February 2013 by Grace & Glory Magazine

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 1

2 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 3

™

FEBRUARY 2013

contents on the cover: Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman

Southern Baptist Church

Baltimore-Harford-Anne Arundel 1701 North Chester Street Baltimore, MD 21213-2497 (410) 732-8566 www.southernbaptistchurch.org

Pg. 8-9 Q&A Interview with Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman black history

Special Feature

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2013 THEME At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington The year 2013 marks two important anniversaries in the history of African Americans and the United States. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation set the United States on the path of ending slavery. A wartime measure issued by President Abraham Lincoln, the proclamation freed relatively few slaves, but it fueled the fire of the enslaved to strike for their freedom. In many respects, Lincoln’s declaration simply acknowledged the epidemic of black self-emancipation – spread by black freedom crusaders like Harriet Tubman – that already had commenced beyond his control. Those in bondage increasingly streamed into the camps of the Union Army, reclaiming and asserting self-determination. The result, abolitionist Fredrick Douglass predicted, was that the war for the Union became a war against slavery. The actions of both Lincoln and the slaves made clear that the Civil War was in deed, as well as in theory, a struggle between the forces of slavery and emancipation. The full-scale dismantlement of the “peculiar institution” of human bondage had begun. In 1963, a century later, America once again stood at the crossroads. Nine years earlier, the U.S. Supreme Court had outlawed racial segregation in public schools, but the nation had not yet committed itself to equality of citizenship. Segregation and innumerable other forms of discrimination made second-class citizenship the extra-constitutional status of non-whites. Another American president caught in the gale of racial change, John F. Kennedy, temporized over the legal and moral issue of his time. Like Lincoln before him, national concerns, and the growing momentum of black mass mobilization efforts, overrode his personal ambivalence toward demands for black civil rights. On August 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands of Americans, blacks and whites, Jews and gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, marched to the memorial of Abraham Lincoln, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation, in the continuing pursuit of equality of citizenship and self-determination. It was on this occasion that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his celebrated “I Have a Dream” speech. Just as the Emancipation Proclamation had recognized the coming end of slavery, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom announced that the days of legal segregation in the United States were numbered. Marking the sesquicentennial of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History invites papers, panels, and roundtables on these and related topics of black emancipation, freedom, justice and equality, and the movements that have sought to achieve these goals. Submissions may focus on the historical periods tied to the 2013 theme, their precursors and successors, and other past and contemporary moments across the breadth of African American history. Acknowledgement: The Association for the Study of African American Life and History at www.asalh.org.

24 24 February 2013 | Grace&Glory February 2013 | Grace&Glory

Pg. 26

Pg. 27

13 Mayor’s Journal

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

15 Governor’s Page Governor Martin O’Malley 19 Education Digest Dr. Tim Tooten

The ‘Right’ to Read 4 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

Honoring Black History Month

features

(August 2

And M Speec

Pg. 28 - 29 “I Have a Dream”

21 Book Shelf

Brandie Manigault

The ReveRend

Compelled by Love (Heidi Baker)

King, JR.

23 To Your Good Health

Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Press On

24 Gospel Industry News

Ericka Johnson

50th A March

MaRTin LuTheR

34 February 2013 | Grace&Glory February 2013 | Grace&Glory 34

I am happy to jo demonstration for f Five score year signed the Emanci beacon light of hop of withering injusti But one hundred ye free. One hundred manacles of segreg the Negro lives on a prosperity. One hun American society a today to dramatize In a sense we h architects of our re Declaration of Ind American was to fa the inalienable righ It is obvious tod as her citizens of c America has given “insufficient funds. refuse to believe th of this nation. So w demand the riches hallowed spot to re engage in the luxur Now is the time to r path of racial justic children. Now is th the solid rock of br It would be fat to underestimate th Negro’s legitimate of freedom and equ who hope that the N a rude awakening rest nor tranquility whirlwinds of revo

31 Nutrition & You

42 Fashion Focus

Herline A. Knights

Heart Healthy Eating

33 Woman’s Perspective

Cassandra Vaughn-Fox

Do You Know Your Own Strength?

realsimple.com Best Sweater Styles for Every Body Type

45 Word of Encouragement

Donna Williams-Ross

Jesus

In Every Issue 35 TEEN CONNECT

Contributors................................................................... 6

Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

From the Editor.............................................................. 7

No Weapon Formed

Scripture Page............................................................. 12 Carter’s Commentary................................................... 46

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 5

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

Advisory Board

Contributors PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL

Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC. www.Outfoxedmedia.org Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Jackie Epps Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault

PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC ARTIST

Mark L. Dennis Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

Classifieds! Classifieds! OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION BEGINS IN OUR NEXT ISSUE!

GREAT CLASSIFIED RATES!

Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail!

Rates: $9.00 for the first 10 words and under. 50 cents for For subscription and advertising each additional word. Add $2.00 for any bold words. information contact Payment: We accept PAYPALL, VISA, MASTERCARD, 443-813-6547; 410-370-2636 and DISCOVER. or info@gracenglorymagazine.org Deadlines: The 23rd of every month at 8:00 pm Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for all your Categories: Help Wanted, For Rent,For Sale, Autos for Sale, advertising needs! Boats for Sale, Business Opportunity, Instruction, Place Child Care, Entertainment, Announcements, other. Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/gracenglorymagazine a FREE Go online at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org classified ad and twitter @gracenglorymag in our next issue

6 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org Send us your comments!

People

from the editor

History of a

Black History Month originated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week. The month of February was chosen in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in that month. It has been set aside to reflect upon the accomplishments and achievements as well as the struggles and tribulations of a race of people who ended up on the shores of America many centuries ago. For one entire month, schools, churches, museums, and the media will celebrate and honor African-Americans and their history in every walk of life. I believe everything we do is history. From day to day we are constantly making history whether we realize it or not. That is why it is so important to make each day of our lives count. At the end of the day we should be able to look back over the day and make note of what was accomplished. As the days turn into weeks, months and years, those years become the fabric of our lives. Woven into the fabric of our lives are our successes, accomplishments and struggles that all become part of our history. As African-Americans, it is our responsibility to know Black History. We should know who we are and where we come from. Take the time to teach your children, they should learn all there is to know about their heritage. Black History should start with the family. We can pass our history along from generation to generation within our own families. We can celebrate our individual families’ successes and triumphs and support them during their struggles. I believe it will teach our children self-confidence, self-respect and most of all self-love. Many of us may only be able to trace back two or three generations, but we need to make it a point to tell our children about their ancestors, and repeat it as often as possible. We may not ever find that link that connects every black person to their African roots. But we will discover that there is plenty of rich ‘Black History’ right in our own back yards. And last but certainly not least, we can teach our children that through God’s word we can trace and link ourselves to the root that brought forth our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For the word of God tells us in Roman 8:16-17, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”

Jackie Epps Editor

This month’s issue is dedicated to the history of African-Americans. It is very exciting to add a new chapter each year of our lives to this ever developing story. Be proud, stick your chest out and keep your head to the sky! www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 77

Q&A

G&G: Dr. Hickman, each year we look forward to talking with you for the month that we celebrate Black History. Thank you so much for being with us again. First please tell us how the family is doing, how old are your boys now?

