Sunday, October 12th, Rev. Timothy Wright made his greatest public appearance since a tragic July 4th car accident that claimed the life of his grandson and wife, and left his body broken and paralyzed from the chest down. At the Circle of Sisters Expo sponsored by WLIB, his hometown New York radio station, Rev. Wright expressed his gratitude and gave his testimony to 3,000 people packed into the concert hall of the Javits Convention Center. As the crowd hushed to listen attentively, he spoke slower than classic Timothy Wright, but it was clear and powerful, ending with his declaration, "The next time you see me, I'm gonna be walking. God bless you."
The once silent crowd erupted in praise and applause as they wiped tears and snapped pictures. After addressing his New York family, Rev. Wright joined WLIB Program Director, Midday Personality, Denise Hill, at a live broadcast for his first radio interview since the accident.
DH: You have always been an inspiration to us through your music and you said God recently gave you a new song. And so, even in whatever state the enemy thinks he may have you in, God's giving you new songs that will not only bless and bring you through but continue to bless others. Tell us about this newest song God gave you.
TW: Well, I was in the hospital and I was kind of feeling sorry for myself, but then the Spirit spoke to me and said, "I'm still here...for a reason." So, after all is said an done, after all the troubles and trial, after all the tears, I'm still here for a reason.
DH: I think the latter of that is the part a lot of people leave out. "I'm still here" and they kind of get stuck there. But its for a reason. So you can't just sit on the testimony that I made it through. You have to get through and go forth....
TW: Absolutely.
DH: ...and now be productive in the earth. Other than music and the songs God's giving you, what do you see God doing through you in the future?
TW: Well, I see the Lord showing me how to share with people that no matter what you lose, no matter what you go through, God is always there right by your side. Friends may leave you, loved ones may leave you, but the Lord is always there.
DH: "Whose on the Lord's Side," "Trouble Don't Last Always"...which one of the older songs that He's birthed through you have been a blessing during this time?
TW: I Know Somehow, I know some way, we're gonna make it. That's been taking me through.
DH:0Ah yes, with Myrna Summers. That is a phenomenal song. Your book...Whose Really on the Lord's Side...I'm expecting, through all of this, there will be a volume 2 as well?
TW: Absolutely.
DH: Has He given you a title yet?
TW: I don't know. I don't know just yet.
DH: Many of us have dates, hours, minutes in our life that we can look back and that was the moment things changed. That was the day life was not the same. That was the time I was in a place of uncertainty and did not know where I was going to go from here. July the 4th was one of those days for you.
TW: Um hmm.
DH: DJ was a phenomenal grandson to you, growing, learning...tell us about DJ.
TW: DJ was my first grandson and he was 14 years old and when we went to Detroit, that was the first time that I allowed him and his parents allowed him to go on the road with me and he was so happy to be with his grand dad. And, ah... that's all I remember.
DH: And that is enough. You can leave a legacy at any age and that is the legacy he left and that we honor. And your wife, the author of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, your rock for so many years in business=2 0and in the pulpit. For those who were not fortunate enough to know Co-Pastor Betty Wright, what legacy do we need to honor concerning her?
TW: She was somebody special. She was my rock. I could lean on her and depend on her and I didn't lose her...because I know where she is now. I am thankful God is sustaining me through all the trials.
DH: Talk about some of the people who have been there from the beginning. Bishop Albert Jamison, Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin...
TW: Bishop Jamison has been so supportive. He has been right there for me. Pastor Hezekiah and Pastor McClurkin, and all the pastors here and around the country has been so supportive with their prayers and their finances and I am truly grateful. Truly, truly grateful.
DH: Say something to your WLIB family who loves you so much.
TW: To you sis Denise, I thank you for all that you've done and all that the radio station has done and I want you to know that I am very grateful. I want you to know that I am very grateful for everything that has been done for me. Continue to pray for me. Continue to hold me up in prayer.
DH: If you had to preach this morning what would you have preached?
TW: I'm still here for a reason.
At the end of the radio interview, Rev. Wright greeted fans and well wisher for an hour before returning to the Kessler Rehabilitation Center where he continues to progress. Denise Hill can be heard Monday through Friday on 1190 WLIB and www.WLIB.com. Her newly published book INSIDE: What No One Is Telling the Independent Gospel Artist can be purchased at www.DeniseHill.com.
18:6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. |
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