By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Okay, so I went to see Israel Houghton and New Breed, at the Dell in Philly, recently on a Thursday evening. As I've said often, I absolutely love this brother and his body of work, listen to him all the time; and his lyrics run through my mind on a constant basis, and encourages me when I'm faced with a challenge or a crisis - especially his signature song, "I Am A Friend of God".
Israel Hougton and New Breed
So when I had the opportunity to cover his show, you know I jumped at the chance. Like everywhere on the East Coast lately, had been raining cats and dogs all day in Philly, and looked very much as though the show might be cancelled. However, I kind of knew that God the Living Spirit Almighty would not let that happen to one of His favorite Troubadors. And I was right. Around 5:30, after a steady downpour all day long, the rain subsided, the clouds parted, and the sun came out - much like in Israel's song "It's Not Over." So after having found my seat, meeting some wonderful sorors (Delta Sigma Theta of course) on the way, I was prepared for an evening with Israel Houghton. But apparently that was not to be. Instead, I got an evening with everybody else but Israel Houghton for most of the evening; with Israel's usually full on show truncated to less than 25 minutes, at best. It turns out that Israel was a part of a show called "Praise In The Park" that was sponsored by radio station 103.9 FM, who had a dynamic host who kept things moving at the beginning of the show. However, the overcrowded program deprived us of what could and should have been non-stop Israel Houghton! People who came prepared to hear and sing along with Houghton and New Breed began to leave early, once they realized that he was not going to have the time to do his full repertoire. In fact, he never even had the opportunity to sing "I Am A Friend of God." This is by no means a criticism of the Dell, by any stretch of the imagination. It's a wonderful venue, and has always been a favorite place for Mandrill when they performed in Philly, and a favorite of mine as well. There isn't a bad seat in the house; the people and staff are congenial, the food is actually good (not many venues can brag on their concession stands); and it's easy to reach by various modes of transportation. It's a part of the Fairmont Park system, much like Central Park in NYC; and offers great quality entertainment throughout the Spring into Fall.
I am, however, a criticizing those who put this show together. I've seen Israel Houghton on other occasions when he is the only artist featured. He really doesn't need anyone else (other than New Breed, of course) to inspire, entertain, and uplift. So I have to admit that I'm spoiled. But so were the other members of the audience that evening. We wanted to sing the songs we had come to know and love. I basically think that if you have a diamond, you don't crowd it out with rhinestones. And Israel Houghton is a diamond. And while it's laudable to want to give upcoming artists an opportunity, they should not be allowed to hog the bulk of the evening. It was nearly 10:30pm when he finally appeared, less than half an hour before the show was set to end. People who basically paid to see and hear Israel Houghton were clearly upset. When he performed at the Brooklyn Tabernacle to a standing room only crowd, they had to open up 6 overflow rooms - twice - to allow for the crowd that showed up for him. And the Dell, despite the rain, had a near capacity crowd as well. Not only did they have four (4??) local groups perform before him (which by the way was no problem, they were quite good); but two other "artists," who cut so deeply into his time that he ended up doing medleys instead of the full versions of his songs. And of course, Israel did not disappoint. He tried to give as much as
he possibly could in the relatively short time that remained, But it caused him to cut out several of his signature songs, including "I Am A Friend of God," which everybody was waiting to sing with him. (did I say that already? Oh well, that tells you the extent to which I was disappointed.) So, at the risk of sounding petulant, I would really like to advise the Dell and other venues, when you book Israel Houghton, please be considerate of us, his loyal fans, and make it all Israel Houghton and New Breed, FOR THE FULL SHOW; we'll love you for it. Thank you (didn't mean to shout, just wanted to be clear). His shows stand very well on their own. He's a very gracious gentleman, and probably won't say a word, but we in the audience really came to see him. That said, he did perform his new signature song, "It's Not Over,"which is one of the most beautiful and inspirational pieces out there today, leaving us on an high note as we exited the venue - but many were commenting that the other artists should have come on last or not at all, rather than to have shortchanged Houghton and New Breed. Thank goodness for Lakewood Church on Sundays. Since Houghton is the praise and worship leader for Joel Osteen, I do get to watch him on line - and those first 45 minutes - as well as Joel and Victoria Osteen's messages - are magical. It's somewhat of a compensation. Hopefully it won't be a year before he's on the East Coast again - I do try to catch his performances when he's within a 200 mile radius of where I am. I think it's worth it. Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson -->
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
If I haven't already stated it before, let me say so now: I am totally in awe of Joel and Victoria Osteen, and have been for at least 10 of the 13 years he's been minister of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. So when I received a communique back in November that he would be bringing hundreds of volunteer youth,called the Generation of Hope, to Washington, DC for a week of community service, culminating in his signature Night of Hope, I made up my mind to be there. As far as I know, he's the first spiritual leader (notice I did not say religious) to do something of this magnitude.
Of course the fact that Lakewood Church, which holds 16,000 people, is literally packed for their Saturday evening service, as well as for the three Sunday services, coupled with the millions, including yours truly, who watch him live online every Sunday (www.joelosteenministries.com/watchonline 9:30AM, 12:00 & 1:45 PM, EST), expanded by the repeats on YouTube and Lightsource.com, means that I am not alone in my admiration.
