Grace & Glory October 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT)

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)

7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Lord, thank you for the pastors and spiritual leaders who have input into our lives. Help us to glean knowledge and understanding of Your ways from them so that we can know You better. Bless them and help them to always be the men and women of God You created them to be.

October 2023 on the cover:

Apostle Dr. Winona B. Turner

Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International

7901 Harford Road

Parkville, MD 21234

www.spiritoftruthworshipcenter.org

Cover Story

Pgs 8-11

October is Clergy Appreciation Month, and we are spotlighting Apostle Dr. Winona B. Turner who pastors Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International. Apostle Dr. Winona B. Turner and Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International are celebrating 27 years of ministry. Apostle Turner shares with us the vision, journey, and hopes for the ministry of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International.

Healthy Soul

14 MONTHLY MANNA

Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon

Now Faith

26 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

Pastor Rhoda Turner

What Are You Willing To Sacrifice?

22 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH

Elder Tracey George

Securing The SEED

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

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps

EDITORIAL

Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Min. Carenda McCray

Tracey George

Dr. Denyce Daniels

Rhoda Turner

Alfred Turner

Ericka J.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

Contributors

DR. CARLA DEBNAM

Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.

ELDER TRACEY GEORGE

Tracey Nicole George is an ordained elder. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.

MIN. CARENDA DEONNE

Min. Carenda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law degree from Regent University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, and declaring God's word through the power of love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door to self forgiveness and restoration.

DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.

PASTOR RHODA TURNER

Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure.

Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.

For God is not unrigheous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his nome, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10 (KJV)

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month. This month congregations all over the nation will take time out to honor their Pastors. It is Biblical for a church to recognize and honor the men and women of God who serve faithfully the flock of God. Paul wrote the following words to the church at Thessalonica:

“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work . . .”

(I Thessalonians 5:12-13)

It is clear from scripture that the faithful and dedicated Pastors of our churches are worthy of appreciation and honor. Clergy Appreciation Day provides an excellent opportunity for our churches to affirm their love and appreciation for those who are called by God and who lead their congregations in fulfilling the Great Commission. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the Body of Christ.

Pastors and other ministers work tirelessly caring for their flock. A minister's work day is rarely a "9-5" job, and they cannot go home at the "end" of the day and just leave all the occupational problems at the office. A Pastor is never off-duty and he is always on call. If we stop for a moment and think about all he does we would be more sensitive to our Pastor’s needs. We should always lift our Pastors in prayer and ask the Lord to surround them with loving care, to give them strength and walk with them, and to help them with the burdens that they must bear.

Honoring God's Anointed EPPS Jackie

Many of us have been members of our churches for many years. If you look back over the years, I believe that you would agree that our pastors have played major roles in the fabric of our lives. They have prayed for us, taught us, corrected us and guided us. Our pastors have celebrated and laughed with us in the good times, cried with us in times of sorrow and loved us when we weren’t so lovable.

As we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, remember to thank God for

the precious gifts He has bestowed upon us, His anointed men and women of God, our beloved Pastors!

“And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12

Peace and blessings . . .

Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women's advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.

B. Turner Apostle Dr. Winona

Q&A Interview - Apostle Dr. Winona B. Turner

27 years of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International

G&G: Apostle Turner, welcome to Grace& Glory Magazine. It is an honor to talk with you and to be a part of your 27th Anniversary Celebration of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International. How do you feel right now, are you at all surprised at where you are today? Has the reality of it sunk in?

Apostle Turner: I am in ‘awe’ of where I am right now because I was not raised in the church, although we went to church occasionally. The reality of this journey to me is that God is a keeper because I want to be kept! That is why I am here.

G&G: Apostle Turner, let's go back to the beginning. Would you share with us how this 27-year journey began and the vision behind starting the ministry of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International?

Apostle Turner: The Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit when I was living in Columbia, MD that He was calling me to be a Pastor. I told my husband first. He has always supported me in my walk with God. That Word was later confirmed at a conference at New Creation Christian Church, where Chief Apostle Aaron B. Claxton was Apostle. He had invited an Evangelist named Mother Warren who called me out in the midst of the service as I was sitting in the back of the church. She publicly announced that God had called me to the Pastorate. The Vision is the name of the church. Our church is in existence for souls who are being drawn to God, searching for God, and wanting to know the truth about God.

