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scripture page
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MARCH 2017
™
contents on the cover:
Celebrating Women’s History Month Dr. Ruby C. Gilliam
(Divine Worship Christian Center Baptist Church)
Lady Tawanda Holmes
(Maryland Covenant of Ministers’ Wives)
Minister Prudence L. Johnson (United Democratic Women of Maryland)
Pastor Jekia Ledbetter (Victory Ministries in Christ)
Lady Lenyar Robinson (DreamLife Worship Center)
Special Feature pgs 8-17 - March is Women’s History Month. As we celebrate Women’s History Month we are pleased and delighted to feature five phenomenal women of God who serve our communities here in Maryland in their own unique and diverse ways.
Feature Articles 28 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
30 SINGLE LIFE
Happy Women’s History Month
38 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
Exercise Plans- How to Choose The Best One
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Tyneice Pack
What is On Your Checklist?
36 BOOK SHELF
Brandie Manigault
The Shack (William P. Young)
Healthy Body
46 MAN TALK
Dr. Charles Barrett
The Truth About Numbers
40 BOBY BASICS
www.grandparents.com
8 Easy Exercises You Can Do Sitting Down
Entertainment
Healthy Mind 24 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
Stress Management
Healthy Soul 32 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
Donna Royalty Ross
Contributors............................................ 6
In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com nistries
Do We Really Trust God?
From the Editor....................................... 7
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For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Donna Royalty Ross Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Charles Barrett Tyniece Pack
GRAPHIC ARTIST 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 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
EVENT
Live one nite only comedy show. Sunday, April 23, 2017 (410) 928-8200 – Push Forward Media – Peter O'Neal
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Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr. AME Church 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, Jr. 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/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD
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editor fromfrom thethe editor
March is National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme for National Women’s History Month 2017 is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.” The 2017 theme for National Women’s History Month honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force; women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid. National Women’s History Month provides an excellent venue to recognize and celebrate women’s historic achievements as well as an opportunity to honor women within our families and communities. We are dedicating this month’s issue of Grace & Glory Magazine to God’s phenomenal creation called ‘woman’. Our cover feature
this month celebrates the many diverse and anointed women in our community who have dedicated their lives to servanthood for God. These women of God have been successful in many areas of their lives both spiritually and professionally. Also this month our issue is full of articles from women in ministry who serve as pastors, first ladies, elders, and evangelists. We have articles from women who run their own businesses, are professional authors, professors, etc., you name it. These women have all come together to inspire, encourage and empower our women readers to celebrate their uniqueness, beauty, character, courage, commitment . . . their very being. To all of God’s Women, I salute you all and dedicate this special message to you.
Arise Woman of God Rise up O woman of God In what He has given you; The things God has laid on your heart Rise up, go forth, and do.
And take His message to the world To those that have lost their way; For you can surely make a difference If you’d hear His voice and obey.
Unlock what God has placed within The potential you have inside; The world is waiting for your release To expand your wings and fly.
You shall be strengthened in the Lord As you begin to arise; Conquering those doubts that pull you down And believe who you are in Christ.
Arise in your God-given gifts For this is your finest hour; Arise in the Lord’s holy might Ignited and empowered. For God is calling you to come forth To impact this world for Him; Don’t hold back or limit yourself Let His power arise within.
For you shall surely be transformed As, in you, God increases more; And become a woman of true excellence Bringing honour to her Lord. © By M.S.Lownde
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
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I reach out to women with “Real Talk”. This ministry has evolved into a circle of relationships held together by our uniqueness as women. My desire is to help women grow personally, spiritually and mentally by learning to navigate the journey of life and ministry. Many women go to bed without thinking about the meaningful contributions and impact they have made in their families, communities and the workplace during the day. Women play significant and important parts in events, but their signatures are not attached to their service or contributions. In many ways, women are not affirmed publicly in a positive manner; therefore, they lag in fulfilling their secular or God-given purpose, feeling unworthy of any merit that warrants the use of their name because they are not on center stage. Sometimes this lack of affirmation leaves them wandering in the wilderness. I know because I am a product of the wilderness journey. It was during the writing of my dissertation, A Handbook for African-American Women In Prophetic Leadership, that I discovered and embraced how “fearfully and wonderfully” I am as a woman. God truly created a masterpiece when He molded, shaped, formed and endowed women with gifts, talents and skills. As I reflect over my life, I am amazed how God has carefully planned every step of my life, even during turbulent times. God keeps opening doors and providing ministry opportunities beyond anything I could ever imagine. God has gifted me to encourage, mentor, affirm and to nurture women to tell their stories with pride. I love one-on-one “Real Talk”! I am a “gifted” listener, which allows me to listen for the silent words that are hidden behind verbal conversations. As I was preparing to write this article, I asked some of the women I have been encouraging over the years to share with me how “Real Talk” has help to change their lives. One lady wrote, “As I shared my story with Dr. Ruby, she invited me to come and spend time with her at the King’s table. Real Talk, freed me to serve as an Elder in my church.” Another shared, through Real Talk, “Today, I am a stronger, better and wiser woman (holistically) due to the impact Dr. Gilliam has imparted upon my life, both through her insight and prayers.” Still another confesses, “Being broken, feelings of being alone/ forgotten, unloved, and unwanted (my feelings about myself) you saw past those things and always encouraged me. You helped me bring out the best in me. And, it helped me to see what God saw in me. You never once turned your back on me when all heck was breaking lose in my world, encouraging me to stay in my word,
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constantly showing me love and support when I felt as though everyone else had turned their back on me.” Yet another lady said, “When I think about our relationship and how it has grown over the years, the one thing that I am reminded of is my resistance of receiving love from you, as well as the church family. I remember on several occasions that you would tell me not to leave right after church service was over, to stay and fellowship with my church family. And in doing that love started to chip away at the wall. I felt myself starting to fall in love again with the Lord. Your love for the people is not just a church motto it is your mission in life.” Look At God! For truly my giftedness is from God. I will continue to use it for His Glory to empower His people. Regardless of gender, education, age or ministry status, God already knows all about us; I advise women to embrace their Godgiven assignments and to keep moving forward with a positive attitude to reach their full potential in life. Divine Wisdom reaches out to women with love, kindness and appreciation to meet them where they are in life. We are deliberate in creating opportunities for women to talk and share their issues, struggles, pains and joys. We all need help and encouragement. We help women navigate life’s journey, by addressing our initiatives in the following manner: • Fellowship Hour, every Sunday, after the 10:00 a.m. Worship Experience. • Women’s Ministry, the fourth Monday of each month. • Moving Beyond the Familiar, we study the lives of the unnamed powerful women in the Bible. • Girls, Ladies and Pearls, allow us to engage and celebrate the generations of females. • Intentional Inclusion, every woman is included in some aspect of ministry. We encourage saintly women to be known and remembered by what they achieve for the kingdom, be it the church, family, friends or community. My desire is for all people (men and women) to live in the basin of God’s grace and forgiveness as we navigate the journey of life with joy in our hearts. As I continue to help women navigate the journey, pray that I remain faithful to my “Called” assignment that has deep roots in Scripture, God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them (Hebrews 6:10). I love God! I love His people! I love His work!