Q A &

INTERVIEW WITH

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.

Dr. Hickman: It is always a privilege for me to share with the Grace and Glory audience how God continues to demonstrate His faithfulness in these days of uncertainty. God has blessed my wife and me with 12 years of marriage and we are still in love. Our boys are growing up right before our eyes. Donte’ Jr. turned nine on New Year’s Day and Dawson will be seven in May on the day in which I preached my initial sermon. They make us proud in their thirst for knowledge, their competitiveness in sports, and in their seriousness about prayer. G&G: Dr. Hickman, as your sons get older and are able to understand more as it relates to Black History Month, what is it that you share with your sons about Black History? Dr. Hickman: I impress upon them the importance of being confident, knowing who they are and determining what contribution they will make to the world with their lives. As African Americans, we have come from a long line of innovators and thinkers; and my sons realize that they have no excuses not to be serious learners and strong leaders. G&G: Dr. Hickman, as we celebrate Black History Month, we have just witnessed Black History in the making with the re-election of the first Black President of the United States, President Barack Obama. What does this moment in Black History mean to you and to the future of your sons? Dr. Hickman: It really evidences the old adage that anyone can be anything at any time in the world in which we live. It provides a refreshing witness to the scripture that says, “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us”. There could actually be a ‘President Donte’ L. Hickman’ yet. The re-election of President Barack Obama demonstrates that hope is not a farce and hatred and racism are not the forces of oppression that they used to be. While we have many miles to go as a human community, we don’t have to shrink to the primitive perspectives or prejudicial perceptions of people with diverse backgrounds. This is a time when we must teach our children the rewards of hard work, focus, discipline, delayed gratification, and self-determination. The power to change America begins with changing ourselves. G&G: Dr. Hickman, growing up many of us remember hearing about Black History icons and doing school reports on the likes of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and George Washington Carver, to name a few. In today’s society (with the exception of President Obama) who would you consider to be our modern day Black History heroes/icons? Who would you say is an unsung hero of Black History and why?

Dr. Hickman: I am most proud of modern day heroes like General Colin Powell for not only becoming a four star general and the first African-American Secretary of State. But in breaking ranks with his party affiliation and endorsing President Obama and supporting many of his common sense policies showed outhern aptist hurch what it meant to have integrity, solidarity, and fortitude beyond partisan politics. Locally, I would have to say Pastors like my predecessor the late Rev. Nathaniel Higgs are my heroes. He had the courage and skill Baltimore • Harford to build a mega church in 1970 and pay it off within six years. He helped to start and stick with the Harbor Anne Arundel Bank of Maryland, a thriving African American financial institution in our state over the past 30 years. And he built a sixty unit senior housing facility that served as the catalyst for multi-million dollar development in an underserved east Baltimore community. Also among the unsung heroes and sheroes of our time are the teachers who cultivate our children despite unimproved resources and challenging environments; the mothers and fathers who care and sacrifice for their children every day; the young person that defies peer pressure and studies rather than party’s to work towards a brighter future; the single mother who raises her children without lowering her standards and compromising her convictions; the service men and women who fight for us to enjoy our freedoms; and the police officer who protects the public even when it means his or her own life is put at risk. These are just some of the kinds of African-American people that we must intentionally and perpetually thank God for and seek to emulate in our character and in our everyday lives.

G&G: Dr. Hickman, each year the Southern Baptist Church celebrates Black History Month with some of the finest African-American preachers of our time. We know that Black History Month is celebrated largely in our schools, but why is it important that we recognize and honor Black History in our churches? Dr. Hickman: This year we have invited some of the nation’s great next generation preachers to continue the celebration of our history and cultivation of our hope. It is imperative that we continue to celebrate and cultivate Black History in our churches, because it was the faith of our ancestors and the local black church that served as the catalyst to motivate, organize, and mobilize the Black agenda for freedom and equality. The same Bible that was used to enslave us actually freed us and gave us a sense of human dignity and purpose. During the Civil Rights Movement the church was the meeting place for social justice advocates and activists to solidify and sanction the Black agenda for justice in America. The Black church should never forget its role in forging the reality that we live in today. Neither should we lose sight of our responsibility of leading the conversation for equality, justice, and fairness toward economic and educational empowerment in our urban communities. 8 February | Grace&Glory 8 February 2013 2013 | Grace&Glory

G&G: Dr. Hickman, you as the pastor of the Southern Baptist Church have made history at the Southern Baptist Church with the expansion of this ministry to multiple locations. Would you share with us why you felt the need to expand this ministry to include multiple locations?

Q&A

Dr. Hickman: The Great Commission of Jesus Christ compels us to evangelize and disciple people for the Kingdom of God. God has blessed our church with a broad brand and DNA that impacts a number of people within and beyond the city limits. Instead of building a larger church to compete for the same circumference of people, we decided to try a new approach to maximizing our ministry presence. Instead of investing in multi-million dollar mega structures to facilitate worship for thousands, the growing model across the country has been the multi-site concept where one church replicates itself to serve people with a particular brand of ministry in the communities and areas where they live. Not only does it mitigate the exorbitant costs of building a large church, but it brings back the sense and impact of the community church. Harford and Anne Arundel Counties have experienced exponential growth with tens of thousands of new military families and personnel and we seek to welcome them with our style of ministry and the message of Jesus Christ. The response has been nothing short of amazing. G&G: Dr. Hickman, I understand one of the expanded ministries of the Southern Baptist Church now includes a Saturday night worship experience? Tell us about this endeavor, why a Saturday night service? How does it differ from the traditional Sunday services at Southern? Dr. Hickman: We expanded to a Saturday Night Live Worship service in Anne Arundel County to offer a more convenient time for people to worship with us in that area as well as to accommodate the growth in our Baltimore City location. We had to start a third morning service in Baltimore, because I didn’t want to have to build a new church before building new housing and facilities to meet the needs of our children and community. The only thing different about our Saturday Night Live service is we intentionally dress casually. The order of worship is the same and the spirit of the service is very refreshing. I tell our congregation that there is no excuse for them to miss church. We have five services on two different days. And we are not far from where you are.

Lady Danielle Hickman & Dr. Donte’ L. Hickma

G&G: Dr. Hickman, having multiple ministry locations under one umbrella, does each campus have its own distinct following? Is the worship experience different because of location and the diversity of the people who attend these different campuses? Dr. Hickman: Every location is completely supported by congregations of people from the targeted areas. We have witnessed more than 700 new disciples become a part of our Harford and Anne Arundel County locations. While the order of worship is the same, each location and service has its own flow and feel. All five services are different in style, but each receives the same substantive worship and Word. G&G: Dr. Hickman, one might think that you are a modern day ‘Superman’. How do you handle the awesome task of leading and guiding congregations of multiple locations physically and mentally? What would you advise a pastor who is considering expanding a ministry to more than one location? Dr. Hickman: It is an awesome and exciting experience that leaves me both amazed and at times exhausted. Dr. Harold Carter, Sr. once said to a group of Pastors from around the country regarding preaching multiple services that, “You have to have an anointing to do certain things in ministry.” I can honestly say that God renews my strength in my service to Him for His people. It has stretched me holistically to embrace a diversity of cultures and has deepened me spiritually in cultivating sermons that meet the needs of a multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation. I have also been very intentional about my physical and nutritional health to sustain the rigors of traveling and ministering. I would advise any pastor considering multi-site ministry to pray and plan thoroughly. G&G: Dr. Hickman, lastly are there plans for more locations? What is on the horizon for you and the Southern Baptist Church ministry?

