It's true, we they do!  :)  (This is my attempt to write a seemingly-impartial post. Let's see how this goes.)

**Shot at St. Patrick's Center and the YWCA West Florissant Center.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of shooting some of the great work that the STL Urban League Young Professionals are doing this month, for our their annual campaign for March, Young Blacks Give Back.  Each Saturday this month, we they, along with friends and family, are participating in a slew of community service efforts all across the St. Louis area.  The goal is to not only excede our their 1000-hours-of-service goal for the month, but more importantly to meet the needs of our their city, and raise awareness of how important it is help those in need.

There's two Saturdays left to participate in the variety of service efforts ULYP has available, so if you're in the St. Louis area and interested in serving, email the YBGB committee at ybgb@ulyp-stl.org for more info!

three D's by firstfruits creative. shot 12.28.09.

**FIF Editor's note** Daunte called to let me know he was emailing his poem over so I could post it on FAITH is FRESH. He wanted an intro about himself, and I said "Okay, you should write it". I could tell he really didn't wanna do it... but he didn't have a choice. ;)  The next day (today) I get his email, check the intro and honestly... I hate it.  It's so bland, ultra-professional and formal... So not HIM (I should've known better...).  So let ME tell you about Daunte Henderson.

He's the same guy I met in a local art program, here in St. Louis, almost nine years ago--wise, confident and sophisticated, inside and out. He's not complicated... he has simple ideas about life and love. Yet talk to him for one minute, and it's obvious there's a certain rarity about him.

Yet nine years later, Daunte's so different. He's matured into a man, a Chicagoan, an awesome best friend, a risk-taker, and an even better writer. All of this growth and his walk to God is explored in his first book of poems, Things I Learned While Walking.  The book, soon-to-be-released, will tackle everyday struggles and triumphs with life, love and spirituality. It begins with the poem below-- "October 17th"--the day he met Jesus Christ.

To keep up with Daunte Henderson and learn more about the book, join his Facebook group, "Daunte Henderson Is A WRITER" (click HERE to be redirected).

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October 17th.

The 9 a.m. service was packed. My friends and I sat stage left to get a good view of the sign language ministry.  My years of not going to church/lack of clean dress clothes are the reasons why I sported a black hoody, black dress slacks and matching Nike tennis shoes to church this particular Sunday morning. Dramatic changes and inner callings were the sole reason why I was in church that morning. I didn’t go to church growing up, but I ALWAYS knew God was the reason why I was alive. Life had told me “No” for the last time and I was finally ready to submit to God. Towards the end of service, Reverend Charlie made an announcement to encourage all who hadn’t accepted Jesus Christ to walk towards the pulpit and make that first step towards a new life in Christ. A few years ago I couldn’t have walked to the pulpit because I was stuck in my ways of doing things but I was FINALLY ready that Sunday. Out of the hundreds of people in the room I was the only ONE who walked up to the pulpit. I felt like the world was watching me. It was God’s special way of telling me “I have been waiting on you my son, Welcome”. The congregation applauded and a million hugs followed soon after. In minutes, my soul opened up. I was NEW. FRESH, RENEWED, LIVING, READY. I was born again. Running in the past got me to a lot of places but I never felt firmly positioned where I was because I was essentially running from the Lord. I was now ready to walk.  

Temporary pleasures stated
In “Baby I love you” forevers
Are now replaced by
“Never will I leave you or forsake you”
I can’t replace you like a BFF
Or digest what you’ll do for me next
You’re responsible for me getting by
When I was in between checks
The upliftment that you gave me when
I was going through great depressions
Thank you for the listening ear
That you lent when I gave you
Heartfelt confessions
Thank you for the blessings
Thank you for addressing my self esteem
And removing the things that kept
Me from feeling the cream of your healing touch
Thank you much for allowing me to experience
Pain so that I can now laugh at the rain
When it tries to stain my armor
Thanks for turning a boy into a man
Who could understand your plans for my life
And the people around
Thanks for making me sound in spirit
Hopefully I can get others to hear it
I now look for Jesus in the left chest of a woman
And not the ample size of the breast on a woman
I’m a changed man and I hope
They can see it
The life described in John 3:16
I wanna live it
Breathe it
Receive it
Pass it on
God please continue to work
On me and my ways
Forgive me for my strays
And not to mention my nocturnal days
That left me lazy and hazy
In your mission
Forgive me for bended knees that never
Get accomplished
Along with the poor decisions of which I’m accomplice
My trust alone wouldn’t get me this far
It’s because of YOU I can now dance with the stars
I’ve devoured many TV dinners, snacks, and 1-minute recipes
Just to let it be and fast on your love
I could say we fit like a glove
But really we fit like up above
You’re my addition when life subtracts
And detracts me from peace
You’re the soul food minus the “itis” and the heart burn
Because of you my heart learned
And it’s allowed my soul to see
So I could carry out your mission which
Has made me a better me
Amen

What were you THINKING???