I would like to thank Grace & Glory for this opportunity to be a part of their Woman's History Month Celebration; I am truly honored and humbly grateful. It has not been easy being a woman in ministry nonetheless a woman period but God's Grace has been sufficient. The joy in my life is to know that my past did not and could not cancel out my future. When I look at the fruit that I am bearing today I owe it All to God's Process for my life. I have come to learn that every test, trial and tribulation is not punishment but the process. My process over the last twenty years has involved abuse, mental health issues, rejection, low self-esteem, lack of faith, loneliness, poor judgement, health issues, poverty and a lack of discernment of trusting and believing others to be who they say they are. Even with my mistakes, poor judgment, impatience, weakness and pain, God's words have proven to be true, that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). My survival came with the deprograming from God. He had to deprogram me from worldly thoughts and destructive behaviors. Pushing me to seek more of God through reading His Word, Fasting and Praying, I found that in my weakness God birthed my strength. That strength has encouraged women to walk in total victory and not defeat, to feel beautiful and not ugly because we are wonderfully made. God has given us the ability not only to operate as man's rib but the strength to overcome, maintain and recover. Women have the ability and obligation through Christ Jesus not to settle, not to be walked on but to take back your life, your marriage, your children, your ministry,
your finances and whatever the enemy has stolen from you. Why? Because you are a T.H.U.G. (True Heir Under God); when the work at Calvary was finished, you inherited the Victory! Jesus put you in His Will (the Word of God) to be a conqueror. When you are an overcomer you realize that the enemy and society was created to cause delays, distractions and denials but the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). This is a take back season. You cannot allow anyone to steal or keep you from being who God has created you to be. I am a wife of fifteen years, mother of four, a Grandmom of one, a successful business entrepreneur (Christian school), a Pastor of ten years and sixteen years in ministry, a teacher at Victory Bible Institution and a licensed therapist. God has allowed me through my testimony and His grace to encourage women all over to know that you are still being processed; but in the process know who you are and know where your strength comes from (Faith in Jesus). I encourage you by decreeing and declaring that the best is yet to come. Women all over hear me - your worth is so valuable to God and to others; you are a game changer, you are a threat to the enemy's plan. In the book of Genesis, the enemy showed up after the woman came on the scene. It is my desire and faith in God that you will be empowered and renewed in your strength; that you shall mount up with wings as eagles; you shall run, and not be weary; walk, and not faint. You have what it takes to arise. The world and the next generation are waiting on you to make a difference! "I Just Believe God" Acts 27:25 www.victoryministriesofchrist.com
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Minister Prudence L. Johnson serves as the first Executive Director for the United Democratic Women of Maryland Baltimore Region. The United Democratic Women of Maryland is a Democratic Organization operating in Central, Southern, Eastern Shore and Western Maryland. It brings women from across the Great State of Maryland to meet and work to strengthen the Democratic Party; educate our members on policy, legislation and campaigns; and promote women for elected office. Now it is more important than ever to bring Democratic Women together to fight against injustice to any American, to support our elected officials who speak truth to power in Washington and Annapolis, and to Elect Democrats, especially women. Prudence brings to this position 25 years of service within the community, State and church ministry. For 17 years she served at Calvary Christian Church in Baltimore, MD under the leadership of Pastors Carlos and Carolyn Green. In addition to serving as Executive Assistant to the Pastor, she led several ministries including the Women’s Bible Book Club, Women’s Outreach, Church Health Fair, Singles Ministry and Children’s Church School. For 8 years following, Prudence served at Divine Wisdom Christian Center Baptist Church in Randallstown, MD under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ruby C. Gilliam where she also preached her Initial Sermon and became a Licensed Minister in 2009. She served as Pastor’s Armor Bearer; served in Media Ministry, Publications, Women’s Ministry, and Social Action Ministry and as Director of Christian Education. Prudence is also a graduate of The Determined Biblical & Theological Institute of Baltimore, MD. On Saturday, January 28, 2017, Prudence and her team in their first attempt successfully hosted the UDWMD Statewide Luncheon in Baltimore, bringing together over seventy men, women and leaders; the largest number of attendees the UDWMD has seen in years. She has served 4 years in the roles of Executive Assistant and as Chief of
Staff for the Maryland General Assembly. In 2010, after succumbing to the Economic Depression, Prudence founded, Incorporated and led, 6 consecutive years, A Sign Of a New Era Community Association Inc. (A.S.O.N.E.) in the Ellwood Park Community. A.S.O.N.E. addressed issues such as Nuisance Abatements, Landlord Tenant Mediation, Community Blight and various other resident concerns. A.S.O.N.E. also partnered with local businesses and organizations to have successful Community Outreach Fairs and Block Cleanups. In addition A.S.O.N.E. held monthly community meetings averaging 3050 attendees each month to address resident concerns and form healthy relationships with police, fire and local City and State leaders. She is indeed the new vision, of enthusiasm, compassion, and strength the Baltimore Region needs to lead and grow its region. The Baltimore Region will focus on educating persons to give clear understanding of the Democratic Party and its function, how to keep elected officials accountable especially after they have been elected to Office, producing effective change to civil and social rights issues, public policy and the importance of the power of voting for those changes. Through her own struggles, pains and compassion for people, Prudence has become very passionate about the needs of women and children and will one day pursue a role in government to further advocate policy changes to Maryland Family Law which provide protection for children and their caregivers, criminal justice reform, and safeguards to prevent discrimination and destruction of voting rights for all citizens. On a personal note, Minister Prudence lives in Baltimore City, is Single and excited about the future in front of her. Her favorite Scripture is Ephesians 3:20 “For my God will do exceeding and abundantly above all you can imagine or think according to the power that is at work in you.” (NIV). She sees it as her challenge to God to exceed the ambitious dreams and desires she wishes to accomplish in her lifetime as a Civil Rights and Community Advocate.
IMPORTANT SAVE THE DATES 2017
BALTIMORE REGION OPEN HOUSE AND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY: Saturday, May 20, 2017, 12noon – 3pm to celebrate our new location and announce our presence in the city of Baltimore. 1ST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PARTY: Saturday, October 28, 2017 – 6pm-10pm. You definitely do not want to miss this. BALTIMORE REGION MONTHLY MEETINGS: Thursday, June 22, 2017 – 6:30pm – 8pm. Monthly meetings held every 4th Thursday of the month. UDWMD Statewide Meetings: April 22 in Southern Maryland; July 22 in Western Maryland; September 23 in Eastern Shore. Annual Convention October 13-15. All are welcome! The United Democratic Women of Maryland Baltimore Region Prudence L. Johnson, Executive Director P.O. Box 22661 • Baltimore, Maryland 21203 • 443-990-0648 • udwmd.baltimoreregion@gmail.com
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“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” Diane Mariechild I believe that this is one of the most powerfully stated truths about womanhood. Womanhood is mysteriously woven into the fabric of everything. That’s right; everything. Every person on the planet has had to be transported here by way of a woman. Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to reflect on our role, our value, and certainly, our power. I like to say that we are “Glory Carriers.” Women come from a rich lineage of spirituality, divinity and power. The matriarch of the faith, Mother Sarah shows us that age is but a number when she produced the promise in her old age. Debra demonstrates to us that females have the divine ability to lead alongside the best of men. She led an army of men and defeated King of Canaan Ruth maximized the principle of submission and accountability. She is our example to always be submitted and under authority. Naomi shows us the power and importance of mentorship. We have a wellspring of wisdom that God requires us to pour into the next generation. Abigail shows us how the anointing will enable us to make peace, even in domestic environments that may not be ideal. God used her to bring peace and salvation in her household in spite of her husband’s less than ideal choices.
Hannah speaks to our hearts about the power of a praying woman, who is not ashamed to pour out her heart on the altar before God. Anna was a prophetess who served her church in the ministry of full time intercession. She shows us the honor of serving in the local assembly and dedicating your life to the house of God. Rahab shows us that our past doesn’t have to dictate our future. These are but a few examples of the spiritual DNA that we have as women. My approach to life and ministry is based upon the knowledge that I am all of these women. As a stand beside my husband, Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, as the First Lady of DreamLife Worship Center, I walk in this knowledge. As I passionately lead Ladies Living the Dream, the women’s ministry of DreamLife, I lead with this knowledge. As I share with my Dream Daughters, my personal ministry of purpose and power, I share this knowledge. As I serve the Body of Christ as a preacher of the Gospel, I serve because of this knowledge. It is my prayer that every woman would understand that she is an invaluable commodity that cannot be duplicated, destroyed, or denied! Her wisdom, her grace, her testimony, her gifts, and talents are pearls created for this generation. May this Women’s History Month be a time of great reflection and honor for the women who love and serve our God!
