My spiritual encounter with Gospel Singer Daryl Coley

I was listening to Quincy Jones's version of the Hallelujah Chorus when I saw an image of Gospel singer Daryl Coley. A fond memory came to mind, and I decided to share it.

Coley was a popular recording artist, who I later learned combined traditional gospel with jazz, classical, and pop music. He sang with Edwin Hawkins and other popular gospel artists and released his debut album Just Daryl in 1986.

Later, he served as musical director for Tramaine Hawkins when she launched her solo career. Concurrently, Coley branched out in secular circles, singing in jazz clubs, working with artists like Sylvester,[4] Pete Escovedo, and others. He would later collaborate with jazz artists such as Nancy Wilson and Rodney Franklin, and pop artists such as Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire fame. (Wikipedia).

I had not heard of him before 1993, when he gave a concert at the Baptist Church my family attended. My husband, mother-in-law, and I were the only church members in attendance, except the pastor, and I wondered why.

I later learned that Baptists and "Holy rollers" were at odds with one another regarding speaking in tongues and outward expressions of worship.

Everyone else in attendance that night was from Word of Faith or Church of God in Christ congregations. I was used to traditional services with hymns, so when people began dancing in the aisles and shouting, to the more upbeat music, I said, "Lord, is this You or the devil"?

I saw one man skipping down the aisle, and I wondered if he had a demon because I had never seen this type of service. I had not been in any churches except Baptist congregations, so this was culture shock.

I don't recall if Minister Coley preached, but I remember him raising a special offering for the pastor who had invited him to town. I assumed this pastor's church was too small for the crowd, which is why the service was held at our church.

On this night, I was dealing with undiagnosed panic attacks and anxiety disorder. I had a recurring pain in all four corners of my mouth. My gums often ached to the point of tears. My vision would be slightly blurry, and I felt disoriented.

All the above symptoms were kicking in, and I was miserable sitting in the pews. Minister Coley came down from the pulpit and began walking down the aisle. He was laying hands on some people and hugging others. A few people fell to the floor, and only later did I learn that this was the power of the Holy Spirit.

As he got closer, I sensed something special about him, but did not yet understand the anointing of God. Still, I stood up and reached out, believing he could somehow alleviate my pain. I stepped into the aisle, and when he put his arms around me, I felt peaceful.

I clung to this man as if for dear life, and the smell that was around him seemed from heaven. I sat down, and he moved on, but when he walked back down the aisle, I grabbed him again.

I did not understand my actions or the presence of God that night, but only knew that my agony lessened when Minister Coley embraced me. Later at home, my husband asked why I had hugged the preacher twice, but I could not explain.

I told him I felt God's presence and peaceful in the preacher's embrace. I assured my spouse it was not romantic but something I could not put into words.

I now know I was responding to the power and anointing of the Lord on this man, which I was not yet familiar with. Later, in a different church, we experienced God's power regularly.

Daryl Coley passed away on March 15, 2016, at age 60, from complications of diabetes. He will be remembered for his many contributions to the gospel and secular world. I will always fondly recall that he introduced me to the power of the Holy Spirit.