I was born and raised in a COGIC (Church Of God In Christ) church. My mother, now deceased, was the pastor. Needless to say, going to church wasn’t an option. Back then, she made me go. At the time, it seemed to be an inconvenience for me. (as if I had something else to do) I wanted to stay home and play with my friends who NEVER went to church. Instead, I was there, along with my siblings and 1st cousins, playing all of the instruments. I would try and tune my mom and the other ministers out as they preached. Not knowing that I was taking it all in like a sponge. It wasn’t until I turned 21 and lost my mom, that I realize and really appreciate the way that she and my dad raised me and my 6 siblings. Before then, I never really tried to establish a personal relationship with God because I felt as if I was connected to Him through my mom. I was “saved” because she was “saved”. When she passed, I had to get to know Him for myself. I had to start praying for myself. I had to start living my life the way that my mom and dad had shown me by example. I’m sure they had their faults and issues like all of us. However, I never witnessed it. Not even 1 word of profanity. Can you say that about your parents? More importantly, can your kids say that about you? What kind of example are we setting for our kids and/or the younger generation to follow?

As you can see, my mom had a big effect on who I am today. She and several other ministers have prophesied to me my entire life that I would one day be a minister as well. Even though I always felt that there was a calling on my life, I doubted that I would “preach” because I’m not a public speaker at all. I thought they were saying that I would be in the pulpit hooping and all of that! I now know that there are different forms of ministry and mine happens to be in the area of music. Do you know where yours is?

God desires for us to praise Him. If we fail to praise Him, the rocks will cry out. (Luke 19:40) Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord”. That scripture means so much to me. About 15 years ago, I woke up with the ability to hold 1 note for as long as I choose. When I’m playing, it seems as if I’m breathless! Yes, that technique came to me in a dream. That was all the confirmation I needed. Every time I think about that scripture, I think about how He made me seemingly breathless. To me, that means I really have to praise Him!!!

I’m thankful to God for giving me such a strong signal as to what He would have me to do. I realize that most people live their entire lives without a clue as to what it is they should do. If you fall into that category, please pray for clarity and understanding. Please establish a relationship with God so that you may know when He is speaking to you.

By no means am I claiming to have it all together nor do I proclaim to have all of the answers. I have my struggles that I pray will one day cease to exist. However, I do know I’m not the man I used to be. Now that I have gotten to know Him for myself, I can see a change in my life. I can see a change in my desires and habits. I’m a better husband and father than I was just a few years ago.
Do you know Him? If He spoke to you right now, would you know that it’s Him? If you don’t know Him, get to know Him. See won’t things get better for you. If He doesn’t change your circumstances, He’ll change you in the midst of your circumstances. You will be better equipped to deal with life’s challenges and struggles. You will get a peace that you have never known. Right now, I’m going through something that I know would have driven me crazy a short while ago. I can’t worry about if I tried. I know it’s all in His hands. I know I’m doing my best to be the best person I can be. Therefore, I know God has got my back!!!

Well, thanks for sitting and talking with me in the Gospel Café. Tell all of your family and friends to meet me here. I would love to sit and talk to them as well!!!

I give all praise and thanks to God. I love Him, and He is truly the air that I breathe……