Saturday, November 28, 2009

A War For Your Soul

Sometimes I'm frustrated while talking to hi-risk youth wondering if I'm making a difference. This 18 min film will help has I show it to one youth at a time. The only missing element in the film is that it doesn't address the question: What Now? These kids need jobs, training for skill labor, finances for college, skills in mastering effective relationships, etc. But I agree with the film's message which is a good starting point. What is also potent about this film is that it should stimulate those of us who have become complacent in our suburban homes and in our inner city churches (where we drive into once a week to attend). This film highlight the war for all of our souls.

Please click on the link and watch at your convenience.

http://vimeo.com/3658572

Concern and hopeful,
W I L L I E

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Got Your Back

During this Thanksgiving Season, take a minute to thank those (family and/or friends) who truly "got your back". Enjoy the four minute movie clip: (click on link:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4xueqvdb-8

"i got ur back"
W I L L I E

PS: Shout out to all of my family and friends who has shown me throughout the years that they got my back: too numerous to mention all the names, but you know who you are. . . . I LOVE YOU!!!!


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

"How Sweet the Sound" National Finale '09

DISCLAIMER: Let me state the power of the judges of the Verizon Wireless How Sweet The Sound Competition of Choirs: based on the contract that each choir signed, if there is a tie (point wise) the judges breaks it by their own criteria and at their sole discretion. . .all decisions of the judges are final and binding in all respects. In fact, the words: sole discretion is used many times in the contract. This WSOSP Commentary will show one time the judges "used their discretion" by selecting the winning choir. It is not the purpose of WSP to change or boycott Verizon Wireless Choir Competition. Just calling it as I see it. . .

On Saturday night, 11/7/09 in the city of Detroit, was held the Choir FINALE of 11 Regional Winning Choirs across the country, coming together to compete for the Best Choir in America 09 and the Runner up. This is a rather intense undertaking because the prize for the winner is $25,000 and the runner up $15,000. The Choir's FINALE will be televised on November 22 on The Gospel Music Channel. If you want to see the clip of the two winning choirs before Nov. 22, go to: http://www.howsweetthesound.com/media/videos/2009/2009+finale however, all the other nine choirs will be televised.

For those of us who could not go to Detroit, we were able to attend any of the winning regional choirs churches where Verizon would be live-streaming the concert. Of course I went to the closest one which was Bishop Noel Jones City of Refuge Church in LA. By the way, last month I felt that his choir would come in second place and the DC choir first place. fast forward: The DC choir (The Remnant Concert Choir from Pittsburgh, PA) came in second place and City of Refuge did not place. The winning choir was from ATL. (Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir from Lithia Springs, GA.)


City of Refuge Choir P S A L M S

Kudos to Verizon for having judges this year who knew something about gospel singing and choirs: Byron Cage, Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp. The remarks about the choirs soon got very redundant but maybe it was because eight of the choirs stepped up their game from their regional win. I personally find it somewhat odd that most choirs sings the same song performed in the regional, so why aren't the judges more prepared to give a more detail and enlighten analyses? This would be helpful for people who have no clue about gospel music. Sapp comes closes to that, but he's at every city, so he may be more comfortable. Dorinda is so cool, but she said to most directors "it showed you put alot of time with your choir" -- I tickle myself as I mouth what she was going to say before she said it. That phrase is not one of the criteria's listed in the rules of performing. "That's a given Dorinda, we are talking about $25,000, so yes all of them spent a zillion hours preparing."

The Winning Choir: Their performance of Smallwood's "Anthem of Praise" was full of energy. That is all I'm going to say about their performance which is MORE than any of the judges said. When ATL completed their performance, the audience clap in appreciation of what they did. The song was over. MC Donald Lawrence comes on stage, as he does with all the choir directors, to ask their name and lead them to the judges. After the ATL choir, he came on stage but did what many ministers do when they end their sermon--started hooping. Within one second, all the ATL choir members where in the holy dance. (as if on cue). The organ did his thing and the church, I mean, arena "went in". Suddenly, all three judges are up dancing and the camera is now on the director doing a marvelous four step dance (which I must admit got me out of my chair because he is White but feet were moving like he was Black). During this 'post activity' I text a friend and didn't know it would be prophetic: ATL just sung and D. Lawrence did it again pump them on to shout after they sung judges are still shouting - anointed? DC is up next and last for the night. Finally, the director is in front of the judges: Cage says how can you judge the holy ghost? And then preceded to dance some more. Then Dorinda spoke in tongues and Marvin preached about what just happened--using the word anointing alot. None of the judges said zip about the choir's performances of Anthem of Praise. This is a perfect example of the use of "sole discretion" by the judges, and their disregard of the written rules.