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman and sons Donte’, Jr. & Dawson

Dr. Hickman: While there are other areas we have considered expanding to, we have decided to focus on the community and church development efforts at large. Groundbreaking for our Mary Harvin Transformation Center and Senior Housing facility is set for the end of this year. We are in the throes of developing an Early Childhood/Headstart Educational Center, as well as a building expansion project for our Baltimore City location. In just two years we have been blessed with over 500 new disciples in our Harford County location and we are in the contract phase of purchasing property to build a new church facility in Harford County. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as this is our year to “Move Mountains”. And not just mountains for our ministry, but we want to share our resources with other Pastors and congregations to really do the work of transforming the urban communities of Baltimore. On February 15 & 16, 2013, we will have a two day symposium on Faith-Based Development and Community Health Initiatives in tandem with the Enterprise Community Partners and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Our Mayor has established a vision to bring 10,000 families to reside in Baltimore over the next ten years. I believe the faithbased institutions should be able to account for at least a 1000 of those residents. The Bible says, “To whom much is given, much is required”. And I just believe if Baltimore is going to experience a renaissance in its neighborhoods, the church must move beyond just having revivals to realizing partnerships, restoring people and rebuilding properties in the communities in which they have thrived for years. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 9

church history

One Church in Multiple Locations

Baltimore

Harford

Anne Arundel

Mary Harvin Transformation Center and Senior Housing Project

Praise the Lord! After six years of planning, pursuing, expanding, acquiring, demolishing, and believing, the Mary Harvin Transformation Center and Senior Housing is becoming a reality. We have been awarded the funding necessary to build this facility to the glory of God and the growth of our community. We expect to be ready for groundbreaking in the Spring of 2014 10 February February2013 2013| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 10

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH BALTIMORE, MD

Jesus said,

“Upon this rock, I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The late Rev. James R. Coel, the pastor of a circuit of North Carolina churches, relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1926 to become the Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church. After 5 years of serving, Rev. Coel resigned his position; and he and his members met in homes to form the Southern Baptist Church. The first service was held on April 5, 1931, with 250 to 275 members on Mulliken and Spring Streets.

On Sunday, October 6, 2002, Rev. Donté Hickman was presented to the congregation as the newly elected pastor. On January 1, 2003, Pastor Hickman and the membership created a new mission statement for the church, reconstructed and expanded ministries, remodeled the church and reconstructed the worship services with a purpose-driven church approach to worship.

After moving to several locations during the depression years, Pastor Coel’s health began to fail. Rev. James R. Grant was asked to take up the mantle. After Pastor Coel’s death on June 21, 1937, Rev. James R. Grant was elected Pastor.

On September 12, 2010, through his God inspired leadership, Pastor Hickman extended the church’s outreach to global evangelism, by launching the first multi-site location Southern Baptist Church – Harford County in the Regal Bel Air movie theater. In just 5 short months, Southern Baptist Church Harford County had outgrown its 325 seat worship space. On February 6th 2011 Southern Baptist Church – Harford County moved to Aberdeen High School with an 800 seat worship space, and classroom space which allowed us to implement our Children’s Church and early morning discipleship program. On September 15, 2012 our church expanded its worship experiences to include a new 10:00am Sunday morning worship experience at the Baltimore location and a “Saturday Night’s Live” worship experience held 6:30pm every Saturday night at the Anne Arundel county location. We now offer 5 worship experiences every weekend to accommodate the exponential growth of our congregation.

Under Pastor Grant’s leadership, the church grew, the membership decided to purchase the 1700 block of Chester Street property with the God given mission to build a new edifice. Rev. Higgs was elected Pastor after Pastor Grant was called from earth to reward on October 4, 1965. Under his leadership the church took on many innovations such as, developing choirs, expanding ministries and being first to create an Early Morning Worship. On June 4, 1972, the Southern Baptist Church moved into its new edifice and on June 5, 1997, the church burned a 30 year mortgage. At the turn of a new millennium, the church built the Coel, Grant and Higgs Senior Housing Complex providing close access to the church.

bio

It was on Easter Sunday in 1987, when Reverend Hickman accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized and fellowshipped into the Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Reverend Hickman, being Dr. Donté L. Hickman, Sr. obedient to the call of God on his life to preach the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ, preached his initial sermon on May 2, 1990. Reverend Hickman was ordained in August 1994 at the Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of Dr. Theodore C. Jackson, Jr. Pastor Donté Hickman is a remarkable example of what faith in God can do. Having been raised in a single parent home in Edmondson Village under tremendous peer pressure it seemed as if Reverend Hickman would become another statistic. He was expelled from three High Schools living a life that was destined for failure. Nevertheless, with the help of God, the church, his faithful mother and an inner determination he turned his life around starting with passing the G.E.D. examination without any preparation or success beyond the tenth grade. On May 2, 1994, Reverend Hickman earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. On June 6, 1997, he earned the Master of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. And on May 8, 2006, Reverend Hickman earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Recognizing the need for a new standard and mind-set for ministry leadership in today’s culture Reverend Hickman enrolled in the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the Sellinger School of Business of Loyola College in Maryland. Reverend Hickman has studied abroad in South and Southern Africa during the Centennial Celebration of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has achieved certification in Clinical Pastoral Education at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, during the summer of the Olympics. Reverend Hickman has served as the Assistant to the Pastor of Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church of Baltimore, Maryland for three years and served as Senior Pastor in Philadelphia, PA for two years. Being led by the Spirit of the Lord Reverend Hickman returned to Baltimore to become the fourth Pastor of the Southern Baptist Church. On Sunday, October 6, 2002, Reverend Hickman was called and presented to the congregation as the new pastor of Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Since assuming the Pastorate of Southern the church has experienced phenomenal growth. With a focus on church health beyond church growth, Reverend Hickman began his ministry at Southern by teaching the leadership and

