First and foremost let
me just say I had a fabulous time! Last night was the first night that I
actually got a full night’s sleep after being up for 48 hours. One thing is for
certain when you go to a convention of this magnitude there is no such thing as
sleep. The hotel is only for bathing, changing clothes and maybe taking a 10
min nap. Oh yeah and don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee from the lobby. BUTTTT!!!
It was so well worth it!
Before I continue I
must enlighten all of you that C. O. G. I. C. is a part of my heritage for that
I am proud. Born and raised in the
church and still in the church. There is a rich line of history that goes deep
into my family. I might not currently be
in the C.O.G.I.C organization, but still in the body of Christ.
Some of the highlights
for me were: My favorite speakers of the convention would have to be
Evangelist Maria Gardner-Langston and Bishop Darrell Hines. Don’t mean to be a
little bias but I have always enjoyed the both of them. I have followed the
both them all of my life.
And of course there was
“Revival Fire” in the Evangelism Department where my Grandfather Pastor Milton
Oliver serves as Vice-President to the new President Elijah Hankerson. Of
course, I have to brag about my grandfather because I absolutely love that man.
He is definitely a man of integrity.
Revival Fire is a
service that is put on after the main service which usually starts at 10:30p.m.
This year the service was only held for two nights Wednesday and Thursday. The
speaker on Thursday night was Prophet Todd M. Hall (The Praiseologist). Every
single time I have heard this man speak he blesses me. But this year there was
something different about the
experience.
Due to some strange and
traumatic things that have taken place this year I have been in the fight of my
life and no one really knew what those battles have been other than my parents
and my brother. God used Prophet Todd Hall to minister and to confirm some
things to me that I knew only could
come from God. Let’s just say it completely blew my mind.
Out of all the years I
have been attending the convention, this year by far was the most extraordinary
experience I have ever had. Many things happen that assured me that I was in
the right place at the right time. At, first there was a little apprehension about
attending this year convention, but God assured me that I was making the right
move. Now I have gotten to the point where if God does not give me a “yes” on doing certain things I will
not do it. In all your ways acknowledge
him and he shall direct your paths. (Proverb
3:6)
I really do miss the
birthing place of where the convention started: The Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee.
St. Louis, Missouri is nice but there is
no place like home. There is something about the Mason Temple that
automatically takes me back to my childhood. The richness of the presence of
God and the aura that fills the entire city is truly missed.
Last but not least the
icing on the cake was the many moments spent with my family. This is a time
where we think about nothing but God and each other. As stated before,
attending the Holy Convocation is a family tradition that has been going on for
generations. It is kind of funny but to say that you are not going to the “Holy
Convocation” is almost like blasphemy. “WHATTT?? You’re not going? Put them on the
altar right now!” LOL!!! It sounds funny but it is SOOO true! C. O. G. I. C runs deep!
Oh how can I forget
this!!! The Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation
is all about Fashion/Style. Some of the outfits that you see are interesting to
say the least. There are big hats, shining shoes, flashy suits, bling and fur
coats. If it is not fur it is some kind of animal; cat, dog, rat, squirrel, skunk,
coyote, muskrat, possum, coon, pigeon, turkey feathers etc. Church folks know
how to find material and put any kind of animal they can find on it. J The Great ole Church of God In Christ!
The
picture above: If you plan on making a visit to St. Louis
and you enjoy soul food I would recommend Jaden
Diner 4251 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, St
Louis, MO 63113. The food is amazing and the
service is great. The diner literally sits on the corner of the street. It’s an old building but don’t let that steer
you away because the food is amazing. It’s a cute, cozy, and charming place
with great hospitality and delicious food. Every single time I visit St. Louis it is definitely
on my list of places to eat. The recommended dish would be the fried catfish
with macaroni and cheese and string beans. YUM!!!!
I leave you with some
of my fashion pics!
Till Next Time!
Trica B
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