DIGITAL CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE THAT INSPIRES HOPE THROUGH CHRIST CENTERED CONTENT FRESH NEW MUSIC, INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS AND FEATURED AMBASSADORS: AVALON / JJ HAIRSTON / BARLOWGIRL / JAYMES REUNION / COKO / KATE EARL / NICOLE FRANLIN
ISSUE#7
INSIDE J MOSS TERRELL SUGGS DOWNHERE
F A E L Y FL LIVING WITH PURPOSE
TYLnEg in America LIFEeS To Be You
What It’s Lik
WHERE HAS COMMITMENT
IN MARRIAGE GONE?
CROSSROAD Magazine // October 2009, Issue #7 Flyleaf // Living with purpose PUBLISHER / CREATIVE EDITOR // Victor Flavius CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER // Steven Johnson MARKETING DIRECTOR // Askia Fountain
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Joshua Flavius Nisarg N. Shukla Janet Morris Grimes Gideon D. Hagstotz C. Maggie Woychik Jackie Bowman Naomi Cassata Andrew Scott Tobias
CREATIVE MARKETING + ADVERTISING The Brand LLC - thebrandllc@gmail.com
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MISSION STATEMENT Crossroad magazine is a place for those motivated by faith to transpose their lives from a secular-focused world to a Christ centered life. Crossroad Magazine covers music, healthy living, reviews, books that impact our spiritual and positive growth and lives, articles that inspire change and music interviews. We provide the vehicle and outlet to positively influence each individual. Our vision is to inspire hope to those that feel confused and misguided about their purpose and to build a platform that will plant a seed or help transform individuals one by one. Welcome to the Crossroad. Crossroad magazine is published monthly and is distributed free online. To contact Crossroad magazine, e-mail us at crossroadmag@gmail.com. We appreciate your feed back. Crossroad magazine all rights reserved. reproduction without permission, by any method whatsoever, is prohibited.
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CROSSROAD MAGAZINE CONTENTS ISSUE #7 • OCTOBER • www.crossroadmag.com
10
DOWNSIZING: THE AMERICAN DREAM BY JANET MORRIS GRIMES
12
LIBERTY REDEFINED BY GIDEON D. HAGSTOTZ
18
MUSIC REVIEWS BY JOSHUA FLAVIUS
26
A PASSIONATE CHRISTIAN WOMAN BY C. MAGGIE WOYCHIK
28
KEEPING YOUR THOUGHTS UNDER CONTROL BY NAOMI CASSATA
44
DEFENSE THE GAME WINNER BY TOBIAS
46
TIPS TO SELECT THE PERFECT RUNNING SHOES
32
FLYLEAF LIVING WITH PURPOSE
BY JACKIE BOWMAN
ON THE COVER 22
WHERE HAS COMMITMENT IN MARRIAGE GONE? BY NAOMI CASSATA
40
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE YOUNG IN AMERICA BY NISARG
50
THE AMBASSADORS // FEATURES NEW MUSIC
10 // FAITH
DOWNSIZING The Americ By Janet Morris Grimes
an Dream
CHANGE
But as a nation, as an American, as a family, this gave us time to think – to reevaluate what happened and turn off our TV’s long enough to figure it out for ourselves.
It is true, but not for the reasons you may think.
It was all a vicious cycle. In the past, we bought houses that were too expensive for us. We used money we didn’t have to buy things we didn’t need. We tried for years to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’ But later, we watched as the Joneses lost their house, and determined that we didn’t want to go where they were headed after all.
As Americans, we have changed. We were forced to do so in order to survive.
So, yes, things have changed. But, I dare say that if you were to take a look into most of our living rooms, what you would find is not “gloom and doom.”
Within a few short weeks, economies around the world collapsed all around us. Most of us have yet to understand what was behind it all. We just know that things are different now.
We eat at home, together. We discuss what’s happening in the world, and then decide what we should do about it, without being told. We realize that celebrities are just people with flaws, and that their opinions are no more important than our own.
It is in the air. It’s in the media. It’s on the front page of every newspaper.
The news of gloom and doom hit hard a few months before gas prices reached $4 a gallon. As we were warned by the media how expensive it would be to fill up the vehicles we drove - the world then marveled that vehicles sales were dropping. And then, finally, we reached a point that we suspected the media was creating the news, instead of simply reporting it. Within a few months, we were hearing reports of banks collapsing, there was a mortgage crisis, and no one was buying goods of any kind. As it turns out, panic serves no one well. Perhaps if the media stops reporting it, they might also stop creating it. Last November started the five weeks of news that basically, Christmas had been ruined for everyone.
We now understand that the economy will eventually improve, but even when it does, we will be content with less. From this point forward, all we need is just enough - and this is something decided on our own. Along the way, it seems, we discovered a desire to know the truth. And truth is something we can only determine for ourselves. This is our nation. These are our families. And America has to play by our rules. This is our future, and we are willing to fight for it.
SO ATTENTION ALL MEDIA: The reason no one is watching your news? It is because we no longer trust you to tell us the truth. As a matter of fact, we are telling you the truth, but no one is reporting it. The truth is that our country is not in as bad shape as you think; and the voices that matter are not your own. The American dream is still alive and well, and it’s time for us to reclaim it, on our own terms. We still believe in God. We still believe in Christmas. We still believe in each other. We are the greatest country in the world. We owe no one an apology. We stand for what is right. We work hard to provide for ourselves. And these are the beliefs that unify us, regardless of our color. Change. It is in the air, and it would be wise for the world to listen.
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“As Americans, we have changed. We were forced to do so in order to survive”
12 // FAITH
LIBERTY
{Redefined} by Gideon D. Hagstotz
hat is liberty? It is freedom from undue restraint; it is the sum of the rights and immunities of all the citizens of an organized civil community, with provision for guaranteed protection against interference with their civil, political, personal, and religious activities. What pictures the word “liberty” conjures up! It brings to mind opened prisons, removed shackles, restored privileges, granted par-dons, reunited families, and reestablished respect.
W
Liberty implies a state of affairs in which a member of a state or society is permitted to follow without interference the dictates of his conscience in the profession of any religious creed or the exercise of any mode of worship. But when one’s conscience points the way to overt acts contrary to certain accepted ideas, then one is faced squarely with the problem of religious liberty, and not freedom of con-science.
The Question of Toleration One marvels at the devotion of those who have given their lives for the principles of liberty. The pages of secular and ecclesiastical history contain many names of those crusaders who, like the apostle Paul, could say, “Neither count I my life dear unto myself,” and who offered themselves with a ceaseless devotion, that the way of others might be more secure.
Liberty and Conscience There is a saying that liberty in itself is of little value. That is doubtless true, but one must also remember that all else without liberty is of no profit. When Patrick Henry voiced the words “Give me liberty, or give me death,” he meant that life without liberty is worse than death. But he was speaking merely of civil liberty. It must be remembered that religious liberty means even more than civil liberty. Moreover, religious liberty is not synonymous with freedom of conscience. One’s conscience is always free—it is unfettered regardless of external condi-tions.
