Is My Living In Vain

For, those reading this that grew up in the Black Church or listening to Gospel music, I am 99.9% sure that as soon as you read the title of this blog, you fervently exclaimed, "No! Of Course Not!!!"

This blog title, inspired by The Legendary Clark Sisters, include words that mean so much more to me as an adult than they did when I was a child. The Clark Sisters are a trailblazing Grammy award-winning female gospel group out of Detroit, Michigan consisting of five sisters: Jacky, Denise, Twinkie, Dorinda and Karen. Their mother and pioneer of the group, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, is credited as the creator of the three-part harmony, separating vocal parts into soprano, alto, and tenor.

This past Easter Saturday, Lifetime premiered a biopic on The Clark Sisters. The timing of this movie was truly divine. Due to so many being at home and not being able to join together in fellowship in buildings of faith, this provided an opportunity for many to assemble virtually on social media. The nostalgia of this movie was food for my soul and it left me challenged, moved and inspired.  

Photo Credit: Lifetime © 2020, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

As a little girl, who grew up in rural South Carolina, I remember watching The Clark Sisters on a VHS tape entitled, "Gospel." This live concert video included most of the popular gospel artists of that time and my grandmother absolutely loved that video. I watched it because I loved spending time with her and because I simply love music. I am completely convinced that I was singing in the womb. The older I get, the more I am starting to understand what she loved so much about this video, this music and this experience. Music is powerful. It can agitate or it can be a healing balm. It has the power to sooth, stir up emotions or take us back to a place in time that we may or may not want to go back to. 

It is true that you never really know what kind of battle a person may be fighting. We all wear masks at some point in life, holding it together despite all odds. My grandmother was one of the strongest and most resilient women I've ever known. She was the example of what strength looked like for my me, my mother, and so many of my family and community members. Black women, with Southern roots, have an exceptional level of strength that I honestly can't even put into words.

After watching the struggles that were brought to light in this movie, it made me think of the intensity of the weight my grandmother and ancestors endured as they sang or hummed negro spirituals. What struggles did they push through and shield us from to ensure that their families were taken care of and protected? What burdens did they carry, that were ultimately lifted by their faith?

At some point in our lives, no matter our life path, culture, race, religion, age, gender or socioeconomic status, we may find ourselves asking similar questions, because life will always have its challenges. There are trials and triumphs, peaks and valleys, high and lows. We may ask: 

Is this job I'm working in vain?

Is this marriage or relationship in vain?

Is getting this degree in vain?

Is my striving in vain?

Is my dreaming in vain?

Is my loving in vain?

Is my living in vain?

Well, I am here to tell some and remind others, "No, of course not! It’s not all in vain.”

Keep on Sowing.

Keep on Moving.

Keep on Hoping.

Keep on Believing.

Keep on Shining.

Keep on Loving.

Keep on Living.

You will reap in due season, if you do not give up!