This morning my grandmother was feeling down because her finances are low and her health is getting bad, and she basically doesn’t want to ask for help. As she was listing her litany of problems to me, I realized there wasn’t much that I could say to alleviate her worries. I just listened, but felt like I offered little solace.Anyway, I got online and started searching for “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway to post for you wonderful MOGgers (however, I’m not that computer savvy, so I have probably danced around a process that is quite simple). I went to You Tube and Rhino Records (CrashPryor often uses Rhino Record links to spread the word about good music, so I figured they’d have everything including Hathaway).You Tube had no clips (that I could find) of Hathaway singing “This Christmas.” I didn’t want to close it out without hearing Hathaway’s dynamic voice, so I clicked on the first video. It happened to be a recording of Hathaway performing “Put Your Hands in the Hands.” I started tearing up and realized it was exactly what my grandmother needed to hear, so I hustled her in to sit down and watch. By the end of the song, she felt more inspired to, as Hathaway says in the song, “do what you have to do.” I didn’t have words of encouragement for her, but Donny Hathaway did and that, I guess, is the power of music.So, this link (http://www.rhino.com/store/ProductDetail.lasso?Number=71519) has samples of both “This Christmas,” my all-time favorite Christmas song, and “Put Your Hands in the Hands.” Even if you’re not religious in anyway, Hathaway singing religious-imbued tunes just makes you feel good. Also, there’s a sample of “He’s Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother,” another great song.Fellow MOGgers enjoy, and when you get irritated with elderly shoppers, drivers, and relatives this holiday season, just remember that they are still dealing with heavy issues and need inspiration, too. However, I don’t suggest blaring “This Christmas” out your car stereo as you speed past them; spontaneous loud sounds tend to freak them out.Peace, Love, & Sooouulll Train,Hattie
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