a creative "helps" ministry without buildings or walls,inspiring friends and caretakers of popular culture...a humanitarian network of people helping people...where faith,inspiration and vocation meet".
I was happy to learn that Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie led the charge in organizing the recording session and reunion of the song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It was 1985 when the tune galvanized pop music legends to form a chorus and sing to fix a hunger problem spearheaded by the non-profit USA for Africa.Later,I helped to put together a program with the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission honoring the artists who participated in the recording session.
It was an exciting time. Daily participation at the pulse of the project was in many ways surrealistic. I regarded it also as a tangible reward for a faithful and persistent effort to be involved in the social causes of entertainers,particularly recording artists. You might say it was the formation phase of a ministry which would be almost 25 years in the making. The Sunset Boulevard headquarters of USA for Africa was always bustling with activity. As part of the volunteer staff, I assisted the Executive Director,Myra Lebo and Project Director, Marty Rogol with fielding telephone calls and assisting in sorting through the written requests for aid as well as the many donations coming in from people all over the world.
It was my hope to become part of the permanent staff and oversee the distribution of funds and supplies to Africa. Although that dream did not materialize, and it worked out rather nicely that it did not, I had the opportunity to obtain a first hand account of the daily operations of the office as well as to meet the movers and shakers behind the scenes,including Ken Kragen, the driving force behind USA for Africa, Lionel Richie’s and Kenny Roger’s manager at the time. I was also interviewed for spots which were broadcast on national media and local press as the media highlighted the efforts of caring souls who traveled many miles to share time and talent in making a difference. The most important thing is I stepped out on the power of faith having been inspired by the musical efforts to assist those in need. I just had to be a part of that. And, I took the actions necessary to make it happen, trusting in divine guidance every step of the way (to be continued).
Today’s reflection about trust is based on the following scripture and you may find the fuller version of it in video format on the “Chaplain of Pop” You Tube Channel:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV version)
Trust is important in building lasting relationships.The bottom line is that it is important for us to be honest and trustworthy in our dealings with one another as much as possible.
I have learned through the trials, the storms and the tests of life, and they are sure to come, to place my complete and total trust in God. That is, I rely on God working through the person or situation for my higher good. Let God place on someone’s hearts what their actions and behaviors should be towards you. As the coin says “In God We Trust”. It is in God we should always place our trust. With God you can’t go wrong. You may not always like the outcome. But it will always be for your highest good. Human beings may fail you,but not the creator of the universe,the maker of man, woman, child,heaven and earth, the alpha and the omega.
Here’s the prayer:
“God, I am trusting in you to somehow work this situation out and resolve it for the highest good of everyone concerned. I rely on you to place on each person’s heart the behavior or actions to take that would be pleasing to you in this matter. Maybe the one thing I wanted was not what the other person wanted or what you would have for either of us. Please shine your light of clarity and help all concerned to see your will and your way. I surrender everything and turn it over to you god. I trust in you.”
Yesterday something both profound and clarifying happened on my way to work. Something slightly akin to the “Clarity” of which John Mayer sings in the video below. But this morning, there’s a calm I can’t explain. The rock candy’s melted, only diamonds now remain
First of all, my mind has been extremely busy lately,and that is an understatement, learning a new language, a computer language to be exact. One of the lessons I have learned from the “crash course” and which I have applied to the larger life picture is that one should never assume anything even when it is divinely inspired.
The spirit should always be tested less you develop a sense of false confidence or worse yet, manage to get heavenly signals crossed with man made deviations. The result, whatever mission you thought you were on, or whichever path you felt certain taking may likely wind into an entirely different path, if not take on a barbed twist. Clarity at this juncture, becomes crucial and can mean the difference between one minute lost or years waiting for a train to come. One which was never really headed in your direction or a hand to be given which was not going to be extended in the first place.
I left the house later than I had expected,having returned a call to a friend who I have not spoken to in several years. She had phoned me at the office a few days back, which was a tremendously pleasant surprise.We were in the process of catching up. Even though I was in a rush to get to the office at a reasonable hour,our conversation continued. Finally, it was interrupted by another call on her end and I was free to finish dressing for work.