Joel Osteen is known world wide for his message of hope, faith, prosperity, fulfillment, redemption and resurrection. He opens all of his “sermons” with a humorous tidbit to break the ice and get the audience in a positive, receptive mode. He uses a combination of life experience homilies, humor and scripture to drive home his point that through God all things are possible; to stay in faith, stop talking how big your problems are, and talk about how big God is; to supersize your desires, believe for an Ephesian 3:20 Decade of Prosperity; and use forgiveness as your first line of defense when things appear to go wrong. Listening to his message sets my day for the positive as opposed to expecting the negative; and walking around with a cloud over my head and a chip on my shoulder.
His message, to me, is a combination of Biblical studies, Will Rogers, Ernest Holmes, Rev. Ike, and other saints and sages, rolled into one. His commonsense approach to living your faith has turned many a life around, and buoyed up those whose lives appeared to be in the toilet. Focus on the good you want to see, not just the challenges you are facing, which is another way of accentuating the positive, eliminating the negative. Osteen's encouraging message is to “stay in faith” for those who think they're not “worthy” of blessing, or guilty of some permanent "sin" (something that orthodox, organized religion has brainwashed so many into believing). Osteen, rather, teaches that we are all children of the most High God, and that God is not mad at anyone; God is in love with you.
Pastor Osteen's wife Victoria is as much a messenger of faith as he is. They are indeed married partners, who walk their talk. Even the most cynical person has melted after hearing her message. They are the power couple of New Thought spirituality. Their message overarches many denominations, appealing to those who do not necessarily adhere to organized religion (such as yours truly), while appealing to those who do.
So on Friday, April 27, I hopped the Chinese Bus for DC,hoping to have an opportunity to interview the great minister. However, on the original date for the Night of Hope, Saturday, April 28, you might say that God and Mother Nature had other plans. DC weather that day went from cold to bitter cold mid-day, to rainy, wet and cold, by the afternoon, necessitating the postponement of the event from 7:00pm that Saturday to 4:00pm that Sunday, April 29th. The dangers of water on the electronics on the outdoor stage made it too hazardous to continue. So the Night of Hope morphed into an Afternoon of Faith.
It had been conjectured that there might be a reduction of audience as the result of the last minute change in schedule. However, the Osteen “faithful” were not to be deterred, and the Washington Nationals Stadium quickly filled to overflowing by 4:00.
Osteen's message: You're an overcomer; you're a victor, not a victim, you are the head and not the tail, appeals to people of all stripes, nationalities, races, age levels, and circumstances. And it was definitely evident that Osteen and his family – including his brother, Paul, a physician, who travels to Kenya East Africa four months of the year, and has been doing so for quite some time; and his mother, Dodie Osteen, who is a 40-year cancer survivor -- live their faith, and walk their talk.
Seated in a special section of the stadium were the Generation of Hope youth who traveled to DC as volunteers to paint homes, clean up trash, read to children, and other community service tasks. They wore their signature red t-shirts emblazoned in bold white letters: “I AM THE SOLUTION”
The Night of Hope program opened with his praise and worship team of Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, Steve Crawford, and Cindy Cruz Ratcliffe, who sang many of praise and worship leader, Israel Houghton's classic songs (Houghton was on tour elsewhere). Such Lakewood favorites as “I Know Who I Am”, “I Am a Friend of God,” “I'm Still Standing”, among others, had the audience on their feet and singing along with them. Guest choir members from a variety of local churches, wearing purple and black, added texture to the service.
After opening with his signature affirmation: “This is my Bible; I can do what it says I can do...I will never be the same, in Jesus' name, Amen!” Osteen began one of his many stories of faith that have given so many hope to move forward (also the title of a favorite song “Moving Forward” - Israel Houghton), and not get stuck in negative thinking.
His message throughout was one of perseverance and redemption: “There are many who are sitting on the sidelines thinking that time has passed for them, and that it's too late. I urge you to get back in the game. It's not too late. You might say, 'but Joel, I've got too many flaws; I got too many weaknesses; I've done too many wrong things.' You got to get back in the game. No mistake you've made is too much for God. You're not supposed to be sitting on the sidelines. Get a fresh new vision today. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made, and you will see God do amazing things. I once did a sermon about some of the great men of the Bible: Joseph was a cheat; Jacob had an affair; Paul was a murderer; Noah got drunk; Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip, Mary was a worrier; Thomas was a doubter; Gideon was insecure; Sarah was impatient; Elijah was moody; Moses stuttered; and Lazarus was dead. But they all got second chances. So what's your excuse?”
Dodie Osteen, the matriarch of the family who survived metastatic liver cancer spoke of how she studied all the scriptures in the Bible that pointed to her healing – she has now been cancer free for 31 years, and looks young and fit at age 79. Her advice, read and meditate scriptural messages everyday, and “like American Express, Don't leave home without it!” She also advised those who were facing life threatening diseases to not give up faith or hope, and to get treatment everywhere you can, and ask Jesus to guide you to the right doctors and the right medication and the right help. “I also made a list of all the people I had offended and wrote a letter to each and every one of them asking them for forgiveness. When I asked them to forgive me, I felt clean inside – all the way down.”
