Hey everyone!! Hope you all are well. I won't even begin to date myself and determine the last time I've ventured to blog. I will say that I'm SO encouraged that so many have asked me to return to blogging. I had no idea you all were REALLY paying attention. It's humbling, to say the least. Thanks a million.
Recently on Twitter, I alluded to the fact that there are a ton of thoughts swirling in my head and heart. Let's just see what comes out, shall we?
Life is SO intriguing. There are always lessons that we are learning. An often lost art in our world is the application of self-awareness. It's amazing to see just how many of us have no clue who we are in this present moment. Certainly, we can tell you who we used to be. We can tell you who we want to be. But who are you right now? Can you accurately answer that question?
While in the corporate world, we would often take a personality test called the Myers Briggs Test. This assessment was designed to let us know the personality type for our co-workers as well as for ourselves. I remember the first time I took that test. I was a rep at a call center. I was single with no kids. The test gave me a specific result, with which I happened to agree. I would take that same test at the same company four years later. At that point, I was in senior management, had been married and was now a parent. That test birthed a MUCH different result than the same test four years ago. Needless to say, I was somewhat surprised because I felt as though I was the same person. Well what was different? The test hadn't changed. Life had changed which ultimately changed my personality. It wasn't necessarily a bad change. Instead, it was a change that reflected new responsibilities, successes, challenges, and everything in between. The surprise factor for me was that I didn't realize that I had changed.
Fast forward to my life today. Once again, I'm single. Several business and life alterations have happened since the first time I took that wonderful personality test. It's probably safe to say that I'm not the same person I was when I was last single. So, with that understanding, it is important to recognize exactly what HAS changed before really delving into the next season of my life. I've realized some new truths about me. Availability has changed. Time management is different. Life is just different. I would make a major error if I attempted to jump into the dating world of 2012 with the same mentality I had before marriage happened in 2000 or even post divorce in 2008.
Why is this relevant? Candidly speaking, many of us want to move into the next chapter of our lives without assessing who we are today. Those who are single want to date and be married. Many want to own their own businesses or live their dreams. However, do you know who you are and is the person that you are TODAY equipped to handle what you want tomorrow? I submit that you are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be for this time in history. Your conditions or situation may not be ideal but it is the right place for you today. The best thing for you to do is genuinely discover who you are. Don't define yourself but your position, possessions, or status. Discover what makes you tick. Learn to love the you that you are today. You can never improve you until you know who you are. You'll also never be ready for what's next until you master where you are right now. Don't squander today's gift in search of tomorrow's promise. Who you are today is better equipped to handle today than you were yesterday but isn't ready to handle tomorrow yet. Learn who you are today. Then you will know that you were made for THIS moment. Let THIS moment develop and empower you for tomorrow. It will all make sense when you discover the PRESENT you.
You are worth the time for self-investment and self-discovery. After all, if you don't invest in you, who else should?
One love.
Time to check out this week's Billboard Charts for the week ending May 26, 2012.
Billboard Top 200
- Carrie Underwood: Blown Away (2 wks at #1)
- Adele: 21
- Lionel Richie: Tuskegee
- Various Artists: NOW 42
- Norah Jones: …Little Broken Hearts
- Silversun Pickups: Neck of the Woods
- One Direction: Up All Night
- Jack White: Blunderbuss
- Tank: This Is How I Feel
- Luke Bryan: Tailgates & Tanlines
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts
- Tank: This Is How I Feel (1 wks at #1, #9 Billboard 200)
- B.O.B.: Strange Clouds
- Mary Mary: Go Get It (Soundtrack)
- Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
- Rihanna: Talk That Talk
- Various Artists: Think Like A Man (Soundtrack)
- Drake: Take Care
- Future: Pluto
- Monica: New Life
- Tyga: Careless World: Rise of the Last King
Top Gospel Albums
- Mary Mary: Go Get It (Soundtrack) (1 wks at #1, #16 Billboard 200)
- Marvin Sapp: I Win
- Various Artists: WOW Gospel 2012
- Various Artists: Joyful Noise (Soundtrack)
- Trip Lee: The Good Life
- William McDowell: Arise: The Live Worship Experience
- Fred Hammond: God, Love, & Romance
- JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise: After This
- James Fortune & FIYA: Identity
- Isaac Carree: Uncommon Me
Top Christian Albums
- Laura Story: Blessings (2 week at #1, #30 Billboard 200)
- Casting Crowns: Come To The Well
- Chris Tomlin: And If Our God Is For Us
- Mandisa: What If We Were Real
- Michael W. Smith: Decades of Worship
- newsboys: God's Not Dead
- Various Artists: WOW Hits 2012
- Various Artists: Joyful Noise (Soundtrack)
- Michael W. Smith: Glory
- Francesca Battistelli: Hundred More Years
Check out the complete list of Billboard charts at their website.
