GUEST ARTICLE: Three Decades Ago America Lost Its Religion. Why?

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

My brother friend, Jesse Jackson Jr., posted an article on FaceBook about the death of Religion in America.  I responded to him below and posted it on Facebook.  This is a copy of what I said, followed by a link to the article.  Would be interesting to hear what your take is on this.  Where do you stand? 

Stay Blessed

Gloria 

Jesse Jackson Jr. shared a link.

September 27 at 7:22 AM ·

About this website

Interesting read, JJ - particularly since I stopped dealing with organized religion at the age of 18 - and once I got to college, I would have completely stopped going to church - especially Baptist church - had it not been mandatory to attend church at Hampton, and Vespers on Sunday Afternoon.

What I did do, temporarily, was decide to become Episcopalian. A class in World Religions was real eye opener, and taught me that Christianity was not the only benevolent belief system. I eventually returned to "Christianity," but through Religious Science - or Science of the Mind (not to be confused with Scientology) which supports "A power for Good in the Universe," and a Universal ONE GOD in, as and through all, whose Universal One Mind is a part of us all. It's also called "New Thought Religion" because it does not proselytize, is not dogmatic, sectarian, or denominational - but the message is based on the Bible and other principles that are in harmony with God the Living Spirit Almighty -

I've been a member since 1974. If I had not, I probably would have lost my mind. My children were raised in the philosophy of "What ever the mind can conceive, and man can believe, you can achieve." It does not negate Jesus - but acknowledges that there were other emissaries from God who also brought wisdom to us. The First Church of Religious Science in NY is one of their most prominent centers.

This was my second time studying world religions - and finding that at the base of most religious belief systems, there is a purpose to "do good," but the practice is in the hands of humans - therefore flawed. It does not change the nature of God - but since we all have choice and self determination, it can be filtered through our own human frailties. It's one of the reasons why in Science of Mind,  they don't place their faith in the person, but in the basic principles.

That said - the sad part about us as Human beings and Human doings is that we have to have someone to follow. We claim spirituality, but we still have to see and touch something. It's why Moses had such a hard time with the people he was trying to save, and, left on their own, constructed Baal, because they couldn't "see" God.

And, coming to modern times,  if you give people who are basically fascile minded enough rhetoric - they'll follow you to the ends of the earth. Give them a semblance of power wrapped up in piety, and it's a lock. And this is how they were able to manipulate the Christian rightwingnuts into thinking they were "pure" and doing something to "save mankind" - giving rise to such minions as the Fallwells, etc.   It set progress and health and education back nearly 50 years. And since they were getting ooh-gobs of money and support from those who knew how to manipulate them, others who saw it as a plot were shot down - or they ended up joining them since they couldn't beat them. So, several of our Black churches, in an effort to get some of that white money, tried to become a part of the far-rightwingnut movement - only to find that they lost their Black congregation. So they had to step back across the line. This gave rise to the plethora of gospel choirs and primacy of the prima dona gospel singers.

For the record, I admire Joel Osteen, John Gray and their message - They make the Bible relevant to a jaundiced society. I also admire our Activist Ministers - the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who know that Faith without applicable works is dead.

America, in general, may have strayed away from its moral compass - expecially under T-rump; but the graphically embarrassing and repulsive  results of his inhumane depravity is moving them back to the primary philosophy for which the Bible is so famous for more than 2000 years. You might be able to "kill" religion; but you can't kill GOD.

HE always wins in the end.

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK -

Gloria

theatlantic.com

Three Decades Ago, America Lost Its Religion. Why?

“Not religious” has become a specific American identity—one that…

https://amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/598843/?fbclid=IwAR3sjjYcZoRIigbboF1Qsj4jPigEftiB9LpP17qQwoZwarsUGdRtWiqCeTc

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

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OWED TO LOU - THE LOVE OF MY LIFE - 5th Anniversary of His Transition to Ancestor/Angel January 7, 2013

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

                                                LOU WILSON THE LOVE OF MY LIFE (kind of looks like an odd shaped halo doesn't it? When I took that picture, I wasn't aware the light was coming through like that. 

Well,  it's finally here - the day I had been subconsciously dreading - the 5th Anniversary of Lou Wilson/ Love of My Life's transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angel. I had fully expected to be a basket case of tears and blubber at the memories of our life together - and apart (we were separated for a stretch) -  I expected the memories that came flooding back to have me paralyzed with grief.  But, you know what?  I'm kind of okay.  I'm in a much better place than I had anticipated I would be.

I had kind of psyched myself up to be down. But I got such a great message this morning on Joel Osteen - that turned my whole perspective around - and it was truly a blessing.

During Osteen's service this morning, there was a series of "Declarations" where blessings were declared over the congregation at Lakewood, and those of us who tune in online and from Sirius 128 - the most significant of which, for me, was dedicated to those of us who are grieving for the loss of a loved one.  The message of love that outpoured lifted my spirits and put me in a totally different frame of mind.  Osteen's Grief Minister declared: "This is a year of restoration.  This is a year the Holy Spirit will walk alongside you, guide you, and let you know where your loved ones are.  God loves you so much He gave us this year for strength, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  God loves you so much that he would never do anything to hurt you.  He never makes mistakes, and whatever you have lost will be reinstated to you double fold  (now that does not mean that Lou s coming back - but it does mean that I can be at peace and move forward).  I said:  "AMEN!! Thanks!! I needed that" 

So now, instead of mourning,  I am in the mode of celebrating this fantastic Fine Black Man and our 40+ years (off and on) journey;  and the great and crazy times we shared together.  Mind you, it wasn't all peaches and cream. You have two indomitable forces coming together - Scorpio (Lou) and Aries (me), who always had to be right all the time - but knew that we were absolutely right about loving each other.  

