No, this is not about me. I have a healthy self-esteem, but not so much to self-title any publication. This is about R and B singer, former Broadway star, Stephanie Mills and R and B legend, the one and only, Chaka Khan. Recently these two pop culture icons were the featured artists in the latest Verzuz production. The idea behind Verzuz is to showcase music artists with each taking turns performing their greatest hits. The series started last year and has been a welcomed form of online entertainment since the onset of the pandemic. Initially hosted on Instagram, the lovefest has attracted as many as 250,000 viewers. The November 2021 edition featured Mills and Khan.

The idea was great. The implementation waxed and waned as the Instagram livefeed was sporadic. The concept was novel. The execution had its cacophonal challenges. Stephanie Mills brought the heat. Chaka Khan, well, she struggled. The comments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were harsh. Some maintained Khan was inebriated. Others insisted she was on drugs. It is no secret she has been in and out of rehabilitation centers.

Yet, despite Khan having what appeared to be some physical difficulties and slurring of speech, there were bits where she was in true vocal form. At other not-so-melodic moments, Mills quickly assisted. She not only bore much of the show’s burden on her back, but she carried her fellow artist. In a true display of professionalism and sibling affection, Mills did not let Khan fall by the wayside. When it appeared Khan even forgot the words to her own songs, Mills pulled up to the mic and sang with poise and power. We all need a Stephanie.

We need someone who will assist us when we think we are really okay. We require someone to step in and rescue us when it looks otherwise. A perpetual instructive in this Covid context is that now is not the time to feign invulnerability. The “S” on our chest can go to the bottom of the dirty clothes hamper. Even in our most public spaces, doing what we know we’ve been crafted and called to do, sometimes we find ourselves professionally flailing. We need a Stephanie  or a Steve to grab us and redeem the moment.

During this Advent season, I am reminded of a woman who provided covering to a teenaged girl. The Gospel of Luke (1:39-45) tells the story of Elizabeth nurturing Mary for three months. Here is Mary caught in a situation beyond her control. Her body says she is supposed to be able to handle pregnancy. However, her emotions and spiritual state aver the contrary. Mary needed an Elizabeth.

We need an Elizabeth or an Elvin. This is the one who will support and affirm us. A person of this nature will be in our corner and edge on us. Chances are we can learn from and grow with these individuals. We don’t need the gossip, the backbiting, or the backstabbing. Who has time for more competition? Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan were clear they were not battling despite the forum name, “verzuz.” If anything, as Elizabeth proclaimed her blessing due to Mary’s blessing (1:43), the performers expressed praise and gratitude because the other woman on stage exuded praise and gratitude.

Whereas Mary and Elizabeth came from different class backgrounds and had a significant age difference, their mysterious maternal status brought them together into a sacred space. Elizabeth provided the wisdom, care, and motherly love Mary necessitated. I imagine Mary gave to Elizabeth a degree of daughterly doting and devotion in return.

Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan have had different paths to singing success with one going the road to Broadway and the other the way to ten Grammys. Yet, an online platform brought these two 60-plus-year-olds together. Mills depended on Khan’s legacy to secure a larger stage. Khan leaned on Mills to help her sing her song.

We need a Stephanie and a Steve. We need a Chaka and a Charles.