tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122687362024-03-07T21:34:09.919-05:00MAKE YOUR NAME MEAN SOMETHING!SERMONS, SAYINGS AND SAGE PERSPECTIVE...
The accompanying blogsite to www.KEVINETAYLOR.bizKevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-22807158866231705782011-01-07T04:19:00.000-05:002011-01-07T04:19:19.496-05:00So Many Times - Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BiYHroX0fKM?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-19768804550725521142010-05-25T08:35:00.000-04:002010-05-25T08:35:37.079-04:00ON PURPOSE.mp4<object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/y3KbZpeDLIc/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y3KbZpeDLIc&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y3KbZpeDLIc&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-37176342544039523942010-03-28T08:58:00.005-04:002010-03-28T09:26:22.919-04:00COREY @ I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED: "AN INTERVIEW IN REVIEW"<a href="http://www.illkeepyouposted.typepad.com"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S69T7zUxSAI/AAAAAAAAS9A/HVI7TY0EXxw/s1600/KET+BIZ+PROTOTYPE+2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S69T7zUxSAI/AAAAAAAAS9A/HVI7TY0EXxw/s400/KET+BIZ+PROTOTYPE+2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453669960623671298" /></a></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.illkeepyouposted.typepad.com">http://www.illkeepyouposted.typepad.com</a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-28788502817216454562010-03-28T08:57:00.006-04:002010-03-28T09:27:13.960-04:00AN INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT WESLEY BRANCH<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S69TDTIQbpI/AAAAAAAAS84/TtI-Y--AC6Y/s1600/ITS+TIME+FOR+SOME+ACTION+COVER+SPREAD+final+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S69TDTIQbpI/AAAAAAAAS84/TtI-Y--AC6Y/s400/ITS+TIME+FOR+SOME+ACTION+COVER+SPREAD+final+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453668989908577938" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/robert-wesley-branch/2010/03/27/artists-as-activists">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/robert-wesley-branch/2010/03/27/artists-as-activists</a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-74963944299098512502010-03-16T17:11:00.001-04:002010-03-16T17:11:29.759-04:00GREATNESS: THEY MAKE MOVIES ABOUT IT!<object width="560" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://en.tackfilm.se/loader.swf?shareID=1268773382237RA56&folder=12687"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://en.tackfilm.se/loader.swf?shareID=1268773382237RA56&folder=12687" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="325"></embed></object>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-69469354087961343122010-03-15T16:47:00.007-04:002010-03-15T18:24:51.503-04:00SPRING FORWARD: IT'S A COMPLETE SENTENCE!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56dRDjAnxI/AAAAAAAASnU/9AeYVuBQt8s/s1600-h/SPRING+FORWARD.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56dRDjAnxI/AAAAAAAASnU/9AeYVuBQt8s/s400/SPRING+FORWARD.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448965515500363538" /></a><br /><br /><strong>SPRING FORWARD</strong><br /><br /><em>1. to rise, leap, move, or act suddenly and swiftly, as by a sudden dart or thrust forward or outward, or being suddenly released from a coiled or constrained position<br /> <br />2. to be released from a constrained position, as by resilient or elastic force or from the action of a spring<br /> <br />3. to come into being, rise, or arise within a short time; to come into being by growth, as from a seed or germ, bulb, root, etc.; grow, as plants. </em> <br /><br />Look at those definitions!!! How could you know hear "SPRING FORWARD" and not get motivated into action. Add to that MARCH, which is the month that gives birth to Spring, and its powerful reference to movement (I love to say that MARCH is the only month that is a verb) and you've got good reason to move!<br /> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56egzhAcAI/AAAAAAAASnc/X6XfSyzM7pE/s1600-h/dash_incredibles.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56egzhAcAI/AAAAAAAASnc/X6XfSyzM7pE/s400/dash_incredibles.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448966885586530306" /></a><br /><br />Spring Forward in 2010! <br /><br />It's not just some catchy phrase (though it is quite), but it's also a mandate for life. In order to move forward in your life, you've got to show up in your life and prepare for your life. You can't talk about springing forward if you are not prepared or preparing. Your joining this website is the preparation and so be active here. Listen to the podcasts and actively take on the assignments and take in the information. <br /><br />As you spring forward, move ahead, you've got to be clear that you want new, so be compelled to do new. Spring forward and give all of your attention to your intention and if your intention is to be great, to be better, to be more, then that is what needs to get your energy. Spring Forward is about being proactive and in action, purposeful and pointed because you've got work to do and you are the one to do it. <br /> <br />Spring Forward and give yourself permission to be great. Living in a place that speaks to greatness is about saying you want to be your best/blessed you. Great isn't about fame or fortune, but living in your greatness can bring them both to you. Greatness is that place ahead/forward where you are destined to be and live in your truth--whether great wife, great writer, great singer, great artist, great business owner, great life. You already know the things you want to do and Spring Forward is about moving ahead into just doing it. Now, if you don't know, Spring Forward is about discovering what that is for you--read a good book (IT'S TIME FOR SOME ACTION, my newest book, is out now) or attend a class and find out what it is you have within you by asking. <br /> <br />You've got to be an active participant in your life! Spring Forward and discover who you can be when you put some of that energy that you continue to give away to over back into you! <br /><br />Spring Forward--YOU ARE WAITING FOR YOU!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56es1pWDgI/AAAAAAAASnk/-4tQ7VL_B-o/s1600-h/SPRING+SUNSHINE.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S56es1pWDgI/AAAAAAAASnk/-4tQ7VL_B-o/s400/SPRING+SUNSHINE.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448967092316802562" /></a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-3548792998837863502010-02-12T19:15:00.009-05:002010-02-12T19:57:12.502-05:00WELCOME TO www.KEVINETAYLOR.biz<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X0XuLqiZI/AAAAAAAART0/iYyJ9xhZ5Jg/s1600-h/17076_1202475420803_1196117645_480638_6024463_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X0XuLqiZI/AAAAAAAART0/iYyJ9xhZ5Jg/s400/17076_1202475420803_1196117645_480638_6024463_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437520813490866578" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X4f6r7qZI/AAAAAAAARUU/4CfqCAvHeh0/s1600-h/GODDESS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X4f6r7qZI/AAAAAAAARUU/4CfqCAvHeh0/s400/GODDESS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437525352332896658" /></a><br /><br />TODAY IS THE DAY.<br /><br />You will be empowered and in that power, you will find yourself, your soul and your daily inspiration for being. <br /><br />Empowerment.<br /><br />em⋅pow⋅er /ɛmˈpaʊər/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [em-pou-er] <br />–verb (used with object) <br /><br />1. to give power or authority to; authorize, esp. by legal or official means: <br />2. to enable or permit: Wealth empowered him to live a comfortable life. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X0IKrOy8I/AAAAAAAARTs/_UGd8tG5CXQ/s1600-h/7721_1066586724799_1829974165_146701_2267462_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X0IKrOy8I/AAAAAAAARTs/_UGd8tG5CXQ/s400/7721_1066586724799_1829974165_146701_2267462_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437520546261552066" /></a><br /><br />Today.<br /><br />Right now.<br /><br />It's all you have and if you are willing to do the work, it's all you need.<br /><br />The power and the purpose of this site is to help you grow, beyond the things you think you can't do and towards the things that you've been told are impossible to do.<br /><br />Empowerment is about finding the strength and tenacity to live in your blessed/best space. Empowerment is about taking authority over and in your life and standing up for the dreams that seem lost. Empowerment is what this site is about and I plan, day-by-day, deed-by-deed, to talk you, walk you, work you, wake you up until you arrive at a place where living your best/blessed life is more than just an entry into your journal or something that you whisper at night.<br /><br />It's time, from right here, to take back your life and get to the business of living well.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X1pX_UZrI/AAAAAAAART8/QK2GS5RJJ7Q/s1600-h/17076_1208159922912_1196117645_494850_4983461_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X1pX_UZrI/AAAAAAAART8/QK2GS5RJJ7Q/s400/17076_1208159922912_1196117645_494850_4983461_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437522216282777266" /></a><br /><br />WELCOME TO www.KEVINETAYLOR.biz AND WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF YOU!!!<br /><br />I will use this blog to sometimes daily and definitely weekly speak to you, the members of the site, about everything (QUESTIONS YOU HAVE; CONCERNS YOU SUBMIT AND MANY OTHER THINGS) you need to hear from myself and other experts. I hope to change your mind and your life.<br /><br />INFORMATION. MOTIVATION. PREPARATION.<br /><br />It's your life and it's worth living extraordinarily well.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X3TOanvgI/AAAAAAAARUE/qhy53EzYkko/s1600-h/STRONG+WOMEN.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3X3TOanvgI/AAAAAAAARUE/qhy53EzYkko/s400/STRONG+WOMEN.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437524034779069954" /></a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-83758170873473397822010-02-08T23:20:00.000-05:002010-02-08T23:21:02.939-05:00<div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3DirfOf_eI/AAAAAAAARRM/dZYoocLiU_o/s1600-h/KEVINETAYLORBIZ2010.jpg'><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S3DirfOf_eI/AAAAAAAARRM/dZYoocLiU_o/s400/KEVINETAYLORBIZ2010.jpg' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-35180251927226923202010-02-04T10:10:00.011-05:002010-02-04T11:04:04.721-05:00The Reasons why I love Miss Natalie Cole (SEXY AND SOARING @ 60!)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rv7msoPEI/AAAAAAAARK8/pEJHFvhoNEA/s1600-h/ME+AND+NATALIE+COLE+(1998).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rv7msoPEI/AAAAAAAARK8/pEJHFvhoNEA/s400/ME+AND+NATALIE+COLE+(1998).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434419707654978626" /></a><br /><br />I was 11 years old, living in the projects of Southwest Washington, DC, when I found a pocket-sized Webster's Dictionary in the trash. I don't know who through it out or what. But I found it and it changed my life. I kept it with me and I would commit to learning a new word everyday. Words like UBIQUITOUS and RECALCITRANT and others were dripping from my lips in 1975, in the hood, but I did not care. I was already an "outcast" because I was fat and asthmatic (so I couldn't take the heat of DC summers and I wasn't always able to play like others). Anyway, that dictionary became my refuge. So I was in my own world until one day, a beautifully stunning woman came into my world. I was watching the Mike Douglas show, out of Philadelphia, when he introduced a young singer who had a family legacy and was related to Nat King Cole. As my mom was a huge NKC fan, I knew that the person he was talking about was Black, so since that was a rarity in 1975 on television, I froze and paid attention. Out came this loving young woman with the afro of life, singing a song called THIS WILL BE that sounded like the Baptist Church Momma had just started taking us to earlier that year. So after her rousing song, I sat mesmerized as she came over to sit on the couch. As Mike interviewed her, she spoke of college and history and it changed my life forever. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rnNM0NIZI/AAAAAAAARKs/iS1VIzWGjI0/s1600-h/Natalie+in+midriff.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rnNM0NIZI/AAAAAAAARKs/iS1VIzWGjI0/s400/Natalie+in+midriff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434410114340430226" /></a><br /><br />By the time the credits rolled, I was in love. She had spoken about college and life and legacy and it was amazing! When she sang "Inseparable," my mind lit up and the word shifted my soul. Black people didn't use words like that. Songs didn't get sung with clarity like that. I ran to my dictionary, looked up the word, realized how brilliantly she had used it in a sentence (remember when your teacher told you, in order to use a word, you must SPELL, DEFINE IT and USE IT IN A SENTENCE) and I was in love! Natalie Cole became my everything in that moment and she remains so much a part of my being today.