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April 2018
™
contents on the cover:
National Donate Life Month The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland Pat, kidney transplant recipient Houston, donation supporter
Special Feature
pgs 8-13 - April is National Donate Life Month and the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland gives us an in-depth look into organ donation. Ieesha Johnson, Manager of Community Outreach, answers the most commonly asked questions about organ donation to help spread the word and educate others about saving lives. Also the story of Jordan Taylor Brown: Leaving A Legacy.
Feature Articles 22 SINGLE LIFE
20 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
22 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
Welcome Spring
24 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Beauty For Ashes
Ericka Johnson
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Ruth Young Tyler
Springtime Beauty, Springtime Love
Healthy Mind
Entertainment
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For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Ruth Young Tyler
GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail!
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Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
scripture
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. 19For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. 20Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children,including the new bodies He has promised us. 24We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)26And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. 29For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. 18
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ise RUp This month Christians all over the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We traced the steps and events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. We remembered the seven last utterances of Jesus from the cross. We told the story of how Jesus died on the cross on Friday, how he was buried in a borrowed tomb and how on the third day, early Sunday morning, he rose from the dead with all power in his hands. Christians declared that Jesus Christ got up from the grave with all power in his hands. Resurrection Sunday is a reminder to every believer that we also possess resurrection power. We call this the ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ! As believers, can you imagine a life without Jesus? What would life be like if Jesus had not got up from the grave? It would be a life without hope. We would be most miserable. In the times of trouble we would not be able to go to the throne of God boldly with our petitions. And more important, we would not have Jesus sitting at the right hand of God as our intercessor pleading our case to the Almighty God. But, because he lives, we have hope and we have a peace that the world does not understand. But the story does not stop there. We as believers
from the editor have the responsibility to keep the story alive. As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ there will be many who will not be celebrating because they are not aware of the ‘Good News’. It would be a shame if we as believers did not take this awesome opportunity to share the ‘Good News’ with nonbelievers. This is the perfect season to give those who are without hope a hope. This is the perfect time to let those who walk in darkness know that Jesus is the light of the world. Someone needs to know that Jesus came so that we would be able to live life victoriously. Someone needs to know today that Jesus is our Savior, and that today is their day of salvation. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 No matter what happens in life or whatever knocks us off our feet, we have the power to get up again. We have resurrection power on the inside. Resurrection power can be seen in believers’ lives through their faith. The Bible tells us that faith in a believer’s life is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) In everyone’s life, there are things that we constantly hope for. We hope for better lives for our families, financial security, good health, etc. In fact, we live each day in some form of anticipation or hope. There is something that motivates us to believe for those things that we hope for. That something is our faith—it is our faith that motivates us each day to keep pressing forward reaching for our hopes and dreams. How awesome it would be to share the ‘Good News’ during this season with our brothers and sisters and see their lives be changed by the salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rise Up! Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief www.gracenglorymagazine.org 77 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
Q A Q&A
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G&G: Ieesha, welcome to Grace & Glory, April is National Donate Life Month and we are excited for the opportunity to shine a light on organ donation. I understand you are the Manager of Community Outreach for The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, would you tell us about this organization? Ieesha: Thanks so much for this opportunity! The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland is a non-profit health service organization that saves and enhances lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. As the organ procurement organization for Maryland, we facilitate donation and transplantation in area hospitals, provide donor family support, and educate about the life-saving power of donation. We are passionate about our mission of saving lives while honoring the legacy and generosity of donors.
donation are everywhere. Medical mistrust is common and not without historical justification, but in today’s world, myths such as “they won’t save me if I’m an organ donor,” are just not true AND they are costing us the lives of our family and friends on the transplant waiting list.
Ieesha Johnson, Manager of Community
G&G: With this being National Donate Life Month, this is certainly a good time to shed some light on frequently asked questions about organ donation. My first question is who can become an organ or tissue donor and is there an age limit to be an organ donor? Ieesha: Anyone can become an organ, eye, or tissue donor! We always tell people, never rule yourself out. There is no age limit to saving lives. We have seen all ages give the gift of life, from infants to senior citizens. G&G: Can you become an organ donor if you already have existing medical issues, like diabetes, hypertension, etc.? Ieesha: Absolutely. This is a myth we hear a lot, that someone thinks they are too sick to become a donor. But the truth is that each potential donor will be evaluated at their time of death. With recent medical advancements, even people who are HIV+ can give the gift of life!
