APRIL 2012
MAKE IT SO REPORT VOLUME 15
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APRIL 2012
MAKE IT SO REPORT VOLUME 15
Make It So Report
EDITOR Allen Green agreengap@aol.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donald E. Graham, Jr. Mary Daniels Simone Malone Lenora Young Phil Hughes Christine Tunstall Monica F. Hudson Antonio Santiago Carl C. Gable III, MD Irene Council Dr. Donna Rouse Demetrius Adams
Cover Design by A. Green
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Open Letter to Editor Writer: M.B. The loudest voices in opposition regarding contraceptives are coming from men; whom I might add apparently have no concept or personal knowledge of the uses of contraceptives other than for birth control. Contraceptives are a necessary treatment of various conditions women suffer from which have nothing to do with birth control. Some of these conditions could be or may be life-threatening. How dare those Neanderthal men taking it upon themselves to decide and inject their false knowledge and opinions on what health issues women face and the medications they may need to combat these conditions. Perhaps they would think somewhat differently if it hits close to home and the women in their lives were in danger of bleeding to death, losing an ovary, hindering their ability to have children or denied contraceptives which could have prevented an unwanted life threatening pregnancy. A great idea would be to deny or discontinue coverage for Viagra which by the way is a male ego recreational drug and does not prevent or combat any life-threatening conditions; in other words if a man “can’t get it up” he will not die. As a matter of fact, denying Viagra may be the answer to helping limit abortions, unwanted pregnancies, sexual assaults (rape) and a host of incidents which could be caused by a man’s uncontrollable sexual urges or overactive libidos. Also, a great way to save money on health insurance would be an “all-out campaign” to deny access to Viagra and remove its coverage from all health insurance policies. Yes! That sounds like a winner to me!
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ANTONIO’S CORNER By: Antonio Santiago
FACEBOOK: Antonio Santiago YOUTUBE: MOTIVATION 7254
“WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, SEVERAL OTHERS WILL INDEED OPEN” I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr. Allen Green and the wonderful readers of “Make It So Report”. Those of you who read my first column last month your e-mails and face book chats have made me realize talking is therapeutic for everybody. One really cannot tell what an individual has been through or the set-backs they have endured. This is true, because when you “wake up” and look at the whole picture you get the opportunity to see so much that you have overlooked. However, by the time you have seen the complete picture you may have noticed something you’ve never seen before. There is a big difference like so called friends. Who are your friends? Do they really support you like you think they should? Do you get hurt if the so called friends stab you in the back and as you fall forward they stab you in the heart? Yes! It’s a pretty graphic thought but let’s be honest this is true for most of us. I’ve had to sit back, look around me and tighten my social circle with only the people who actually care about me. Not just because I am a radio and future television personality, no I want people to treat me the same way they treated me before I was blessed. I want them to treat me like that same “little big head boy” from North Philadelphia. I was blessed to be given the assignment to speak in front of a group of youth for six weeks straight, and it has been a joy. The first session was a success; the young people loved it because I didn’t talk at them I actually talked to them. For a person who believed he had only 30 minutes to speak the monitors gave me an hour and it went by very fast. I did not believe I would be able to hold their attention for an hour much less 15 minutes. However, I was able to get them involved in the dialog. I spoke with them about my experience working with youth, my experience with Toastmaster’s International, my experience doing “interactive” conflict resolution in schools as well as my theater background. We talked about issues ranging from stealing to the negativity youth give each other. I spoke to the young men about referring to females in the negative names they hear on the streets. I asked them to help the young ladies know they are worth their weight in gold. I taught them that when I was growing up we were taught to call older people “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, not “ole head”. I taught them to be proud of themselves and who they are and to stop imitating the negativity they see on television. I told them to bring positivity to themselves and in their communities. These young people were between the ages of six and 13 but I was real with them. I always say, “Look forward and never look back” and I do not “Want an anchor on my ankle”. Some people desire to bring you down and it may be because they don’t want or have any direction for themselves. They don’t want to do anything for themselves and when they fail they wish to blame everyone else but themselves. I think of the line in some of Michael Jackson’s songs such as “Man in the
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Mirror”, “If You Wanna Make the World A Better Place”, “Take a Look at Yourself and Make a Change”. Last year around the Christmas holidays I watched Bishop T.D. Jakes on television and what he said really made sense to me. He stated, “Everyone that claims to be in your corner is not in your corner, there are those that may wish to destroy you after t hey befriended you”. I am a witness to that, and that made me realize that some people in the world can be very toxic. Someone I know always said, “If this was a perfect world”! I guess they may have been right because if this was a perfect world we would uplift one another instead of bringing each other down.