Lou & Glo
At the Hilton, just outside of Philadelpha 

Lou was a musical genius. He was the musicians' musician.  He wrote, composed, arranged, sang, played, danced and oozed music from every poor of his body.  Musical notes ran through his veins.  He would go to sleep and wake up singing or humming or writing something.  If a glass tinkled up against another glass, he would hear that as the beginning of a song  If someone said something in a certain way, he thought of it as a possible lyric.   

I don't have to tell you that Mandrill Inc. was Lou's brainchild.  Nor do I have to tell you that he was devoted to his brothers - Ric, Carlos, Wilfredo, as well as Claude "Coffee" Cave, who made up the core of the group.  They were a close family, raised by their Dad, Wilfred, to look out for each other. Dad Wilson was also the one who insisted that each of his boys learn to play a musical instrument, and made it mandatory to practice before they went out to play.   So, no matter what, they were integrally intertwined with each other.  Lou may have been the genius behind the music, but they inter-inspired each other.  So when I took on Lou Wilson, I took on the Wilson Family, and that was a major undertaking. Mom and Dad Wilson were the most affectionate loving people ever - they were still romantic about each other.  They would hold hands while the proudly watched their sons perform  They were the epitome of family from birth all the way though Lou's transition.  He, as the eldest brother, felt a profound responsibility for his younger brothers.  But that did not stop sibling rivalry from happening.  It was always comical to watch them to inexact when they disagreed - because, no matter how mad they were, or how loud they were, you knew that at the end they'd end up by hugging, slapping high fives and getting on the with business of making great music.

The great thing was Lou's taste in music was eclectic, and because of it I learned to appreciate the Beatles, Joe Cocker, all forms of jazz, and I taught him about African Music (I played the Sekere, agogo, Ikun (African xylophone and other instruments).  He shared his Caribbean Panamanian roots with me, and I shared my Southwestern, cowboy, Cherokee roots with him.  There is a song on their MandrillLand Album that is completely in Swahili - "Twende Na Safari" (Let's Go on a Safari) - I wrote the lyrics for him in Swahili.  We involved our children in music from birth to such an extent that our son, when he was 14, would not go to sleep without having jazz playing softly in his bedroom.  He has his own music style; but performed with his dad on stage, and toured briefly with him.  Lou, being the educator he is,  wanted to start a center for Ethnomusicality - which would highlight all the similarities and cross cultural linkages - especially in Black music.

Our favorite thing to do was to learn something new together and teach each other how to do it.  Back in the day of the Backgammon craze, we taught each other how to play and would play for hours.  He was the consummate educator and my coming from a family of educators loved the fact that he valued education  That meant we would never have dumb kids, and that I would never have to argue with him about making sure our kids got good education - so important in an age when we were beginning to question whether education was "relevant."  

We both loved the written and spoken words - him with his lyrics and me with my analytical think pieces (LOL).  Somewhere in there we would meet in the middle.  Lou used to bounce ideas and concepts off of me for songs.  I'd give him my recommendations and he go and do whatever he intended to do in the first place (LOL).  I loved his mind when he was focused on a concept - not so much when he would go into his jealous rants about who was looking at me too hard, or trying to get to me and get around him.  But, after all, that's the nature of a Scorpio - jealousy and possessiveness.  And the only way an Aries will tolerate is if she is totally smitten and likes the protectiveness.  That was me all over.  I absolutely loved the fact that he pulled out the chairs, opened the doors, and treated me like he owned me.  At least for the first year.  Nice to know there were still some brothers like that on the planet.  But, one night in California while Mandrill was performing on stage,  the music was so compelling I got up to dance and one of the fans came over and started dancing The Bump with me.  The next thing  I knew, Lou had jumped down from the stage between me and the hapless brother and was about to give him a beat down.  I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  The audience didn't know what was going on, but that was one scared brother, who profusely apologized for dancing with his "lady."  

Lou was a terrible parent, but a great Dad. He loved our kids to no end, but didn't know the meaning of discipline.  That was generally my job.  But then we had to make sure that when we decided something was going to be done or not done,  he didn't fall for a sob story and give in - especially to our youngest, Adiya.  He loved to watch our children explore and learn new things, and then take the time to explain to them what it meant.  This extended to our nieces and nephews and kids in the community as well.  When we lived in Altadena, CA we always had a house full of kids - ours and the ones from next door and around the block.  We had the biggest yard in the neighborhood and all the kids came out to swing from our trees, play hide and seek, baseball and football.  Lou was the biggest kid of them all.   He never lost his youth or his love for children.  