membership the purpose driven church model for ministry. He led the congregation in developing a vision and mission statement for the church that balanced the church’s efforts around evangelism, worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry leadership. Rev. Hickman led the church in a $1/2 million dollar renovation, initiated a strong marketing program, a television and radio broadcast ministry, developed a ministerial and executive staff, and organized the auxiliaries of the church toward maximizing ministry and outreach. Dr. Donte’ Hickman has an evangelistic burden for community development and outreach. In 2004, he commissioned task forces from a cross section of the membership to determine the demographic needs of our East Baltimore community to develop a multi-generational strategy of revitalization. Under the mantra of Restoring People and Rebuilding Properties, Pastor Hickman led the church in a major campaign of property acquisition to build another sixty unit Senior Housing facility, a Transformation Center to administer health, workforce development, behavioral counselling, and community services, an Early Headstart Youth Enrichment Center, Affordable Homes, Mixed-use Commercial Development, and Church Expansion to meet the ministry needs of a rapidly growing congregation. The vision is becoming reality. Continuing to be intentional about evangelism and discipleship, Pastor Hickman led the church in the multi-site ministry concept. In September 2010, he established Southern Baptist Church in Harford County in the Regal Cinema in Belair, Md. And in five short months, Southern Harford outgrew the four hundred seat facility and moved to the Aberdeen High School to double the capacity. In September 2011, he established Southern Baptist Church in Anne Arundel County at the Arundel High School in Gambrills, Md. With the development of these sites, the Baltimore location continued to grow necessitating a third morning service and a new Saturday Night Live service in Anne Arundel County at the Ridgeway Elementary School in Severn, Md. Today, Southern Baptist Church is one church in multiple locations with five services every weekend and over 3000 members. Reverend Hickman is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he has served as the Chaplain for the distinguished Pi Omega Chapter. As a community leader and entrepreneur Reverend Hickman was appointed by the honorable Mayor Martin O’Malley to serve as one of the Housing Commissioners for the Housing Authority Board of Baltimore City. And in 2012 Governor O’Malley appointed Pastor Hickman to the Maryland Port Authority Commission. Dr. Hickman has received numerous citations and awards and is most proud to be the recipient of the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Reverend Donté L. Hickman is happily married to the former Miss Danielle Curtis and they are the proud parents of two kingdom purposed children, Donté Lamont Hickman, Jr. and Dawson Luke Hickman. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11 11 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

scripture

12 February February2013 2013| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 12

mayor’s journal

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 13

14 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s page

With Better Choices and a Balanced Approach

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 15

16 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 17

18 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

education digest

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 19 19

20 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

bookshelf

Book Shelf Compelled By Love Heidi Baker In the summer of 1999 I spent a month of my life being impacted and changed by the work being done in Mozambique by Iris Ministries. I had the privilege of staying at one of the orphanages, waking up to the sounds of singing and laughter each morning. What I thought was going to be a trip where I would go and help “the less fortunate” turned out to be a trip that would shape my definition of love. Recently, I was given a book that I immediately became overwhelmed with anticipation when I saw the cover of the book. It took me back to that place of impact and sparked an excitement inside of me for what may lie within the pages to follow. It is with a sense of honor that I present to you Compelled By Love by Heidi Baker. In her book Compelled by Love Heidi Baker shares her journey of moving to Mozambique to be used by God. This is a book that will increase your faith and belief in miracles and the healing power of God. It teaches you about how being used by God is reliant on an individual’s complete dependence on God; if He doesn’t do it, it won’t be done. Heidi Baker will also convince you, if you have any doubts, that by doing your part you can make a big impact. The chapters are laid out with each one addressing one of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12. What I found refreshing about this book is that it is written as if the author was sitting right next to you holding a conversation. It is an easy read because it is Heidi Baker telling you, the reader, her story; with no fluff. She tells stories

by Brandie Manigault

of events that happen daily at the many churches that they have been planted all over Mozambique. She is honest with what she knows and what she doesn’t know.

concepts and revelations. She is simply reminding the reader of the power of love. My favorite line is found at the end of chapter one, “He changes us with one glance of His eyes so that we are not afraid to be completely abandoned in His arms.”

This book contains, what I call, little reminder nuggets; things that you already know but need to be reminded of periodically. In the chapter entitled Blessed are the Meek, Heidi Baker defines the term meek. It is laced in humility; preferring others above oneself. It is these reminders that make this book such an exceptional read. She is not introducing new

I will say this about Compelled by Love... only read it if you really want to change your outlook on everything. This book will show you that love is not just the foundation for what you do, but it is also the building blocks on top. Love makes everything you do effective. Let Compelled by Love by Heidi Baker inspire you as it did me. For those of you who are up for the challenge of being changed by this book, do me a favor and let me know what you think of it when you’re finished reading it. Let’s talk about this one.

About The Author

Heidi Baker Heidi Baker is a Christian missionary and with her husband

Rolland, Heidi founded IRIS Ministries in 1980, a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated to Jesus and service, especially among the poor. In 1995 they started a new ministry to the poor and homeless children in Mozambique. Beginning with nothing, within a matter of months they were given a dilapidated orphanage in Maputo with 80 children. From there, the ministry has expanded to include well-drilling, free health clinics that service the poor and sick, feeding programs, primary and secondary schools, cottage industries and 5000 churches in Mozambique and a total of over 8,000 churches in over 20 nations. Originally from Southern California, the Bakers are now based full-time in Pemba, Mozambique. They also travel to various places around the world to share their story, and to teach about God’s love and what love in action looks like. The core value and message of the Bakers ministry is God’s love. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 21

22 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

to your good health

We live in challenging times. We can all agree with that statement. The question becomes, what will we do when the pressures of life start to overwhelm us? I have noticed that people have different responses to those pressures. Some get depressed and withdraw from activities and other people. Others get anxious and begin to take on more responsibilities adding to their pressure filled lives. Many of us vacillate between the two extremes. Whatever your coping mechanism may be, you need to remember to not give up when life heats up. There are several areas of our lives that are impacted when we face challenges, adversity, and change. These are not necessarily negative life events, but they each have to be addressed no matter what the source of the circumstances may be. It is during these times of change and transition that we must learn to press on. We can be encouraged by the passage in Philippians 1:6. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” We are assured that the work God has begun in us will be completed. We do not have to worry, be depressed, stressed out or lose hop. We have to be confident in the process that began when we accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts. We have the Holy Spirit as our guide

and God is sovereign in our lives. We can and must press on so that we can fulfill our potential, our assignment and reach our goal. We all want to hear God say ‘well done’ therefore; we must continue to press on. The victory is in the press and not in submitting to the distress. As believers we must not only speak faith but must act upon our profession of faith. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. Pressing instead of stressing gives your vision what it needs to manifest. Too many saints give up on their dreams and destiny because of the pitfalls and pressures of life. It is time for us to be firm in our commitment to God’s will and to press on past the pain and problems and take hold of our potential. We can do all things through Christ is a passage that is often quoted to encourage those who are working toward a goal. We must have this same attitude if we are to press on and take hold of our promise. We must be strong and courageous like God told Joshua when he took over leadership from Moses. God is with us so we must not give up. We must press on. Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Executive Director, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center www.gracenglorymagazine.org 23

gospel industry news Follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com @MissEricka J, facebook www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson,or via email missericka75@yahoo.com

with Miss Ericka

28th Annual Stellar Awards

The Stellars were held in Nashville, Tennessee last month. This year’s hosts were Kirk Franklin, and Mary Mary. If you did not get an opportunity to catch the Stellars, here is a list of the categories and their winners. This year’s biggest winners taking home multiple awards were Marvin Sapp, and Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago. Shout out to Baltimore’s Own, Pastor Jason Nelson bringing home a Stellar Award for Praise & Worship CD of the Year, “Shifting the Atmosphere”. • Artist of the Year – Marvin Sapp • Song of the Year – “Awesome” Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago • Male Artist of the Year – Marvin Sapp • Female Vocalist of the Year – Kierra Sheard • Group/Duo of the Year – Mary Mary • New Artist of the Year – Le’Andria Johnson • CD of the Year – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago • Producer of the Year – Isaac Caree, Eric Dawkins, Warryn Campbell, Gerald Haddon, and Rick Robinson, Uncommon Me • Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year – Mary Mary • Traditional Group of the Year – The Williams Brothers • Contemporary Male of the Year – Fred Hammond • Traditional Male Artist – Marvin Sapp • Contemporary Female – Le’Andria Johnson 24 February February2013 2013||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 28