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“Easter Resurrection” By Minister Donald Graham Jr. While the media may promote the idea that Easter is all about Easter egg hunts and bunny rabbits, many Christians around the world assign a much greater meaning and understanding to the holy season of Easter. For many of us the spring season is a time of birth and new beginnings. As the earth warms up with the spring sun the rains fall and the trees blossom, we can reflect on our own cycles and seasons and our rebirths. The bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the sun.” We all have experienced our winter-summer-autumn and spring seasons throughout the year, but this particular season marks a time when we consider starting anew. Forty days before Easter, Christians all over the world observe a period of sacrifice and reflection called Lent (or the Lenten Season). During this time it is common practice for most people to give up eating meat, chocolates, smoking cigarettes, alcohol etc. The sole objective for this self-denial of the physical and emotional pleasantries of life is the ultimate hope of developing a closer walk with the Lord. This period of consecration culminates on Easter Sunday, with a time of rejoicing, and the declaration of our renewed faith. This is why many churches have adopted the term “Resurrection Sunday” because on that first Easter Sunday Christ worked his greatest miracle, as he predicted, by rising from the dead. All of our faith, all of our beliefs, hinge on this awesome event. Jesus promised he would rise again from the dead. If he would not, then his whole life and ministry would have been null-and-void. Many have come before him and many after him but only Jesus promised something more. He promised to give us new life, a new beginning and eternal life by his resurrection. As a matter of fact if Christ did not rise from the dead, then our faith is in vain and we are left hopeless. However, since Christ did rise from the dead, his resurrection signals a new beginning and a second chance (upon many chances) for all of us. My main objective here is to remind us that our lives can be resurrected as well. You too can overcome the mistakes of your past by accepting God’s forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love for you. I often talk candidly about the bad decisions and selfish choices I’ve made throughout my life. The self-inflicted wounds that came as a result of the hurt and pain I dished out and received over the years. However, through it all, I have literally seen God turn my mess into a message and every test I’ve gone through into a testimony for his glory. My friend you need to know that God’s grace is still sufficient for you and you don’t have to remain stuck in that dry place called sin. There is a redemptive work that God wants to do in your life if you would only surrender yourself to him. This Easter, as you get dressed in your Sunday best, take a moment to thank God for your new beginnings and the growth you have experienced over the past year. Be encouraged in knowing that God loves you in spite of your past, in spite of what you’re going through and in spite of what people may think about you. Take comfort in knowing that at the end of the day, it is God who is able to forgive you, it is God who allows all things to work together for your good, it is God who fights your battles, and it is God who is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless before His presence with exceeding joy. Take time this Easter to find your gratitude and appreciation for the life, health, and strength that God has given you. For we all have been resurrected with Christ and we are
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now called to live our lives to the glory of him who sacrificed his all for us. Have yourself a blessed and joyful Easter holiday!
Sincere’s Corner More Relationship Tips from the Heart Writer: Irene Council Although "Revenge" sounds like a great idea, you must keep in mind that your anger is momentary. NEVER make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling because you will regret it in the end. Try and let the calmer head prevail. Even the Bible allows us to be angry, but commands us to "sin not"...yeah, I know! LOL! You will never get any resolve with those issues that you are having in your relationship by venting around the office. Go home, sit your mate down and talk to "them"... No one and I mean no one; can make your relationship work except those that are actually in it. So shut everybody else out and deal with your stuff privately! Hey Sis, you need to put the brakes on your "Superwoman" attitude. You don't have to be so independent, that you push the "Man" out of his duties. If you start off your relationship with that attitude, your man will make room for "Independence" to dwell and you'll be mad that you are always carrying the bags, taking out the trash or getting the car serviced. You have to let your man be man! It is important to let your mate know that you appreciate them and value their presence in your life. Never assume they know this automatically, because humans are not built to read minds. A person doesn’t know they're being hugged until they feel the embrace. So share your appreciation because life is too short and tomorrow is not promised! You can't run your relationship, your neighbor’s relationship, your co-workers relationship and your family member’s relationship successfully. So pick one and master that...hopefully, you pick your own. Moral of the statement..."mind your own business" because they were only venting and didn't want your advice in the first place. Dating is the interviewing process in which you could be eliminated. Don't take it personal if you don’t get chosen, your interview just didn't go well. Let's be adults and move forward. No name-calling, no playing on the phone and no hating...the job wasn't made for you, PERIOD! It's awesome when a "Man" takes the initiative and plans a romantic date from start to end. So Sir, "WOW" your lady and I guarantee you will be the talk around the water cooler or (now a days...the talk on Face Book)
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The Gospel Music Preservation Alliance Preserving the Rich Cultural Heritage of Traditional Gospel Music Through Community Outreach & Giving Back The Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, Inc. better known as GMPA is recognized as Philadelphia’s premier gospel music non-profit organization founded in 1989 by Serena Blanco and a group of professional singers, musicians, and music lovers. The combined experience of these founders encompass more than 150 years in the field of gospel music. Serena Blanco gifted vocalist and daughter of Philadelphia gospel legend and matriarch Dr. Thomasina James organized a board of director and with their assistance recruited members for the organization. GMPA is an organization which is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of gospel music and its influences on the music industry past and present. GMPA with its mission to keep the legacy of traditional gospel music alive has dedicated its resources to helping other non-profit organizations that provide care and assistance to those in need. GMPA has sponsored many concerts and fundraisers donating major portions of the proceeds to various organizations. Over the years Women against Abuse, Action AIDS, the Women’s Christian Alliance, One Day at a Time, Wise Choice Transitional Home, Strawberry Mansion Medical Center AIDS services, Girard Family Center, Pennsylvania AIDS Education and Training Center, OIC, Unity, Inc. and many more have been recipients of GMPA’s gift giving.
Victoria Blackshear, Serena Blanco, Dr. Thomasina James
August 30, 1933, was when the first gathering of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC) took place at the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago. Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, Professor Theodore Frye, Magnolia Butts, Sallie Martin and Henry J. Carruthers founded and organized the NCGCC for the training and betterment of the Christian singer, instrumentalist and educator. Seventy-five years later the Convention is still going strong. In the year 2000 The Gospel Music Preservation Alliance joined the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses founded by Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey. GMPA is one of the many unions in the Northeast Region of the Dorsey National Convention.
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GMPA as a union of the Northeast Regions consists of several local choirs from the tristate area. As an interdenominational group, GMPA consists of The David Winslow Singers, St. Thomas Episcopal Gospel Choir, Psalmist Chorale, and Main Line Interdenominational Choir. GMPA has been blessed to have some of the greatest musicians and directors in the United States. Minister David Winslow serves as the Music Director. Added to his cabinet are Minister Waltier Blocker, Bro. Kevin Wilkins, Bill Smith and Philadelphia’s own Professor Harold Thompson. GMPA and Serena Blanco have been the recipients of numerous awards from the City of Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania as well as many civic organizations. The Gospel Music Preservation Alliance through the years has been responsible for featuring many national and internationally famed gospel recording artists in its fundraising projects. Artists such as Daryl Coley, Beverly Crawford, The legendary Johnny Thompson Singers, Ms. Willa Ward, Pastor Rosie Wallace Brown and the late Marion Williams and more. Philadelphia has a very diverse cultural heritage in gospel music being the home to such legendary groups and choirs such as Clara Ward and the Ward Singers, The Davis Sisters, the Angelic Singers, The Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, the Savettes, the Victory Chorale Ensemble just to name a few.
