Category: Thoughts and Inspirations

Dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity; devoted exclusively to one service or use; worthy of religious veneration; entitled to reverence or respect; of or relating to religion;  not secular or profane; archaic;  highly valued and important. – Merriam Webster Dictionary
A quick reference to words and their definitions gives us some sort of level, or compass, or guidance.  The word sacred would obvously represent a variety of different meanings and values to different people groups.
In America, for almost 250 years now, we have collectively held certain words, symbols, landmarks, and beliefs as sacred.  Prior to that, we were still in the process of becoming “We the People”.   We are an adolescent nation at best, in historical context and comparison, and we are still learning how to behave as a People.  As one nation.  Under God.  Indivisible.  We are a work in progress.  We are ever learning … all things sacred.
In 1492, as Columbus sailed the ocean blue … ancient kings and queens, and their armies, were still grappling over how they would conquer this land we now know as America.  In the minds of those conquerors, many held their mission as sacred.
Today, in retrospect, some would challenge that ideology.  Some would vehemently disagree with the mission of these idealistic world conquerors.  Some are considered heroes.  Some are considered tyrants and criminals.  Depends on your perspective of all things sacred.
I am a bit of a history buff, so the Story of this land and our People is of much intrigue and interest to me.  Especially, as I grow into middle aged adulthood.  I do not claim to be an expert in political science, sociology, or the matters of world dominion.  I do however, know what Scripture reveals.  I find sacred peace and comfort in the words of the holy books.
As a Southern born and bred Mississippian, my family and our lineage would deem certain beliefs and customs as sacred.  Your family, from your origin of birth and upbringing, would probably do the same.  That is our human nature.  It’s basic psychology.  And it’s actually how God has ‘hard-wired’ us as people groups, or communities, or villages.
In many passages of holy scripture, God calls the people who have chosen Him, ” … My people, who are called by My Name …”.  I know, I know … there are several doctrinal and theological directions we could take when quoting scripture; but, for the sake of this brief commentary, let’s just call ourselves “His people”, if we have placed our faith and trust in Him and His Name.  He created us, and we are His.  We belong to the One who is all things sacred.  He has chosen us.  And He longs for us to reciprocate with freewill and to choose Him.  I believe that God the Father considers our very existence sacred.
So, as His people, who are called by His Name … or, as we have been tagged “Christians” … my heartcry is that we might return to the concept of all things sacred.
I hope and pray in the deepest places within my heart that we might once again consider those things around us as sacred.  Our lineage.  Our spouse.  Our children.  Our neighbors.  Our village.  Our town.  Our city.  Our state and region.  Our nation.  Our world.
Yes, evil exists.  Yes, people choose to embrace evil.  Yes, the evil one is always lurking among us.  Scripture reminds us that he is considered “the prince of the power of the air” … in every earthly sense.  We witness evil and wicked behaviors every day.  But evil does not win.
Scripture assures us, there is a Winner.  A Savior.  A Redeemer.  The Messiah.  The King.  Our LORD.  He IS all things sacred.
HE has empowered us, by His Spirit, to become the light of the world … a city set on a hill. We can become ambassadors of His Kingdom.  We are called to be carriers of His Gospel.  He desires of us that we choose to become champions for His Cause.
We should desire to be doers of goodwill … lovers of others … keepers of our brothers and sisters across all barriers, races, creeds, and cultures.
O God, help us to pursue You, and to once again return to … all things sacred.
 

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Robby Myrick & Friends will present a Sunday afternoon program of good ole Gospel Singing!
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29, 2017 – 2:00PM
PASCAGOULA SENIOR CENTER, 1912 Live Oak Avenue, Pascagoula MS 39567
FREE ADMISSION – No Reserved Seating
Featured local Gospel artists include:

KAREN SCARBROUGH of Pascagoula … Karen is a licensed insurance agent and wife to Dalton.  She is a gifted vocalist and performed for many years with her Gospel singing family The Barrows.  Karen has the heart of a minister and her music touches the hearts of all generations.

ROBBY MYRICK / BUDDY WATTS / BOB NUSKO of Pascagoula … Buddy-Robby-Bob (BRB) are a trio of Gospel singers and businessmen who have shared a love for the Gospel for more than five decades and have sung with many quartets, trios, and mixed Gospel groups along the Coast.  Buddy Watts is a gifted songwriter-arranger.  His song, “Thinking About Going Home” is currently on national radio by The Hyssongs.  Robby has ministered in churches along the Gulf Coast for more than 30 years.  Bob is the owner of Action Printing Center and promotes Gospel Music events across the Mississippi Coast.
 Also featured …
– FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PASCAGOULA ACAPELLA QUARTET
– PASCAGOULA SENIOR CENTER GOSPEL CHOIR
Presented by RMM PRODUCTIONS and PASCAGOULA SENIOR CENTER (228) 762-8329
       

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2017 – 6:45PM
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GAUTIER
325 De La Pointe Dr
Gautier MS 39553
(228) 497-4050
RMM PRODUCTIONS presents an Evening of Gospel Singing to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday season!
Featured Special Guest Artists include:
– THE DIXIE ECHOES
Continue reading “Thanksgiving Gospel Singing”

The old hymn that my family loves to sing acapella was written with deeply moving lyrics and melodies.
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well
With my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well
With my soul
(c)1873 Horatio Spafford
This past Saturday, we enjoyed celebrating 75 years with Mom.  She’s a firecracker!  Still flits around like she’s in her twenties, loves to sing and play music, always busy about her cooking or housekeeping, and ever concerned with the well-being of others.  She is one of the brightest souls I’ve ever known.  She loves well, and is so loved by many.
When we get together, there is always a sing-along moment involved.  So, as usual, we enjoyed greetings, mixing-and-mingling, southern fried cuisine (( yum!! )) … and, of course, good old Gospel singing.
One of the kids captured our impromptu vocal rendition of the hymn on Facebook live, posted it, and within hours we were getting ‘Likes’ from dear friends and family from all over the nation who love and encourage our musical heritage.
One family friend notified of us the sobering reality that their newborn baby boy is suffering a seizure-related condition and asked for prayer.  We immediately called upon the Father on their behalf and ‘shared’ their request with our connected Friends.
Others noted how this song and our family harmonies are inspiring and uplifting, which brings us great joy.
This morning, our church staff begins a #21DaysOfPrayer campaign for the kick-off of Back-To-School season in our hometowns, and as a reminder that we are embarking upon the final ‘season’ of this calendar year.  The intent is to refocus, lift up prayers to the Father for this season, and ask His will be done in our lives, our families, our church, our nation, our world.
At our home church, that format includes a congregational worship song, a scripture reading from our pastor, an extended time of personal and corporate prayers and songs, with a closing prayer from our pastor.
During my quiet time, several scriptures from Chronicles and Psalms were brought to my attention describing King David’s instruction for ‘divisions’ or ‘sections’ as skilled musicians and worshipers were trained and contracted for worship at the Temple.
As I pondered my life as a musician and worshiper of God, the Holy Spirit seemed to nudge me to remember that God has called me from my Mother’s womb to be His child — a worshiper.  A musician.  A singer of songs.  A producer of things that are musical and artistic in form.
Mom has reminded her boys all our lives, that she “gave us back to God” when we were born. One of the very first Gospel songs I recall Mom singing and teaching us was titled Born To Serve The Lord, a Southern Gospel favorite in the 1970s and 80s.
Wow.  Born … to serve the LORD.  The One.  The God of the universe. The Holy Father.  The Foundation upon whom all creation rests.  That’s a heavy thought for a Monday morning.  The weight of the responsibility of serving a LORD that great and expansive was nearly overwhelming in my spirit as I quietly sang and prayed.
My soul was stirred and the tears flowed as I considered the thousands and thousands of miles that I’ve traveled during my brief 54 years here.  Nearly all of those journeys have included Song.
God knew that I would be a musician and singer.  He knew that my soul would need the healing touch of songs, of poetry, of lyrics, of art. He created me just as I am of course, and I am so grateful that He inspires me through music.
So, as I meditate on the songs that have touched my life, this beloved hymn — It Is Well — seems to come forward most often.
Maybe …
– it’s the heartwarming memories of singing with Mom and my brothers
– it’s the soul-soothing lyric and melody
– it’s the beauty of the harmonies we arranged and performed
– it’s the spirit of the lyric that heals the wounded and jaded spots in my heart
– it’s the reassurance that death’s sting does not win
– it’s the promise of a better tomorrow
– it’s the hope that good will overcome evil
– it’s the redemptive story behind the song
The maybe list is endless.
Maybe … it’s the gentle voice of the Father.  Reminding me once again … it is well.
Thank you Father. All is well.