INSPIRATIONS!: PCE = xRM

Does this equation look familiar to you?

PCE=xRM

Think back to your Physics and Calculus, or better yet, determine your value for each unknown and solve for "x".

Okay, okay, you don't really have to solve a math equation! 

But PCE actually stands for "Prominent Cease Entertainment," a team of entertainers who are doing great things in the industry, and I use RM today as a shorthand for "Role Models".

So PCE = xRM. But what about "x"? 

Well, consider "x" as the "X-Factor" that PCE presents, an additional, unique and powerful quality. I would like to share further.


My first exposure to The PCE Crew was a long while ago, maybe as early as 2002 when my dear church family, True Vine Christian Worship Center, led by The Late and Great Pastor Arnita Anthony, hosted a legendary Block Party which brought out a variety of talent including PCE, through our partnership with RCCG Jesus House Baltimore. Little did I know that I would begin regularly attending their home church RCCG Jesus House DC just a year or so later as the doors of my own home church would shut.

 

Mayoral citation and avenue title made that very day; the one physical thing that remains...

They were like our very own "Consistent Guys on the Block" as they were always at church and never hard to spot elsewhere. So of course I joined the rest of their groupies in excitement with each new release, including their very impressive modern film on the life of David, D’Comeback. I've watched these gentlemen as they have completed project after project and have consistently been impressed by their continued commitment to the things of God. 

Their new release REWIRED is no exception. It features stellar and impactful lyrics written by The Crew and the lovely Dr. Mrs. Funmilayo Agunbiade as co-writer and contributor. Essentially, as a lyricist, I have got to give them props! First of all, if you're looking for a good excuse to learn a bit of Yoruba (one of many Nigerian languages), this is an excellent reason. If you are able to grasp the power emanating from each ethnic word, you too will be compelled to dance! Several of the tracks add a quick to your step and you'll be hoppin’ even if you don't get the foreign language. But honestly, with the little Yoruba I know, the meaning adds an exponential, exciting leap into the power, grace and goodness of God! This release includes words that encourage you (Tracks 1 and 3 for me), words that compel you to praise the One and Only True King (Track 2 for me); and there is definitely that track where you'll be belting out to God in praise and surrender (that's Track 8 for me; I love it!).

They are not shy about being worshipers. They seem to have decided that they would rather be known as men of God rather than as players or thugs. My kids and I caught up with them at an event some weeks ago and we were one of the first to obtain a copy of REWIRED. As I watched my toddler sons interact with so many astute gentlemen at one time, I began to feel hopeful that when the time is right, there will be young men who have been serving Christ since their youth; who can stand as examples and mentors for them, emphasizing the values that my husband instills in them. I am convinced that PCE is currently leading that set of young men through their influence, talent and public presence, passing on the legacy. It is exciting; it really is.

Posing with The PCE Crew and our copy of REWIRED

So PCE Crew, thanks for being in the public light providing a shining example for future generations! As a mom of boys, I am grateful that you are available as role models.

Make sure you find out for yourself! The REWIRED album is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify; among others. Get yours today!

Sincerely,

Lyrics by tia 2013.

INSPIRATIONS!: Divinely Unwind with BONA

Image by Warren Timothy Photography

(Inspired to bow)

Friday night pretty much means the same thing in many circles.

Happy Hour.           The Club.               Drinks at the Bar. 

Everybody is trying to take the edge off of the prior week. 

Well, this past Friday night, some friends and I decided that we would Divinely Unwinded with BONA and her Acoustic Guitar at her Blood and Grace Album Release, Ebeneezer Coffee House.

You see, BONA has been gradually and steadily developing her music and style, and I for one can tell you that she is ultimately about worship. The first time I heard her live was at DARA’s album release. Her opening piece was her simple rendition of Keith Green’s Oh Lord You’re Beautiful (currently playing as I write). As the lyrics rang clearly through the sanctuary, they traveled directly into my spirit, moving me immediately to tears. I had been struggling with some things and at that very moment, I was reminded of the preeminence of God and what my focus should be. An instant groupie with my first taste, it was insane how much I anticipated this event! And I was not disappointed.

So as I sat on yesterday and the program began to start, all I could see were Song Writers with Instruments! As a lyricist I was in awe of the high level of spiritual insight and sensitivity to the Living Word of God! BONA’s opening act, Trenton Cokley, was fantastic; his single Someone Else is available on iTunes.

There I was, placed squarely before my God and Maker in the midst of friends. I was where I wanted to be. Another highly anticipated project, Blood and Grace is beautiful and hearing the title track LIVE was serious, ya’ll! The concert rolled on like a love affair...yeah, like the progression of an eternal romance. Each song soulful; each song sweet—oh , my goodness; it felt like college again!...Back when my musically-inclined friends would chill and relax by creating worship together and enjoying the Presence of God. When them fine Christian men would stop and stare at the ceiling in the cafeteria for several moments to advert their attention from the scantily-clad girl walking by! Yes, those were the days of I Kissed Dating Goodbye; learning from seasoned female student leadership at Women's Cell Group; and midnight/early risers' prayer as young people cried out to God for over an hour at a time! When it was just me and HIM and that was enough...I had forgotten what it used to be like until then as I was surrounded by so many young people passionately in love with Christ. Completely taken, I was moved to tears once again, reminiscing on those times when I once laid in HIS bosom fervently. It was truly a time and place for me to heal, to unwind, to breath, and fall in love with Jesus all over again.

The lyrics of each song described an experience I could identify with, leaving me to wonder how such feelings could be put to words. I was inspired to seek God so that I too can write and speak my soul; to somehow translate my struggles into expressions of worship. I was inspired to fall on my knees, for I who desires to ‘unlock the hidden treasures of the heart’ must first know the only ONE who knows the heart and has that key. I was challenged to return to my First Love. Inspired to come to Christ again, I was made to wonder where I went and where I have been all this while...

Wish you were there? Well, guess what! You can obtain a free download!!!

And, above that, there is an ENCORE Event THIS Friday, July 19th!!!!!

BONA, congratulations on a successful event and thank you for the opportunity to be a part. Continue to share the Power of God through High Worship! Lyrics by tia will definitely continue following!

Lyrics by tia
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