No More Dry Bones

No more dry bones~ No more. Give life to your bones by giving yourself permission to be happy.

Make a list today of the things that bring you joy.

See SueDuffield.com

Hope You Have Un-Star

“You don’t have to be a star, baby, to be in my show...”

 

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.’s number one crossover hit of the 70s, on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles, when dissected, could be possibly the best lyrical teaching tool for all Christian artists desiring notoriety. I used to listen to this song and wonder, “Does anyone REALLY get what they’re singing about?”

 

The voice of Marilyn McCoo is an inspiration to me. A velvet, soulful smoothie she is. And to know that her witness for Christ is just as real, makes me love her more. A true star, inside and out. So in lies the paradox of this song: McCoo and Davis are REAL stars, singing about how NOT to be a star. Curious.

 

“Baby come as you are with just your heart and I’ll take you in

You’re rejected and hurt, to me you’re worth what you have within...”

 

Whew. I’m emotional just reading this. Some of you 70s leftovers like me can probably sing it without even looking at the lyrics. But seriously, read them again. What do you see?

 

For the performer in us who just can’t wait to be noticed, Jesus strongly urges us to come as we are. He takes us in. We’re rejected, hurt, filled with jealousy, envy, and even succumbing to the comparison factor. But to HIM, we’re worth what we have within. I especially love this line because no where is it stated in this pop hit, “You’re worth what you have because of what is on the outside.” So why do we work so hard on everything exterior, yet leave our insides deplete of maturity and spiritual hunger? BTW, spiritual hunger is a good thing... If you don’t have that hunger, you need it. It’s another paradox: To lack having spiritual lack means you don’t need Jesus.

The answer comes next.

“Now I don’t need no superstar...”

There it is. That’s when most of us will tune out, quit reading this post and move on. We’re enamored and impressed with everything runway, pizzaz-zy, glitzy, glossy and viral.

“What do you mean, Jesus doesn’t need a superstar to represent Him? Isn’t that what this whole aspiration of getting known is all about, to make Jesus be lifted up? The more well-known I become, the more people know about me, the more I can do so much more for Him? Right?”

My pastor’s son gripped my heart this morning. He spoke, as he always does, from his heart. Open, vulnerable, forgiven. He said, “Too many of us leave church services wanting to be empowered or to be lifted up. I’m saying, let’s leave empowering Jesus, and lift HIM up.”

This is a constant battle. WE want to be elevated, empowered, lifted up. I find little of that in scripture. In fact John 3:30 states, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (NIV)

“You won’t be denied ‘cause I’m satisfied, with the love that you can inspire..”

Hmmm... I “won’t be denied”. Awesome. And inspiring love brings satisfaction? “You mean you want me to just love you, and not be a star?” Yes, I’m pretty sure that’s what Christ is asking of us. Just love Him and don't be a star about it.

Because sooner or later, 

“Somebody nobody knows could steal the tune that you want to hear... 

So stop your running around ‘cause now you’ve found what was cloudy is clear...

There’ll be no cheering from the crowd, just two hearts beating out loud.

There’ll be no parades, no TV or stage

Only me till your dying day..”

You see what I mean? Priceless precise lyrics. When I worked for WNRK Oldies Radio, I had a few listeners tell me they found Christ while listening to a secular song. Imagine that! One gal told me it was the Holy Spirit that spoke very clearly to her while listening to Peggy Lee's dismal and disparaging hit, "Is That All There Is?". She said it so gripped her about her own lack that she had to do something about it. 

You don’t have to be a star to be in HIS show. In fact, I'd advise you not.

“Don’t think your star has to shine for me to find out where you’re coming from..

What is a beauty queen if it don’t mean I’m you’re number one..”

Burma shave. There you go. (If I have to explain the whole "Burma Shave" meaning, well press here)

And then the song ends, 

“And I don’t need no superstar ‘cause I’ll accept you as you are

You won’t be denied ‘cause I’m satisfied with the love you can inspire.”

 

Here’s my star-struck prevention check list:

• Inspire others to love THE Superstar 
• Be less so He can be more
• Create an attitude and atmosphere that never questions your motives
• Be more concerned what God thinks about you than what others think about you

 

“Cause you don’t have to be a star, baby*, to be in my show..”

 

*ba·by (definition)

ˈbābē/ (noun) 1. a very young child, especially newly or recent born

           (adjective) 1. comparatively small or immature of its kind.

           (verb) 1. to treat (someone) as a baby; pamper or be overprotective toward.

 

This reminder, baby, is for all of us. God knows that we are full of ourselves. We want attention, affection and we want it our way. The star qualities abound. But none of that behavior or mindset works in HIS show. You don’t have to be...that, baby.

(song written by James Dean and James Glover/Producer Don Davis for ABC Records)

This post was inspired while driving with my daughter in a rental car. I accidentally pressed the "OnStar" button several times, getting an operator, who very harshly said,

"DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN!". 

 

Touché Cliché (Her Best Work Yet) LOL!

I don’t usually talk in clichés, but in this instance, it’s quite healing. Some of you will get the gist. Others, I may lose quickly. But hang on. I just may step on some toes! This is a true story. Oh, and see if you can tell me how many clichés I’m using! :)

I’m not gonna beat around the bush. A little bird told me I may have pushed the proverbial envelope a little too far. The egg on my face is not all it’s cracked up to be, but none-the-less, there’s not enough room to swing a cat in this over-the-top naked truth. Simply said, I was caught red-handed, but thankfully NOT with my pants down. Instead I let the cat out of the bag and was called on the carpet for jumping on the bandwagon of terse reality. I couldn’t keep it under my hat any longer, but I knew somehow this might be the kiss of death for me and my holy humor. The jig is up. Can’t hold a candle to it. It’s a Catch 22, if there ever was one.

You see, I’ve been known to charm the pants off many. I’ve chewed the fat and jumped through hoops with the best of ‘em. Since the fans of this gospel/singing/comedy life assume you live the life of Riley, the truth is: It’s pretty much hand to mouth. I have no bitter pill to swallow or reason to get my dander up. I’m no longer quiet as a mouse and I must quit my belly aching. But after three long weeks with extra long graveyard shift drives, I was head over heels weary while barking up the wrong tree of fatigue. Bet your bottom dollar, this best bib and tucker girl will say wrong things when she’s tired. (Lord, what did she say??)

Ready. Set. Go. I said the “A - double scribble” word during one of my comedy concerts. It flew out of my mouth like birds of a feather flocking together. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I tell ya for sure - my mother would have boxed my ears, breaking a leg (or two), and surely would be busting my chops over this one. By hook or crook, I knew this can of worms would NEVER give me enough time to spew an explanation or get a word in edgewise to the audience. It’s like I was caught red-handed in “if the shoe fits, wear it” language faux pas. 

So Sue becomes Johnny on the spot, keeping her fingers crossed, that no one noticed this “let your hair down” expression. I was simply making no bones about it, the “A _ _” word came out after the mom in the audience finally took her precocious toddler out of the sanctuary. The naked truth is, the toddler was a full gamut loose cannon and mark my words, whatever I would or would not say, I’d be here today and gone tomorrow. I, the performer, was distracted. So I raise my Ebenezer, hit the nail on the head, and say (out loud to the audience), “If that was me when I was a kid, my mother would have hauled my “A _ _” to the parking lot!" (except I said THE word). 

Silence, horror, then applause and laughter....

Beggars can’t be choosers, but bet your bottom dollar, someone in my world will be offended that I'm even retelling this tale. But hell or high water, I was between a rock and hard place dealing with both the toddler and his behavior and me and my “I can’t bite my tongue” any longer syndrome. My heart hurt like the Dickens, but I grinned like a Cheshire cat. We laughed, we cried, (the audience and I) for forever it seemed. Thank God they didn’t throw the baby (me) out with the bath water. I was down in the mouth for dropping the hammer for only a little while. This dyed in the wool singer/humorist of over forty years has realized that this once in a blue moon utterance was one for the road. 

Before you cast the first stone, eat your heart out, oh precious sacred-talking friend! Like you’ve never done something like this...

I am eating crow and eating one’s own words, but I’m thanking God today that being real is as easy as pie for me. Too easy maybe..

