It's an old church saying, that "The Lord may not be there when you want Him, but He's right on time."

Earlier today, a close girlfriend of mine, named Tina, telephoned to informed me that a close friend of ours had passed away. I knew our friend, Marge, was battling cancer and because of my faith, I just knew that she was going to survive this. Then a few months ago, when I called Marge, she informed me that the cancer had returned and she asked that I continue to pray for her.

In my heart of hearts, I believed, I knew that the Lord was going to grant us this healing. When I spoke to Marge a few weeks ago, we laughed as I told her, that she have to stick around, since I had attended her 60th birthday party, she would have to attend mine. We laughed, and then seriously she said, "John, I don't know.", meaning she didn't know if she had that much time on God's planet earth. I didn't want to hear that and just brushed it off.

Yet sometimes you know in your gut what is about to happen. All the signs were there. I thought about her and I prayed. Then I decided to record some of my favorite gospel songs, various artist, in hope that it would lift her spirits and, perhaps, in my soul, let her know that God is always with her. She told me that she had received the CD, and expressed how she enjoyed listening to it. Still today, when I received that telephone call, it was like someone had slapped me in the face.

Immediately after hanging up the phone with Tina, I telephoned Marge's home and her daughter, Karen, answered. I re-introduced myself, it had been years since I had spoken to her. As we started to speak, she told me that her mother, my friend, cherished our friendship and that her mother had passed from this life into the next with class, surrounded by her family. Karen told me that her mother loved me and I told her that I loved her as well. Her daughter, Karen was showing so much strength, she would have made her mother proud. We then said our goodbye's as I explained that I, no longer, lived in NYC and it would be impossible to attend the "going home" service, since it was to happen within 24 hours.

Alone in my apartment, I sit there. I reflected. I prayed. And I hoped that she could still feel my love for her, my friend. I decided to go to the mailbox, just to get some air. When I opened my mailbox, there it was, "Why We Sing", Dionne Warwick's new CD. I'd ordered this CD, and was e-mailing Tower Records wondering when I should receive it. Today was a perfect day to find it waiting for me.

I almost ran back to my house, couldn't wait to hear Ms. Dionne sing. My heart was in much need of healing. My heart was heavy, and yes, I know that God's will be done, still I needed to be reminded. As I pressed the "play" option on my CD player, I heard the intro to "Battle Hymn of The Republic". Ms. D. had recorded this song years ago on her "The Magic of Believing" LP, however, it was interesting to hear how she, now, recorded it, after her voice and life had become more seasoned. From the first song, I was hooked. The CD is a family affair, which features BeBe Winans, arrangements by Aunt Emily (Cissy Houston), The New Hope Church choir and the title of the CD "Why We Sing", brought the reunion of Dionne and Dee Dee, her younger sister.

As I continued to listen, before I knew it, the lyrics of each song was speaking to my heart, my soul, my spirit. It reinforced my belief that we are all passengers on this thing called life. We are on loan to our parents, our friends, our loved ones as they are on loan to us. The blessing is to be able to show that love while they are here. Give the flowers to those that you love while they can smell them.

The second song on Ms. Warwick's gospel CD is "I'm Going Up" is a wonderful song - featuring BeBe Winans, but I couldn't wait to hear the sisters sing together again. The 9th song, "Why We Sing", from the intro. I was totally shocked, to discover that this is the Kirk Franklin classic! Yes, and the Warwick sisters did me proud. It's a must hear performance. The voices are older and sweeter. To tell you the truth, I played it like five times, wanting to hear more of this sister act.

Dionne's son's are also a part of this family affair, as David Elliott (Jr.) wrote and sings with his mom on a song called "Seven." The other son, Damon, is one of the producers. I only wished that Whitney would have been a surprise guest. And executive producers are: Ms. Dionne Warwick, BeBe Winans & Damon Elliott (for Elliott Ent., Inc.). I've noticed that the real divas such as Diana Ross, Freda Payne, Thelma Houston and now, Dionne are getting new product out by producing themselves. Divas are doing it for themselves.

If you are a Dionne Warwick fan, then you must purchase this refreshing new CD. It has traditional as well as contemporary arrangements.

My heart is still heavy, but after listening to this Dionne Warwick "Gem", I will continue to "Rise, Shine And Give God the Glory", as I know that my friend, Marge is dancing around heaven. And there's comfort in knowing that I have another angel watching over me.