It isn't often that I am at a loss for words. Well, it isn't necessarily that I am at a loss for words. I am just trying to form the right words to express what I witnessed today at the home going service for Bishop Walter Hawkins. Words that come to mind are triumphant, amazing, soul stirring and abundant joy. I danced, I cried and I praised. What I witnessed today was profound. The spirit of God danced in the theater running through me and the others bearing witness never slowing its pace.
When they anointed Bishop Walter Hawkins' son it was further confirmation for me that I am on the right journey. I am where I want to be but more importantly where God needs me to be. I was in great company today celebrating the life of a man that epitomized the honest, humble, forgiving, understanding and anointed individual God wants us all to be. Bishop Hawkins didn't judge. He just helped worshippers and seekers along their way ministering the word. We witnessed just who God was through the praise and ministry of Bishop Hawkins.
Without asking him, God arranges our steps and directs our paths. I say, "Dear Lord, I plan to continue walking in the steps you've provided for me. Sometimes, I might even dance my way through. Thank you, Jesus!"
The celebration is over but my praise continues... TGBTG!!
Showing posts with label Bishop Walter Hawkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bishop Walter Hawkins. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Musical tribute to Bishop Walter Hawkins...
My last post was a tribute to Bishop Walter Hawkins as he greatly influenced my music ministry. As I spoke about his influence and ministered my personal tribute to him last week, I never thought of the possibility of flying to Oakland for his homegoing service. God presented me with an opportunity to fly into San Francisco yesterday to attend the musical tribute last night and service today. Ain't God good?
Upon arriving in Oakland yesterday, we drove past the Paramount Theater bearing witness to a line of fans, family and friends extending down the block. The line of people was clearly a reflection of the life Bishop Hawkins led. His life was one of honesty and humility wrapped securely in anointing and faith. He was a light that shined bright exuding grace in all he touched. The power in his praise was always felt in the songs he ministered or in the sermons he preached. On the Love Center Ministries website it discusses how Bishop Hawkins preached about the "Fisherman's Net." Simply, as Christians we are supposed to minister to as many people as we can placing them in God's safety net. Bishop Hawkins exemplified that through his music and sermons capturing millions of people in God's safety net as the scripture suggests. Yesterday the gospel music world thanked him for having such a great influence on the industry and the many lives he touched. It was triumphant!
I stood with my eyes toward the stage and my hands toward the sky, as my heart filled with joy and my feet danced in praise. The spirit of the Lord entered in as I uttered, "Help me, Jesus!" In front of me I heard Ledisi sing "Be Grateful," and then Kathy Taylor sang "Special Gift." Soon after, Melonie Daniels graced us with, "Don't Wait Until the Battle is Over," and then Byron Cage, Ted Winn, and Donnie McClurkin harmoniously gave us "Marvelous." Marvin Sapp, Be Be Winans, and Mary Mary ministered "What is This." I knew and felt what this was. What we all felt was the power of the Lord and the full praise began as we danced for Him.
God loaned us Bishop Walter Hawkins but readily welcomed him back home after a job well done. We are left with our memories of him and songs to sing forever. The world lost an amazing man but to have been allowed to experience him through his music ministry was truly a gift from God. I'm going to keep ministering with the hope of catching more people in God's safety net as Bishop Hawkins did.
Bishop Walter Hawkins allowed the life he lived to speak for him and tonight that voice was extremely loud! The light has burned out as he journeyed home but the magnitude of Bishop Hawkins remains... We love you Bishop Walter Hawkins.
**The Gospel Music Channel will be airing what I experienced on Sunday night at 8p.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. PT. Tune in and be a witness!**
Upon arriving in Oakland yesterday, we drove past the Paramount Theater bearing witness to a line of fans, family and friends extending down the block. The line of people was clearly a reflection of the life Bishop Hawkins led. His life was one of honesty and humility wrapped securely in anointing and faith. He was a light that shined bright exuding grace in all he touched. The power in his praise was always felt in the songs he ministered or in the sermons he preached. On the Love Center Ministries website it discusses how Bishop Hawkins preached about the "Fisherman's Net." Simply, as Christians we are supposed to minister to as many people as we can placing them in God's safety net. Bishop Hawkins exemplified that through his music and sermons capturing millions of people in God's safety net as the scripture suggests. Yesterday the gospel music world thanked him for having such a great influence on the industry and the many lives he touched. It was triumphant!
I stood with my eyes toward the stage and my hands toward the sky, as my heart filled with joy and my feet danced in praise. The spirit of the Lord entered in as I uttered, "Help me, Jesus!" In front of me I heard Ledisi sing "Be Grateful," and then Kathy Taylor sang "Special Gift." Soon after, Melonie Daniels graced us with, "Don't Wait Until the Battle is Over," and then Byron Cage, Ted Winn, and Donnie McClurkin harmoniously gave us "Marvelous." Marvin Sapp, Be Be Winans, and Mary Mary ministered "What is This." I knew and felt what this was. What we all felt was the power of the Lord and the full praise began as we danced for Him.
God loaned us Bishop Walter Hawkins but readily welcomed him back home after a job well done. We are left with our memories of him and songs to sing forever. The world lost an amazing man but to have been allowed to experience him through his music ministry was truly a gift from God. I'm going to keep ministering with the hope of catching more people in God's safety net as Bishop Hawkins did.
Bishop Walter Hawkins allowed the life he lived to speak for him and tonight that voice was extremely loud! The light has burned out as he journeyed home but the magnitude of Bishop Hawkins remains... We love you Bishop Walter Hawkins.
**The Gospel Music Channel will be airing what I experienced on Sunday night at 8p.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. PT. Tune in and be a witness!**
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