Suddenly realizing that I had only a few moments to get ready and race to the bus stop a little ways up and across the street, I hurriedly dressed . Then, rushed out of the door and scurried to catch the bus, which was fast approaching the stop as I ran out the door. I hopped on the bus,paid the fare and took a seat. At the next stop the driver utilized the wheelchair lift to assist a disabled passenger aboard. After she did, he tried to let the lift down and drive on to the next stop.
After the third or fourth time trying, it was clear that we were stuck. The driver then made an announcement that the bus was going out of service. I thought to myself, despite my good intentions and all that rushing to get to work by a certain time, “now, I am ironically, delayed.” The driver then announced that another bus was coming. Knowing that there was at least a 40 minute wait before the next bus would arrive, I exited and decided to walk to the next major thoroughfare where I could pick up the line to which I had initially planned to transfer.
As I walked,I reflected on being stranded and how that condition can be more than a physical circumstance to overcome. It is quite often a state of mind. I could have remained on the bus and been stranded temporarily. But, I decided to get up and walk. As I walked,my thoughts returned to being delayed and slightly off schedule, no matter the purest intention to arrive at the office bright and early.
Samples of the song sang by Jay-Z,Bono,Edge and Rihanna during the Hope for Haiti Now concert event “Stranded(Haiti Mon Amour)“I’m not going to leave you stranded” spun through my mind along with images of Haitian people lost in a sea of rubble and unsanitary living conditions. I also thought of John Mayer who sang a beautiful song of hope and encouragement,”Heart of Life” on the Larry King special Haiti: What You Can Do to Help. My minor inconvenience by the bus breakdown,and having to walk instead of ride, paled enormously in comparison.
I also thought about all the money donated. There have been million upon millions of dollars donated and the generosity of so many who have willingly and without hesitation responded to the desperate needs and pleas for help. A good portion of the donations and activities to assist have come from neighbors,friends and individuals wanting to make a difference. They have done and are doing what they can giving direct from their hearts.
Many entertainers have made hefty contributions of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Among those donating generously, John Mayer, with a contribution of $500,000. A special shout out to John. I have followed John’s career over the years,being a fan of his music and have observed that he donates a lot of time and treasure to worthy causes. He not only gives money,but also gives his time in benefit concert appearances. Recently, he has designated a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise from his store to Haiti Earthquake Relief. This,in addition to the $500,000 and his appearance on the Larry King Live event singing his song of hope. He also makes his live music available to fans through a generous open audio policy at concerts. Another way he gives back to the community and popular music culture. Below he sings “Heart of Life” to Haiti:
I continued on my short trek. After walking and ruminating, I finally made it to the stop. The bus arrived shortly thereafter. When we got to the next stop, a friend with whom I attended seminary got on board. I was really happy to see her,because now I would hve the opportunity to find out what the organization was doing about Haiti. Amazingly, she is currently the National Media Coordinator for one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country.
We didn’t get a chance to speak while on the bus because she was engaged in a conversation on her cell phone as she boarded. However, we both exited the bus at the same time,and going the same direction,walked with each other to our various destinations. I thought now if that isn’t “serendipity”. We caught up with each others projects, talked about the upcoming BET Telethon and the NAACP Image Awards and Haiti Earthquake relief. I updated her about a proposed relief project and she was immediately interested. I began to reflect again after we completed our talk and set off on our separate ways.
On being stranded…the fact of the matter is that personal contact and direct communication are necessary as well to get the entire message. Almost on a par with divine inspiration, but certainly as important as internet clicks and tweets. No matter how many assumptions I may have had about why she and I just happened to meet up unexpectedly, attempted to make inferences and deductions, there is no substitute for the confirmation and assurance that comes from direct talk,eye contact and a hug or handshake. The kind which makes pieces of the puzzle fit and provides certainty about how to proceed. Throw in a revelation or two for good measure,not necessarily in that order, and you will undoubtedly have the needed clarity to move forward or chart your course. That’s how people are ultimately physically rescued from emergencies and the stranded state of mind. I am sure there are many recently rescued in Haiti who were happy to get that extended hand pulling them out from under the mounds of debris.
Special thanks to John Mayer for his humanitarian actions to Haiti recently and for other humanitarian and charity projects in which he’s participated in the past.
My prayers of hope and love continue to go out for the Haitian people and especially now the children and infants. Many have been left “stranded” without homes or parents. Relief agencies,church missions and concerned individuals are doing all they can to render assistance.
