It is obvious there are different types of love God has appointed to our souls.  There is the holy, reverential love to God, Himself. The union of husband and wife in holy matrimony is another kind – symbolic of Christ and His bride – the Church. Another type is that of saintly love between the brethren. And this is what this “Joy Story” is about.

Here is the true story of that type love – love at first sight…

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT…

WHEN I WAS A VERY LITTLE GIRL I walked past the television set my mother was watching one warm, sunny and quiet afternoon. My three older brothers were in school: the two of us were home alone. I must have been only three years old at the time. It truly was a remarkable, memorable day for me. The only thing I really recall about this day was walking past the television and then, deciding to stand there. I now realize that this was an extremely God-ordained moment for me. I was enthralled. I saw on the television a large, dark woman in a long, beautiful dress. I instantly saw her physical beauty and I became completely mesmerized by her – still am. She was singing: I can never remember what she was singing, what show she was on, who she was… I do know that her voice was beyond my (then) tiny heart’s description of greatness. Instantly, totally, I loved this woman. Without a doubt, I truly did love her that day – at first sight -and I do forevermore.

It would not be for many years later that I would come to know that this precious, beautiful woman was the great Mahalia Jackson, one of the most legendary gospel singers of all time! I even love her name dearly. As I found out more about her, I vaguely remember my mother listening to her throughout my very young years. Other than that, until I had my own children, I don’t recall ever seeing Mahalia again.

As years went by, a trip to the library with my children brought about my coming across Mahalia’s music, which I instantly picked up, checked out and brought home – to be listened to over and over and over again and again.

As I researched Mahalia Jackson’s life somewhat I came to believe her to be an extremely strong Christian. She was a dear friend and aid to Martin Luther King Junior (another one of my great heroes.) Her voice, when speaking, is what I would describe as ‘honey.’ It was rich, sweet, filling, and supremely beautiful. Mahalia Jackson has always been totally beautiful to me – in every way. She is one of my forever heroes because with all my heart I believe God assigned her the gospel message through her tremendously anointed voice and she willingly, gratefully accepted the call amidst the trials evil people would put her through.

SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FROM THIS “JOY STORY”

1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Matthew 22:35-40
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I fully believe Mahalia Jackson knows the worth of every man, woman, and child God has ever created and wants exactly for us what her Father in Heaven wants.

I often tell people when I get to Heaven I want to live next door to her and if I can’t sing beautifully I want her to teach me how (unless, of course, God has already equipped men.) I also asked God to have her met me at the gate when I enter Heaven. Who knows? It never hurts to ask God an honorable request. We haven’t yet met, but she is my precious beloved, my dear sister in the Lord. Without a doubt, she loves me too because God has anointed her to love all people as she was commanded as she bravely, devoutly answered the call.

My love at first sight for Mahalia Jackson was and is very real. At my very tender age of three or four, this great saint of God forever touched me in my soul, body and spirit and she will hear about it one day! In the meantime, I will continue to do as Mahalia did, love God and man with all my being and never be ashamed…

Selah!