In this eleventh hour, pardon my french here: If you fly off the handle or fight fire with fire, you’ll surely be an offense. If I can put my two cents in here: Put a sock in it. You’re like the pot calling the kettle black, if you haven’t at least once said something publicly you shouldn’t have. If your name is mud today, I’m not pulling your chain here - be very thankful. The people around you who are fit to be tied because of your transparency aren’t as fit as a fiddle as you think. I’d prefer to just put a feather in my cap, face the music, whistle down the wind on a wing and a prayer, and quit wearing my heart on my sleeve. 

You’ll get opposition and you’ll make some mad as a hatter. But don’t ever give up being real. Two shakes of a lamb’s tale, I’m up the creek without a paddle sometimes. Thankfully my ducks are all in a row and I’m eating humble pie. With my kit and caboodle, I’m loaded for bear and keeping my shirt on ‘til Katy bars the door.

Let that cat out of the bag. Let your hair down. People need Jesus. The real Jesus. The one without the chip on His shoulder, ‘cause when the chips are down, He’s no cock and bull story. Give credit wear credit is due. Be the low man on the totem pole and you’ll be pleased as punch, flying with colors when your fair to middling life becomes truer than every other Tom, Dick and Harry. Be you. For the love of Pete, be you. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re the apple of HIS eye, even when you can’t bite your tongue or resist blowing off some steam. Loose lips sink ships, but mark my word, don’t go dragging your feet down the straight and narrow.

The photo below is the creation of my good friend and MOST HIGH REVEREND Tim Satryan. LOL!

Never A Dull Moment - Interview with Pam Unthank

You really never can tell what direction or spontaneous stuff will come out of my mouth! It's true - I don't think I have a filter anymore! Thanks Pam, for spreading around a little fun and laughter. This is also posted on Absolutely Gospel. This was recorded during the Absolutely Gospel Fest at River of Life Church, Smyrna, TN July 16, 2013. It was also almost a hundred degrees with about 90% humidity and the air conditioning was peddling as fast as it could...so yes, a bad hair day, but who cares! :) Check out the video below:

Pool Over and Abide By The Rules

Hotel rules and ticky-tack regulations could cause me to be arrested. I know that they have to jump through ALL kinds of hoops and regulations to please both the city and state. Some of their policies operate on the side of caution. I know this.
I check into a well-known chain hotel and I receive the following notice. (Verbatim. It's attached to my key sleeve, with a rubber band wrapped around it.) Here goes:

In accordance with our state's Health Department Regulations and for your safety,

it is important that you are aware of our pool regulations:

1. There is no lifeguard on duty.

2. Never swim alone

3. There is no substitute for adequate supervision. Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

4. In an Emergency pick up pool area phone and dial #9.

5. No alcohol or glass around pool

6. No running, diving or horseplay.

7. Swim at your own risk.

The gal at the front desk says I have to sign a form stating that I have "read" these pool regulations and that I will abide by them. I'm laughing to myself thinking - this is NOT a problem. You see, it is March and it's New York and it's 29 degrees outside. Dumb. Save it for summer, for cryin' out loud.
So, in reality, these guidelines for protection weren't applicable right now, wouldn't you say? I think so. It's much like reading from the scriptures - words that don't really pertain to me right now - but later on, you find that they "fit" just right.
I remember reading a passage from Proverbs 31:25-26 when I was a teen, thinking, "This really doesn't apply to me. I'm not an old woman."

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

    and she laughs without fear of the future.

26 When she speaks, her words are wise,

    and she gives instructions with kindness.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."

Maybe now the age old ice is melting and I'm ready for an arctic swim. No running or diving, mind you, but you can bet - there'll be some horseplay! That's just who I am. "Pull the icy tarp off! I'm ready for a plunge!"
So, the next day I check out of the hotel. I smile at the manager and mention, "You know, I had a good laugh over your rules and mandatory agreement for your pool - especially since it's sub-freezing outside!"
He laughed too. Then said, "You know we have an indoor pool too, right?"
(Silenced, I drop my head in embarrassment.)
Yes, I laughed out loud without fear of the future, knowing that one day I'd tell you this story. "When she speaks, her words are wise." (When exactly does this happen? Swim and speak at your own risk. I need adequate supervision...)

ALSO posted on SueDuffield.com

Footprints of Faith On the Beach

I walked in faith believing that a weekend with these special women would be life-changing. It was. But it also came with a fight. A fight that later reveals the struggle is so worth it. If you've ever felt, thought or experienced any of the following before or during a women's retreat, well, girl - you fit right in.