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Lady Tawanda Holmes is the leading lady at Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church where her husband Rev. Eugene B. Holmes, Jr. is the pastor. She is also the president and one of the founders of the Maryland Covenant of Ministers' Wives, Inc. or MCMW. MCMW is a Christian, non-denominational 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Lady Holmes was a minister’s wife for five years when her husband was called to be an Assistant Pastor. It was becoming clear that her transition to a pastor’s wife was the inevitable. Pastor Willie E. Quick and Lady Latonya Quick of the New Lebanon Calvary Baptist Church strongly encouraged her to attend the Minister’s Wives Conference hosted by Dr. Lois Evans (wife of Pastor Tony Evans) in Dallas, TX. The conference was phenomenal. Lady Holmes desired to have the same experience in Maryland. The Lord gave her a vision to start a ministry to support ministers/pastors’ wives. This ministry was birthed out of her own need to be mentored! In 2014, MCMW was organized and incorporated. Lady Holmes is so honored to serve with the following dynamic officers: Lady Adrienne Allen, Vice-President; Lady Beverly Mason, Treasurer; Elder Karen Brockington, Secretary; Evangelist Jill Johnson, Outreach Coordinator; and Minister Nia Speaks, Mentoring Coordinator.
Ayanna Franklin, Ray of Hope Baptist Church (married & in ministry for under 10 years). The couples shared their mountain tops and valleys in ministry. MCMW also publishes Angel Wings, a quarterly newsletter that share the sisterhood’s worship services & fellowships, women health issues, financial advice, Bible study and teaching techniques, and highlight members. Although MCMW’s primary goal is to support and mentor the sisterhood, there are opportunities for us to strengthen our relationships in a lighter forum which is Sisterhood Day and Husband Appreciation Day. Sisterhood Day is a time where the sisters come together and enjoy each other in a social setting. Similarly, Husband Appreciation Day is a time where the wives honor their husbands in a social setting to ensure the husbands are relaxed and "king for a day!" MCMW support community efforts by either providing services or donations (both material and financial). These efforts include back to school outreach; human traffic awareness campaign; water for Flint, MI; drug rehab shelters; Roberta's House; etc. MCMW has also provided scholarships and other financial support to high school and college students.
The wives of pastors/ministers carry a heavy load as they care for their husbands/families, serve in ministry, explore careers, attend school, etc. Also, the wives often feel hurt due to negative comments about her husband, frustrated with unreasonable demands in ministry, and lonely since genuine friendships are difficult to maintain within their ministries. MCMW is a sisterhood and safe haven which equip and encourage wives to embrace God's calling for this unique role, serve with our husbands in ministry according to our gifts, and establish healthy relationships within this ministry for support. The theme scripture is Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
MCMW officers are very diligent in ensuring transparency with the affairs of the ministry. An annual meeting is held in January of each year to share the ministry’s accomplishments, goals for the new year, financial statements, etc. Although the ministry has only existed since 2014, we were able to obtain our 501(c) (3) in 2016 and membership has increased by almost 50% as of February 2017. Lady Holmes stated, “I’m in awe of what the Lord is doing in the lives of my sisters and me. We have members with less than 5 years in ministry who are looking for guidance as well as members with over 30 years in ministry who are so willing to support the “younger” members. We had a sister who was a member of one church and her husband was an Assistant Pastor of another church. She was adamant that she was staying at her church and she was very shy. With much prayer and discussions with the sisterhood, she eventually joined her husband when he transitioned as the pastor. Not only that, she’s now teaching Sunday School and handling a lot of the ministry’s administrative tasks. To God Be the Glory! We are so Godly proud of her.” For more information on MCMW, please visit www. mdcovenantministerswives.org , our Facebook page, or call 410-340-6199.
MCMW offers empowering sessions, one-on-one mentoring, conferences, retreat, etc. In February 2017, MCMW offered “Couples in Ministry” as a panel discussion. The panelists include 2 couples: Bishop Rayner C. Wharton, Sr. & Lady Thomasina Wharton, Connexion Point Church (married & in ministry for over 30 years) and Pastor Charles M. Franklin, Jr. and Lady
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By Molly Murphy MacGregor, Executive Director and Co-founder of the National Women’s History Project As recently as the 1970’s, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration for 1978. The week March 8th, International Women’s Day, was chosen as the focal point of the observance. The local Women’s History Week activities met with enthusiastic response, and dozens of schools planned special programs for Women’s History Week. Over one-hundred community women participated by doing special presentations in classrooms throughout the country and an annual “Real Woman” Essay Contest drew hundreds of entries. The finale for the week was a celebratory parade and program held in the center of downtown Santa Rosa, California. Mobilizing a Movement In 1979, Molly Murphy MacGregor, a member of our group, was invited to participate in The Women’s History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, which was chaired by noted historian, Gerda Lerner and attended by the national leaders of organizations for women and girls. When the participants learned about the success of the Sonoma County’s Women’s History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations, communities, and school districts. They also agreed to support an effort to secure a “National Women’s History Week.” Presidential and Congressional Support The first steps toward success came in February 1980 when President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week. In the same year, Representative Barbara Mikulski, who at the time was in the House of Representatives, and Senator Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a Congressional Resolution for National Women’s History Week 1981. This co-sponsorship demonstrated the wide-ranging political support for recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the achievements of American women. A National Lobbying Effort As word spread rapidly across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations of National Women’s History Week as an effective means to achieving equity goals within classrooms. Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Alaska, and other states developed and distributed curriculum materials for all of their public
schools. Organizations sponsored essay contests and other special programs in their local areas. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National Women’s History Week, supported and encouraged by resolutions from governors, city councils, school boards, and the U.S. Congress. Each year, the dates of National Women’s History Week, (the week of March 8th) changed and every year a new lobbying effort was needed. Yearly, a national effort that included thousands of individuals and hundreds of educational and women’s organizations was spearheaded by the National Women’s History Project. National Women’s History Month By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. Presidential Message 1980 President Jimmy Carter’s Message to the nation designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, “Women’s History is Women’s Right.” – It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2-8, 1980. I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality – – Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul. Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people. This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that “Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” www.gracenglorymagazine.org 13 13 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
For the past 40 years I have had the pleasure and joy of reaching out and ministering to women in many capacities. During my high school years at Western High in 1975, I began a bible club that met in the mornings before school and also held sessions at lunch time. It was called W.Y.C or We Young Christians. Together we built a community of young women who were serious for God. As I got older, there were always young ladies hanging at my house or traveling with me to ministry engagements. I soon began to mentor many young ladies who had acknowledged the call of God upon their lives. In 1997 I was called to the office of the pastor and one of the ministries I began at the church was D.O.P.D (Daughters of Prophetic Destiny) because I wanted women to get in touch with their destinies. The ministry is still operating today, 17 years later. There are currently two ministries that cater to women that I operate outside of my church globally and locally. They are the W.W.S (Women Who Soar) and F.C.S.G (The Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland). The Women Who Soar is a group of female clergy who were led of the Holy Ghost to come together in the early part of 2009 to form a conference for women that would travel from place to place strengthening, encouraging, uplifting, and empowering women. We: • Empower women to walk closely with the Lord and be all that He has created them to be. • Empower women to obtain healthy self-esteem. • Empower women to make healthy life choices. • Encourage women to become financially independent. • Encourage women to become physically fit. • Are examples of how to overcome various life obstacles? • Charge a minimal fee for registration so that everyone can afford to attend. The Women Who Soar consists of 8 anointed female ministers. They are: Dr. Karen BetheaBaltimore, Maryland. President and Founder. Minister Tiffany BetheaBaltimore, Maryland. Member Dr. Joyce ThorntonDallas, Texas. Chaplain. Dr. Carolyn HuntMonroe, Louisiana. Member 14 March March2017 2017| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 14
Dr. Monique Flemings- Chicago, Illinois. Member Dr. Sarai Crain Pope- Oakland, California. Member Pastor Cheryl Wyatt- Tacoma, Washington. Member Pastor Erica Allen- Nashville, Tennessee. Treasurer Since their inception they have ministered in the following places: Greensboro, NC; Albany, NY; Toronto, Canada; Nashville, TN; Hamilton, Bermuda; Baltimore, MD; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Milton Keynes, England UK; Berlin, Germany; Group Tour 2011-Israel; Group Tour 2014-Rome, France, Spain. ♦♦♦ The Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland Being constantly sought after for mentorship and charged with the call to mentor females in ministry, I started the Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland. What began as Female Clergy Day in November of 2009 flourished into a ministry which supports women in all levels of ministry. This platform was created to share, sharpen, and edify. Fourteen powerful women who already shared a friendship, a heart for mentorship and a willingness to be nurtured and trained, came together to form the Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland. FCSG is a unique ministry made up of senior pastors, assistant pastors, deacons, evangelists, first ladies, missionaries, armor bearers, adjutants, and many other woman serving in ministry who have a desire to connect with other women. The purpose of FCSG is to bring women together to foster a sisterhood with liked-spirited women. The goal is for women in ministry to share iron sharpening experiences and to share the tools to strengthen them in their individual ministries. FCSG successfully continues to achieve its goal of uplifting, empowering and preparing women for ministry through bi-monthly seminars which began with their kickoff on January 26, 2013. These seminars are free and open to the public. FCSG has enriched the lives of women in ministry through seminars such as: “The Do’s and Don’ts of Preaching”, Domestic Violence Workshop: Start a Domestic Violence Ministry at Your Church, “Developing the Minister/Developing the Ministry”, “Etiquette, Protocols, and Discipline”. The Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland hosted the Legends Ball to honor several great and pioneering women in ministry in May 2013. The list of honorees included: Lady Weptanomah Carter, Dr. Marie Antoinette Phillips (posthumously), Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Bishop Bertha Greene, Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, Rev. Leslie Barnett Davis, Dr. Patricia Pender, Dr. Minnie Washington, Dr. Leah White, Dr. Goldia Wright, Apostle Joan Saunders and Rev. Cecilia Bryant. Over 500 people gathered to celebrate these great women. The next Legends Ball will be held this June 2017. This year’s honorees include: Lady Alberta Saunders, Dr. Deborah Claxton, Evangelist Myrna Powell, Bishop Isabelle Grant, Bishop Edna Isaac, and Bishop Edith Mangum.
Dr. Lisa Lenora Whitehead is an ordained Pastor and an award winning author, domestic violence advocate, accomplished violinist and renowned speaker, Professor and dedicated mother of three sons Dustin, Roman and Rodney Jr. Dr. Whitehead is the visionary founder of Pastors Without Borders, Global Ministries, Inc. Dr. Whitehead wholeheartedly believes evangelism is a way of life, “It flows out of us even without us realizing it,” (Walter Trobisch). Dr. Whitehead works with individuals, churches, and institutions to witness in our community and cummnities abroad. Dr. Whitehead also works with parachurch organizations that are faith-based organizations who work outside and across denominations to engage in evagelism and Christain welfare around the world. She ministers to women who are incarcerated in prisons and jail. She facilitates Bible classes, women programs and services that address their spiritual needs by sharing the Gospel through love and forgiveness with hope that changes lives. The community and enviornment of the correctional institution is a place of spiritual warfare, those called to this battle must be prepared for this kind of evangelistic opportunity to lead women to re-consider life choices as God transforms their hearts and mind. Dr. Whitehead is the CEO & Founder of Victims in the Sanctuary. Her passion is to address the safety needs of victims of domestic violence in our sanctuaries by directly educating and training pastors and faith leaders. Dr. Whitehead worked over 10 years in several capacities at the country’s most comprehensive domestic violence programs, the House of Ruth Maryland. She’s developed two training programs, “How to Start a Domestic Violence Ministry” and “Safe Pulpits Safe Congregations Training Institute.” Dr. Whitehead was an honored lectured guest at the prestigious Hampton Ministers Conference in 2015. This platform was an opportunity to engage faith leaders from all over the country in discussions about domestic violence response and safety with pastors and faith leaders. Her mission to continue making this issue a priority in the faith community for victims in the sanctuary, challenge pastors and faith leaders as advocates, to be leaders as stakeholders in our community and provide safe solutions and resources. Dr. Lisa Whitehead is a member of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiative Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition. This organization brings together faith leaders, domestic violence advocates, legal experts, governmental and community partners to share words of encouragement
and conciliation with those suffering from the pains of domestic violence. She works collectively with members planning statewide events for faith leaders and advocates around education, training and resources for victims and their families, survivors and batterer rehabilitation. Dr. Whitehead worked with leaders from across the country that developed a concept paper that included development of faith-based programs around faith and safety. This resulted in Dr. Whitehead being a panelist and speaker at the United Nations parallel event “Sacred and Safe.” She is now a member of the United Nations US Women and a member of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. Dr. Whitehead was the former Committee Chairwoman, “To End Violence Against Women” for the United Nations Women US, National Capital Area. Dr. Whitehead is co-founder of the Whitehead Women Wellness Institue and Ministry with her mother Dr. Ann Whitehead (CEO/Founder) and Sister Min. Miriam Whitehead Brice (co-founder). Their misson is to provide mental health, domestic violence and HIV/AIDS awareness, education, training, resources, counseling and supportive services within our community and abroad. They have shared many platforms as a family; Dr. Whitehead is blessed to share in ministry with her family. Their testimony of love and salvation is a light to many women and their families. Dr. Lisa Whitehead is a graduate of the North Carolina College of Theology with a Masters in Biblical Studies and a Doctorate in Theology. She has served in ministry for more than 20 years. She credits her early ministry training and education to Bishop Caroline D. Showell who mentored and developed her as a young woman. She continues to be a renowned preacher and teacher under the covering of Apostle Terry Forbers. Dr. Whitehead is a member of the Female Clergy Support Group of Maryland under the leadership of Apostle, Dr. Karen Bethea. Dr. Whitehead mentors young women across the country. Dr. Whitehead is a Professor at Coppin State University in the College of Behavioral Social Science, in the department of Applied Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling. Dr. Whitehead is an award winning author of the book “I Worship.” Her book was nominated as devotion book of the year by “Purposely Created Publishing.” Dr. Whitehead played violin as a young woman and her love of classical music and belief that strings made the music led her to play with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a period of time. Dr. Whitehead’s life philosophy continues to be, “You have to be a servant to God before becoming a servant for God.” www.gracenglorymagazine.org 15 15 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
UNITY:
Are You Ready To Answer the Call? We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda. Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer. 1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness. 2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree. 3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place. 2017! Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves! Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!
Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 16 16 March March2017 2017||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
Church & Ministries Pastor Donna & Leading Man Tony Chiarella celebrates For Generations women have made an impact in history. SMCM has been blessed with some gifted and talented people. SMCM’s Women on Fire does outreach in the community and evangelizes to the community. Our goals are to meet the needs of the total person with our food pantry, give-a-ways and so much more. Our Pastor is a Woman after God’s own Heart and has a passion for ministry. She loves the people of God and it is her desire to bring the best out of people. Her motto is, “Reaching Every Heart one Soul at a Time.”