Here's my recap: if the anointing falls on any choir while they are singing, let HIM Have HIS WAY LORD. if the anointing falls at the end of the song as a result of the song (cause-effect), let HIM Have HIS WAY LORD. In this case, the anointing did not fall at either spot. So what I'm saying is that, the choir was selected as the Best Choir in America, NOT because of the 30% presence, 40% technical skills and 30% originality and creativity, but they were chosen by the dancing and "anointing" after the song. There were clearly 7 choirs that sound better than the ATL choir, which is not a subjective statement. You will agree when you watch the televised concert.

The choir from the DC region and City of Refuge from the LA region in my opinion are exactly skilled in every way. If I was a judge, the points would be the same. After seeing their performance that night, I decided that DC should come in second because the 'breaker' was simple: the choice of song. 'Sold Out' has more energy inherited in the song versus the tight arrangement of DC's 'Blessed Assurance'. But if DC had sung a song in the Sold Out genre, it would have been extremely difficult to choose. Then I would get to use my "sole discretion" in selecting the winner.

Have you ever wish you could re-live a behavior? That happened to me at The City Of Refuge Church that night. When they announced DC as runner up, I just knew City of Refuge had it. But when they said ATL, there was this eerie momentary silence, followed by a few, no, more than a few, clapping for the winner. For me it was like I was hit in the stomach forcefully and had to catch my breath before reacting. The members of City of Refuge dismissed rather quietly. A true display of Christianity as there was no hostile loud statements. Some may say they were in shock. They were clearly disappointed by the facial expressions. Well there were my friends (not members there) who didn't mind vocalizing their displeasure, and I got caught up in that too. I'm sure the members wonder, who were we? and why are THEY so upset. A young man I mentored, Adrien Grace, told me twice, they are all winners let's move on. I was in protest mode so I wasn't hearing him at the time. If I could re-live that moment, I would be like Adrien. I was really convicted on that when I got in the car and prayed that I wouldn't loose focus on what this choir competition goal is really all about. What it is not is an American Idol. So I apology to my Inland Empire friends and in the unlikelihood that those City of Refuge members who were there who heard me, ever reads this blog. I'm sorry about my behavior which was not and is not Christ-like. One of my sayings in everything else in life is "it's not that deep", and that's what I should have said that night too. If I was not a member of any church, I would join City of Refuge based on that positive kind response of the crowd. Someone got to the mic as we were walking out, obviously lost for words too, said goodnight and that when the choir returns we will treat them as winners. In the opening announcments, they acknoweldge last year's regional winners: Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church out of Riverside, CA. They had them stand. There weren't many there, but it was certainly a nice jesture.

Where do we go from here? I love gospel music, especially choirs, so I will pay my five dollars and go to the Verizon regional contest next year and jump and shout for the choir I feel is the best. And pray that I will not be saying next year as I am this year "How Bitter The Sound; A Verizon Wireless Experience."

With love,
W I L L I E

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Children


This weekend I had the privilege to spend a few hours with one of my goddaughters, Kelly Camara. It's special because even though she's from Northern California, she resides in New York and rarely comes to Southern California. I can write all day about how special and unique she is, but what's on my mind right now is her hair. I have a montage of her on my wall from over the years, and each photo of her has a different hairstyle. Yesterday, I wasn't disappointed as she sported yet another totally different look. She's beautiful inside and out, and as always, it was great seeing her.

Though I mentor numerous young people, I only have three DNA certified god children (two ladies /NYC & LA /and one man /DC) and one adopted godson (Inland Empire). I also have a son. (Ohio). Except for the adopted godson, the rest are adults (twenties+) and have now become mentors themselves.

Mentoring comes natural for me. It's my "drug" of choice. It seems like every time I assist in ushering one into adulthood, here comes another set of thirsty young people for a positive black male role model. It's sort of cool as I converse with them, it keeps my view of the world fresh. No magic in my relationships, as I don't give advice: I do what they call "effective listening" and give them options instead of telling them what to do. (Thats their parents job).