:)

Okay, we know that it's alll about the music.  It is.  But sometimes...as gospel music lovers, we keep our standards pretty low visually.  We let the foolish, the mundane, or the boring album cover just sliiiide by, because we're used to it. 

This HAS to stop.  Our eyes deserve better.  Here's five that made the cut:

1. DOROTHY NORWOOD: Shake the Devil Off (1995). What's more scary--the flames in the background or Dorothy's mouth open like that??  And she kinda looks like she IS on fire.  This is too much.

2. RICKY DILLARD & NEW G: Unplugged...The Way Church Used To Be (2004). Now let's be clear, there are some classics on this album.  But seriously, is it really not enough to have your face AND your name on the CD one time?  Is it necessary to have your name AGAIN in big, shadowed block letters?!  Maybe we didn't get it the first time.

3. VICKIE WINANS: Share The Laughter (1999). Is that a COOGI sweater?? Now this was a comedy album...yes, Vickie Winans made a comedy album. We see this as a combo of #1 (scary mouth) and #2 (unnecessary repetition).  Self-explanatory.

4. HEZEKIAH WALKER & THE LOVE FELLOWSHIP CRUSADE CHOIR: Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (1996). Now THIS is a classic album for so many reasons--the music and it was Bishop Heze's first album, apparent by the suit jacket that matches the array of colors in the tenors' jackets.  Did someone sew that up for him?  And his facial expression/finger pointing couldn't get more cheesy.  What tops this album cover off?  The reflection of the choir.... we HAD to see them upside down, too!

5. THE CLARK SISTERS: You Brought The Sunshine (1981).  We had to do it.  If you REALLY know gospel music, this cover is very familiar to you--those flowy dresses, the starry background, and the classic 80s typography.  (And if you don't know gospel music, that's okay too. :) We don't discriminate.)  Were we the only ones who thought their dresses kinda looked liked lingerie?  It's pretty, but a little overdone...

And that's it!  Now it's your turn-- tell us what horrible album covers you've seen in gospel music, past or present!

And visit FIVE GOOD!!

In the world of mp3s and iTunes, experimental/artistic album covers are an antiquity.  But for most music lovers, there are classic album covers out there that have inspired us to buy, or discouraged us from even listening to it on the radio.

Just like any other musical genre, gospel music's culture is reflected upon its artists' album art.  You see the flashy suits, outrageous facial expressions, or a 200-member choir all in one frame.  The level of sound aesthetics is... pretty low, in comparison to gospel's secular counterparts.  However, that very fact speaks to the foundation of gospel music--it's about the MUSIC, the anointing, the inspiration--not how pretty or handsome the person on the album cover is.

Sometimes album covers are designed, and a clear thought process is evident.  Someone thought about composition, color, the personality of the artist.  These are the nice surprises found in the gospel section of the record store.  Here's five:

1. BEBE & CECE WINANS: Lord Lift Us Up (1984).  Yeah, the planes are kinda corny, right?  But when you think of gospel royalty like these, it makes a lot of sense--most of their music is so bubbly and inspiring.  Seriously, look at their faces. :)  This album cover was their first, and as cheesy as it was--it fit them perfectly.

2. KIRK FRANKLIN: The Fight of My Life (2007). "Ya Boy" has had some interesting album covers (check out Whatcha' Lookin 4), but this one is a FIF favorite.  The scene, the use of the colors, the storytelling, and the simple fact that it looks NOTHING like the typical gospel album cover-- all add to why Kirk made the list.

3. COMMISSIONED: Irreplaceable Love (1996). This is the album cover that prompted this post.  It's so cool and simple.  And if you've ever listened Irreplaceable Love, you know that the cover matches the sound--four men waiting to take you on a journey to discover/ remember God's love.