• Traditional Female Artist of the Year – Vanessa Bell Armstrong • Contemporary CD of the Year – Mary Mary “Go Get It” • Traditional CD of the Year – Marvin Sapp, “I Win” • Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year – Mary Mary, “Go Get It” • Music Video of the Year, Short Form – Darren Grant, “Go Get It” • Traditional Choir of the Year – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago • Special Event CD of the Year – Mary Mary, “Go Get It” • Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year – Da Truth, “The Whole Truth” • Children’s Project of the Year – Anointed by God “Anointed by God” • Quartet of the Year – The Williams Brothers

2013 Dee Dee Showell Legacy Awards

The votes have been pouring in by the hundreds of thousands! Nominees have rallied their fans, supporters, and families gearing up and voting for this year’s Dee Dee Showell Legacy Awards. Categories are Best Praise Team, Best Church Choir, Best Community Choir, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Radio Personality (Male & Female), Best Church Band, Best New Artist, Best Group. This year is the “Celebration of the Church Choir” and will feature not just local choirs but special guests church choirs, Greater Allen Cathedral AME Choir of NY, Bishop Andrew & The Anointed Voices, Agape Church Choir of NJ, BethEl Temple Church of Christ Celebration Choir, Eric Waddell & The Abundant Life Sin Hezekiah Walker & Jona none!!! This is absolutel The awards celebra the Redeemed located 4 6pm, Awards Celebrati www.deedeeshowell.o early this event will pack out!!

gospel industry news

Top 5 Gospel Albums

Deitrick Haddon, Damita Haddon, & Isaac Caree: Coming Clean in 2013 Gospel Music Icon, Songwriter, Actor, and Movie Director Deitrick Haddon, AKA “D Haddy”, has been in the spotlight these days, not about his music, but about his divorce from his ex-wife, Damita Haddon (also a Gospel Artist), and the infidelity and adultery that destroyed their marriage and how it involves another major artist in the Gospel community. Deitrick released a message on his personal Facebook page to his fans, and friends, and you can best believe it spread like wildfire! “My objective in this personal message to my supporters is to set the record straight on why I divorced my ex-wife, to clear my daughter’s and fiancee’s name, and to give you the truth. I’m not here to throw anyone under the bus, but I refuse to remain silent while people slander my name because the other parties involved are refusing to speak up for me and about their involvement in this matter. I regret having to continue to speak on this but you all need to know the truth from my perspective.” WOW!!! I absolutely did not see this coming, their divorce alone definitely took me by surprise, because from the outside looking in and just working in the industry Deitrick & Damita seemed to be not just an exemplary couple, but musically they seemed to be a match made in heaven. The same bears true with Isaac Caree and the picture perfect marriage when I’ve seen with him and his wife. I’m saying all that to say this, you just never know what people are going through, when the curtains close, the lights go down, and it’s back to home, family and real life issues. The body of Christ is taking major blows especially in the areas of family, fidelity, and integrity. We have to pray more, be more compassionate, and restore. God is a forgiver, restorer, and healer if we allow him to be. This is heartbreaking and I will continue to pray for everyone in this, kids are involved, lives are changing, the enemy is raging, but greater is He that’s in us than He that’s in the world. There will be glory even after this if we Let God be God and do what he does best!!!

ngers, just to name a few. This year’s hosts will be Bishop nathan Nelson. This year’s surprise guests are second to ly a night you don’t want to miss!!! ation will be held on February 17, 2013 at the Church of 4321 Old York Road, Baltimore MD 21212, doors open at ion/Concert begins at 7pm. For more information log onto org. Hope to see you on February 17, 2013!!! Get there

1. Best Days – Tamela Mann 2. Gravity – LaCrae 3. Joyful Noise Soundtrack 4.Shake Heaven – Montell Jordan & Victory World Music 5. Go Get It – Mary Mary

Top 5 Gospel Songs 1. It’s Not Over – Israel & New Breed feat. James Fortune, Jason Nelson 2. Take Me to the King – Tamela Mann 3. Hold On – James Fortune & FIYA feat Monica, Fred Hammond 4. Life & Favor – John P. Kee & New Life 5. Awesome – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago February is a month we celebrate both Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. Take the time to seek to learn more about the culture of the African American Heritage. Knowledge is power!!! Celebrate the African American people whom have endured much, survived much, have made such an impact on the world at large. Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you! While this day is set aside to show love we should never miss an opportunity to show those we love and care about how special they are. Til next month where I will bring you more Industry News with Miss Ericka J follow me on twitter www. twitter.com , on Facebook “like”my fan page “Industry News With Miss Ericka J” www.facebook.com , www.instagram.con/ MissErickaJ. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 25

26 26 February 20132013 | Grace&Glory February | Grace&Glory

black history

Grace and Glory Celebrates Black History Month

Historic 2nd Inauguration of President Barack Obama

This moment in Black History sponsored by: It’s Tax Time Again!

File Early!

Don’t let tax time intimidate you. We can help you with your return and provide helpful tax tips for next year. Call today for an appointment.

In honor of Black History Month, mention Grace and Glory Magazine and receive $10.00 OFF your tax service for the month of February.

410-679-6883

CJB TAX SERVICE

1301 East Spring Meadow Court Edgewood, MD 21040 cjb1301@verizon.net Call for an appointment

FREE

CLASSIFIED AD IN

NEW CLASSIFED SECTION!

in our March issue. Go to www.gracenglorymagazine.org Thank You for supporting our sponsors! www.gracenglorymagazine.org

50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, DC And Martin Luther King’s Speech: (August 28, 1963)

“I Have a Dream”

By The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity. But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by 28 February February 2013 2013 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 28

the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition. In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God’s children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. But there is something that I must say to my

black history people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor’s lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.” And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” www.gracenglorymagazine.org 29 29 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

A K C O R

NEWK LOO IMAGINATIONS AT WORK! COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE! Facial Room

• barbering • massages • facials & make-up • hair weaves & more

Massage Room

Imaginations

Beauty & Day Spa

nutrition & you

Heart Healthy Eating

By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

My doctor told me to change my diet to help prevent me from having heart problems. Why? Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. Improving your diet and lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Whether you already have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease, you can benefit from a healthy diet and regular exercise. What can I do to reduce my risk for heart disease? • Consume an overall healthy diet. • Aim for a healthy body weight. • Aim for recommended levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. That sounds daunting. How can I meet all of those goals? The AHA’s Diet and Lifestyle recommendations for heart disease can help you achieve most of their goals for risk reduction. Modifying your diet and lifestyle can improve your body weight, blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. These recommendations include: • Balance calorie intake with physical activity to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. • Consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. • Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods. • Consume fish, especially oily fish, at least twice a week. • Limit your intake of saturated fat to < 7% of energy, trans fat to < 1% of energy, and cholesterol to <300 mg per day by: Choosing lean meats and vegetable alternatives. Selecting fat-free (skim), 1% fat and low-fat dairy products; and Minimizing intake of partially hydrogenated fats. • Minimize your intake of beverages and foods with added sugars.

• Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. • If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. I need some practical tips to help me follow this advice. Can you help? The tips below can help you reduce the calories fats, sugars, and salt in your diet. Reduce salt by: • Limiting processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs. • Using fewer frozen and boxed dinners. • Choosing reduced-salt versions of canned vegetables and processed foods. • Rinsing canned vegetables and beans before cooking. • Limiting use of salty condiments like ketchup and soy sauce. Reduce calories by: • Preparing and eating smaller portions of everything. • Knowing the calorie content of the foods and beverages you consume. • Replacing high-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables. Reduce total fat, trans fats, and saturated fat by:

• Aim for a normal blood pressure. • Aim for a normal blood sugar level. • Be physically active. • Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products. • Using liquid vegetable oils in place of solid fats like butter, margarine, and shortening. • Using fewer full-fat dairy products. Select low-fat or skim dairy foods. • Removing visible fat from meat and poultry. • Using fewer commercial pasteries, cookies, cakes, pies, and doughnuts. • Limit processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs. Reduce sugars by: • Limit beverages high in sugar including regular sodas, fruit punches, and sweetened tea and coffee drinks. • Use less jelly, honey, and candy. • Eat less cake, cookies, pies, and doughnuts. Be more physically active by: • Decreasing time spent watching TV, sitting at computer and video games, etc. • Incorporating movement into everyday activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. • Adding exercise to your week gradually, starting with a few minutes a day or two at a time, building up to > 30 minutes most days of the week. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 31 31

32 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

womans perspective The other day I went and acquired Whitney Houston’s new CD. Honestly I have never been a huge fan of Whitney’s but this time I was anxious to see how she was going to pull off a seven year comeback. As I intently listened to her CD, the message in each song made me listen even more. Check these words out, “I didn’t know my own strength and I crashed down, and I tumbled. But I did not crumble. I got through all the pain. I didn’t know my own strength; survived my darkest hour. My faith kept me alive. I picked myself back up, held my head up high. I was not built to break. I didn’t know my own strength.” The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. – (Psalm 18:1) In listening to this I realized that Ms. Whitney in the first few lines told everyone where their strength lies, “My faith kept me alive”. How many times in life we are faced with obstacles have you doubted that you would not make it through and out of nowhere, God comes through and clears a pathway? You see I think so often that we forget that God is in control, He is the creator and controller of the universe. So many times we are faced with situations and we doubt whether or not we can make it through. What we forget is that God is always in control. Sometimes I think that we forget, “That all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 I know that I have been in situations that right after I’ve stumbled, and at the second that I am that close to touching the Earth and crashing face first, God stretches His hand of mercy out and as Maxwell Smart would say , “I missed it by that much.” We have to learn as Christians to allow the Spirit to control our lives so that we can experience true spiritual freedom. We need to stop trying to run our lives and allow God to be the Pilot and CoPilot. In order for us to realize our own strength sometimes God takes us through life’s experiences so that we can be marveled by the wonders of His works. As you enter in this season of Love I challenge you to allow God to be your Pilot. I challenge you to never doubt your strengths and keep your faith because that will surely keep you alive. Until next time... Stay Focused, Stay Strong, Experience Life at its fullest but most of all, Stay In Love with God. CaSandra Vaughn Director Baltimore City Office of Cable and Communications www.gracenglorymagazine.org 33

34 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

teen connect

It’s Black History Month—and in most classrooms, you should be learning about famous African Americans and their contributions to our culture. But there is one thing we have not been learning about many of these famous men and women: that is, their Christian faith and how it motivated their lives and their work. For example, Sojourner Truth is often identified as a women’s rights advocate and abolitionist. Overlooked is the source of Sojourner’s fiery devotion to human rights: That was her commitment to Jesus Christ. “The Lord gave me the name Sojourner,” she declared, “because I was to travel up and down the land, showing people their sins, and being a sign unto them.” At age 88, her dying words were, “Follow the Lord Jesus.” And then there is Rosa Parks. Many people know the story of the seamstress who helped ignite the modern civil rights movement. But far fewer people know that Parks was a devout Christian and that it was her faith that gave her the strength to do what she did that day in 1955. “Since I have always been a strong believer in God,” she says, “I knew that He was with me, and only He could get me through that next step”—that is, refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Most people know that George Washington Carver was a chemist and agronomist. Born a slave in 1860, Carver rose to become director of agricultural research at Tuskegee University

in Alabama. He is remembered for developing 118 derivative products from sweet potatoes and 300 from peanuts. Thanks to his efforts, by 1940, peanuts were the second largest cash crop in the South. “Google” his name and you will find reference to the most important aspect of his life: how his faith in God inspired his creativity. “I didn’t make these discoveries,” Carver once said, “God has only worked through me to reveal to His children some of His wonderful providence.” Lastly, what about our President of the United States, Barack Obama or our hometown football favorite, Ray Lewis? They too are believers and their commitment to their faith led us to have an African American President and the Ravens in the Superbowl! Stories like these are a reminder of what a central role the Christian faith has played in the lives of many great Americans. During this month do a little research on those making history and find out if they hold the same abiding faith that you hold in Jesus Christ! Pastors Gregory & Tonya Dennis Kingdom Worship Center 6419 York Road, Towson, MD 21212

410-377-3500 www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 35 35

36 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 37

38 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 39

40 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 41

fashion focus

You should get a clear image of what body shape you have. It helps you decide what type of women’s sweaters compliment your silhouette as well as what styles conceal your figure flaws and accentuate your best assets. Think balanced hourglass shape. Tip: V-neck sweaters and wrap sweaters are recommended as they’re universally flattering.

1. Hourglass

Your focus is to show off your well-defined waist. Boxy sweaters tend to make you look square and wide. Your best sweater styles: • Nipped and/or belted at the waist. • Wrap sweaters create a smooth silhouette on your hourglass body. That includes open cardigans which you can wrap with a waist belt. • Low’ish necklines to bring attention to your waist. • Sweaters with bust enhancing necklines such as scoop, sweetheart and bustier. • Styles that extend just below the hipbone or past the thighs.

2. Pear

6. (a)

Your goal is to draw the eye away from your wide hips by adding interest and creating curves on top. Your best sweater styles:

Short Waist

• Wide or rounded necklines (eg. Boatneck, scoopneck, etc.). • Light colored. • Sweater with shoulder, chest, neckline and sleeve details. • Bust-enhancing necklines (sweetheart and bustier) to really lift up your chest and add volume. • Printed and embellished sweaters. • Bright colored. • Sweaters that hit a few inches above your hipline draw the eye upwards. • Sweaters with thicker or busy texture. Eg. lace, rib knit texture.