I genuinely love each person that I mentor regardless of their imperfections; I'm far from perfect myself. I've found that these kids (16-24 are my target mentoring ages) know when you love them without always telling them. They may have their issues and totally confused during their transition into adulthood, but they truly, as they say, know what's up.

"If I can just help somebody, then my living will not be in vain".
With love,
Willie

Saturday, November 7, 2009

A Marathon Funeral

Coretta Scott King's Funeral Service lasted 6 hours.
Elder E. E. Cleveland Funeral Service lasted 4 hours and twenty minutes.
On Monday, November 2, 2009, I attended a funeral service which lasted 5 hours.

Pastor Reginald O. Robinson may he rest in peace.

If he raised his head out of that "gorgeous" casket to speak for one minute, he would have probably said: Brethren, I'm confused, what's up with all this excessive talking and everybody saying the same thing? And why wasn't there snacks to give out in between each hour to my grieving family members? Are ya'll trying to kill them by starvation at the Celebration of my life? Lord Have Mercy on your souls. Patricia, I'll see you at the Second Coming of Christ which might be before this service is over. Love ya baby."

I went to a restaurant in LA to have breakfast because I knew as so did everyone, that this "Preacher" could not be eulogized in one hour. So the pancakes and eggs and juice had me in a good space as I greeted folks at the church I haven't seen in awhile. When I arrived at the church I glanced at the program and immediately text friends who couldn't make it and told them that this is going to be at least a four hour service so tune in on churchpond.com. Let me cut through the chase before I share my thoughts as to why the marathon service.

There were officials from GC, Unions, Conferences, Oakwood, Churches and friends. The processional alone took about 15 minutes because there were about 100 ministers from all over; then the family members who also got a parting view of Pastor Robinson before taking their seats. (casket remain closed once the service started). Those asked to speak (only 15 not counting family members) represented all those entities which was appropriate. They were asked to give remarks for two minutes. No one stop at two minutes but many did four to five minutes. But as the hours went by, the remarks got longer. I timed one (stopwatch on my cell) which was 12 minutes, as in almost 15 minutes. Elder Charles Brooks, the eulogist, only spoke 17 minutes whose message seemed like it was only 7 minutes long, it was potent and relevant and ministered to the family and those of us sitting behind them. So there you have the answer to WHY the service lasted so long. The ministers gave miniature eulogies and the close friends wanted to share many "special" times they had with Pastor Robinson. Though the remarks were lengthy, they were interesting and truly honored and celebrated the unselfish life of Pastor Robinson. (There was one exception: an extended family member read a long tribute which was boring, but I use that time to stretch and meet and greet in the lobby for those who had to leave, but a day later, I heard he read some poem at the end that everyone is talking about that was, lets just say, "ethnic special").

What the MDiv speakers' remarks "weren't": which is not uncommon in our SDA funerals: are words of comfort directly to the grieving family. Yes it great to acknowledge ones connection with the decease, but at some point in your two minutes, shouldn't you speak to the survivals? I was thankful to hear four ministers who must have been grieve before or who is IN CHRIST knowing how to comfort, who really spoke to the family. Don't remember who it was, but I'm not counting that minister who thought he would read off the names of the family and stubble on some of the grandchildren's names. If you don't know the peoples', just say God bless the "FAMILY". A friend of mine wrote this morning: . . .with those again unnecessary redundant typical adventist preacher remarks. A sign that our clergy are ill prepared to minister to the brokenhearted. The ministerial sec. of the conference and his department should have a 30-60 day process of healing counseling and therapy for the widow and family in place. This would entail every minister & wife taking a day to sit with the family if they so desire. I agree and any portion or version of this would be better than nothing. Pastor T. Marshall Kelly set a good example of this by saying: the widow shouldn't have to cook a Sabbath meal for the next two years. Now that's love in action and not just "hot air".