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WHAT IF THERE HAD BEEN NO EASTER? Elder Demetrius Adams II Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if certain historical events had different results? As an example: What if the bullets fired by Lee Harvey Oswald had missed President John F. Kennedy in 1963? If President Kennedy finished his first term, he probably would have been re-elected for a second term. What if Dr. Martin Luther King was still alive? What if Barack Obama never became President? What if the Titanic hadn’t hit that iceberg? What if the terrorists were caught before the events of September 11? What if Adolph Hitler lost the election as head of the Nazi party? If these events never took place, history would be different in MANY ways! DO YOU AGREE? If that didn’t pique your interest, then how about this: What if you had never met and married your spouse? What if it had been someone else? What if you never had children? What if you never graduated from high school, college or grad school? What if you were never born? What if you never had food, clothes, or a car to drive? What if your life wasn’t as you know it? What if you had no name, no identity, or value of any kind? What kind of life would that have been for you? Sometimes, I think about these things as I look at people in my neighborhood, church community, as I view Facebook statuses and even as I converse with my friends and family. Sometimes we take for granted the good things we have. We don’t appreciate what we have until we are in danger of losing it. We take our good health for granted. We take for granted a faithful and loving spouse. We take for granted having a steady job. Soon it’ll be Easter Sunday. We will be sitting in church doing what we do each year: dressed nice from head to toe (as if we are in a HUGE fashion show), singing resurrection songs, and praising God as if it is our last time. We listen to the best sermon all year long (but anticipate its ending) to get home to eat the most anticipated meal of the year. Easter dinner!
But stop! Think about this! WHAT IF THERE HAD BEEN NO EASTER? What if Jesus was not resurrected on that spring morning 2000 years ago? What would the world be like? There wouldn’t be any Easter parades. There also wouldn’t be any Easter baskets, Easter Bunny stories, Easter lilies or Easter egg hunts. Those are superficial things. Let’s get serious. What would your life be like? What would be your HOPE? What would be your reason to live? This is no child’s game of “let’s pretend.” So, stop whatever you’re doing right now and ask yourself, WHAT IF EASTER DIDN’T EXIST?
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Feelgoodflavor 10 Writer: Simone Malone Well, spring is here. Change your life and become as happy and successful as you deserve. I want you to expect a lot more for yourself for this spring. You have the potential to really try and put in effect all the things you've been talking about doing. It might be something artistic or literary, or setting yourself the goal of spending more time every week exploring opportunities for your development and to be with God. Whatever it is it will be the start of your life change and it will give you the confidence to keep trying new things and slowly but surely implement your dreams and passions into your life. In these tough economic times many people are struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes you might even feel that the harder you work the further away your dream life seems to get. There are times when you may be tempted to lose hope as life just seems to get tougher and tougher, and riches and security still remain tantalizingly out of your reach. I bet there are days when you feel all the blessings in life belongs to other people and that there is none left for you! A Cloud Is Lifting and the Sun's About to Shine on You... Trust Me. Under no circumstances should you go down that road because I have the faith that you are just about to turn a corner around which a glorious vista of prosperity. Naturally, you are wondering how I can be so sure about this... especially when the media reports are filled with so many gloomy projections for the future.
What you see, in your mind's eye has an uncanny way of becoming reality. If you see yourself as popular, prosperous and successful, the Universe will provide the opportunities and circumstances to make that happen. However, if you continually see yourself as poor, needy or hopeless, that is precisely what the universe will deliver. I know that you have been on the right path. I am sensing that your frustration may be getting the better of you, perhaps because nothing seems to have changed in your favor. Well, get ready for a new cycle of blessings and opportunity to come your way this spring. Until the next time, I am sprinkling some fee good flavor on you.
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The Sweetness in the Blood Writer: Monica F. Hudson The amazing thing about sugar is that no matter how hard you try to smell it in its natural state you can never get the full aroma that lies dormant within the grains of its element, this also falls in relationship to the Christian faith esp. parallel of the journey Christ had to make towards the cross. In this revealing journey we find that Christ had to demonstrative his will for the people of God by giving them miracles and signs of God’s power but more so was the greatest event when Christ gave himself at the cross. In looking at the life of Christ, listening to the messages brought by God through him leaves us certain of the intimate relationship He wanted to have with man, this aroma this scent captivated by sending his Son, Christ that he would be lifted up to draw all men unto him. Aroma in the New Living Translation Concordance means a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell; a distinctive quality or atmosphere. When sugar is mixed with liquids or a solid food element the power of its aroma comes to heightened the quality of the product to make it more appealing and pleasing to the partaker, we see that God was pleased with the birth of Jesus, the tests, baptism and his actions through his character but nothing was more pleasing to his Father then the sweetness to do God’s will for which He was truly sent to save and redeem man. Deuteronomy 29:12-15 You are standing here today to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God. The Lord is making this covenant with you today, and he has sealed it with an oath. He wants to confirm you today as his people and to confirm that he is your God, just as he promised you, and as he is your God, just as he promised you, and as he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But you are not the only ones with whom the Lord is making this covenant with you who stand in his presence today and also with all future generations of Israel. In the blood of Christ is found the trust of the Father but more importantly the passionate love for us that we may see all that He endured, this blood with its saving power stirred into the spirit of the unbeliever that when the power of the Holy Spirit the character of the blood of Christ is poured out to change, encourage and bring joy. The sweetness of his blood is powerful and unchanging, in the eyes of the weary it brings comfort, to the lame, it heals and gives encouragement, to the brokenhearted it binds their wounds, and to all it fills our life with everlasting peace. Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Love a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. We who follow and by faith believe that Christ shed his blood for the remission of our sins, that in his death and resurrection are made new through Christ and the old life has passed away.