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rj5mYn7YI/AAAAAAAARKc/orn8CHq7hJk/s1600-h/Natalie+Cole+in+1977.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rj5mYn7YI/AAAAAAAARKc/orn8CHq7hJk/s400/Natalie+Cole+in+1977.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434406479071800706" /></a><br /><br />Over the years, Natalie has been my rock and her diction and cadence and way of being, her quotes and using words such as "rectify," "Inseparable," "Unpredictable" and such which became a part of my everyday language. I adore her and I am so proud to call her friend today! She's spectacular!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rjygLI6hI/AAAAAAAARKU/aDFN9tfCmiU/s1600-h/Natalie+Cole+in+black+onesleeve+2009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rjygLI6hI/AAAAAAAARKU/aDFN9tfCmiU/s400/Natalie+Cole+in+black+onesleeve+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434406357145545234" /></a><br /><br />Even in her struggles (drugs, illness, tremendous public loss), she has remained gracious and grateful. I love her and we shared a very special lunch one afternoon when I was in LA for a conference. She took me to Kate Mandelini's (sp) and we were there for 3 hours. She talked to me about life and my son and being gay and a pastor and how I was able to have such peace in my soul about it and when my son called to check in from NJ after school (he was a sophomore in HS at the time), she grabbed the phone and Aunt Natalie was talking to her nephew about school and his grades and life. It was beautiful and for that and so much more, I will always love Ms. Natalie Maria Cole!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rucudtLmI/AAAAAAAARK0/WSa3jK8N8bg/s1600-h/NATALIE+COLE+AARP.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 315px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/S2rucudtLmI/AAAAAAAARK0/WSa3jK8N8bg/s400/NATALIE+COLE+AARP.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434418077652299362" /></a><br /><br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE! TRUST THAT 60 HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GREAT!Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-22181248936622909442010-01-01T09:58:00.008-05:002010-01-01T11:06:41.351-05:00LET'S DO IT AGAIN!<div><div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4QSApYiQI/AAAAAAAAQ8o/fJWQrffSdU0/s1600-h/LETS+GET+IT.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421788902997920002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4QSApYiQI/AAAAAAAAQ8o/fJWQrffSdU0/s400/LETS+GET+IT.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN: </strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>It's time to start it all over. Let's renew and restore and revisit some things that are not living up to our greatest expectations. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>We spend our lives trying, sometimes desperately, often despondent, because we feel like we'll never fit in: to our family, to society's construct of what it means to be a man or a woman, to the morals that they espouse but don't expect to hold up. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong>WELL, LET'S DO IT AGAIN!</strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4OX0YUVyI/AAAAAAAAQ8g/MaEWKTh7FOI/s1600-h/prayer+hands+glowing.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421786803761076002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4OX0YUVyI/AAAAAAAAQ8g/MaEWKTh7FOI/s400/prayer+hands+glowing.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><strong>I DEFY YOU TODAY, as we go into a new year and a new decade, to be bold enough to re-do family and re-do church and your worship experience and re-do relationships in our communities, even and especially when people say that they don't work or can't!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>It's time for renewal and refreshment and restoration and the grace of Grace that has given us a spiritual, emotional and literal do-over!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Let's do family again and maybe this time you will love on your children differently than your parents loved on you and if you don't have children, consider fostering or adopting or even mentoring, so that your good living can be an example for some LGBTQ youth or boy/girl in your hood who needs to see the shining example of you! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Let's do love again and stop running with the cliched stereotypes that 2 men can't stay committed or that 2 women need something more! Let's trust that our families are enough and our love is enough to not only sustain us, but maintain us and build us to even greater heights. Love WILL keep us together and This Will Be the greatest example yet, because as they try to tear apart our love and say it doesn't matter, we will stand up for love. The greatest example of love and marriage are couples who will fight for it, even as Kate and Jon, Tiger and his many mistresses, run out of the burning building called marriage, we dare to run in and say WE will rescue you Matrimony! WE will save you! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4QbH2V9eI/AAAAAAAAQ8w/yeTBsDIT4m0/s1600-h/LETS+DANCE.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421789059550148066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4QbH2V9eI/AAAAAAAAQ8w/yeTBsDIT4m0/s400/LETS+DANCE.jpg" /></a></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN: Let's restore our families and renew our own strength and replenish our own wells and regenerate our own businesses by supporting each other as we build new endeavors. Let's do it again and try to find a way in 2010 to live in the POSSIBILITY that we--Black, Latin, Asian, White, Biracial, Multi-racial--in our various sexual expressions--Gay, Bisexual, Straight, MSM, SGL, label-free but loving freely--are ENOUGH! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Let's do it again family and show ourselves that we can build institutions and be loved by God and stand up for love and walk in truth and marry if we so desire and live in a truth that is so true that we will stand in it, up for it, daily.</strong></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4UaAsR4OI/AAAAAAAAQ84/QwUgz2Pf_9k/s1600-h/MEN+KISSING.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421793438495531234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4UaAsR4OI/AAAAAAAAQ84/QwUgz2Pf_9k/s400/MEN+KISSING.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Let's do it again!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>It's time for a Revolution and instead of trying so hard to live up to what others say and do, only to discover that they aren't living up to the same rules that they impose against others, screaming about the sanctity of marriage while leaving their longstanding, love-suffering wives for newer models (figuratively and literally). </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>It's time for a Revelation. No one can help us, love us, lift us, but us. It is our job to make others see us as we are, not differently. It's time for us to open ourselves up to being seen as humans being, people loving, lives living and only then will others stand up WITH us instead of thinking we are less than to be pitied and punks who need them to stand up FOR us. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>I Am A Man. I love other men. </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>I Am A Child of God and God loves me everyday, deeply, dearly and so diligently that I know that Peace and Favor rest upon me!</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>I want that to fill up my cup and spill over into every conversation and coupling in our communities! </strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN! In 2010, let's be bold enough, brave enough, spiritual enough, religious enough, powerful enough, supportive enough, loving enough, self-assured enough to TRUST that we are enough--not to separate but to STAND UP. </strong></div></div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>It's time for a do-over!</strong></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4VWHidzxI/AAAAAAAAQ9A/Mu-4HnFlGDI/s1600-h/SUNRISE+WITH+PEOPLE+JUMPING.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 169px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421794471125569298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4VWHidzxI/AAAAAAAAQ9A/Mu-4HnFlGDI/s400/SUNRISE+WITH+PEOPLE+JUMPING.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>It's time for a makeover!<br /></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>It's time for a Make-Me-Over!</strong></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN, TRUSTING THAT WE ARE ENOUGH</strong></div><div><strong>AND THAT WE WILL BUILDING SOMETHING NEW, DO </strong></div><div><strong>SOMETHING GREAT THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD, </strong></div><div><strong>BECAUSE WE WILL CARE, WE DO CARE ENOUGH TO CHANGE OUR OWN</strong></div><div><strong>LIVES!</strong></div><strong></strong></div><div> </div><div><strong>LET'S DO IT AGAIN AND IT AND IT AND IT AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN...UNTIL WE'RE SATISFIED!</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>HAPPY NEW YEAR: 2010 IS YOUR BEST/BLESSED YEAR YET BECAUSE IT STARTS WITH MORE POSSIBILITY THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE!</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><strong></div></strong><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/Sz4QbH2V9eI/AAAAAAAAQ8w/yeTBsDIT4m0/s1600-h/LETS+DANCE.jpg"></a></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-86308062223113888012009-12-21T20:46:00.002-05:002009-12-21T20:52:45.562-05:00GRINDING TO GREATNESS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR HARD WORK WORK HARD FOR YOU<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/SzAlKCilvgI/AAAAAAAAQyc/fUBdA6S-pbU/s1600-h/UNCLUTTER+BOOK+COVER.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417871206137576962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/SzAlKCilvgI/AAAAAAAAQyc/fUBdA6S-pbU/s400/UNCLUTTER+BOOK+COVER.jpg" /></a><br /><div>WITH THE NEW YEAR COMING, ITS TIME FOR YOU TO INVEST IN YOU!<br /></div><div>THIS POWERFUL 4-HOUR SEMINAR WILL WALK YOU THROUGH YOUR PROCRASTINATION, THROUGH YOUR PERSEVERANCE, INTO STRONG PREPARATION AND HELP YOU BEGIN THE JOURNEY TO PRODUCE A FINAL PRODUCT!</div><div> </div><div>BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, THE SEMINAR WAS HELD AT ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE IN DOWNTOWN, NEWARK (NJ) AND IT'S BACK AGAIN: </div><div> </div><div>01/09/10 - 9AM to 1PM</div><div>ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE - West Market St (@ MLK Blvd)</div><div>$20 (limited edition hardback copy of UNCLUTTER with registration) - PAYABLE ON SITE (limited seating @ 50)</div><div> </div><div><strong>IF YOU ARE ON FACEBOOK, RSVP: "GRINDING TO GREATNESS" UNDER EVENTS;</strong></div><div><strong>IF NOT, RSVP DIRECTLY TO ME AT </strong><a href="mailto:BUSINESS@KEVINETAYLOR.BIZ"><strong>BUSINESS@KEVINETAYLOR.BIZ</strong></a></div>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-6485776472383122822008-03-02T19:57:00.000-05:002008-03-02T19:57:47.025-05:00THIS IS MY SON NOW.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/R8tNCjzPivI/AAAAAAAAEYo/7t4G9_INHLo/s1600-h/DSC_0015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtaNKKbGS1w/R8tNCjzPivI/AAAAAAAAEYo/7t4G9_INHLo/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" border="0" /></a> His name is Ga'Vel Qwame.<br /><br />He was born with a different last name and to a different father.<br /><br />Life changes.<br /><br />His name is now Ga'Vel (JAH-VELL) Qwame Taylor and he is my son.<br /><br /><br /><br />03:07:08 @ 9:00AM<br /><br />I DELIGHT IN THAT MOMENT.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1165893484825685382006-12-11T22:09:00.000-05:002008-02-05T15:53:42.676-05:00GET "JADED" FOR CHRISTMAS...THE NEW GREEN! THE NOVEL IS HERE!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sellsheet_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sellsheet_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Brothers, Brothaz, Friends and Book Lovers!<br /><br />The day has finally come! <br /><br />"JADED" IS HERE<br /><br /><br /><br />Just in time for the Holidays, you can get "JADED" everywhere from AMAZON and Barnes & Noble.<br /><br />Please support a brother and get this novel that is getting rave reviews!<br /><br />A beautiful love story ( Between two beautiful black men), November 26, 2006<br /><br />Reviewer: Debantrix (CA, USA) - See all my reviews<br /><br />This has been one of the best love stories I've read all year. What made it especially good was that they didn't rush into sex ... like so many other books of the genre. Each man has had his share of heartache and heartbreak but when their paths cross they can't deny that ( special tug at their hearts ) The two main characters, Joshua and Elijah are likeable and believable. I was rooting for them all the way. This book was a real page turner and was hard to put down.