Nor is it fair to compare the question of religious liberty with the question of toleration. Religious liberty affirms the existence of a state of equality for all, whereas toleration implies that men are not all equal. Many times one hears the plea for tolerance, which, as has been stated before, implies in equality. What one should strive for is the development of a sense of fair play for all. Religious liberty is more than a circumscribed opinion born in the minds of the leaders of lesser groups as against intrenched or vested interests of any ecclesiastical organizations. Religious liberty is an inherent right and privilege of citizenship entirely divorced from any given church affiliation. The core of religious liberty must be sought for in two specifications, said Sanford H. Cobb, in his Rise of Religious Liberty in America, page 9, “in its origination in the will of God as Maker of the human soul, and in its relation to the civil law.” Thomas Paine, who is cited so often as an avowed enemy of those who believe in God, and even of God Himself, said, back in 1776 in an open
When Patrick Henry voiced the words “Give me liberty, or give me death,� he meant that life without liberty is worse than death.
14 // FAITH letter to the Quakers, “As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of all governments to protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business which governments hath to do therewith.”—Quoted by Luigi Luzzatti, in God in Freedom, p. 686. All true advocates of liberty as a principle, and of religious liberty in particular, will agree with this assumption. The adherence to the postulate ex-pressed by Thomas Paine assures all adherents to a given creed or creeds protection in religious ac-tivities on the same basis as that accorded to all citizens in the pursuit of their secular activities.
Dangerous Trends Threatening Liberties The words “Congress shall make no law respect-ing an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” have often fallen glibly from the lips of American citizens. This statement has also been cited repeatedly in various settings until it has become commonplace. With the credulity of children, or the uninformed, many have accepted the idea that liberty, taken in the abstract or in direct relation to rights of citizenship, is a fixed reality. What is often forgotten, or possibly not even known, is that America, though still doubtless the home of the brave, is not necessarily the land of the free; and that the liberty we all claim to prize so highly has, in many instances and in various localities, been, in part at least, removed from the land. During the 150 years which measure the existence of constitutional America, repeated efforts have been made to favor certain groups as against others until it is a matter well understood by many that there has developed a state of pro-nounced retrogression in the matter of religious in-dependence. This degeneracy of religious liberty has reached such proportions that there is hardly a state left in the Federal Union which has not been attacked with religious bills purporting to promote the welfare of the commonwealth. There is always a danger of considering the prob-lem of religious liberty too much from the angle of one church, and that the church to which we happen to belong. Let us not forget that the subject of religious liberty must be placed squarely on the proposition that the curtailment or regulation of anyone’s innermost beliefs—be he Catholic or Prot-estant, Jew or Gentile, atheist or Seventh-day Adventist—with their resultant acts, is a direct attack upon part of the American system of government. And as we grant that the principle of religious liberty assumes that all people have certain rights and privileges, we should likewise be willing to uphold these privileges and rights as citizens as well as Christians. In substantiation of this assertion the words of Thomas Francis Bayard, secretary of state during President Cleveland’s first administration, as found in Volume IV of the International Law Digest, are herewith quoted: “Religious liberty is the chief cornerstone of the American system of government, and provisions for its security are embedded in the written charter and interwoven in
the moral fabrics of its laws. Anything that tends to invade a right so essential and sacred must be carefully guarded against, and I am satisfied that my countrymen, ever mindful of the sufferings and sacrifices necessary to obtain it, will never consent to its impairment for any reason or under any pretext whatsoever.”— Quoted by Luzzatti, in God in Freedom, p. 674. Fifty Jewish refugee children, between ages 5 and 16, arrive in New York from Hamburg, Germany, on the liner President Harding on June 3, 1939. (AP Photo) Mr. Bayard’s statement constitutes a challenge which all church members ought to be willing to face and meet courageously. Do we think that because we have walked a comparatively serene path, it will be always so? Are we willing to give a ready ear and effective aid to the cause of religious liberty, or do we feel as did Hezekiah when he selfishly remarked, “Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?” Some, in their zeal to promote unrestricted religious freedom, have advocated full separation of religious and political life. This should not be; for, in many instances, it has been the religious influences working through public officials which have brought amelioration to existing deplorable conditions. Such alleviation has been noted in the much-needed social legislation of the present and the previous century. It is the spiritual element of the churches which led to the progressive work in this field. Through the centuries the churches have been morally active in local, state, and national affairs. When one makes the oft-repeated statement that politics are not clean, it is to be remembered that without the ever leavening influence of Christian men and women the condition in the field of politics would be infinitely more deplorable. The danger to religious liberty does not lie in Christian influences affecting the lives of officials in public positions; the danger point is reached when the state, or a church, or a group of individuals, tries to bring political pressure to aid in the propagation of religious creeds.
Danger Ahead? Probably Americans generally believe there is no real danger of religious bigotry and persecution’s ever finding root in our soil. Doubtless many would subscribe to the idea once expressed by Lord Bryce in a moment of wishful thinking, who, in speaking of America, said, “In no imaginable future is there likely to be any attempt to repress either by law or opinion the free exercise of speculative thought on morals, on religion, and, indeed, in every matter not within the immediate range of politics.”—Quoted by Dieffenbach, in Religious Liberty, p. 138. It is seldom that one finds Lord Bryce so far afield from actuality. When he remains within the province of historical writing there is no one more worthy than he to be called an authority; but when he leaves the historical field to explore future conditions or possibilities, he misses his calling. During the approximately five decades since Lord Bryce voiced this conjecture, the situation has greatly changed: rights of religionists in many states have been ignored,
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local legislation or ordinances have come into existence, and efforts have repeatedly been made to formulate and enact legislation of a religious na-ture on a national and even an international scale. Too few of our citizens fully appreciate the accomplishment achieved by our forebears in establishing in America the principle of religious liberty. Too few remember that it was on this continent that “the doctrine of the liberty of conscience, the equality of opinions before the law,” met its first full fruition. Too few recognize how much religious liberty has contributed to the sum of human endeavor. Said David Dudley Field (1805-1894), eminent jurist and authority in international law in the American Law Review, volume 27, page 645: “The greatest achievement ever made in the cause of human prog-ress is the total and final separation of church and state. If we had nothing else to boast of, we could claim with justice that first among nations, we of this country made it an article of organic law that the relations between man and his Maker were a private concern, into which other men had no right to intrude.”—Quoted by Luzzatti, in God in Free-dom, pp. 673, 674. This quotation does not mean to imply that the principle of religious liberty was created by the legislative minds of America, but it does affirm, as Mr. Cobb, who has been quoted previously, said, that “the spirit that guided the work of the founders of our govern-
ment was not one that was crushed and screwed into sectarian molds by the decrees of in-tolerant councils, and by the subtleties of ingenious priests; it recognizes the value of every creed, but rises above them all. The grand and noble purpose was to establish justice, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. This is the lesson of the development of civil as well as religious liberty in the United States.”—Rise of Religious Liberty in America, p. 270. Many of those who were pioneers for the cause of religious liberty in America doubtless worked without fully recognizing the significance of their task. But whether they understood and appreciated the full significance of all they were doing, we who can look back upon the blessings of a century and a half of liberty must acknowledge that more than human wisdom must have been vouchsafed to those who sat in the Constitutional Convention as they formulated the charter which was to guide the des-tinies of the infant nation. With liberties, especially religious liberty, being taken from men the world around, Americans should reverently pledge anew wholehearted loyalty to the principles that have made this nation great. Taken from an article published in Liberty magazine, January 1941. It was a time of great stress, and significant that Liberty should so restate its fundamental principles. Gideon D. Hagstotz was a professor of history at Union College, Nebraska.