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10 THINGS THAT AGGRAVATE YOU IN THE BLACK CHURCH....... By Mozelle Gunthrie People who overuse the tambourine. If you know you have a problem keeping up with the beat, please do the church a favor and pass the tambourine to someone else! Be still and just sing. You are truly aggravating so KNOCK IT OFF! People who fake the Spirit. Just because your friend felt His "touch” and was moved to run around the church, doesn’t mean you need to. If you require several rounds of oxygen and some gator-aide after your 'performance', chances are you didn't get touched after all. SIT DOWN!!! People who constantly holler something to the pastor all during the message. We don't need you commenting after every sentence pastor says. Everybody knows you know the bible. Stop showing off! The preacher is 'preaching' directly to you anyway, but maybe if you be quiet, the whole church wouldn’t know he's talking to you. SHUT UP so everybody can hear what the pastor has to say to you! People who constantly go to the bathroom. Nobody uses the bathroom four times during service, and if you actually need to I suggest wearing Depends, or sitting at the end of the aisle. People are tired of you knocking off their hats and wigs as you go by. DIAPER YOURSELF OR SIT BY YOURSELF!! People who can't or won't control their kids. Okay, this is a tough one.....If you know lil' Ron Ron is about to tear up children's church, don't subject that poor innocent teacher to your demon-child. Sit lil' Ron Ron next to you, open your purse and show him your 'gun'....then whisper in his ear and tell him he's going to see Jesus before his time if he doesn't get some 'act right'. Then pray and ask God's forgiveness. How in the world can we concentrate on hearing the Word when your child is running up and down the aisle? The Bible says, "Spare the rod, and spoil the child." HANDLE YOURS!! People who take 'COME AS YOU ARE' to a whole new level. I can understand if you going through something, but if you got on a fresh pair of Jordan's and an $80 T-shirt, then you can certainly invest in some dress clothes. And take your nose rings, and tongue rings and all other kind of face rings out. AND... Since when is it OK for men to wear hats in the church and wear their pants to their ankles? GET IT TOGETHER! People who bring food to church. If you brought your baby a little snack, but you're eating all his cookies and crackers, dropping crumbs everywhere -- that's a problem! Take those Cheezits, Oreos and little Rae-kwon outside. This is not YOUR HOUSE, IT’S GOD’S HOUSE!!! People who come to special church functions and criticize. If you're standing in a corner gossiping about how you could've done a better job at something, BUT you ain't volunteered to help with nothing, NOR have you showed up to any invitations to join a ministry, I'm going to have to ask you to SHUT IT UP!!
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People who obviously show they don't like you. If you don't care for a person for whatever reason, at least put up a decent front and ACT like you have some Christian love! Don't come to church and cut somebody up with a look so mean that even the devil says "Daaaaannnnng! That’s cold!!" And everybody wonders whether you're really saved!!! CUT IT OUT! Finally, parents who dress better than their kids. If you come in looking like an Ebony Fashion Model and little Sha-nay-nay are behind you looking like a poster child for 'Feed the Children,' you are DEAD WRONG! Give that child's hair a good combing, slap some Vaseline on her, and dress her to look as good as or better than you. Don't come out looking like a MILLION BUCKS while your child looks homeless. YOU KNOW YOU'RE WRONG! And the church said... AMEN!
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A HEALTHY BODY IS A HEALTHY MIND IS A HEALTHY SPIRIT IX Writer: Phil Hughes Welcome back. Because of a recent event in my family, I’d like to take this time to talk to you about how to avoid a stroke. This is information I obtained online from a Dr. David Hill. Strokes are usually the result of long-standing arterial diseases, so the most important way to avoid a stroke is by reducing the risk factors. A stroke is caused when there is a lack of blood getting to the brain cells. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of a stroke is to reduce your blood pressure and keep it under control. Be sure to consult your physician. Also, if you have high blood pressure and you’re a smoker, you are a prime candidate for a stroke. Smoking destroys the insides of blood vessels. It’s also important that you don’t allow your cholesterol level to elevate. If you find yourself in any of the three categories, please consult your physician right away and get these matters under control. Also, when discussing medications with your doctor, it’s important to ask him or her, what is it that needs to be done to get off of the medications he or she is prescribing. Often times, people think medications allow them to continue their bad habits. Medications work if you take them in the context they were prescribed. The best way to repair your body is by a proper diet and regular exercise. That can’t be said enough. It is paramount to know the symptoms of a stroke. If a person can get treatment within the first three hours of a stroke, brain damage can be significantly reduced. If you are having a stroke, you may not even know it. This is why it’s important for people around you to know the symptoms. Some of the symptoms are: difficulty speaking, difficulty understanding people, a part of your body becomes weak; one arm, one leg, one entire side, part of your face and a loss of balance. If you or someone is having a stroke, seconds count. Every second is some brain tissue that might be saved. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) recommends fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables tend to provide the most nutritional benefits. Those richest in antioxidants, which may reduce risk for diseases, include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, papaya, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, plums, oranges, kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bell peppers. The UMMC suggests limiting salty foods and foods from fast food restaurants. Foods high in saturated or trans fats, such as fatty red meat, dark-meat poultry, whole milk, fried pastries, potato chips and other processed foods, are linked with heart disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer. Alcohol and added sugars should also be restricted or consumed in moderation. Processed carbohydrates, such as enriched white breads, pastas, cereals, instant rice, sugary soft drinks and most desserts, lack nutrients and dietary fiber; thus, whole grains and starchy vegetables are recommended in their place.
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EMAX Health provided the following. Aerobic exercise was most likely to be associated with preventing stroke, as well as heart disease. Men who exercise in their free time were found to have a twenty-four percent lower risk of coronary artery disease, and for women the risk was twenty three percent less. The findings show that walking at a moderate to fast pace, jogging, swimming, bicycling and similar aerobic exercise, thirty minutes a day can prevent disease. Until next time, be blessed. Proverbs 4:22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their whole body.