3. Inverted Triangle

Your goal is to soften and draw attention away from your wide 42 February February2013 2013| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 42

5. shoulder line -to make it look narrower. Your best sweaters feature: • Soft and drapey fabric. Thick and rigid fabric only add bulk. • Soft sleeves and shoulders - so avoid straight lines. • No or minimal interest (eg. Collar less shirts). • Vertical details that draw the eye up and down. • A nipped waist and flares from the waist and down - it helps fake hips.

4. Apple

Your goal is to slim down your mid-section and draw the eye upwards. Your best sweaters: • Skim over your midsection (empire waist). • Low’ish necklines that slim your upper body and draw the eye up and down.

fashion focus

draw the attention.

If you’re self-conscious about your long waist or short legs, here are my sweater styles and styling recommendations that will help shorten your waist and make your legs longer: • Print sweaters and sweater styles that have interest, especially horizontal details. • Light colored top and dark bottom. Light colors expand. • Sweaters that end at hipbone or above hipbone.

Choose a Flattering Neckline

I have always believed in a good neckline. It can either widen or slim down a chest. The most universally flattering neckline is the V-neck because it slims and balances out your shape, and it “opens” up your face. • Have shoulder, neckline and sleeve details (not all together). • Have structured shoulders to keep the eye on your upper body and away from midriff. • Float away from your waist. Basically, they don’t taper.

5. Rectangle

Your focus is to break up your silhouette to create curves from waist and waist down. Your best sweater styles feature: • A nipped waist and flaring from the waist and down. • Various prints, textures and details from the bust and up. Just keep the details of the waist, or add a black belt to nip your waist. The goal here is to make your midriff look smaller. • Bright and light colors. Long

6. Vertical Body Shape

6. (b) Waist

This is the proportion of the bottom half of your body compared to your top half. (a) Short waist Long legs are appreciated because they make you taller than you are. However if you’re not happy about your short waist, here are some top style recommendations and styling tips to help elongate it: • Sweaters with interest above the bust – it draws the eye up and down. • Medium to long in length • Dark colored top and light colored bottom. Dark colors elongates and light colors expand. (b) Long waist A long waist looks very elegant but your short legs might

7. However, V-necks might not work as well on women with: • Long necks • blong and gaunt face • A pointy and prominent chin which they’re self-conscious about. But it can be adjusted with a not so low V-neckline. Your Best Necklines Your best necklines depends on how your upper body (bust and up) is in proportion with your lower half (hips and down). Usually, narrow and slim chest need rounded and bust enhancing necklines. Wider and fuller chests benefit from slim and vertically shaped necklines. The straighter and rounder the neckline is, the more volume it gives.

8. Crewnecks

Crew necks are in my opinion the worst necklines average-built women can wear. They make most chests look like thick bricks and it chops off your face. To be honest, this kind of neckline looks better on a body figure with long and lean limbs, small chest along with a slim neck shape. If you have to widen your chest then I would rather go for a boatneck because of its elegant drape and it shows more of your neck and shoulder. Looks so much chic’er. Crewnecks are practical when worn underneath a sweater for layering and for staying warm in the cold - or just don’t care about the stumpy effect it gives - but other than that... No. So consider a V-neck or deep scoop-necks when shopping for women’s sweaters. www.realsimple.com www.gracenglorymagazine.org 43 43 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

44 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

word of encouragement

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. [John 3:16 – The Amplified Bible] Valentine’s Day is upon us and many will be celebrating with flowers and chocolate sent to and displayed at jobs and in homes. UPS workers and the United States Postal Department Services will be delivering flowers and chocolate to so many offices and homes on that day. Women will get excited because their co-workers can see and enjoy or envy the flowers or chocolates that are sitting at their desks sent from their spouses or lovers. Yet for those less fortune spouses or lovers, Valentine’s Day will be the day they come to the understanding or realization that after they have spent so much time in the company of that special someone -- that they are not the favored ones. However, while the world is celebrating Valentine’s Day, let us – as the Body of Christ take time out to reflect on the Greatest Lover of all time. The Only One who went to Calvary’s cross and paid the ultimate price so that we can walk in the redemptive of a Loving Father and truly learn to love and walk in love with each another. He needs no introduction, but I am honored to present to some and introduce to others – THE GREATEST LOVER OF ALL TIMES -- none other than our Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Father, our Savior, Lord and soon coming King. The evidence of His love was shown with His death, burial and resurrection. For God “so loved” the world! He didn’t just “love”, he “so loved” the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son. God didn’t just love those who would obey Him, or who would go to church and listen to His word being preached, go the soup kitchen and feed those less fortunate, homeless and/or hopeless and/or become a missionary in a foreign country to minister to those who have not yet heard the Gospel. He loved those that the Body of Christ would turn up their noses at, look down at, keep out of their “cute little social cliques” and let them know in thought, word and deed, [LOL], “don’t even try to join us”. He also loved those who are misunderstood, misinformed and misdirected. He simply stated “loved the world”. Love is an action word, hence the flowers and chocolates that I spoke about above. However, “Love” for God meant sending His Son to the cross to die for sins He did not commit. When God looked around at the people He created and saw that their minds were not set on Him, He did what only the Greatest Lover of the World would do. He sent His Son, who knew no sin to become sin for us so that we could be

reconciled back to Him. When we didn’t seek after Him, He sought after us. When we denied Him, He still loved us. He even declared that, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” [John 15:16] After God who foreknew us, knew the evil things we would do and say, how could He yet still love us? When we crucified Him, He still in His dying breath said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Only The Greatest Love could do that. I often ask people if they would give up the life of their child for another human being and I have yet to get a resounding “yes”. Why do you think that is so? Because regardless of how challenging that child is to you – you really cannot comprehend giving up the life of your child for the sins of mankind. We are more likely to say “let someone else do it”. BUT GOD, BUT GOD, so rich in mercy and so much in love with us, willingly gave His Son as a ransom for us. No greater love. I love the song, “Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise, for it was grace that bought my liberty. I do not know just why He came to love me so; He looked beyond my fault and saw my need. I shall forever lift my eyes to Calvary to view the cross where my JESUS, died for me. How marvelous that grace that caught my falling soul; He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.” Thank You Father, for looking beyond my faults and with Your selfless love seeing my need of Your saving grace. The giving of Jesus’ life was the ultimate expression of love that God could show us. Valentine’s Day is one day of the year, but every day of the year, God continues to love, continues to be faithful, merciful, kind, patient, longsuffering, not dishonoring, self-seeking or not easily angered with us. Kinda like 1st Corinthians 13:4-7. I encourage you today to begin to reflect on the magnitude of God’s love for you. I encourage you today to mediate on the fact that God took the time to number the hairs on your head and to write your name in the palm of His Hands. I encourage you to meditate and as you meditate, ask God to teach you to really allow Him to be your Valentine – the Greatest Lover of all time. Prayer: Father, in the Name of Your Precious Son, Jesus, I thank You for Your unconditional love that has kept me and daily continues to keep me. I thank You Father, for keeping me from secret faults and presumptuous sins. I simply want to thank You Father, for being the greatest Valentine I have ever known and the Greatest Lover of all my time, amen. Happy Valentine’s Day from Donna Ross and the entire In Trust Ministries team. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45

carter’s commentary

A Nothing But ‘LUV’ Shout-Out to Sheldon Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., Pastor New Shiloh Baptist Church Baltimore, MD

