, with only a couple of days between showtime and announcement, there was really no time.

But getting to the show was a no-brainer since miraculously the viewing of the concert was opened up to other locations outside of Michigan Central to accommodate Detroiters and others  who missed out on the initial ticket distribution. I knew I'd be watching the show live telecast from Campus Martius which turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. I was able to park my car very close within a few steps of the viewing screen, making the venue very handicap accessible.

I did try to drive close enough to the Michigan Central  venue earlier to take some photos of the converging concert goers and the fabulously renovated Michigan Central in time to make it back to Campus Martius. However, the main street leading to Michigan Central was blocked off and you'd have to walk several blocks on foot to make it to the main venue. I was on my walker and not a scooter so I took a few photos from my car and headed on back to the park to view the concert on the big screen there.

Some concert highlights:

Diana Ross dazzled the crowd as she radiated out on stage in an ultra-gorgeus flowing red gown. The Clark Sisters were amazing as they dazzled the crowd. Fantasia gave a skilfully rocking performance along with Melissa Etheridge and Jelly Roll in a tribute performance to Mitch Ryder. There were so many other great performances. It was a night to remember and cherish for Detroit and Detroiters relishing a phenomenal comeback for a city marred for years by blight, poverty and crime. The Michigan Center, once an eyesore now a beautiful gathering place. Below are some photos and video clips I took of the concert.

On Forgiveness: The Heart of the Matter

 

Thought about digging up this forgiveness blog from the archives for the Memorial Weekend Inspiration. I also re-posted India Arie's version of "Heart of the Matter",as the Heavier Octaves "Profile Song of the Week" on our My Space page. It's usually done every Monday. So, what? I'm a little early. It's for a good cause. I've been trying to figure out a solution ,or should I say, a series of solutions for a matter that has been perplexing me for a couple of weeks now.Here's the inside story:

I ran into someone at a social function on Manhattan's Upper West Side not too long ago. By the way, I am dedicating this blog entry to him.

In preparation for attending this social gathering I had geeked myself up pretty much, was psyched and looking forward to mingling with some old friends and colleagues. Some, I would be seeing for the first time in almost a year.

In the spirit of love and enthusiasm,being happy to see this person,I neared him for a friendly embrace. He was not as warm as usual towards me.He seemed very distant and preoccupied as I hugged him. The first thought that came to mind was that he was having a bad day. However, upon deeper observation and discovery, as the evening wore on, I learned that he was carrying a deep grudge against someone that happened to also be at the gathering. We talked briefly. During the course of our limited discussion,he was not in a talkative mood,I became disappointed and ultimately disturbed, as he revealed to me the reason he was carrying it.The grudge,that is.

It was not based on any solid knowledge of what was going on, because he apparently did not really know what the other person's past and current situation was due to a lack of ongoing communication. How many times have any of us been in that same boat because we have made assumptions about someone's actions or circumstances based upon superficial observations,without exploring deeper the real facts through further interaction and discussion with them? This was likely a misunderstanding that could have been moderately cleared up with a few phone calls or short notes. It's the kind of situation where the person who is being blamed or "demonized" would say if they knew about it,"I had no idea you were going through this or that you felt that way."

It is unhealthy, not only for the person towards whom the negative vibrations from the grudge are being directed,but also, and perhaps,even moreso, for the one who is directing or harboring the ill feelings towards them.Believe me ,and I have plenty of experience over the years on both receiving and giving ends to know, that the whole process is depleting and counter productive, regardless of the end you happen to be on. Directing negative energy towards someone whether in "grudge" or "other" form depletes on both ends. If you're sending it out,you end up eventually sick and drained.If you happen to be the recipient of the "nastiness", there is a similar result.