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18 // FAITH
J MOSS
V3: Just James
MUSICREVIEWS
J Flav, with a Crossroads Music review. This month’s artist takes us to Detroit, Michigan, old headquarters of the famous Motown records (Temptations, the Jacksons & the Supremes) and now home to gospel musician/producer James Moss, the son of Gospel star Bill Moss. As an early teen, Moss was teamed with his brother Bill Jr. in the singing duo The Moss Brothers which helped him developed skills as a keyboardist and songwriter, Later his team PAJAM became Gospel music’s most prolific hit makers. As you may know, he has performed, and sang with Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Kirk Franklin, his cousin Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Winans of the famed Winans family, Byron Cage, and American comedian Steve Harvey. After two very successful projects, J.Moss returns with his third album V3: Just James, This time his music goes beyond the surface of your typical contemporary christian artist and deals with the sensitive matters of the heart, such as repentance and restoration of ones purpose in life, with songs like: I Gave It Up, Restored , Anointing, and Sweet Jesus - V3: Just James blends together silky smooth vocals and perfect harmonies. Out of a perfect seven, I gave this artist album a 6.5, because I like the message and honest effort that JMoss gives it. But, I think the arrangements could’ve been better given his background in music, but all in all it worked out just fine.
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How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas
Christmas came early for me this year with the arrival of Downhere’s first ever holiday CD How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas. The Canadian four starts the festive season off with the title track “How many kings” pointing us to the messiah and his birth “Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior, all that we have, whether costly or meek. This song sets the joyous mood and creates the kind of inspiration and special feel you get with the first fall of winter snow. I wouldn’t be surprise if “How many Kings” end up on a show like “Ugly Betty” or Greys Anatomy” this holiday season. As I listen to the other songs, the vibe on the more traditional tracks like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Angels from the realms of glory, Good King Wencelas, Bring a torch; Jeanette, Isabella and silent night remind me of the Holidays, the lights and happy people. One of my favorite tracks on this Holiday CD is “Christmas in our hearts” at the start of this song the melody and lyrics set the stage for a warm Christmas spirit regardless of your location and weather. But what I like about this track is the horn section in the chorus giving that authentic band sound and the over all feeling it sets on you about this time of year. Another favorite is Gift Carol, definitely a Christmas morning song, it reminds me of an early winter morning - the crackling sound of the fireplace, the scene of fresh snow on the ground, and the smell of pies baking in the oven. With the winter season approaching and holiday shopping under way, “How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas” is off to a good start and Downhere creates and captures the true essence of what Christmas is really all about -the birth of our savior, the giving of love and more importantly family.
MUSICREVIEWS
DOWNHERE
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OLDSCHOOL OUTDOOR AD
22 // FAITH
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Where has
Commitment in
MARRIAGE
Getting married by Naomi Cassata in my mid-twenties, I thought I had an advantage over others I knew that seemed to jump into marriage right after high school or in their early twenties. James, my husband, and I went to all six weeks of pre-marital counseling at our church, we had the support of our non-divorced parents and we were head over heals in love with each other...what more did we need for a great marriage?! I was told the first year of marriage was the hardest, so when 10 months into our marriage rolled around without any problems or regrets, I thought our love must be stronger than most couples out there. Our marriage couldn’t get any better.
That first year came and went quicker than we could blink. As we approached our second year, things started to change. Our perfect marriage wasn’t so perfect after all. I’m not sure when it started, but I am sure the fact my husband forgot about Valentine’s Day didn’t help. When I asked him about it, he made a mad dash to the grocery store and brought me back a box of cheap chocolates and a little stuffed toy. Then there were the times that my husband came home from work and the house was in shambles with my 3 nieces running around like monkeys, not something your husband wants to come home to. The little things became big things. The small annoyances became big annoyances. Needless to say, our perspective on marriage began to change a bit. Now, 6 years later, we have had our share of frustrations, fights, outbursts and even those “What was I thinking when I married this person?” moments. During the disappointments we have faced in marriage, the biggest lesson we have learned is “Endurance.” During the ugly moments when our love for each other seemed obsolete and nothing seemed sweeter but to walk away,
endurance got us through. Unfortunately, we have come to believe that if we hurt a little, are saddened a little or disappointed by our spouse, it’s time to throw in the towel. Finding our own happiness, separate from our spouse, becomes our focus. Most marriages end in divorce for this very reason. Recently in the headlines, the parents of the multiples in the popular TLC reality show “Jon & Kate Plus 8”, have filed for divorce. Last season they had an episode where they flew to Hawaii and read their hand written vows to each other. Unfortunately, the vows weren’t lasting. In another episode their reasoning is the fact they argue too much and it’s not fair to the kids. I’m sure there are others things that come in to play, but if it was solely based on what is fair to the kids, then they have been deceived. What is fair for them is to have both parents to raise them together, to see their parents mend whatever has broken instead of taking the easy road out, to leave a legacy to their children that although marriage is tough we chose to work at it. Marriage is hard, actually it is really hard at times, but these are opportunities to teach our children the importance of endurance.
gone?
Marriage has lost its sacredness in our society. It’s not precious to those that find it. Looking back at the 6 weeks of pre-marital counseling my husband and I took, I can’t point back to one thing that encouraged me through the rough times we faced. I remember hearing a bit about sex, a little about finances and a lot about future goals. Nothing about our commitment to each other and how important it is to stick with the vows we are making to each, when the butterflies have flown away. Marriage really is a beautiful thing. The good times far outweigh the bad times. The vows we make should be upheld before God, our spouse and our family. Marriage isn’t always about feeling “wonderful,” but it’s about respect, commitment, and love.
26 // LIFESTYLE
E T A N O I S S a PA N A M O W N A CHRISTI By C. Maggie Woychik
What is a passionate Christian woman? Well, she’s not a woman who’s perfect, peerless or guiltless, but as human as you and me. A passionate Christian woman simply has a passion for the things of God and is driven to do something about it. This woman thirsts for God. God is the driving force of her existence, the meaning behind her life. She doesn’t live primarily for the latest fads, fashions, or fancies, but for God. She cares little for fame or fortune, recognition or reward. Instead, she has experienced the intense satisfaction of a personal relationship with a holy God, and as a deer longs for a cool, refreshing stream to enjoy, so she longs for her God. She hungers for Truth. In a mixed-up world where wrong often seems right, a passionate believer pursues God’s Truth with intensity. Never one to accept mere human opinion or feeling-based experience, she considers God’s Word to be as necessary to her as her daily food. She has a Berean mindset (Acts 17:11), persistently compares the spoken word to the written Word, and sifts it to find the Truth. A passionate Christian woman is passionate about the Bible, for therein God has revealed
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His heart and mind for mankind. She loves others with godly passion. She demonstrates sincere concern, models unconditional love, and does her utmost to influence those around her for heaven. She doesn’t portray one who has arrived, but one who knows where she’s going. Then she coaxes and encourages and helps others to join her on her journey. Her love is practical, pure and positive. The motivation for her outreach is her up-reach to God, and she does it with fervency and attention to detail. She lives today with tomorrow in mind. A passionate Christian woman knows her time is limited. She is acutely aware that her life is as a drop in the bucket of time and eternity. She will pass off the scene all too quickly with only her influence remaining. She realizes she has no second chance, no life “held over on account of rain”. So she lives each day to its fullest with this goal in mind: to follow hard on the heels of the very God in whom we live and breathe and have our being. This woman lives with a vengence, committed to going out with a bang instead of a whimper. She fulfills today’s duties while focusing on the future. Finally, a passionate Christian woman avoids sin so she can gain intimacy with God. Though the world allures and
tempts, this believer knows her boundaries and accepts her playground. She doesn’t walk the fence row, desirous of the apple across the way. She romps and ranges in the field God has given her, content to run home at the end of the day with clean hands and a pure conscience. Is this a description of a perfect Christian woman? No, but of a passionate one. These women don’t have boundless energy, super-human strength, or a superior spirituality. In fact, they are utterly ordinary ones who fail, fall, and are tired at the end of the day. They are tested and found wanting all too often. But they have heard from God through His Word, seen Him work in their lives, and have experienced peace, answered prayer, and comfort through the Holy Spirit. Now their heart is fixed, their commitment firm, their joy complete. They learn and grow, and find purpose in mundane tasks and the every day routine of living. A passionate Christian woman thirsts after God, hungers for His Word, has a sincere concern for others, and lives today with tomorrow in mind. She avoids sin so she can maintain a close relationship with her Creator and Lord. She is a passionate believer living a purposeful life. She is alive with a passion for God!
