“Young & Strong”
Sidney Buckner & Youth In Unity (2018)
Available at iTunes
By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
Can anything “good” come out of Chicago? Absolutely, especially if it’s gospel; after all, the city gave birth to it. Another resounding “yes” nods to Sidney Buckner, who has mentored and trained a group of young people who are on fire for the Lord and willing to minister and encourage the youth in spiritual songs. We can hear Sidney Buckner and Youth In Unity (YIU) encouraging other young people through their moderately paced urban contemporary single to serve God while they are “Young & Strong.” The song’s lyrics, primarily sung in unison, tell of the choir’s determination to be victorious in life through acknowledging and serving Jesus: “So I’ll pray a little harder, get acquainted with the Father, learn to be a little smarter, while I’m young and I am strong.”
YIU lets us know that there will be mistakes along the way, but if we listen to the words that we have been taught, pray, and seek Jesus for guidance and understanding, we will defeat the enemy of our soul. Relax, listen, and be refreshed by the Scripture which tells us to “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, King James Version).
Sidney Buckner and YIU have ministered throughout the Chicago area and have recorded two live CD projects.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.