WORDS that are spoken, should provide 2 options - LIFE or DEATH!
There is so much power in words, when used appropriately. A depressed soul can be uplifted by a smooth tone of phrases, when all else fails. A crying child will become silent once an expression of adoration is spoken directly. Even when placed with a distinctive tune, hearts are moved to a compassionate mode. It has been said that music 'soothes the savage beast.' In addition, when you smile, or even laugh, the very innate qualities are rejuvenated, and extends to others, uplifting them to pursue life in its truest form.
I will be discussing many topics that appear to be imperative for today's way of thinking. With eloquent words, feelings of joy, love, peace, and contentment can be transferred. It is imperative to make sure we speak with what will cause one to walk away with an amazing outlook of assurance, knowing that things CAN, AND WILL work out!
I have been doing a great deal of study again this month on how important gospel music heritage is, especially since it is September, while being reminded just how significant the genre has been throughout my life. Surprisingly enough, today I just read where one of the most esteemed gospel artists around passed away this morning. Dr. Jessy Dixon, 73, responsible for composing such amazing songs like "Sit At His Feet And Be Blessed," "Give God The Glory," and "Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary," songs that continue to be used during worship services worldwide.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, March 12, 1938, he began singing in church at the age of 5, also playing piano. His family moved to Chicago, Ill, when he was very young, where he had the fortunate opportunity of meeting and being discovered by gospel legend James Cleveland, who eventually sang and recorded 2 of Dixon's songs, "My God Can Make A Way" and "God Can Do Anything But Fail." Dr. Dixon was persuaded to move to Chicago to join Min. Cleveland's group, the Gospel Chimes, as both a singer and pianist. He was recognized for his deeply-rooted testimonies included in his lyrics and melodies. He became music minister for Chicago Community Choir, where he was musician. Along with Milton Brunson, he taught them spiritual expression through their singing.
Many of his treasured compositions have been sung a multitude of church environments, concert halls. Paul Simon, popular artist who wrote "Bridge Over Troubled Water," had a stint with Dr. Dixon, as an opening act on tour. His song, "I Am Redeemed" became an amazing popular song, and was a Billboard chart favorite, for at least 5 years. In the United States, Dixon was a long-time fixture on composer and singer Bill Gaither's Gospel Series, video concert broadcast on religious oriented cable television stations.
During his career, Dixon was able to produce five gold records and garner several Grammy nominations. We will miss him, but we realize he is at peace, resting in the hand of God. Thank you, our brother, for allowing the Spirit of God to utilize you, leaving songs of faith, determination and encouragement, believing we will be victorious, because we are not forsaken.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in PSALMS and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord!" (Colossians 3:16)
I have always loved the sound of melodies and lyrics that a hymn provides. When I was a little girl, growing up in NYC, our family attended 3 different types of worship services: we embraced the opportunity to attend Deliverance Evangelistic Center when I was an infant, throughout my youthful years, experiencing the anointing of God, rooted bible-teaching, praise, prayer, salvation, deliverance and healing. Our mom would take us to St. Luke Baptist Church, located on the same street we lived, whenever we were unable to travel to Brooklyn, and where I sang on the Youth Choir, not Sunbeam or Tiny-Tots, at the age of 3. In addition, during his weekends off, our dad loved exposing us to services at Abyssinian Baptist Church, where we would listen to the choir sing with such melodious tones, as the pipe organ rang out sounds of true worship, and the past gave stern deliveries of God's Word.
One of my favorite childhood hymns was "All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name," lyrics by Edward Perronet, and Oliver Holden composed the music. The very words would allow me to see just who I was singing about, and why. Interestingly enough, each of the 3 churches I attended ministered that song 3 different ways! St. Luke sang the short version in modest mode, Abyssinian provided the longer version with the chorus broken up in sections, and Deliverance would come alive with a fast-tempo, COGIC style. I love every version!
Hymns can touch the very core of our being. They have been performed by many music artists, whether spiritual, secular, or even classical, in everywhere from church settings, cathedrals, opera houses, even the White House. Many of them were composed by individuals who were led by the Spirit of God to share their testimonial, while telling the story of God's love, grace and forgiveness to everyone who would listen. Great gospel composers, such as Wallace Willis (Steal Away To Jesus),Thomas Dorsey (Precious Lord, Take My Hand), Lucie Campbell (He'll Understand And Say Well Done), and Margaret Douroux (If It Had Not Been For The Lord), have filled many hearts at just the right time of trial, uncertainty or lonely moment.
One particular composer and poet, Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), was probably the most prolific hymnist in history. We have sung her songs in every sanctuary, auditorium, and concert hall. Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at the age of six, she wrote over 8,00 hymns.
About her blindness, Ms. Crosby said:
"It seemed by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered my tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Crosby was responsible for penning songs like "Blessed Assurance," "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," "To God Be the Glory," "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "Rescue the Perishing," "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," "I Am Thine, O Lord," and many more.
It is something about singing or humming a hymn. While driving to work, walking through a shopping mall, the words can resonate through every thought you may be having, at the same time piercing your soul, and healing your mind. King David, who was a man after God's own heart, said "He put a new song in my mouth, a HYMN of praise to our God! Many will see and fear the LORD, and put their trust in HIM!" (Psalm 40:3)
When we sing a hymn at any time, our spirit man usually becomes immediately joyful, and full of the peace of God, knowing everything will be fine, by and by!
I have been doing a great deal of study again this month on how important gospel music heritage is, especially since it is September, while being reminded just how significant the genre has been throughout my life. Surprisingly enough, today I just read where one of the most esteemed gospel artists around passed away this morning. Dr. Jessy Dixon, 73, responsible for composing such amazing songs like "Sit At His Feet And Be Blessed," "Give God The Glory," and "Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary," songs that continue to be used during worship services worldwide.