“She doesn’t portray one who has arrived, but one who knows where she’s going.”
28 // LIFESTYLE
KEEPING OUR THOUGHTS
UNDER CONTROL by Naomi Cassata
T
he Bible has a lot to say about what goes on upstairs in our minds. It is not only the main center that dictates how our physical bodies work, but also the board room that greatly affects our spiritual lives. It is our responsibility to manage what flows through our minds examining the good from the bad. Reading through scriptures we can find many interchangeable references referring to our minds. Here are a few: imaginations, meditations, thoughts and even our souls. Our minds are like secret rooms that no one has access to unless we choose to reveal them. Of course God has access at all times. He knows exactly what each mind is meditating on. David exclaimed: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) David knew that his meditations were important to God. He learned that sin stems from the inside, and if he could cause his meditations to line up with God’s word, his actions would follow suit.
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+ Whether it is a thought of revenge over a wrong done to us, lust over what someone else has or rage over what another has said to us, if we dwell on them, they will begin to consume our everyday lives
HARMLESS-INBETWEEN THOUGHTS Throughout any given day, we are attacked by hundreds if not thousands of thoughts-most harmless. We need those harmless thoughts to get us through any normal day. They help us remember appointments or decide what to eat for lunch. Then there is what I call the “in-between thoughts.” These are thoughts we have in-between our everyday normal thoughts. Many times they are lingering and even captivating. They have the potential to lead us into sin if they are not tamed by the word of God.
CAPTURING OUR THOUGHTS When a thought passes through our mind that is less than godly, so to speak, it must immediately be captured and cast out. We should never allow sinful thoughts to float around in our imagination realm. Too often we fall prey to these kind of thoughts. Whether it is a thought of revenge over a wrong done to us, lust over what someone else has or rage over what another has said to us, if we dwell on them, they will begin to consume our everyday lives. We will eventually act out our revenge, lust or rage. If we don’t take our thoughts captive, they will take us captive. An evil thought is like an unwelcomed rodent that just won’t leave unless we make it leave. Satan is always behind these thoughts. If he can control our thought life, he will hold us in bondage.
RENEWED MIND Next, our minds must be continually renewed. When we renew our minds, we are feeding it truth from God’s word. We can only do this by reading the Bible and finding out how we are to respond when we are faced with a bad thought. It is like setting a new course for our thoughts to follow; a course that lines up with the word of God for a particular situation. For example, say someone does something to offend us. Our minds begin to be bombarded with various thoughts. Some may be to get revenge; others thoughts may be to never forgive. These are not one time thoughts, but instead they are “thought patterns.” The next time someone offends us, we will have these same thoughts. Nothing changes from situation to situation. Until we change courses and follow the pattern God has orchestrated in His word, we will never find freedom from this way of thinking.
STAYING FOCUSED Lastly, it is equally important to keep our minds focused. We find in Philippians 4:8 exactly what course we are to follow. Our minds must be focused on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. These types of thoughts are pleasing to God. It is important that we strive to keep our thought lives pure before God. Once we’ve lined our thought patterns up with the word of God, our actions will be close behind.
32 // LIFESTYLE
FLYLEArFpose
Living with Pu
by Andrew Scott
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our purpose y t u o g in v li t u o b a Memento Mori is r your family fo e er th g n ei b , b jo r u whether it’s yo ving without li is ri o M to en em M members, whatever. w is not promised. rro fear. We know tomo
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se of your m Texas. With the relea fro g ilin ha nd ba ck ro bands in rock o Flyleaf was a budding th some of the biggest wi red tou ss, cce su t’s 2009; just 4 years ag um So Sick” u guys have seen platin orites “Tina” and “I’m fav af yle Fl th wi re debut album, Flyleaf, yo ltu of success? d in digital American cu u ever fathom this kind yo of y an d Di . and are forever ingraine nd Ba er our first Guitar Hero 3 and Rock as success. However, aft s thi ed fin de r ve being playable songs in ne We assed. that we would at success really encomp ars ago, we didn’t know wh ye d ur an Fo rst . de ing un en n’t pp ha did s We azing wa ew something really am practice together, we kn ! me eso aw s ck Band. That’ be in Guitar Hero or Ro have you been? national tours, t grow fonder. Where . We did about five or six rld wo the d un aro Absence makes the hear g rin y in like Africa, s time. We’ve been tou ited places we didn’t pla vis o als We s. We’ve been touring all thi trie un co time out of the States and twenty-two other ity of us, it was our first jor ma the r Fo . Europe a couple of times an Jap d yed for the troops an Afghanistan where we pla finitely opened our eyes. minus Mexico which de dividually? ur band as a whole? In yo d ge an a relationship ch try us ind the country and develop m the music t ou fro gh tus ou hia thr r the tou s d ha an w Ho er shows, a single CD. In the beginning, aft a band, we would record a as ht d ug rte bo sta y st the fir e we tim n he ery W down and eone ev harder. We can’t really sit being able to thank som ss bit mi le litt We a s. it’s fan w, r ou No th wi It’s kind them. with the fans and talk to ing to do something crazy. wn try do ne sit eo to t som ou ut ab tho re wi we ) we thing because of s, kiss babies (that whole ild relationships but now nd bu ha to ke le ab sha re s, we fan th We wi k er. tal small nicer when things were of hard on us. It was a lot when we first started. e lik e sam the don’t treat us y the , ne go ’ve we ere wh in Latin. How does “Be Mindful of Death” , ing an me um alb re to your listeners? me of your sophomo Memento Mori is the na are you trying to convey ge ssa me the collective t ha W e? /lif album s. But I guess you can say an me e titl the the title apply to your at wh of and fulfill our purour own interpretation to the fullest, love people e liv to e tim in Individually, we all have nt me mo is hot. Make life rt. God gave us this but strike while the iron ll wi u yo if ”, message is that life is sho rry ma be for your family . Not “eat, drink and it’s your job, being there er eth wh se rpo pose whatever it may be pu ur yo t ri is about living ou ow is not promised. meaningful! Memento Mo ut fear. We know tomorr tho wi ing liv is ri Mo mento of it at one members, whatever. Me all experienced a piece ’ve we ll; He d an en av . He pain from talk about the afterlife easier to point out the ’s let ms , see ath it , De try of us g ind kin t ea en Sp tainm rth. Being in the Enter ustry? point or another on Ea ling office ustry but not in the ind ind the of ing be th wi al tertainment industry or sel de en u the yo in do r w the Ho he . W joy ht. the and lig rs. In the examples of God’s love r hearts and our neighbo ou ing all liv th be wi to d led Go e cal lov ’re to We le totally ich is ate deception where peop d to live a certain way wh itim de an leg ’s mm ere co Th ’re s. we hie ce, sop spa t philo s we have to industry, there are thing there are a lot of differen s ry, thi ust in ind ing t en Be nm e. tai ag rri ter En and ma we are honest and not true regarding life, love ve found that as long as ha believe things that aren’t We . ve lie be n’t uld t people wo live out and deal with tha le respect us. op pe y, demanding our wa
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“We’re called to be living examples of God’s love and light. Whether in the entertainment industry or selling office space, we’re commanded to live a certain way which is to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors.”
