Be Uplifted!

Although I am a Christian man, I do not like many gospel songs. I have a very selective taste for them. But when I am going through something, there are always two people I can depend on: my dad and God. However, sometimes you don't wan to go that route. You need an alternative method to initiate your long-awaited and much-needed catharsis. For some it is a drink of alcohol, others it is smoking, and yet others lash out in violence. For those, like myself, who prefer the less destructive courses of action, I like to grab my iPod and turn on some really uplifting gospel songs. These include:

I Need You Now - Smokie Norful
Everything's Gonna Be Alright - Al Green
Imagine Me - Kirk Franklin
We Fall Down - Donnie McClurkin
Lookin For You - Kirk Franklin
Thank You - Kirk Franklin
God Has Not Forgot - Tonex

"I Need You Now" by Smokie Norful is extremely powerful stuff. I remember times when I would just listen to it in my room away from noise and everything and just sit there and get into the song. Soon, a powerful chill would fill my body and I'd even begin to cry with joy and a longing for help and direction (especially to God). The slower tempo of the song amplifies this feeling. I'd suggest that song to anyone who is going through something.

"Everything's Gonna Be Alright" is in my Top 10. When I got this song, I was shocked that it was a gospel song. I had no idea at the time that Al Green used to do gospel songs. Heck, he even was a preacher for a time too. But I am so glad I stumbled upon it because it is one of the best songs out there about being a Christian and standing your ground--because it is not easy. It is quite encouraging.

"Imagine Me" is a new song I have been listening to. I saw the video on BET Late and was like wow. It is on my Top 50 list. Whether it is problems in the home or on the job or with a man, this song will speak to you.

"We Fall Down" is a nice song that I would hear over and over in a movie (which I coincidentally cannot think of right now). Yeah, I think it was a movie...But anyway, although Donnie McClurkin may have a funny voice, this song is another powerful one. It is a slower song, but is has a rhythmic flow to it. It's message is a clear and central one that everyone can identify with: We all fall down, but our strength lies in being able to get back up again. The repeating lyric is, "For a saint is just a sinner who fell down...and got up." We all sin, but the Lord is waiting for us to look to Him so he can help us back up again.

"Looking For You" is of Kirk Franklin's signature Hip Hop gospel style (just like his song "Stomp"). Its is very upbeat and fast. I saw it too on BET Late and had to get it. When we go through something, we usually look for something. Some outlet that will help us cope and heal. This song speaks just to that.

"Thank You" is also of the Hip Hop style. Very upbeat. It is more about recognizing the blessing that we all have. Just being alive at this very moment is a blessing. So we all have a testimony to tell. It, like "Looking For You," is in my Top 50.

And finally, "God Has Not Forgot" is an older song by a guy named Tonex. He has a wonderfully commanding voice that belts out the religious lyrics quite beautifully. It reminds us that no matter how bad things may get, God has not forgotten about you.

With these seven songs, you can't help but feel a wonderful sense of calm and peace. No matter what you go through...you may call out in anguish "I Need You Now!" or "Is Everything Gonna Be Alright?"or "Lord, where are you? I've been Looking For You." Just remember that he is always around and that your being able to live right now is a blessing because tomorrow or even the very next moment is promised to no one. Not everyone is as fortunate as you to be able to be a sports star, a great businessperson, to have great vision, to be a track star, or whatever gift or talent you may possess. Just say "Thank You" and remember that "God Has Not Forgot."