5210 YORK ROAD BALTIMORE, MD 21212
Follow us on facebook SWEET MERCY Church & Ministries
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Lady Tonya Dennis
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to your good health
We all have to deal with stress. It is no respecter of persons and shows up just when we don’t need it to. The main culprits are the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, sickness and moving. Whether we are forewarned or these events happen suddenly, the stressor and more importantly our response, can determine the impact that is made on our lives. Thinking about your situation may seem to be unavoidable but fixating on it does more harm when the thoughts are not balanced with prayer, patience and persistence in practicing healthy coping mechanisms. There has to be a time and place to reduce the stress and focus on the things that bring joy and peace into one’s life. A few of the practices that can help bring order to a season of change and transition are: exercise, proper diet, participate in hobbies or other pleasurable activities, get enough sleep, take a break, talk about the problem, identify triggers (things that make you stressed out) and practice relaxation techniques to name a few. There is no one method that is guaranteed to help relieve stress but a combination of these can be tailored to meet whatever challenge arises. When we experience the challenges that cause us stress we forget about what can make life not just bearable but give us victory over those challenges. Life comes with ups and downs but we can overcome them by focusing on what is going well, by counting our blessings and by working towards changes that can be made to alleviate or lessen the effects of stress. The word of God has so many nuggets of truth regarding worry and stress. “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up,” Proverbs 12:25. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Worry is a part of life and stress will be with us from time to time. When it gets to be a part of our everyday life and becomes overwhelming then it is time to set boundaries and make lifestyle changes. Stress is not all bad but can help motivate us to make important changes and to try new things and experiences. Too much of anything can bring us harm and take us into an unhealthy place physically, mentally and spiritually. Don’t Dr. Carla Debnam, let stress take over your life. Take steps to Founder, manage and control it before it controls you. Renaissance Christian Counseling Center 24 March 2017 | Grace&Glory
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woman’s perspective
T
his month has been set aside to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. I salute all of you amazing women this month and every month. Womanhood is something to be celebrated and cherished. We are life-givers. There is power in our femininity. We are beautiful inside and out. Last month we started a series on sisterhood. I put out a poll to see what topics you ladies would be interested in hearing about and sisterhood came up several times. It is my desire through this series to examine sisterhood from various angles and to strengthen your existing sister relationships and encourage you to create and nurture new healthy sister relationships. Now whenever I discuss sisterhood, I understand that this topic can be sensitive because let’s face it as women, most if not all of us have been hurt by another women we thought was our friend. But we cannot allow the hurt we have experienced and the enemy to cause us to devalue the importance of those relationships in our lives. “Friendship is essential to the soul.” In order for us to experience the abundance that God has intended for our lives, we must have an abundance of love and relationships. We must realize that God desires to bless us; however, he uses people to do so. Let’s examine the different types of sister connections we will experience, how we draw them, and how to keep them healthy. The three categories of connections we encounter in our lives are REASON, SEASON, and LIFERS. There are women that we are only meant to connect with for a REASON. These are short-term relationships that are not intended for longevity. The REASON that God has allowed our paths to cross could vary and include anything from work on a project together at school or church, exchange information about motherhood or a business, share information that is an answer to a question we have, and there are many other options that fit into this category. Even though these relationships are often the shortest, we cannot underestimate their importance. These connections can be short-lived but powerful. I find it amazing that God has allowed my path to cross with some phenomenal 28 March 2017 | Grace&Glory
women who while in their presence at a workshop, or running into them at a store, I learned something that I was able to carry with me for years. The first category of individuals is usually pretty simple to identify, it’s the next two categories that often get confused and cause us the most grief. There are women we are meant to connect with for only a SEASON. These relationships can be difficult because often times we may not know the duration of the season that we are intended to walk together. We miss out when we end the season too soon and we take on extra weight when we extend the season beyond what God designed. The key to these relationships is identifying when the SEASON is shifting. Many times when the season shifts we do not have to necessarily cut the person off completely, we may be able to just add some healthy space and shift the dynamics. Then there are the people I call LIFERS. I know who my “LIFERS” are and I tell them all the time that they are stuck with me. Psychologists say that any friendship that lasts at least 7 years will last a lifetime. All of our LIFERS come through the SEASON category first but at some point we shift and recognize that our friendship is intended for longevity. The key to keeping these relationships healthy is sensitivity to the shifts and seasons it will endure. My friendships intended for longevity have experienced everything from new marriages, new babies, divorce, death of a loved one, relocation and more. None of those have to strain or end the friendship if both people are truly sensitive to small adjustments that need to be made and especially if the lines of communication are open. When there is trust and intimacy present it is easy to maintain healthy friendships into longevity. Sister friendships can literally change our lives. The amazing women that God allows our paths to cross with will help us elevate, celebrate with us, wipe our tears, love our children, share recipes, go shopping with us and so much more. In order to enjoy these relationships we must use discernment and listen for God’s wisdom so that we proceed with caution. Honor, cherish and celebrate the sister friendships you have in your life. And if you desire to have more I stand Tiffany Bethea in agreement with you She-EO Life Mentor that God will honor that www.Tiffanybethea.com request.
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single life
What is on Your
Checklist?
I have heard many people say that when you are preparing to date, court or marry someone you should have a check-list of the things that you would like to see in your significant other. A woman can be attracted to a man’s good looks, sense of humor, money and confidence, as well as him being secure in his manhood and his ability to take charge and lead. A man can be attracted to her looks, shapely body, her style and money. While it is normal to be attracted to these qualities, there are other qualities that are far more important. Since I was a little girl I remember hearing people talk about the Virtuous Woman who is found in Proverbs 31. They talked about her character and how noble she is. The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 31 is considered the blueprint that a man should use when he is looking for a wife. She will possess the following virtues: Faith – Proverbs 31:26 Marriage – Proverbs 31:11-12 Mothering – Proverbs 31:26 Health – Proverbs 31:14–15 Service – Proverbs 31:20 Finances – Proverbs 31:16 Industry – Proverbs 31:3 Homemaking – Proverbs 31:27 Time – Proverbs 31:27 Beauty – Proverbs 31:24-25 Just as the Bible has a
Tyniece Pack blueprint for a wife (virtuous woman) it also has a blueprint for a husband (Godly man). Were you aware that this blueprint existed? The blue print for a Godly man can be found in Ephesians 5. He should be a man that walks in the standards set by God. 1. He walks in the way of love, he is selfless and he leads sacrificially. - Ephesians 5:2 2. He walks in Purity. - Ephesians 5:3 3. He is wise. - Ephesians 5:4 4. He loves his wife and makes her holy. Ephesians 5:26 5. He makes his wife adorable. Ephesians 5:28-29 6. He cleaves to his wife. - Ephesians 5:31 So much emphasis has been placed on the Proverbs 31 that women have not been equipped to know what a Godly man looks like as described in Ephesians 5. I first learned about the Ephesians 5 man two years ago when I was having a conversation with a group of ladies. After doing some research, it truly changed my thought process and perspective about the man that I am waiting to find me. I encourage everyone to research the Proverbs 31 woman and the Ephesians 5 man to gain a greater understanding of the qualities a husband and wife should possess. Through prayer, introspection and transparency allow God to transform you into the wife or husband that He has called you to be, and when you pray- pray for healing, trust, fulfillment, discernment and love. Women should strive to be the woman described in Proverbs 31 and men should strive to be the Ephesians 5 man so that together they can create a 1st Corinthians 13 Love!