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FLYLEAF: MEMENTO MORI Being a “Christian” band, some feel that your calling is greater in the music industry to transform those around you. Do you feel the pressure to live up to those standards? How do you deal with such responsibility? Whenever we’re not thinking about ourselves in the most positive light or feeling the pressures way too much, we have to go to Jesus. People sometimes look to us as the answer but we’re not the lifeguard, we’re just pointing to one. When anyone looks to us as a Savior we have to pass it on to the real deal. You’ll find it in Memento Mori – it’s our new album (laughs). Speaking of transformation, your new material is edgier and more mature. What was the thought process when creating Memento Mori? What are your favorite songs on this album? Memento Mori is a pretty solid record as a whole. Every song is significant. Every song tells a story that applies to everyone on different levels, so it’s hard to say what our favorite song is as each one is powerful in its own right. As far as the thought process goes, we didn’t go into the recording process thinking every song had to be about death. We took our time and wrote the album over our touring cycle. The theme of Memento Mori was what was going on in the world and in our lives at the time. Over the past year and a half, we’ve had friends and family die before their time. Memento Mori is just a reminder that we don’t have a lot of time on Earth and need to make the most of it.
write and not to mention he’s a good soundboard and mediator. He doesn’t make you feel stupid but real creative; he’s encouraging in that way. Kind of like your Dad teaching you how to swim or your Grandmother teaching you how to sew. Gotta love the similes and metaphors (laughs). Does faith play a part in who you work with or the content of your album? If so, how much? It’s absolutely important that whoever we work with understands where we’re coming from. Particularly with Howard, he was concerned with the message being clear more so than anything else. Howard is Jewish yet has worked with so many Christian bands like Blindside, Skillet, Third Day and he doesn’t care what the message is as long as it’s a clear message that you feel strongly about. He challenged us to be more passionate and honest. People are looking for honest and passionate music. We believe that’s the reason people follow our band because we are passionate in what we believe in.
God gave us this moment in “time to live to the fullest, love
people and fulfill our purpose whatever it may be.
You guys have partnered with Howard Benson again to create your sophomore album. How is it working with a super producer such as Benson? What’s the recording process like? We weren’t ever intimidated when working with Howard. Working with him this time around, we had clearer communication in the studio. We only had to change a few songs which lets us know that we’re giving the label what they’re asking for. We wrote most of our songs while touring with bands like Korn, Saliva and the Deftones. We’d write on the bus and they’d tell us what worked and what didn’t. They’d tell us to filter all the other stuff out and tell the story straightforward. So going into the studio this time around, we had a clearer picture as to what might be desired in our songs. With our first album, we didn’t if others heard our album but with this one, we are taking the listener’s perspective. Any other producers working on the album? Any others that you would like to work with in the future? Mark Lewis helped get our ideas together. We think he was the key with us being able to bring this album together. There’s just something about him that makes it peaceful to
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Speaking of Third Day, Lacey, you had the opportunity to work with them on their Revelation album. How was that experience? I was honored to be a part of their album. When I became a Christian, I worked in Christian stores listening and selling music that helped me. When Howard said he was working with Third Day and they wanted me on their album, it was exciting. I honestly feel like it was orchestrated by the Lord; everything came full circle. Being the only female in a male group probably has its own challenges (I’m sure the feelings mutual). How do you deal with the boys? Are they usually on their best behavior? When I walk into their situations, I don’t really know much. I don’t think I want to know anything (laughs). I know as much as I’m supposed to know. But seriously, the guys are very respectful of me. They protect me like big brothers would. Having the dynamic we have makes us more like a family instead of a group of people that just so happen to do music together. We fight like brothers and sisters and make up like brothers and sisters.
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38 // LIFESTYLE
FLYLEAF: MEMENTO MORI Speaking of challenges, the sophomore album is prone to what industry execs call the “Sophomore Jinx”. Flyleaf entered the music scene with heavy rotation on MTV’s TRL and VH1’s Early Start, with those networks leaning towards more reality-based programming, how do you plan to promote your new album? We have an amazing team of people that believe in what we do. If for some reason they fail, that’s how it was supposed to be. We understand and are not trying to become super billionaires off of our second album. We let God have His way with it. We don’t have anything to lose. If God said it’s over tomorrow, it is what it is. We’ve seen so much and it has been an amazing journey. We hear of Urban/Pop artists being affected by piracy and plagued overall by low album debuts and sales. Do you feel your genre faces some of these challenges? What’s the solution? Every genre does from music to movies. People have to see it in order to buy it. However, our situation is different. We tour and perform as much as possible. We have some of the most amazing fans and people that want to help us. Our fans love us! They buy 4 or 5 CDs not because they have to but because they want to. The solution is honest music. When it’s honest, it speaks volume.
“ People are looking for honest and passionate music. We believe that’s the reason people follow our band because we are passionate in what we believe in.”
Your band has seen Platinum success staying true to your roots and faith. Why does it seem other bands/artists have a hard time making their beliefs known loud and clear? We have a theory – People get confused between their calling and their occupation. Our music is for everyone, not just Christians. It doesn’t matter what race, religion or background you come from, Jesus is for everyone. We know our purpose is to be a light in a dark place. In fact, our songs tend to go better with people that haven’t been in church as they understand that our hurts are real. We’re not ignoring addiction or those kinds of issues in life – we’re addressing them. We believe some aren’t vocal because they don’t want to offend people but the reality is that there are two ways in life, right or wrong. Artists don’t talk about their faith on stage because they are afraid of how they are going to be received. But Heaven and Hell are real places, so why wouldn’t you tell someone? I’m going to go around in a circle saying a word with you saying what first comes to your mind. Chasm? Lazareth. Treasure? Husband. Circle? Gospel. Flyleaf? Family. Anything we missed that you would like to add? Check out more info about us on Flyleafmusic.com and Flyleafonline.com.
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What It’s Like to Be
YOUNG IN
AMERICA
by Nisarg N. Shukla
CROSSROADMAG.COM
We’re free flowing here, so come enjoy this ride with me.
this – I just wish I woulda stopped myself. All those years spent toiling around at campus, would have been far better spent building my skills in something useful.
All throughout life, at least the way I was brought up, you’re told what to want to become when you grow up, whom to emulate, and what would be the ‘logical’ step. At 23, I can tell you, it’s all bs.
What frustrates me most is the utter disregard for free thinking, which is beat down into our brains since childhood. What happened to all these adults – didn’t they have dreams? Talk to your teacher and dare them to deviate from the lesson plan – it seems as if most people would rather just shut off their brains, rather than think for a change.