G&G: Apostle Turner, how would you describe these last 27 years of ministry? Were there any unexpected hurdles you had to overcome in building this ministry? What were some of your most notable accomplishments?

Apostle Turner: I describe these last 27 years as ‘Ride ‘em Cowboy!’ It’s been a bumpy ride of ups and downs, but I am still holding on. There were many hurdles but the two outstanding hurdles that came to take me out were cancer and a heart attack. God healed me completely from both health issues. He gave me ‘New Blood’ from the heart attack. I say it is the blood of Jesus and a ‘New Heart’. Fresh Start Christian Academy was one of my most notable accomplishments. It was a Christian School educating Kindergarten – 9th grade that gave students a Godly foundation to go forward in life. Spirit of Truth School of Ministry and Bible College is another accomplishment that God allowed me to gather 5-fold Ministry Gifts in the Kingdom of God to teach and be examples of what they taught to the students. Lastly, I have written manuals and am currently writing others, focusing on different areas in ministry to empower God’s people with instructions and knowledge needed to operate properly in the Kingdom of God.

G&G: Apostle Turner, looking back at where you were when you started this journey, was there a point when you realized that God had called you to an assignment of this magnitude?

Apostle Turner: As I began to Pastor, God began to birth out the vision for the Ministry. First, was Fresh Start Christian Academy, a daycare and food outreach and it continued to grow to meet the needs of the church as well as the community.

G&G: Apostle Turner, as you reflect on these 27 years, did you ever think what have I signed myself up for? Have you ever wanted to quit and throw in the towel? Apostle Turner: I have to say no. I really did not sign myself up to the life I am living. I was captured by God,

Continued on page 10

Apostle Winona Turner, husband Deacon Thomas Turner, children Tonya, Cory, and Alfred Turner

Continued from page 9

and it was evident that He wanted me and there was no turning back. I would be lost, and I could not say there was anyone else I could put my trust in. I held onto Him knowing that ‘He that started a good work in me shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ I am persuaded that God will lead and guide me in truth and that is why I’m still here. I have learned to do nothing until I know it is God. God has always raised up strategic ones to help along the journey to give clarity and direction and keep me on the path to Him.

G&G: Apostle Turner, part of your 27-year legacy is leading Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International with great passion. It has been said that great passion does not come without great pain. Is this a true statement for your journey?

Apostle Turner: Yes, it is true that great passion does not come without great pain. I can say I had a great passion- a zeal for God and not the true knowledge I needed in making decisions on this journey that made it painful. I suffered through it by not letting go of God and God revealed truth, that I have continued to this day.

G&G: Apostle Turner, what encourages you most as the Pastor of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International? What has brought you the greatest joy in your 27 years as Pastor of this ministry?

Apostle Turner: It amazes me that God always shows up when I do not know what to do. His presence is so encouraging. I have some wonderful leaders and members in our church. I know them and they know me. The greatest joy I have as the Pastor of

this Ministry is that I have leaders and members who have a spirit to keep going forward.

G&G: Apostle Turner, after 27 years, I believe it's safe to say that you lead a successful ministry. What would you say are the ingredients for longevity and success today?

Apostle Turner: I have a genuine relationship with God. I keep focused on the fact that God chose me, and I believe He called me for such a time as this. I believe obeying God is my highest responsibility. God led me to be covered by leaders to be taught and accountable to until His time and release. When it was time, I sat down with each leader to let them know what I believed God was saying. I have always had Godly coverings that pray for me and speak into my life keeping me accountable to God’s Word.

G&G: Apostle Turner, as you continue to lead the ministry of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International, where would you like-to see this ministry in the future?

Apostle Turner: I would like to see those who have been called to this Ministry to actively operate in the areas of the vision of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International. Not only to mature people and fellowship inside the church, but outside the church by going into the different areas of their giftings to make a difference wherever they are.

G&G: Apostle Turner, would you share with us what you have planned to celebrate the 27th Anniversary of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International?

Apostle Turner: For the 27th Anniversary of Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International we are having a phenomenal Prayer Breakfast with the theme of ‘Fresh Fire’ on that 2nd Saturday in November for men and women to be blessed by the awesome gift of Apostle Dr. Dwight Smith. We will also have other speakers coming from Nairobi, Kenya, New York, and other regions to celebrate the 27th Anniversary throughout the month of November.

an introvert; I truly am not an outgoing person. Although, I do love to laugh and enjoy being around people who are down to earth.

