The healing power of gospel music

WHEN nothing else will do to soothe the soul, the perfect holiday treat for some is the power of music. Just as the biblical figure David played his lyre to calm troubled King Saul, sweet sounds often refresh the senses, touch the heart and heal the wounds during difficult times.

With the devastation and human suffering caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the mounting casualties associated with the war in Iraq and other dilemmas, many of those who have been affected are in need of a good dose of hope and inspiration.

The holiday season is a good time to reflect on God's goodness and to use the healing power of music as a source for strength to triumph over tragedy.

Inspirational music ministers, including CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, Kirk Whalum, Israel Houghton, Hezekiah Walker, and gospel groups Anointed and Mary Mary, among others, offer listeners uplifting and comforting messages from their hearts and from their inspirational music that is perfect for the holiday season.

During interviews, some artists revealed that a variety of inspirational music has helped them to overcome their own personal tragedies. "We all face different storms" says six-time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans. "You have to still know that there is a bigger plan, and God is in that plan."

The gospel superstar, who has spent her singing career inspiring others, says she needed healing herself after the recent death of her brother, gospel singer and minister Ronald Winans. "I had never lost a sibling," Winans says. "Oh, God, the emotions that you go through." Searching for answers, Winans not only looked to God, but she also listened to her own song, "He's Concerned," on her new CD, Purified.

"The same song I had been sending out to friends who had lost a loved one, I now needed to listen to myself," she says. "When you have a message in the music that is healing, it sheds light on a dark situation. It brings laughter and peace. Nothing is more satisfying."

Speaking of the recovery efforts during the aftermath of the hurricanes, Winans encourages survivors to believe that blessings and brighter days are ahead. For the fortunate ones who were not affected: "Be a blessing to someone else," she says. "It's an awesome thing to give and not be selfish."

During Hurricane Rita, gospel artist Israel Houghton, who lives in Houston, was forced to evacuate his family from the area, he says. The scene: Miles of traffic stalled for hours, skyrocketing gas prices, high winds, flying debris, confusion and fear. Fortunately, Houghton's family is safe now, but he shares the pain and loss of many evacuees left to pick up the pieces.

"I want the evacuees to know they are not forgotten," Houghton says. "The source of all healing is God. In all your searching, search for God. He will give you the answers to your questions."

Tragedy is also no stranger to Mary Mary, the Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling gospel duo. Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell, who recently released a new self-titled CD, remembered how music and faith got them through many ups and downs.

"We've gone through two fires [at their home]," says Erica. "God saved our lives. We could have fallen into total desperation after that, but we decided to use the situation to spread a message of hope."

"We had lost everything," adds sister Tina. "We know what it's like not to have a home or clothes. We want to connect with some of those who survived Katrina [and Rita] to say that you can't explain tragedy, but you can make it through. "You have to really believe that nothing is too hard for God," Tina continues. "He can give you a new family, a new start, a new home and a better beginning than the one you had."

Between appearances at charitable concerts to raise funds for hurricane victims and promoting his new CD, HERO, music giant Kirk Franklin paused to reflect on the devastation and to tell survivors: "Trust God. He knows what He's doing. We are going to continue to do events to help Brothers and Sisters who have been affected. People are still hurting when the news is over."

Now is the Time, the debut release of the duet, Anointed, is a fitting title and message for anyone looking to move on following one of life's upsets, notes gospel singers Da'dra and Steve Crawford. Uplifting music, they say, can go beyond listening to reach emotions to pull us out of depression, fear and hopelessness.

"Let the lyrics jump off the sheet into your soul," says gospel singer Hezekiah Walker. "A good gospel song can touch your need."

It may not look like it now, but this may be the opportunity you've been waiting for to get out of a rut and follow your dreams, music artists say.

"This is the time to do what you love. Live for who you were really meant to be," says gospel superstar Yolanda Adams. Her new CD, Day By Day, suggests how survivors may conduct the journey.