HOW I GOT OVER

By Vernalee

Music, particularly gospel music  can lift your spirit and trwn gospel song “How I got over” not only will lift you, but it is equally rich in its historical significance.  Allow me to explain.  During the Civil Rights Movement, songs were extremely meaningful and symbolic.  At the 1963 March on Washington after Dr. King’s stirring “I have a dream” speech left the audience of approximately 250,000 excited with inspiration, Mahalia Jackson followed it up with a rousing performance of "How I Got Over." Written in 1941 by the gospel singer Clara Ward after a cruel incident of racist violence, the lyrics tell her story.  “Tell me how we got over Lord Had a mighty hard time coming on over You know my soul look back and wonder How did we make it over?” The above video version performed by Joshua Nelson is so moving that it takes you to church wherever you are! His charismatic performance reminds me of my late lifelong friend Darryl Kingdom Maxey. Similar to Joshua, Darryl with his Mississippi flavor and theatrics had showmanship and gave it to his audience. An incredible pianist, he could play those ivory keys and sing melodically to the Heavens.  As you listen to Joshua and watch his dramatic performance, I’m sure that he will “rock your soul!”

Now, to get a double dose of great gospel singing that touches every muscle in your soul, listen to the late great Mahalia Jackson's version which will make you get up out of your seat and praise The Lord for his blessings and grace! The video’s footage is old but the message is everlasting.

Happy Sunday! Blessings!

I FEEL LIKE PRAISING HIM

By Vernalee Come go to church with me! Ready?

I want to take you on a virtual tour this Sunday to a country church in the Mississippi delta.

Traveling down south, we first pass the crystal clear Lake Washington; then we'll drive past the shotgun and mobile homes before we arrive to the segregated section of the town where the colored folks live. Walking on the gravel paved road, we enter the church house.

As we walk toward the front door, we are hugged, kissed, greeted, and welcomed southern hospitality style by these friendly folks dressed in their “Sunday go to church” clothes. Only the best for God!

The choir stand is exuberantly rocking as it has Mahalia Jackson type of talent. Everybody has golden voices!

The traveling choir dressed in their purple robes go from church to church singing to the heavens. The pianist who can’t read a stitch of music plays by ear so magnificently that even you believed that the sounds were produced by a trained classical musician. There is a resounding reverence as the singing preacher brings down the house with his James Cleveland’s rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Standing in the pulpit, his far reaching pastoral message is so religiously and emotionally intense that you feel that he is talking directly to you. As communion is ceremoniously served, petitions are quietly whispered.

The congregation holds hands as they seemingly pray your troubles away.

I‘m here to tell you that this place exudes love and immediately you feel the Holy Ghost spirit and an incredible closeness to God!

A soloist grabs the microphone and starts her rendition of ”I feel like praising him.” In a raspy tone, her voice so closely resembles the sound of Shirley Caesar that your ears can’t discern the difference. As you sing along, a member of the church dressed in sparkling white touched your shoulder and said, “Child, keep on praying. Everything is gonna be alright. God is watching over you, will take care of you, and graciously bless you. Oh, yes he will!”

Holy hallelujah!

How did she know that you were troubled? It’s a miracle because suddenly a calmness filled your soul!

You walked in worried and confused.

You walked out as a jubilant believer in The Lord!

What a transformation!

Exiting your spirituality propels you to jump with joy as you realize that “It’s a New Day” in your life ... as you gloriously sing “Let everything that has breathe praise The Lord!” As my pastor always says, “God is able!”

Oh, yes he is!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

THE SPIRITUAL WAR

By Vernalee

Years ago, I remember the old folks saying, "The devil is busy."

Of course, if you were like me and most other teenagers, we paid them, "no never mind."

They also said, "Just keep on living!"

As years went by, their words became golden .... when we realized how busy Satan really is and how he is out to attack us and our family!

1 Peter 5::8 tells us to: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."

Over 40 years ago, I heard a lion roar for the first time. I was pregnant with my son. The intensity of the roaring sound was so frightening that I initially thought that I would prematurely go into labor at the zoo. It was a penetrating sound that truly personified the lion with the earned title of King of the Jungle. That was a lion. Just imagine ... Satan’s attacks are a zillion times worst.

It is for that reason and more that we have to stay close to God, lean on him, remain prayerful, and take heed to his Word.

It is only through God's grace, mercy, and protection that we can withstand the pressures of this life. On bended knee, with gratitude I say, “Thank you God for your covering and immeasurable love! Thank you for bringing us out of the dark into the light and for doing what only you can do to protect and shield us from the harm that Satan can bring.”

Upon listening to the performance of "This Means War," we cannot help but be thankful for God’s many, many blessings!

What a mighty God we serve!

He's worthy to be praised … not just on Sundays but everyday of the week!

Happy Sunday and Blessings!