This counter productivity is only magnified when bad feelings are based upon petty misunderstandings often resulting from poor communication. These could be worked out between both parties,if bruised egos, senseless pride,and yes,sometimes,one upsmanship, were not the basic cause of the misunderstandings in the first place. Besides contributing to the build up of "no win"situations, "bad vibes" generate harmful and wasteful energy which cause damage to the psyche, dis-ease and discomfort in the emotional,mental and physical bodies, eventually leading to illness. ...Talk about environmental pollution.

Believing strongly in all aspects of environmental improvement, while desiring to serve as a catalyst in the healing process, I will spare any more of the gory details,the "preachy" sermon, just say this and leave it:

If you know of anyone who might benefit from forgivness,the kind sung about in the song and/or discussed herein, please forward this message on to them. By the way, the scripture reference is Matthew 18:21-35. I highly recommend reading it as a supplement to this message. It contains an enlightening parable. I count it extremely relevant to the situation and person I've discussed above.

Below is the My Space blog dated January 4,2007,made reference to above, along with a related podcast on forgiveness,which I'm topping today:

The Heart of the Matter (Thursday,January 4,2007)

It's time to get down to the "Heart of the Matter"...This is currently the "Profile Song" for Heavier Octaves Radio. India Arie covers this Don Henley tune beautifully. It is a wonderful song with a thoughtful and inspiring message. It is our inspirational "Profile Song of the Week. India has indeed made it her own. Here is a link to the lyrics,if you care to go deeper with your reflection on the song.Try forgiving someone today and see the difference it will make in your life.And,listen in to our podcast which usually provides a brief meditation/reflection on the song being played.

Below is the link to the podcast I recorded on forgiveness. Please listen in.


"Heart of the Matter Podcast"

Enjoy,


Cynthia (Revcoolc)Wilson

A/K/A "Chaplain of Pop"

NCA--Honors Artists and Community Leaders Committed to Artistic Vision

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, National Conference of Artists-Michigan Chapter, honored noted artist Shirley Woodson Reid long-term and devoted President, having served the chapter for over forty years. She was honored along with 27 artists who received this year's Vision and Excellence in the Arts  Awards during NCA's 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Duane Beddingfield, Arts and Culture Reporter for the Detroit Free Press served as Master of Ceremonies.

Ms. Woodson-Reid gave a keynote that provided a rich history of the organization. Several community and business leaders were recognized as well for their help and support over the years. See program booklet for a complete list. Contact NCA for a copy of the souvenir program booklet.

Reverend  Barbara A. Woodson gave the invitation and blessed the meal. The luncheon committee did a great job putting everything together from the well documented history on the program, the meticulously painstaking awards presentation for 27 artists who were honored individually to the luncheon menu.

 

This year's 50th Anniversary  Celebration was a beautiful occasion and a proud moment for a total of 27 artists who have maintained their artistry over the years and successfully met the challenges of keeping  their artistic visions alive and viable throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area and beyond. Their names are listed at the end of this post. They were this year's recipients of Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awards. National Conference of Artists has served as a vital support network, educating, unifying and inspiring throughout the years, honoring artists with this award.

 

 

A special memorial tribute was conducted for Eileen Montiero, an accomplished water color artist and board member of the Michigan chapter who recently made her transition. Memorial mentions were made in the event program of other members who have passed away over the chapter's 50 year history. Eileen was the most recent, very active and the glue that often held the organization's membership together sending out vital information about activities and events.

The members of the Luncheon Committee who planned and organized the event:

Robbie Best

Debra Brown Cage

Arlinda Crossland

Electra V. Fulbright

Sharon Gamblin

Ida Hawkins 

Terrie Hylton

Carrie Jones

Shekenia Mann

Eileen Montiero

Senhor Reid

Bill Sanders

Raymond Wells

Linda Whitaker

Shirley Woodson

NCA Michigan Chapter extended a very special thank you to the Committee and their friends and supporters over the years:

Camille Brewer, Archivist

Marion Hayden, Musician

Desmond Love, Filmmaker

Terrie Hylton, Artist

Shekenia Mann, Photographer

Bill Sanders, Photographer

David and Linda Whitaker, Collectors

 

This  year's Vision and Excellence in the Arts Awardees are:

 

 Check out NCA's website for further information about the event and the artists.