G&G: What do you like to do to relax and rewind?

Apostle Turner: Most of all, I just enjoy my quiet time and reading a good book. I enjoy going to Home Goods stores to decorate for the different seasons during the year.

G&G: Is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact on your life and ministry journey?

G&G: Apostle Turner, shifting a little with a few personal questions, most pastors have shared that “preaching the gospel" was not what they had planned for their lives. Was it the same for you?

Apostle Turner: Yes, it was the same for me. I had no idea God wanted me to do what I am doing. I thought I was going to be a teacher or a social worker. I would never have imagined myself preaching.

G&G: How would you describe yourself in three words?

Apostle Turner: I would describe myself as: Peculiar; No-Nonsense and Dedicated to my assignment. I always say my name is Win-on-a; that is to Win-On-A (Again and again!)

G&G: What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

Apostle Turner: People would be surprised to know I am basically

Apostle Turner: The person who had a tremendous impact on my life and Ministry was Chief Apostle Aaron B. Claxton. His ministry was a training center to develop the Body of Christ and he recognized the call on my life. Chief Apostle Claxton ordained me in several areas of ministry as well as the Apostolic consecration charge on my life. He and Apostle Dr. Deborah Claxton stood beside me with Prayer, Power, and Authority during my trial with cancer.

G&G: Apostle Turner, in closing what do you believe the Body of Christ should be saying and doing at this critical time in our communities?

Apostle Turner: The Body of Christ should be saying it's time to turn and seek God. The Body of Christ must serve and meet the needs of our communities to transform lives. God has given believers everything that pertains to life and Godliness, therefore wherever we are, God has us there to make a difference.

Apostle Turner, Deacon Turner, Spirit of Truth Kingdom Worship Center, International Members

Apostle Turner, brother Thomas Wallace & sister Dr. Belinda Carberry

15TH ANNUAL DONATE LIFE FAMILY FUN RUN 5K

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October 29, 2023 Camden Yards Sports Complex, Baltimore, MD

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Deonne Min. Carenda

Now Faith

If I were to ask you, how do you define faith? What would you say? When you consider the principle of faith, what does that look like for you? How have you incorporated faith into your daily lifestyle? I recently read this book entitled, The Growing Power of Faith by Roxanne Brant. It’s not a book filled with hundreds and hundreds of pages. As a matter of fact, eighty-one to be exact, but it’s filled with numerous teachings and examples of faith. The author states, “Faith is a force that we can build up in our lives. The amount of faith we have and how quickly or slowly it grows is up to us.” Our faith should be ever growing! I attended a service recently and the preacher stated, “The presence of doubt does not mean you do not have faith. Doubt never comes first. Belief comes first because you cannot doubt something you have never believed. However, when doubt shows up you must look past your reasons to quit and keep going.” Wow, that is powerful when you take time to really think about it.

Recently, I have been intentional by saying to the Lord, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Not only have I been saying it daily but repeating it several times throughout the day. For me, that is activating my faith. It’s not only an extension of hope, but also trust. I am by nature a go getter and I like to see results. However, when I think about living a lifestyle of faith, it means involving God in every area of my life. I am learning to speak, “Lord, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” . . . before meetings, projects, conversations, speaking engagements, presentations, and in my quiet time. Personally, it is a faith reminder that only His will is what’s best for me.

At times, I think we gravitate so much on desiring favor, and walking in favor, that we miss the opportunity to build our faith. I am not in any way speaking against favor. I am a witness to the power of favor, as a matter of fact I am a witness to

uncommon favor, but I can tell you that my prayers and focus became so consumed with desiring favor, that the substance of my faith was lacking. It was as if whatever I lacked in faith, I wanted favor to make up the difference. I just keep hearing the Holy Spirit tell me, “NOW FAITH!” Which means, a faith that speaks up for such a time as this.

I am telling you with everything within me, you can’t stop growing your faith. There is too much going on in your life, and mine, to keep faith in an inadequate state. The bible teaches us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). If faith is the substance of things hoped for, how can we increase in our substance? We do that by bragging on God, by reflecting on our track record with God, and sharing our testimony about God’s love with others.

