HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

By Vernalee

Today is Mother's Day; a day that we thank our Mothers for the so many sacrifices, caring, and unconditional love that they have given us from their womb throughout our lives. Sadly, my Mother went home several years ago to be with the Lord. Though she no longer walks this earth, I am here to tell you that she is with me. I have a photograph of my Mother in every room of my home. She has become like the "footprint in the sand," as her spirit emotionally carries me when I'm weak and her words encourages me daily. It's amazing how much and how often I feel her spiritual presence. It's further amazing how often I speak and write about her. Her teachings guide me still! Her wisdom and her words have become immortalized in the fiber of my very soul. There isn't a day that I don't feel her presence or influence. A couple of weeks ago, I dealt with a challenge that seemed for a moment insurmountable. When my Mother was alive, she was always my first "go to" person to seek advice as I asked, "Momma, guess what happened? What should I do?" As I reflected, suddenly her words, guidance, and admonition appeared in my mind out of nowhere saying, "Baby, pray about it. Turn it over to the Lord. If you gonna pray, don't worry. If you gonna worry, don't pray." From the Heavens, my incredible loving Mother still guides me...and I listen! She was for sure the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. She was/is the Queen of my heart! Thank you Momma for everything! Words can never express how much I love you and how much I miss you - as you gave your all … unconditionally! Rest in Peace.

THERE IS POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS

By Vernalee

It never fails!

Whenever we are in trouble, the first name that we call is - Jesus!

“Lord help me; be with me Jesus!”

That name, his holy name empowers us.

It gives us power! 

As we mature, we learn to call upon him in good times and bad. We develop a greater appreciation of the fact that he will never leave us or forsake us.

Jesus...Jesus...Jesus.

I call on him daily!

I know that you do too!

It is such a blessing to have Jesus in our lives - to love us, to help us, to show us the way ... to bless us, guide us, and protect us! 

Yes, there is power in the name of Jesus ...to break every chain!

We are indeed blessed to approach him in prayer unconditionally and call his holy name!

Happy Sunday!

HOW I GOT OVER

By Vernalee

Music, particularly gospel music  can lift your spirit and transport you emotionally. 

One such well known 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!