The other great memory I had about our life together was that he loved my cooking - which was great, because I loved to cook.  In fact, he learned healthy  cooking styles from the health food/African food I used to cook for him.   Lou used to bring his friends, fellow musicians, brothers, and down on their luck musicians over to dinner - so needless to saw we had to have a 30 cubit foot refrigerator to keep food stocked.  We used to have a mi casa is su casa (okay, so I don't speak Spanish, despite the fact that Lou s originally from Panama) open door policy.  And folks knew it.  Bob Byrd, former roadie for Kool and the Gang would come and stay with us in California and come hang with us so he could go play the horses at Santa Anita Raceway.  First thing Byrd would do when they came to town was call us to see if Lou could hang out.  Of course the answer was, YES!  They'd come back with fans who had recognized him.  He was a big hearted person - the problem was that we simply didn't have the funds to support his largesse.  But that didn't stop Lou, and those dudes could eat, and never contributed a thing to help with the food, or the cleaning up.  I used to call them his basket cases. I've often wondered what happened to those guys.  

 In New York we'd have "Clam Bakes," and invite our friends who would bring some kind of fish, or sea food to be cooked - or liquor - and we'd turn our house into the Caribbean for the week end.    Friends would drive up from Philly, New Jersey, DC, Maryland and hang with us for the week end. We'd party from one end of New York to the other - then back to the apartment, crash on the couch, floor, any where  (about 5 in the morning).  We'd get up (middle of the next afternoon) eat, and sit around cracking jokes, having jam sessions, and getting ready for the next go round of partying.  

Lou Wilson was a Fine Black Man - 6'4", with legs that started at his neck and worked their way down.  I used to call him Hi Pockets.  He had a 37" inseam  and a size 14E shoe - for you guys who have to shop at the big and tall shops before they developed a sense of style, you know what kind of challenge it was to find decent, stylish clothes for him.  It was a total challenge.  I actually used to design his clothes for stage, and spent days finding shoes that he would actually wear.  It wasn't until the NBA started wearing suits that the Big and Tall stores started developing a sense of style.  I remember telling our son, RA, who is almost as tall as his dad, that he'd better pray that his feet didn't grow past size 12, because there would be no that I would be able to get him shoes for track and field ( size 13s weren't easy to come by).  I'm happy to say our son talked to the foot gods and managed to maintain a size 12 until he was old enough to pay for his own shoes.  

Folks used to walk up to Lou and look at his height and ask him if he played basketball - he would say, somewhat jokingly and somewhat sarcastically, "No, I play marbles."  Actually, he was into track and field. Our son was into track and field as a result, and participated in the Penn Relays two years in a row.  He loved it so much that he tried to get our daughters to become involved in it as well.  But we didn't have anyone interested in becoming Jackie Joyner Kersee.  Speaking of sports - we both loved basket ball.  I am a diehard Knicks fan.  He was more focused on the players than a particular team - and supported which ever his favorite player happened to be, regardless of the team. That said, we both loved Magic Johnson, Earl The Pearl Monroe, Clyde Frazier,  Kareem Abdul Jabbar - from the old school; and of course Michael Jordan. 

We loved boxing, and would move heaven and earth to catch the bouts on TV, if we couldn't be there in person.  Especially during brother Muhammad Ali's era - we caught the fight at Madison between Ali and Joe Frazier (the return - not the Fight of the Century); but the entire Wilson family (including Moms Wilson) loved boxing.  We'd bet on our favorite fighters - and sit around the TV calling each round.  Still love boxing to this day. 

When Lou and I separated for a period of time,  I returned to New York, while  he "stubbornly" stayed in California.  We used to talk long distance for hours - he'd call me at 9:00PM California Time, which was midnight in New York, and talk till nearly sun up.  At the same time we'd be on the computer collaborating on information for songs, politics, news, houses (we were looking for a property in Philadelphia - our kids had moved there).   His fondest thing to do was talk about growing up in Brooklyn.  He loved it there, but the neighborhood had become overpriced.  Plus, after having lived in California, we both wanted a yard and space.  We'd solve the problems of the world, plan out the nest decade of our lives, and put together our plans for our kids, grandkids and their kids. It was obvious that our separation wasn't working.  So we reconciled, and decided we'd rather be miserable together than be apart (in a Luther Van Dross sort of way).  

We always thought we'd wind up sitting on our front porch in our rocking chairs watching them play in the yard.  We always thought we'd be sitting in front of our fireplace (we loved fireplaces), listening to sooth jazz, and playing backgammon.  We had found the perfect home in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia  with high ceilings, two fire places, a two car garage, stone exterior, huge back yard with  gorgeous trees - great for hammocks; plenty of places for grand kids to play hid and seek. We had planned on moving into the house on January 24, 2013 when he suffered his cardiac arrest on January 7th.  All the prayers and beseeching, and believing, and vibing could not stop him from making his transition.  When God calls you, no matter what plans you have here on earth, you have to answer.  Lou answered the call.  I was heart broken.  So I never completed the purchase of that home.  I admit that I completely blanked on the house and haven't been by to see it since his passing.  I'm sure some nice family is enjoying it.  