The message hit home with a lot of the audience, including yours truly. We, who consider ourselves modern and sophisticated have probably not considered how serious carrying a grudge around affects our health and well being.
Victoria Osteen, the other half of the dynamic husband and wife duo, delivered a message on the importance of love and respect as the underpinnings of a successful marriage. Stating it was more important to agree to disagree, without being disagreeable, and that no couple ever sees thinks or feels the same thing or the same way all the time. It's unrealistic to expect that, because no two human beings are ever going to agree 100% of the time. “It is more important to understand and respect your spouse for their unique characteristics, and accept that you have more to unite you than to divide you.” It was a message well received by the audience. The Osteens recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in April, and have a son and a daughter who are both in their teens.
Osteen credits his wife with his success in stepping into the role of principle minister after his father “went to be with the Lord” thirteen years ago. “She saw in me what I didn't see in myself,” he stated. It is as important at times for someone to have faith in you when you don't have faith in your own abilities. Someone to call forth the greatness in you that you may not be aware that you have. Osteen had worked behind the scenes producing the television ministry for his father. His wife constantly told him that he would be a great minister like his father. He stated that when he told her that he could never get up and preach before a crowd, she would respond, “Just preach to them the way you preach to me.” While this always gets a laugh from the audience, it is a clear message of how words of encouragement can make the difference between success and failure. And how couples can support each other even when there appears to be a lack of opportunity.
Dr. Paul Osteen, the eldest of the family, has been traveling to a hospital in Kenya for nearly 10 years, to assist families who have little access to proper medical treatment. He told of a young lady who had suffered from a massive tumor in her leg that made it impossible for her to walk. It had grown to such a massive level that her leg had to be amputated. She was fit with a prosthetic leg and was healing and totally ambulatory, able to be with her family and friends as a result. They also provide medical training so that their work can continue.
Osteen's message is that “you don't have to beg for anything from God. You can say God, I receive your blessing, I receive your love; I receive your favor. Be like a big sponge and say God I'm going to soak up your goodness today. I'm going to talk you into having a blessed year. I'm going to talk you into having a favor-filled year.You would not be alive unless God had another victory in front of you. God would not let you breathe unless you were all done; some of you think you have made too many mistakes, or that you're too old, or that you don't have enough talent; You would not be drawing breath unless God had something big for you in your future. Somebody needs what you have. Somebody needs your love; somebody needs your encouragement. Somebody needs your gifts. Make up your mind inside that you're not going to go home the same way you came in. Don't focus on what's wrong; thank God for what's right. Don't focus on what you don't have; thank God for what you do have. You have to look back and thank God for how far you've come.”
Osteen, in closing, encouraged the audience to affiliate with a local Bible-based church in order to continue to shore up the message they had received at the Stadium. He acknowledged that he was happy to have such a large following on television, but it was equally important to be involved with a community church that offered a faith based program.
After the two hour program had ended, it was nearly an hour and a half before the entire crowd dispersed, with many remaining to express their gratitude to Joel and Victoria. The amazing thing was to watch him as he moved through the people. Several audience members noted how patient, pleasant and unassuming he was. There is a genuine sincerity about him that sets him apart from many of the so-called televangelists.
In many of his past services he's had such guests as the Rev. T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, among others, who have served as guest speakers, because of their equally over arching message of faith, belief, redemption, trust, and forgiveness.
Joel and Victoria Osteen have been guests of President and First Lady Obama at the Whitehouse, as well, because of their message of hope and encouragement to a jaundiced world, struggling to get back on its feet after a major economic downturn, and the effects of massive foreclosures, and unemployment. What rang true to them was his message to stay in faith and to expect unprecedented favor.
Osteen has appeared on many talk shows during the course of his ministry, and has been consistent in his message – from Larry King Live to Oprah Winfrey – and this consistency has endeared him to the many who likewise read his books, tune into his Sunday broadcasts, and turn out for his Night of Hope. He will not allow his belief to be swayed by world opinion, cynicism, popularity or special favors and dispensation. It is this unswerving conviction that has made him so well liked – Loved – nationally and internationally. It's what catapulted him from a church of approximately 4000, to a converted sports arena that holds 16,000.
There are many among us who disparage his message, who are so cynical that they focus on the minute issues and miss the over arching message. No matter by what name you call him, there is only one God, the Living Spirit Almighty, and we are all individualizations of Him.
As an African American, and one who has come through some real challenges, his is one of the main messages that's have kept me centered, focused, and alive. Because of his inspirational messages “I'm Still Standing.” Of course, no one has all the answers, and it's up to each of us to apply what we learn to our own circumstances in life. Osteen is part of a greater picture, that we are each divine in our own way, but we have the responsibility of accepting and tapping into that divinity. I encourage you to check him out online, on TV, on YouTube. Balance the Continuously Negative News (CNN) with the good news.
Rev. Joel Osteen, Ernest Holmes and Rev. Ike are the reason I always end my writing by saying to you all: "Stay Blessed"
So.... Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson