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The Value of Constructive Criticism Writer: Carl C. Gable III. MD Most human beings enjoy getting compliments from someone else regarding how well they look, perform, behave, drive, cook, or whatever the case may be. On the contrary, few individuals enjoy hearing how awful they look, how horrible they perform on the job, or how unpalatable the meal they spent hours preparing really is. It should come as no surprise then, that many of us become defensive whenever we are offered a word of criticism from someone else, regardless of whether it is deserved or not. Many of us have adopted the “nobody can tell me what to do” attitude at home, at church, and at work, believing that such an attitude helps preserve our autonomy and/or the freedom to do as we please. Without negating the power and privilege of making our own decisions, I would suggest that when we consistently adopt this attitude without regard to particular situations, we do ourselves a great disservice. I would also suggest that there are at least a few benefits of criticism when leveled in a constructive manner. If we accept the notion that none of us are perfect, and that few of us are the best in the world at one particular thing, then we must admit that there are other people who can offer us great advice on how to do something better than we are already doing it. In fact, even those who are considered the best overall at performing a particular task can benefit from the advice of someone else who perhaps does one particular aspect of that task better than him or her. Given this fact, listening to criticism that is offered constructively, has the potential to better our particular skills and/or character over time. As I think back over years gone by, I am reminded of brutally honest criticism given to me from both a personal and professional standpoint. Despite being somewhat painful to hear at the time, today, I must admit that many of my acquired skills are sharper than they would have been without the sometimes painful criticism given to me many years ago. In fact, today, I am thankful for those individuals, including and perhaps especially my father, who told me like it was instead of telling me only what I wanted to hear. Though it is important to listen to the advice of others in an effort to improve our skills and/or character, we must realize that this in only the first step. Good advice that is offered but not acted upon remains only good advice. Thus, it is not enough to merely stop being offended by the advice/criticism offered by others. In order for such critiques to be helpful, there are times when we must go further and actually act upon the advice given. Like a prizefighter who refuses to follow the directions of his trainer between rounds is the individual who hears good advice but ignores it. Both may suffer a knockout of some kind as a result. Lastly, though it is important to listen to and act upon constructive criticism, there are times when it is equally important to give constructive criticism to others. There are times when we should not just “mind our own business.” At times, it is necessary to be forthright in critiques given to family, friends, and others. Too many of us are hesitant to offer critical advice to others for fear of hurting them or for fear that they may not be able to handle it. Sometimes, however, it is they who need to toughen up. Sometimes it is they who need not be offended by criticism designed only to better them. There are times when criticism withheld is capable of doing more damage to an individual than criticism offered in 17
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a kind and constructive fashion. Having the wisdom to know which of these two actions to take in a given situation is of paramount importance. So if you find yourself constantly offended by criticism, especially when it is offered constructively, first of all, toughen up! And after you have toughened up, develop the art of listening to constructive criticism. Follow the art of listening by acting upon the advice given. Alternatively, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to give sound advice and/or constructive criticism, then by all means give it! It may benefit someone greatly and they may thank you for it days, months, or years later.
Will we learn? Writer: Dr. Donna Rouse It seems as if we as humans just can’t get it together. We worship celebrities and yearn to be bigger than God. Not all of us just some of us. Men buy cars they cannot afford to impress women. Women spending rent money on shoes and bags that are clearly above their means. Children wearing Jordan’s and Ugg boots but can’t count to ten. This to me is utter foolishness. Who and what are we trying to impress. What’s the point of all of this? To be in debt but look great. PLEASE. This just didn’t start recently this has been going on since the Old Testament. I get somewhat confused with frustration seeing my peers and elders worshiping others and material things. I understand why Moses became frustrated with Gods people. (Not condoning his frustration and reaction to it). He was just doing the work of God and the people just couldn’t get themselves together. After speaking to God on Mount Sinai he came down to speak to the people. When he came back the people had seem to have gotten impatient and created a golden calf idol. Sigh….They were dancing and worshiping this idol. They couldn’t wait on God so they got in his way and created their own. Sounds just like our current times. No offense to Eddie Long we are all human, have transgressions, and I don’t know his relationship with God but I was deeply disturbed by his crowning. We crowned him as King. I have a huge problem with that. In this ceremony they wrapped a scroll around him, and later lifted his chair while he was in it. It was utterly insane to me. I will not praise or acknowledge any man here on earth as King. We all know who is King…JESUS. People actually performed this act of praising him like they did the Golden Calf in Moses time. Jesus was so patient and perfect with the people of his time, especially the disciples. He performed miracles and they still didn’t believe or even understand just how great he was. Parable after Parable, miracle after miracle the disciples still had no earthly idea who he was, his purpose, and Gods plan for them. The religious leaders had an idea of who he was but did not want to be over shadowed. They wanted to be idolized and praised and Jesus just got in their way. Sounds like the Republicans to me. I am in no way shape or form comparing Obama to Jesus Christ. But he has an agenda to carry out and the Republicans cannot stand for him to receive any accomplishment and praise. So, to answer my own question will we ever learn? The answer! NO. We will not.