 

Congratulations to all the artists and supporters over the years. 

 

Affordable Health Care is Crucial. (Click on Title Link to Learn More)Topping An Archived Post to Remind You

 Here is my post from September 2009 as a reminder of the importance of affordable health care. Those who know and have experienced the benefits and overall improvements that have resulted from the passage and implementation of Obama's Affordable Care Act must remain vigilante in efforts to protect it.  

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2009/09/go-to-need.html?m=1

Remember those political leaders who stood in the forefront and worked tirelessly for its promulgation and passage.

Good Friday Word

Stations of the Cross Art- by Cynthia D. Wilson-Instagram handle @cynthiadwilsonart_c

Here we are today, Good Friday , the day that set the sobering tone for Holy Week, the days that revealed some of the most profound conversations that Jesus had with his disciples that evidenced a lonely Messiah who dreaded the reality he faced. He contained with every fiber of his faith, purpose and being in God the foreknowledge of his imminent crucifixion. So today we celebrate and revisit this time with church programs where preachers emphasize Jesus’ last words, the seven last words of Christ, while imparting to listeners the mysteries of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13)as they stir in them a spiritual awakening that generates a connection with that final experience of Jesus here on earth as he suffered, bled and died for our sins. And Christians should take into account and always bear in mind that God intended only one crucifixion.  In Jesus that sacrifice is finished once and for all, forever, not to be repeated over and over again(Hebrews 10:12).  Jesus’ experience can not and should not be mocked or lessened  to the confusion, derision and misunderstanding that results when crucifixion is mocked or discounted. Once on Calvary was all it took. 

As the words in the song sang so passionately and beautifully by Chandler Moore and Maverick City,…”just one look…”

Hebrews 10:12:

But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.,

Jesus prayed for the cup to be passed from him during his period of deep prayer and reflection in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). He was saddened and driven to tears from the behavior of those who spitefully accused him, betrayed him and clamored for his death from the mob that surrounded Pontius Pilot.

Yet through it all, his resurrection on Easter morning transformed the gloom and doom of that day, that misery and cruelty he was subjected to on Mt. Calvary and the days leading up to it into joy and victory. His resurrection from death took the sadness and agony out of his crucifixion, and the ultimate sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)in the witness of Jesus’ triumph over it. This aliveness we experience today in the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised  to send faithful believers and never leave them alone(John 14:15-17).

My prayers go out to you today as you reflect and/or speak or preach in earnest on the 7 Last Words of Christ. God bless you. 

The 7 Last Words as set forth in scripture are as follows:

1st Word- “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”

The Word of Forgiveness"

Luke 23:34

2nd Word-“Be with me in Paradise”

“The Word of Salvation”

  Luke 23:43

3rd Word-“Behold Thy Son”

The Word of  Relationship

John 19:26–27

4th Word- “Father Why has thou forsaken Me?”

The Word Forsaken

Mark 15:34

Matthew 27:46

5th Word-“I Thirst”

“The Word of Distress”

John 19:28

6th Word-“It is Finished”

The Word of Triumph 

John 19:30

 

7th Word-“Father into your hands I Commend my spirit”

“The Word of  Reunion”

Luke 23:46

Enjoy worshipping whether you are experiencing it in person or streaming services on one of your devices.

Blessings,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

Edited on 4.16.25

Weekly Photo Story from the Archives

 

Every wednesday I lift up a blog post from  my archives that may or may not be listed in the featured posts line up found in the far right hand column of this blog.  Last week’s post was on Alicia Keys, highlighting her performance at the 2021 Billboard Awards and a lift up by former First Lady Michelle Obama. This week I go all the way back to 2008 when Barack Obama was running for election and a number of musical artists got together and compiled an album entitled “Yes We Can:Voices of a Grassroots Movement” to promote his historic run for the White House. Click on the image in the Photo Story column in the upper right hand column of the blog to read more about it. You may also find the post by clicking on the link below:

https://cynthiadwilson2.blogspot.com/2008/09/music-for-obamavoices-of-grassroots.html?m=0

Enjoy the read.

