This is the last blog entry for the month of February, which is black history month. I figured why not conclude it with the person that got the African American community through all of struggles, which is our LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. If it was not because of him my community would have never made it through the "Trying Times" (referring to a Donny Hathaway classic).
Today was a day I was feeling a little discouraged and GOD always know what you are going through when nobody else does. So at work, I normally listen to my music and today it seems that it was playing my gospel playlist on it's own. The songs just keep playing, but a live performance by Whitney Houston singing "In Return" made me break down in tears at my desk. It just made me realize that GOD will give you joy during the tough times. This performance just started me to think about the situations that brought GOD brought me through, this discouragement I am feeling is very light. GOD has been good in my life and why should I feel sad, because GOD always answers my prayers.
So from the moment after my breakdown, I was listening to gospel music for the rest of the day. So from my story I realized that about 70 years ago my community was going through tough times everyday, but the thing that kept my community strong and believing was the faith they had in GOD.
These are my favorite GOSPEL songs/performances that I hope will inspiration you and keep you faith strong with GOD.
Whitney Houston "In Return"
In this song, Whitney is gracefully singing that you put your trust in GOD he will give you joy, love, and life abundantly. Listen to the POWER of this message
Bebe & Cece Winans "It's Ok"
Bebe & Cece Winans is one the reason why I fell in love with gospel music. This song is makes me feel that I knew GOD is control "if you just believe". The part that always get me is the bridge. Listen to this inspiration ballad
Kirk Franklin & the Family "Silver & Gold"
"Silver & Gold" was the first gospel song that I took notice to. I remember in South Carolina before my mother and I would go to church on Sunday she would always turn the radio to the Sunday morning worship and "Silver & Gold" would always play. I asked my mother what the song meant, she explained that before money and riches, GOD should be the first in your life. At 7, I didn't really understand what it meant but I knew at my young age this song got to my spirit because I used to sing it around the house all the time. But when I found out how GOD was, I began to understand the lyrics. Listen to the live version and let GOD have his way
Aretha Franklin "GOD Will Take Care of You"
I figured for the last song I will give you the song that will always get me through the tough times. Aretha's first words she sangs it so heavenly,"be not dismay" always gets me teary eyed because when my mother in the hospital and one my drive home to NJ, the only song I listened to was this song because I needed to have strength because I didn't want to see my mother in the hospital. But the words "GOD will take care of you through everything" gave me the strength to see her and my prayer helped my mother make a speedy recovery. Listen to this empowering anthem
BONUS
Kirk Franklin "Smile"
About a month ago was going through some problems at my job and it caused me to be sad, but one day after work I came home and turned on my TV and "Smile" video came on. This song made me breakdown because you should always smile because you are blessed that GOD woke you up to face another day because other people didn't. That should put a smile on my face. The lyrics that get me is "I almost gave up all my power that I can't explain". Listen to this encouraging song
The music hit my soul!!! Gospel music get me through especially Whitney since she was my first spiritual experience as a kid.
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