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sellsheet_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sellsheet_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Love and Happiness...KEVINKevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1163480154230701962006-11-13T23:50:00.000-05:002006-11-13T23:55:54.246-05:00NATALIE COLE TORCHES THE APOLLO!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/72016066.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/72016066.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />It's 7:55PM and the newly computerized billboards on the outside of the Legendary Apollo Theater flashes the cover of the new Natalie Cole cd, but instead of LEAVIN', it reads LIVE IN CONCERT! <br /><br />I have had my tickets for weeks, yet being here tonight, now, minutes away, makes my soul leap. I meet my good friend David and have my son Ga'Vel in tow. I can feel it in my bones. This is going to be a magical night. <br /><br />I know it because of the buzz in the air. <br /><br />I know it when I see L. Marilyn Crawford, my former boss in DC and now president of Primetime Omnimedia and she's rarely out at these kinds of functions. <br /><br />I know when I see Timolin (Natalie's twin sister) and her husband Gary, and both sons with them (AND THEY LIVE IN FLORIDA!!!). <br /><br />I know it when I look up in the balcony and see Diddy's Momma, Ms. Janice Combs, ready to party. <br /><br />I know it when the lights go down and the room ignites in applause as each band member takes the stage, including Robert Adam Yancy, Natalie's only son, on percussion. <br /><br />"HEY! HEY! EVERYBODY! PUT YO HANDS TOGETHER" <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/72016066.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/72016066.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The groove is cold and funky. They clap and prompt us to do the same. When Tracy and Marilyn (the background singers) are finally in place, out coasts Miss Cole. <br /><br />Natalie Cole, 56, ravishingly sexy, with her hair parted and tucked behind her ears, straight crystalized earrings with large teardrops at the end and minimal makeup show you just how beautiful Natalie is. The outfit--white peasant top, black satin waist cincher (which is completely unnecessary, but cute for the look), black velvet capri pants, accented by satin and all playing second fiddle to a stunning pair of black satin boots with what appear to be crystal dragons on each--shows us that Miss Natalie is clearly here to LOOK GOOD, but how will she sound? How will her voice hold up to recent barbs that she wasn't fully present onstage? How would she handle the rowdy crowd at the Apollo that had waited until about 8:30 for her to take the stage? <br /><br />Natalie answered them all with FIRE! <br /><br />Opening with "DAYDREAMING," Natalie has the crowd in her hands. Followed up with "CRIMINAL" and "LOVE LETTER," it's apparent that everyone has either purchased "LEAVIN'" or just knows good music when they hear it. The capacity crowd is prepared to take this ride with Natalie and she goes all the way there. <br /><br />The next trio of songs are Cole Classics, and the theater loses its mind as Natalie romps through "I'VE GOT LOVE ON MY MIND," which wore the building out and Natalie ripped into like it was 1977 and she had to do her song justice! I mean this sangin' heffa tore this thing to shreds! We were on our feet! I can hear it. Something is different in her voice. That took us right into "MR. MELODY," dedicated to the fellas and swaying brilliantly into "INSEPARABLE," which the crowd sang along without any pushing. This is an anthem to Harlem and Black folks and love and you can fill it in the air. Natalie is all aglow, as reminiscent of that magnificent night with Sinbad at the Summer Jam, the crowd sings with every lyric! Yeah, there is definitely something different in her voice. Something...more. The groove on "ANNIE MAE" tells us that the hits aren't just going to be sprinkled into the night. They are going to be injected. <br /><br />"When people ask me why we do this song, I say 'because it feels good!" That was the intro to "WHIPPING POST," a raunchy, rowdy blues joint that I saw Natalie do at the House of Blues more than a decade ago. SHE WAS SANGIN'! This crowd knows that they are witnessing Natalie Cole at her finest and we are not ashamed to go where she takes us! Fine, Natalie, we'll be tied to the Whipping Post! If you say so, WE ARE YOURS TONIGHT!!! <br /><br />Other highlights of the night were Natalie's cover of "LEAVIN'," which was an instant hit with the crowd that loves a good LOVE GONE WRONG song, an offering of "LOVIN' ARMS" that took the crowd higher LONG BEFORE Natalie spoke about the loving arms of Jesus and took us to church. The audience was already enjoying The Gospel According To Natalie and you could see on her face that she was loving the love! "5 MINUTES AWAY" continues to prove that it should be the next single, as even my son was swaying and singing like it was on 106 AND PARK. But the night, for me, belonged to a pair of Cole Classics that closed the show. Natalie introduced the band on "OUR LOVE" and really, REALLY wailed into that song like it was the only gift she could offer the audience. <br /><br />WE ARE ALWAYS CONNECTED AND WE'VE ALWAYS GOT OUR LOVE! She seems to be saying with her legendary green eyes, sparkling into each of our hearts, right from the stage to us, each. You could feel it pouring from the stage and going back to Natalie, as the crowd started to sing the song BEFORE the band intros and we had to WAIT! As she sang THUNDER into it, we are already on our feet for "THIS WILL BE" and everyone--Black, white, Asian, Latino (the night was sponsored by CHASE BANK as a part of their Legends Series)--knew that we could just cut up because we had the Common Cole Connection of this song. We all knew it, loved it and wished for it! It was a magical night indeed and Natalie's face registered every cheer, roar and romp from the adoring audience of folks who had waited for this night for many a night gone by. <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/72016066.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/72016066.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As Natalie returned for her anticipated encores, the crowd just got louder and livelier. When she returned, Natalie wasted no time going right into "I'M CATCHIN' HELL," and I have GOT TO SAY that this is my song and it still does the same thing to me that it has done since I was 12 YEARS OLD! On my feet, in the aisle, I thought I was gonna lose my mind, because it had been sooooo long since I had heard all of these songs in the same show and Natalie was on fire. There is a new timbre in her voice. Something has happened and our Sophisticated Lady of Soul is truly reinvented and reinvigorated! As she and Tracy tear into the "SAD, SAD SONG!" vamp, the band is playing, Tracy is showing OFF and Natalie is gone! She squeezes EVERY SINGLE DROP OF SOUL out of each SAD and if we will stay with her, she's got to testify! Somewhere in all of that sexiness and sass, Natalie is getting born again! I thought at times that I was transformed back to my livingroom in the projects of Washington, DC when I would play my NATALIE...LIVE! albums and press the headsets of our riggity old stereo so close to my ears that the suction would hear when I was through, hours later. Natalie caught hell last night and wrestled it to the ground and picked up glad tidings for her peaceful living and she smiled because there ain't nothing stronger than love, indeed. <br /><br />After Natalie finished the song, she and the band do a playful "Glory Hallelujah" dance to get all of the Hell that she caught off of her. I have seen the show before (in NYC @ HIRO BALLROOM and in RED BANK, NJ @ COUNT BASIE THEATRE). Both times, it was a fun frolic and a great way to close the song. <br /><br />This time, it felt different. Somewhere in the dance, Natalie really did seem like she was shouting off all of the hell that she has caught in her life, in her career and even some nights on this tour. If you know the Holy Ghost, there is a moment when the face of the person consumed seems to change from a delightful joy to a unleashing. Something got off of Natalie Cole last night and I pray that it's done and gone because if THIS Natalie Cole is the one that we are going to be hearing from this night on, WE ARE IN FOR A TREAT AND A NEW LEVEL! <br /><br />To close the show, Natalie has to make note of the stunning and unexpected death of soul superstar GERALD LEVERT. She acknowledged that she had just seen him in DC at the 25th Anniversary of RADIO ONE and she is shocked. She also talks about how many of her friends have lost their mothers in recent days and she's clearing in a serious mind as she says "TIME...TIME IS SLIPPING AWAY, SO IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE, LET SOMEONE KNOW THAT YOU CARE. IF YOU ARE HERE TONIGHT WITH SOMEONE SPECIAL, HOLD THEM AND LET THEM KNOW." With that, we were treated to "UNFORGETTABLE." I grabbed my son, whom I had to scold in the ride from Central NJ, and we hugged and it was alright. Whatever had been, it was alright now. Whatever had made Natalie think that she hadn't done the right thing by getting back to her roots and trusting her instincts, it was alright now. "UNFORGETTABLE" felt as soulful and soul-filled as Natalie's own masterful songs this night. Tonight, we remembered that Nat and Natalie had shared laughs and she had looked into that legend's eyes and been scolded and lifted and loved and fathered. In this building, where not only is Nat King Cole's picture proudly displayed, but the street bears his name, Natalie Cole found that special, certain, soulfully singular something that has always made her...different. <br /><br />Natalie Maria Cole was in rare form at the Apollo on this Friday night in November in this the year of our Lord 2006. Going backstage after the show, fans and family alike got to take pictures and meet each other (I had met Timolin, but finally got to meet Casey and saw Robbie again and spent time with Timolin and Gary and their boys and it was a lovely way to spend an evening). Ms. Combs had made her way backstage, as had the young female star of "ARE WE THERE YET?" ALEISHA ALLEN. After about an hour and watching Natalie, who was resplendent in an exquisite vintage teal****tail dress and teal velvet pumps, prepared to spend the evening with friends, taking pictures, signing autographs, laughing with her friends, family and fans, I said to her "YOU SANG YOUR FACE OFF TONIGHT! THERE IS SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOU TONIGHT!," her response was simple but true. <br /><br />"I KNOW." <br /><br />She knew it too. Something was transformed at the Legendary Apollo. After I kissed our loving friend and her trusted assistant/sister/friend/heavyload sharer BENITA, I was off. As I walked away from the Apollo, I looked back and also wanted to kiss the building itself. <br /><br />The Apollo had given me my Natalie back, and just like the album that gave us "OUR LOVE," "ANNIE MAE," "LA COSTA, (my personal lullaby)" and "KEEPING A LIGHT," I was THANKFUL from my soul for the Soul of Natalie Cole! <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/72016066.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/72016066.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1162867380603456812006-11-06T21:30:00.000-05:002006-11-07T08:04:55.416-05:00TUESDAY, NOV. 28TH - THE WORLD TURNS JADE!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sellsheet_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sellsheet_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />JADED is the story of Joshua Knight, an ad exec who, after a devastating breakup, throws his heart and soul into his work. He’s building KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR but outside its doors, he has no life. One day he hears a song that haunts him and sends him on a journey around NYC to find it. The problem is he doesn’t know the singer or the song title. After an all day search, Joshua happens into an old bookstore where a wise man and a chance meeting not only changes his day, it could change his life. <br /><br />Enter Elijah Monroe: tall, brown, beautiful and sincere. He’s just a brother who is enjoying his day and singing his song, but that song catches Joshua’s ear and brings the two men together for an evening that has the potential to become a lifetime.<br /><br />Is Joshua even open to love after Greg Marshall destroyed his heart and his trust? Is Elijah after something more than just a one-night stand? Can they get past their pasts and Joshua’s pain to find out? <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sellsheet_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sellsheet_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />“WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE THROUGH WITH LOVE…BUT LOVE’S NOT THROUGH WITH YOU?!”Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1156952407561712702006-08-30T11:24:00.000-04:002006-08-30T11:40:07.590-04:00CONSCIOUS CHOICES, A MEN'S COUPLES GATHERING IN BROOKLYN<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SANCTUARY%20POSTER.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SANCTUARY%20POSTER.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />ARE YOU READY TO WORK ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP?<br /><br />NOT JUST BE IN ONE, BUT HELP IT GROW AND BE HEALTHY AND STAND STRONG?<br /><br />TOGETHER, BLACK MALE COUPLES, GATHER EVERY THIRD TUESDAY, IN BROOKLYN AT THE OFFICES OF POCC (PEOPLE OF COLOR IN CRISIS) TO DO THE WORK TO WORK ON LOVE! <br /><br />FINANCES, COMMUNICATION, SEX, FAMILY, STRUGGLES, STRIFES, HOPES AND ROMANCE. WE TALK ABOUT IT ALL!<br /><br />JOIN US AND LOVE YOUR LOVER, ON PURPOSE!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SANCTUARY%20POSTER.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SANCTUARY%20POSTER.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1156951400905805042006-08-30T11:15:00.000-04:002006-08-30T11:23:20.916-04:00JADED, THE NOVEL, debuts TUESDAY, SEPT. 26th!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/JADED%20COVER%20ARTWORK%20VERSION%202.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/JADED%20COVER%20ARTWORK%20VERSION%202.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE THROUGH WITH LOVE, BUT LOVE'S NOT THROUGH WITH YOU?!<br /><br /><br />FIND OUT IN "JADED," AND GET TO KNOW JOSHUA KNIGHT--ADVERTISING EXEC, BEAUTIFUL, BALD BROTHER WITH A HEART OF GOLD THAT'S TRAPPED BEHIND HEARTBREAK AND A BREAKUP HE'S NEVER GOTTEN OVER. WHAT DOES HE DOES WHEN, BY CHANCE, HE HAPPENS UP ELIJAH MONROE AND STARTS TO FEEL FEELINGS HE THOUGHT HE HAD PLACED ON PERMANENT LOCKDOWN?!<br /><br /><br />WILL JOSHUA OPEN HIS HEART AND HIS HEAD TO GETTING TO KNOW ELIJAH AND LETTING HIM GET TO KNOW HIM? WILL JOSHUA TRY LOVE AGAIN OR IS HE JUST TOO JADED?!<br /><br />FIND OUT ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th. THE NEW WEBSITE--www.JADED-THENOVEL.com--LAUNCHES ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th! <br /><br />www.JADED-THENOVEL.com<br />www.KEVINETAYLOR.com<br />www.myspace.com/KEVINETAYLOR<br />www.myspace.com/JADEDthenovel<br /><br />JADED--A BLACK GAY LOVE STORY, without shame.Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1151274353306272072006-06-25T18:19:00.002-04:002006-06-25T18:35:28.326-04:00OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL, OR FEARFUL, SICK OR SEEKING...COME ON IN THE LORD'S HOUSE!<img src="http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1429/ufcnbpeacefrontcampaign14nn.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br /><img src="http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/854/ufcnbpeacecampaign12ke.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />FATHER I STRETCH MY HANDS TO THEE<br />1 Chronicles 4:10<br /><br />Many of us are comfortable and content in our relationships with our Mothers. We have a pretty decent picture in our heads of what her role is/should be in our lives. She nurtures. She encourages. She teaches. She comforts. Even when our relationship with Mother shifts, changes or isn’t fully realized, we still have the picture of it, the concept of it as a measure of what Mother is. <br /><br />But who is Father? What is our relationship with Father supposed to even be?<br /><br />In so many homes across America, that is a tenuous question. In African-American households in urban environments, he is often missing or not in the home. However, in many affluent households—White, Black, Asian, Latino—he can be so caught up in working and providing for his family that he is equally as neglectful. In so many ways, Father is either absent or absentee. But we cannot fully discredit Father. Even if his appearance in our life was rare, he would impart certain life lessons that shaped with what think of him and what we believe he thinks of us. Father was the one who taught you or told you to fight back. Father was the one who told you to shake it off…get up. Father was the one who spoke of responsibility, even when he was being responsible. Father or that Father energy plays a very distinct and different role in our lives from Mother.<br /><br />Yet, in the church, we are quick to call upon Father God. We feel like we are rocked and cradled and supported and nurtured and comforted by God, but we are often speaking to and of Father God, while we are delighting in Mother God energies. So I would like to have a new conversation about Father God today. We have to change our relationships with our fathers in order to change our relationship with THE FATHER.<br /><br />The Provider Versus The Nurturer relationship is present in so many species on the Earth that it must be something that God ordained. The Father goes and hunts and provides sustenance, while the Mother often protects and provides substance. In Lions and Tigers and Bears…he hunts, she nurtures. <br /><br />Mothers often are very nurturing even and especially in the ways of interaction with us. They can, not always, but often, be very patient and loving and attentive when we come to them for perceived to be short and impatient. <br /><br />Get up, Boy. <br /><br />What You Gonna Do About it? <br /><br />Father can be very precise and pointed.<br /><br />So let’s take that version of Father and that directness into this scripture.<br /><br />1 Chronicles 4:10<br />The Prayer of Jabez<br /><br />SOMEBODY STAND AND READ THAT FOR ME.<br /><br />Father, step up and step into this and fulfill this void in me. <br />Then, give me more and stay with me!<br /><br />But there is an essential word in this text that makes all the difference in the world….MY.<br /><br />We are not Limited and we must expand our thinking….to GROW; Your space is finite, but your thinking IS NOT….so when you ask for expansion, you have to be willing to EXPAND!<br /><br />Jabez’s request was pivotal because he was willing to sacrifice himself. Jabez called out to the God of Israel: "If only You would bless me, extend my border/enlarge my territory, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain." Because his Momma named him after GREAT PAIN…and he considered who he was and what he was born into AND he still asked…And God granted his request.<br /><br />The VS My….Definitive VS Personal<br /><br />Use me<br />Expand me<br />Pull me<br />Stretch me<br /><br />I and my son are really excited about the forthcoming movie “The Fantastic Four”. There are four (4) characters in the group of the Fantastic Four. One has the ability to catch fire when troubles come. He is young and youthful and always excited about his powers and his ability to destroy things that would seek to bring harm. One is able to turn herself invisible when conflicts rise and she can then materializes on the other side of the situation, with her enemies having no idea how she got there. One is blessed with the power to turn himself into a Rock, powerful, impenetrable, strong, forceful and mighty and you know how that can be useful in hard times.<br /><br />Oh, but the Father of the group has the power to stretch. They shoot at him. He stretches. They launch missiles his way. He stretches. He needs to get across town or across the world, He stretches.<br /><br />The power of that is right in Jabez’s request:<br /><br />He knew that his situation had limitations, but he knew his God didn’t and he knew that if he stayed focused on that which he saw before him, he would never grow. So he prayed to GOD….STRETCH ME! ENLARGE ME! EXPAND ME! REMOVE LIMITATIONS FROM ME!<br /><br />I was sinking in sin, but FATHER, I STRETCH!<br />I was on my way down, but FATHER I STRETCH!<br />I was told I would never make it, but FATHER I STRETCH!<br />I was worried that my enemies had finally won, but FATHER I STRETCH!<br />I thought that that breakup, that breakdown would kill me, but FATHER I STRETCH!<br />Somebody told me that I wouldn’t make it but, FATHER I STRETCH!<br /><br /><br />Poor –minded people who win the Lottery end up broke again, because they are still broken financially and mentally and they didn’t stretch even after their dollars got long!<br /><br />If you want God to ENLARGE your territory, then you’ve got to be willing to ENLARGE, BROADEN, <br /><br />STRETCH OUT in Jesus!<br /><br />Stop speaking so much limit in your life and STRETCH!<br />Stop worrying about yesterday and imagine tomorrow and STRETCH!<br />Start seeing your life the way you desire it to be and not the way it has played out thus far and STRETCH!<br /><br />I was lost in a world of sin, far from the peaceful shore, I was very lost indeed, sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the Sea, outstretched his hand and He rescued me.<br /><br />God reaches out for you daily, saying GRAB MY HAND!<br /><br />STRETCH!<br /><br />Consider MORE than you see and STRETCH!<br /><br />Know that I want to bless you and STRETCH!<br /><br />Stop listening to your detractors and STRETCH!<br /><br />I am right here, reaching out for you, my child, but you gotta STRETCH!<br /><br />REACH OUT FOR ME!<br /><br />REACH OUT!<br />GRAB HOLD!<br />EXPAND!<br />ENLARGE!<br /><br />STRETCH!<br /><br />In times of trouble, STRETCH!<br />When you are lost in darkness, STRETCH!<br />When you don’t know what to do, STRETCH!<br />When you are told that the end is near, STRETCH!Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1149509223873832522006-06-05T07:40:00.000-04:002006-06-05T09:13:22.456-04:00HATE THE SINNER, LOVE THE SINDeborah Cox had a huge hit with the song “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” You know the one—the chorus was: How did you get here? Nobody’s supposed to be here. <br /><br />But as we prepare to watch the Senate debate and discourse same sex marriage and the Federal Marriage Amendment—which almost no one believes will pass the floor—I offer the same question: How did we get here? <br /><br /><img src="http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/8813/450x300noahwadeholding5zv.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />How did this once again become front and center and on the minds and mouths of politicians? There are no mass marriages occurring in San Francisco. A Massachusetts judge has ruled that out-of-state gays can no longer get married in that commonwealth. How did we wake up and discover clergy like Bishop Alfred Owens of Washington, DC and Bishop Eddie Long of Atlanta, GA, in the pockets of the Bush Administration, repeating that well-worn ugly condemnation-conversation. Meanwhile, Cindy Sheehan is still protesting the untimely death of her son and thousands of other sons and daughters in Iraq … and illegal immigration has become the hot button topic du jour. How did immigration and same-sex marriages become the “it” issues, while wars and wages, oil and overtime, 9/11 and W2s are the popular water cooler talk? <img src="http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/5461/blackgaysamesex6mv.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><img src="http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7805/blacksamesex4uw.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />The traditional stance from the church of old was “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.” That was the church’s way of suggesting that they could perform their Christian duty of being kind to one another as instructed in Ephesians 4:32. Christians were able to say, “I love you, but I can’t stand what you do” and still feel as if they were being dutiful and dainty, loving and logical. The mainstream mandate from religion was to be kind, be loving … but not tolerate. We don’t have to like you, but we are compelled, by duty to love you. <br /><br /><img src="http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1203/gtpostersmall6io.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />Those days are gone. Today, in the present clique-climate of the Union of Church and State, it appears brilliantly and maniacally timed that the church is vomiting up this new ugliness from the pulpit. The new hate is spewed as if it were directly from God’s mouth to man, even as the president plummets in the polls and simple folks on the streets of the good ol’ US of A are asking very complicated questions. We are being distracted by the debate over same-sex marriage. Mind you, I am in no way suggesting that this discussion isn’t one that must be had—and must be dealt with—but why now? Again, how did we get here?<br /><br /><img src="http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3158/console2lk.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br />Here’s my theory—as a man of the cloth, and, as a proud black gay man: The church and the state “Hates the Sinner, but Loves the Sin.” I am persuaded that church folks, privileged folks, assimilated Negroes and Latinos, housewives and Halliburton heirs are all quite happy with life and their various liberties and they don’t want anyone who suggests that things aren’t peachy-keen here in America. Therefore, they hate the sinner. They are sick and tired and angry and vocal at the Gay, the Lesbian, The Bisexual, The Transgendered Person, The Poor, The Worker, The Every Woman, who just won’t just sit down and shut up. They hate the “sinner” who won’t just blend into the background and take the crumbs—civil unions, domestic partner benefits—being offered. The church hates the “sinner” who cannot simply enjoy the privilege of singing in the choir, leading the ministry, working in the church, but, who must be an upstart and call the church on the many ways—not just with gays and lesbians, but with the poor, the undereducated, the near-homeless—it is not fulfilling its mission.