That car you want, that job you want, this article I’m writing – all of it – you don’t need any of it. But you already know that, right? Somebody tell me why it sucks to be young in America. I’m gonna fast forward to around high school, which is around the first time you’re ready to think for yourself. Now, a few of us, by sixteen, seventeen, already know what we want to do with our lives. Unless you’re gonna be a doctor or lawyer (assuming you can afford it), an engineer (what high schooler knows exactly what engineers do anyway?), Even a cop or a wrestler or a teacher or A-Rod; unless you know exactly what you want, and I must stress the fact that this is a small population, you’re screwed. The rest of us have no clue. I fall into the category of ‘the rest of us’. High Schools and Colleges try their best with ‘the Arts’ and all this fancy-shmancy nonsense to guide you in the right direction – but they fail miserably. What exactly does a Business degree get you? The knowledge to run a business, but no experience? A piece of paper that says you know a little of everything, but have no real technical skills? In college, we all live up to one ideal – party hard. Waste our parents’ money, waste our time, drink out of kegs – and then have reality smack you in the face once you’re done. And I’ve done all of
Another common misconception is the importance of a college degree. Sure, I’ve got a degree, but also spent four years putting in half an effort into things I could-
time for a revolution “ofIt’sideas. Free-thinking needs to come back. ” n’t care less about. Does that make me ‘more qualified’ than a plumber, or contractor, that spent those four years learning his respective trade? Again, I represent the white-collar crowd, those of us with no real specialty. Barack Obama recently went on television and gave a speech to the nation’s school kids. Simultaneously, the right wing of America had a heart attack. So tell me, what’s so wrong about the President of the United States addressing its youth? And don’t give me a turnoff-our-brains-it’s-just-because answer. Give me a real one. Under Obama, I’m sure it’s great to be young in America. This guy is an inspiration, period. Even if his administration fails (and I hope it doesn’t), he’s historic. Period.
continued on next page
But that’s not my generation. My generation? We’re the ‘lost generation’. Most of my graduating class is in debt, out of work, and addicted to the Internet (among other things). I place some of the blame on the Republican right and their bastardization of Barry Goldwater’s ideologies over the last three decades. But most of the blame goes onto myself – for actually listening to others. Now, before you put me in the Kanyeat-the-VMA’s category, let me explain. I now know what my skill is – it’s writ-
ing. If I want to convey specialty of any kind, I do it through writing. I didn’t want to believe it; I’ve always hated writing. I shun the praise I get, because writing comes so easy to me – much of the time, appreciation seems undeserved. Jay-Z believes that rap comes easy to him – it’s a natural gift. It took him till age twenty-seven or so to use it as an economic means. Imagine, if I had used my writing at age 16 (which is when I first went to college), as opposed to those four dreadful years?
It’s time for a change. A collective change. It’s time for a revolution; a revolution, which, to paraphrase the aberrant Jesse Ventura, doesn’t have to be violent. Think the Enlightenment, Gandhi’s non-violence; it’s time for a revolution of ideas. Free-thinking needs to come back. I’m starting with myself. I’m gonna do the 9-to-5 thing, sure, but it won’t be the end-all, be-all. Just a means, baby. A means to get by. At least until this writing here starts paying the bills. So, I gotta ask…what you gonna do?
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BALTIMORE RAVENS TERRELL SUGGS
DEFENSE r e n n i w e m a the g
by Tobias
CROSSROADMAG.COM
Everyone would agree that Defense wins games. How true is that statement? That is very true. Everyone knows that if you can’t score, you can’t win! As you get ready for the upcoming season, what do you do to prepare for a full season of hard work? I train very hard. Your body is an investment so you have to take care of it. In addition to the regular workouts, I like to get creative. For example, my fiancé and I take our two children (Dahni & Duke) to Egypt and I run the pyramids with them on my back. (kidding) Seriously, though, I like to do different crazy workouts so the season will be easier on my body. Your athletic abilities go further than Football, At one time you played basketball and track in High school. What made you decide to stick with football? This was the sport that I had the best chance of succeeding at. Plus everybody knows the girls love football players! There are many great athletes whose parent got them on the right track in sport (famous ones: Tiger woods and the Williams sisters). Your father got you started in sports at the age of 10. Tell what kind of person he was and did his role as dad and coach still influence you today? He is a great dad. He refused to loose his kids to the streets, so he kept us busy in sports. Now, he’s my biggest fan. We talk after every game and he loves to watch me play! Every year the League drafts look younger and less experienced. Kids today want to skip college and go straight for the League. How important is college, not from an academic standpoint but from a development as an athlete position? Is there something missing between college drafts and high school drafts? There’s a Huge difference. The speed and physicality is 10 times more intense than in high school. I think athletes need that time in college to develop and to grow as men. A lot of stuff comes at you once you sign that contract, and the college years give you time to have more experiences so you’re more prepared. Tell about your film company 1080 Incorporated. What project have you done and where can we see some of your current projects? It’s a movie production company. We haven’t released anything yet but we are in pre- production with a couple of films. As soon as we get something on film that I’m satisfied with, I’ll share it with the world. Looking forward in the future what do you see Terrell Suggs doing? Do you plan to stay in the League or move on to film? I will definitely stay in the league as long as I can, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to hold of on film projects until then. With me you cant have one without the other. When I retire from football then I will do movies full time, but I’m not going to retire To make movies.
What keeps you focused as a parent? What are some of the values and principles that you teach your children and that you live by? I love my children. They are so innocent and happy. I want to teach them how to work hard, and to understand the value of a dollar. They also need to know the importance of making good decisions! You are a single father of two children. What is your day like and how involved are your kids in your football life? I’m actually engaged, so I’m not single. Me and my fiancé, Candace live together with both of our children. Still, with two small children, life can become a handful. During football season, it’s basically all on her. She’s like “Super Woman” They say with power comes much responsibility; what are some of the difficulty you’ve faced in the past to get to this place? Just staying focused! My family does a great job in not letting me get a big head. I always work to master my game so I have to stay focused. Football has provided you with a great opportunity and when it comes to charities and giving you stand out. What does it mean to you when a persons world changes because of your act of kindness? I haven’t really thought about it. When you do charity you’re supposed to do it for the right reasons- because it needs to be done. Somewhere down the line someone helped me when I really needed it. This is how I show them that I am grateful for what they did for me… by helping another out. What was the best day of your life? Share that moment with us. When both of my kids were born. To give life is an incredible experience and I’m just glad that God, my fiancé, and my kids choose me.
+ For more info on Terrell Suggs visit www.teamsizzleworldwide.com
46 // CULTURE
the Perfect Running Shoes tips to
select
by Jackie Bowman
CROSSROADMAG.COM
{VISIT THE SPECIALIST}
If you have made running an important part of your life, then choosing the right kind of running shoes is imperative. It will keep your feet in good shape. Now that you have ruined your running shoes and are seriously on the look out for a new one, there are several things you must keep in mind. Buying proper shoes is vital to let your feet feel comfortable and also guard against injuries. Your previous experience with your shoes will also guide you to the proper design and brand. But it is easy to be confused by the multitude of running shoes in the market. You may easily be drawn to a particular pair because of the brand name or the looks. In fact, you must be careful to buy shoes that fit you well and also keep your feet in good shape.
It is important to go to a retailer who specializes in running shoes. Considering that there are shoes for every kind of running like road running and off the road running, you may be daunted by the task of selecting the right kind of shoes for you. The retailer is experienced enough to suggest the exact pair of shoes for the structure of your feet and the purpose it is going to serve. In fact, it is quite easy to be drawn by the clearance sales offered by many reputed stores in their bid to promote sales. But more often than not, you will not find anything that suits your purpose. Never make the mistake of compromising for the sake of a few dollars. Your investment in a good pair of shoes will certainly pay off when your feet are guarded against injuries time and again.
