Vacation Time...From the Archives...”Sing a Simple Song” and “Christ Representers” Good Songs Any Year

I am continuing to sort, pack and organize stuff, memories, books, 

papers that were long lost but recently recovered. I came across a blog article I wrote on Sly Stone ten years ago. I was following up on him as part of a series I was doing on that particular blog called “Whatever Happened to?”It was a feature column keeping periodic tabs on and seeking to uncover the lifestyles and whereabouts of artists the public has not seen or heard from in a while. To shine a light on what they are currently doing, so to speak. Kind of like BET’s Unsung except with more emphasis on those who have been enormously popular and tremendously sung , but are not being heard from in pop news culture these days.

I had come across an article I read about Sly in a newspaper that wrote that he was living in a very small trailer home. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the photo. I was concerned so I posted a blog article. I provided a link to the article from the blog but I would have to Google to find it again. Hopefully,it’s still searchable, as that was a decade ago. Then, there was another article that reported that he was ill and was in a nursing home. See attached below. know I am late in my vacation plans and I regret I have not been able to take full advantage of the very kind offers for respite. All I can say now is please keep the light on.

In addition, there are folks I want to check on in light of this coronavirus spread across the country. But we serve an on time God who knows my situation. So I will remain hopeful for the future and remain prayerful that everything is proceeding in divine order. I just need to have things organized and properly stored before I go.

While so doing, music is keeping me energized, motivated and spiritually uplifted. There’s a lot to go through. My soundtrack this morning and into mid-afternoon has been “Life Music:Stage Two”. I enjoy Jonathan’s latest release “People” and most tracks on the album like Best Thingv, Cathedral, Situation which I play a lot. But “Life Music:Stage Two” is my favorite. “Christ Representers” has become my regular anthem. I know it’s a five year old release circa 2015. But It really is a beautiful song, lyrics and melody included and he sings it with such verve and sincerity. Its one of those ‘getting up early in the morning’ songs that gets you inspired and pumped up to worship, fellowship with others and let your light shine. He sings “I’ve been anointed to be the light and glorify my God...that, the piano prelude...and the chorus proclaiming “We are Christ Representers.We let our light shines so bright we make ‘em say wooah...” does it every time. His singing leaves no doubt in my mind that he is anointed.(okay podcast) Got that.

The Church is a Spiritual Emergency Room

 The church is a spiritual emergency room, a refuge from the world as those that are in the world but not of the world. It is a sanctuary a place where God’s children are welcomed, filled and fortified with the Holy Ghost, energized and healed by God’s miracle working, living, spoken and written word. Not dissected and dismantled by a ferocious digital beast devoid of love, compassion and moral values.

Church is a sacred hallowed place that is not formed fundamentally by brick and mortar but whose foundation is laid by the love of Christ which spreads from breast to breast, heart to heart. As Peter proclaimed “Upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

For god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believed in him would have everlasting life. God’s only begotten son was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace is upon him and by his stripes we are healed. 

Lifting up praise to God,giving thanks to God, worshipping God today and everyday.

“God is Good”

Check out inspiring messages from some of your favorite artists encouraging voters to make their voices heard during the next few days. Today is Jonathan McReynolds.

Even though the election is over and the victory speeches have been given many are still reveling in the outcome, President elect Joseph Biden and Vice President elect Kamala Harris. It’s never too late to be inspired. It’s always good to hear and listen to some of the best vocals out there contributing to a positive voting experience in our communities and particularly at the polls.

Biden Wins the Presidency! Amen and Hallelujah!

 

The New York Times has reported that Joe Biden has won the US Presidency after a tense, long and drawn out campaign and grueling election process. Kamala Harris graduate of  Howard University an historically black college and university in Washington, DC triumphs as the first woman, the first black woman to ever hold the position of Vice President. Biden has offered a message of healing and unity. Read more about it at the New York Times. God is good!

The Nail Biting and Bated Breathing Continues as Election Results Continue to Be Counted

 Biden keeps climbing the ladder to Presidential glory as Trump fights tooth and nail to hold on to the Oval. Trump has created flash fires of overly aggressive supporters clamoring any falsehood to establish an air of doubt and derision around the Democratic election process. That is very unsportsmanlike and unstatesmanlike. This is a very close election and zealous support from a candidate’s  base is expected. However, Trump has taken his zeal to win a bit further out of the bounds of peace, harmony and conciliation  and more into intentional development of factional discord than usual for a political candidate, especially a President. Large disorderly groups arrived at voting locations riled up and making frivolous demands. Meanwhile a candidate that can bring this country together-Joe Biden with a historic running mate Kamala Harris-is just inches away from the presidency. In contrast to Trump, Biden has not challenged any of the election results, even the razor thin results in states that Trump won. Nor has he made efforts to organize groups of supporters to assail rightfully conducted polling at election precincts in locations he did not fare to well in or to automatically disregard election results by defying them if he loses.

Let’s all continue to hold on, pray and hope the best man and woman win and that poetic justice will be meted out in large doses.

Check out my forthcoming audio post on my podcast at this link: