MONTHLY MANNA

from Grace & Glory Magazine February 2022

JOY BRINGER

Min. Carenda

Deonne

Do You Respect The Power of LOVE ?

How do you define the word love? When you hear that word, what is the first thing that comes to mind? In addition, what is the first thing that comes to heart? Has your definition of love changed or shifted while going through the vicissitudes of life? Is your heart hardened, or are you receptive to the power of love?

I think Stephanie Mills got it right in her hit song, “I’ve learned to respect the power of love.” In that song she tells love I need you; I want you beside me, I trust you, I believe in you, and I adore you. What a dynamical way to describe love, and one’s desire for it. One thing that I have learned is that love is not just about the tingly emotions, but also the act of obedience.

The bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:48a as patient, kind, does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. When you think about that definition, those words are all acts of obedience. Many of us have witnessed the feelings and emotions of love, but have we obeyed in patience, truth, and kindness? Not only must we focus on what love is, but we cannot forget to also focus on what love is not. I love the good book because the bible leaves no stone unturned. How often have you experienced the depth of love by being obedient to what love is, as well as to what love is not?

As many of us enjoy roses and chocolates on February 14th, I pray that you would ask for God to deepen your obedience in love. I also pray that as you go deeper in your obedience, so will your intimate love relationship with Christ; followed by yourself and others. How has God been patient, kind and trustworthy to you? How have you been patient kind and trustworthy to yourself? How have you been patient, kind and trustworthy to others? In addition, how has God acted in obedience to display what love is not? How have you acted in obedience to display what love is not to yourself and others? Until you envelope love through observation and obedience, the impact and power of love will be diluted.

Love is not just a gift, but also an act of obedience. When you have a moment, reflect on John 3:16 that states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Remember, when you tell others you love them, it is a serious matter. There are times when you may feel God’s love is a far off, but please trust that His obedience to His word towards you is a love that will never fail. I want to encourage you today, to take your level of obedience of love to another level; may this year you truly experience and express the power of love!

Live Life on The Promise of Impact!

Min. Carenda Deonne

Your #1 Change Agent www.carendadeonne.com

Let us celebrate African American History Month. Let's reflect on what it means to be a person of color today.

African Americans are living longer. The death rate for African Americans 65 years and older has declined approximately 25% over 17 years. Still, African Americans are more likely to die at an earlier age.

African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to have chronic health conditions. Minority communities experience increased heart disease, hypertension, substance abuse, diabetes, and depression. Studies show that younger African Americans live with or die of many conditions typically found in white Americans at older ages. Chronic disorders start early in our communities, causing individuals to succumb to the effects of the disease soon. Isolation from the Covid-19 pandemic has escalated the appearance of mental health issues. The U.S. Office of Minority Health reports suicide was the second leading cause of death for blacks or African Americans, ages 15 to 24. The death rate from suicide for black or African American men was four times greater than for African American women.

Multiple factors impact the health status of minority communities. Widely accepted as social determinates of health (SDoH), areas of concern include housing, education, safety, access to nutritious food, and health care.

Minority communities are plagued with substandard housing. Many individuals live in overcrowded neighborhoods and homes infected with pests, mold, and other hazards. Multiple studies identify the lack of structured learning programs in inner-city schools that support the learning needs of minority students. Violence and trauma significantly impact emotional and physical health status. Inner-city areas are food deserts where higher-priced food is available in limited grocery outlets. Minorities often delay in accessing health services due to lack of insurance, mistrust of the healthcare system, and lack of knowledge.

