13 Comments
User's avatar
Olivia Manning's avatar

“God probably looks like Grandma” is such a beautiful sentiment! I wasn’t raised religious but I have such an appreciation for Christianity as a form of love and family. Beautiful piece❤️

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

Thanks for reading, Olivia! Having grown up in Christianity, I’ve seen a lot of good examples of love and, of course, a lot of bad ones. But like Tyler reminded me, the best examples are my grandmas.

Expand full comment
Robert the contemplative's avatar

ok baby now let me hug ya...says me to Alex

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

🥹🥲

Expand full comment
Susan-Jane Harrison's avatar

This made me tear up in the best way. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

I’m honored. Thank you for reading, Susan!

Expand full comment
Kristen Jeffers, MPA ✊🏽🌈's avatar

This is spectacular! Spent time with my folks this weekend and I got a dose of love from my good relatives and the ones still learning how not to love as tough.

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

Glad you got to be with your people. It’s good for the soul. Thanks for always being in my corner, Kristen!

Expand full comment
CJ Casciotta's avatar

Beautiful tribute Alex. Mavis Staples is the GOAT. Got to see her perform at Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, TN when we lived there. Also, one of my favorite records is my collection is a mint (when i bought it) pressing of Be Altitude: Respect Yourself with “I’ll Take You There” on it.

When I think about artists like Frank Ocean sampling other artists whose actions & attitude fail us, I’m curious why the knee jerk response from some is to change or delete that part. The greater act of redemption…the final say..the artistic victory seems to be when an artist like Frank decides to reclaim something and say “nope.. I’m the artist. I’m in charge now. This idea you tapped into, this hook you stumbled upon…it’s bigger than you and your limited mindset. Sorry, not sorry.”

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

Thanks for reading, CJ! That’s dope you got to see her perform. What a special memory. I’m excited to sit with more of her catalog. And that’s a great point about reclamation. I feel like those kinds of moments can be reminders of the harm or there’s even a hesitation to potentially put money in those artists’ pockets. But I can absolutely see what you’re saying from an artistic point of view

Expand full comment
CJ Casciotta's avatar

I was thinking about the money thing. That’s definitely a great point if the person is getting a split.

Expand full comment
Bill Crenshaw's avatar

Your piece embodies what I consider Christ's perspective on love...to love unconditionally...to love--no matter what! Grateful for your work!

Expand full comment
Alex Lewis's avatar

Thank you, Bill! I appreciate you making time to read this one and sharing your heart 🫶🏽

Expand full comment