<br /><br /><img src="http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1232/taylorkevin0071nr057se.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />The church is finally and officially voicing the anger at the fact that “the sinner” will not simply go away. Rev. Willie Wilson in DC used the pulpit to berate lesbians, while Bishop Owens, in the same seat of the nation, used the word “faggot” and “sissy” from the pulpit. I was instantly reminded of preachers in Alabama and Mississippi in the 1950s and 1960s, who, from the pulpit, must have told their congregations that they would not tolerate these uppity niggers trying to change the laws of the lands. Who would have thought that Dr. King’s dream would be for an ordained black Christian pastor in 2006 to be equally as vile and ignorant as his white counterpart of 50 years ago? How did we get here, indeed?<br /><br /><img src="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/815/kukluxklan7ja.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><img src="http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/274/auth25wp.gif" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />Both preachers and politicians love to hate the homosexual. They love the sin, because anytime things become too hot in the Senate or in Senegal, in the House or in their homes … they can throw their hat into that arena and are guaranteed an instant shift in the dynamic. It’s a proven manipulative tactic that has worked for all of their recent woes. It is a calculated effort by the far-right leadership to shift the tide and the topic so that voting people, working people, middle class people won’t ask real questions—Why are jobs exported to India? How did 9/11 happen? Why are the HIV positive still not receiving medications? Then, they won’t have to be waiting for real answers that will never arrive. How did we get here, to this place of hating the sinner and loving the sin in present day America? We got here by the works of Karl Rove and cunning rogues who think so little about regular folks that they would dare suggest an amendment to the Constitution, while they are collectively minimizing the mastery of the document itself. <br /><br /><br /><img src="http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/4995/05218110070yk.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />The forefathers were crafting a series of privileges for themselves, never expecting their wives to work, never expecting the slaves to be free and never expecting their children might not be able to compete in a global market. But they wrote in, in English and in arrogance, to protect themselves, not knowing that in doing so they were protecting you, me and all of us. <br /><br />How did we get here—controlled and categorized, complacent and complicit, scared and scarred—and allow ourselves to be so easily and readily riled? How did we get here, having this debate about whether we would amend the Constitution to protect marriage? That is not the question at all. The question is neither how do we, as an LGBT community, fight nor how do get our family and friends to support us. <br /><br /><img src="http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/5557/samesex5bk.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />Instead, we should ask how to get America back on course so that we are asking questions and pushing issues, not buttons. How do we take back our votes and our voices, so that the preacher, the teacher, the politician or the spin-doctor can’t trick or treat us into acquiescing our right to bear arms, with protest placards held high, and lift our hands and our concerns? We do it by remembering that our right to be exactly who we are is not debatable. <br /><br /><img src="http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/7526/kevinmasthead214ji.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /><br /><br />We are beings, human and whole, who have every right to stand up and stand on the same privileges afforded to every other living, breathing, human being in this country. We have to start getting into the debate of who we are and turn the debate back to what we deserve—everything!Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1136003146533952492005-12-30T21:49:00.000-05:002005-12-31T10:01:12.960-05:00THE COLOR PURPLE: THE COLOR GREEN! Between Envy and Box Office, This Is The Color Of The Season!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00403.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/DSC00403.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>(DAVID, DAVID and LEE)<br /><br />My Brother David, My Best Friend David and David's Good Friend Lee all gathered together to in-joy an evening on Broadway. The most talked about musical to take Broadway in years opened to much aplomb. <br /><br />Mega-mogul icon Oprah Winfrey's name above the title and strong, solid cast assembled, THE COLOR PURPLE, the 2nd most popular movie according to BET (behind MALCOLM X, but we'll discuss THAT INJUSTICE at another date), unfolds in its third incarnation, first as book, then Oscar-nominated movie and now onstage.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00412.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/DSC00412.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br />We entered the Broadway on Broadway and the stars are out, even before we get to our seats. By the time we get to Row X, we've already encountered the exquisitely fine Charles Mann and Art Monk of the Legendary Redskins (DC TIL I DIE!) and my David Jackson has assaulted magician David Copperfield, who was in his way and had to be put in his place! Then, on to our seats.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00420.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/DSC00420.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>From the first scene, the musical is stellar.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00418.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/DSC00418.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The Church Ladies, a trio of sangin' heffas, who are reminiscent of the trio from The Little Shop of Horrors, which gave us TISHA CAMPBELL, TISCHINA ARNOLD and MICHELLE WEEKS. This time, its KIMBERLY HARRIS, VIRGINIA WOODRUFF and MAIA WILSON who get to sang their natural behinds off! This is going to be a fun and glorious night!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/photo02.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/photo02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />They bring us into the story that is already well-known to most. Celie, Nettie, Mister, Harpo, Sophia and the gang are all there and they are wonderfully potrayed. LaChanze is wonderful as Celie and Brandon Victor Dixon is so sexy as Harpo that you forget he's supposed to be an oaf. In Brandon's hands, he's a young son whose just trying to find himself and who definitely loves his woman, Sophia. Felicia Fields is a revelation as Sophia and her "you told Harpo to beat me" song HELL NO! is so HOT that it's not only THE song of the musical, it's got its own T-SHIRT!<br /><br />I am not going to even attempt to write a review, because I get way too detailed when I do those AND you know the story. So let me talk about the CAST!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00413.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/DSC00413.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />LaChanze: Pipes like Melba Moore! Innocent and strong as Celie! She was delightful and sweet and vocally dynamic onstage. She is exceptional, beautiful, talented and sweet.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%20AND%20LACHANZE.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/ME%20AND%20LACHANZE.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/THE%20DAVIDS%20AND%20RENEE.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/THE%20DAVIDS%20AND%20RENEE.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Renee Goldsberry: Tender and sweet as the underseen, but poignant Nettie.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Brandon Vincent Dixon: <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/photo03.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/photo03.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Wonderful as Harpo! He and Sophia have a song in the 2nd Act that makes you understand and appreciate that this Slim Sexy Southern Boy loves his woman Full, Feisty and Fierce and he's got the Hots for Sophia that don't get examined in the movie! <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%20DAVID%20BRANDON.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/ME%20DAVID%20BRANDON.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>He's sexy and sincere, and very WONDERFUL outside afterwards, especially to my Brother David.<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC004311.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/DSC004311.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Elisabeth Withers-Mendes is SO sexy as Shug Avery and the lesbian relationship that was inferred in the movie is not only fully realized on stage, it has its own song and "WHAT ABOUT LOVE" is not only ready for radio, when it arrives Miss Patti LaBelle and Miss Jill Scott will be singing the parts! HELLO! But back to Elisabeth! She is Divine! Her "Push Da Button" is sizzling and she's elegant and regal in her own skin and doesn't really need the fabulous wardrobe that they supply her with, but its wonderful nonetheless!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/WITH%20SHUG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/WITH%20SHUG.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Kingsley Leggs is strong and assertive as MISTER, but has the opportunity for redemption in the musical and its a wonderful thing to see. The movie only suggested "Albert" and his change of heart, but in the musical, he's brought back to the table and there is closure and some sense of peace in his social and personal redemption. <br /><br />The biggest surprise of the evening was MR. LOUIS MYERS, of A DIFFERENT WORLD fame, as MISTER'S FATHER! <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/loumyers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/loumyers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> He get it and quit, but his short time on the stage STILL brought GREAT APPLAUSE! He was wonderful at the stage door and commented on how "WONDERFUL IT IS TO ALWAYS SEE BROTHERS COME TO THE THEATRE!" Our Black Male Clan all shared a sweet moment with him.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/A-Different-World.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/A-Different-World.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As far as staging goes, two scenes warrant notice in particular! The bevy of male dancers have a scene called THE BIG DOGS, where they warn Miss Celie of her impending life with Mister. "You think you have been through some pain. But you are about to Roll With The Big Dog!" <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/BUCKS.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/BUCKS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>The song wasn't that stellar, but the Chorus Line of Beautiful Black Sweaty Menz was glorious to see! It was so hot to see the brothers on-stage and equally as amusing to hear the women wincing all around the theatre! I could even hear Patti LaBelle, who slipped in right before the lights went down, Living It Up from her seat down front.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00419.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/DSC00419.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The second is in The Second Act, which opens with AFRICA! The Dancing. The Costumes. The Energy of it were just spectacular! <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/photo09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/photo09.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> YOU MUST SEE THIS SHOW! I know that tickets are expensive, but SEARCH and you might find a great place for tickets at a not-so-weighty price (try ONLINESEATS.COM). This show is glorious.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00421.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/DSC00421.