Posts filed under: ‘Areatha Franklin‘
Kim Burrell secular music star…wanna be
I have been thinking about Kim Burrell since my son made mention to me
about her crossing-over into secular music. From gospel artist to jazz diva…or R&B mama…I don’t know… But I find it hard to wrap my mind around it.
Why would anyone want to give up on the Lord and go search out something else?
To me all I can think is that she sold her soul for a contract and a hope for a few more dollars.
When you sit down…when you think about it…her rep and CD sales were not shabby gospelwise. So, then why the cross-over?
http://www.prleap.com/pr/146391/
Why did Kim decide that she wanted to forsake gospel music for something more inclined to not be accepted by the gospel community…something like going ‘secular?’
Maybe she feels that if Sam Cooke could do it…and do it… I guess by some
reports…that he did so successfully… then maybe she could… or can do it too. But Sam died young. I think he ended up being shot to death.
And that is why I would never turn my back on the Lord. The Bible tells us that it is better to have never known Him…than to turn away from him.
If Whitney Houston knows better…and I feel she does…how then can Kim Burrell who professed to be saved…then how can she be so backward
in her thinking?
And Whitney does know better. Whitney has
always added bits and pieces of gospel to her repertoire. And
just the other day…I heard Patti singing a duo with the Queen of Gospel Music… Shirley Caesar…and they really were singing that song. So much so that I had to get up and write down the name of the song so I could look for it and buy it.
Gospel music is definitely where the money is. The only people who are making money in secular music right now and for some time now have been and are rappers. So, then…what does Kim Burrell hope to obtain by crossing-over?
Then the other thing most recently Kim was given a very big promotion in the ranks of the International Church of God in Christ. She became the
second in command over the cogic international music department…a dream job that many would literally die for. And here it is…she is going secular?
I know it must mean that she is forsaking this post that had most recently been bestowed upon her. But if this has been on her mind…then why did she take on the job in the first place?
I say for the prestiege that went with it. She had just gotten the position only a few months ago. She had to have been thinking about getting her gastric operation…and sexing herself up…way before that. After all, that operation is not just something you just jump up and decide to do overnight.
http://www.eewmagazine.com/KIM-BURRELL-TO-BECOME-A-PASTOR.html
She can’t possibly be planning on keeping the post…and be a secular artist…say another Beyonce…too?
Can she?
Though I do honestly believe that some people get involve with a very
large organization…such as the Church of God in Christ…just for the sak
e of launching their careers. Practically everybody in the music industry… singer-wise and musicans…have at some time been in a choir or played in the church band…and many of them in cogic churches. You often hear them being interviewed on some show talking about their cogic experiences under Dr. Mattie Moss Clark…the Clark Sister’s mother. And many stars, Grammy and Stellar winners have come out of the Church of God in Church…such as… the Clark Sisters just to name one (who since
being babies had been involved with the cogic music department). That list also includes the God Father of Gospel Music, the late and very great Rev. Timothy Wright…not to mention Myrna Summers,
Rance Allen, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the list goes on and on…
Though I have to truthfully say I have wondered how Bishop Blake could have replaced
more than 400 years of collective experience in the international music department
between Iris Stevenson, Bettye Nelson and the Clark Sisters alone not to mention several others in the cogic international music department… with people who had never even worked in that department before…in its highest positions?
I am a believer in that old saying…if it is not broken don’t fix it. Considering how the cogic international choir has lead the way and set the standards that many other choirs and group follow… So, why would have Bishop Blake wanted to mess with that?
It just didn’t make sense. Now, one of people whom he put over that department decides to go secular?
Though I must say that I have never been big on Kim Burrell. For one thing I just do not understand why people taunted her…like she was some
big singing phenomenon. Like she was an Aretha Franklin or somebody. And like she had been around for years…I just could not understand it.
Maybe it all has to do with the time that Kim came to our church to perform. It was one of the worst and most un-professional shows or performances I had ever seen any known talent perform. And it cost
our church $5,000…with a demand for a limousine and a 5 star hotel to boot.
And that $5,000 cost came with no band…but with Kim shouting during the performance to the audio guy way in the back of the church what tracks to play as she performed one song after another.
