It’s no secret to those who know me closely; I love my hometown – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  

Growing up in a suburb of the Steel City, fond memories are part of the fabric of my life.   Today I digress from any talk of the Pirates, Steelers, or Penguins. There will be no talk of such here.

I believe there exists in each of us an unspoken yearning in our hearts, as Julie Garland uttered aloud in the character of Dorothy in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz,

“There’s no place like home.”  

When uncertainty surrounds us we tend to look to the familiar, be it something or someone in our lives which takes us back to a solitary place or one which attempts to push back those unclear chords playing in the background of our hearts and minds.

The events of the recent weeks have pushed many of us to the edge of the cliff where we thought a free fall was about to take place. 

God is not like that.  He is a loving Father and He always provides a safety net to catch us even though it might not be apparent.

Disease spreading, financial uncertainty, loss of employment, viable businesses not so sure how it will play out, workplace demands exponentially increased, and the overall disruption to our lives have left our hearts weary and seeking real solace.

Real solace.

If you are like me, I bet you wish you could wave some sort of magic wand and make the whole situation disappear – now.  Unfortunately, you know and I know this is not the case and is truly wishful thinking.

A friend shared something she came across online and I share the backstory with you here.

The Blessing is a song recently published by Kari Jobe, her husband Cody Carnes, and several lyricists at Elevation Worship.

Jason Howard, a senior pastor at Amplify Church in Pittsburgh, was one of many pastors / leaders to come together and form a virtual choir which then birthed The Pittsburgh Blessing Project.

Howard told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the following about the project,

“It’s important for our churches to come together and say there’s hope, God is for you, and there’s a way to have a hope and optimism even when the world seems very shaken.”

I love this song as originally released as it gives me hope. 

I love the Pittsburgh rendition as it connects me to a place I love and allows me, as I sing along with the virtual choir to speak blessing over my city as well as my loved ones near and far whose roots are there as well.

I am so grateful to the members of The Pittsburgh Blessing project. In true Pittsburgh-ese, “yinz” are awesome and you truly made me proud to be connected once again to my roots.

Thank you.

I encourage you to fill in the blank of the place you call home and to allow your voice to rise in declaring the words of this song over you, your children, their children, and the generations to come. 

God is indeed for us all the time.  All the more in times like these.

I personally believe the Father has set a banquet table before us. He has delivered the invitations to you and I and is leaving the choice to each of us as to whether to accept the invitation to come and dine with Him.

I hope you enjoy The Pittsburgh Blessing. Until we chat again.