"You can’t ask God for Boaz if you are not Ruth.” “You can’t ask God for a virtuous woman if you are still entertaining Jezebel.” 30 30 March March 2017 2017 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
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word of encouragement
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. [Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]. From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do]. From this time forth and forever. [Psalm 121--Amplified Bible (AMP)] January and February, the first two months of 2017 have been very hectic in the United States of America. Some are saying, “Treason and impeachment” while others are saying, “We are making America great again.” There are a few questions, we the Body of Christ should be asking. Who do we trust? What do we trust? Why do we trust? When do we trust? Where do we trust? These questions should be what every person in the earth should be asking because they are in our thoughts constantly. The world is looking at the United States of America. In fact, America is center stage. Everyone, starting with those who have reached the age of accountability onwards should be alert and able to look themselves in the face and ask these questions. In every situation that Jesus dealt with in His earthly walk, He was faced with situations and circumstances that really could have thrown Him for a loop. However, he never was moved by what came before him. Whether it was the man at Gadarenes – cutting himself and breaking chains and fetters in the cemetery; whether it was Lazarus, the widow at Nain, feeding 5,000 men, women and children, or going to Calvary to die so that we might have life and life more abundantly. Why? Because he knew who was in control. He knew the God who was bigger than anything else in the whole wide world was the One in which he had total trust. When it was Lazarus, Jesus did not move right away he waited and continued to be about his father's business – seeking and saving those who were lost. Four days later Jesus shows up where Lazarus was. Obviously, Lazarus was dead and buried. Martha, who did not remember that Jesus was the resurrection, told Jesus – he couldn’t raise him because after four days he was stinking. See when Jesus is coming to your rescue – it does not matter if it is four days, four weeks or four months, or four years Jesus is still able to come in and change your situation and circumstances. So take the time now to stand up and remember the many dreams God has given to you that other people have called "dead dreams". 32 March March 2017 2017 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 32
We cannot find anywhere in the four Gospels where the widow of Nain told Jesus, "Don't you see my son is in the coffin and was prepared for burial?” Nor did she say to Jesus, “Listen Jesus, where were you when I needed you before my son died? Thank You for coming Jesus but there is nothing else that can be done at this time.” She simply allowed Jesus to do that which Jesus alone could do. Therefore, the body of Christ should be in a perpetual place of trust. The scripture says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" – not some of your heart. Nor did it say trust with your head – your mental assent. Who do we trust in? We trust in the Lord because in Psalm 121 – David tells us who we should trust in. What do we trust? We trust God for it is with His blood and His adoption that we know that we were bought with a price. When do we trust God? We trust God right now. Where do we trust God? We trust God right where we are; in our homes, at work, at school, or at the mall. God is everywhere and so we can trust Him where ever we are. How do we trust God? By staying connected to His word and the other members of His Body. I encourage you to stay focused– keeping your eyes on God and God only. There is no one else so faithful, so loving, and so kind. Again I encourage you to look to the hills – where your help comes from. Pray with me: Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You that because You have already made a way of escape for us, we can trust You in spite of what it looks like or feel like. Your death, burial Donna and resurrection have given me the authority to Royalty Ross be completely sold out to You in my trust for You, In Trust Ministries amen. dwilliamsross@aol.com
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bookshelf
bookshelf
Book Shelf The Shack
By William Paul Young I have recently decided to revisit a book that has made an impact on my life and my relationship with the Lord. So, this month I am recommending The Shack by William Paul Young. If you have read it, reread it. If you haven’t read it, read it. Although it is based on a fictional story with fictional characters with a fictional scenario, somehow the author manages to take the reader on a journey that feels so real. I was warned prior to beginning this book to “stick it out” and to “just keep reading past the first few chapters,” and I’m glad I did. If you are anything like me, you get involved in the characters’ lives and you laugh with them and want to cry with them. You feel joy with them and feel hurt or pain when they feel it. The first few chapters took me to places emotionally that I wasn’t sure I wanted to go. After the tragic kidnaping and possible murder of his daughter, Missy, during a family trip, McKenzie Phillips (Mack) spirals into a deep depression. The author does everything in his power within the first four chapters to make you become part of McKenzie’s family so that you feel everything they felt. And that’s exactly what he did. I felt as though Missy was part of my own family and the heartache that they felt in losing her was my own. That right there was enough to make me close the book, put the book down and call it a wrap for The Shack, I was sucked so far into the story that I had to “just kept reading” and find out what happened. The fact that I wanted to quit reading it and couldn’t is the sign of a good book to me. While dealing with what has happened and living life in a state of depression, Mack receives a letter from “Papa” (God) inviting him to the shack, back to the scene of what could possibly have been his daughter’s last days; the last place 36 March 2017 | Grace&Glory
by Brandie Manigault
he would ever want to go. Reluctantly, he goes and this is the point where right along with Mack, my life was impacted. I encountered and experienced Papa, Jesus and the Holy Spirit with each page that I turned. The writing was provocative. It made me think about my relationship with each separately. Young skillfully paints a beautiful picture of the Trinity and how they interact with one another, all the while interacting with Mack and with us. He breaks down every religious stereotype we could conjure up about who the members of the Trinity are with the use of comedy, personal connection, revelation and embedded scriptures. One of my favorite passages is said by Papa to Mack regarding
Jesus. He says, “The Truth shall set you free and the Truth has a name… freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him. Then all that stuff you feel churnin’ around inside will start to work its way out.” The Shack… go get it. It will change you. I smiled. I laughed. I cried. I looked at myself introspectively. I changed some of my outward behavior to reflect the inward changes that this book facilitated. It is definitely a recommended read. After you read it, let me know what you think. I would love to know if it had the same effects on you as it did me!
Brandie Twitter @iambandaid
About The Author
William Paul Young
William Paul Young was born May 11, 1955, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, but the majority of his first decade was lived with his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea (West Papua), among the Dani, a technologically stone age tribal people. These became his family and as the first white child and outsider who ever spoke their language, he was granted unusual access into their culture and community. By the time he was six, he was flown away to a boarding school. Young had written primarily as a way to create unique gifts for his friends, until his wife repeatedly urged him to write something for their six children in order to put down in one place his perspectives on God and on the inner healing Young had experienced as an adult. The resulting manuscript, that later became The Shack, was intended only for his six kids and for a handful of close friends. Young initially printed just 15 copies of his book. Two of his close friends encouraged him to have it published and assisted with some editing and rewriting in order to prepare the manuscript for publication. Rejected by 26 publishers, Young and his friends published the book under the name of their newly created publishing company, Windblown Media in 2007. The company spent only $200 in advertising; word-of-mouth referrals eventually drove the book to number one on the New York Times trade paperback fiction best-seller list in June 2008. The Shack was the top-selling fiction and audio book of 2008 in America through November 30. Young considers himself a longtime devotee of C. S. Lewis.
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nutrition & you
These suggestions will help you choose the correct exercise plan to meet your needs. The seven major effects of fitness programs • Change in body composition (fat vs muscle) • Improvement in cardio-respiratory function • Improvement in flexibility and range of motion • Improvement in muscle strength • Improved endurance • Improved balance • Improved agility and coordination Effects of yoga, tai chi, and Pilates • Reduction of muscular tension • Injury prevention • Body relaxation • Strengthening of the skeletal system • Enhancement of circulation • Immune system boost • Reduction of symptoms of chronic disease, especially arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders • Mood improvement • Increased flexibility • Improved muscle tone Amount needed for benefit—at least three times/week. Effects of aerobic exercise (swimming, power walking, running, cycling, dancing, and inline skating) • Improvement in functioning of heart, lungs, and circulatory system • Better processing of oxygen and more effective transporting to muscle • Burning of calories and stored body fat • Decrease in blood pressure and risk of heart disease • Help in prevention of diabetes • Strengthening of skeletal system • Strengthening of immune system • Improvement in sleep • Reduction in risk of cancer, especially breast, prostate, and colon cancers • Possible improvement in cognitive function and help in prevention of memory loss • Reduction in overall mortality • Mood improvement • Injury prevention Amount needed for benefit—30 minutes of 38 March 2017 | Grace&Glory
moderate exercise 5 days/week. If you want to lose weight, exercise more often or at higher intensity (you have to burn 3500 more calories than you take in to lose a pound). Some experts recommend purchasing a heart monitor and aiming at 30 minutes at 60% of maximum heart rate/day. Effects of anaerobic exercise (weight lifting and calisthenics) • Help burning more calories, even at rest, by increasing metabolism • Bones become denser and less prone to osteoporosis and injury • Protection for joints against wear and tear • Reduction in arthritic pain • Injury prevention • Delay of muscle loss and building of muscle mass • Improvement in glucose tolerance and reduction in risk of developing diabetes • Mood improvement Amount needed for benefit—3-4 days/week, not exercising the same muscle group 2 days in a row. Before choosing a plan Take into account these considerations before choosing an exercise plan. Exercising with others: How much you like exercising around other people will determine whether or not you should try a new fitness class. Some people feel self-conscious in group environments, especially if it is an exercise program that is new to them. Using DVDs and music: Some people become bored or distracted if attempting exercise without an instructor, a timer, or other people nearby to keep them interested. If you are this type of person, but still want to exercise in the comfort of your own home, consider investing in fitness DVDs or making your own mix of music to keep you mentally involved in the activity. Setting goals: Some people need a goal in mind before starting a program. This goal varies according to the individual. For the athletically inclined, it could mean running a marathon. A less cardio-fit person may set a more reasonable first goal for themselves, such as walking up four flights of steps without feeling short of breath. Whatever your goal is, make the goal specific and something you can visualize easily. Then, you can consistently remind yourself of it before stepping onto the treadmill or beginning
your sun salutations. Testing the water: Thrill-seekers naturally stick to routines that reflect their adventurous side, such as kayaking, mountain biking, or snowboarding. If you are not one of these people, you should never attempt to force yourself to try these activities without testing the water first. Exercising in 10-minute spurts: Recent studies have shown that breaking your aerobic exercise into 10-minute spurts throughout the day works as well as doing a full-length session at one time. However, this approach does not work for everyone, because some people skip their 10-minute spurts or begin to overestimate their level of physical activity throughout the day. References and recommended readings Aerobic exercise. MedicineNet Web site. http:// www.medicinenet.com/aerobic_exercise/article.htm. Accessed January 14, 2014. Exercise. University of Maryland Medical Center Web site. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/ exercise. Updated June 25, 2013. January 14, 2014. Tai chi. MedicineNet Web site. http://www. medicinenet.com/tai_chi/article.htm. Accessed January 14, 2014. US Dept of Health & Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Health.gov Web site. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/ default.aspx. Accessed January 14, 2014. Yoga. MedicineNet Web site. http://www.medicinenet.com/ yoga/article.htm. Accessed January 14, 2014. Zelman K. Benefits of exercise. MedicineNet Web site. http:// www.medicinenet.com/benefits_ of_exercise/article.htm. Accessed July 12, 2014.
