By Domenick Epps
Columnist

In today’s society it seems that “No” flows from one’s mouth more frequently than any other word in our English vocabulary.

The word “no” eliminates hope to some and produces fear to others. But today I want to share my childhood memory of the word “yes.”

This yes is not dependent upon one’s emotional nor one’s financial state. This yes has no conditions or strings attached. This yes goes even deeper than the yes of one’s response to an engagement proposal.

This yes, my friends, simply says, “It’s no longer about me, but it’s all about you, Lord.”

Yes, Lord, is the song! Since I was a youngster at Antioch U.C.C., this has always been one of my favorite songs. Back then, there was no guitarist or drummer, just Mrs. Sadie Buck on the organ and Momma Mable leading the way.

Shortly after the song began, Deacon Phil Collins from the front left pew would throw his hands up, and Deacon King Bishop would stand and worship. Mother Owens and Mother Boone would release a thunderous sound of praise as the Rev. Jarvis Jones would echo the word “Yes.” Mother Frances Shields from the choir stand would say “Ye LORD,” and the congregants for that moment would shift their focus unto Him.

The song simply says, “Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord! From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, yes, Lord. My soul says YES!”

Some have learned that life is more than acquiring things while continuing to say no. Life is not about the number of no’s we could give but the one yes we would mean. Blessings.

E-mail domenick epps at depps32@yahoo.com.