In my mind's eye, I can still see Lou's home going service, which was held at Agape Center in Los Angeles, and presided over by Brother Michael Bernard Beckwth (a longtime family friend)  The last thing I remember was the video of Lou and Ric playing one on one basketball and how youthful and agile he was.  I remember how he used to do high kicks on stage using every bit of his six four frame as if he was 34, not 71. And hearing the rich tone of his voice as he introduced a number they were getting ready to perform - or the light in his eyes whenever the kids were around him.  Or the love in his eyes whenever he saw me.  Those are things I will always treasure and cherish.  

I thank God that I can now share things about Lou, the Love of My Life, and our memories that I probably would not have, had it not been for that wonderful Declaration ritual performed on Joel Osteen this morning.  I have to thank them for my being able to look at all the wonderful things that we shared and enjoyed and also affirm there are more wonderful things to look forward to as I continue to mend.

This is a bittersweet commemoration to a Fine Black Man who left a treasure trove of memories for us all.  For our kids, grandkids, family, friends and fans.

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Glo W
More to come (c) gloriadulanwilson 
   

NY/NY/PA EVENT ALERT: November 2013

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson


Hello All: 

October was a hot mess - with the shut down of the government taking center stage for the most part, it was difficult to focus on more pleasant and important things that were going on at the same time.  Hopefully that will not be the case for November and the rest of the year.

This is just a sampling of events that will be taking place in the tri-state area -  and they are in no particular priority.  You select which is more important to you.

Tuesday, November 5:  New York, New Jersey:  ELECTION DAY - GET OUT AND VOTE LIKE YOUR LIVES DEPENDED ON IT, BECAUSE THEY DO.  This is a priority date, no matter what else is going on.  We have to elect Bill DeBlasio Mayor of New York City - and as you notice, I didn't bite my tongue.  We can't vascillate, or be wishy washy about this.  
Likewise, in NEW JERSEY - Now that Cory Booker is the New Jersey State Senator, YOU HAVE TO ELECT RAS BARAKA MAYOR of  NEW JERSEY - again, I did not bite my tongue.  In terms of Governor, for New Jersey, you've seen what the Repuglycans have done to our country.  I implore you to use common sense and intelligence.  We don't need any additional problems.  Wake up and smell the sulphur.
 In fact, if there are any elections taking place anywhere in the US on NOVEMBER 5, and there is a DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR ANYTHING AT ALL - VOTE FOR HIM OR HER - We have to return the power to the people, and rid ourselves of those who have walked up and down the spines of We, ThePeople for far too long.  SO ON NOVEMBER 5, GET OUT THERE AND VOTE BECAUSE YOUR VERY LIVES DO DEPEND ON IT.


Sunday,  NOV. 3:  Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is honoring one of my classmates and Sorors, Ms. Carol Black-Adams  at 4:00 P.M at Auletto's Catering in Deptford , N.J. Tickets are S65.00.  The proceeds ar to raise funds for the Kappa Community Development Corporation, an entity of the Burlington -Camden Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.  Carol is one of thirteen honorees.  Their mission is to fund and or build an academic Achievement center in Camden, N.J. For more information, or to contribute, contact Mr. Richard Williams at  --609--634--5551.

> Thursday, Oct 31 at: 10:40 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 7:35 PM; > Fri, Nov 1-- Sun, Nov 3: 10:45 AM, 5:45 PM;  Mon, Nov 4 at: 10:45 AM  IFC  W. 323 Sixth Ave  at West Third Street, in Greenwich Village
"AMERICAN PROMISE" a film, will be featured at IFC: "In 1999, African-American Brooklynites Brewster and Stephenson enrolled their 5-year-old son Idris in a posh Upper East Side private school. Following Idris, his best friend, and the boys’ families over twelve years, the film captures their struggles with stereotypes and identity, learning differences and their increasingly divergent paths on the road to graduation. As their sons grow into young men, the parents wrestle with their own doubts and fears in this rare and vivid portrait of middle-class African-American families. Winner, Special Jury Award, Sundance Film Festival " 

This is a plug for my Soror/friend Connie Baker, who owns SANS 'APPELLE,  one of the most glamorous women's upscale clothing stores in Philly'S world famous Cheltenham Mall - Sans 'Appelle will wow you from the moment you step inside the door.  And the prices are reasonable.  But you will have people turning their heads and asking "Where did you get that gorgeous outfit??"  Check her out - the FIRST FRIDAYS OF EVERY MONTH IS 50% OFF STOREWIDE.  With the holiday season coming up, this is a perfect time to do something good for you.  You've earned it.

Friday, November 1, 2013 at 7:00 pm The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream  The Nation at The New School -  Theresa Lang Community and Student Center (Room I202), Arnhold Hall 55 West 13th Street Watch live at new.livestream.com/TheNewSchool/The-Speech  

November 2 - 3 Coffee and Tea Festival, Philly - at the Philadelphia Expo Center at the Oaks

 

 HUEMAN BOOKS NYC PRESENTS:

Thursday, November 07, 2013 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)

Dr. Eben Alexander is an internationally renowned academic neurosurgeon and author. He has been featured on/in ABC, CBS, Oprah, 20/20, Newsweek/Daily Beast, New York Times, Huffington Post and more. "If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things." - Rene Descartes

Place:The New York Society for Ethical Culture,2 West 64th Street

New York, NY 10023

Price:$79.00

 

Sunday, November 17, 8am - Panther Baby by Jamal Joseph -First Corinthian 116 and Adam Clayton Powell

 

Tuesday, November 19, 7PM - Melba's 125 Deadly Stuff Players - An Evening with Author Flo Anthony - 163 W. 125th St, 7th Floor - Cocktails and hor'd'oeuvres will be served.

November 9 Molefi Keite Asante Institute - 5535 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA:
“Language, Education, and Power: The Weapons of Intellectual Warfare” Dr. Ama Mazama, Peraat, Afrocentricity International
Saturday 5–7 PM. Donation
(November 16, 2013
“African Culture in the Americas: What We Can’t See?”
Dr. Iyelli Ichile, Temple University
Saturday 5–7 PM. Donation




November 15, Joel & Victoria Osteen Night of Hope in the Baltimore Arena, Baltimore, Md - 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM - order tickets online at Ticket Master, Stub Hub, etc.  (Had to include this since he won't be back to NYC until June 7, 2014).  I've attended three of them and they're wonderful.  So if you haven't, you should definitely check it out - truly inspiring.  

There are a ton of things to do this November, leading into the holidays, so get up, get out, get involved.  

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

 

 

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EVENT ALERT: ISRAEL HOUGHTON AT THE DELL MUSIC CENTER IN PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 1

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By Gloria Dulan-Wilson


Hello All:

ISRAEL HOUGHTON

 Just had to make this known - Israel Houghton:  my favorite praise and spiritual entertainer will be in Philadelphia at the Dell on Thursday, August 1.

I missed him in Brooklyn on Monday, July 29, but you can best believe that I will definitely be front and center at the Dell.

If I haven't told you lately how much I admire and respect this brother for his body of work, for what he's gone through to become who he is, and for the fact that he is true to who he is, then let me go on record and say so now.  

Israel Houghton is truly gifted and talented.  His messages, via his music, lyrics, phrasing, and expression have been known to lift yours truly, and I'm sure countless thousands of others, out of the very pit of despair.  

ISRAEL HOUGHTON

 I am an unabashed fan, from the first time I heard him on Joel Osteen, at Lakewood Church nearly 10 years ago.  He serves as their praise and worship leader in one of the largest congregations in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, in the converted Compact Arena, the church averages approximately 16,000 people per service, from Saturday night service to  two Sunday morning services, an afternoon Spanish language service, and an evening young adult service.  

I watch the service online on most Sundays, and, to me, the Sunday Service would not be complete without Israel Houghton's songs and music, and the assistance of the ensemble of Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, Cindy Cruze Ratcliffe, Steve Crawford, and that kicking band that plays in the background.  You feel the spirit and energy expressed through the talents of these people.   Top that off with Joel and Victoria Osteen's message, and you can go out and conquer the world, both inner and outer.

New Breed, his band, has traveled with him to South Africa, England, and other major parts of the world.  They augment to his distinctive sound, and are each great musicians in their own right.  (By the way, if you haven't already, make sure you check out his South African album - fantastic!)  And it appears that he's not the only talented one in his family.  He and his daughter Mariah Houghton did a duet together entitled, "So You Can Feel My Love," that is so moving and beautiful, I had to play it over and over several times.

Of course in addition to the time honored songs that so many millions of us listen to, such as, "I Am a Friend of God," "Moving Forward," "The Power of One," "Alpha and Omega," "If Not For Your Grace," my new all time favorite is "It's Not Over!" which I  sometimes play at least six or seven times before getting out of bed. 

Israel has a way of energizing an audience that is pure magic.  I attended a concert at Brooklyn Tabernacle and the entire audience stood and sang along with him throughout the show.  

The Dell Music Center is at Ridge and Huntingdon Drive in Philly.  The concert begins at 7:00pm.  For additional information, log on to Israel & New Breed, or look up Israel Houghton online.
 
Like I said, this is a short alert, but it's an important one.  Make it your business to make it to the Dell Music Center and check out brother Israel Houghton.  Get lifted.   
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Love and God and Redemption: A Love Story

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I just had the most remarkable conversation with a childhood friend. He's someone I have not seen since I graduated from high school and went on to college. I'll call him "The Kid"(I must admit that I had some not very complimentary names for him when we were teens - then he was the Brat, the Pain, you know the drift when you have a younger brother or sister and you're trying to be "cool").

His sister was my very best friend from the fifth grade through high school; however she also is someone I had not seen since graduating (I'll call her "Sis"). We used to practice the latest dances in her mom's living room; listen to all the latest records, and learn ALL the lyrics; scout boyfriends; swap gossip, participate in social events -- NAACP Youth Council, Fidi Amici Clubs, Y-Teens and other organizations. She used to cut through our yard to get to the Black owned mom and pop store that was then across the alley in the other block. She was the last one my mom would send home after we had completely exhausted every topic we could think of. She was my best friend.

Our little close knit community in Oklahoma City makes it impossible not to know each and every little secret, or scandal, that goes on; so I was peripherally aware that both The Kid and Sis had undergone some serious drug addiction challenges in their adult lives; especially after their mother, whom I affectionately called "Momma P", had passed. She was the guiding light of the family, and as special to me as she was to them.