By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
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body basics
8
Easy Exercises You Can Do Sitting Down
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Tone muscles and increase flexibility at work or at home with these safe and simple chair exercises. Got a chair? Then you're ready for this sitdown, total-body workout! Tone and strengthen with the first five exercises from personal trainer Jessica Smith, a certified wellness coach and coauthor of The Thin in 10 Weight Loss Plan. To alleviate aches and pains, try the final three exercises from Tracey Porter, a personal trainer, certified sports nutritionist, and student of the posture therapy method, Egoscue.
Safety precaution: Pay attention to your body during the movements — if anything hurts or causes pain, stop immediately. And check with your doctor first before beginning this, or any, exercise program. ************** Posture Check Simply sitting up straight in a chair tones a variety of muscles in your torso. Turn straight posture into an exercise by pressing your knees together to engage your inner thighs, squeezing your buttocks, sitting tall, and pulling in your belly button (abdominals) toward your spine. It's important to press your shoulders back and down and to keep your neck neutral, while doing this exercise. Try to maintain this posture as long as you can while sitting. Seated Jumping Jacks Get in a little cardio, without any impact on your joints, by doing modified, seated jumping jacks. While sitting on the edge of your chair, open and close your arms and legs as you would during a normal jumping jack, and move your limbs, as quickly as you can, in and out. Start slowly and work up to 3 sets of 20 reps. Abs Twister Not only do strong abdominal muscles make you look great in clothes, they also help stabilize your torso, which reduces aches and pains in your lower back and hips. Sit tall on the edge of your chair and cross your arms over your chest. Inhale and squeeze (flex) your abdominal muscles lightly. Without relaxing your stomach muscles, exhale slowly, squeezing your abs in tighter and turning your 40 March 2017 | Grace&Glory
upper body to the right. Inhale and twist back to center. Then repeat to the left. Work up to 3 sets of 20 alternating reps. Seated Leg Extensions To strengthen the thigh and hip muscles, you need only extend your leg. Sit on the edge of your chair with your arms by your sides. Extend your right leg out straight and flex your foot so that just the right heel is on the floor. Lift your leg up as high as you can without rounding your back. Keeping your foot flexed engages the muscles in the shins and ankle. Hold for three counts and then lower. Work up to 3 sets of 10 reps on each leg. Seated Press-Ups Engage your shoulder and triceps muscles with this joint-friendly move. Sit on the edge of your chair with your arms by your sides, palms over the edge of your seat. Press down with your arms as if you were going to try to lift yourself off the chair (you don't have to lift up). Hold for three counts and then release. Work up to 3 sets of 10 reps. Work Out with a Water Bottle People who sit hunched at desks all day often develop pain in their back, shoulders, and neck. To alleviate pain, Porter recommends a series of three exercises done in a chair, using a plastic water bottle. To get into position, sit halfway off your chair keeping your back straight and shoulders down and pulled back. Place a plastic water bottle between your knees, lining up your ankle with your knee, so that your thighs and calves are at a 90-degree angle. Make sure your feet are about 4 inches apart. Turn this into an exercise for your thighs by squeezing the water bottle 30 times. Sitting Elbow Curls To open up your chest and shoulder muscles, try these elbow curls. Raise your arms at your sides and bend your elbows, so that your knuckles are at your temples. Bring your elbows together and then all the way back to the starting position at moderate speed about 30 times. Arm Circles Increase flexibility and improve posture with gentle arm circles.
Raise your arms straight out to your sides and press your shoulder blades together. Extend arms with palms down, thumbs facing forward, and do 20 forward circles with your arms. Then flip your palms up, thumbs facing behind you, and do 20 backward circles with your arms. Smith says doing each of the previous exercises 3 to 4 days a week will have you seeing results, but there's also no downside to doing them daily.
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gospel industry news
Kirk Franklin Congrats to the man with the Midas touch, Kirk Franklin, everything he touches musically seems to turn to gold or platinum even! Once again bringing home not 1 but 2 Grammy Awards! One he received for his album "Losing My Religion" winning "Best Gospel Album”, which he won for last year as well. The second one for his work on Tamela Mann's "God Provides" winning "Best Gospel Performance".
CeCe Winans CeCe’s new project is all the BUZZ!!!She is definitely going another route with the direction of this album bringing in super producer Tommy Sims, who has produced various country music based artists, to produce this project, and apparently it's working for her, as her single "Never Have To Be Alone" lands the #4 Spot on Billboard Charts.
Tamela Mann In addition to winning a Grammy Award, and her hit single "Take Me To The King" going PLATINUM, she received an NAACP Image Award, and she and her husband, David Mann have landed a new TV Show titled "The Manns" that will air on TV One, the show is slated to start airing the second quarter of 2017, stay tuned!!!
William McDowell William is releasing Part II of his project "Sounds Of Revival ll, Deeper", on March 3, the project features Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds,Tina Campbell, and Brian Courtney Wilson to name a few. Part l did well, and Part ll should be even greater!! Check It Out!!!
Jekalyn Carr From a Billboard Top Album, her single "You're Bigger' that remained in the Top 5 on Billboard for 30 weeks, a debut role in the upcoming movie "I Never Heard My Father Speak", which is to be released this month, her first Grammy nomination, 5 Stellar Award nominations, performing at the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, and a brand new single "You Never Left Me", which will be released soon, this young POWERHOUSE is blazing the trail and shows no signs of slowing down, preaching, singing, and now acting! Congrats Jekalyn! Anthony Brown & Group Therapy THE HOME TEAM!!! They have officially linked a partnership and joined Anthony's "Key of a Music" with Tyscot, Fair Trade, and Columbia Records. Anthony announced via video on his social media that he and his group- Group Therapy will not be on the Worship Tour with Jonathan McReynolds and Travis Greene, however they are currently in the studio working on their new single to be released in the second quarter of 2017!
