It’s not fair. It’s not fair that I was given a CD of gospel artist Hope Askew that only includes one complete song and two snippets.
If she and her team intended to tease those who listen to the Breakthrough sampler, it worked. Now, I am anxious to hear the rest.
Askew, who is reportedly in the Atlanta area on tour, is not new to the music world. Starting an R&B career at age 15, she has built an impressive portfolio that includes being an undefeated “Amateur Night at the Apollo” winner, opening for numerous headliners, and having two other respectable albums under her belt. In 2000, she dedicated her life and work to Christ and began her adventure for the Lord.
Claiming to be “healed” rather than “cured” from a rare spinal cord disorder called transverse myelitis, the Lord has expanded her music ministry to address the needs of the sick. Breakthrough was born out of her experiences battling the disease.
The phrase that comes to mind when I listen to Askew on this project is “praise and worship,” and listening to it is like eavesdropping on an intimate conversation between her and the Lord as she expresses her gratitude and love to Him. There’s a closeness there between them that affected me. I could hear her calling Him, laying her “stuff” at the altar, and thanking Him as she resolves to totally rely on His power.
Although the complete, featured song on the sampler, “You’re the One,” and the jazzy “I Try” (You can imagine what that message is) are outstanding, my favorite is “OH.” I hear it when it’s not playing. It’s in my spirit now, and I find myself humming it throughout the day or pressing “repeat” repeatedly. Askew’s voice is sweet and clear (and the background vocals are tight) as she sings:
You got me singing, Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, I love you, Lord! I love you, Lord!
When you touch me (touch me), hold me (hold me) in Your arms, yeah yeah.
I have no alarm when I am with you, Lord. When you touch me, when you hold me safely in Your arms, I have no alarm when I am with you, Lord.
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, I love you, Lord! I love you, Lord! Oh, I praise your name! You got me singing, Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh…
Like the others, it’s a simple song, and I love it. Askew, I “ask you” for more and will be looking out for the full release. –arnell pharr