On today's show, we look at the recent census results and its redefinition of what is deemed "minority". L. Spenser Smith joins us with Getting Ready For Love and we debut "Greater Than" from TRU Praise featuring Doobie Powell. We also honor the memory of the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. Music from Jor'Dan Armstrong, B. Reith, DJ Kool, B. Slade, Chuck Brown, SWV, Switchfoot, Amber Bullock, Cam, James Fortune & FIYA, Fred Hammond, Monica, Claude Deuce, Danielle Harris, Lisa Page Brooks, Donald Lawrence & Company, Marvin Winans, india.arie, PJ Morton, Tre Thomas, and more.
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On today's episode of UK FIYAH, our UK brothers Adam & Matt Brooks continue to bring those blazing tracks from the UK. Check out their Track of the Month from Jahaziel f/GKid as well as this week's Hot Topic!! Music this week from Guvna B, GKid, MaLoKai, Lola Godheld, Seyi, Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon, Deborah, JayEss, Ian Pitter, Darlene Zschech, Treblez, Natty Joshia, Jahaziel, and more.
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On today's special show, we get updated on the recent carjacking of famed gospel star and pastor Marvin Winans. We WORLD PREMIERE the brand new single "Better Than Life" from Lisa Page Brooks and we present our special tribute to the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. Music from Algernon, Kenny Smith, Ashes Remain, Tedashii, JJ Hairston, Youthful Praise, Dan Macaulay, Stephen the Levite, Marvin Winans, The Soul Searchers, The New Olivet Baptist Choir, Pastor Luke Mitchell Jr, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett & GA, Amber Bullock, Kevin LeVar, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, New Life, James Fortune, Isaac Carree, LeJeune Thompson, and more.
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They say the third time is a charm. If this is true, then, the fourth time must be the Tiffany necklace from which the charm hangs for the beloved Mary Mary! For the fourth time in their career, the duo’s new release Go Get It debuts #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. Go Get It hit #3 on the Billboard R&B Chart, and makes the top 20 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums charting at #16. Composed of two new songs, and classic remixed and remastered versions of some of their greatest hits, this CD has cemented itself as an instant playlist favorite, with the help of the infectious lead single and title track, "Go Get It." The album, heralded as a soundtrack to their current self-titled WEtv reality series, has garnered critical acclaim.
In grand style, Mary Mary initiated their album promotional week with an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America with host Robin Roberts, coupled with an exhilarating in-studio performance, backed by their live band, of "Go Get It." USA Today proclaims “Sisters Erica and Tina have been delivering faith-inspired positive messages for more than a dozen years…"Go Get It" is a stirring call to improve your life…"Can’t Give Up Now" and "Shackles" are reminders of their broad appeal.” Billboard Magazine notes, "Go Get It as “an insinuating groove and a gloriously uplifting lyric that urges the listener to Go Get It! Sisters Erica & Tina have managed to enjoy a devoted following in the gospel market while expanding its fan base in the mainstream, thanks to the duo’s funky energetic style and signature soaring vocals.”
Within the last year, the ladies have been nominated for every major award and have taken home many – including the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, two Stellar Awards and multiple Grammy nominations. Coupled with filming the successful first season of their WEtv reality series which allows viewers an unscripted view into their lives as singers, mothers, wives, and siblings – trying to navigate through it all; both sisters were blessed with pregnancies within the past year. Erica and husband/producer Warryn Campbell welcomed their third child in February 2012 and Tina and husband/Tonight Show Band drummer Teddy Campbell, are currently expecting their 5th child due August 2012. Mary Mary will be honored at this year’s 2012 Essence Music Festival and plan to tour in the coming months. In the midst of all of this, they personify the chant you find yourself repeating after hearing it one time; GO GET IT! Go Get It was released, May 8th 2012 and is available now in stores and online. Go Get It!!!