{THINK ABOUT THE PURPOSE} Always buy shoes that will serve your purpose. There are running shoes for every surface road, off-road, racing, performance, fell, trail, motion-controlled, cushioned and anti-pronation. Road shoes generally have built-up heels, which are least helpful in offroad running. Similarly, the deeply studded outsoles of fell shoes will not be effective on the road as they will be extremely uncomfortable. Some stores even provide “video gait analysis” which records your movements on a treadmill and uses this information to choose the right kind of shoes.
{DON’T GO FOR ANY KIND OF TENNIS SHOES} Running shoes have been designed to enable its wearer to run smoothly on the surface of his choice. So don’t be tempted to make do with any pair of athletic shoes. Running shoes are sophisticated piece of equipment that is indispensable in running. In fact, running being the least costly of all kinds of sports activities, it warrants a good pair of shoes to keep your feet free from blisters and all kinds of injuries. There is also no point in over-stretching your old pair of shoes. It will only lead to discomfort in the feet.
{TAKE A LOOK AT THE PRICE} You will certainly have a budget in mind when buying a pair of running shoes. But if you fall in love with a pair that slightly exceeds your budget but is very good in all other aspects then give your decision a second chance. After all, the condition of your feet is at stake. Go for it and make the most of your running experience.
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50 // CULTURE
the
AMBASSADORS This section introduces you to New Artists, Authors & Ministries
Ye are the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13
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AVALON a brand new day photo and bio Avalon
or a group with 21 chart topping singles, 6 Dove Awards, 3 Grammy nominations and even an American Music Award, it would be easy for Avalon to rest on their laurels and continue cranking out their slick brand of vocal pop. While the critically acclaimed foursome is certainly proud of the past, their first proper studio CD in over three years, Reborn, truly lives up to its title in both spiritual outlook and overall stylistic composition. Sure, you’ll still be listening to Christian music’s premiere vocal group, but the similarity between any previous Avalon albums and their most recent release ends right there thanks to this completely new, cutting edge, enthralling and unequivocally original record.
F
“Reborn is really a fitting title because it signifies the birth of something new and exciting, which is certainly true of the current season of Avalon,” explains an exuberant Janna Long. “We signed a new record deal earlier this year and found ourselves planning a fall tour, which meant a new album in between. It was a really exciting whirlwind that forced us to all get in high gear and give it our best.” One of the most instantly apparent changes comes in the credits, which for the very first time in the group’s illustrious history unites the group with producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, Francesca Battistelli). It’s a curious choice indeed considering his respected rankings in the modern rock spectrum, but one that helps cement Avalon’s latest endeavor as arguably their most ambitious to date. Reborn will give the dedicated a new twist on the group’s renowned formula, while expanding their appeal to a much wider audience than ever before. “Over the last three years, we released a hymns record, a covers record and a retrospective record, plus had some members change,” she reflects. “So between all of that and the fact that life was just happening right alongside it all, there’s a really pivotal change and evolution. Sure, the vocal standpoint is consistent with the Avalon sound, but the rest is much more varied. This is definitely not your Mom’s Avalon record!”
www.Avalonlive.com
52 // CULTURE
JJ HAIRSTON &
YOUTHFUL PRAISE
the sound of worship and praise photo and bio courtesy of jj hairston and youthful praise
outhful Praise and worship leader, James “JJ” Hairston have traveled the world, ministered the gospel, and have garnered national and international recognition. Through their career, YP has set a new standard regarding the “church choir” and with no signs of slowing down they continue RESTING ON HIS PROMISE. With 17 years in the ministry, YP has undoubtedly learned to trust what God has done and will continue to do for them.
Y
Currently Hairston writes, produces, and leads YP, although in his youth he did not imagine himself in such a position. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Hairston spent most of his time at Mt. Sinai Cathedral COGIC where his grandfather Bishop C.L. Sexton was the pastor and his mother served as choir director. JJ would watch daily as the ministry was laid before him, but never thought he would follow in his mother’s footsteps. Soon after his family moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, JJ was struck with tragedy as a good friend was shot and killed. At that point, Hairston made a decision to make a change in his life and began directing the Central High School Gospel Choir, subsequently joining YP. It was difficult to imagine how YP would top such a massive hit but they did with the live recording of Exalted…Live In Baltimore. The project was highlighted for “bringing it all together” with praise and worship, rock and R&B inspired tunes, and church music. This album created a more personal message from the choir and particularly Hairston with “You Are” and “Freedom.” On the same album was the track “Everything Has Changed” which was as a precursor to the message of Change that Presidential candidate Barack Obama (now President-elect) spread throughout his campaign. YP has had numerous television appearances such as BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, Video Gospel and Lift Every Voice, The Stellar Awards, TBN’s Praise The Lord, Gospel Music Channel’s The Kitchen Sink and Hometown Gospel, just to name a few. They also maintain a rigorous tour schedule; which enables them to Praise the Lord with their supporters all over the world. Singing songs from all of their projects, their appearances are known for being energetic and spirit filled. Youthful Praise has matured in age; however their message has stayed consistent… to praise and uplift the name of the Lord.
http://www.youthfulpraise.org
CROSSROADMAG.COM
KATE EARL following destiny photo and bio courtesy of kate earl
have so many hours of dreaming logged in at my parent’s gas station in Chugiak, Alaska. Ring up a customer, dream… stock the shelves, dream… mop the floors, dream… plow the snow, dream… I had spent my whole life in this remote town asking the question “what am I gonna do with myself if I stay here?” so as soon as I had saved enough for a ticket and a guitar I moved to LA. I needed to find out…
I
My Dutch/Welsh father dropped out of 6th grade to survive the Great Depression by picking cotton for bowls of beans until he lied about his age to serve during the Korean War to support his parents… he was a self made man…he built our gas station with his own hands…he taught me to follow my bliss. My Filipino mother, who left her parents to board in another town and walked miles in the rain with a banana leaf for an umbrella to go to school, having sewed her own uniform and cooked her meals on a little fire as a child, believed in the American dream and made a new life in Alaska with greater possibilities for her children… she taught me that wit, intuition, resolve and improvisation can go a long way…the rest is left to fate or luck or the combustion of our individual spark. Although I knew the Hells Angels that would come through the gas station, I was also brought up in the church by my mother. There I was part of a choir and I learned a lot. I got into gospel music that I found on tape at the library..Martha Bass of Chess and Checker Records. By the time I was 14 I was a worship leader at my home church , at 16 joined the youth outreach to the homeless youth of Anchorage. We brought them food and they joined us in service. I was 17 when I got the notion to write an album. While volunteering at my college radio station it occurred to me that people made a living doing what I loved, so I thought I would give it a try. With common sense, hard work and manual labor my upbringing at the gas station, pursuing music was a luxury. I wanted to make people feel the music not just listen to it. It took a long time to record what I heard in my head. A lot of collaborators were there for me, helping to coax it out. I let my inspiration have it’s way with me, to make something new. I love it when a song comes on the radio and everyone knows the words. It’s the greatest sensation to completely fall into a moment in time, to be swept up, taken under the spell of a lyric a rhyme a melody.
www.myspace.com/kateearl
54 // CULTURE
JAYMES REUNION all in the family
photo and bio courtesy of jaymes reunion
ressing the cassette into his Walkman, Cameron Jaymes lay on his bed and waited for the sounds of Paul McCartney to come through the headphones. So it was that Jaymes no longer wanted to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers when he grew up. He wanted to be a musician. “I just loved the way that music made me feel,” Jaymes says now. “It evoked a certain feeling in me, a sort of excitement.” This kind of emotional response is exactly what he and his bandmates hope to evoke with their self-titled album 6-song release in 2009.