It has often been said that Baltimore gets no respect. Our wonderful city known as Charm City, was founded in 1789. It is the largest in the state and the 24th largest in the country, having once been the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the U.S. Due to a decline in manufacturing and industrial jobs, like the Bethlehem Steel Plant (which gave Baltimore its blue collar, utilitarian vibe) its population has decreased by one-third, since the 1950’s, to around 620,900 residents (2010 statistic). This past Sunday (at the time of this writing, Jan. 20th), our church-family jubilantly welcomed the return of my father and pastor, Dr. Harold A. Carter, back the pulpit after two months of hospitalizations associated with his surgery from last January. After his message, in the 11:00 a.m. service, four young ladies came to the altar for special prayer, who were from Brundidge, AL. When I, publicly, announced the name to the congregation, as well as to Pastor Carter, I wasn’t certain of the city’s name, so I asked them several times to repeat it. Jokingly, I said to the ladies, which was heard, also, by the church, “I’m sorry. I’m not from Alabama. I’m from Baltimore.” Quite frankly, I rather surprised myself. I said it with conviction and pride. And, I’m glad I did. For the record, I was actually born in Lynchburg, Virginia. However, when my family moved to Baltimore, I was just four years old. All I know is Baltimore, having lived next door to New Shiloh Baptist Church, on Fremont Avenue; and, subsequently on Sequoia Avenue, in the Ashburton community. I am the product of the city’s public school system. “Back in the day,” I would go with my good friend, Michael Howie, to the city’s YMCA on Saturdays (before the days of Saturday Church School), catching the #28 bus. We would go to Lexington Market, as well as stamp collectors’ stores, as we honed our hobby prior to switching to tropical fish. I grew up playing in the community, going to a few house-parties, seeing the Orioles play in Memorial Stadium, being dragged to Lerner’s by my mother, at Mondawmin Mall, going to the Inner Harbor during its first year, frequenting Odell’s, and, yes, growing up in the church. I know, and I have known, that Baltimore has its familiar and common big city negatives, but I have never quite understood why we are constantly perceived as underdogs. It seems, all too often, that the national press has decided that aside from crabs and crab cakes we don’t have much to offer. Yet, we, who are indigenous know better. We have great museums: the Walters Art Gallery, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the B & O Railroad Museum, etc. We have great universities and hospitals: Johns Hopkins, U.M.B.C., Morgan State University, Coppin State University, among others. We have great cafes and restaurants. We have great area attractions and landmarks: Druid Hill Park, the Washington Monument (Mt. Vernon Place), Fort McHenry, the (formerly named) Baltimore Zoo, which sadly had its name changed to the Maryland Zoo, because of the so-called Baltimore stigma, the Baltimore Aquarium, Edgar Allan Poe House, the Star Spangled Banner Flag House, and blocks and blocks of row homes with their famed, marbled steps. But still, we can’t get any respect. Why I’ve even known of Baltimore residents using the names of other areas, during their travels, so as not to be directly associated with the city’s name. For shame! And, I’ve even experienced

46 February 2013 | Grace&Glory

the reaction of cab drivers, hotel bellmen, and people I’ve sat next to on planes, who ask me where I’m from. When I respond, “Baltimore,” they cringe as though we are some leprous colony. (And, yes, I still say, “Baltimore,” even though I presently reside in Baltimore County). Why is it that Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens, in spite of their stellar 16(+) year winning record, having made the playoffs (now) ten times since 2000 and already have one Super Bowl victory and at the time of this writing are Super Bowl bound, again, are constantly projected as the presumed losers by sports commentators, Vegas bookies & odds makers, and sports enthusiasts, in general? We know what effect HBO series like “The Corner” and “The Wire” have had on the national psyche. But, the irony is more often than not, when Hollywood stars, production teams, and national news & sports reporters visit our fair city, they overwhelming leave with a changed perception. It has been said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Well, you shouldn’t judge a city ‘til you see (visit) it. Sheldon Candis, my wife’s nephew, is a young man of 33 years. He was born, here, in Baltimore and grew up in the Pimlico/Park Heights community. Against any number of odds, Sheldon made his way, with a prayer and a dream to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and graduated in 2002. As a student; and, subsequently, he has worked on a number of projects, producing and directing short films, as well as a documentary. However, his biggest achievement, to date, is his national directorial debut of the featured, full-length movie, “LUV,” which he also wrote. “LUV” stars such notables as Common, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton (who is from the Baltimore area and once was the star of “Roc,” which was a sitcom about a working class family surviving in Baltimore), Dennis Haysbert, Meagan Good, and several other actors who were in “The Wire.” Basically, “LUV” is a snapshot of Sheldon’s own life, as a young 11 year old boy, looking up to his uncle as, together, they spend a day, replete with disappointments, drug deals, arguments, violence, learning to drive, learning to shoot a gun, skipping school, coming of age, and death. All of this is portrayed against the backdrop of Baltimore’s landscape. On Friday, January 18, I was privileged to attend the Baltimore premiere at the Owings Mills AMC Movie Complex, with my family. It was more exciting than if Baltimore’s filmmaker John Waters was debuting a new project. Several of Sheldon’s staff were in attendance, as were a few members of the press. There was a larger premiere the following day, in Washington, and the movie had already premiered in California and was featured at the Sundance Film Festival, in Colorado, last year. At the conclusion of this very engaging and gripping comingof-age (without being preachy) drama, Sheldon held a Q & A session with the audience. One of his producers, two of the local actors, and several other persons joined him, at the front of the #4 theatre. As they fielded questions, shared insider information (ex. one of the actors who portrayed a very thuggish drug dealer was discovered at Towson Town Center), talked about other projects, and reminisced about their short 19-day shooting schedule and the less-than major movie budget, it occurred to me that I was witnessing a microcosm of African-American young adult men who were beating “the odds.” In front of me stood seven businessmen who were shaping their generation, positively. Not to mention, Sheldon’s opening comments, which (even more poignant than our Ravens’ linebacker, Ray Lewis) spoke of the faith that he has been holding onto throughout his life and, more to the point, the process of bringing his dreams and ideas to the big screen. The real victory for Baltimore, as I see it, is not going to occur in New Orleans, at a football game, but the fact that seven brothers from Baltimore had not become the actors they’d written about, produced, or portrayed that night, on the screen. St. John 1:46 raises the question, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” The response was, “Come and see.” Similarly, the question begs to be asked, “Can any good thing come out of Baltimore?” The response is likewise, “Come and see.”

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 47

48 February 2013 | Grace&Glory