How many times have we sisters uttered the phrase “too blessed to be stressed”?
It’s a great mindset to embrace in these times, when crises related to the economy, health, climate, racism, women’s rights and violence take up too much space on the front page.
Our personal good fortune can also be hard to remember when stinking thinking creeps in and we fall into the comparison trap (it’s easy to do when everyone seems to be living their best lives on social media). During times of wishful thinking and self-doubt, it may be helpful to pause and take time to remember how fortunate we are.
Yes, hard times come, and they eventually pass. There will always be folks who have more wealth and material things. And like clockwork, you can count on challenging personal situations to show up to test your fortitude and try to steal your joy. But no matter what obstacles you may face, sis, you are still blessed.
As Kirk Franklin says in “F.A.V.O.R.,” “You can’t let your problems override the promise / And don’t let your feelings dictate your faith.”
Can we get an amen?
This is a great time to reflect and take stock of our blessings, some of which we may take for granted, like having a loving support system, good health, gainful employment or career prospects, enough food to eat and a roof over our heads. If we woke up this morning, that’s the biggest blessing of all, isn’t it?
Whatever your faith or spiritual practice may be, we can agree there’s a higher power that continues to smile on us. So use this playlist of 27 inspirational and devotional songs from many of our favorite gospel, pop and R&B artists as a “Blessings on Blessings” booster shot.
Here’s a sample of the soul stirring that’s in store. As only he could, Prince makes us feel “Beautiful, Loved and Blessed,” Jill Scott neo-soulfully muses that she’s “Blessed,” Kane Brown and H.E.R. coolly proclaim that they’re “Blessed & Free,” and Ashford & Simpson offer a retro reminder to “Count Your Blessings.”
And don’t be surprised if a chorus of anointed songs inspires you to do a “caught the Holy Ghost shuffle” around your living room, including “Blessed Assurance,” by Shirley Caesar; “Blessed & Highly Favored (Remix),” featuring The Clark Sisters; “Be Blessed,” by Yolanda Adams; “We’re Blessed/Shout Unto God,” by Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ; “Good News,” by Vanessa Bell Armstrong; “Struggle Not,” by Le’Andria Johnson; and “Set the Atmosphere,” by Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. So press play, send the praise up and get your musical blessing.
Mora Vieytes