Once somebody told me something. They were talking about a young rapper…and she said-
“Where did he come from? It seems to me that he just sprang up on the scene and look at how large he is. I believe he must have sold his soul to the devil.”
I thought that statement was interesting coming from her…because in all the time we had sat together editing video tape footage I would have never have thought she thought about such things. Nor did I believe her to be religious. But it was true…the rapper she was talking about did spring up overnight and did seem to become instantly successful. That
rapper which she was talking about was 50¢. And he kept on getting hotter…hotter…and hotter.
I would never want to walk away from following the Lord. I can’t imagine anything that I would rather not do. Besides I am fearful of Him. But even more I love Him. I would love Him to be able to trust me as much as He trusted Job…and feel that I like Job would never let Him down.
No contract…or hope of supposed fame…or riches could make me do what Kim Burrell has decided to do.
And though she said she did the gastric operation for health reasons…
Well, anybody could have told her she needed to
shed weight. I don’t need anybody to tell me that…much less a doctor. Everytime I look in the mirror…I get the message. And this pass weekend while we were away…the hotel that we stayed in had a mirror on the bathroom door. Well, everytime I sat down on that toilet…I was startled back to reality as I sat looking at myself horrified at what was reflected back.
What a disaster.
I left that hotel vowing to take it off. I mean shed it like crazy. But I am not going lay down on some operating table to do it. No…I am not. I
know how to set down the fork…and push away from the table. And that is what I intend to do…and add a little workout to my daily routine.
Baby, it’ll be a brand new me. Eat your heart out Lil’ Kim…I mean Kim Burrell.
http://www.gospelpundit.com/2010/01/20/word-has-it-kim-burrells-new-look-new-life/
http://elev8.com/gospel-music/markchappellecoston/can-kim-burrell-be-sexy/
UPDATE: Wednesday, Februray 18, 2010
If you took the time to read the enclosed letter up top which was to the body of the Church of God in Christ…though it is interesting that it was not sent out to the church at large via the cogic bulk email launcher to all its membership. However, I just
received this it from Judith McAllister concerning Kim Burrell…(just CLICK on the letters to enlarge them). It would seem that many within the church of the Church of God in Christ have some concerns concerning Kim Burrell and her current position as Vice President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ. Of which in the reading of the letter it
seems that Kim is not willing to relentish her position in the music department…and that fat pay check… though she is currently seeking a wider career in the music industry. Note I did not say the word ‘secular’…as it seems that Kim Burrell is trying to step away from that term now. But as in Kim’s own words…it is what it is…if you want to sing non-gospel music…then you must be becoming a ‘secular’
artist, Kim. You can’t have it 2 ways…you either are…or aren’t.
Though Kim Burrell claims that this endeavor change in her career is due to a deep desire to reach and preach the gospel to those ‘out there’ who
do not come in contact with gospel music…is a lot of baloney. The Bible tells us ‘to be ye separated’…and there is a reason for that. You cannot reach anybody by becoming ‘one of them.’ Try doing that with a drug addict or a prostitute…or anything else… and see how much sharing of God you can do with them
then.
The only real reason someone choses to make the
choice that Kim Burrell has recently made…even in terms of her dress…and to cross-over from gospel music to ‘secular’…has nothing to do with winning souls…but everything to do with that thing called the ‘all mighty dollar’…or a hope for more of it. And it would seem that both Bishop Blake and the current president of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ, Judith McAllister…are willing to let her do it…and keep her post…and pay check too.
And then too…anybody who saw Kim Burrell sing at the last Holy Convocation in Memphis…then you could tell that she really didn’t want to be there. Go back and take a look at the footage…and you will definitely see what I mean.
UPDATE: Monday, May 23, 2011… just thought I would share this with you. It is something that I wrote on my facebook page after watching Kim’s latest video called ’Sweeter.’
Since 1 of my facebook friends happened to mention this video…I just thought that I would take a look. Thought it better not to comment on her post…because I thought she might not like it. This video is a typical example of what happens when you
decide to step away from the Lord…and do your own thang. Too much of nothing…and no substance either. Beautiful location…visuals beautiful…but come on, Kim. What is with all the attempts at sex appeal???
