Shirley Caesar, Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name | Sunday Refresh 🙏

On the 12^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we’re uplifted by Shirley Caesar performing, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name.”

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elcome to Sunday Refresh 🙏, a column that seeks to highlight inspirational songs to uplift the spirit.  These tracks that appear on Sunday Refresh may or may not be faith-based or religious; the goal is for them to make you feel better – refreshed.  So, for the 12^th edition of Sunday Refresh, we highlight 🎵 “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name” as performed by 🎙 Shirley Caesar.

“Jesus (Jesus) / Oh Jesus (Jesus) / Oh how I love / Calling your name.” Ah – simple yet moving, potent lyrics! Shirley Caesar is one of the greatest gospel musicians of all time, PERIOD.  She’s recorded numerous gospel gems, ministering to many souls that needed to be fed.  Can I get an amen? A personal favorite Caesar classic is none other than “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name.” “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name” appears as the second track on her 1987 album, 💿 Her Very Best. 

“Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name” showcases Caesar at ‘her very best.’ She’s incredibly assertive, performing over a smooth but energetic contemporary gospel backdrop.  Even with those smooth 80s vibes supporting her, Shirley doesn’t hold back in the least.  She makes it known she’s praising ‘The Great I Am’ and she wants the whole world to hear.  Why is she so ‘bold’ in her faith? He – Jesus – has been so good, merciful, and never failed her. “When my troubles surround me / And I didn’t have to despair,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Lord, you told me / That you’ll be right there.”  Later, on the second verse, she recalls, “I remember the time / When I felt so all alone / When I needed you Jesus / All I had to do was call.” She makes it clear she’s ‘called him’ at all hours of the day, asserting, “When I got off my knees, Jesus / Everything was alright.”

Essentially, Shirley Caesar is a ‘living testimony,’ running a long time for the Lord.  She’s more than happy to put her trust in him and makes it clear He’s worthy to be served.  How worthy? She goes on to characterize him by numerous names, whether it’s Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, or “my mountain mover.”  Her main point is “Every day, Your [Jesus] name is the same.” It’s an inspiring, uplifting word, that’s for sure!  

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🎙 Shirley Caesar • 💿 Her Very Best • 🏷 Word Entertainment / Curb • 📅 1987

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Shirley Caesar, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 12 (2021) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Curb, The Musical Hype, Word Entertainment, Zac Durant on Unsplash]

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