You Survived

By Peggy Oliver Why I Sing by Kirk Franklin and The Family drew immense inspiration from God to move in a certain songwriter/producer's life. That was the first choir directing experience for James Fortune. From the age of five when he played drums at his father's church to leading choirs, he senses praise is unique for everyone, especially the youth. You Survived, the debut for Fortune and FIYA (Free In Yahwah's Abundance) exemplifies the only way to peace of mind is turning to the Creator. FIYA, formerly known as Young For Christ, administers the Good News throughout the greater Houston, Texas area. They were also nominated several times over as Texas Gospel Youth and Young Choir, plus opened for Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Mass Choir, and Ricky Smiley. Fortune also serves as Youth and Young Adult Minister of Music for Southwest Community Church "The Bridge" of Houston. No matter whom Fortune is involved with musically, his main concern lies in communicating God's sustaining love through storms of life and the joy of knowing Who is waiting on the other side. The festivities start with an appropriate greeting, We Welcome. Surrounded by barely an instrumental whisper, a calming presence enters: "We welcome in Your power...Your might, For when I could not take the pain, You came and wiped my tears away." Cheryl Fortune's (James' wife) tender voice and FIYA rolls out the welcome mat fit for the ultimate King. Two left feet-two right feet; there's no limit in dancing when praise follows suit. The party on My Praise is loud and clear, including aggressive raps by EB and nods to Beyonce's recent jam Crazy In Love sans original lyrics with James sneaking in the last laugh. I'm Still Here reminds us never dwell on the bills and the like, focusing more on eternal goodness: "Troubles come but I'm glad they won't last always, Clouds go away, the sun brings a new day." A dramatic vignette to God Can centers on a young woman stressed out in finding financial security for her child after the lights are shut down in her home. This is one of many tests in the game of life, but as guest vocalist Micah Stampley testifies, "You can do exceedingly, abundantly..." (Ephesians 3:20) . Commence the dancing again, "if the Lord has brought you out." Praise Anthem delivers a frantic praise pace, both in original and remix form. Just when it's tempting to give ourselves merit for getting through, the title track claims otherwise: "Now you know that God carried you." He's Mighty simply because, "He's my strong tower" and "He's an omnipotent God". Nikki Ross-Turnley pours her soprano voice every which way without hesitation. Another aspect of His mightiness arises via My Father Knows. It's pointless to lean on feelings too deeply, but persevering pays off: "Just as long as we don't give up, You can reach for Him." Stampley's lead vocals return for a second helping on a dynamic version of Holy Holy, Holy, followed by You Are Holy, proving God died for our iniquities: "Holy is the lamb that was slain for me." (Revelation 5:12) You Can Make It states, "seek first His kingdom" (Matthew 6:33) , which receives the Fortune and FIYA's seal of approval: "mmhm, that's right." After LaShone Fletcher sings about the love many of us dream about, True Love, we head back to dancing like mad for the grand finale. My Dance, the remix touched up with scratchy loops, shows no shame: "You thought we'd quit dancing because you looked funny." The joyous vibration of FIYA resonates without any dull or substandard moments. This includes the tight playing of FIYA's backup band and co-producers Joseph Hearne and Terence Vaughn. An item that might not linger in the minds of listeners is the seamless segues between tracks. The dramatic interlude on God Cares, though a bit lengthy, sends shivers to outsiders looking as the child's steady voice says, "Jesus will help us". Now that we have gathered all these survival tools from Fortune, it's time to proceed into the fold with a renewed mind. Go to www.fiyaworld.com for information on James Fortune and FIYA.