As we are asking of the Lord and desiring that He answer our prayer requests, our hope must be filled with substance, so that NOW FAITH can be cultivated for harvest! In this month, check your substance! Have you been doing more complaining lately? Have you given thanks in all things? Have you stopped your busy schedule and just got on your knees to express gratitude? I pray that as you abundantly increase in substance, there will be more testimonies regarding the evidence of NOW FAITH.

If you have a prayer partner, pray more regarding faith. Don’t let this year end and your faith is just sitting in que. You must be intentional. God is intentional about everything concerning us. NOW FAITH! Oh, let faith arise! I look forward hearing your testimonies.

Live life on the promise of IMPACT!

Min. Carenda Deonne www.carendadeonne.com

DEBNAM Dr. Carla

Know the Signs

This month we acknowledge those impacted by domestic violence and breast cancer. You can be healed from both, and they can also be deadly. Many times, people do not know how they can prevent, detect, and seek treatment when in harm’s way or a diagnosis is made. Knowing the signs can help those around us live and thrive after experiencing what can be traumatic experiences. Beyond words we must be proactive in preventing and protecting ourselves from harm.

Some of the signs of abuse in a relationship of any kind is the need for the abuser to have power and control. This can sometimes be through verbal abuse by demeaning, shaming and belittling words towards the other individual or family member. It can be subtle like telling someone that they are stupid or never do anything right or overt name calling especially in front of others. Sometimes the signs are not allowing the person to visit family, giving them dirty looks, hindering access to family finances, pressure to use alcohol, drugs or have sex, and having bouts of extreme jealousy. It can

escalate to threats with weapons, threats towards others you care about and beatings. These are signs that the relationship is not healthy and maybe it is time to seek help.

Facing and detecting breast cancer can be done with yearly mammograms and breast selfexamination. It is important to know your family history because you may need to screen earlier than what is recommended.

Communication with family and your health care provider is important. Many times, we do not know others have serious illnesses until it is too late. Some of the signs to look for are any change in the size or the shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood) or a new lump in the breast. Family history, getting older, breast density, and having previous radiation therapy can be risk factors. Risk factors you can control are decreasing alcohol use, exercise, healthy eating, and obesity at an older age.

While domestic, intimate partner and family violence is not new

there are ways we can help those in harm’s way by supporting and educating them as they seek to break free from the abuse and get the help they desire. Learning not to judge those in abusive relationships but being there, when possible, can make a difference in their healing journey. Educating those in our circle about breast cancer and what we can do to prevent it is the best support we can give. If someone you know is going through that diagnosis and healing journey, encourage them as well. Both issues are troubling and can be very stressful for the individual and their family and friends. Be there for those in need and make their journey a little more bearable. Offer a safe space to hear their concerns, provide transportation, or refer them to a counselor. You may be the only hope or help someone has as they take the path to overcome their pain and health challenges.

Sources

https://www.thehotline.org/identifyabuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ dcpc/resources/features/ breastcancerawareness/index.htm

Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

Pastor Keisha T. Jones, M.Div.

GEORGETracey

Securing the S.E.E.D.

Your harvest is here! You have sown your seeds in silence with your prayers asking God to bless you and to manifest the abundant life He has just for you. Now is the time to set your sight on the seeds you have sown. You are in your due season so get ready to secure your seed. To secure your seed, you will have to speak to your seed. You may have to suffer some to bring forth your seed. You will have to spend time with your seed. Lastly, you can then savor and celebrate the seed you have sown because it will be manifested. It’s your due season. Get ready to savor and secure the seed you have sown.

Speak to your seed to make it manifest. Only you can manifest what you want so you must take the initiative and time to speak life into your seed. After you planted your seed, watered it, and know that it is on good ground, it is now time to believe that God will manifest the seed you have sown. Speak to your seed by declaring over it all the promises of God. Now is the time to search and recite the scriptures to build your faith to know that God wants to perfect all those things that concern you (Psalm 138:8). You can call those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17). You can begin speaking aloud what you envision for your seed and begin to celebrate in advance because God will help you secure your seed. Manifest it with your mouth and secure your seed.

You may have to suffer to secure your seed. You may have to endure hard times on the path to your promise. You may sweat securing your seed but, in the end, you will be satisfied with the outcome. You will have to keep pushing knowing that you will secure your seed and all the suffering is a set up for success. God wants you to ask Him a hard thing so He can prove to you that nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:37). You know from your past experiences that there is nothing too hard for God. Secure your seed and let it be a symbol of your push to your prosperity.

