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

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