The central theme of most remarks was how Pastor Robinson made a difference in the lives of everyone he came in contact with. He wasn't superficial, it was like, he followed through and cared and loved people genuinely. After hearing all those remarks, I prayed for his church family: Valley Crossroads-- I learned he was there for 12 years/now I was understanding their deep pain that you can see on their faces; he was more than a pastor to them, he was a friend and part of many of their families--well at least that's how they felt. It's an attribute we all want to have but we let the cares of this life and responsibilities, keep us from really touching bases with people. Though it wasn't said, he's the sort of person who ask you "How Are You? and hang around to hear your answer and respond. footnote: Valley Crossroads ushers/deacons and food servers were so gracious, I had to take a double look. They weren't territorial and mean like I've seen many in that role at big gatherings like this. I wished I got the names of two of them to give them kudos. This kindness that I saw both at the Viewing/Wake the night before at their church in Pacoima and at the funeral in LA had to be imitated from the example of their now deceased leader.

The theater style seats at White Memorial Church in LA aren't as comfortable as your deluxe cinema seats of today. And because this old large church, @ 2500 seating capacity, you couldn't stretch out your legs, though I was able to in the third and fourth hour as my row had cleared out. (sidebar concerning White Memorial Church: I was highly disappointed that Clarence couldn't play the organ because (I think) one of the keys appeared stuck and if that wasn't the reason, I can safely say it was "broken"; and my heart was sadden at the condition of the bathroom by the second hour: trash barrels were overflowing and paper towels all over the floor--so I will not describe how it looked by the fourth hour: no deacon or janitor were on hand. That surprise me for a church that size).

I must commend those who came for the funeral, though it was almost packed at the beginning, there were still over half full at the ending, (which is still a lot of people); a real sign of the heighten level of love for this preacher and his family; and it didn't hurt that the program was well put together with articulate speakers and excellent music. Those who stayed till the end were moved (no movement or whispering) during the reading of the grandson's Ryan's tribute and the reflections of his daughters Tia and Kelli. Those remarks were worth the wait, in addition to Elder Brooks words of comfort.

The music: There were two congregation hymns sung. Unfortunately, I went to the bathroom on both of them, but when I returned, I love the way Fred Settles, ended them both, retarding the last line and repeating some words. Valley Crossroads Chorale, which Fred directs, sung two numbers, T. Marshall Kelly rich baritone voice, Shelton Kilby did his awesome thing on the piano, Lloyd Mallory sung a hymn, Steve Mackey sung like he was going to get paid five thousand dollars, and Pastor Robinson first born, Lisa, though as she said, was in physical emotional pain, worked a medley of Face to Face, Until Then and Let's Us Break Bread. There was so much talking in between songs that I my soul was famine for each musical selection when they got up. They could have sung Jesus Loves Me this I know, and I would have been cool. They could have missed a note, but I wouldn't have cared because I was so glad I didn't have to listen for that moment to another person not heeding to the request/plea of the frustrated officiant Pastor Benjamin McPhaull to keep it short. There's a saying called, pull your coat tail: well, he stood by them/put his hand on their shoulder, but those people kept talking. I was quite amazed and as the hours went by I was becoming annoyed at them. Oops, now how did I get back on that subject?

Not that it matters, but I believe that there are two reasons why Pastor Robinson's funeral lasted longer than other evangelist and preacher's funerals I've ever attended The major difference is that Elder Robinson was a pastor for the last decade of his life and that truly brings you in the living room of people's lives. So he had just has many 'common' folks to speak as dignitaries. Also, Pastor Robinson's death was unexpected at his younger age than others who've died before him. Many were saying, this is so surreal, so quick. And it was. Within a month after entering the hospital and learning of his illness.

His legacy will continue in the lives of all he touched I'm sure, but more importantly, his loving memories will be forever etched in the mind and heart of his wife of 45 years, Patricia, and his three daughters and their families and extended families.

When I reflect on the word marathons, I think of all the times Pastor Robinson gave up his personal time for marathon listening sessions and helping of others; and marathon evangelistic meetings in the states and abroad. It's no secret that what you do for others will last, way after his burial the next day at Forest Lawn at Hollywood Hills.

I endured to the end of the marathon service because of my friendship with Lisa & Charles, and because I decided after the second hour that sitting in those uncomfortable seats would be less stressful than sitting on the 10 Freeway in Rush Hour traffic trying to return to the Inland Empire.

Regardless of our personal time limits of a funeral service, that service is history, but the prayers and support are still needed for his family, friends and church members as they process this great loss and readjust their lives without his physical presence.

With sympathy and love,And a recuperated sore butt from sitting,
WSP:
For those of you who are fussing about marathon/long blogs, deeply inhale and exhale and thank God I'm not writing about your funeral. In Jesus Name. AMEN.