Independent Music

"I HAVE BEEN CALLED TO MINISTER HIS PRAISE"

God prepared my heart and mind to thirst for words and specifically the rhyme- a spiritual search for the rhythmical pattern of sincere sounds. I was in eighth grade and twelve years old when I was called. There was a competition among all grade school youth. I rehearsed the lengthy verse, "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson for weeks before the selection. From among many contenders, I ultimately was called forth to represent the highest grade in the school - the eighth grade. I was numb for days because of this honor.

My mama allowed me to rehearse relentlessly- alone! But I was never alone. God was always in me and with me. It was He who prepared me to interpret the magnitude of the verse. Mama dressed me in a pretty pink dress and did my hair. On stage, I listened to each one of my competitors. The auditorium was full, the competition incredible. I was last to ascend to center stage. I opened my mouth and my heart poured out a blessing that God has since revealed is still remembered by some who attended as children. The applause crowned me with a confirmation of excellence.

But the judges awarded the prize to "If" by Rudyard Kipling presented by a seventh grader, a popular, articulate, intelligent and held up as the most likely-to-succeed young boy. The crash of my expectations was so profound it passed right through me and silenced many in the audience. God in His infinite wisdom protected me with a confidence that day that has only improved with the years. I will never forget the covenant He made that day on that stage in the spring of 1962 when the Lord called for me to minister His praise on stages, to lift up the Name of Jesus Christ which draws all men, women and children to Him. To God be the glory; to God be the praise.

He had brought me a New Birth of expression, heralding His presence in the destiny of a great people on this earth- my people, God's people. We will occupy until He comes. I and fellow artist, Reginald Harmon, invite you to help us usher in His Second Coming with great and mighty praise and worship by sharing this gospel spoken word/jazz offering with everyone who loves the Lord- and especially with those who don't know Him.

Hell designed its assault against God's people at birth to keep us from this day. Poverty, racism, classicism, sexism, meanness, hate, ignorance, hypocrisy, selfishness, rebelliousness, witchcraft, spiritual wickedness in high places opened all barrels into our faces, our hearts, our children, our families, our destinies. Thank God for His angels encamped all about us and for the saints of God in the Body of Christ- His Precious Church.

God placed me on stages, in church basements, on outdoor stages, on college campuses, poetry clubs, public libraries, museums, in high school theaters, large and small city theaters, coffee houses, in community multipurpose rooms, in living rooms, in night clubs and pulpits, on grassy hills and park pavilions to praise Him- on living stages in several states at every stage of my life.

I am over fifty now and He still keeps His covenant. This is my offering for His faithfulness. He has led me to a place where beautiful praise blossoms; an honorable seat He has prepared for this humble servant and worshipper of His Holy Name. This is the "NewFlora: Blossoming in the Garden of the King."

Written by Flora W. Anders
From Firm Foundations Literary Ministry
At the Praise Village

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.infiniteconceptsllc.com

Track List:
1. Psalm of the Praying Spirit
2. On the Isle
3. Sister Sylvia
4. For a Marching Man-son
5. By Mama's Side
6. Ship to : Iraq
7. Magic
8. Waiting for Jesus to Come
9. I'm Here
10. Seasoned Saint's Somersault Psalm

Suggested CDs:

Reginald H. Harmon

Other Genres: