MONTHLY MANNA

Min. Carenda Deonne

The Wisdom Factor!

We are truly in a season where wisdom is essential. Some of us are dealing with tremendous warfare. Even as I pray and fast this month, it is most urgent for me to learn how to lead a quiet life, even on the battle front. Some of us are feeling on edge. Some of us are dealing with increased temptation. With so many demands, pressures, and stress all around us, we must pray for increased wisdom. Not only must we pray for wisdom, but we must also pray for understanding. Let’s look at one of my favorite scriptures, Proverbs 4:6-9.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

When we look at verse six, we understand that wisdom is something that we can not forsake or abandon. Why, because wisdom will protect you; it will keep you safe from harm or injury; mentally, physically, and emotionally. When we walk away from wisdom, we welcome selfishness, disobedience and worry! When we have wisdom, it will lower our blood pressure, give us peace during a storm, and calm any anxiety. There are many reasons why someone might forsake wisdom but remember, when that happens you open yourself to a vulnerable state of instability.

I can’t help but think about some decisions I made in life, and how the spirit of ignorance and pride was more evident, as opposed to wisdom. I wanted things my way, and if I can be completely transparent, there were times when I felt God needed my help. However, once I repented and started seeking the wisdom of God, so many things in my life pivoted in the right direction. Not walking in wisdom placed me in bondage. However, walking in the wisdom of God has given me great liberty. Remember, when you embrace wisdom she yields protection, and when you love wisdom, she will watch over you! If you take a moment to pause, wisdom will speak and provide insight in every area of your life. What I love about wisdom is during times of turbulence and unsettlement, wisdom will lavish calmness, stability, and serenity.

I love that the bible is very clear and commands us to get wisdom. There is not another option suitable enough. It doesn’t tell us to try it, buy it, or think about it. No, it says, “Get wisdom.” That encourages me not to see wisdom as an option, but as a lifestyle. I also love the bible because it teaches us in James 1:5, “If anyone of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” How loving is our Heavenly Father that tells us to get wisdom, and if we lack wisdom; all we need to do is ask. I don’t know what life situations you are currently facing, but I want to encourage you to rise up, and GET WISDOM!

I have also learned that It’s necessary to surround yourself with others who have wisdom. Let me give you an example on how the wisdom of my father, Jerry O. Pittman, has impacted my life. For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am a true daddy’s girl. My dad and I frequently have deep conversations, and he said to me one day, “I hear you talk about your testimony on how God brought you through two failed marriages, and I am grateful that He did, but as your father, I desire that your testimony does not end there. I also desire for you to testify to a happy and healthy marriage. I desire that you not only testify to how God brought you through, but how God brought you up!” That was the best wisdom my father has given me, and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.

He planted a seed to remind me no matter what I face in life, hold on and hold out. Don’t let your testimony end on just how God brought you through something, but also how he brought you up to a higher level in your purpose. Thank God for His grace that today I can testify being in a healthy, and blissful marriage. If I can go a little deeper, it also made me think, if this was the desire of my earthly father, how much more are the desires of my heavenly father!

I just want to encourage you today to hold on and hold out! I want to encourage you that there is more to your testimony! Continue to seek wisdom. Let wisdom elevate you. Let wisdom honor you. Let wisdom build you. Let wisdom exalt you. Don’t go another breath living your life without wisdom. I promise you, if you ask for wisdom, get wisdom and honor wisdom, your crown will be filled with priceless gems.

Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon

MA in Law/Certified Stress Management Coach www.carendadeonne.com

Increasing Your Health Literacy Skills

Picture this scenario… You are visiting your doctor for a routine office visit. The doctor is reviewing your health information and status with you. Are you able to understand what the doctor is discussing with you?

Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals can find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others (CDC, Health people 2023).

Taking care of our health is an essential part of everyday life. Having the ability to understand health information is necessary to maintain our well-being. Health literacy can help individuals manage and prevent health problems and make the healthcare environment easier to navigate. Inadequate health literacy can adversely affect an individual’s health and well-being. Poor health literacy skills can result in poor self-care, increased utilization of health services, worse outcomes, poor adherence to care directives, and decreased likelihood of receiving preventive care and services. Poor communication with patients also contributes to unnecessary readmissions and reduced patient satisfaction with the healthcare provider and agency.

There are simple ways to improve your health literacy skills and make sure you receive understandable information from your healthcare providers. First, insist that your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare providers speak to you using language you can understand. Health information can be confusing even for those with advanced literacy skills. It’s easy for those working in health care to forget that they speak in a language that patients can’t always easily understand. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be assertive to get the information you need. Ask the provider to speak slowly and repeat information as necessary. Consider taking a friend or a loved one to the appointment to also hear what is being said by the provider. This is especially important when the patient is elderly or may have cognitive or sensory deficits that interfere with comprehending the provided information. Get a phone number or email address to use if you have questions after you leave the appointment.

Write down a list of questions before you go to each appointment. Use these questions to guide your discussion with the provider. Request written information to support what you were told. Ask the provider for reliable websites and other resources to help explain your condition.

Use technology to increase your understanding of your health condition. Access and review your health information through internet-based patient portals and use mobile apps provided by the health care agency.

Take the time to demonstrate the correct use of a device or perform a task. Repeat the demonstration several times before your leave the office.

Clarify how long you will need to take a medication or participate in other types of therapy. Seek to understand the benefits and disadvantages of the treatment and inquire about alternative therapies that could be used to treat your disorder.

Having clear access to and understanding healthcare information can make us feel, do, and live better. Using these health literacy strategies strengthens the communication between doctor and patient. Furthermore, these strategies encourage individuals to Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels advocate for themselves and will Assistant Professor at help you to gain maximum support Coppin State University from your healthcare provider. DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com

Ericka J.

Pastor Mike Jr

Pastor Mike Jr. spoke his own manifestation when he pinned the lyrics to his song “Big” since hitting the scene he has been blazing. At this year’s Stellar Awards, he swept through majorly taking home 6 Stellar Awards! "Contemporary Male Artist of the Year", "Contemporary Album of the Year", "Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year", as well as "Album of the Year" for I Got It: Single's Ministry Vol. 1, he’s definitely a force, and I’m enjoying watching it!

Ricky Dillard Sam Roberts

N e w s Sam Roberts & Levites Assembly will be recording! While we had gotten spoiled here in the DMV as he is “our own’ Sam relocated for greater ministry, but have no fear, he’s bringing the live recording experience back home to Washington DC. Sam has been known to keep that good ole choir music going as well! I can’t wait!

“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com

This year’s James Cleveland Award went to none other than Ricky Dillard and he’s most deserving of it. He’s been intentional in keeping Choir Music alive no matter what was happening in the industry, he has maintained his lane and been incomparable in doing so from the beginning of his career. Thus, why he did his tribute performance as only Ricky Dillard & New G can deliver I love this for him! He’s truly a GOSPEL LEGEND!

Israel & Adrienne

Welcome a bouncing baby boy! After IVF failures, miscarriages, and disappointment, this couple has found this new love, in whom God sent to bless this family through surrogacy. They definitely broke the internet with the baby announcement, they kept it a secret the whole 9.

Maverick City

What more can we say about these guys! Their music ministry was incredible from the start each singer owning their own lane while being the perfect match to collaborative body. Their performance with Kirk Franklin at the end of the 37th Annual Stellar Awards was nothing short of amazing, man anything Kirk Franklin touches turns to gold! They also won Song of The Year for “Jireh”!

Todd Dulaney

Todd Dulaney is doing his Live Recording on September 16th-17th in Chicago! A live studio audience for the recording of a TV Series titled “Take Your Place” on the 16th, and on the 17th will be the live recording of his upcoming project “The Journey Continues”. Big news he and Bishop Hezekiah Walker will be recording together for the first time, he also has Darryl Walls of the Walls Group on the line up as well. Todd Dulaney always delivers great music and I’m excited about this!

JJ Hairston

JJ Hairston is dropping new music and I’m glad about it! I got a chance to experience the single “Thankful” live and it’s good! The full record drops on September 9th titled “Believe Again”, make sure you do yourself a favor and go and grab it!

Melissa Bethea

You’ve heard this vocal powerhouse featured with JJ Hairston & YP, but she has now been officially signed to Tyscott Records and has dropped some fire of her own! “Awesome” is available NOW at all digital media outlets, and she has her music video poppin’ as well, go support! This song is def one you’ll be bumpin’ while you’re in your car and need that “feel good thank you God for being AWESOME” vibe. Available at all digital media outlets.

Pastor Mike Jr Ricky Dillard

Israel & Adrienne Maverick City

Todd Dulaney

Melissa Bethea JJ Hairston

Sam Roberts