Pray for those with good intentions who have attempted to help,but have been arrested.I also pray that the rescue and relief mission will remain clear and the confusion that may be surrounding any of the efforts will cease. Reach out in whatever way you can. Continue to seek clarity and peace.
Guide for the day:
God never leaves you alone. Nor will god leave you stranded. You will always make the needed connections at the appointed time.
Pop Re-Mix:
The message is clear.
“I’m not going to leave you stranded” and “I know the heart of Life is good.
I saw the Michael Jackson movie this past Sunday. I had been enthusiastic about seeing the film from the start. But my enthusiasm began to wane as it became dampened and tempered with a combination of somber emotions,quiet reflections ranging from sadness to shock and fluctuating between respectful sorrow, grief, deep regret and a profound sense of loss. These feelings so often experienced with the loss of life, are witnessed and magnified ever so exponentially with the loss of a pop icon for obvious reasons. For so many and in so many ways, Michael Jackson’s death marked the end of an era.
His contributions to what some regard as the fickle and ever changing landscape of pop culture has undoubtedly been enormous, regardless of what opinion you may have formed from the controversy which plagued him and which made a fierce attempt to overwhelm his life towards the end. The stark reality is that pop culture has been known to have eaten a pop star or two alive. And, I might add with a ferocity all too often indecribable, unimaginable and uncontainable (To be continued…)
As I was sitting here in front of the laptop screen putting some finishing touches on the concept of this ministry, this thought passed through my mind. What if each day, a person reflected before going off to work or school, what significant thing they could give to someone else during that day to make the person’s life better. What would it be for you? Time or treasure?
Well, while you continuing to reflect, there are several people I know that celebrate their birthdays during this month. So,today I send out birthday wishes to my good friends, a special friend and my family members. My two nieces Jackie and Chastidy. Love you all.
Today I did quite a bit or should I say more accurately, put some quality time in developing a more focused web presence. I hope you like the theme. I think I must have gone through about every preview of themes for WordPress.com. I finally out of frustration with not being able to decide, chose “Ocean Mist.” I love the ocean with a passion. The sound of rolling waves and the scent of sea misted breezes has always excited me. So, I was quite relieved to finally find a theme within which my writings and senses could resonate.
Today the theme for reflection…treasuring those things you most admire and showing appreciation, savoring the times spent with favorite people and seizing the opportunity no matter how brief, to make quality connections. I talk with my mother everyday. But I think a visit is in order. Mom, the Thanksgiving holiday for sure…
Speaking of quality connections, last Friday, I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Ruby Dee, famed actress and social activist. An account of this can be found in my blog “Give Them Their Flowers…”Stating she loves them all, she shared a fragment of her favorite scripture with me, which is “Love thy neighbor…” She was a guest of honor at the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association(NNPA), New Leadership Reception as one of the honorees. She was given an award, in the words of NNPA President Bakely, as “one who stands as a model for all of us as a mother, as a wife and as somebody, who in spite of all of her achievements, never left her community.’’
Keeping the theme of admiration and quality connections going,I spent time last evening talking with my older sister Sharon who is on a mission to lose weight. She had called me earlier today and informed me that my father had been discharged from the hospital and to give me his new telephone number. She told me he had asked about me. She also reported on my younger sister and informed me that she was experiencing hard times, as it seems so many are these days. Rev. Pickens also sent photos of his precious new addition, Zola Patrice… Has a ring to it doesn’t it? I told Seth she was a star. And, of course, she is.. Join with me in sending well wishes and felicitations to Seth and Isis, my good friends and proud parents.
By the way, I say, one picture is worth 1,000 words! Pastor Pickens, looks like your church has the right idea of what being a good neighbor means… starting with the Food Pantry(See image above). I took the liberty of advertising it by posting. Seth is newly installed Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles and new dad. I am sure his mom,who passed away at the beginning of this year is smiling down from heaven.
Then there is Carma, Myrtle, Charlie and Olivia. You know who you are. I appreciate you for what you’ve done for me and countless others.