Like most Black Oklahomans, we were Black and Indian (Cherokee). "Momma P", and the family had deep roots in a little town called Claremore, Oklahoma. Her father was first cousin on her mother's side to the great Goodwill Ambassador, Will Rogers, whose mother was Cherokee as well. I had the privilege, when I was a kid, of visiting her family on brief trips to take gifts to their maternal grandfather, Poppa Bill (who lived to be 101).

However, as adults, those ties of youth appeared to be broken forever. It was at least 17 years before I even returned home to Oklahoma City. It really was cost prohibitive, and cost nearly $1000 to fly from NYC to OKC, while I could go to the Caribbean for less than $200 - and that included hotel accommodations! So,needless to say, during that time I had traveled a great deal in and out of the country.

Over the next 20 years or so, I had been in and out of love/marriage twice; had three children, a couple of "failed" careers, and was returning to New York City forever, after a mutual agreement with the state of California that we would not bother each other any more. They could stay on the west side, and I was (and am) perfectly content to stay on the East Coast - New York City, more specifically.

I had by that time missed several high school reunions, and was not totally apprised of how dire things were with my two friends, who used to live in one of the most beautiful, custom designed homes directly across the street from me. (I mention the home because "Momma P" designed it and had it built when we were still babies. It was a gorgeous split level home with a huge living room, master quarters, children quarters, swimming pool, guest house - the works! Unique and way ahead of most designs of the day. I went to many a party there!)

But fast forward 40 years, and at our Douglass Senior High School reunion, I learn that things are truly not well with them. The Kid was in California, after having several near brushes with death; and my former best friend, "Sis", who has not been seen or heard from at all, was actually somewhere here in New York City!

But where? No one seemed to know! My classmates implored me to find her, and I pledged to do so; but haven't a clue as to where or how to start.

In the interim, we elect Barack Obama president of the USA; and like the rest of the world, I was going through the repercussions of a miscreant's (Bush) taking the economy down the toilet, literally. So my focus turns away from the search for "Sis", to the more mundane, and oh so important issues of money, food, job, place to live, health, etc. I.e. I had to go into survival mode big time, and searching for long lost friends had to wait in line behind searching for just a basic job.

But here we are now in November 2011, and I though I'm still trying to get that elusive job, I suddenly remember that my friend's birthday happens to fall on 11/11/11!! So, I again began to wonder where she is, and whether she's celebrating this awesomely unique occasion. So I put a call through to OKC to the only relative I still have communication with, her sister-in-law, "T", who was married to her elder brother (he was 20 years older than we were). She's 81 now and is just as energetic and actively involved as she was when we were kids (Aries - you just can't keep us down, you know). She stated that had not heard from my friend, but she had some startling news for me, which is why I'm writing this piece in the first place:

"The Kid" had moved back to Oklahoma City from California, and - wonder of wonders - had gotten married!

Of, course, I couldn't believe my ears, and had to have "T" repeat that a couple of times.

Me: "Wow! What happened? How did that happen? The last time we spoke, he was so glad to hear from me he cried. But he sounded like he was really not very well. What brought about the turn around?" I was totally incredulous.

T: "I'll give you his number and let him tell you himself. All I know is that this young lady went to California to see about him. They got married out there and she brought him back to Oklahoma City."

After obtaining the number, I couldn't wait to call "The Kid" and see what the story was. Mind you, not having seen him since I was a kid, and not knowing his new wife, I hesitated for a moment. This could be an imposition. What if he doesn't want to hear from me? What if she's "hostile"? Nah! This is Oklahoma City. We have a permanent open door policy for family and friends. So it is a little late, it's 11:00PM, New York Time, 10:00 Central Standard Time. But I place the call, anyway. Of course, on first try, there was no answer. So, being the New Yorker that I am, I try again. And this time I meet with success.

Me: "Hey Kid!"

The Kid: "Hi, who's this!"

Me: "It's Gloria Dulan-Wilson!"

The Kid: "Wow! Gloria! How are you? Man it's good to hear from you! Where are you, in New York?"

Me: "Yep! Still here. Just spoke with "T" and heard you had a wedding and congratulations are in order."

The Kid: "No. Didn't have a wedding. I just got married last year, that's all!"

Me: "Nevertheless, congratulations are in order! Wow! That's fantastic!"

The Kid: "You know, Gloria, it's even more fantastic because my wife is a wonderful person. Not just because she married me, but because she cared about me enough to come see about me when I was at my lowest."

Me: "Really?"

The Rest of This is The Kid:
"I was a basket case. I was in a nursing home. I had had two operations because of problems with my spine. They had had to go in and refuse my spine from both the back and the front. I died on the operating table twice! The first time for 31 seconds, the second time for 41 seconds. And both times God kept bringing me back. When they finished the surgery, they put me in a nursing home for 10 months.

"I had reached out to a friend of mine that I had grown up with in Oklahoma City, and was kind of telling him what I had been through. While I was talking, his sister overheard the conversation. She got on the phone and said she was sorry to hear that I had gone through so much, and that she would come out to see about me. So, I said, thanks for the concern.