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Afterwards, we waited in the cold at the BackStage Door and it was worth the wait. We were greeted by and took pictures with LaChanze, Elisabeth, Renee, Brandon and a few of the cast stopped even though they clearly weren't yet used to being asked for autographs. Virginia and Kimberly were really shocked, but very sweet! MAIA...you got away from us, making our CHURCH LADIES TRIFECTA incomplete! NEXT TIME! <br /><br />We waited and waited because although we had seen MUCH of the cast, we were NOT leaving without getting Miss Felicia Fields autograph! SHE TORE THE BUILDING DOWN WITH "HELL NO!" and she needed to get our HELL YES! in response! <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/LEE%20AND%20FELICIA.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/LEE%20AND%20FELICIA.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DAVID%20WITH%20FELICIA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/DAVID%20WITH%20FELICIA.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We waited and some 20 minutes later, she appeared and she was VANGLORIOUS! Resplendent in black fur and a cold-melting smile, she was shocked that we waited. She hugged and kissed each of us and took individual pictures, signed our books and even apologized. She was waiting because, as is the case in NYC, she was able to walk home AND she didn't think there would be people waiting! Well, Kevin, Lee and the Davids waited and we are SO glad we did. Not only for Felicia, but for the chance to get tickets. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/MY%20DAVID%20WITH%20FELICIA.0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/MY%20DAVID%20WITH%20FELICIA.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />THE COLOR PURPLE is a wonderful night of theatre at the highest level. Its entertaining, moves well and has a BRILLIANT cast! SEE it and get the soundtrack when it comes at the end of January!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%20WITH%20FELICIA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/ME%20WITH%20FELICIA.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />IF YOU DON'T SEE THIS, YOU'LL BE THE COLOR GREEN come the night of the Tonys! Remember we said it...FELICIA FIELDS!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Love and Joy!Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1132991660497794182005-11-26T02:35:00.000-05:002005-12-08T20:57:36.010-05:00THIS PERVERSION OF CONVERSION"I MADE YOU AND NOT YOU YOURSELF"<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%200131.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/ME%200131.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />“I KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE FORMED IN YOUR MOTHER’S WOMB, I CONCEIVED YOU.”<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/revface.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/revface.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />IN THE JOURNEY OF CHRISTIANDOM, THE LGBT COMMUNITIES ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHOSE TRANSFIGURATION FROM SINNER TO SAINT, FROM WORLDLY TO HOLY IS CALLED A CONVERSION.<br /><br />ALCOHOLICS ARE SAVED, CHANGED FROM THEIR WAYS, THEIR BEHAVIORS.<br /><br />WHOREMONGERS, THIEVES, LIARS, ADULTERERS, ABUSERS AND ALL OTHER MANNER OF PERSON WHO LIVE A LIFE THAT THE FUNDAMENTALIST ESTABLISHMENT CONSIDERATION OUTSIDE OF THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD, ARE SAID TO BE CHANGED.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/LITTLEME.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/LITTLEME.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>YET, WE ARE CONVERTED. THE CHURCH KNEW THAT THEY COULDN’T TELL US TO CHANGE. THEY KNEW THAT WAS AN ARROGANT AND IGNORANT REQUEST. WE CAN NO SOONER CHANGE THAN WHITE CAN TO BLACK OR SHORT TO TALL. SO THEY PULL UP A LOFTIER WORD THAT SOUNDS MORE BIBLICAL IN ITS AUTHORITY—CONVERSION.<br /><br />WHAT IS, INDEED, THIS THING—CONVERSION. WHAT IS THE CHURCH SAYING WHEN IT TALKS OF HOMOSEXUAL BEING CONVERTED, FROM ONE LIFESTYLE, IF YOU WILL, TO ANOTHER. WERE NOT PEOPLE HANGING OUT IN THE CLUBS AND DRINKING AND SMOKING AND SEXING LIVING ONE LIFESTYLE AND THEN, ARE SAVED, AND MOVE FORWARD TO LIVE ANOTHER? THEN, WHY, ARE HOMOSEXUALS SAID TO BE CONVERTED.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ANTHONYcover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/ANTHONYcover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>LISTEN INDEED, AS WE CONSIDER THE SLIGHT BUT SIGNIFICANT VARIANCE IN THE WORDS AND MEANING OF CONVERSION VERSUS CHANGE:<br /><br />TO CONVERT MEANS:<br />1. To change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product; transform: convert water into ice. <br />2. To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another; adapt to a new or different purpose: convert a forest into farmland. <br />3. To persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief: convert pagans to Christianity; was converted to pacifism by the war. <br />BUT, WE THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE CALLED TO BE AGENTS OF CHANGE AND TO CHANGE MEANS:<br />To cause to be different, To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform: changed the yard into a garden. To give and receive reciprocally; interchange: change places. <br /><br />WHILE WE, MEN AND WOMEN OF EARTH WOULD LOVE BELIEVE, WITH ALL OF OUR SCIENCE AND MASTERS, OUR TRICKS AND OUR TRIUMPHS, TO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE THE POWER TO MANDATE A CONVERSION, WE OFTEN HAVE ONLY BROUGHT ABOUT CHANGE.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/UNCLUTTERCOVER.0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/UNCLUTTERCOVER.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>AS MUCH AS CREAM OF NATURE AND REVLON WANT TO MAKE YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE CONVERTED YOUR BRUNETTE TO BLONDE OR YOUR KINKY TO STRAIGHT OR WAVY, THE ARRIVAL OF NEW GROWTHM REMINDS US THAT WE HAVE ONLY CAUSED A CHANGE IN THE HAIR, NOT A CONVERSION.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PrayerGroup.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/PrayerGroup.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> TO CHANGE SIMPLY MEANS TO CAUSE TO BE DIFFERENT. WE ARE THE ARMBEARERS OF CHANGE. WE ARE THE VISUAL EXMAPLES OF CHANGE. SOMEONE WANTS TO CHANGE WHO THEY ARE AND HOW THEY LIVE BY LOOKING AT WHAT THAT CHANGE HAS BROUGHT ABOUT IN OTHERS.<br /><br />SO, THEN, WHAT IS THIS RECENT PHENOMENON OF CONVERSION. THIS IDEA OF MAN THAT SOMEHOW THEY ARE ABLE TO TAKE SOMETHING THAT GOD MADE IN ONE FORM AND CONVERT IT TO SOMETHING OUTSIDE OF ITS ORIGIN, ITS CREATION, ITS ORIENTATION IF YOU WILL<br /><br />TO SUGGEST THAT GOD MANDATES A CONVERSION OF THOSE OF US WHO ARE HOMOSEXUAL INTO SOME OTHER FORM IS TO SUGGEST THAT GOD HAD STEPPED OUT OF THE ROOM WHILE WE WERE IN LIFE’S OVEN COOKING.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/kev-new.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/kev-new.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>WHEN GOD FIRST HEARD JAMES BALDWIN SAY ALOUD THAT HE SOUGHT THE LOVE OF GOODHEARTED MAN WHO WASN’T AFRAID TO LIVE LIFE WITHOUT FEAR, GOD SAT ON HIGH AND SAID: WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT WILLIS?<br /><br />WHEN GOD HEARD AUDRE LORDE SPEAK WITH PROSE AND PASSION OF THE AFFECTION AND CONNECTION OF SISTERLOVE, GOD SAID ALOUD: I DON’T KNOW<br /><br />WHEN GOD FIRST HEARD TELL THAT GERTRUDE STEIN WAS WORKING ON WOMEN’S CAUSES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A WOMAN WHO LOVED WOMEN, THAT SOMEHOW GOD UTTERED-- DID I DO THAT?<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SuperStock_1566-027529.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SuperStock_1566-027529.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>SOMEONE DARE INTIMATE THAT WHEN GOD FIRST JONATHAN STAND BEFORE HIM AND VOW TO DAVID TO KNIT HIS SOUL TO HIM AND GAVE HIM ALL THAT HE HAD, THAT GOD SAID--WHAT’S THAT? WHAT’S HAPPENING? WHAT’S GOING ON HERE, HONEY?<br /><br />THAT WHEN INFORMED THAT YOUNG KEVIN EDWARD TAYLOR LOVED HIM AND ONE DAY, WANTED TO SERVE AS A PASTOR AND HELP BRING THOSE WHO WERE THROWN UP, THROWN OUT AND THROWN AROUND BY THE CHURCH BACK INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD, JUST AS THEY WERE, THAT THE GOD I SERVE SAID—HOLD UP! WAIT A MINUTE!<br /><br />SEE, WE CHANGE THINGS, PRAISE GOD, BUT ONLY GOD CAN CONVERT. <br /><br />THE GOD I SERVE HAS NEVER HEALED A BLIND MAN WHO HAD TO WEAR GLASSES NOR HAS GOD EVER HEALED A LAME MAN WHO NEEDED TO USE CRUTCHES.<br /><br />WHEN GOD MODIFIES A THING, IT IS NO LONGER WHAT IS WAS! WHEN MY OWN MOTHER ASKED THE LORD TO TAKE THE TASTE OF ALCOHOL FROM HER MOUTH, IT WAS GONE. SHE WASN’T STILL SIPPING ON A LITTLE WINE EVERY NOW AND THEN. GOD HAD CONVERTED HER FROM THAT WHICH SHE WAS INTO A NEW CREATURE.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SuperStock_1566-026182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SuperStock_1566-026182.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>YOU ARE HERE TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S HEARTS AND CHANGE PEOPLE’S MINDS SO THAT YOU CAN BRING THEM TO GOD THAT GOD MIGHT CONVERT THEM FROM LOST TO FOUND, FROM BLIND TO SIGHTED, FROM CRACK ADDICT TO DRUG COUNSELOR, FROM WHOREMONGER TO HIV PEER EDUCATOR, FROM BROKEN TO BUILDER, FROM SINNER TO SAINT. ONLY GOD CAN CAUSE A THING TO BE CONVERTED AND GOD DIDN’T CREATE ANYTHING THAT GOD THEN FOUND IT NECESSARY TO CONVERT.<br /><br />GOD SEES US LOST IN THE WORLD AND WANTS US TO KNOW THIS….I MADE YOU AND NOT YOU YOURSELF. I KNOW YOU AND I KNEW ALL ABOUT YOU, EVEN WHILE YOU WERE STRUGGLING WITH IT. I KNEW IT WHEN I PUT THAT BLACK FAMILY IN THAT WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD AND YOU FELT DIFFERENT. I KNEW IT WHEN I PLACED THAT GIRL IN THAT BOY’S SPORT TEAM, YOU FELT DIFFERENT. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/Prayer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/Prayer.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> WHEN YOU THE ONLY ONE IN YOUR FAMILY DREAMING BIG DREAMS EVEN FROM THE PROJECTS, YOU FELT DIFFERENT. AND GOD SAID, I DIDN’T CHANGE YOU THAT YOU WOULD GIVE UP ON YOURSELF BECAUSE OF THOSE DIFFERENCES. I USED THOSE DIFFERENCES FOR THE GOOD OF YOU AND BECAUSE YOU HELD ONTO MY HAND, I DIDN’T JUST CHANGE YOUR SURROUNDINGS, I CONVERTED YOUR OUTCOME.<br /><br />WE ARE COMMANDED TO CHANGE.<br /><br />THIS IS NOT ABOUT TEMPTATION, IT’S ABOUT ORIENTATION. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN CHANGED FROM TRYING TO SLEEP WITH EVERY MAN TO FINDING THE ONE MAN WITH WHOM YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SPEND YOUR LIFE. YOU WENT FROM A LIFE OF WHOREMONGERING AND ALCOHOL AND YOUR FIRST RELATIONSHIP WAS WITH SOME MAN MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLDER THAN YOU, BUT NOW, YOU WANT CHANGE AND TO CHANGE. THAT HAPPENS IN GOD AND THERE IS NO CONVERSION IN THE WORLD, BUT CONVERSION IN GOD. THAT CONVERSION IS IN THE TRANSFORMING OF YOUR MIND..."BE YE RENEWED BY THE TRANSFORMING OF YOUR MIND." <br /><br />THEY SAY THAT DOCTORS OFTEN PLAY GOD, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH IN THEIR HANDS, BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH PLAYS GOD MORE THAN GEORGE BURNS AND MORGAN FREEMAN COMBINED. THEY WANT YOU TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE CALLED TO BE CONVERTED. THAT IF YOU SUIT UP FOR THE ARMY OF THE FUNDAMENTALIST, THEN YOU ARE SOMEHOW NO LONGER THAT LITTLE BOY WHO JUMPED ROPE, THAT LITTLE GIRL WHO RIPPED OFF DRESSES, THAT LITTLE CHILD WHO COULD OUT COOK HIS OWN MOMMA AT 8. THAT DIDN’T CHANGE. YOU DIDN'T CHANGE. IT HAPPENED LONG BEFORE YOU HAD EVER BEEN MADE AWARE OF YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION. GOD KNEW YOU.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/1566-0433.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/1566-0433.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>IT MIGHT GET ROUGH SOMETIMES AND PEOPLE MIGHT TELL YOU ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PRAY AND FAST AND YOU WILL CHANGE, BUT ITS NOT YOUR ORIENTATION THAT MUST CHANGE IN PRAYER. IT'S YOUR HABITS, YOUR BEHAVIORS.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />IN GOD, THERE MUST BE A CONVERSION, A CHANGE OF HEART. YOUR LIFE AND YOUR SEXUALITY ARE NOT ABOUT AN ABOMINATION OF GOD, FOR GOD COMMANDED THAT YOU ARE WONDERFULLY AND BEAUTIFULLY MADE. BUT THE THINGS THAT YOU DO IN TRYING TO FIND YOURSELF, TO BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SKIN OR ACCEPTED IN YOUR COMMUNITIES CAN MAKE YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOU ARE NOT KNOWN TO GOD. BUT REST ASSURED, GOD KNOWS YOU AND KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE. THAT'S NOT SOMETHING TO BE CONVERTED. CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD, WITHOUT THE INFLUENCES OF GAY PRIDE AND TV AND "THE WHITE MAN" HAVE KNOWN TWO-SPIRITED PEOPLE FOR MILLENNIA AND BEFORE WE EVER DEBATED IT IN MEGACHURCHES AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS. <br /><br />TO BE CONVERTED, YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE A MISTAKE. I AM NOT A MISTAKE. GOD DOESN'T MAKE MISTAKES. WE DO.<br /><br />WE DO WHEN WE TRY TO DRINK IT AWAY, SMOKE IT AWAY, SEX IT AWAY, LIE IT AWAY. I HEARD THIS ONE DAY AND IT CHANGED MY HEART ABOUT TRYING TO DEFEND WHAT GOD HAS CREATED IN ME:<br /><br />"I WOULD RATHER BE HATED FOR WHO I AM THEN LOVED FOR WHO I AM NOT!"