Jerome Collins
Friday, November 12, 2010
Inspiration
What a night I had with Donald Lawrence and his group of singers! Donald is currently working on a new project and wanted to have a live studio session with an audience and I was invited by a friend who coordinates all events for Donald Lawrence....I walked away feeling blessed! what a night I had..Every song has a clearly defined message, the lyrics and arrangements were awesome and the singers were skin crawl, scream at the top of your longs eloquently, top notch performers. There was a section of the evening dedicated to Donald speaking with the group about his vision for the project and explanation behind every song written, as well as a period of Acapella preview of most of the project. who knew the evening would turn out so great.
Upon arriving at the seemingly empty warehouse building with paper covering the entrance doors, we were ushered upstairs to an immaculately decorated studio where there were about 25 or so people milling about conversing and snacking on the many treats provided for the experience. I had no expectation of what the evening would be, I initially accepted the invitation to help a friend, but as the evening progressed, I felt a mix of many things: blessed, fortunate, inspired, challenged,...refreshed! Ah, I was refreshed by the ambiance, the environment sparked butterflies at the possibility of completing my project....writing for other projects, just living the life of a successful musician who hasn't lost his way or purpose!
I've often found myself at a place of confusion, not knowing what path to take or what door God would allow to open. In this confusion Ive vented frustration, fear, disappointment, and many other things, but tonight...all those things dissipated, I felt liberated of all fear and the notion that things are impossible to accomplish.
Upon the completion of the discussion, we were whisked into the recording chamber with Donald and company for what would be the climax of the evening. we were going to be apart of the recording as a live audience, boy was this ever so unforgettable! All the years of recording in the studio and working alongside sound engineers and artists prepared me for the exhilarating experience that rushed the group when the music blared over our headphones and we were transported into the most intimate place of an artists space, The expression of art form. from the time we started recording until the last take of the seventh or eighth song, we were clapping, cheering, whistling, singing along, worshipping....Existing!
As I write the words of this blog, I still remember how wonderful it felt to embrace this opportunity, a chance to see inside the world of an artist I have so much respect and admiration for...Inspired I shall be to complete my project and move forward in my calling.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
J.C.
Music inspires me to search the depths of my soul for power and emotion. Gospel has changed my life! I am not sold over the excitement of people knowing my name! I am most inspired at having the opportunity to lead people to softened hearts! I am inspired when I see others giving their all to worship as a result of my willingness to be used! this photo is a snapshot of me reaching down inside of my inpiration for power, motivation, energy and guidance.
I decided that life was worth living for a purpose! I have found evidence of my purpose! I have been ministering Gospel music for two years. It's amazing when one stumbles upon something they've never known about themselves!
I never knew that I would fall in love with worship music, I always enjoyed it, but never had the opportunity to experience the freedom that I now understand!...If people can be inspired to party and dance like there's no tomorrow for the world then why cant they do even greater for God!
Life is ultimately about following the dreammaker, not the dream. In seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness everything else becomes subpar! Imagine chasing down yor favorite shirt or shoe and every store you go to has just sold out..You spend an exponential amount of time searching for this garment or Item that can ultimately be ordered from the manufacturer. Would you chase down every person with that garment on, or just call the manufacturer directly?
Calling or following hard after God is the same concept, except its a search for salvation, something far more valuable than all of our deepest hopes and dreams!..Be inspired!