HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

By Vernalee

Father's Day is here again! It's a special calendar day dedicated to love, respect, and honor our Daddies. It can also be a day of sadness for those whose Daddies have gone home to be with the Lord. As I lost my Daddy in my early twenties, I understand the pain, but I am immensely grateful for his many teachings. His wisdom and my memories thereof have been embedded in my heart, mind, and soul. I cannot tell you how many times, his words have guided and instructed me. So although my Daddy no longer walks this earth, he guides me still. There have been days that his arms have emotionally carried me and encouraged me to courageously take that next step. He may be absent in the flesh, but he is forever present in my heart. Yes, he most definitely is my rock and I lean on what he taught me! So I encourage all to love, honor, and bless your Daddies today and all days. Shower him with love while the blood runs warm in his body! Remember this - Good old Dad is proudly watching your every move with a stern eye of protection - whether he is sitting across from you or gazing you from the Heavens. Happy Sunday! Blessings!

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JESUS BE A FENCE ALL AROUND ME

By Vernalee

In 1966, the gospel group, The Soul Stirrers led by Sam Cooke recorded, "Jesus be a fence all around me every day." An inspiring song, it speaks of God's protection. With God's protection, you are never alone but surrounded and engulfed with his love, mercy, and grace.

Growing up, we had a Sears & Roebuck silver wire fence with a gate around our house. (Remember those?). That fence kept unwanted folks out. It gave us an extra sense of protection and security.

Now, if a wire fence can do that, imagine what God can do!

Oh yes, our God will protect you and cover you in grace!

My pastor always says that everybody needs their own song. The words will "keep" you and comfort you when there is no one around. This song is one of those old time spirituals that demonstrates God's unchanging hand and shows his eternal protection. It'll make you fall on your knees and thank the Lord for keeping you inside the walls of his protection ... and for keeping "stuff" that we don't need out! When God

shows up and shows out in your life, it is destined to make you a better person. "Jesus be a fence all around me every day" is more than a song. It is Jesus at work in my ... and your life!

Happy Sunday. God bless!

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"PRECIOUS LORD"

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Pictured: Rev. Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson

By Vernalee

The story behind this classic gospel song ”Precious Lord” is touching, chilling, and will send goose bumps down your spine!

Written by the Rev. Thomas Dorsey after a family tragedy, it characterizes his emotions after his wife died in child birth. Days later, his baby succumbed. In a downtrodden state, Dorsey penned "Precious Lord" in 1932.

"Precious Lord" is one of those "pick you up" gospel songs.

Indeed, it was Dr. Martin Luther King's favorite! When he wanted to "hear the voice of God," King called upon Mahalia Jackson to sing "Precious Lord." The lyrics magically transport the Holy Ghost spirit to your presence.

"Precious Lord” was also my Mother’s favorite song. Her voice was not as velvety as Mahalia's, but with her pink apron tied around her waist as she cooked, that woman could "take you to church right there in her kitchen!" Hearing her rendition, we would have a spiritual baptism of praise; a hallelujah good time!

We listened. We sang along. We were filled with the presence of the Holy Ghost spirit! What beautiful memories! Memories that I will never forget! Memories that live on forever and a day In my soul ... in my heart!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

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