Outreach, The Living Legacy Foundation G&G: Ieesha, since this is National Donate Life Month, let’s start with some research that I have read. I read that G&G: Which organs and tissues can be donated after African-Americans are the least likely to participate in death? organ donation, that the percentage of Caucasian donors Ieesha: One organ donor can save up to eight lives are much higher. What would you attribute this disparity through the gift of their kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, to, is it just a lack of knowledge and/or fear? pancreas, and intestines. One tissue donor can enhance Ieesha: That’s a great question, and I think the answer more than fifty lives through the gifts of their corneas, is both a lack of knowledge and fear. In our work in the bone, skin, tendons, heart valves, and veins. These tissues community, we find that myths and misconceptions about can restore health and save lives.
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Q&A G&G: How donor to of have organs donated? does example thismy is Dick Cheney – heHow waited forone 20 become months G&G: How are organs an organ before hedonor? received his heart transplant. are andorgans tissues for Ieesha: While you don’t have to be registered for your and tissues for family transplantation after as your we always G&G:to Doauthorize I have todonation be registered an death, organ and tissue transplantation obtained and recommend that wantsHow to become a donor donor to have myanyone organswho donated? does one become obtained and distributed? register wishes and have that discussion with their an organtheir donor? distributed? How is a family. canyou register the to MVA or online at Ieesha:You While don’t at have be registered forwww. your How potential is a donatelifemaryland.org. If you don’t feeldeath, comfortable family to authorize donation after your we always potential organ recipient registering, least maketosure that ayour family recommend you that should anyoneatwho wants become donor organ identified? recipient knows want to become a donor. registeryou their wishes and have that discussion with their identified? Ieesha: Organ family. You can register at the MVA or online at www. Ieesha: and tissue Organ G&G: Ieesha, if I register a donor, a hospital donatelifemaryland.org. If to youbedon’t feel will comfortable and tissueis recovery still try as hard save my life, make or willsure being registering, youtoshould at least thata declared your family recovery performedis organ (to donate afteramy death) affect the care I knowsdonor you want to become donor. performed only after the receive in a hospital? only donorafter has the Ieesha: Another Yourtodonor designation status G&G: Ieesha, if myth! I register be a donor, will a hospital donor been legally has will impact the hospital. still never try as hard to the savecare my you life,receive or will in being a declared been legally declared dead Your top priority of death) hospital staffthe – they organhealth donoris(tothe donate after my affect careare I declared by a physician dead working YOUR life. The teams who work on organ receive intoasave hospital? GospelFest is a free concert held by The LLF every by a physician and is a very respectful surgical and procedure. is a very donation are completely separate the hospital team Ieesha: Another myth! Your donorfrom designation status year. Held at different churches in Baltimore during Matching potentialthe recipients is done through respectful attending patients. Organ donation trading will never to impact the care you receive is in not the about hospital. National Donororgans Sabbathto in November, concert afeatures computer matchingand system runtoby the United Network surgical one for another, about giving the gift after Yourlife health is the topit’s priority of hospital staffof–life they are gospel performers a program honor, celebrate, andSharing educate about organ, eye, tissueinto account for Organ (UNOS) thatand takes procedure. you are gone. working to save YOUR life. The teams who work on organ donation. such as blood type, size, and time waiting. factors Recipients are placed on the transplant Matching organs to potential recipients waiting is done list by working with matching their doctor. through a computer system run by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) that G&G: Doaccount donor families remain takes into factors and suchrecipients as blood type, anonymous? size, and time waiting. Recipients are placed on Ieesha: Yes, atwaiting the timelist of by transplant, the transplant working only with basic their details doctor. such as age and general location are disclosed to the recipients and donor families. If the G&G: families Do donor choose families to do so, andwe recipients work with remain them to write anonymous? to each other and eventually meet. Ieesha: Yes, at the time of transplant, only basic G&G: details such Ieesha, as does age and a person’s generalheritage, locationsocial, are or disclosed financial tostatus the recipients play anyand partdonor in whether families. or not If they the families will receive choose an to organ do so, if they we work everwith needthem one?to Ieesha: write to Definitely each othernot. andThis eventually is another meet. myth we hear a lot! Race, income, celebrity, financial Organ, eye, tissue, and in-spirit donors are honored at The LLF’s annual Ceremony of or G&G: social Ieesha, statusdoes are never a person’s considered heritage, when social, matching or G&G: If I don’t register to be a donor, can my organs still Remembrance. recipients. financial status A great playexample any partofinthis whether is DickorCheney not they– be donated? Who would be able to give consent on my he willwaited receive foran20organ months if they before ever heneed received one?his heart behalf? transplant. Ieesha: Definitely not. This is another myth we hear a Ieesha: can stillseparate become afrom donor you areteam not donationYes, areyou completely theifhospital lot! Race, income, celebrity, financial or social status are registered. alwaysOrgan have adonation conversation thetrading family, attending toWe patients. is notwith about G&G: Do I have when to be registered as an organAand tissue never considered matching recipients. great Continued on page 10
