#gmhm

[livsansoz]

Stoked and grateful to have this woman by my side on the #livalongtheway project! @marion.poitevin is an incredible woman. She's been the first (and only) woman to be part of the #GMHM (special mountain group in the army) doing a few expeditions in high altitude. She's a mountain guide and now an instructor at the CNEAS (Mountain rescue team). Marion also started her own project with @leadtheclimb where she trains/ teaches women to become autonomous in the mountains. Plus many other things she does. Follow her and #suivezlaguide Marion was the first "new" woman I met in Chamonix a few weeks after I moved there and we became really good friends. If we did not climb as much as we would have like (schedules, injuries...) we got to share together one of the most fulfilling and crazy adventure called #elcapaboutdebras when we helped our disable friend Vanessa to climb El Cap, Yosemite in 2013. We are now in Valais and heading up again for a few days to climb some "horn" mountains. Hopefully the forecasted wind won't be too strong on the ridges... . #timetoplay #4000mpeaks #alpinism #accesstheinaccessible #seatosummit #protectourwinters/ . @salomon @petzl_official @seatosummitgear @lyofood @be_kind_fr @fatmapski @powfrance

[poetique823]

Concluding Gospel Music Heritage Month

Today, I want to conclude the last day of Gospel Music Heritage Month by sharing why I like gospel music. Gospel music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a Christian household, so the only music I was allowed to listen to was gospel or christian music. It never really bothered me as a kid, I actually liked gospel music. It was only when my friends questioned and thought it was weird that I listened to gospel music that I felt as if I was missing something. As a teenager, I tried listening to the secular artists my friends listened to, unbeknownst to my parents. Most of my peers were drawn to music strongly based on its beat and were okay with the demeaning and sometimes negative messages it carried. I always listened to the lyrics of a song first. Even as a teen still developing mentally and emotionally as I interacted with the world, I knew most of the music my friends were listening to was not who I was, or rather it did not represent the self-respect, morals, or values that I stood for.  Destiny’s Child, Ludacris, Missy Elliot, and Britney Spears just weren’t my jam back then, I wasn’t about that lifestyle. Even today, a lot of mainstream music still isn’t my jam. I like music that encourages me not to give up when I want to quit; that speaks of love for others and myself; that inspires me to be a better person today than I was yesterday; that speaks to me where I am, but doesn’t leave me where I am. And most importantly, I like music that speaks of the source of my joy–Jesus Christ.  I understand that last reason alone is why someone people hate gospel music, and hey, that’s cool. Different strokes for different folks, but I can only speak for myself and how much gospel music means to me. Music is an art form that is meant to make you feel, so if I’m going to allow myself to feel deeply about something, its going to be to music that uplifts my soul, not music that tears it down.  If I’m not listening to gospel or christian, I listen to instrumental or songs that are inspirational or have a positive message but not necessarily gospel. But I guarantee you, when love ones turn their backs, when everything that could go wrong goes wrong, and when my soul is heavily grieved by the storms of this life, I always find myself going back to gospel music. It’s music for my soul. I think neo soul/gospel artist Lisa McClendon said it best with her lyrics in “Soul Music”: My heart makes a beat Then my soul sings along A song that encourages me Still tells me when I’m wrong It exposes where I am But it shows me how to grow Helps me see the love that my Father shows Teach me, reach me Music for my soul My soul longs to hear Your word through a melody So that my mouth can sing the words that will make me free Now my life can only reflect What my heart has received Causing my once blinded eyes to see Direct me, correct me Music for my soul I want lyrics that will shape me, a melody that will embrace me with heavenly affection. My soul finds peace, rest, joy, and laughter in gospel music. I don’t care what mood I’m in, I can find a gospel song that speaks to my soul. I started celebrating Gospel Music Heritage Month a little late this month, but next year I hope to start on September 1st. Gospel music has come such a long way throughout history and it really doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.   Those who liked and/or reblogged my gospel heritage-related posts, thanks for helping me celebrate gospel music!

[poetique823]

Go get your blessing, I dare ya!

I’ve been listening to this dynamic duo since I was in high school. Anybody remember their song “Shackles”?

[poetique823]

Canton Jones

One thing I love about gospel music is its diversity of sound without compromises its lyrics. Canton Jones aka 'CaJo' is not only a gospel hip-hop artist, but also a songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, youth pastor and entrepreneur, as well as a dedicated husband and father of 4. Canton Jones is a phenomenal rapper, mixing biblical principles with pop culture to reach a younger generation.  He created his own music label in  2001 called CAJO International.  Brother has some tight beats, but I also find his music to be transparent and filled with conviction. You can tell through his lyrics he wasn't always a 'church boy' and I think that's what makes him so relatable to younger people. He doesn't just preach at you with lyrics but shares his experiences and shortcomings through them as well. I had a chance to see him in concert a few years ago and maaaaaan, this dude is CRUNK! Totally thugged out for Christ, I had an awesome time!  You can really tell he has a heart for young people and strives to reach them where they are.   This is one of the songs I rocked out to at one of his concerts called "5 Seconds":

You better believe by the time he counted down to one, I was wildin' out, lol!....good times, good times. For more information about Canton Jones visit the following website: http://cantonjones.net/

[poetique823]

Kierra ‘KiKi’ Sheard

So my last gospel music bio post was about the legendary Clark Sisters. Well guess what?...Their legacy doesn’t stop there! Kierra ‘Kiki” Sheard is the daughter of Clark Sisters’ member Karen Clark-Sheard.

Kierra Sheard’s gift of singing started at an early age. Her most memorable performance was at the age of ten, singing with her mother.  Her mother started singing the song “Will of God”, and then called Kierra to the stage to sing with her. Out of the mouths of babes! This child can SANG!!!!

Starting at 1:23, this girl’s voice gives me chills!

Currently 30 years old, Kierra Sheard is all grown up now. With such a momentous weight of gospel legacy on her shoulders, this young lady has come into her own musical style much like her mother and aunts did during their time.  

Kierra mixes R&B and hip-hop styles with the signature family “Clark Sound” to express her faith. She is a part of my generation, radical for Christ. Here’s one of her solo tracks “Wave Your Banner”:

[poetique823]

I sing God's music because it makes me feel free. It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.

Mahalia Jackson, first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and also a civil rights activist

[poetique823]

We are all about our Father’s business. We are not entertainers, we are ministers for Christ. Our mission remains constant; to serve the Lord and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jerry Mannery, Executive Director of the Mississippi Mass Choir

[poetique823]

The world is always waiting for someone to save the day, make things better. We've lost hope in politics, preachers. ... As a child of God, I just believe that Jesus is our hero, he is the one that came to save man's life, to save man's soul, to restore people back to themselves with a love that's real - an unconditional sacrificial love.

Kirk Franklin