February 25, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, February 25.
I love crossword puzzles. You can find them in every newspaper, in many magazines, in puzzle books, and online. The New York Times began publishing a daily crossword in February, 1942, and their puzzle is still the “gold standard.” I try to finish it every morning. Yesterday, the clue for three down, a five-letter word, was “Blues legend Waters.” I quickly wrote in “Muddy,” for the legendary Chicago blues man Muddy Waters. But my guess didn’t work with any of the across answers. So, I thought for a moment, and then realized the answer was “Ethel.” And so this morning, as Black History Month draws to a close, here’s a quick look at the amazing life of Ethel Waters, my mother’s favorite singer.
Ethel was born in 1896, to a 13-year-old mother, who was the victim of rape. She was raised by her grandmother in poverty. When she was 13 she married a man who beat her. After leaving him, she worked as a maid. Ethel had loved to sing ever since she was a small child, and at 17 she began to perform on the Black Vaudeville circuit and in carnivals. By the 1920’s she was the highest paid black recording artist in America. In the 30’s she starred on Broadway. In the 40’s she began making movies and became only the second African American to be nominated for an Oscar. In 1950 she starred in a TV show, the first black to do that, and was the first to receive an Emmy award.
And then, in 1957, after a life full of incredible achievements against all odds, Ethel Waters had a truly life-changing experience. She attended a Billy Graham Crusade at Madison Square Garden in New York City and dedicated the rest of her life to God. She would often travel with the Graham team, and sang countless times in crusade services all across the globe. Her signature song was “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” shared in her unique and unforgettable style. It was my mother’s favorite. An amazing song. An amazing life. An amazing faith.
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