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Q&A Continued from page 9
one life forof another, it’s about giving theWe giftidentify of life after regardless the patient’s donor status. the you gone. nextare of kin and talk with that person and the family about the opportunity to donate and give life to another. Our G&G: I don’tService registerCoordinators to be a donor,are can my organs team ofIfFamily trained grief still be donated? Who would able to give consentthe onfamily my support professionals andbeare there to support behalf? regardless of the donation decision. Ieesha: Yes, you can still become a donor if you are not registered. Weare always have a conversation withyourself the family, G&G: What the different ways to identify as regardless of the patient’s donor status. We identify the an organ donor? next of kin talk withthat thatanyone person who and the family about Ieesha: Weand recommend wishes to become the opportunity donatethemselves and give life to another. an organ donor to register at the MVA by Our saying team Service Coordinators are trained grief “yes”oforFamily by going to www.donatelifemaryland.org and support professionals there your to support family registering online. Be and sureare to share wishesthe with your regardless of the donation decision. family, as well. G&G: What are different ways toWhat identify yourself as is a the directed donation? is a living an organ donor? donation? Ieesha: We recommend anyone wishes to become Living donationthat is when onewho person donates a an organ themselves at another the MVAtobysave saying kidney or donor lobe ofregister their liver or lung to “yes” or by to www.donatelifemaryland.org andcan their life. It’sgoing an incredible process! The living donor registering online. normal Be surelife to share your wishes with your lead a full, happy, after donation, especially family, as well.they helped save the life of another! after knowing
Donate Life Ambassadors at the BMore Healthy Expo in March 2018. The LLF attends many health fairs to educate the public about the life-saving power of donation. Donor aunt and recipient Danette Ragin sharing her story at the annual their life. an Fun incredible living donor Donate LifeIt’s Family Run. This process! year’s run isThe on September 30th in can lead a full, happy, normal life after donation, especially Baltimore.
after knowing they helped save the life of another! Directed donation is when a donor, living or deceased, G&G: Why is it important fororgan peopledonation. of every race, specifies the recipient of their background, community, etc. to become an organ donor? Ieesha:Why So glad asked this question! It is sorace, important G&G: is ityou important for people of every for everyone,community, but especially become background, etc.African-Americans, to become an organtodonor? organ donors. While donation and transplantation can Ieesha: So glad you asked this question! It is so important occur between any two people from differenttoracial for everyone, but especially African-Americans, become backgrounds, transplants successful when organ donors. While donationare andmore transplantation can organs are matched between people of the same occur between any two people from different racial background. The moreare African-American backgrounds, transplants more successful organ when organs donors there are the moreofAfrican-American lives The that are matched between people the same background. be saved. There organ is a great needthere rightare now, not morecan African-American donors thebut more enough donors, and we all need to do our part to save African-American lives that can be saved. There is a great needlives. right now, but not enough donors, and we all need to do our part to save lives. G&G: Ieesha, lastly, how can people help the cause? Ieesha: There arehow many First G&G: Ieesha, lastly, canways! people helpand theforemost cause? is making you are a registered andisthen Ieesha: There sure are many ways! First anddonor foremost sharing your wishes with your family. We are also making sure you are a registered donor and then sharing excited a grantWe opportunity specifically yourvery wishes withabout your family. are also very excited Donor families and recipients come together at the annual Donate Life Family for houses of worship and faith-based organizations. Fun Run. This year’s run is on September 22nd in Baltimore. Check out www. about a grant opportunity specifically for houses of Organ, eye, tissue, and in spirit donors are honored at The LLF’s annual Ceremony donatelifefunrun.org for more info. We are awarding grants of up to $1,000 to these worship and faith-based organizations. We are awarding of Remembrance. organizations to carry out activities that would grants of up to $1,000 to these organizations to carry increase education donoreducation designations organ, out activities that wouldand increase andfor donor G&G: What is a directed donation? What is a living eye, and tissue donation in Maryland. Please encourage designations for organ, eye, and tissue donation in donation? Directed donation is when a donor, living or deceased, your churchPlease to apply and takeyour partchurch in saving lives through Maryland. encourage to apply and Ieesha: donation is when onedonation. person donates a specifiesLiving the recipient of their organ donation! take part in saving lives through donation! kidney or lobe of their liver or lung to another to save
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The Ultimate Gift of Compassion For Latrice Price, Community Outreach Coordinator for The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, promoting education and awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation isn’t just a job - it’s a purpose. When asked for the one-word reason why she supports donation, her answer is simple: Religion. “All religions believe in the act of giving,” she says. “It is the ultimate gift of compassion.” Latrice works closely with clergy and the faith community to make sure that people understand the truth about organ donation and the impact it has on recipients in need.