Last but not least, my good friend Donald Temple, who has helped to steer a path landing me back on my feet, is finishing up a trial today. Wish I could have been there for closing arguments. Attorney Temple, a consummate award winner, trial attorney, advocate and strategic thinker, offers help to many of his friends similar to Zion Hill’s Food Pantry concept- “no questions asked”. Thanks again Don for your kindness. I am sure there are many others out there who can testify to this. Had to put it in this blog…Busy,busy,busy… I know. However, he’s never too busy to extend a friend a needed hand.
href=”http://chaplainofpop.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/cynthia-wilson-and-majority-whip-clyburn-florida-ave-b-c-9-14-09.jpg”><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-202" title="Cynthia Wilson and Majority Whip Clyburn .Florida Ave. B.C. 9.14.09" src="http://chaplainofpop.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/cynthia-wilson-and-majority-whip-clyburn-florida-ave-b-c-9-14-09.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="200"
Pictured above: (1) Cynthia Wilson and Democratic Majority Whip, Congressman James E. Clyburn at Florida Ave. Baptist Church reception following sermon ;(2)Dr. Trent, First Lady of Florida Ave. Baptist, Congressman James E. Clyburn and Senior Pastor Trent, Dr. Earl Trent ; (3) Cynthia Wilson with friend and church member Iris Toyer at Florida Ave. Baptist Church reception for Congressman James E. Clyburn; (4) Cynthia Wilson and Dr. Earl Trent, Senior Pastor Florida Ave. Baptist Church; and (5) Cynthia Wilson looks on as Congressman James E. Clyburn greets and talks to reception guests and church members
Photos 1,2,3 and 5-Courtesy of Lonell Johnson-Founder-Director
Technology Playground
Photo-4- Courtesy of Gary A. Smith, Senior Partner, Ivy Planning Group, LLC
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Today I had the opportunity to attend a special Sunday Worship service at Florida Avenue Baptist Church where the Reverend Dr. Earl D. Trent, Jr., is Senior Pastor. This morning’s guest speaker was House Majority Whip for the 111th Congress, Congressman James E. Clyburn Democrat of South Carolina.
The Congressman exuded his usual statesmanship, authority and confidence, as he delivered an incisive and powerful word. He began by making a few clever remarks. He joked and easily broke the ice, warming the congregation prior to the sermon. He continued to lay a subtle foundation for the sermon and reception that would follow. When it was all said and done, the message in my opinion was clear. There are people in need of Health Care. Don’t pass them up.
Start writing letters and making phone calls to your elected officials/representatives. Tell your friends to do the same. Pass the word and get the message out. Let your elected representatives and those in the media know that you support the President’s Health Care Plan.
Clyburn’s stern leadership qualities I have until this morning admired from a distance on the television screen or imprinted in a story on a newspaper page. I first observed his deft handling of the media during several of those politically charged incidents which transformed last year’s Presidential race into one of the most grueling and challenging democratic primaries in the history of our nation. One that tested the soul of the Democratic Party and the mettle of Obama supporters. Somehow Clyburn always managed to inspire confidence and communicate in a manner that assured we were in good hands. No matter how edgy the situation got, our elected officials– at least in the House of Representatives– were on the job, aware of the issues and taking care of business. He was proceeding in the same manner today and I felt blessed to be in closer proximity, witnessing the commanding, yet humble presence live and in person from a church pew.
The table was set for his sermon, with a favorite Old Testament scripture Micah 6:6-8, which sets forth what God requires of man. Here is excerpted passage 6:8:
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
He also chose Luke 10:30-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, his favorite scripture from the New Testament.
The gist of his message: Leaders have to get off of their high horses and go to where the need is. Meet people on their levels. Go into their communities and show them how to apply the word by both precept and example. Giving the word is not enough. You have to follow up by demonstrating it. This provided a segue into the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the gage for determining a good neighbor. A neighbor (1) does not have to be a member of the same church; (2) does not have to be of the same ethnicity: and (3) gets off of their “high horse” and goes to where the need is, demonstrating compassion to those needing help, as the Good Samaritan did. He emphasized that the Good Samaritan and the man in need of help were from different ethnic groups who were warring against one another.
Following the service there was an informal gathering which provided an opportunity to meet Clyburn and to listen to a brief talk about what each of us could do to assist in the Health Care Reform effort. He left the congregants with one last scripture, Hebrews 11:1. ” Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” He urged everyone not to give up, assuring us all that our elected officials would get things back on track. He told us to write in to the radio, television, newspapers and other broadcast mediums and voice our views, showing our support for the President’s proposed Health Care plan.