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“He’s On the Prowl” Writer: Pastor Lenora G. Young Scripture:
I Peter 5: 8 – 9 (KJV)
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Be sober be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (NLT) 8
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. 9 Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Definition:
Prowl - Stalk – lurk – hang around – creep around – lie in wait
The enemy of our soul is seeking – looking – watching your every move – waiting for the opportune time to overtake and overwhelm. Waiting for the slightest sign of weakness – looking for a crack – a peep hole – a slither where he can sneak in to overturn your world – to overturn your life –to cause your thoughts to change in reference to the promises and your walk with God. As much as we try to get away from the part where the scripture tells us – “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution and many are the afflictions of the righteous” We tend to back away from this because it’s not what we want to hear or go through. But as I heard someone say, Life itself is not easy – Life itself is full of hardships – Life is filled with times of being broken and many disappointments. I believe when we receive Christ in our lives, the enemy himself embellishes the different situations we go through and therefore causes us not to see that God is there with us to see us through. Remember, it is the plan of the enemy to get back at God and the only way he can get back at him is through God’s people. The bible tells us that the enemy of our soul is an accuser of the brethren and it is done day and night. Our scripture today tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” Knowing that his time is about to come to an end, he’s lurking – creeping around – waiting to find an opening to attack. What does it mean to be sober, “Be self-controlled being in control – being alert. A person that is drunk is not in control – they are not alert – their vision is impaired – they have no control of their speech. We should be constantly alert because the enemy – the devil – the slanderer is always actively seeking an opportunity for a vicious attack. He is the adversary – the enemy. Not a common adversary, but an enemy that impleads you ( meaning he is consistently bringing up a case against you – wanting to impeach you from the office where God has positioned you), and litigates against you in your grand depending cause, and aims at your very souls. He disputes and quarrels his case against you. An accuser of the brethren. The devil, the grand accuser of all the brethren; this title is derived from a word which signifies to strike through, or to stab. He 19
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would strike malignity into our nature and poison into our souls. He’s sneaky – conniving – scheming – manipulative – devious – shrewd – cunning – he comes as a thief; The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: “He’s On the Prowl” The bible tells us He walks about, as a roaring lion, hungry, fierce, and cruel, the fierce and greedy pursuer of souls. His occupation – his business - He walks about, seeking whom he may devour; his whole design is to devour and destroy souls. To this end he is unwearied and restless in his malicious endeavors; for he always, night and day, goes about studying and contriving whom he may ensnare to their eternal ruin. To be sober, and to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance, composed – moderate – restrained – calm – clear-headed and pleasant. To be vigilant; not secure or careless, but rather suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy, and, under that apprehension, to be watchful unto prayer and diligent to prevent his designs and save our souls. The devil can be and should be resisted. As stated in James 4: 7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” To resist him steadfast – unwavering – persistent, committed – dedicated – firm – unmovable in the faith. He’s on the prowl to weaken and steal your faith. For we know without faith it is impossible to please God. He’s on the prowl to steal your joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. He’s on the prowl to take you out to the point of no return. We can as the children of God, stand firm against the enemy of our souls only if we depend wholly on Jesus Christ. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Sobriety (being sober) and watchfulness are necessary virtues at all times, but especially in times of suffering and persecution. "You must moderate your affection to worldly things, or else the enemy will overtake you. "In order to overcome the enemy of our soul, as a tempter, an accuser, or a persecutor, you must resist him and remain steadfast in the faith. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Always keep in mind, the least we can be is an over comer and the most we can be is more than a conqueror. “Greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world.” “YOU CAN WIN” 2012 President Barack Obama 2012
Vote, Vote, YOUR VOTE COUNTS
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Eighteen Years Later – From Rachel Barrenness to a Womb of Love and Hope Writer: Christine Tunstall I never expected to have any challenges conceiving a child because after all, I grew up in a family of siblings and close relatives who have multiple children. I never gave much thought to having a Rachel experience in my life. My aunts, sisters and cousins all had multiple children. Yet here I was, a young married woman who spent most of my formative years dreaming of being a wife/mother, seemingly barren. I remember imagining having a house full of children -- calling me mommy --- as I cooked meals, baked cookies, and cakes and took care of the needs of my family. Yet, year after year, the news was the same, my womb was again empty. My doctors consistently told me there didn’t seem to be any reason to believe I had a problem conceiving. My husband would not even consider the alternative – that he could possibly not have enough swimmers!! His view was if there was a problem, it surely had to be me. Although he didn’t have any children and I had used contraceptives, until we married, he bellowed if there was a problem, it could not be him. In Genesis, Chapters 29 through 35 the story unfolds of Rachel (Leah, Jacob and Laban). This is a story of love yet betrayal; a story of unimaginable patience, yet inconsolable yearning. This is a story of greed and grief. Jacob loved Rachel. He loved her so much that he ended up working 14 years before Laban finally allowed Rachel and Jacob to wed. Rachel was heartbroken while she waited to be Jacob’s bride. She had to watch her sister have babies with a man who was supposed to be her husband; a man who was her heart’s desire. Rachel had to watch a man who was supposed to share his life, love and heart with her, continue to share intimate relations, having baby after baby with her younger sister. Rachel’s heart became cold and callous. She began yearning for things out of the order of God and caused much of her own distress in years to come. Isn’t that what we do as Christians, get ahead of God? Admit it; most of us are our own worst enemies with life and love decisions. Rachel finally received what she claimed was her heart’s desire – she was able to wed Jacob. However, just being married to Jacob really wasn’t her only heart’s desire. Rachel’s discontent over the years magnified because she was unable to conceive. She heartbrokenly continued watching her sister continue to conceive children for the man that Rachel felt was supposed to be her man alone – not a shared mate with her sister. Here Jacob was making love and loving another with Rachel looking on. Jacob didn’t just marry and make love continuously to another woman, that woman was Rachel’s very own sister. Talk about some family drama!! Finally after many years Rachel was able to conceive a child with the man she loved. She had a son, naming him Joseph. I could end the story there. However, that still wasn’t enough for her. Rachel became despondent and unhappy with everything that was given to her. She had a man who, in spite of her souring disposition and unfulfilled spirit, continued to love her unconditionally. Rachel wasn’t even satisfied when the Lord blessed her with a son. Still having a spirit of ‘want’, Rachel ended up naming her child Joseph, which means ‘may he add’. Rachel’s discontent magnified over the years until finally God gave Rachel her final wish – she gave birth to another son. Her labor was so severe that she named her son Ben-oni, which means son of my sorrow. Rachel died after naming him. Jacob changed the boy’s name to Benjamin – which means son of my right hand. 21
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It wasn’t possible for me to become bitter concerning my empty womb. I continued to pray and remembered during my ‘Rachel’ moments that the miracle of conception lies within the power of God. Early on, God allowed me to experience forms of ‘mothering’ when over the years different nieces/nephews came to live with me for long periods of time. I continued to give God the glory and knew He was the only one who could allow conception to formulate in my womb. While I admittedly did not have had the ‘heart’s desire’ feeling for my mate, I did have a heart’s desire to be a mother. It was the summer of 1993 when I went running to the doctor because I believed I had a terrible stomach virus. I drove to the doctor and before the doctor would give me any medication, he insisted that I take a pregnancy test (because of my age). I was too weak to argue but was sure (in my mind) that I could not possibly be pregnant. I shielded my heart from the hurt that always came with a negative result. The technician said the results would be complete by the time I got home. They called me less than 30 minutes later with the news. In the spring of 1994 a baby would arrive. I am so thankful that my temporary barren womb didn’t sour my spirit. I am thankful that God saw fit to allow me to be a vessel to bring a life into this world. I looked at my pregnancy and parenting as an example of God’s daily dose of grace. No matter how challenging daily experiences are in this exercise we call parenting, I am so very thankful to have been given the opportunity to experience this gift. Eighteen years ago, on April 1, 1994 at 6:21 p.m. my son, Jay Brandon Tunstall, II was born and I thank God that the barrenness of Rachel disappeared and the thankfulness of Christine took over. Happy birthday Jay Brandon Tunstall, II. Thank you God for loving me and allowing me to parent for these eighteen years. I look forward to many, many more years of watching this young vessel grow into who you would have him to be. Be blessed.
