The Thrill is Gone

Thanks to the gracious generosity of folks from my former congregation, Christ UMC, Peggy and I went to Minneapolis last Friday for a BB King concert. He introduced his great-grandchildren to the audience who seemed to have gathered to celebrate his aura as much as listen to his music.
The blues are merciful to both instrumentalists and vocalists. The old guys in the band were having a good time and making fine music. BB talked more than he sang but when he cut loose with Lucille the power of the songs and singer emerged.
He spoke or sang several times about dying. The atmosphere was tinged with a bit of sadness. Near the end when he sang "The Thrill is Gone" I was tempted to extend the metaphor but I remembered years ago buying a vinyl album that included three cuts that I used to illustrate a Sunday message.
I used the Thrill is Gone to talk about the human condition; I'm a Born-Again Human to talk about the transformative power of love; and There Must Be a Better World Somewhere to lift up the promise of the Gospel. Still some of my better work and his.
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.