<br /><br />I AM GOD'S SON. I LIVE IN THAT. I TRUST THAT. <br /><br />UNTIL I GET HOME TO TALK TO DADDY, I BELIEVE THAT AND LIVE MY CHRISTIAN LIFE ACCORDINGLY!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1127367984469140732005-09-22T00:58:00.000-04:002005-09-22T02:10:07.720-04:00WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?!...............UP!<strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A PLACE OF PENSIVE, PROCRASTINATION AND PURGING...A CHILD WAS BORN!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SuperStock_1566-0185283.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SuperStock_1566-0185283.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I haven't posted to my blog since August 3rd. I haven't because I procrastinate. But that's not the only truth. <br /><br />As a Pastor, I have lost three (3) members in a month.<br /><br />As a Pastor, I have buried five (5) members since October 2004 and also buried a fellow Pastor from Phoenix, AZ, who happened to be from Newark, NJ.<br /><br />It has been a trying season. <br /><br />It will ever be remembered as The Summer of My Ascent. I had originally called it The Summer of My Discontent. <br /><br />But then, I remembered. I GOT UP!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%20009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/ME%20009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes, things get crazy. All at once. <br /><br />Katrina AND Rita in the same season! Death and job loss, in the same season. Break-up and seroconversion in the same season. Sometimes, things happen on top of each other and you feel like you can't make it.<br /><br />But you're thinking you can't make it the best evidence you can! YOU ARE ALIVE and breathing and thinking and living, so DO SOMETHING!<br /><br />Craziness comes to stop you from doing something! So instead of focusing on the craziness that shows up and the why you and the what next, remember one thing: THE THING YOU WERE DOING WHEN IT SHOWED UP!<br /><br />It only came to try to stop you from flying!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary12.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sanctuary12.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />There's an old gospel song called I'M TOO CLOSE. That's where I am today. I'm too close to turn around. I'm too close to emptying out my Heavenly Closet of all the things that I asked God for. I'm too close to finishing my life's purpose. And, if I wasn't on The Road to my destiny, then why would crazy show up? It shows up to try and stop me from completing work.<br /><br />I got up today, with a new purpose and a new focus. I have work to do and I cannot slow down now. I know that this is 'only a blog' and that might not mean anything to anyone else. But to make, this is about a life's purpose and power and I'm too close. I can't stop until MISSION ACCOMPLISHED gets stamped across my last mission.<br /><br />SO, I MAKE A NEW VOW! <br /><br />I'M BACK AND IT'S ON, AND POPPING!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary111.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sanctuary111.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></strong>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1123108296593432682005-08-03T16:36:00.000-04:002005-08-03T20:10:31.713-04:00MAKE YOUR NAME MEAN SOMETHING!<strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/MYSMILE2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/MYSMILE2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong></strong>What do you think people are saying about you when you are not in the room?<br /><br />What do you think people are saying when they know you are coming?<br /><br />What does the sound of your name evoke in people? In the world? In You?!<br /><br />"MAKE YOUR NAME MEAN SOMETHING" is about taking control of your life, your dreams and your destiny and making the utterance of your name in the Universe MEAN SOMETHING! Someone is doing something purposeful and powerful and poignant and real Someone is about their business. Someone is making a dent, a change, a mark in the world and remembers that they came here for a reason!<br /><br />How do you make your name mean something?<br /><br />By making your life about something!!!<br /><br />What are you doing with your life on a daily basis? I'm not just talking about the job that you are working to pay the bills. I'm not talking about raising your kids or going to school. I mean what are you doing with the REST of your day, the time you have for you. DO you have any YOU time? If someone asked you what your dreams were, would you be able to answer? Would your life support that dream? Or would it sound like a pipedream?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/MYPROFILES.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/MYPROFILES.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />How do you get to your life? How do you get to the point where your name means something's happening? <br /><br />By making space in your life for your dreams. Its like when someone says that they are way too busy for a relationship but then meet someone that they really, really like and then BAM, all of a sudden, they FIND hours in the day to spend with this new person. They didn't create more time. They didn't quit their jobs just to be in love. They FOUND the time but pushing things out that were wasting time and BAM, more time for you and your dreams.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/MEANITASTEPHANIE_edited.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/MEANITASTEPHANIE_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />You make your name MEAN something by always working on your dreams. No matter where you are in your journey, you must be continously expecting that your dreams are possible and acting like you know.<br /><br />So many people want things right and perfect and lined up and in order and pretty before they step out. But the truth is that ANYONE could make YOUR dream come true if ALL OF THE ELEMENTS WERE RIGHT! Dreams come true and happen when you are persistent and working on them even (and especially) when people believe that you should give up. <br /><br />I read somewhere that LUCK is OPPORTUNITY meets PREPARATION. That means that you get your break when THE CHANCE TO DO WHAT YOU DO FINDS YOU READY TO DO IT!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/ME%200131.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/ME%20013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />YOUR NAME MEANS SOMETHING WHEN YOUR DREAMS MEAN SOMETHING AND YOU FIND A WAY TO DO THE MARIAH CAREY (AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!).<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><strong></strong> Love, RevKev!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/UNCLUTTERCOVER.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/UNCLUTTERCOVER.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></strong>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1121480688528616142005-07-15T21:38:00.000-04:002005-07-25T21:57:23.473-04:00REVIVE US AGAIN: A REASON AND A SEASON FOR REVIVAL!<strong><strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary16.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sanctuary16.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> [NOTE: This is a reprint of my sermon from Sunday, July 10, 2005, after REVIVE US AGAIN: THREE (3) NIGHTS OF POWER, a revival series. When things really started to get "weary" in my spirit, I asked the Lord for a sign. The same day, I went outside to my Jeep, and there was a dove on the roof of the building beside our church parking lot. That dove returned EVERY DAY for 3 weeks, and left THE DAY BEFORE THE REVIVAL, when it stormed. The dove has not returned since.]<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />GET UP UNDER THE ‘TENT’<br />Psalms 91<br /><br />“LORD SEND A REVIVAL!”<br /><br />Those words got uttered for various services in the season before mega-churches and an edifice on every street corner in the urban city. Truly a revival is not an urban phenomenon. A revival, or a tent meeting, would come through rural areas, where renowned pastors from the larger neighboring towns would travel and bring a word to the local townspeople. Also, churches that were growing or on the move would hold revivals when they didn’t have a large enough sanctuary to house people for an ongoing series of worship services, and a tent meeting provided more space. <br /><br />When mother called out to God to “send a revival,” it also meant often that times felt troubled and she needed a renewal, an uplifting, a few ongoing nights to tarry with the Lord, so that she could run on to see what the end would be. Those successive nights of praise and prayer, singing and shouting, would give her power. Sometimes it was a different preacher each night. Sometimes it was the same pastor, on fire nightly, bringing a word. Whatever it was that called the people into revival, once there, they knew that fire would fall, because the presence of the Lord was there AND because they had asked for it. They had asked for the power and the majesty of God’s anointing to come on through and bless them, in the fields and in the land; that’s when they didn’t always have a church building to go to revival in on a nightly basis.<br /><br />Yet, we do.<br /><br />Here, with 4 walls and ongoing ministries, we still call for Revival. Why? Because somebody needed some sanctuary. Why? Because somebody needed some strength. Why? Because somebody needed a hiding place.<br /><br />Go with me to Psalms 91 and let’s see what the word of the Lord says about a hiding place:<br /><br />(Read Full PSALMS 91)<br /><br />I’d like to offer you a word today, to close out this week of Revival, and that word is: <br /><br />GET UP UNDER THE TENT!<br /><br />Let’s read these first 4 VERSES together. Listen to them and see if you can hear what the Lord, through David, is saying to us about Sanctuary in the Lord.<br /> <br /> <em>He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord He is my refuge and my fortress; my god; in him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shall thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary41.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/sanctuary4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Let’s spend a moment, if we can with that word:<br /><br />DWELLETH. <br /><br />To dwell means to reside, to exist in a given place, to fasten one’s attention on…See you can’t just do a spiritual drive-by with God and expect to be blessed and feel safe. You can’t just be a Christian on Sunday and then try to slip from under in by Wednesday night. You can’t put on the whole armor of God when you get in trouble and wiggle out of it when its feels like too much to carry all day, every day. You’ve got to be willing to LIVE there—UNDER GOD’S WING, IN THE SECRET PLACE, SAFE, PROTECTED AND EMPOWERED.<br /><br />And while you are there, secretly safe, you get tried and trained, so that you can indeed walk in the world, on a daily basis, with that whole armor on and KNOW that you are protected. In order to DWELL, to live freely, under the wing of the Most High, you have got to come to God knowingly and WILLINGLY and prepared to submit yourself and renew yourself and help yourself. <br /><br />First, up under the TENT, you have got to be REPENTENT: <br />Read verses 5 and 6<br /><br />Then, you have got to be RESISTENT: <br />Read verses 7 and 8<br /><br />Then, you have got to be CONSISTENT: <br />Read verse 9 and 10<br /><br />Then, you have got to be PERSISTENT: <br />Read verses 11 through 13<br /><br />Then, and finally, you have got to be INSISTENT: <br />Read verses 14 through 16<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/sanctuary19.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />When you are living with God, you know that NO hurt, harm or danger can trouble you! <br /><br />When you are living with God, you know that nothing can bring you down or take you off the mark.<br /><br />When you are living with God, you know that you know that you are supposed to have goodness and mercy following you all of the days of your life, as you what DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!<br /><br />When you live with God, not visit God, not stop by God, not call on God, but when you LIVE WITH GOD, you know that you are safe.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary31.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sanctuary31.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Get up under the tent:<br /><br />THE REPEN-TENT<br />THE PERSIS-TENT<br />THE RESIS-TENT<br />THE CONSIS-TENT<br />THE INSIS-TENT!<br /><br />Get up under the TENT and know that God will guide and protect you, lead and direct you, walk with you, be with you!<br /><br />Get up under the tent, because you were called to this week of revival to get out of being PARKED ON LIFE’S HIGHWAY. You realize that you have been idling and trifling with your power and your joy and your peace and peace of mind and you want to drive on, walk on, move on to see what the end will be.