#293: Christian Hip Hop Artist Brings Unity At Parking Lot Praise Music Festival in Columbus GA

Timothygabriel is a Christian hip hop music producer and recording artist that has organized a special event for the last 6 years in Columbus GA called Parking Lot Praise Music Festival that I'll be emcee for this month. We also talk in this episode about his up-and-down music and faith journey...changes over the decades in Christian music...what people can expect at that event on Saturday June 20...bringing unity to churches and along racial lines...the importance of service for believers, and more. And during the intro of this podcast, you'll get a taste of his music with the song "Drip in Jesus."

(3:10) Timothy G. Dixon aka timothygabriel talks about his music path that started with writing a Christian rap song at age 9, perfoming at church, but being discouraged by the pastor's rejection of it. He started rapping for the world, was cussing a lot, almost did a song with Killer Mike...but gave his life to the Lord, has done music for Him since then.

(9:22) Christian music has definitely changed. How can you tell the different between genuine music that good for you spiritually or not? He also talks about different music for different seasons. Churches and music can also be separated by race, but he wants to change that. He says the enemy can use music too. timothygabriel says he's gone further lifting God's name vs the millions he could've made doing secular music. Give it a listen: https://ffm.to/timothygabriel?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e233_tv0&fbclid=IwY2xjawSX_DhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoS3BOWTU2UlNFR1BCZkg0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmkKyA3AMBtpfQJW15yDOZlR58ff-ressyUIzkOgtBQaruySz86oRIyhQKY8_aem_GEp5M1yfx4SSmHWqocy3xw

(31:20) The FREE 6th annual Parking Lot Praise Music Festival will be on Saturday June 20 at Noon at Woodruff Park at 1000 Bay Avenue in Columbus GA, also with a Christian Parade starting at 10am. He describes how it got started at a mall and from a song. This founder and CEO of Lion & Lamb Music says this event is for believers and the unnchurched, with plenty of food trucks + a diverse lineup of speakers and artists including the Grammy nominated Canton Jones performing. Goal: love and showing unity, using food and music to draw people to Jesus and His church. More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-parking-lot-praise-christian-music-festival-tickets-1983699565801

(49:07) We wrap up our chat with Timothy, involved in a lot of nonprofits, talking about why it's so important for Christians to be servants in the community. He also opens up about his health issues, a failing kidney + mental health struggles, how keeping his mind on Christ helps him get out of the darkness. He may also be releasing new music fairly soon. (1:00:05) I close us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run the Race." Subscribe and follow the show, tell others about it, as we continue to share stories of faith and fitness that help you live a better life. 

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