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On Easter Sunday and the church was packed that they had to expand their normal two services into
three and open up the overflow room to accommodate the overwhelming number of
people. There were your usual attendees, the ones who come to church all year
long. Then there was the “C.M.E. Christians” the people that come to church on
Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter. Everyone was in good spirits and ready to
hear the word of God.
Everyone in the church was well dressed and the balcony
appeared to hold a gorgeous mixture of pastel flowers that were actually the colorful
dresses worn by the women. The men were wearing their new tailored suits and they
all seemed to be enjoying the sounds of the choir. The vocalists sang their
hearts out and the crowd was clapping and singing along to the song “Souled
Out.”
When the choir was done everyone in the sanctuary gave a thunderous clap
that would have pleased any entertainer. The choir then changed the mood of the
church and began to sing a song titled “God Favored Me,” originally found on
Hezekiah Walker album but the choir seemed to deliver it’s own version.
“They whispered conspired they told their lies God Favors Me…” As the song blared over the speakers
everyone seemed to be in their own trance, reflecting on the trials and
tribulations that they faced in their life and how they overcame them. “They
tried but, couldn’t triumph over me…”
The song seemed to speak to everyone. Those who were once
concerned with how the person next to them was dressed were suddenly looking up
to the sky with tears streaming down their faces like an endless river. “I
can’t help but give you glory when I think about my story...” People began to
faint as they stood in the pews of the church, being overtaken by the words of
the song and the unseen spirit of God. “I’m still here I’m still alive, I’m still blessed on my way to my
destiny…”
Some people left their seats and went to the alter in prayer. It
seemed that they wanted to be closer to the choir to hear the words of the song
over the cries of their fellow worshipers.
The choir finished the song and everyone seemed drained and
tired but not defeated. They seemed determined and ready to conquer what ever
was thrown at them, as if the song was a reminder of what their purpose was and
let them know that it’s not over. It will be hard but the best is yet to come.
Some wiped their faces and sat down. Others were helped up after fainting an
falling to the floor. Those at the altar returned to their seats.
The pastor walked on the pulpit, looked over the sea of
people and said “Who here is favored by God?”
Bernadette Henderson is a Rutgers-Newark student. Posted September 2009.
