This week I thought I would provide a tease regarding some new 3rd Act merch that my family is modeling from our family cookout on Easter Sunday. The new merch line will be available soon from our new website store. I hope you find the tees and hats tempting enough to wear around your town, vacation spots, and golf courses. The golf caps pass my personal test of a good-looking and nice fitting cap for all occasions. The new merch store is my effort to spread awareness of 3rd Act endeavors and acts of compassion in various towns where you hang out. Take a look below and let us know what you think. More seasonal designs to come in future blogs, including enticements and fundraising opportunities where 3rd Act hopes their merch will be adorning volunteers.
The teaching moment comes from a remarkable interview with Merry Clayton I recently read in Rolling Stone magazine. In the article, she explains how her faith and perseverance have kept her working and recording after a horrible car accident in 2014, which resulted in the amputation of both of her legs. I became attracted to Merry Clayton while watching the wonderful Oscar-winning documentary film Twenty Feet From Stardom. I was totally enthralled with this very talented backup singer after watching numerous interviews with people like Mick Jagger, Lou Adler, Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, and Queen Latifah, who highlighted her career and her magical performance on the iconic recording of ‘Gimmie Shelter’ from The Rolling Stones.
Clayton’s new album, Beautiful Scars, is her first album in 27 years and has a strong gospel and spiritual aspect that highlights her rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Touch the Hem of His Garment” and a fantastic version of Leon Russell’s hit “A Song for You.” Please read the full interview linked below, but I feel compelled to mention one poignant Clayton quote: “This record was divinely planned, every piece of it: every song, every musician and every singer. I knew that God wasn’t finished with me yet and that he had another plan in mind. If he hadn’t had another plan, I wouldn’t have come through the way I did. Because I absolutely came through that accident. I came through shining like gold.”
I love the spirit and talent of Merry Clayton and am very pleased to see her conquer her own ‘lifequake’ successfully, allowing her fans another opportunity to listen to her magical voice. To me, the teaching moment is to hold on to your gifts despite all your hardships and believe in God’s plan for your contribution to others.
Please check out Clayton’s Rolling Stone interview and the iconic ‘Gimme Shelter’ YouTube video here….
Read the Mary Clayton Rolling Stone Article Here