When melody and lyrics co-exist as equals, we welcome a song. When verse dominates, and melody is paired with photography and video you have the Spoken Word Biblical Song ministry of Pastor/Dr. Larry B. Patrick.

Charis Chapel Bible Church and its senior pastor-teacher, Dr. Larry Patrick, recently introduced a new poem in Christian lyricism via YouTube and the ministry’s web site. It is available in both audio and video formats. Written in free verse, Pastor Patrick reads his poetry in a baritone voice to easy listening music, interspersed with still images of nature. The first video of a three-part series, “Walking By Faith,” presents to the believer an end goal for all of life’s problems.

“It is designed to inspire believers everywhere to recognize that there is no situation in life for which God has not provided a solution,” Patrick explained.

The idea to pair inspirational Christian poetry, some of which was written decades ago, with easy listening sounds and still photography was the brainchild of Quinton Boutte’, a deacon at Charis Chapel, who having read much of his pastor’s poetry, conceived of the idea.

Patrick said the idea for the poem “Walking By Faith,” first composed in 1996, gave him much comfort during his 39 years of ministry. “Because it kept me focused on the real goal of being a Christian — to one day see the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Patrick founded Charis Seminary in 1986 and has served as President and professor of theology since the seminary’s inception. He subsequently started Charis Chapel in 2000 where he has served as senior pastor-teacher ever since. Download FREE audio or video versions of Walking by Faith by clicking here.

With the release of his first book, “How to Get out of Your Own Way”, Tyrese is doing a book tour for his fans, stopping in different cities across the country to promote the book and do a little press.  He stopped in Arkansas a few weeks ago and spoke with the folks over at Wild Moguls Network to talk about some of the advice he has for youth who wish to follow in his footsteps, giving motivational tips for success and empowerment.

Tyrese humbly says, “Whoever doesn’t have enough money to buy the book, I’ll buy it for you, I just want the message out there so bad.”

Tyrese goes on to explain God’s influence on his everyday activities.

“God has all these blessings in mind for all of us, but it’s us talking ourselves out of it.”  “When ideas and visions and concepts are formed I think that’s some of the closest experiences to God.” I can relate to this, as Tyrese mentions that a lot of people fail because of self doubt and self defeat.” 

“Tyrese says I’m a man of God, I love God.” “God is my source, and I’m not afraid to announce that to the world.” “If you look up to me and you idolize me you’re idolizing a man of God.”

Tyrese gives CEOs advice reminding them, “That if you ever want to invent something pay attention to what people complain about, and there in lies your idea.” 

Take a listen to Tyrese in the interview below and check out his book. He is really a humble individual who is using his platform to push for the Kingdom of God.

The Global Holy Hip Hop and Gospel community sadly announced today that Christian DeeJay, Pioneer, Family man and Entrepreneur: Lawrence Anthony Stroman a/k/a “DJ Lace” (pictured in article), CEO and Founder of New World Music and one of the Founders of the Higher Ground Record Pool, went home to be with the LORD. Although Atlanta was his home, DJ Lace’s roots can be traced back to Bronx, New York where he spun in the 70’s under the name DJ Larry D.

“DJ Lace operated 24/7 as a Five (5) Star General and one of the most prolific, insightful, passionate, dedicated and focused leaders of the Holy Hip Hop movement for over a decade. DJ Lace, an Eternal Slave of Jesus Christ, was a friend to all and a soldier for the cause to: (1) proliferate the Gospel to the Streets and to the ends of the earth; (2) uplift and edify the community, youth and adults with powerful music ministry and media that made a positive difference; (3) defeat and destroy legions of evil and; (4) to save souls and win the lost for Christ by any means necessary. The Christian Holy Hip Hop and Gospel community has suffered a tremendous and staggering loss with the passing of DJ Lace. DJ Lace was and will forever be known and remembered as a respected and world-renowned Champion for each and every Deejay and all Ministers of the Gospel. Although there will never be one day that goes by that DJ Lace will not be missed, his spirit will forever endure and his Legacy of Sacrifice and Tireless Commitment to Spread the Good News will resonate in hearts, minds, bodies and souls for eternity,” said Minister eDDie Velez.

DJ Lace is survived by wife, 3 kids, mom and dad. Official cause of death has not been released. Let’s please pray for his family during this time of loss. The Stroman family has asked at this time not to be contacted but to keep them in your prayers. For more details on future arrangements and condolences, Please contact Edward Watson, DJ E Double U within the next few days @ (djedub@Djedoubleu.com) or Yohance Mitchell, DJ Radikal @ (info@radikal.com). Thank you. On Sunday, April 10th DJ Lace did his last performance with Gospel rapper Lecrae as he performed on 11Alive News Metromix Sound Check.

Here is a video of that last performance recorded just a week ago.

Hello Fear, the brand new release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates its third week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts, selling over 33,000 units in its third week. The album also sits at #3 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #10 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts, with over 166,000 units sold in its first three week. Mary Mary‘s latest release Something Big holds to the #2 position this week. The album also sits at #7 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. The WOW Gospel 2011 compilation holds to the #3 spot, while Church on the Moon from Deitrick Haddon moves up to #4.  Smokie Norful‘s latest How I Got Over…Songs That Carried Usrounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, I Believe: Live from James Fortune & FIYA jumps five spots to #8, while Twinkie Clark‘s latest With Humility debuts at #14. 

