Sunday Soul with Andrea Shellman

Revive. There are times in our lives when we feel depleted - spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, etc.  You may be at the point of needing new life, refreshment, renewal, joy, inspiration... I hope that this show is a reflection of all these things and stirs this up in you.  Revive.

Soul of the Grateful Dead features some amazing blues, folk and jazz artists and songs that inspired the Grateful Dead.  

On this episode of Sunday Soul, we let loose of the constraints of a theme and just listen to some great music.  I'd like to think of it as summer's winding down, school’s ramping up, wooo saaaa, feel good, encouraging music.  If that makes sense. 

A covenant is a binding promise of far-reaching importance in the relations between individuals, groups and nations.  It has social, legal, religious, spiritual and other aspects (Britannica).  A few examples of where covenants can be established are by God with people, marriages, friendships, vows, and business partnerships, and commitments.  

This Sunday Soul explores covenant through song.  Though it leans toward romantic and marriage covenants, it provides opportunity reflect on other covenants along with the commitment and challenge.

On the day after International Infinity Day, 8/8, on Sunday Soul we explore the them of inifty via song.  Infinity, the concept of something that is unlimited, endless, without bound (Britannica). What songs do you think could fit into this theme?  What would you define as infinite and everlasting? 

The show is brought to you by the number one.  One - a number that represents so many things: unity, creation, beginning, winning, God, love, etc.  As I considered songs that included numbers, one was featured the most.  And then I realized just how important one is and decided to dedicate a whole show to the number.  

I remember how it all started.... with playlists.  I was rummaging through some old CDs and came across this playlist that I had created as a Mother's Day gift for mothers and friends in 2014.  It was created to thank, inspire, and love and still holds that same message today.  The playlist has been extended with some additional and newer songs that fit the vibe and spirit.

"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is a speech delivered by Frederick Douglass July 5, 1952 at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, at a meeting organized by the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society.  The speech provides a steaming critique of the United States as it celebrates independence while still maintaining slavery.  This version of the speech was narrated by Ossie Davis.

Listening to the speech today provides opportunity for us to reflect on the values that America says it has - love, liberty, justice - and how we today live in constant contradiction.  It provides not only critique but opportunity for us consider a better way forward.  

This episode of Sunday Soul intertwines this powerful speech with reflective music and allows us to celebrate America's 250th birthday with honesty and hope.