It looks like Kim wants to be a sex kitten rather than a singer. And technically… if you spend all that money to go on… location to some isolated island… then don’t go cheap and shoot video… shoot film the next time the end product will look a lot better. And clearly the director knew nothing about correct lighting…because Kim is certainly shot all wrong…and with all the wrong make-up.
I ain’t hatin’ but just sayin’… I would like to see a woman of God be of God in all that she does.
Now, on that note watch the video for yourself and you tell me what you think.
Now, this photo of Bishop Weeks and his new little bride… I do not understand. They are drinking champagne…
WHAT?
She grew up cogic…was pastoring…and we all know that Bishop Weeks had… and probably still does… have issues. But they are toasting one another and drinking champagne.
Maybe they just got tired of pretending to be holy. Since people tend to follow them anyway. Unbelievable.
I’m fighting off a cold. It’s something that happens whenever dust gets
into my system. Yes, I have allergies. Most of the time they don’t bother me…but then once in a while a spec of dust is somehow introduced into my system…and the battle begins.
So, since getting from our little trip this weekend…I have had the sniffles. Of course I have started downing the OJ…as in orange juice. And drinking cranberry juice…and taking my iron tablets.
But it is all good. I will not complain. I am blessed and this too shall soon pass…and then maybe sometime this week I will really get some sleep.
Hope you had a good day. I have begun psych-ing myself up. I have so many things I want to do this year. And it will be exciting.
Lots of editing…and shooting footage…and working on my websites…and launching a couple of access programs…and launching my 2 other business enterprises. I am so excited. Not to mention my book, THE BISHOP’S WIFE, will definitely soon be out. And when it does…it means I begin to hit the road to sell it.
So, you see…yes I will be very busy as the year continues. I hope this year has lots of good things in store for you too.
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… “pass it on…” www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2010

I really love winter…it is so beautiful.
THE BISHOP’S WIFE is now on sale…CLICK my book cover for the LINK to purchase my book. Thank you. ![]()
13 comments February 5, 2010
Court issues…Family dilemma… praising the Lord
Sometimes I just become so overjoyed that I can’t keep it to myself. And this is
one of those times. I am suppose to be working on launching my website…which should be up this week. But I just couldn’t not before writing this blog…to tell you just how good God is to me.
I know that many many many people are currently facing foreclosure and until I started taking care of my parent’s property it really never mattered much to me. But following the passing of my father the 2 mortgage companies which had mortgages against our property put us into foreclosure. But not being on the mortgages the companies refused to tell me anything…and I was the only out of my 7 other siblings who felt our parent’s property was worth fighting for and eventually paying off.
But because my name is not on the loans for the mortgage (which of course it would not be…since the house belonged to my parents and it was their loan). So, the mortgage companies legally did not have to give me any information regarding my parent’s account…and for the most part that is what they did. They refused to share any information on their account with me…even though they knew that my parents were now both deceased. And the kind of information I wanted was a copy of the payment history of the entire loan and all other information concerning it…the whole history of mortgages.
Finally, CitiMortgage, one of the mortgage companies…the one with the highest balance and most difficult company to deal with…they sent me a copy of my parent’s mortgage. After going over the documents it showed that supposedly that mortgage had been refinanced in 1999. But my father by that time had been diagnosed
as having Alzheimer’s. Besides his left hand shook badly…which meant that his signature would have been severely affected when he wrote. But that copy of the supposed mortgage refinanced by him showed no signs of a wobbly hand. And even if it had my father’s mental capacity being what it supposedly was at the time…he was not legally competent to enter into any such contractual agreement.
So, I filed papers disputing the foreclosure by CitiMortgage against my parent’s property based upon it being a false document…and as being such CitiMortgage’s foreclosure was being based upon a fraudulent document which would nullify that contract and halt their foreclosure based on the amount outstanding due to that document.
Well, after I don’t know how many months…and after receiving information from CitiFinancial that they were in possession of my parent’s property. I went back to
court. Because CitiMortgage/CitiFinancial had failed to answer my complaint against them. So, I entered a default against them. Today, I received my notification that my default had been granted.
