As we praise God for another “Holy Day” season, I wanted to take a minute and just reflect back on a few of the events and milestones from 2008. Of course, we have read all of the newspapers and listened to the newscasts chronicling the many trials and tribulations the city and the nation have gone through (or are about to go through), but we know that God is still in charge of our lives. So, I just wanted to highlight a few of the events that I was blessed to be invited to, or be a part of, that did not make the Ten O’clock News.
In January, my travel companions Renee’ (DG.com producer), Karen (DG.com writer/ photographer), and I went to Nashville to report on the 2008 Stellar Awards. Many of Detroit’s finest were on hand including The Clark Sisters, J. Moss, 21:03, Antwaun Stanley, and Vicki Winans. Former Detroiters Deitrick and Damita Haddon, Pastor Marvin Sapp, CeCe Winans and Fred Hammond were also on hand and will always be Detroit’s, no matter where they move.
In March, it was on to my fantastic birthday present to me, my first cruise, on Radio One’s One Love Cruise. Again, Detroit was well represented with Pastor Marvin Sapp, Vicki Winans (she was everywhere) and Deitrick and Damita Haddon (they were busy on the cruise also), along with other national artists….look at the pictures on the gallery and yes that is me with Ms. Patti LaBelle!
May was busy with the “Live from the Apollo” Tour at Second Ebenezer, featuring Byron Cage, Kim Burrell, Dave Hollister and Detroit’s on Lexi as host.
And, as if
May did not have enough, it ended with Karen and Renee’ covering Israel Houghton in concert.
June was a great month for conferences in Detroit. The Church of God in Christ International AIMS conference was held at Cobo Arena. Citadel of Praise, Second Ebenezer, Greater Michigan Church of God by Faith, and many other churches held conferences, retreats and workshops. Other churches and artists held revivals, breakthroughs, stage plays, comedy shows, concerts, CD releases and more.
Kierra KiKi Sheard had her first youth conference – “Bold Right Life” and was an example to the younger generation on having fun and staying godly.
In September, Kierra’s aunt, Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, held her 10th Annual Singers and Musicians Conference that was “Blessed and Highly Favored.”
In the Fall, life for Detroit’s gospel ministry and music industry continued with more concerts – Carol Cole held a musical remembrance of the Late Dr. Donald Vails and reunited many of the artists and singers who had been a part of Dr. Vails’ musical ministry here in the city.
In November, DG.com traveled to Atlanta, GA, for the “How Sweet the Sound” choir competition. Former Detroit Gospel Showcase winners, Burning Bush International Ministries, represented Detroit at the Final Competition in Atlanta. Watching the 11 top choirs from all over the country sing God’s Glory down, I was so glad not to have to make that decision on the best choir! Acme Missionary Baptist Church from Chicago, Illinois was the winner, but Burning Bush was hot on their heels as first runner up. Pastor Marvin Sapp, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and actress Gabrielle Union had the honor of making the final call and they did a marvelous job.
Whew, that journey through 2008 was jam-packed! No way could I have mentioned every event because you would not read it all, and I couldn’t tell it all. We have been through triumphs and tests; happy times and heartfelt losses; but, through it all, we’ve learned to trust in Jesus, we’ve learned to trust in God.
Things are heating up for 2009 – and I, for one, am looking forward to more concerts, conferences, praise fests, musicals, showcases, revivals, outreaches, book signings, plays, CD releases, competitions, comedy shows, church services, bible studies, faith-based movies, and anything else that lifts up the name of Jesus. Be sure to stay tuned to DetroitGospel.com for information on all of these and more.
AND…
The United States of America will have its first African-American President to take the oath of office.
President Barack Obama can not do it all by himself, and we have an opportunity to show the world what we are made of. Let our light so shine that the world will see the Love of God in us, and let us collectively pray for our First Family.
May God continue to Bless each of you and Happy New Year from all of us here at DetroitGospel.com, ChicagoGospel.com, NewYorkGospel.com and coming soon, AtlantaGAGospel.com…. keep in touch with us, don’t sleep on our skills… PEACE OUT!