________________
My Views:
(Revised 9.29.09)
I believe that quality health care is a basic human right and as such should be provided on a scale similar to that of public education. If you can afford to go to private school great. If you can’t, but you still need quality education, public school is available. Now, substitute “health care” for public education. To make a solid quality public health program available to those in need, should not be up for further debate nor should the issue be vulnerable to continuous manipulation and distortion. Making health care available to all whether by public option or through other similar means is the direction in which the country should be headed.
Because in the final analysis, it is not really about partisanship, being Republican or Democrat. It is really not, or at least, it should not be about race, nationality or national origin. I know the issues are complicated. Some don’t want a public option. There is also concern that the Republican movement against it will result in a watered down version of Health Care Reform caused by the big financial interests that stand to lose most. However, Congressman Clyburn in his sermon facilitated my understanding of it to more than a political question. In my opinion, he broke it down to a question of ethics and/or morals. If you follow the scripture parable of the Good Neighbor, its about helping those in need. To some this may seem like an oversimplification. But think about it. Are you going to just pass your neighbor by? The charge has been given in the word delivered.
So friends, I say don’t be confused by the misinformation which seems to be flooding the internet and other media nor be intimidated by the number of venomous protests, demonstrations, outbursts and/or Town Hall meetings. Now is the time to ban together and engage in a unified effort to establish a program that many in need will benefit from. It may even save some lives. Giving Health Care Reform the attention it deserves is part of the hard work of which we were forewarned before and after the election. President Obama is not resting on his election victory. Nor can we. He is out there working hard to make affordable coverage a reality for all. So is the House Majority Whip. Now is the time to make your voice heard…once again. Get busy doing justice and loving kindness…
Thanks to my good friend of over 30 years, Iris Toyer. She is a long time member of Florida Avenue Baptist Church. Thanks also to Pastor Trent for keeping the church relevant and engaged.
Acknowledgments to Deacon Lonell Johnson and Gary A. Smith for taking and sharing with me their photos.
Thank God for blessing with friends in high places who are busy raising the bar.
Peace,
Cynthia
Listening to: Yes We Can:Voices of a Grassroots Movement
Cynthia Wilson
We Are The World-A Retrospective
February 8, 2010 in Blast from the Past, Pop Culture Commentary, Social Activism | Tags: We Are the World, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Ken Kragen, USA for Africa, Chaplain of Pop, Cynthia D. Wilson, Los Angeles Human Relations Commission | Leave a comment
Image Source
I was happy to learn that Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie led the charge in organizing the recording session and reunion of the song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It was 1985 when the tune galvanized pop music legends to form a chorus and sing to fix a hunger problem spearheaded by the non-profit USA for Africa.Later,I helped to put together a program with the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission honoring the artists who participated in the recording session.
It was an exciting time. Daily participation at the pulse of the project was in many ways surrealistic. I regarded it also as a tangible reward for a faithful and persistent effort to be involved in the social causes of entertainers,particularly recording artists. You might say it was the formation phase of a ministry which would be almost 25 years in the making. The Sunset Boulevard headquarters of USA for Africa was always bustling with activity. As part of the volunteer staff, I assisted the Executive Director,Myra Lebo and Project Director, Marty Rogol with fielding telephone calls and assisting in sorting through the written requests for aid as well as the many donations coming in from people all over the world.
It was my hope to become part of the permanent staff and oversee the distribution of funds and supplies to Africa. Although that dream did not materialize, and it worked out rather nicely that it did not, I had the opportunity to obtain a first hand account of the daily operations of the office as well as to meet the movers and shakers behind the scenes,including Ken Kragen, the driving force behind USA for Africa, Lionel Richie’s and Kenny Roger’s manager at the time. I was also interviewed for spots which were broadcast on national media and local press as the media highlighted the efforts of caring souls who traveled many miles to share time and talent in making a difference. The most important thing is I stepped out on the power of faith having been inspired by the musical efforts to assist those in need. I just had to be a part of that. And, I took the actions necessary to make it happen, trusting in divine guidance every step of the way (to be continued).