Maryland is focused on reducing the effects of the social determinates of health that affect residents of Baltimore. A legislative bill sponsored by then Sen. Shirley Nathan Pulliam, representing Maryland's 44th Legislative District and chair of the Senate's subcommittee on minority health disparities of the Health and Government Operations Committee, established the SDoH Taskforce. The Taskforce, chaired by Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, RN, CRNP, and Dr. Chris Gibbons, works to identify and examine the conditions contributing to our community's health inequities. The Taskforce functions within several subcommittees; housing, social justice, education, workforce development and jobs, and health and human services. Dr. Harolyn Belcher of Kennedy Krieger Institute and myself co-chair the subcommittee on health and human services. We meet monthly with others, working synergistically to identify programs and resources that support the health and wellbeing of minorities in Baltimore. We host public forums and collaborate with non-profit agencies to reduce health disparities in our city.

African Americans must make conscious efforts to improve their overall health. Reducing the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, and high-fat diets is essential in reducing chronic disease and extending the lifespan. We must provide support through programs and initiates that increase knowledge of health hazards and foster the adaption of wellness behaviors that will change the trajectory of our health outcomes. Partnerships with community-based agencies and churches can help disseminate information and close the knowledge gaps in communities. 2022 could be the year to re-set the health outcomes of minorities in Baltimore. Consider working with my subcommittee or other subcommittees of the SDoH task force. We welcome your collaboration. Access the SDoH Taskforce at https://www.umaryland. Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University edu/sdh-taskforce/ DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com

Ericka J.3434 February 2022 February 2022

Tyler Perry/Madea

Don’t Call It a Comeback! She Is Back Like She Never Left! February 25, 3:00pm EST on Netflix, the premier of “Madea’s Homecoming”. When asked what made Tyler Perry bring Madea back, his response was, “I was looking at the state of the world and how polarized it is, nobody’s laughing. Nobody’s getting the chance to belly laugh anymore, what tool do I have in my arsenal that can bring that kind of laughter.” Well said, and so true! We are ready and need a good laugh! I can’t wait to see it! I will be making it a Watch party, movie night, join me!

Sydney Poitier

Another legend in Hollywood has transitioned last month, the amazing actor, film director, and diplomat Sydney Poitier, transitioned on January 6, 2022, at the age of 94, in Los Angeles, CA. He truly made history and broke barriers in the motion picture industry as the First African American to win an Academy Award, in addition was deemed as The First Black Movie Star. He was an advocate for his race and fought racism by rejecting roles that were stereotypical. Poitier’s resume, roles, achievements, awards, and honors span over several decades, I can even remember as a child honoring him during Black History Month as we shall continue to do for years to come. You have made our people proud and have raised the bar for Black Hollywood and theater. Salute!

Regina King

Our heartfelt prayers and love go out to actress and director Regina King, in the unfortunate loss of her son Ian. No mother should have to feel the pain of having to bury their child, especially to suicide. Ian was an artist and Deejay; he was 26 years old. Ian was King’s only son, and they had a very tight knit relationship, so one can imagine what this journey has been and the road ahead, let’s keep Regina and her family lifted in our prayers.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Congrats to Tasha Cobbs on being honored at the Annual Urban Honors for Inspiration Impact. News

NAACP Image Awards

The 53rd Annual NAACP Image Awards will take place on, February 26, LIVE on BET, 8pm EST! You don’t want to miss this night celebrating and honoring the people of the African American Culture who are making major strides for our people, in various and diverse areas of achievement from entertainment to social justice! Congrats to all the nominees, Cee Winans, Kirk Franklin, Tamela Mann, Todd Dulaney, Jonathan McReynolds, Mali Music and Sounds Of Blackness to name a few.

Keyondra Lockett

Congrats to Gospel Artist Keyondra Lockett (formerly of the group Ziel’) and her sister Kim Lockett, they are making major moves in the spirit of Black History Month by launching their unisex fashion line Jolie Noire. The line will be sold in Target stores, as part of their 8th Annual Black History Month Collection. Congrats Ladies, BROWN GIRL POWER! I love it!

This month, we are celebrating Love and The History of our amazing Black people, Feb 14 is love day, but we should already be intentional in making people feel loved all year long, especially in the climate we have been experiencing, give some and show some! LOVE YALL REAL BIG IN REAL LIFE!