I had a fight with my teenager right as I walked out the door. 
I fell and twisted my ankle.
I have a piercing headache. 
The traffic delays are awful. 
The stress of leaving a husband, house and kids behind is mind-boggling. 
My baby is sick at home. 
No extra cash to buy anything once I  get there..
Can't fit in the clothes I packed. 
The suitcase zipper broke. 
The gal I'm rooming with is not my first choice.
My sister begged me to come, so I gave in.
It's gonna rain all weekend.
I just lost my husband, and I don't know if I can do this.
I was just laid off from work.
My friend and I don't even go to this church.
The meeting room is either hot or cold.
And the coffee? What about the coffee? Where's the hot water for tea??
You can't believe what I had to accomplish before even getting here...
My daughter is diagnosed with a terminal disease.
I don't even DO women's events.
I prefer not to retreat with anyone but my husband, really.
Is this going to be another one of those cryin'/confessin'/exposin' retreats? I can't do that.
Why was this location selected?
I've never been to a retreat before.
I can't sleep in those hotel beds. 
I should have brought my own pillow.
I lost my wallet.
What is the speaker going to speak on anyway?
The Advil was left on the kitchen counter.
This food better be good.
My kids keep texting me.
Seems like there'll be quite a generation gap, with the widening ages of women coming...
The younger girls are planning it this year.
I'm sixty-eight, and wondering, "Do I fit in anymore?"
Probably the best time of the retreat (for me) will be the free time.
I hope they won't be making us do anything that's uncomfortable..
If the women had a clue of what's going on with me, I would SO not be accepted..

Then Jesus arrives. We have a room reserved for Him. It's called the ballroom. Our welcomed, somewhat unexpected guest makes His presence known. We prayed that He would come, but truthfully, we were too busy thinking of all the distractions, the pain, the guilt, the organization, the details, the anxieties, the comforts - to even realize - that once we felt His presence, nothing else would really matter.

I know many women who don't "do" women's retreats. It's just not in their bone marrow to desire a weekend away with unfinished, unmade, imperfect gals. I understand that. But I keep thinking, "If you knew, you would come." A sweet and salty sisterhood has a way of exposing our greatest strengths and our greatest weaknesses. All our differences actually make us the same. And all of our anxieties and imperfections encourage us to grab in desperation for the kraspedon (hem) of Jesus' garment.

We now know. It's in desperation we find healing in Christ. All our inhibitions and worries seem foolish right now. The sabbath we've been looking for has been with us all the time... Jesus IS the sabbath.

So, we walk, we run and we stand - for truth. And yes, we even sink our toes in the sand once more.

"Sweet Life" CD release

The brand new CD, "Sweet Life" is here! Take a musical glimpse of Sue Duffield in her vintage venue of progressive gospel music, targeting every woman. This project, filled with original compositions, features, "Price Is Right" (Not For Sale), an awareness passion-filled song to open the hearts and minds of those who know little about human trafficking, dedicated to Redeeming Roses, Malaysia.

Also included are fun tunes like "Sweet Life" (Chocolate & Chuckles theme song!) and "Sweet & Salty Sisterhood", celebrating the joy and struggle of being a woman of strength. Others include, "Give Me Jesus", written by Neil Enloe and "I Am The Word" written by Phil Enloe. Sue also takes the liberty to bring back two of her all-time favorites, "Song of Deborah" and "Jeremiah's Promise", introducing them to a whole new generation. A re-make of Helen Reddy's tune, "I Am Woman", will make you smile as well as encourage all of us, to do more than just roar - let's pray! "Son of Man's Man" is a country frolic with a powerful message for all single gals! "We Need Each Other" brings the smooth jazz musical genius of Jeff Duffield, her husband and arranger, to the forefront. Written in the 80's, Sue revisits her song with a whole new direction and passion.
Musicians contributing to this project are: Drums, Rick Murray. Bass, Robby Meadows. Sax, Mark Douthit. Keys, Jeff Duffield. Guitar, Joel Key. Vocals recorded at Oak Tree Studios, Hendersonville, TN. 

Available NOW on CDBaby and iTunes too!