<br /> <br />Get up under the tent, because you are finally ready to GRIP IT! STRIP IT AND RELOAD…you want a new thing, in you, for you and all around you.<br /><br />Get up under the tent, because you are WANTING, WAITING and WILLING to move in God and let God move in you!<br /><br />GET UP UNDER THE TENT because you have finally come to a place where you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and worn and weary and you cried out LORD, SEND ME SOMETHING NEW! SEND ME A SIGN THAT THIS IS WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO BE! SEND ME A WORD THAT IS JUST FOR ME! SEND ME A MESSAGE THAT WILL SHAKE MY FOUNDATION AND CHANGE MY MIND! <br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/sanctuary36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/sanctuary36.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />LORD, SEND A REVIVAL!<br /><br />WELL, HERE IT IS, PEOPLE OF GOD!!! NOW, WHILE STORMS ARE RAGING, TAKE REFUGE UNDER THE TENT! WHILE HAIL IS FALLING AND HELL IS CALLING, TAKE REFUGE UNDER THE TENT! WHILE DARKNESS LOOMS, TAKE REFUGE UP UNDER THE TENT!<br /><br />LIVE HERE!<br /><br />DON’T JUST RESIDE HERE, BUT HERE, UP UNDER THE TENT YOU CAN HAVE LIFE AND THAT MORE ABUNDANTLY! THERE IS A DIFFERENCE INDEED BETWEEN LIVING HERE AND RESIDING HERE! <br /><br />SHE THAT DWELLETH IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY! ONE OF THE DEFINITIONS OF ABIDE IS TO CONTINUE TO BE SURE…OR FIRM! IF YOU ARE UP UNDER THE TENT…IF YOU ARE UP UNDER THE WING…IF YOU ARE THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY, YOU HAVE GOT TO KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAFE. SAFE TO SOAR! SAFE TO DANCE! SAFE TO MOVE AND HAVING YOUR BE! <br /><br />WHEN YOU LIVE SOMEWHERE AND ITS YOURS, YOU AIN’T AFRAID TO JUST WALK AROUND AS OPEN AND NAKED AS YOU PLEASE! IT’S MY HOUSE AND I LIVE HERE! IF I WANT TO SHOUT IN MY HOUSE, IT’S MY HOUSE! IF I WANT TO SCREAM, IT’S MY HOUSE!<br /><br />UP UNDER THE TENT, WHERE YOU LIVE AND MOVE AND PRAY AND FAST, YOU HAVE GOT TO LET EVERYTHING ELSE GO! <br /><br />HERE, YOU DON’T NEED ANYTHING ELSE, BUT THE KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD PROMISED THAT GOD WOULD NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU! <br /><br />SAFE!<br /><br />NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM MY LOVE!<br /><br />SAFE!<br /><br />I AM NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS!<br /><br />SAFE!<br /><br /><br />I MADE YOU AND NOT YOU YOURSELF!<br /><br />SAFE!<br /><br />YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!<br /><br />SAFE!<br /><br />UP UNDER THE TENT!<br />UP UNDER THE WING!<br />UP UNDER THE SHADOW!<br /><br />THERE, SAFE, THERE, PROTECTED, THERE, PAID FOR, THERE, BLED, SUFFERED AND DIED, THERE, REDEEMED, THERE, RENEWED, THERE, RESTORED, THERE, EMPOWERED, THERE, THERE, THERE, UP UNDER THE WING OF THE LORD, YOU ARE WELCOME!!!<br /><br />NOW ACT LIKE YOU KNOW AND GO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE, WHILE YOU ARE DWELLING IN YOUR BEST SKIN…SAFE!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/1439R-1450132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/1439R-1450131.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/SANCTUARYphotos%20%2825%29.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/SANCTUARYphotos%20%2825%29.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <br /><br /><br />REVIVE...REJUVENATE, RENEW, REJOICE, REJOLT... GET UP AGAIN AND ACT LIKE YOU KNOW!<br /><br /> Power, Rev. Kev<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></strong></strong>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12268736.post-1120919322732947552005-07-09T10:03:00.000-04:002005-12-31T13:44:27.680-05:00THE LEGACY AND LAUGHTER OF LUTHER VANDROSS<strong><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/withluther1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/withluther.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Luther Vandross and My Favorite Singer, Miss Natalie Cole<br /><br /><br />Luther Vandross and I met during an interview. But we connected over Divas.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00374.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/DSC00374.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/DSC00347.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/DSC00347.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I still remember the gathering of executives and camera crews at The Sony Club (the posh and very executive restaurant/space at the top of the Sony Building). The President, VPs, publicists and other officials were gathering to make the Superstar know that he mattered. The anticipation and expectation of "Songs," his 1994 collection of remakes, was supposed to be Sony's "breaking" Luther fully into the Pop realm. Everyone was busy and on their best behavior, because Mr. Vandross had a certain level of...expectation. Everyone was worried about the lighting, the food, the positioning of the chairs and every minor and major detail, awaiting the arrival of Mr. Vandross. This was only my second interview in the "Lyrically Speaking" series that I did for BET from 1993 to 1996, and Luther was the biggest male star of our times. I was freaking out! I had sent him ALL of my questions. I had worn my best suit. I hadn't eaten for a week, and now I was seeing why. Mr. Vandross had a certain level of expectation.<br /><br />Then it happened.<br /><br />There was a buzz around the elevator area at the front of the Club and I knew that LUTHER VANDROSS had arrived! The buzz was Legendary and of Hollywood proportions. People were aflutter and walking and talking simultaneously, each with the simple hope of being the One to make Luther Vandross happy. He was somewhere in the midst of the diluge of people and I had yet to "see" Luther, but I could surely tell that He had arrived.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/luther61.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/320/luther61.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As the mass of stylist, makeup artist and overall entourage parted, THERE HE WAS! LUTHER! LUTHA! LOOFA! As a boy from DC, and a child of the Quiet Storm, I felt like royalty had just walked into the room. It was LUTHER VANDROSS and he was more than I expected and yet, not. I expected class. I got in it the manner of his intelligent and warm introduction and acknowledgement of my questions, received and approved. I expected style. I got it in the manner of his exceptional Versace top and a Gucci suit so sharp I had to tell him. I expected handsome. I got it in the manner of a tall, chocolate brown man with strong cheekbones and large hands and a smile that would have made one uncomfortable to speak but unable not to do so. I expected attitude, just by the way that the people around him were trembling. However, I got warmth and charm and a quick "Those shoes are fabulous! Are they Italian?" to my shoes, which was the beginning of a beautiful conversation. As I replied truthfully "I got these for $18 dollars at a shop in Adams Morgan in DC," Luther's mouth fell upon and he snapped "You Lie!" and it was on! <br /><br />We talked about his lofty and powerful career.<br />We talked about his humble beginnings.<br />We talked about his feud with En Vogue (in detail that I have NEVER revealed!)<br />We talked about Anita and The Sounds of Blackness and his fabulous tours.<br />We talked about love and life and style.<br />We talked about his work with Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack and Dionne Warwick and the like.<br /><br />That's when we bonded.<br /><br />I played a game of "Name That Diva," where I would simply say the name of a female vocalist and Luther would say what he thought of them. <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PattiLabelle_Universal_Th.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PattiLabelle_Universal_Th.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/aso_int_bio_franklin.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/aso_int_bio_franklin.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Nancy Wilson.<br />Patti.<br />Diana Ross.<br />Chaka Khan.<br />Aretha.<br />Rachelle Ferrell.<br /><br />With each name, Luther had something detailed and dynamic, loving and laudable to say about each. It was like talking music with my best pal, who could do it all day, because we loved The Ladies With A Song! <br /><br />But I hadn't mentioned by own personal favorite, and that was on purpose. Luther was on record as a HUGE Aretha Franklin fan who had carried actual albums to school with him. Luther was also on record as having watched his grades plummet when word hit the world that Diana was leaving the Supremes. So I knew that Luther and Diana and Aretha were Inseparable and since Inseparable was about Natalie and Natalie and Aretha and Natalie and Diana hadn't been the best of buddies, I thought that the mention would bring ice to our otherwise warm cup of tea. But I had to find out for myself. And so, I said:<br /><br />Me: "Natalie Cole." Luther: "Let me tell you something. I think she is the most underappreciated Diva of our times. She's had more than one highly successful career. She's a Survivor. She's gorgeous and I just love her! She's a fabulous fabulous singer!"<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/6875701.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/6875701.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />WHAT?! I WAS IN LOVE! Luther and I bonded over Divas and afternoon tea with Bille Woodruff (reknowned director of ALL of Toni Braxton's GOOD videos and HONEY and BEAUTY SHOP!).<br /><br />So I understand, as a music insider, as a music appreciator, and as a person, the loss of Luther Vandross. But what remains of him is unforgettable. Every note, every riff, every buglebead and light show of him will remain for us to revere and remember.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/lutherFANS1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/lutherFANS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/LutherCASKET3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/LutherCASKET1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/lutherUSHER1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/lutherUSHER1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />As Aretha and Patti, Dionne and Stevie, Usher and Cissy and Cicely and Roberta all gathered to say goodbye to him, we are reminded of WHO LUTHER VANDROSS REALLY WAS. He was classy man who came into this world and into the industry of music to make a change. His girls--Diana, Dionne and Aretha--had all had a bad turn of lack in their careers and along came Luther and "GET TO IT" and "HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE SAY GOODBYE" and stunning background vocals, to make a change. His niece took the podium to tell us that "Uncle Ronnie" (Luther's middle name was Ronzoni, yes like the Pasta!) had made them all "fabulous" and unafraid to be so! Luther Vandross was demure and refined and discreet and dignified, in ways that Black Folks and Music had forgotten about long ago.<br /><br />Luther Vandross came along to remind us. To remind us that class isn't only a place in school and discretion was only for parental advisories. Luther was a man of good measure and he poured it out in wonderful portions to us all.<br /><br />I will always remember that everytime I saw Luther, we would share this exchange: "Hello Mr. Vandross." "Well, Hello Mr. Taylor." And we would talk, briefly, but very joyfully, about the latest NATALIE, WHITNEY, ARETHA, PATTI, CHAKA, GLADYS, DIONNE moment and hugged and that was that. We would say Hello at industry functions and in the BET studio and he was always the same. Warm. Real. Sweet. Dignified. Funny. <br /><br />All the talk about whether Luther was or wasn't is so about trying to forgot who he already was. Luther, with his fabulous shows and great suits and astonishing voice and professionalism and epic need for perfection was ALL about a NEED TO ACHIEVE THE BEST! Yes, Black people have LIVED AND BREATHED in that "twice as good to be half as successful" mentality and have since slavery. Yes, the pressure on Black Gay Men can be TWICE as lofty as that. <br /><br />But Luther was already too much! <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/luther81.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/400/luther8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />He worked the stage.<br />He adored his Divas.<br />He cared for his family.<br />He honored his friends.<br />He loved his craft.<br /><br />Luther--STRONG, POWERFUL, GIFTED, CLASSY--was NEVER TOO MUCH!<br /><br />He was just what we needed and we thank you LUTHER RONZONI VANDROSS for stopping by and cleaning up the mess that was R&B and returning her to DIVA STATUS!<br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/1600/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4433/1031/200/PHOTOshoot15CLOSEUP2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Love Always,<br />Rev. Kev</strong>Kevin E. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05001025088498995547noreply@blogger.com68