By Vernalee
Released in 1985, conceived by Harry Belafonte, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, performed by 46 vocalists, and conducted by the masterful Quincy Jones, "We are the World" won three Grammy Awards and was a worldwide commercial success selling over 20 million copies. The proceeds from the pop/gospel record raised over $63 million for African famine relief.
It was a song written to offer hope; a song of unity; the hope and unity that we need now.
Yes, "we are the world" and yes, "we are all in this together" as we fight this coronavirus. We - regardless of race, sex, color, income, status ... are all God's children.
God created us all to be equal. In Genesis 1:27, we find -
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Right now, we all need God's grace and his mercy. Hebrew 4:16 reads, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
We cannot be high and lofty and forget that God is in control.
As we as a universal choir sing the words of the song (below), we will realize that nothing, absolutely nothing can save or help us but God's love, mercy, and grace.
"There comes a time When we heed a certain call When the world must come together as one There are people dying Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life The greatest gift of all
We can't go on Pretending day-by-day That someone, somewhere soon make a change We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
Oh, send them your heart So they know that someone cares And their lives will be stronger and free As God has shown us by turning stones to bread And so we all must lend a helping hand
We are the world."
We thank you Lord once again for your love, mercy, love, grace, protection, and covering.
As we approach your throne this Sunday morning, thank you merciful Lord for never leaving our sides, for walking with us, talking to us, holding our hands, and showing us the way.
Happy Sunday!
Blessings!