All aboard!

-
Every workday morning I catch an early train from Sydenham to Lanyon place (or Belfast Central as it was called). It's a short two stop train ride, normally bunged with commuters from all walks of life.

The train journey always reminds me of one of my favourite BCGC (Belfast Community Gospel Choir) songs entitled 'People get ready there's a train comin'. 

This song was written in 1965 by Curtis Mayfield. It was first sung by the Impressions and then from a variety of artists such as Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy & others. 

The composer was definitely thinking about political and social liberation, 'a long tradition of imagery in Black American freedom songs'. It is also said to have had 'a significant impact on the civil rights movement'. Even with this background understanding, the song clearly transcends this earthly hope by the future hope found, as the lyrics say, "in the Kingdom throne."

It subtely introduces us to eternity and the life hereafter. Ultimately the composer doesn't want anyone to miss boarding the train and lets us know what the key is "that opens the doors and boards 'em...room for all among the loved and lost".

Give it a listen and see what it says to you.

Enjoy Eva's rendition of People Get Ready here on YouTube...or make a date to hear BCGC in 2019.
https://g.co/kgs/s3S697

Feel free to comment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My big sister

-
Image
Here I have a photo that I cherish. It was taken at my son Jonathan's wedding. I have used the photo as my mobile's wallpaper to remind me of the joy my sweet sister brought to my life. She was my big sister who sadly passed away aged 69. Her name was Ann. She was a great gift giver. I was on the receiving side, recalling how she made my sixth party special with many balloons fit for the occasion. She also gave me a leather bound ESV Bible which was a bit special. Ann suffered ill health the last few years of her life but was never one to grumble or complain. Ann was a women of great faith, always seeing the best in others, even through her health challenges. I recall my 7 minute eulogy, referring to the dash measuring the years between her birthdate and death date 1952-2021. Ann frequently wrote me letters, with all that was happening at home, while I studied at Portland Bible College in the US 1976-1979. They say that "doubt looks back,worry looks around, but
Read more

CHURCH AT HOME - 40+ Charismatic Churches in Northern Ireland

-
According to Christianity Today, "More Christians worshiped, prayed, and shared Scripture online in the past week than ever before, as COVID-19 precautions shut down in-person church gatherings across the US and around the globe." Churches ‘Live Streaming’ their services is becoming increasingly popular as a way of reaching a wider audience.  Due to the decreasing cost of good quality cameras, and the availability of free streaming software, this technology is now available to churches of all sizes. Although not an exhaustive list, here are easy access links to around 40 major Charismatic churches across Northern Ireland. 1.Christian Fellowship, Strandtown, East Belfast - Lead Pastor Owen Crane https://m.youtube.com/cfcbelfast/?uid=8gEqncy6pri7h4LUEgc7Pw This service can be viewed on the CFC Belfast Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CFCBelfast / or our CFC Belfast Youtube channel at  https://www.youtube.com/cfcbelfast 2.Emmanuel Church, Lurgan -
Read more

December 2nd - Behold, The Light of the World

-
Image
  Passages :   The people walking in  darkness  have seen a great  light ; on those living in the land of deep  darkness  a  light  has dawned (Isaiah 9:2) I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the  darkness  into  light  before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the  light  of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the  light  of  life . ’ (John 8:12) I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness (John 12:46) … in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God …For God, who said, “ Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the
Read more