Cynthia Wilson, affectionately dubbed “Chaplain of Pop” has built a bridge between theology and popular culture as a blogger for twenty years providing commentary on faith,art, politics and music. Listen to her podcast by clicking the web version link at the bottom of this blog and at the top of the web version after the jump.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Doing a Good Job
Sunday, August 30, 2020
ABC to Air Tribute Sunday Night:Rest in Power Chadwick Boseman
ABC to air special “Tribute Fit for a King” Tonite and also broadcast the movie “Black Panther” without commercial interruptions. Check your local stations and time zones for exact times.
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Sending prayers 🙏🏾 of comfort and extending condolences to Chadwick Boseman’s family and friends, especially his beloved wife. There is a balm in Gilead and while weeping may endure through the night, we know that joy will be restored in God’s own time. As scripture says, “weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the morning(Psalm 30:5). We will all understand it better by and by.
I was surprised to learn of his passing because there had been no mention of his battle with colon cancer in the media.There was a touching video of an interview he did on Sirius radio in which he teared up when he learned that two young fans battling cancer had passed away before they saw the long awaited Black Panther movie. Little did we know at the time that he himself was secretly battling colon cancer. I wish I could have prayed for him and that he and his family could have reached out for prayer from a band of fans and prayer warriors. But I am definitely praying for the family now, as are many others, including his alumni association at Howard where he gave a powerful speech to graduating seniors. See video.
Chadwick made us proud. Many enjoyed the skillful and laid back manner in which he portrayed his film characters and how he and others made history with the release of historic mega-blockbuster movie Black Panther. I saw everyone of his movies. Though I completely marveled at Black Panther, my favorites were “Get On Up” and “21 Bridges”. I was thoroughly moved by the skillful manner in which he portrayed Godfather of Soul, James Brown and his magnetic portrayal of a brilliant detective in 21 Bridges.
Chadwick Boseman you were well thought of and loved. Not just for roles you portrayed on celluloid, but for how you connected with and genuinely cared for others. Your life was short, but meaningfully lived. You will be greatly missed.
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
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
God's Justice,Not ”Just Us”-7.15.13
Back in the day a term which some might call a slang phrase,a definition for which may be found in the Urban Dictionary ,or one of comedian Richard Pryor's seminal jokes, is Just Us. Instead of Justice,black people called it just-us because of the lopsided results often found in the court and prison system for black people.
As passions continue to ignite, righteous indignation and anger erupt into hues and cries for justice, building a groundswell with which to be reckoned, let us remain prayerful and hopeful as we call on God for direction. We pray that Trayvon Martin and the countless others who have been killed in similar manner and not guilty verdicts returned throughout the years won't have died without vindication and in vain. God will answer.
And,though painful memories of past injustices perpetrated against black men--primitive and high tech lynchings alike--again surface, fueling combined rage and cynicism, let us remain mindful that God is able "through our weary years...and has led us thus far on our way.." in the words of James Weldon Johnson. But we have to march sometimes,protest and make our voices heard sometimes, speak truth to power,"Lift Every Voice and Sing,til earth and heaven ring"... transform what is regarded by consensus as a bad and imperfect result, by the very nature of our unity, combined action, voices, strength and 'calling out' purpose.
This manner of viewing things may be regarded by the raw activist as too spiritual,too high road,too lackadaisical, too passive to effectively galvanize the emotions of the people, mold current sentiment into meaningful and constructive action on the issue of Trayvon Martin's senseless and untimely death. However, I believe that God is able to in the words of Old Testament Prophet Amos, "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting stream... And God can use anyone and anything to fulfill that purpose. So, don't undervalue your position, your feelings and views.
Get intimate with God. Go into your quiet place with him and ask God to use you as a vessel of forward action,peace,understanding and unity.Take time out for just a moment. Meditate,pray and reflect with God,ask what you can do with your life to make your home,your neighborhood,your community,your city,your state,your country and your world a safer less hate filled place.
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