Peace,

Cynthia Wilson,

Blog Founder and Chief Editor

Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery Celebrates Children’s Art

 Detroit public, charter and private school students’ art was recognized and celebrated at an opening reception and exhibit held at Central United Methodist Church’s Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery on Sunday, March 17. The well attended opening reception and exhibit was a glorious display of the exuberant imaginations and extraordinary creativity of Detroit’s youth, embodied in their art. The show demonstrates how our youth’s artistry can benefit significantly when nurtured at an early stage. 

Kudos to Dr.Terrie Hylton who spearheaded the event and Christa Perdue, the exhibit’s curator. The opening reception and art exhibition came together with the help of  fellow organizers and the gallery board who all did an outstanding job identifying, gathering and hanging the art work. The show brought student artists, parents and community together. Special thanks to Ian Matchett, Nawili, Robyn Markoe, Linda Forte, Simone Clayton and Rev. Cynthia Wilson.

The exhibit is now on display and open for viewing by the general public during the hours below and by appointment.

Peace Center and Gallery hours are as follows:

Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery

33 East Adams Street    

Detroit Michigan 48226

open Friday and Saturdays 1-6pm 

313-963-7575

swordsintoplowshares313@gmail.com  

Stop by and check it out.

Peace and blessings,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson 

Women’s History Month Celebration 2024

 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, tune in for the above special podcast series that I especially compiled from the archives. These are sermons that I have preached over the years. One of the resources I used for these sermons in addition to the Bible, of course, was Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda. You will find my special sermons on “Women of the Bible” at the following links on the Spreaker podcast platform:

The Shummanite Woman

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/49274156

A Full Jar-The Zarapeth Widow Connection 

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/46669931

Both the “Syrophenician Woman’s Desparate Plea” and “A Gleaner’s Harvest Delayed is Not a Bountiful Harvest Denied”, are sermons that were recorded and posted on Spreaker but somehow got lost in translation. However, those links are forthcoming either by virtual relay or edits to this blog post. Stay tuned.

Dr. Terrie Hylton Fiber Art Opening Exhibit

Dr. Terrie Hylton’s fiber art opening exhibit took place at the Michigan Chapter of the National Council of Artists Gallery on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Northwest Activities Center. It was a wonderful event that brought together a full house gathering of Terrie’s lifelong friends, art enthusiasts and art collectors. There was an array of twenty fabric pieces and a variety of delicately crafted quilt cards that were sold to support the neighborhood gallery in which the event was held. The show entitled Faces and Places Fiber Works of Terrie Hylton contained her depiction of  some of the city of Detroit’s most beloved landscapes in an assortment of vibrant colors, textures and threads designed and interlaced with both focused and abstract panache.

Join her and friends for an educational and insightful discussion about her art at an uplifting artist talk on Saturday,  March 30, 2024,  Easter Eve at 12 Noon at the Northwest Activities Center located at 18100 Meyers Road.

The Joy of the Lord…Nehemiah 8:10

 Hear more about it. Listen to my podcast at this link:(forthcoming).

Nehemiah was a great prophet. He was instrumental in rebuilding a wall that had been tattered and broken down in Jerusalem by enemies. His efforts to rebuild the wall  rekindled hope and faith to inhabitants of Jerusalem.One of his most notable sayings is the one we can still find truth and comfort in today. To come into deeper understanding of God’s joy being found in your strength it is important to note the context in which Nehemiah communicates this statement to his people at that particular period and time in Biblical history. “The joy of the lord” is associated with strength a number of times in the Bible.

Happy New Year!