Did You Know? Over 3,600 men, women, and children in Maryland currently need a life-saving organ transplant. “Love your neighbor as yourself...” (Mark 12:31) “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Every ten minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. “...since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” (John 4:11)
One organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance more than 75 lives through tissue donation. “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:17)
In eternity, we will not need our earthly bodies. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5) “We can enter Heaven without having every part of our bodies present.” (Mark 9:47) An average of 20 people die nationally each day from the lack of available organs for transplant. “Heal the sick ... Give as freely as you have received.” (Matthew 10:8)
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When Jordan Taylor Brown smiled, people around him smiled too. That’s what his mother Loretta remembers. But when Jordan was 21, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and an act of violence ended his life. During this tragic time, his family and friends discovered that Jordan had registered as an organ donor. By honoring his decision, his family made it possible for Jordan to save the lives of seven people. But Jordan’s legacy didn’t end there. In the ten years since his death, Jordan’s memory continues to inspire young people in his community and beyond.
Spread Peace, Not Violence Amidst their grief after Jordan’s death, his family found the courage to honor his memory through the Jordan Taylor Brown Foundation. The foundation was founded not only to honor Jordan’s memory, but also to enact change in the lives of young men and women by providing scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities to serve their communities as advocates for non-violence. Their vision is to empower young men and women to become ambassadors to end violence among the younger generation. “We want young people to spread peace and not so much anger,” says Jordan’s aunt Sonia Taylor. “The first thing they think about grabbing is a gun to deal with those conflicts. We want them to be change agents. We want them to think about what they can do to make any situation better…what they can do as a young man or young woman to help make things better in the community.” Members of the foundation speak to yout h in the local community to encourage them to make good decisions in their life. They actively speak out against gun violence and serve as role models for adolescents who might be at risk for these behaviors. The foundation also holds an annual basketball tournament to keep Jordan’s memory alive, connecting to his love for basketball. Sonia says, “We “It’s about what make sure the children understand that it’s not just about basketball. It’s about Jordan’s legacy was what Jordan’s legacy was all about and the fact that he was able to help seven all about and the fact families.”
that he was able to
Seeing the Impact
help seven families.”
For Jordan’s aunt, Sonia, donation and transplantation was part of her
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7/8/86 - 7/30/07 life even before Jordan’s death. Growing up, Sonia was always proud of her ability to see farther and clearer than anyone in her family. “I remember as a young girl taking road trips with my parents and my Dad and I would always play a game to see who could read the highways signs that were farthest away,” recalls Sonia. “Of course, I would always win! I was so proud.” But then, in her late twenties, Sonia noticed that her vision was changing – the highway signs she had always seen so clearly appeared double, with a ghostlike image after each word. Her vision was deteriorating rapidly and Sonia’s optometrist suggested she meet with a specialist at the Wilmer Eye Institute at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her doctor diagnosed her with a corneal abnormality called keratoconus. “Being naïve at the time, I figured there would be options
for treatment,” says Sonia. After several failed treatments, the final option was a cornea transplant, a procedure to replace part of the patient’s cornea with corneal tissue from a deceased donor. Sonia received her cornea transplant in 1992, and has never looked back. “The vision in my right eye improved significantly,” said Sonia. “The experience also gave me a first-hand experience of the value of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Thanks to my donor, I can see again. I’m so grateful that Jordan was able to offer the gift of organ donation to families – just like my donor offered to me.”
