More than 30 years ago, God anointed the creative talents of Rickie Byars, empowering her to write as directed by the Holy Spirit. Since that time, she’s only soared higher and higher while proclaiming the love, joy and power of the Lord.
Such is the uplifting ministry of Byars, who has introduced countless people to Christ through her musical skills. Many people became acquainted with gifts during her tenure as the founder and director of the Agape International Choir, but not everyone realizes she’s also composed more than 200 songs.
Byars’ dynamic abilities will be displayed on Friday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m., when she appears on “The Inner View” series with Dr. James Mellon, host of the show and spiritual director of Global Truth Center Los Angeles. Admirers can join the studio audience or view the program via live-stream.
“To have a conversation with James Mellon for ‘The Inner View’ is a celebration of life, in and of itself. He is a great teacher who considers my works to be great and will ask questions of one who for many years was considered only a musician,” Byars said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to be honest and to share my joy in both music and philosophy.”
Joy of music and joy in the Lord are two defining characteristics of Byars, who attributes her creativity to God. Once the Holy Spirit filled her up, she said, her point of view shifted.
“The world became more expansive when I discovered that God was so much more than the emaciated White man on the cross that was the central focus in the Catholic church of my youth; and way more colorful than was the White Madonna with the beautiful White baby,” she recalled.
“I would learn that Santa Monica was actually an African saint from Ethiopia and the mother of St. Augustine, an African from Carthage. I would learn that the first Madonna images were Black and that these particular paintings and sculptures were to be found in museums all over Europe and even now, in the bedroom of the Pope,” remembered Byars.
Through her spiritual awakening, she grew closer to God, learned more about the teachings of Jesus and committed to the principles of love. These beliefs guide her as she produces “The B-Hood Sunday Devotionals,” a live streaming program where she imparts inspiring messages and music. This confidence will also empower her in her newest project of compiling an archive of her works to make her songs easily available to public.
“I believe in life, I believe in God, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and the ways of love. I believe that this universe is magnificent and intelligent and I intend to align in it by learning to love who I truly am and deliver my gifts to the world for the liberation of all people,” declared Byars.
And is she ever feels hesitant in her determination, Byars will be comforted by her favorite scripture, which she said is “The 23rd Psalm – the whole thing” starting with “‘The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.’”
Her mantra is, “Use me, O God. I stand for You and here I’ll abide as You show me all that I must do.”
Rickie Byars will appear at the Global Truth Center Los Angeles, located at 880 Hampshire Road, Suite W, in Westlake Village. The in-person ticket donation is $50 and live stream is $25. To learn more, visit https://www.globaltruthcenter.org/rickiebyarsevent or call (818) 508-7171.