What Can We Learn From Owls? Submitted by Mary Daniels Isa 40:31. They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." According to tradition, owls are considered to be the wisest of all birds. Their large eyes give the impression of intelligence, so they are often depicted in stories as wise and knowledgeable. Personally, I think that they are magnificent animals and there are few more impressive sights than an owl in its natural habitat. But are they really wise? I’m not sure if they are from an IQ perspective, but I think that there are a few principles of wisdom that we can learn from owls.
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Sit and wait – Owls are rarely flustered and rarely rushed. They sit there on their perch and take their time. In our world full of endless activity and distractions, being able to sit quietly is a lost art. You can’t think strategically if you never stop. You can’t use your creative juices to their maximum effect if you never slow down. You can’t come up with brilliant solutions to complex problems if you are always in a panic. There are times when we need to sit and wait. Or as I put it elsewhere, instead of living a life of “go, go, go, go, go, stop,” we are more effective when we “stop and then go, go, go, go, go.” Take notice – Owls don’t just sit still, they are constantly aware of their environment and are always looking and listening. They have extraordinary eyesight and hearing and use these strengths to find small rodents hiding in thick cover that we would never notice. The smallest movement or the slightest sound comes to their attention because they are always on the look-out for opportunities. It’s important that we too are on the lookout for opportunities. One of the dangers for people who sit and wait is that they end up falling asleep instead of focusing their senses on finding the right projects to be involved with, the right time to speak out and the right person to help you to reach your goals. Act – After sitting still and taking notice, when an owl sees its prey, it launches into action, swooping down silently to grab its dinner. This is a great reminder that ideas without action are irrelevant. There are a lot of people in the world who have had million dollar ideas who aren’t millionaires, Life rewards action, so don’t forget to get going when you notice an opportunity to utilize your unique skills. If you don’t, you may end up hungry. Are owls really wise? Only the ones, who sit and wait, take notice and act. What do you think we can learn from owls?
CALLING All Pastors, Deacons, Trustees, Ministry Leaders! It is your duty to ensure that all members (seniors and young adults) of your congregation have the proper credentials and ID’s necessary so they will not be hampered at the polls in this most important Presidential election in November. Do not the republicans and the tea party take us back! Too much sacrifice and blood has been shed for people of color to have the right to vote. God helps those who help themselves. Use those church vans for something other than picking the members up for service. We need President Barack Obama another FOUR YEARS!
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Christ the Lord has risen! And so has the Great White Shark of Racism! Written by: A. Green Sunday April 8, 2012 is the date this year that Christendom celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation on which the Christian faith was built. Christians believe that Jesus was born, lived on this earth, and was crucified. As He promised, on the third day, he rose from the grave and ascended back to heaven. As Christians around the world prepare to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, another entity has surfaced in these United States of America. This entity was never dead. Nope, it was coasting under the waves. Racism! Yes, my friends, racism is alive and well in this grand ole USA. The Great White Shark of racism has again reared its monstrous head to tear into the flesh of those people of color who would dare to swim into its domain. I hope you did not think for one moment because God blessed the United States to have the first Black President, it would signal the death of racism and those who spread its ugly influence. I think not! No, the Great White Shark of racism was just cruising below the waves. Turn on your television or read the newspapers to witness how the first Black president, Barack Obama is blatantly disrespected. Quotes from some of the American leaders: “You lie!” “The man is not a Christian!” “It is our goal to make him a one term President.” His religion has been questioned, even his origin of birth. What other President in these United States of America was asked to show his birth certificate? No other President in the history of the United States has been slandered in a public forum! The criticism that has been leveled at President Obama is unwarranted! Just recently, the Great White Shark struck another fatal blow in an unjust attack on a 17-year-old African American male, Trayvon Martin. In my opinion, he was attacked and killed by a vicious predator, for no other reason than him being Black. The Great White Shark is still at large as I write this article. It is amazing how in the wild when an animal attacks and kills a person, the animal is hunted down and destroyed. Go figure! I am not advocating hunting down the racist animal that did this. However, I do state that justice should prevail. As of this writing, the individual is still free, still has license to carry his weapon and still has possession of his weapon.
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There is no doubt if the tables were turned and a black man would have taken the life of a white youth, he would have been taken into custody on the spot, gun and license taken away and spending time in a cell until his trial. More than likely he would be found guilty of murder, given a life sentence or more likely the death penalty without hesitation. How many other racists do you think are out there with itchy trigger fingers dreaming of picky off black people at will? According to the “Stand Your Ground Law” in Florida and approximately 23 other states, all they have to do it get their victims alone, where there are no witnesses and pull the trigger; will call it self-defense and the case will be dropped. Believe me, there are other sharks just waiting for the ok to go hunting. If Zimmerman gets away with this murder it will be open season…GOD be with us!