rates of diabetes and high blood pressure that impact this community. However in 2017, only 16% of all donors were African-American. While donated organs are not matched with recipients based on race or ethnicity, transplant recipients and the donor must have similar genes in their immune systems so that the body will not reject the organ. The more African-American donors there are, the more African-American recipients that can be saved. Myths and misconceptions about donation play a large role in the lower rates of donation. Medical mistrust is not uncommon and not without historical justification. But as long as myths such as “they won’t save me,” are perpetuated, African-American lives in our community are being lost. “I want everyone to know that the doctors at the hospital are there to save YOU, regardless of your race or your donor status,” says Ieesha Johnson, Community Outreach Manager at The Living Legacy Foundation.
You can register to save lives by saying “yes” at the MVA or by visiting www.donatelifemaryland.org.
A Great Need
Jordan was honored with a florograph on the Donate Life float at the 2015 Rose Parade.
The need for organ, eye, and tissue donors in the AfricanAmerican community is great. Nearly 30% of those currently waiting for an organ transplant are AfricanAmerican, largely due to the high
Why is Sonia an organ donor? In one word: Jordan.
“YOUR life matters, whether you are able to become an organ donor or you need a transplant. Everyone should ask themselves, ‘would I accept an organ if I needed a transplant?’ If the answer is ‘yes,’ you should consider registering so that you can potentially save a life one day.” www.gracenglorymagazine.org 13
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UNITY:
Are You Ready To Answer the Call? We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda. Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer. 1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness. 2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree. 3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place. Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves! Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!
Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. • Baltimore, MD 21215 410.419.8841 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 16 April 2018 | Grace&Glory
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woman’s perspective
This time of year is absolutely beautiful! The sun is shining. The warm weather feels like so lovely against our skin and the sun is out longer in the day. Despite the bees buzzing and the pollen’s presence, being outdoors is much more of an option than in previous months. Days at the beach, vacations, backyard barbecues and more are beginning to fill our days. Yet, while this time of year is simply wonderful and enjoyable it is also possible that you my sister are experiencing a mid-year slump. In the beginning of the year we are supercharged with the possibilities of what is to come and fantasizing heavily on the fulfillment of our year’s goals. As we begin to close the year out, we reflect and begin to supercharge again for the next year. However in the middle of the year many of us begin to feel overwhelmed, unproductive and frustrated even if for a moment.
2. Seek God- Even in the matters of our daily affairs it is wisdom to first seek the Lord for His counsel. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. It is so important that we look first to the hills from whence comes our help. Our help is in the Lord. His grace is sufficient for every struggle we face, even those in our emotions my sister. He gives us beauty for our ashes and joy for our heaviness. Know that you can trust God with the cares of your heart. His touch and His grace can lift every heavy place.
We must remember that we are triune beings Spirit, Soul and Body. “I pray that your whole Spirit, Soul and Body be kept blameless…” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. My dear sister God is not only concerned with your spirit, but also your soul and your body. The health of your mind, emotions and desires are on the heart of God and He cares for you. It is important that we do the following:
3. Seek Help- Depression in women, particularly black women, is widespread yet largely not dealt with. If your heaviness does not lift on its own, it is quite possible that it is depression. My sister God has made us three part and given us people who specialize in each area to help us maximize our lives. Our pastors specialize in care of our spirits. Our physicians specialize in care of our physical bodies. He has also blessed us with psychologists and counselors who specialize in care of our souls and our minds. Take advantage of the resources He has placed in the earth and allow them to help release any chains that may be present in your mind.
1. Seek Ourselves- We may not fully identify where we are automatically. Our emotions are very fluid and sometimes we may be up, other times we are down. When the down times begin to linger we must take inventory of what is going on within us. We must begin to ask ourselves, “Am I heavier than usual?” We should particularly pay attention to the remarks of those who love us the most and are in tune with us. Many times we haven’t necessarily noticed our emotional shift; someone close to us has and may ask us about it. Too often we brush them off simply because we haven’t paid it much attention. Identifying with our emotions is the first step to moving further from where we are.
“Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2. My sister it is urgent to your heavenly Father that all of you be in good health; your spirit, your body and absolutely your mind. Don’t let the cares of life and all the many hats you wear as wife, mother, daughter, friend, employee, boss, ministry leader, etc. cause your soul not to prosper. Allow God to exchange your ashes for His Tiffany Bethea beauty! She-EO Life Mentor
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Kingdomboss Founder
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to your good health
Welcome to a new you, new season, new vision and new experiences. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because of the new life it brings with the budding flowers, the new blades of grass, the blooming cherry blossoms and the expectancy of a fresh start. It signifies resurrection, springing forward and bouncing back from the winter season. It can be invigorating as we embark upon spring cleaning, updating our wardrobe and envisioning the fresh and new opportunities that are just around the corner. Graduations, weddings and other springtime events also point to new
single life
beginnings. We get to shake off the gray, dull and sometimes depressing aura of winter and ease into the fresh, different and unchartered season ahead. Not only is there freshness in nature’s atmosphere but also it can be newness in our spiritual, emotional and physical being. Take advantage of spring by making the most of this time of extended daylight by spending it in nature and carving out time to engage with family, friends and activities that enrich your spirit. Open up your heart and mind to the potential for something more than you have become accustomed to so that you are ready for whatever comes your way. This is one way to get what you desire but you must also take advantage of this time to renew your relationship with God. Spring is the perfect time to refresh and restart after your time of reflection and sacrifice during the Lenten season. Pondering your next move is in order after prayer time, and a desire to fulfill your purpose may be rejuvenated as well. This is an opportunity to make the most of the time and grace that is offered during the spring. Revive your thoughts, desires and dreams and let them take on new life in this new season. Remember, it’s spring, a time Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian to renew, refresh and refocus. Counseling Center
Springtime Beauty, Springtime Love
Springtime is a beautiful time of the year! Seeds, grass and flowers that were lying dormant beneath the earth break through the dirt and show their majestic beauty. During this season, people begin to show greater affection toward one another. In addition to our emotional mindset, our disposition begins to shift favorably with the changing of the seasons. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time we’ve come to embrace more sunshine. The warmer weather attributes to more social events, interactions with others and an increase in travel itineraries. Many people want to spend quality time outdoors with their significant other, laugh, listen to music ~ and even sing out loud. Remember Alfalfa from the Little Rascals? He was intentional about expressing his terms of endearment to his childhood sweetheart, Darla. People who are “unattached” do the same ~ some consciously and others subconsciously. With each note Alfalfa sang off-key, he yearned for Darla’s attention and companionship. “I’m in the mood for love simply because you’re near me. Funny, but when you’re near me, I’m in the mood for love. Heaven is in your eyes, bright as the stars we’re under. Oh! Is it any wonder, I’m in the mood for love? Why stop to think of whether, this little dream might fade? We’ve put our hearts together, now we are one, I’m not afraid! Published in 1935, the music was composed by James McHugh and the lyrics were written by Dorothy Fields. The song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald. However, my favorite who rendered the selection unashamedly and unapologetically was Alfalfa. In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Song of Solomon depicts the love for a Shulamite and his persistency to court her. He eventually marries her and consummates the union. Later in the text we discover there is “trouble in paradise” and everything is not all “peaches and cream.” Yet the bond of love continues. Although, there are varying degrees and types of love ~ we’ll remain focused on the one depicted in the Song of Solomon. Love is global. Meriam-Webster dictionary defines love as: a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests; warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion. The Hebrew word for love is ahava. The word can best be
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described as the love between a husband and wife. Love is both a noun and a verb. The book of Proverbs uses ahavah in an abstract and broad form. In another portion of text it states: And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8 World English Bible) During my education mission service in Mombasa, Keya in East Africa, the students taught me several words in Kiswahili ~ one of which was nakupenda ~ which means I love you. What I’ve learned about love is this: Love begins with self-care. There will be instances when people, places, special requests and our “to-do” list will take a toll on us. Saying “no” is a start in reducing stress and practicing self-love and care. In Matthew Chapter 14, Jesus healed the sick, fed five thousand people and walked on water. The text also states he took a nap, too! We should follow that example. Love is intentional. We have to purpose ourselves to love someone. What I know for certain is that things will not always go smoothly in relationships. But through intentional effort ~ success in love is possible. Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37 Message Bible) Love is a noun and a verb. When we say we love someone ~ we must show it in words and deeds. Showing acts of kindness and expressing words of adoration, oftentimes is done simultaneously. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 King James Version) As spring continues to emerge and the seasons evolve, we must do the same ~ in every area of our lives. Before we can love someone else, we must love ourselves first.