"In the back of my head I was thinking, "yea right" she's just being sympathetic and polite. The next thing I knew, she was in California. The next thing was that she spent time boosting my morale. I couldn't belive it! Then she checked me out of the home. We got married and she brought me back to Oklahoma City. Now things have been wonderful between us. We don't have a lot of money, but I have someone in my life who loves and cares for me, and that has made all the difference for me. I don't know where I would be had she not cared for me.

"But what was even more important was how God just kept showing up in my life and bringing me back when I thought I was gone forever. When I thought there was no hope whatsoever. He not only brought me back, but he brought me love. I don't know how to tell you how special that is.

"I have been invited by local groups to talk about the evils of doing drugs, and what a long journey it is back to health. And I'm glad to do it. I've also decided to go back to college and finish my degree. I know that God has something for me to do, which is why I am still here, so I'm going to be about doing it. I'm just following His lead now.

As for "Sis", she's in New York. I'll give you her number. I had thought it was her calling when I saw the area code. She will be so glad to hear from you."

I had really wanted to speak with this wonderful sister, but she had already gone to bed. When you hear of a story like this, you kind of want to reach out and touch the person and have some of that miracle rub off on you. It was like watching a beautiful movie unfold. I could see the script for this one right now. And I'm such a romanticist when it comes to love stories for and about us. (We get a lot of the low life crap, you know where all they know how to do is show cleavage and knock boots. That's not love, that's just sex.)

No, this is for Black people who know and believe that we can, and do, still really have love, affection, respect, caring and tenderness for each other (despite what the world tries to do to undermine it). This is about God, love, redemption, transformation, happiness and fulfillment! And this has the makings of a true monumental, inspirational, tear jerker - at least six Kleenex - perhaps the whole box!! (Calling Tyler Perry!)

Truly, though, I was totally blown away by "The Kid's" wonderful story and had to take the time to relate it here in my blog. For those of us who believe in miracles - and I'm one of them - this is truly a monumental one! What an absolute blessing! And how really wonderful to be able to share this with you, rather than the run of statistics we usually regale each other with about how bad things are, how dire things are, who shot who, who hates who, who hit who, etc.

This is the kind of "happily ever after" I'm talking about. And "The Kid" is already paying it forward by talking to youth, adults and peers about the horrors of drugs and how they can take a chunk of living out of your life. He could be called one of the "lucky" ones. But I prefer to call him "blessed" because The Infinite, God The Living Spirit Almighty, really did reach in and pull him through to give him a fresh start and a greater understanding of Who really is in charge.

I told him to stop by and say hello to my mother, who will be so happy to see him. We still live in our same home, directly across the street from where he grew up. He was happy to learn that my mom, 88 years young, was still living, and promised to pop in on her soon.

Joel Osteen said, in one of his many inspirational sermons, when we think things are totally over, and the problems are insurmountable, when we are going around beating ourselves up over things we could, would, or should have done; or when we and the rest of the world thinks we're not worthy, God is a God of "Suddenlies," and he can (and did) suddenly turn things around and put you up on top. It's not how big our challenges or problems are, it's how big our God Is. My friend, "The Kid" has suddenly been blessed and his life has been transformed.

I'm saying this to all of us. My friend, PR Diva, Terrie Williams, wrote a book entitled "BLACK PAIN", that details how we look great on the outside, while we're dying on the inside, and some of the things we do to mask that very real angst. We think we're enduring, coping, handling it. But what we're really doing is allowing it to eat us up alive. For those of us who really do need a message of hope, of promises fulfilled, of really staying in faith - I am sharing this with you. It is definitely never too late, and things can, and do, and have turned around on a dime.

So, get your faith up, and stand for the fact that we all are deserving of God's great good, love, redemption, happiness, abundance, health and joy in our lives###

PS SOME NEWS: I am currently a part time rental agent at ALOTTA APTS in Brooklyn, if you either want to list or rent an apartment, or know someone who does, email me at nynjaalady@yahoo.com. See my listings on CraigsList.

PPS: If you're facing Foreclosure or are behind in your mortgage, NACA is holding an exclusive 5 day nonstop workshop in New York City, beginning November 17, 2011 and running through November 21, 2011. It's free and open to the public. I will be posting the information on my next Blog, or you can log on to www.naca.com, and get the details there. Tell them you heard it from Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Thank God for ANGEL/FRIENDS

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

This is a personal, but essential Thank You Note.

I could not in clear conscience let another second go by without having done this: I must express my sincere and profound gratitude for a set of ANGEL/FRIENDS who would not let me go down in the dust.

When you have people in your life who absolutely have your back, like I have just discovered that I have, you know that these are no ordinary people, but have to be elevated to a new level of being. Therefore I have coined the term ANGEL/FRIENDS.

I had recently hit a wall, which so many of us in the US are facing, where we've run out of options, and everything appeared to be crashing down around me. I had prayed, meditated, and done everything I could do in my human capacity to try to avert the inevitable. But it looked as if everything had tanked, and I was going down for the count.

Though I continued to pray and meditate, I had quite frankly, literally run out options. At least I thought I had. As Joel Osteen often says, while we operate on the natural, God operates on the Supernatural, and makes a way out of no way.

And that is exactly what He did. He gave me a band of ANGEL/FRIENDS, who rallied around me - despite hurricane Irene; despite the fact that they themselves were facing challenges of their own; despite the fact that on the natural realm it was deemed impossible, they pulled me through, jerking me out of the very jaws of seeming defeat.