Let the Son shine on your seed. Spend time with Jesus, the Son of God. Let His presence expose your seed to His anointing that soothes, saturates, and that offers the sustenance needed for your seed to manifest. In His presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10) to secure your seed.

Savor the opportunity and celebrate securing your seed. God wants to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4) so He will manifest your seed. You must believe that God will bless the fruits of your labor. Have faith in your Father that He will bless you and give you access to all His Kingdom benefits that are associated with securing the seed. Remember this acronym for S.E.E.D: S-seeing, E-everything, E-established, D-done. Decree, declare, pronounce, and proclaim: “I am seeing everything I established done.” Make it your affirmation and say it until you see it!

Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com

What Are You Willing to Sacrifice?

These are just a few examples in the Bible.

So yes, for her life was hard looking through her eyes, but for me as a parent, I was looking through my eyes. Not at the sacrifices that she feels that she makes but at the sacrifices that I make for her. Sometimes we forget what it’s like to be a child as we grow but be reminded that we are all children of God and just as life gets difficult for us, He makes things easier. Our job as parents is to make things easier for our children.

I was talking with my younger daughter, and she mentioned how tiring it was being a child. I was truly offended. My response was, “Oh I’m sorry that it’s so hard to open the refrigerator and see food or is it hard turning on the faucet and water comes out, and I know it’s hard flickering the light switch and the lights come on. Please stop me at the point where things became hard.” Not only was I truly offended I was bothered by the sacrifices that I make to make her life easier. Then God had to remind me of a time when I thought life was hard and I complained to my Father about how hard my life was. We are children to someone and at that moment the adult had to apologize to her child as well as to her Father. Just at that moment I was reminded of scriptures where life was hard, and God was there to make things easier.

• When Jesus died on the cross. Luke 23:44-49

• Daniel in the Lion’s den. Daniel 6:16

• Israel suffering in Egypt. Exodus 3:7-10

What are you willing to sacrifice or let go for the Father? Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son. (Genesis 22:1-15) We make sacrifices daily. However, how many of those sacrifices that we make are sacrifices that are used to benefit our relationship with our Father. From time to time, we find ourselves in the same cycle, saying to ourselves we’re going to let this or that go, saying that if I do this, then this will be better; but truly how often do we make those sacrifices or let those things go. Do we cut those people out of our lives so that our lives can be better? What sacrifices are you willing to make? What are you willing to walk away from? What are you willing to get out of your life to make your life better?

I know some of those sacrifices seem to be difficult. It may be walking away from someone that you truly don’t want to, but that person truly isn’t any good for you. It also can be not listening to certain music, or not being in the company of certain people. You know what your sacrifices are that you need to make. But if you’re unsure go to your heavenly Father and He will let you know what those sacrifices are that need to be made that will help you grow.

Be reminded of the sacrifice that was made for you. The life that was taken or given freely so that our lives could be better.

Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org

October is Breast Cancer Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, I am challenged to write a meaningful commentary on the occurrence of this disease and fight against breast cancer.

I am consistently moved by the strength, fortitude, and tenacity of the women confronting this disorder.

In October, we take the time to celebrate and pray for the millions of women who are victorious winners and courageous fighters of this disease. Almost everyone knows of a mother, sister, relative, or friend who has experienced this widespread disease. And, I ask myself each year, how close are we to the needed prevention and treatment to stop this disease?

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Scientists contribute a combination of risk factors to the development of breast cancer. These include reproductive history, alcohol consumption, getting older, and genetics.

In reflection, I realize we have made enormous strides in detecting and treating breast cancer. Digital mammography allows practitioners to spot tiny lesions in breast tissue that may not be felt on palpation. We have expert genetic testing that identifies the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene that contributes to the development of breast cancer. We have increased awareness of the importance of self-breast examinations and knowing the breast history of our mothers, aunts, and sisters. Our diagnostic centers call and remind us when to get our yearly mammograms.

I stated in past articles that I have had the humbling experience of witnessing several friends fight through this potentially devastating disease. Each woman I viewed as a champion of courage. I shared their conversations and feelings about how they deal with the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. They said they were shocked and numb when they heard the

news they had breast cancer. Some stated they had to be advocates for their treatment and stated that, at times, the therapy was grueling.