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Anita Wilson Anita has a new single out! She debuted it at the BMI Awards last month. The single is titled "I've Seen Him Work" she hosted an event there titled "The Sanctuary" I had an opportunity to watch the video, I like the song, check it out! Eric Waddell Eric Waddell & The Abundant Life Singers will be releasing the highly anticipated project "The Church Sound", keeping choir music alive and being one of the most sought after gospel aggregations. They have been traveling all over the country spreading the gospel, representing Baltimore in a major way, so on March 18, at 6:00pm, all roads lead to Southern Baptist Church, for further info and tickets, visit Eric Waddell’s social media sites and event brite. Jeremiah Hicks Last month I had an opportunity to attend the invitation only listening party for Jeremiah Hicks at Bus Boys & Poets in Hyattsville, MD, and hands down this guy DOES IT!! "A Worshippers Heart" the debut release of this project you absolutely wanna add to
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your playlist!!! He's got a ton of artist’s support of this project even Kirk Franklin has gone on video promoting and showing his support to this project! Shout out to RCA Inspiration's own Phillip Bryant and his team Writerz Block for their production on this project!! The project was released on Valentine's Day and is available everywhere!! Go get it! Support DMV Music, support good gospel music!!! Angie White As one of the main lead voices with Tye Tribbett and GA, it was no surprise that Angie White would soon seek to start a solo career of her own. After the dismembering of the original group members, she never stopped singing, allowing God to use her to lead worship at various churches, and she's currently grounded in Delaware as the worship leader at Faith City Church in Delaware, where she works alongside Grammy nominated, Super Producer Dana Sorey who has blessed many projects including WOW Gospel 2014, Tye Tribbett & GA, and Jason Nelson to name a few. On Feb 28, Angie White will be released to the world, with her debut project "I AM Angie White"! Guess what Baltimore and DMV she's coming our way!! On March 3rd there will be an album release and Listening Party for her at, The Mix, 1725 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD. This is a FREE event and will also feature, Baltimore's Own William McMillan, this is a concert you don't wanna miss!
gospel industry news
The Kinsmen This contemporary quartet group has done an awesome remake of the hand clappin, foot stompin, hit song "Born Again" that was originally recorded by Little Cedric & The Hailey Singers, who is also known to the world as KC & JO JO, of the R& B Group Jodeci. YES!! For those of you that may not have known, these boys got their start in gospel music. I loved that version as a kid and I'm definitely digging this new rendition. Check it out! Rev. Clay Evans Gospel Legend Rev. Clay Evans will be the recipient of the Ambassador Bobby Jones Award at this year’s Stellar Awards, March 25th. At 91 years old, he and his choir recently released a project, "Rev. Clay Evans & The Ship, What A Legacy" it did extremely well on Billboard Charts for 16 weeks straight. Bishop Claveron Burston, Sr. One of the Kingdom's Generals, Bishop C. E. Burston, has transitioned from labor to reward; he passed away February 14. Bishop Burston in addition to being the pastor of the Mt.Hattin Missionary Baptist Church, was a pillar in Baltimore opening the family business, Upward Way Church Supply, one of the main Church Supply and Gospel Music stores in Baltimore, a fixture in the historic Old Town Mall for many years before expanding to York Road and being renamed The Way Church Supply. I personally can testify to the love and support of Bishop Burston and his family, as they've always been a huge supporter of my endeavors as I promoted events as a teenager; they were an outlet to break new music and book releases both local and national. He was a mighty Man Of God! Please keep the family and the church in your prayers.
Til next month, may peace and favor rest on you! Catch my segment "In With Miss Ericka J" every weekend Friday-Sunday at 5:30pm on iHeart Radio, Heaven 600, www.heaven600.com, and 102.7 HD2.
Top 5 Gospel Songs 1. You Deserve It - JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise 2. Made A Way - Travis Greene 3. God Provides - Tamela Mann 4. Never Have To Be Alone CeCe Winans 5. Joy - VaShawn Mitchell
Top 5 Gospel Albums 1. Let Them Fall In Love - CeCe Winans 2. WOW Gospel 2017 3. Back To Life - Anthony Evans 4. One Way - Tamela Mann 5. The Victory - Meachum L. Clarke & True Purpose
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man talk
What does it mean to be significant? To better understand this idea, we can borrow terms from applied research. Whereas statistical significance refers to results that are mathematically meaningful, clinical significance is the degree to which outcomes have life-changing implications. Through the lens of Judges 7, let’s look closer at the relationship between numbers and significance. POINT ONE: THE BIBLICAL PRECEDENT A brisk walk through Judges 7 shows that numbers don’t matter to God and are of no consequence for His divine plan. A paraphrased version of Judges 7:2 might be said this way: If all of these men fight, then Israel will think that it was by their own strength and power that they were victorious over their enemies. So, to use a term from the sports world, God made the first cut—an astounding 22,000—by dismissing those who were fearful (verse 3). But because the remaining 10,000 were still too many, He cut another 9,700 when He told Gideon to send home everyone except those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog. POINT TWO: GOD MUST ASSEMBLE HIS TEAM Having assembled His team, The Lord told the Israelites that they were going to be victorious despite the multitude that they were facing. Consider this: it was after The Lord brought together those whom He wanted that Gideon and the army were positioned for success. In the same manner, brothers, until our teams only include those that satisfy the necessary requirements (e.g., work ethic, commitment, discipline, etc.) we will not accomplish all that God desires for us to achieve. POINT THREE: FAITH OVER FEAR Although I used to think that faith was the opposite of fear, more accurately, faith is the triumph over fear. Bishop Neil Ellis says it this way, “A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.” Brothers, our faith must be stronger than the uncertainty that we will inevitably face as a function of our humanity, especially when pursuing new opportunities in unchartered territory. Notice that the 22,000 fearful men that were dismissed from the Israelite army (Judges 7:3) was the largest cut that was made. Could it be that the primary reason some people are not qualified to work with you is that they are fearful— making decisions according to what they see rather than living by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)? POINT FOUR: THE CENTRALITY OF OBEDIENCE The success experienced by Gideon and the Israelites was directly related to their obedience. As shown in verses 17- 22 of Judges 7, God always provides specific instructions, which if followed, lead to a favorable outcome. For this reason, the victory actualized in verse 22 was quite similar to the events recorded in 2 Chronicles 20. As Gideon and those with him did not engage in a natural fight, when Jehoshaphat sent Judah (musicians and singers) ahead of the army, their enemies destroyed themselves! In both instances, though outnumbered, the Israelites prevailed because of their obedience to God. POINT FIVE: THE UNITY PRINCIPLE Judges 7:22: when the three hundred trumpets sounded...—when 46 March March2017 2017| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 46
everyone who was on the team followed Gideon’s instructions—… the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. More than the size of the crowd, God will supernaturally manifest His presence when we are united for a single cause (Psalm 133; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; Acts 2:1-4). POINT SIX: THE VISION DRIVES THE DESIGN While completing my graduate studies at Lehigh University, my professors ingrained in me the following mantra: What is the research question? Knowing this was fundamentally important because any discussion of a study’s conceptualization, methods, participants, results, and implications was predicated on a clear understanding of the central question the researchers were trying to answer. It is a principle that cannot be avoided: every aspect of a research study is driven by, determined by, and governed by the research question. Let’s look closer... In virtually every aspect of our culture, bigger is erroneously synonymous with better. With social media, we measure our worth by the number of Facebook friends or followers on Twitter and Instagram as if these metrics make us more legitimate. But numbers don’t necessarily determine significance. In the spirit of research design, what is the research question? Said another way, what is the vision? What has God given you to accomplish? What is your assignment? And after knowing these things, what do you need in order to be effective? As we learned from Judges 7, rest assured that effectiveness is not predicated on numbers. In fact, there could be too many people involved. Statistically speaking, almost anything becomes significant with enough people. If 10,000 protestors are marching in a certain city, the purpose of their demonstration can easily be overshadowed by the number of people taking over a major thoroughfare, which allows them to be noticed (e.g., media coverage) and seemingly legitimizes their cause. Size, therefore, can be a distraction. Brothers, don’t be discouraged when you see others with larger followings than you might currently have. Don’t assume that bigger houses and greater sums of money are synonymous with making a meaningful difference in the community. In fact, the adage that says there is strength in numbers does not mean that every person in the number should be in the number. As important as numbers are for defensible reasons, we should only be concerned with answering the following questions: what has God called me to do and what is necessary to accomplish the vision? Never forget that it was one shepherd boy musician, who was also the youngest of his brothers, who fought and killed a giant (1 Samuel 16:11-13; 1 Samuel 17:49-51). It was a little boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish Dr. Charles Barrett that fed a multitude of more than 5,000 (Mark Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with 6:41-44). And most importantly, it was one Loudoun County Public man, with a motley crew of 12 disciples, who Schools and Associate would forever change the course of history Professor of Psychology (Matthew 1:21; John 3:16-17). at Northern Virginia Be encouraged. Community College.
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