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its first week at the top of the radio charts. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” moves to the #2 spot while “I Give Myself Away” from William McDowell comes in at the #3 position. “Walking” from Mary Mary takes the #4 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed rounds out the week’s top five songs. 

Young’s new sermon series has already been interpreted, critiqued and scrutinized by bloggers on the internet. Pastor Young is no stranger to controversy as previous sermons have seen him roll in a Ferrari car unto the pulpit as a prop for a relationship message. Sermon series like “Leaving Lust Vegas” has garnered Pastor Young with a unique following, and starch critics.

Young states, “You’ve seen it on the street. You’ve witnessed it in the office. You’ve been there when it walked into a room, and everyone immediately knew. It is the unmistakable presence of swagger—not arrogance or pride, but true swagger. The truth is that God wants us all to experience a life of swagger. It’s not something that is reserved for the few. Yet, somewhere along the way, our swagger is hijacked, taken, stolen. And as a result, our everyday confidence is shot. Where did it go? Can we get it back? And once we do, what does a life a swagger really look like?”

Many feel the secular word has conflicting meaning to Jesus’ teaching of humility and servitude.

The Urban dictionary.com defines swagger as:

How one presents him or her self to the world. Swagger is shown from how the person handles a situation. It can also be shown in the person’s walk.

Another definition says, Swagger is to move with confidence, sophistication and to be cool. Swagger is to conduct your self in a way that would automatically earn respect. To dress in a very stylish and quirkily fashionable way would suggest one has swagger.

Upon further research I found many definitions for the word swagger, but all referenced a persons walk as being confident. Me personally, I would rather have confidence in my spiritual walk of faith. I’m not sure Ed Young meant this as an analogy or a declaration. The analogy used as an illustration may help us understand walking in the spirit, but a declaration may feed into the social stereotypes of today’s fame seekers. As an analogy one could could conclude that if the enemy has damaged our walk “swagger” it will show in how we present ourselves to the world. Hanging our heads in guilt and shame can be caused by the enemy getting us to focus on the past. Again as an analogy having spiritual swagger can be powerful. But declaring your swagger to the world may make us of the world. We all know the scripture tells us to be in the world but not OF the world.  

Pastor Ed Young does discourage pride in his sermon series, instead saying we should have God-fidence (a play on the word confidence).

What do you think? Can Christians have swagger without being full of pride? Is it a characteristic that one should strive to have, or be attracted to? Is it biblical? You can listen to Dr. Young’s “Swagger Jacker” series on podcast by clicking here. And take a look at the hilarious Swagger Jacker song below.

How Sweet the Sound is ready to crown a new winner, but last years winner has been on an incredible journey.  Watch Video below.

Voices of Destiny, since being awarded the highest honors at the 2010 How Sweet the Sound Grand Finale, has been on a spiritual journey that has taken them from Compton to performing at the Stellar Awards, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, and other places they never imagined. And, Los Angeles County honored the choir with the presentation of a Scroll of Recognition. The congregation patched up their church and recently completed the first community youth center in their inner city neighborhood with the cash prizes from Verizon.

Stay connected with the Greater Zion Church Family by visiting www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Gospel artist Deitrick Haddon recently tweeted that Jonnetta Patton, Usher’s mother, is helping to manage his career.

Usher famously fired his mom in 2007 and then considered bringing her back in 2008 once his album sales were low.  Deitrick Haddon’s new project “Church on the Moon” is garnering critical acclaim in secular and Gospel.  Check out his latest long-form video below.  

Gospel star James Fortune can be seen here next to his wife Cheryl Fortune, signing his new contract with Light Records.  Fortune moves from Black Smoke Records to a stacked Light Records roster that includes Shirley Caesar, Ricky Dilliard, J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise, Jessica Reedy among others.

The three year deal, which was inked this week, includes the future recordings of James Fortune & FIYA as well as a number of other artists FIYA World Music is recording.  James Fortune will embark on running his own label FIYA World Music also in his new venture.  Under the terms of the agreement, Light Records will handle marketing and promotion while eOne will handle distribution.

Fortune & FIYA introduced themselves to the world with their debut CD, YOU SURVIVED in 2005. They amassed recognition in 2009, with the award winning song, “I Trust You,” from their sophomore release THE TRANSFORMATION.  

CLICK HERE to find out what Light Records CEO James Robinson thinks about his new roster signing.

Episode 1 of “Addicted to Food” recently aired on Oprah’s OWN network.  Previously we reported that DeJuaii Pace of the Anointed Pace Sisters had admitted to being a 45-year-old lesbian virgin.  In the video below DeJuaii opens up with the ladies in rehab about her attraction to women.  

Pace said that she’s “Not attracted to men, and she’s been denying it for years.”  “But being brought up in a family that’s very religious I’ve always just said if I’m going to die and go to hell for this than I just will not experience that (sex) at all.”  Pace says that this part of her life is eating at her and tourmenting her.  And she hasn’t said anything to her family members.  Pace goes on to say that this is the underlying problem to her eating problems.

You can watch the video of the episode 1 below, and around the 30:35 mark of the video DeJuaii Pace’s part is shown. 

Addicted to Food airs on Tuesdays at 10/9c on OWN.