Let me give you an update on the women I wrote about. It’s been three years since two of my best friends developed breast cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic. They had to confront two potentially deadly diseases. Each had surgery and follow-up treatment. Today, they are healthy. They work each day, go on vacation, and love each day they have with family and friends. They say cancer positively changed them. They are more willing to embark on new projects and opportunities they would have never considered before. They say life is more precious.

Two other women are entering their sixth year being cancer-free. They still get anxious when it’s time for mammograms. They say that feeling will never go away. But they don’t think about cancer every day.

As I write this article, I am moved again by their strength, faith, and endurance. Some of these women continued working at their jobs while undergoing treatment. Their actions were powerful, exemplifying a will to live and the determination to survive and win against an overwhelming force. I continue to be in awe of these women.

I dedicate this article to my friends and all women with breast cancer. My prayers cover you. You inspire me. You exemplify the good fight of faith. I appreciate you sharing your journey with me and others. May God continue to keep you in His perfect peace. I pray for continued happiness, wholeness, and health for you, in the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

healthytips025@gmail.com

René

Award-Nominated

Songstress, Andrea René, Implores Forgiveness In

Touching New Single, “Forgive Me”

(Washington, DC) – July 10, 2023 –Forgiveness is a very difficult thing to do. Gospel Artist Andrea René knows first-hand just how difficult it is. But the multiple WAMMIE Award Nominee felt the Lord tug on her heart to record her latest single, “Forgive Me,” to remind believers that, although hard, the Lord still requires us to forgive. A remake of a tune penned by Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire and made famous by the late Disco Queen herself, Donna Summer, “Forgive Me” is a plea to God to help extend the grace to others that’s already been extended to us. The new single, released on the artist’s own Inspirational Song Factory record label, is currently available on all digital platforms.

Produced by keyboardist and fellow artist Ruth Goolsby of RNG MUSIQ Productions and mixed and mastered by Mark Reiter of the GRAMMY Award-winning recording studio, Bias Studios in Springfield, VA, the track showcases Andrea René’s mellow - yet powerful vocals - over soft jazz instrumentation. In addition to the captivating melody, the

gut-wrenching and heartfelt lyrics will find the listener reflecting on their own personal journey of forgiveness.

“A few years ago, I was sitting in a church service, and the preacher was preaching about different attributes that Christians should have,” Andrea René recounts. “He had with him some wooden cutouts of those attributes, and as he preached, he began passing them out to people in the congregation randomly. He walked up to me and handed me the cutout that said, ‘Forgiveness’. In that moment, I knew the Lord was speaking to me. It was then that I began to look at my life and the unforgiveness that I had been harboring. I knew God wanted me to deal with it – starting that day. It’s been a difficult journey, but I have forgiven people and am in the process of forgiving others – even those who have inflicted the deepest pain upon me. As a believer – no matter the circumstance – I am expected to forgive.” Andrea René hopes others take on the forgiveness task as well. “Even if it’s just a prayer, asking God to give you the strength to forgive is a step,” she shares. “For some, it may be a phone call, a text, a letter or a visit. Whatever it is, take that step. God views it as vitally important.” The artist hopes the new single, “Forgive Me”, will make the process a little easier.

Known for other singles such as “Count It As Done” and “Who Do I Run To” and her performances of the National Anthem for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and the Georgetown University Hoyas, Andrea René was groomed in Gospel by former choir directors and Gospel greats Richard Smallwood, Byron Cage and Ricky Dillard. In addition to being a gifted vocalist, songwriter, pianist and producer in her own right, the 25-year music industry veteran got her start in the music business as a manager at The Recording Academy/GRAMMY Awards and later as an award-nominated Gospel music publicist representing artists such as Gladys Knight, Pastor Charles Jenkins and the late Andraé Crouch. A Summa Cum Laude Graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Andrea René will release a new EP in late 2023.

To connect with Andrea René, log on to www.andrearenemusic.com or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Click here for a video of a snippet of “Forgive Me”: https://youtu.be/Q7lT6uSXXsY

Click here for a hi-res photo of cover art: https://andrearenewilliams.com/music/ForgiveMeCoverArt.png

Click here for audio of the full song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkqBMPxM_uM

Click here for a bio of Andrea René: http://www.andrearenewilliams.com/ForgiveMeBio.pdf

Publicity Relations: Inspirational Song Factory, LLC inspirationalsongfactory@gmail.com 240.370.9926