Written by: @AlexMcQueeen
Multi-Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson is one of the most recognized faces in Contemporary Praise and Worship music. He has left an indelible imprint on urban praise music as the composer of Sunday morning staples such as, Donald Lawrence’s, “Healed,” Youth for Christ’s #1 hit, “The Struggle Is Over,” and Bishop T.D. Jakes' “My Praise Is My Weapon.” In 2008, Nelson moved from behind the pen to establish himself as a charismatic worship leader with his Top 10 hit, “My Name Is Victory” which spent an astonishing 65 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart, while earning him the coveted Dove Award nomination as Best New Artist of the Year!
On May 19, 2012, Nelson will record his debut release with his new label, Karew Records, owned by Karen Clark Sheard and husband, Bishop John Drew Sheard, Sr. Nelson's partnership with this legendary family is destined to produce sounds that will make heaven smile. It’s akin to a homecoming for Nelson, since the taping will take place at Kingdom Worship Center in his beloved hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. 7pm is the start time and admission is free!
Nelson is quoted saying, “We are living in a time of recession, earthquakes, oil spills. People need to hear a message of encouragement that better days are here.” He is actually living the better days he proclaimed, since accepting the position of music minister at Henry Fernandez’s Faith Center church in Sunrise, FL. For him, this meant uprooting his family from his native Baltimore. From the outside looking in, this may appear to be one of life’s jolts. However, Nelson expresses, “It has been the smoothest transition in my life. I have a great pastor who is very non-conventional in his approach to ministry. The focus is on worship, the Word, and faith.” He is interacting with a more ethnically diverse population since his move to the Sunshine State and it’s had a positive impact on his music. “I go to a church that is very diverse,” he says. “So this new music has a very global sound because the members come from everywhere.”
“I understand my responsibility as a worship leader all the more,” Nelson adds. “I have been given the assignment of writing lyrics that the people of God will sing over themselves and ultimately to God. If we sing to each other about his goodness, mercy, power, love and faith, we create an atmosphere for healing, miracles, signs and wonders. I've given my will completely to God! By faith, I now say yes to God. “ With this mindset, the sky isn’t the limit for Jonathan, it’s merely the view!
Written by: @AlexMcQueeen
On tonight's show, join hosts V. George Smith, Kenneth Mosley, and Gerard Bonner as they present "What's Goin' On". Get their take on current events from the past week. Hear their perspectives on everything from President Obama's take on same-sex marriage to Cyber Courage and everything in between. Don't miss this candid and enlightening conversation. Music from Donny Hathaway, John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lauryn Hill, and more.
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On today's AfterParty, we look at an unusual story of a church suing its former members over an online blog!! We also debut "This is Heaven" from Korey Bowie and "Lord You've Been So Good" from Amber Bullock. Music from Lowell Pye, Bubby Fann & Praise Beyond, Jor'Dan Armstrong, Lecrae, Big Boi, Janelle Monae, Darnell Levine, Jonathan McReynolds, Take 6, Stevie Wonder, Afro Blue, Janet Jackson, B. Slade, Dirty Loops, Trip Lee, Livre, V. George Smith, Linny Smith, Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir, Byron Cage, Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, and more.
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On today's show, we look at technology that curbs texting while driving. Kevin Fredericks joins us for "Say What?!". We also debut "This Is Heaven" from Korey Bowie and "Lord You've Been So Good" from Amber Bullock. Music from Jessica Greene, Jamaal Miller & Purposely Anointed, Nine Lashes, Lecrae, Swoope, Mark Hubbard & The Voices, Sara Groves, Danetra Moore, Ledisi, Cam, Leah Joelle, Claude Deuce, Danielle Harris, James Hall & Worship and Praise, Dayna Caddell, Pure Star Movement, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Donald Lawrence & Company, Jason Nelson, Marvin Winans, Brandy, Chicago, and more.
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