In paying tribute to my ANGEL/FRIENDS, I am also thanking God, the Living Spirit Almighty for having brought them into my life. Without His empowering them to move heaven and earth collectively, I doubt seriously I would be sitting here writing this to you today. As Israel Houghton says in his song, "I'm Still Standing!" "Thanks Be to God."

So to my ANGEL/FRIENDS: Asante Sana, merci beaucoup, gracias, danke schoen, arigato, and above all thank you so very much for being there for me. I extend my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you; my blessings, my gratitude, and my hope that your lives will always be filled with love, peace, poise, prosperity, success, happiness, health, wealth, abundance, fulfillment - or the next best thing.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

MARCH 21 GLORIA DULAN-WILSON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATE AT ISRAEL HOUGHTON'S CONCERT AT BROOKLYN TABERNACLE

It's Sunday, March 21, and it's my BIRTHDAY!!!!

I'm like a kid in a candy store. I always love birthdays, yours, mine, my kids, my grandkids, others - but especially mine.

I've heard others say they stop counting birthdays after a certain point as though that stopped them from coming. But to me, it's not about counting years, or whether I look younger, older or exactly my age -- it's the fact that I'm still here to celebrate it.

It means God The Living Spirit Almighty has a great and mighty work for me to do; S/He wants me here on this side of this plane of action to get it done. It means that I'm still a vital part of the human fabric. I get to write one more day, laugh and joke with my friends; design another outfit so someone can walk up to me and ask "where'd you get that?" Or somebody will read something I wrote and say "tell it, Gloria, tell it!"

I love my birthday because my grown kids have a "race" to see who can get their birthday call in "first". Usually starts somewhere around midnight. Although my eldest, Kira, always emails me a day or two in advance to ask me where I want her to send my gift. My baby child, Adiya will call sing Happy Birthday in a comical voice, and we'd talk for about an hour or two. My handsome son, Rais, generally forgets -- so the girls have to get on his case.

I used to have big birthday bashes -- especially on milestone years -- I guess it's especially during these time that I really miss Perks - our hang out during the 80's and 90's. Each year, Hank Perkins would throw a major birthday bash for me -- we always had people show up from all over the planet. Rain or shine we boogied til we couldn't boogey no more. I've tried giving birthday parties in other venues since Perks was sold, but it never turned out the same. I guess the vibes just weren't there.

I love birthdays also because it's an opportunity to celebrate the person - which is pretty easy to do when you're an Aries. It's kind of difficult to keep us from bragging about who we are and what we do Truth be known, Aries are not necessarily known for their modesty. You generally know we're in the room. So, for us not to celebrate would be cause for concern -- if you ever hear an Aries say they're just going to stay home and meditate on their birthday -- ask them if that's before or after the party. The second question would be to make sure they're all right and not trying to cover up some illness.

Of course, because today is Sunday I am somewhat limited in what I can do -- but like the true Aries I am, I knew something appropriate would materialize. And there it was. I knew that God, the Living Spirit Almighty was really smiling on me, because as nearsighted as I am, sitting on a bus, heading for a seminar, and I still managed to see a little sign on a side walk announcing the appearance of ISRAEL HOUGHTON at Brooklyn Tabernacle. You notice that I put his name in all caps? It's because I just love the music and lyrics of this brother.

So for my birthday, I am going to the Brooklyn Tabernacle on Smith Street between Livingston and Fulton in Brooklyn, for a concert with my favorite praise and worship music leader of all times: ISRAEL HOUGHTON!!!!!

Israel Houghton is performing today, March 21, my birthday, FREE, at Brooklyn Tabernacle -- and I plan to be there front and center. Singing my heart out, and soaking up all that great inspiration Israel Houghton's lyrics impart. I wrote about him back in December when he appeared in the Bronx. I went to see him then and he did not disappoint. If you've never experienced his music and his lyrics, you are in for a treat. He's Joel Osteen's praise and worship director, but he's so much more. ISRAEL HOUGHTON is a feel.

So if you are looking for something special to do to help me celebrate the first day of my Birthday, meet me at Brooklyn Tabernacle today, Sunday, March 21, 3:00 PM. And if you can't make it there in the flesh, I know you'll be there in spirit.

So consider this an invite of sorts to my birthday. I am not only celebrating myself, and thanking God the Living Spirit Almighty for life, love and friends, but I'm celebrating you as well, because you are on your own God-designed mission, and our paths have crossed and moved in concentric circles sufficiently enough that I can call you friend.

And by the way, happy birth day to my TWIN, Earl. Hope you're celebrating in the grand style to which you have become accustomed. And to all my Aries brothers and sisters, you rule! Have fun, enjoy and

Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

FOOTNOTE ON MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:

Israel Houghton was fabulous. The line outside the Brooklyn Tabernacle was down the block and around the corner. They had 8 overflow rooms and still had to turn people away. He truly made my birthday a memorable one. If you ever get a chance to attend one of his concerts, or catch him in Houston at Lakeside Church (Joel Osteen Ministries) where he is the praise leader, do so. Thanks for the many birthday greetings. Stay blessed. Gloria