Me & Al Green

  The other day I blogged about Seasons Of Change. I do not profess to speak my beliefs into anyone's life other than my own, (and experience has taught me that it is not always wise to speak what God has revealed to you about others to that person), but when it comes to myself, I can say all that I want. I'm still looking towards the wondrous and exceptional things that God is about to do in my life and I am mentally and physically preparing my body.  

I stepped out to worship this morning with purpose. Lately I have been longing for an opportunity to worship again with Bishop Al Green at his church, Full Gospel Tabernacle, here in Memphis. It has been months since I had been there. I told myself I wanted to belong to a church for God and hear the preached Word more than anything else. I've enjoyed every service I've ever attended at Full Gospel Tabernacle. Al Green's church is always lively with music, shouting, laughter and he doesn't pull punches with his preaching; but I always hesitated to join his church because I wanted to be certain I wasn't doing so because of his celebrity status and a few other things. So, over the months I have visited other churches and, (quite frankly), I have been so dissatisfied at what some folks call "worship" that I have often went to church through Joel Osteen on T.V.  

  I sought God on the drive across town as to what my lot should be. I felt that I needed to not only belong to a church that I liked but I also wanted to be somewhere God could utilize my gifts. I was greeted with love and kindness from several members as I entered the sanctuary. They told me how good it was to see me again and I felt It was almost as if I had not been away. It was then I decided I would make Full Gospel Tabernacle my home today.  I soon learned that Bishop Al Green would not be in attendance due to having a recent surgery.  I was not disappointed by this news for I was there for me and for what God had for my life and I was determined to proceed with my desire.  

  Subsequently, we had a glorious worship and praise service filled with anointed singing from the choir, a couple of soloist, and dancing in the spirit.  And just after the offering was collected the church was surprised by the appearance of Bishop Al Green who later confessed from the pulpit that God told him to "get dressed and go serve those folks communion". The worship continued.

  I went forward as Bishop Green announced that the doors of the church were open. I gave my name to the sister who came over to record my name. After praying for two women who came behind me he looked over my way and said to the recorder, "And what's going on here"? She read him my name from the tablet and he said, "I know who he is. I got his CD in my car". (I confess, I was both honored and humbled), He then shook my hand tightly and welcomed me into the church body after saying in a playful, rhyming tone, "Doctor Spain don't bring me no pain". I, and others, laughed out loud at this.  I will also be joining the choir this Thursday.

  "This is my season for grace and favor. This is my season to reap what I have sown."
  - (It's Working) William Murphy

  I love you all,
  Dennis