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Editorial Feature Presumption of Innocence Written by: Christine Tunstall The presumption of innocence is sometimes referred to by the Latin expression Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat. It is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. That right is supposed to be afforded every citizen of this Country (even the citizens considered 3/5 of a human when the constitution was written). When Trayvon Martin decided to walk to a local Seven Eleven on the evening of February 26, 2012 to purchase a beverage and a snack he did two things that cannot be disputed. He was intuitive enough to wear the appropriate outer clothing to protect him from the elements and he made certain to carry enough money to pay for whatever snacks he chose to eat. What he did not do, which many followers of conservative media seem to feel he should have done was to put on a sign that read “I am a regular teenager out for a walk, don’t shoot, I walk in peace”. After reading various newspaper accounts of this tragic story, I continue to be incensed. Not only am I incensed, I am also greatly concerned. I am the parent of a seventeen year old (soon to be 18) who is unconditionally loved by his parents/family. He is a Christian who regularly attends church and is very involved in the ministries of the church. He is a teenager who also misses curfew, has had inschool and out-of-school suspensions, has been grounded (at home) and has periods of doing extremely well in school (when he wants) and other times only doing enough to get by. He is not a criminal but he is a teenager who challenges the boundaries set forth by his parents. I’m sure we all know a teenager like this. He is six feet five inches tall, weighing in the neighborhood of 275. There are many teens in this Country who resemble my son both physically and socially and many teens that are representative in stature and nature of Trayvon. As they mature into adulthood, they can at times be their own worst enemy. Initially when the reports first surfaced concerning this killing, the silence was deafening as conservatives attempted to find a way to blame Trayvon. Then it happened. The culprit was found. It was the hoodie that Trayvon wore. Of course, no one dared to speak aloud what many in the black community already knew – Trayvon was targeted and killed just because he was black. The immediate investigation after the shooting was handled in a manner that the black community is also very familiar with. The unarmed dead teenager on the ground must have done something to provoke his killing by the armed white man standing over the youth. While it is reprehensible to say, it is however, easier to sell that a black youth in a hoodie has to be synonymous with danger. Obviously if you see a black youth with a hoodie, the only thought could be “my life is in danger”. Now, stories are surfacing of personal troubles young Trayvon experienced in school and back in his home town. I must ask when reading those accounts, what in the hell does that have to do with anything. What have you heard that makes Trayvon any different than most teenagers in your own households? The presumption of innocence means Trayvon (and any other citizen) can freely walk the streets expecting not to be profiled (by other citizens). It is bad enough that entitles (police) charged with 26
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protecting all citizens have had to have extensive training (recently) due to their practice of profiling our youth, many times utilizing deadly force all in the name of “fearing for their life”. Hard to believe, isn’t it, trained law enforcement officers gunning down unarmed citizens because the officers feared for their lives. Stories after stories have filled our newspapers recounting fully armed police officers using deadly force against unarmed blacks (youth) who ‘appeared suspicious’. Now, there are approximately 26 states in this country that have decided to allow untrained (armed) civilians to use deadly force against citizens (many are our own children). Even if the “Stand Your Ground Law” was the barometer that was used in this senseless killing, on first blush, as well as after a full dissecting of the facts, it would be ludicrous to ask anyone to believe a 250 pound armed man was fearful for his life when a 140 pound child ran away from him. (It is a mystery to me how watching someone run away from you makes you so scared, so frightened that you track them down and shoot them in the head.) Armed with skittles and iced tea, Trayvon could only affect the killer by scaring him with the thought of giving him a sugar rush from the candy/beverage combination. When you hear of a young black man being gunned down do you begin interrogating the character of the victim by asking yourself if the victim ‘was asking for trouble’. Do you start wondering of the character of the victim? Shame on you if you do! Even the most challenging of our brothers in our community still deserve to be treated with a presumption of innocence when they are walking down the street. Martin Luther King said “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. Thankfully God does not judge us in the manner that we judge others. Trayvon did not know he was being pursued by a racist, power crazed man who obviously felt that his 250 pound frame was no match for a slightly built 140 pound child. The killer knew the only way to exact the punishment he set out to dispel that evening was to aim a 9 mm handgun at the head of this child and pull the trigger. I can only guess that the killer became consumed with such strength and bravado as he watched the child running away from him. I feel very confident that if it was Trayvon’s dad who he followed, the cowardice would have been evident. Facing a man who could hold his own is quite different from facing a child. Trayvon was screaming for help (as could be heard from the 911 call a neighbor made). It appears those screams made this killer feel powerful, brave, and invincible. I learned a long time ago that guns make brave men out of cowards. It took a gun to bring the bravado out of a 250 pound coward. Do you believe that the killer would have stood his ground if he was unarmed? The ‘friends’ of the killer who are now speaking out in defense of this man should listen to the 911 tape very carefully. Afterward, I’d like to hear them reiterate that they do not believe their friend has a racist bone in his body. While they listen to him utter racist epithets, referring to Trayvon as ‘these assholes’, the killer’s friends should ask, who does he mean when he refers to ‘these assholes’. I’m sure their friend, the killer, feels like these blacks who are coming to his defense are the ‘good blacks’, not like the others he was referring to. Coming to the defense of someone who has obviously harbored racist sentiments about young black youth is tantamount to slinging the rope over the tree so that you can help ‘masser’ get rid of those uppity niggas who keep trying to run away from the plantation, ‘cause after all, masser is good to us’!!
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The presumption of innocence was extended to the killer by young Trayvon. Young Trayvon continued talking on his cell phone to his girlfriend as he wondered why he was being followed and what the person following him wanted. The presumption of innocence was extended to the killer by the police. He was allowed to carry his weapon of mass destruction out of the police station and go home that fateful evening. He was given the opportunity to shower and sleep in his comfortable bed while Trayvon went to the coroner’s office, in a body bag. The police had Trayvon’s phone but did not go through the contacts to find out who he was. The police let that child’s body languish in the morgue while they attempted to find out what he was guilty of. The presumption of innocence was never extended to Trayvon. The basic principal of innocence until proven guilty was stripped from young Trayvon Martin by his murderer and then by the police. This injustice continues one month later as we wait for an arrest. Stand up for Trayvon Martin. Stand up for justice. Christine Tunstall
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