P
The band name stems from the fact that whenever these musicians get together, it feels like a family reunion. On guitar is Braydon Nelson, who went to the Berklee School of Music and met thru Cameron’s older brother, Justin. Eric Watson, on bass, went to Jaymes’ church, and Jeremy Taylor on percussion, met Jaymes out on the tour circuit. “As we made the record I really connected with the guys,” Jaymes says. “It became this family reunion of musicians, for me, and a revolving collaborative of buddies I’ve made.” Together, the members of Jaymes Reunion “want to encourage people, to give them the feeling I felt when I heard that Paul McCartney record for the first time,” Jaymes says. “I’m driven by the idea of connecting people with songs.” Born in August 1984 in Bakersfield, Calif., Jaymes started singing while in elementary school. His mother enrolled him and his brother in an after-school choir program, but it wasn’t until he was 15 that Jaymes focused seriously on singing and songwriting, penning his first piece for a girl he wanted to impress. By age 18 he’d already done a national tour and was spending time figuring out his own sound. He shared it, poolside, with some music execs in West Hollywood during Grammy Week 2006, and that led Jaymes to sign with BEC Recordings a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Reminiscent of that Paul McCartney record, Jaymes Reunion’s debut features soaring, solid vocals backed by marching drums, pop-rock keyboards and strumming guitar influenced by U2, Coldplay, Switchfoot and The Bee Gees. Jaymes’ favorite sound — the piano — features prominently. “My greatest inspirations come from everyday life,” he says. “I want to give people songs that warm them and help them feel alive.”
http://www.myspace.com/jaymesreunion
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NICOLE FRANKLIN child of the king photo and bio courtesy of nicole franklin
icole was raised in Inglewood, California. She grew up in a very traditional Baptist church and sang in the choir, with whom she would also travel and perform at other local churches. Nicole comes from a large family of gospel singers and ministers.
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Life would present Nicole with many challenges, like the death of her best friend, Motown recording artist MC Trouble, from whom she got her first break as a choreographer, DJ and sidekick at a very young age. Throughout her career, Nicole has worked in choreography, artist development, directing, writing, television and films. (Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah, Boyz II Men, P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Nas, Whitney Houston, LL Cool J, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, David Letterman Show and Europe MTV Awards). Nicole signed a record deal with Street Life/Scottie Brothers under the moniker Nikki Kixx, scoring a hit single with “What U Do 2 Me,”(the song reached Billboard Magazine’s Top 20 on the Hot 100 Music Charts). Experiencing so much success and pressure at such a young age, Nicole found herself caught up in the secular industry. Throughout all of the struggles, twists and turns, through Jesus Christ, she returned home. God directed Nicole to a new place in Him, a relationship she discovered at In His Presence Church in California, under the leadership of Pastor Mel Aryes. It was there that she renewed her faith. While at In His Presence, she worked in the prison, outreach, children’s and youth ministries. Nicole is now serving as Youth Minister at her new church in California. Nicole signed her first gospel recording contract with producer extraordinaire Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell (Missy Elliott, Mary Mary, Mario, Kelly Price, Yolanda Adams) and his label, My Block Records. Faithful has redirected her gifts in praise of her Creator, using music as one of her vehicles. This holy light shines through on her new album, Taking It Back, which is being released on her own Living Water Records, distributed by Thank You Entertainment/Fontana/Universal.
www.nicolefaithfulfranklin.com
COKO
in his presence photo and bio courtesy of coko
heryl “Coko” Clemons returns to the music scene with a truly distinctive body of work that reveals an intimate portrait of her heart and her love for God. THE WINNER IN ME is the second gospel album from Coko. She made a smooth transition from R&B to Gospel with the debut release “Grateful” in 2006. That album gained Coko her first solo Grammy nomination, solidifying her position on the gospel music scene.
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The album is heart-felt and with an added personal touch of a shared experience resulting in a special album that is both passionate and transparent. Coko’s smooth style creates a pop-oriented sound that is equal parts Gospel and R&B while emotionally drawing inspiration from the struggles of her past and present. The outcome is “The winner in me”, a project that is individualized yet universal all at the same time.
THE WINNER IN ME speaks to those who may journey through a dark and difficult time – Coko presents them with hope and encouragement through the music, which is replete with messages for the discouraged and depressed, for people dealing with insecurities and frustrations. The title track, “The Winner In Me,” embodies all that the album hopes to accomplish. A song tailor made for today’s times, it is an encouragement anthem that all of us can relate. By far it is Coko’s most personal and favorite songs. The song written by her pastor, spoke exactly how she felt. “I remember when I left SWV, I didn’t know where I fit in and didn’t know how to move forward … but something pushed me forward. That was Jesus pushing me forward … that was the ‘winner in me.’” “The Winner In Me” reminds us that we don’t walk alone and that Jesus is there to push us forward and sometimes carry us when we feel we can’t go on. Long-time friend Kelly Price lent her talents on the riveting and ultra-relevant, “Oh Mary.” The sisters-in-Christ come together to sing empowerment, strength and self-esteem into the lives of today’s young women. “So many young women and teens suffer from confusion, self-doubt and insecurity issues,” said Coko. “We wanted to reach out to them with this song … it speaks about peer pressure, depression. We say they are beautiful, tell them there’s a better day ahead and no matter what they are a child of God.” The winner in me offers a great balance of straight up and down gospel with contemporary mainstream-friendly songs. Coko proves she can still make hits with an intrinsic R&B swagger she carries while maintaining a very real Gospel message in all she does.
http://www.cokosplace.com
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BARLOWGIRL spiritual warfare photo and bio courtesy of barlowgirl
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arlowGirl has always represented an interesting dichotomy; tender-hearted, beautiful young women who aren’t afraid to take an aggressive, almost warrior-like stance when it comes to spreading the gospel and serving God. That fiery obedience reverberates throughout their latest release, Love & War.
“There’s just an urgency to this album,” says Alyssa Barlow. “We’ve always wanted to raise the banner and to really let people know who God is, what He’s doing and how He’s moving. It’s always been something on our hearts, but with this album there was this underlying current of ‘the time is now!’ The time is now to rise up and to get what God has for us. The time is now to rise up and learn what it means to be loved by God, to learn what it means to be set apart, to learn what it means to embrace our destiny and embrace our calling to the extreme. That is the thread running through all of these songs.” The themes of love and war are seamlessly intertwined on this new collection. “There are battle songs about standing up for what we believe in and knowing what God is calling us to do and then there are a lot of songs on this album about love,” says Lauren. “The reason why we fight is because we love. We fight to do what God is calling us to do because we love God and we want to do the will of God. We really view our walk as Christians as love and war and that is kind of the dynamic of the album, exploring the two extremes.” BarlowGirl has always been known for being bold and transparent, but the group feels this is their most personal effort ever. Performing “Beautiful Ending” on their current tour and say people of all ages are being moved, particularly parents. “The biggest response we get is from fathers. The economy has been really hard on them. They are really desperate for God to just show up in their lives because of losing their jobs,” says Becca. “That song has really encouraged them to have that beautiful ending. Our hearts are for the whole family unit, so it’s been awesome to see the dads really embrace this song.” I’m excited to see what God is going to do next. We’re ready for whatever He has to bring.”
www.myspace.com /barlowgirl