I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am. Through the grace and mercy of God…I had won. This decision totally knocks out a mortgage which added over a hundred thousand additional dollars onto my parent’s prior loan.
I knew in my heart that my father would have never placed an additional $100,000 of debt upon our property. That money was supposedly against a loan of nearly $30,000 at an interest rate of over $60,000 making CitiMortgage a mighty big winner in that contract. My father would have never done…and particularly since he had already had more money than the alleged near $30,000 the loan approved for…as he had more than that already in at least one of his several bank accounts. So, I went into court Pro-se as a heir to the estate of my father…and went to fight. But God fought that battle for me. And I cannot thank Him enough.
I wrote this blog because I know that many people are going through much of the same. It is very difficult trying to go to bed night after night…and not know whether or not tomorrow you will be deposed and kicked out into the streets…because some bank or mortgage company took over your home.
One of the biggest frauds going…happens when people in mortgage companies find
out that there is a dispute among family members following the death of someone of whom they hold a loan against their property. This opens the door for all kinds of things to happen if the people or a person within the mortgage company is a distrustful crook…that might shock some. But it is very true…and not just with mortgage companies but lawyers also…anyone sitting in a position they see where they can take advantage of.
Anybody sitting in a position who can take advantage of such a situation many times does. Because they seize upon the family members lack of communication with one another and their inner turmoils and conflicts to keep the family members too busy at each other’s throat…and it allows the cheats the freedom to do whatever they will. It is for this reason that I asked to see the complete history of my parent’s mortgage from the initial mortgage on. For which I never got because they refused to release to me. Nor did any notices of court dates come to house regarding the foreclosure hearings.
By not getting those notices…the notices regarding the foreclosure hearings…I could not appear in court to defend my parent’s property. And since none of my other siblings cared…they didn’t go either. This meant that that by default the mortgage company won their foreclosure because nobody showed up on our side of the table…or who represented us in court.
I tell people all the time…the worst thing you can do in a court case…is not show up. By failing to show up the other side automatically wins. Give yourself a fighting chance. Show up and tell the judge your side of the story…you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. It could make a difference.
If you have been reading these blogs then you also know that I had entered a case in the Appellate Court.
Perhaps you are familiar with this…and are guilty of the same. Though I must say as a rule I am not a procrastinator…but for a couple of weeks I had been walking around with the letter from the Appellate Court unopened. I get tons of mail…and there are some pieces that I put off opening simply because I don’t want to think about it…and I am afraid of what it might be informing me of. This was the case regarding my default notification from the court and this letter from the Appellate Court…both of which I finally decided I couldn’t put it off any longer. So, I opened them up this morning.
It turned out I had been dreading good news from both courts. The notice I got from the Appellate Court was to inform me that I would not have argue orally our case before the judges. Though I had requested to do so…I really didn’t want to do it. But from where I stand nobody can better present my case than me…and particularly since when my son had gotten a lawyer…the lawyer told him to settle for $1,800. Our car had been totaled, my son suffered back injury (which still
plagues him today)…and on top of that the repairs that the insurer of the other vehicle (the one that caused the accident) authorized were not sufficient considering the amount damage sustained to our vehicle.
So, I filed the papers myself…when you do this it is called “Pro-Se.” But it was not because of any of the reasons I have already listed that drove me to file suit. No, I filed because they had returned to my son a faulty automobile which could have killed him…and they didn’t care. The car shook…the bumper would fall off while he was driving…and at the time of the accident my son was away at college in a town which had no public transportation…not even cab service…which is why I had to buy him a car in the first place.
So, I filed suit in conjunction with my son against Allstate Insurance. And today I heard from the Appellate Court…because if you recall, also in a prior blog, I explained how my son had really won the case…but how the whole thing had
been a set-up and ended up in front of a judge who was friendly with the other side. Don’t act shock to hear this…it happens everyday…watch LAW & ORDER. It is regular practice for lawyers to call the clerk’s office to find out which judge is in what court and when. And try to schedule their hearing before judges who are very lenient or favorable to them.
Had we lost our case in court fairly…I would have accepted that decision. But I could not knowing that we had not been unjustly treated and all our evidence and testimonies had been overlooked. So, I filed a Notice of Appeal…and to the Appeals Court we were a going.
One of the most involved documents I have ever had to put together was the legal brief that was required of the Appeals Courts. It was over 100 pages in length and required many hours of research in a local law library and several days of typing…but I did it. By the time our case finally got heard…following all the hearings for the various pre-hearing court dates for…Motions to be entered…and Mediation…etc..and all our travelling back and forth…many times when we barely had the money to go and come back. But we did it any ways by faith…over 900 miles each time.
Now, the notice from the Appeals Court today informed me that we would not have to present our case orally before the Appellate Court. I had covered everything so completely in that brief…and in great detail…including the court transcript to back up my statements. I am so happy that we do not have to go down and stand before them. Standing
before several judges dressed in black robes…would have been a bit un-nerving for me. But if I had to…I would have done it. I had prepared myself to do it. Because from the on-set…I had not filed the papers to lose our court case. And I always knew it was just a matter of how much…because we had all the documentations, receipts, invoices, pictures etc. to prove our case. Many times in court just having truth on yourself is not enough…you must have hard evidence…and we had both truth and hard evidence. Then they next thing is to be capable of delivering that evidence before in a logical and as near legal manner as you can master.
I tell you this…because I do believe that if more people sued for wrongs and injustices…maybe some of us others would not have to. We live in an area where they want to make you feel guilty for having to sue. But believe me…many times a law suit is necessary to resolve many matters. The problem is most lawyers won’t take any cases that they believe they won’t make any money on…or that may tie them up for too long. This leaves those who can’t go into court for themselves with no choice but to drop the matter. And even I have had to decide whether or not something was a battle to fight or not.
I have not sued everybody…though my son and most of friends believe I have. But I have not. Some of them I have left for God to deal with. He can do things to them that I cannot.
This reminds me of a time when I was in grade school. While in the cafeteria one day just as I was about to sit down…this girl took her foot and snatched the stool from up under me. I fell flat…and everybody laughed at me.
I was so mad that I began praying to God to do something to the girl. And a couple of years later I realized he had. The girl is very unattractive…and I have always thought God did that to her because of me. Truly, I have. From that point on I have never prayed to God to take care of anybody else for me. I thought His punishment to her was a bit too harsh.
So, for the cases I decided not to pursue…I have just left it up to His discretion if He wants to do something about it or not. The Bible says…He rights every wrong.
But I will keep you posted on the Appellate Court decision.
The reason behind this blog is to encourage those of you who are facing foreclosure…or any other problem…legal or otherwise. Do not give up. Go back through your paperwork…there may be something in it which can turn your situation around. You may find a loop hole…lawyers use them all the time. But if they can so can you.
Always remember that God has the final word in all situations. And that He is faithful.
My parent’s property is still in foreclosure but now all the money paid on the property from the date of that refinance date that I disputed to present will have to be reverted to the old mortgage…and with interest.
The Bible is true…God is
always working it out for our good. I am just so happy.
God is good. And I am so happy that he is a friend of mind.
It is still Black History Month…Ida B. Wells…W.B. DeBois…Billie Holiday…

…Marion Anderson...Sweet Honey in the Rock…




http://mirroronamerica.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html
As I have said in my other Black History Month posts…the reason I have not given you any information on the people that I list is so that you will be motivated to research who they are. This will prove to far more helpful to you…and to your ability to remember their accomplishments.
Well, God bless…
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… “pass it on” www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2009
1 comment February 24, 2009
Aretha’s diet…losing weight… finding someone
Heard her talk about being on a diet…and when she showed up at Barack Obama’s inaugural in her grey suit with
her Sunday morning go to church hat…she looked fabulous.
She was most recently spotted here on her way from the White House…pushing a shopping cart in Walmart. Signed autographs
and took pictures…and people crowded around. I said I wanted to see the pictures…but my son saw them. And he said-
“Ma, it was her.”
I thought it interesting when I saw that Obama’s oldest daughter made sure she got a shot of Aretha w
ith her camera during the inaugural ceremony. Those Obama’s are teaching their children well. She knew Aretha and who it was she was looking at…and she wasn’t going to let Aretha get pass her without grabbing a picture. Smart girl.
I didn’t know that Aretha had signed up with Jenny Craig back in 2007. She might have lost some pounds…but evidently had like most…put them back on and then some. But at the inaugural she really looked great. And I was happy to see that she had shed lots of that extra added bagage…those dirty little pounds.
Her plan was this…
I heard her comment on some show that…she eats what she’s suppose to for 4 or 3 days…then on 3 days eats whatever she wants. I think that is a great plan…because it seems to be working for Lady Re.’
Now, I have just found out what it really is. She has a new somebody in her life. It will make you want
to do something… and real quick. Get somebody…and see if you don’t want to make sure he only has eyes for you. Oh, yeah…you’ll start losing real quick.
And don’t have him look good. Because if he looks good…you will want to look good with him. No self-respecting woman would think any differently. And Aretha is the real r-e-s-p-e-c-t woman…didn’t you know?
I just hope that this one is the one she has always been hoping for. After 3 or 4 prior marriages…a bout with the bottle (many many years ago)…one of her mansions burning down…and some
local legal worries. I think it is about time…for plenty of happiness in her life.
And I certainly wish you well, Lady Re.’
One thing about Aretha Franklin…no matter what…you can always say that she has been a class act. I remember when I had considered her for a concert gig…the price tag, however, was a bit too much for this little ol’ country girl…$65,000.00 with a quarter of it up front…and I think maybe a precentage. Now, that is business.
But that whole diet thing is mind over matter. If your mind is not there…then save yourself from the bother. It won’t work.
But if you can get your mind there…you have won before you start.
I know some people who did the gastric bypass and a few other things. Though I
must say…my friend who did the lap band raved about. And she truly did look good. But she told me that before she did it she went to meetings and read lots of information on it first. And she said she spoke in great detail with the doctor who was going to handle her surgery…and she too told me she was on her way to the altar once again.
I must admit to admiring women…and men who don’t want to just lay around with everybody. And then find out that have nothing.
Marriage is good…and if you are going to be with somebody then let them marry you.
But that gastric bypass…I have a sister who did it. She can’t eat anything without getting sick to her stomach. And the worst part is…though…yes, she lost lots of weight and even though she can’t keep much down…she is still over weight. And it is
all due to not having gotten her mind to where it needed to be. Sick or not she eats and then throws up some of everything she eats. I would hate to live like that.
If you really want to lose weight…learn how to put the fork down first. And believe me…you won’t need anything else.
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/05/30/aretha_franklin_chooses_celebrity_diet_t
http://www.singersroom.com/news/entertainment-story-841.asp
It’s Black History Month…so enjoy…
Wow…the kids do not have anything compared to this.
I hope all of this downloads properly…and doesn’t take too much time. Guess I got a bit carried away.
Enjoy your day…and this weekend. It’s freezing cold outside…but the funny part
is that the house doesn’t seem quite so cold to me any more. Guess I must be getting used to it. My father would smile. All of my life I have been cold…because I am extremely anemic. I, in fact, am suppose to be taking iron tablets everyday…and I do when I can remember. But I have to really work on that.
Since, so many people have so much more to take by way of medication…and if I desire not to join them… Well, you know… I better take what I have to right now. Because based upon what they say having a low number of red blood cells can be very unhealthy. And I do not want anything to sneak up on me.
Between yesterday and today…it has looked like snow. In fact, there were flurries this morning. Might be too cold…it can’t snow when the weather is too cold. But I guess even in that we are doing okay…because Vee, my friend’s daughter in Chicago…had told me that Chi-town was definitely freezing.
THE BISHOP’S WIFE is now on sale…CLICK this LINK to purchase my book. You do not need a paypal account to purchase, and you can purchase using a debit card. Thank you. ![]()
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… “pass it on” www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2009
11 comments February 21, 2009
![COMMUNIQUE-OF-CLARITY-2-KIM-BURRELL-1[1]](http://bsmith101.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/communique-of-clarity-2-kim-burrell-11.jpg?w=202&h=300)