Ruth Young Tyler @Journalistlife
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gospel industry news
Gospel Industry News
By Ericka J.
Queen Latifah Condolences go out to Queen Latifah, her Queen her mom Rita Owens, passed away in March. Her mother had been battling a heart condition for over a decade. Prior to her mother’s passing, Queen Latifah and her mother visited Baltimore, and frequented the area, reportedly her mother grew up in Baltimore, and Latifah owns a small home in Maryland. They visited “Water For Chocolate” in Upper Fells Point, and it was all the buzz. The pain of losing your mother is something indescribable, sincerely praying for the strength of her family.
“I Can Only Imagine”, The Movie
This movie by the Erwin Brothers and Lionsgate is based on the story of the hit song, “I Can Only Imagine”, which happens to be one of my favorite songs; it is a faith based film, on the journey of the song’s origin. Bart Millard, lead singer of the group Mercy Me, suffered physical and emotional abuse by his father, and it inspired him to write the hit song. It’s playing in theaters right now, go check it out!
Snoop Dogg
People have been LITERALLY raving about Snoop Dogg’s “Bible Of Love” album released on RCA. While this is Snoop Dogg’s first gospel project on his All The Time Entertainment label, this is his 16th project to date. It’s 32 tracks! A Double Album! The project features Charlie Wilson, Tye Tribbett, Rance Allen, Faith Evans, John P Kee, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, Patti LaBelle, Mali Music, Kim Burrell, Isaac Caree, B Slade, K-Ci, and many others. But it does not stop here, All The Time Entertainment, plans to release other projects and give opportunities to gospel artists, and he plans to do a “Book Of Love” stage play.
Jonathan McReynolds Last month, “Make Room”, stepped in the room on March 9, and headed to the #1 Spot, which is quite consistent for Jonathan McReynolds’ music, he is consistent in his delivery, giving gospel and even mainstream music a new feel since he’s come on the scene. This is Jonathan’s first LIVE LP, but his 3rd to date. If you haven’t gotten it yet, do yourself a favor and grab it! 24 30April 30 April 20182014 Grace&Glory March | Grace&Glory 30 2018 ||Grace&Glory
gospel industry news Kefia Rollerson There is life after BET’s Sunday’s Best! Kefia has kept pushing in music, writing, producing, arranging, performing, spreading her wings, and giving it all she’s got! Her new single “WIN” has WON ME! I absolutely love this song and it’s going to be available everywhere on April 6! GO GET IT!!!
Isabel Davis Congrats to Isabel not just in her 2 Stellar Award nominations, but here’s to her crossing international music lines and doing her LIVE Recording in Boksburg, South Africa at the Clements Stadium. Shout out to Uncle G and his camp making power moves for his artists!!!
Saints & Sinners The 3rd season breaks loose on April 8 at 9pm on Bounce TV, and will play every Sunday until the season finale on May 27. The battle for the Greater Hope Baptist Church, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, and the supporting cast are all on deck, buckle your seatbelts, it’s going down in Cypress! If you’re not up to date and you wanna catch up before the season premier, you can binge watch the marathon on, April 7 & 8, on Bounce TV.
Top 5 Gospel Songs
Won’t He Do It ............................................................................ Koryn Hawthorn Trust in You .....................................................Anthony Brown & Group Therapy You Waited ........................................................................................ Travis Greene I’m Blessed .......................................................................... Charlie Wilson feat Ti Change Me .......................................................................................Tamela Mann
Top 5 Gospel Albums
Make Room ..........................................................................Jonathan McReynolds One Nation Under God ...................................................................... Jekalyn Carr WOW Gospel 2018 Heart, Passion, Pursuit ........................................................Tasha Cobbs Leonard If God Before ............................................................................. The Church Choir Welcome to Spring! Spring into ALL THINGS BEING NEW! Let the changing of this season not just change your outlook on the weather but on the newness of the shift about to take place in your life! Embrace it you weathered the storms to bring you to this place! Wishing My Prince Taj Whitley a very happy birthday, April 5th is a BIG DEAL the day God blessed me with the most precious gift, and he’s continued to make me proud to be his MOM with every year he grows into the Man Of God he’s been called to be! Til next month www.iammisserickaj.com stay “IN” with All Things Miss Ericka J! www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 3131 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 25
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