Tenderness

I dated someone who had a history of being abused.  The main challenges of our relationship stemmed from her inabilities to love herself and to trust me.  We realized that she needed more time to heal and that ultimately, we would both be better served as each other’s friend.  I had never been in a relationship with someone that had been abused, so it was a learning experience for me.  As a result, I have a whole new understanding of the long-term impact that abuse can have on someone.  As importantly, I realized that in a real sense we are all victims of abuse.

A woman is battered every nine seconds, but there are more animal shelters than safe havens for victims of abuse and domestic violence.  In an effort to help bring about greater public awareness to domestic abuse and the need for greater support for its victims, I have written, Tenderness.   Tenderness is about accepting love after abuse. The chorus echoes, “Let me heal your bitterness with a little tenderness…” embracing the victim’s emotional challenges with acts of kindness and a commitment to be there through the healing process of closing the gaping wounds of a painful past.   I truly realize that it takes more than a hug and some flowers to make a difference.

This “power ballad” captures your soul and stirs your every emotion and was co-written with the world renown contemporary jazz/Pop/R&B/Gospel keyboard producer, William Green.    The following are the other amazing musicians and individuals that participated in this project

Background Vocals

Altovise Johnson

Drums

Che Marshall

Acoustic Guitar

Kyle Williams

String Arrangements

John Beal, III

Recorded at

Beal Street Studios

East Point, Georgia

Music mixed at

Beal Street Studios

East Point, Georgia

Mastering and ProTools

Larry LaRue

Marietta, Georgia

Photography & Art Direction

James Bartlett for Mason Dzign

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Makeup

Venita for Tyler Marcel

Management/Consultant

Donna I. Douglas for Power Pact Productions

Tenderness gives your the strength to be encouraged and the heart to believe that your dreams can come true. Support organizations that offer programs to help victims of domestic violence and abuse heal emotionally, receive God’s love, and find the strength and love from within to build a new life.  Hopefully, this will ultimately help in spreading the word that domestic violence and abuse is everybody’s business.

If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, call

The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800.799.SAFE (7233)

Special thanks:

To God for Your grace and favor.

To Mom and Dad for living the great example of what true love really is.

To Pastor Melody Favor -Thanks for making me do this the right way!

https://www.facebook.com/melody.jackson.5076