GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH: Testify!!!

"YOU are MY WITNESSES," declares the Father, "and My servant whom I have CHOSEN, so that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am HE! Before Me NO god was formed, nor will there be one after ME!  (Isaiah 43:10)

Isn't it a wonderful thing, being able to be awakened, rising from your bed, walking, looking in the mirror, and realizing how abundantly blessed you are?  Being made aware of why you're here, and what your life's purpose is?

Gospel Music has provided such a wide variation of encouragement for generations, containing messages that assist in continually formulating our relationship with the Father.

It was told that Thomas Dorsey, composer of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," started out playing blues-flavored music, before being led to minister to hearts of many with his own life's experiences.  I love how David let us know how there were times when he had to "encourage himself" in the Father, especially during those moments when even your so-called closest friends cannot seem to understand the mission of your trials.

And that is what gospel music is all about, testifying to being a witness of the Holy Word, reminding us that we are never alone.  Our Heavenly Father constantly affirms that, before the very foundation of the world, He created us for His Glory!  No matter what we've faced, how often others make jokes of our "valley" moments, He will place the right song in our spirit-man, along with His Word, that will keep us safely in Him.

Charles Albert Tindley

There was a time, when you could always depend on a gospel song to provide a story, something that would pierce your very soul.  A musical moment of clarity, a testimony, bearing resemblance to how far the Father has brought you, and what He's brought you through.  

Among the astute, insightful individuals, along with Min. Dorsey, and known as one of the founding fathers of American Gospel music, there was Charles Albert Tindley.  An Episcopal minister and lyricist, who was responsible for anthem "We Shall Overcome (I'll Overcome Someday)," is another testament of what a gospel song supplies.  

Born on July 7, 1851, the son of slave parents in Berlin, Maryland, Tindley taught himself to read and write.  Later he attended night school in Philadelphia, and took correspondence courses from the Boston School of Theology. 

When he took his examination for the ministry, he was the janitor of Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church, in Philadelphia, PA.  In 1902, he became pastor of the same church, where he served for more than 30 years.  While he was pastor of Calvary, the membership reached 12,500. Because of such successful leadership, the church was renamed the Tindley Temple Methodist Episcopal Church in 1924.  

Some of Tindley's well known songs are "We'll Understand It Better, By and By," "Leave it There," "Lord, I've Tried," "What Are They Doing In Heaven?," "I'm Going to Die With the Staff In My hand," "Let Jesus Fix It For You," "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way, Oh Yes He Will," and "Some Day" (better known as "Beams of Heaven As I Go.")  His hymns are now standard gospel songs in churches across the United States, and worldwide. 

Below is one of Min. Tindley's more popular compositions, "The Storm Is Passing Over," being performed by The Detroit Mass Choir, by which many choirs and choruses continue utilizing, even in public schools: