Your Attitude Encourages Others

Recently, I was extremely impressed by artistes from the inner city community of Parade Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica.  We brought them in the studio to record a theme song for the documentary series Parade Gardens: Diamond in the Rough.  These talented individuals were professional, versatile and flexible.  I was really impressed with them.

Their attitudes are an impetus for me to work harder on their behalf and for their community in general.  I really want to see them succeed as they have a whole lot within them to bring to the world.

This was Tion's first time in the studio

 

Many people look at inner city communities and discount the residents.  However, these are folks of great value.  Eight years ago, God promised me through His Word that He would "Give me treasures in darkness and riches in secret places." Isaiah 45:3.  Years later, as a missionary in Parade Gardens, I suddenly understood what that verse meant.  The people are the treasures and their talents are riches.  That verse became more real to me, when one day when I just wanted to give up my work in the community due to many frustrations, however, little girl called Treasure came to me and asked if I was having the class for the children on the following Saturday.  I knew then, I had to battle through the obstacles to unearth the treasures in a place where many people do no want to venture, for Treasure's sake and all the other invaluable people from the neighborhood.

Often, people say that they are waiting on God, not realizing God is waiting on them to trust Him and to step out in faith.  More frequently than I would like, I do not know what God is doing, but I have to trust Him and step forth into the unknown.  It is then that miracles happen.  A miracle happened in the studio that day. Their attitudes encouraged me. I was inspired greatly by these nine artistes who came out to share their talent with the world.  They pressed through and showed up, in spite of the challenges they faced.  Many did not know where they were going. They had no idea how to get to the studio. But they set out on a new adventure, and became richer for it.  The riches may not be material, but at least many of them know now, they have inside of them what is needed to make it in this world.  Consequently, I have to press through, to help them make it.  They are worth it.

 "Countryman" played his saxophone for this song

I hope others will also be inspired by these artistes and their song, which will soon be released.    Their voices need to be heard as the message they bring can touch hearts and transform lives.  They are diamonds in the rough, precious and priceless.