Ode to D-Town

I took my first trip to Detroit last week-end, and I must say. I had a great time overall. I got to see much of my Chicago family and attend a wonderful prayer service at Pastor Marvin Winans church, Perfecting Faith.

FYI: I LOVE Marvin Winans. I just love that whole family! Do you think they'll adopt me at 22?

So anyway we arrive in Detroit Friday morning and get our rental car. We staying at the Westin in the middle of downtown Detroit. Check it out:

(The view from outside. The Westin Book Cadillac opened in 1924 and was at one point the tallest hotel in the country. This city has tons of history, and some beautiful architecture.)

(The bathroom was freakin amazing. It was like the size of my bedroom at home *sigh* It was so pretty, I could have slept in the tub.)

(I didn't want to go home. Why do some people complain about having to live out of hotels?)

When we were driving to the hotel we drove down what must have been "the spot" back in the day. There were amazing old school movie theaters with the lighted marquees and juke joint lookin restaurants that have unfortunately all closed down. What was once beautiful and lively was dead. The buildings were boarded up and the windows were broken. Brick walls were crumbling and signs featuring musical performances had fallen apart. It was like someone had deserted the city. There were very few people on the streets, and those that were looked like they didn't want to be there. The remnant citizens of Detroit must only hope to rebuild the city to its former glory...but baby, its got a long way to go.

On to the prayer service...

You know how old folks always say "we used to have all night prayer services or shut ins..." Well I wasn't sure if I actually interpreted as "all night prayer services" or fa real "shut ins." I mean, I've never been to either. Seriously, how can someone pray ALL night? Come one now. Well let me tell you, I am now a believer. lol This particular prayer services lasted only up until around midnight or 1am, but it gave me a glimpse of what one of these all night services must have been like. We sang, danced, prayed together, prayed apart, and shouted for hours. I learned about different levels of prayer (petition, intercession, warfare, etc.) I'm also quickly learning how prayer is one of our greatest weapons against the enemy.

For someone who once thought prayer was boring and only old people really did it, I've come a long way. God equipped us with a wonderful weapon in prayer with which we can call upon heaven to fight on our behalf. How foolish and naiive to take that thing for granted.

Anway Detroit was great, just not for the city. The people, the food, the prayer service...it was ALL the bomb. I think I'll plan another trip to motor city one of these good ol days when I have a little more time.