4. TRAMAINE HAWKINS: Live (1990).  You see her face?  Can you imagine her voice?  Yes, she REALLY sounds like THAT.  Everything about this cover is true to Tramaine, one of the greatest (female) gospel vocalists of ALL time.  Do you see those big, puffy shoulders, the big hair?  She was (is) a diva, a living legend.  Do you see the typography?  It's kinda trendy for 1990, because she was.

5. DARYL COLEY: He's Right on Time, Live from Los Angeles (1990...again).  He could glow in the dark. :)  But it's perfect.  This combo of typography and colors--the luster of the man's suit (LOL)--says that he was on top of the gospel world at this time. 

So you tell the FIF, what are your favorite gospel album covers??  Share with us your memories.  OR do you know of any current artists with great album art?  Let us know!

Onto the NOT-SO-GOOD.... :)

"Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our selfish desires and our desire to have everything we SEE. None of this comes from the Father." 1 John 2:16

"Legs In Element" from my contrast/harmony series in undergrad, 2008.

Even after I graduated some memories just stayed with me.  Not how it sounded, but rather what was in front of my eyes.  My eyes told me how it felt.  

Case in point: my first time attending a step show as a college student.  Such a vivid memory.  In my mind, that night is framed by sweaty biceps and triceps (and any other -ceps, lol) of men flaunting their prowess, by stomping to rhythms, yelling and growling.  Moving on... the more I evolved socially and spiritually, the more the memories I held onto changed.

Our eyes are VCRs (or DVRs for the techies).  And in college, it's like we have an endless supply of videotape to record even the smallest moments.  So what's been recorded in your VCR?

I know there's a lot, isn't there?

I'll tell you what's in there.  See, it's in mass communities like college where we are taught to practice either indulgence or minimalism.  More shopping or more reflecting. More drinking or more genuine relationship.  Either FLOCK or FLEE.  So you see those in college who skip class to chill and play video games all day long.  Or you see the girl who's in so many leadership positions on campus that you'd think her planner is glued to her body.  It is the imagery that we choose to immerse ourselves in that influences how we classify ourselves.   And more often than not, the imagery we choose to push away influences how we label others we're unfamiliar with.

This is truth.  Ask the advertisers sucking the life out of MTV or BET.

BET's College Hill: is this REALLY what college looks like on a DAILY basis? I don't think so.As a RA, I sometimes posted pictures of my church in intense worship on my front door.  One time, someone ripped them down.  Perhaps they were bent on making sure this imagery of worship wasn't embedded into their brain (or their spirit).  Because then they'd have to make a choice--to confront their ideas about me, and most importantly about Jesus Christ.  What we see, what is embedded into our minds and spirits--all of this pushes us to make choices.  to FLOCK or to FLEE.  to conform or to be peculiar.

So I ask you, what Christ-like imagery is being/was put on your campus?  What is the response?  In regards to negative imagery, how do we apply His grace, instead of our own judgment?  Sinful imagery in college just seems so much more concentrated, how do we counteract this?

The FIF wants to hear (or read...) what you think!

You never know what you're gonna see at the zoo. 
Sometimes the visitors act more like the animals & vice versa.
This seemed to be the case while visiting St. Louis Zoo on one of its busiest days, Labor Day.
Me & the sis invited two young ladies from our church, Journie & Briona, picked them up and zipped off to Forest Park.

Human herding was everywhere in site, as people were tangled up in the leashes connected to their children (WHAT?!), random and sweaty grandmothers standing looking lost, and dozens of people moved from one exhibit to the next. 
Needless to say, it was hectic.

Somehow I was able to think beyond the clutter, and sink my 'teeth' into this amazing place displaying so much of God's creation.  Of course, I had been to the zoo before, but it was this time around that I was truly able to appreciate the experience.  All of the colors, the shape of each animal's eyes, the smallest insect to the tallest giraffe....all I could do is stand under the sun, in awe of God's greatness.

So I'm taking this space to remind you (yeah, YOU) to take a couple of minutes out of your day...today and everyday.  Get off your computer, put the phone on silent, and go outside (Not in the city...um, find a tree!).  When you look around, listen to the earth and forget about the cares of the day, just for a couple minutes...it's so much easier to connect with who God is.  It was in His love that beauty and this thing we call creativity was born.  

So GO. And take your two minutes now.  You won't regret it.