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2 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
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MARCH 2014
™
contents on the cover: Dr. Leah E. White
Greater Faith Baptist Church 3000 Huntingdon Avenue Baltimore, MD 21211 410-889-1700 www.gfbcbaltimore.org
Special Features
8 Q&A INTERVIEW
Dr. Leah E. White, Pastor
Greater Faith Baptist Church
15 PERSON OF INTEREST
Antoinette Brown-Blackwell
First American Woman Ordained as a Minister
Feature Articles 19 MAYOR’S JOURNAL Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
21 GOVERNOR’S PAGE Governor Martin O’Malley
Brandie Manigault
Hurt People Hurt People (Sandra D. Wilson)
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Dr. Monique Flemings
The Successful Single
35 TEEN CONNECT
37 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten
Healthy Body
33 SINGLE LIFE
31 BOOK SHELF
A New Chapter in Baltimore City
Mark Gregston cbn.com
Why Teens Seek the Wrong Crowd
41 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights
National Nutrition Month
Healthy Mind 27 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC
Mistakes
Healthy Soul 17 FROM THE PULPIT
Dr. Dana E. Neal
It’s Me Oh Lord! 29 STORY OF HOPE inspire21.com – Is Your Hut Burning? 46 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Donna Williams-Ross
Hello World!
Healthy Finances 39 FINANCE
americasaves.org
5 Saving Strategies
Entertainment 44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
In Every Issue Scripture Page............................................................. 47 Contributors................................................................... 6 From the Editor.............................................................. 7
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For the the LORD LORD God God is is aa sun sun and and shield: shield: the the LORD LORD will will give give grace grace and and glory: glory: For no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 84:11 Psalm
Contributors
PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps Epps PUBLISHER/ Jackie EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL Dr. Kenneth Kenneth O. O. Robinson Robinson Dr. EDITORIAL Harold A. Carter, Jr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Vaughn-Fox Cassandra Herline A. A. Knights Knights Herline Pastors Gregory and Tonya Tonya Dennis Dennis Pastors Gregory and Carla J.J. Debnam Debnam Carla Donna Williams-Ross Williams-Ross Donna Governor Martin O’Malley O’Malley Governor Martin Ericka Johnson Johnson Ericka Mayor Stephanie Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rawlings-Blake Mayor Rev. Tim Tim Tooten Tooten Rev. Brandie Manigault Manigault Brandie PHOTOGRAPHY Mark L. Dennis PHOTOGRAPHY Mark L. Jones Dennis Alan L. Alan L. Jones GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com www.artsperiod.com PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. aCopyright Baltimore2014. based, publisher. Allindependent rights reserved. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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Chairman — — D Dr. A.C. D. D. Vaughn Vaughn Chairman r. A.C. Sr. Pastor, Pastor, Sharon Sharon Baptist Baptist Church, Church, MD MD Sr. Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Pastor, Bethel Bethel A.M.E. A.M.E. Church, Church, MD MD SSr. r. Pastor, Dr. Jerome A. Barber Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Mount Zion Zion Baptist Baptist Temple, Temple, Hampton Hampton ,, VA VA Sixth Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC ITC Seminary, Seminary, Atlanta, Atlanta, GA GA President, Dr. Timothy Timothy Boddie Boddie Dr. Friendship Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Atlanta, Atlanta, GA GA Friendship Bishop John R. Bryant Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate Prelate of of the the 5th 5th Episcopal Episcopal District District Presiding Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New New Shiloh Shiloh Baptist Baptist Church, Church, MD MD Pastor, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam WIlliam H. H. Curtis Curtis Dr. Mt. Ararat Ararat Baptist Baptist Church, Church, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA PA Mt. Bishop Ralph Ralph L. L. Dennis Dennis Bishop Sr. Pastor, Pastor, Kingdom Kingdom Worship Worship Center, Center, MD MD Sr. Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. J.K. Epps/Health Epps/Health Sciences Sciences Michele Cassandra Vaughn Cassandra Vaughn Media Executive Executive Media Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Hickman, Sr. Sr. Dr. Donte’ L. Pastor, Southern Southern Baptist Baptist Church, Church, MD MD Pastor, Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Bishop Dennis Dennis V. V. Proctor Proctor Bishop Presiding Prelate Prelate of of the the Western Western Episcopal Episcopal Region Region AME AME Zion Zion Church Church Presiding Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Restoring Restoring Life Life International International Church, Church, MD MD Pastor, Bishop Walter Walter Scott Scott Thomas, Thomas, Sr. Sr. Bishop Pastor, New New Psalmist Psalmist Baptist Baptist Church, Church, MD MD Pastor, Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Harvest Christian Christian Ministries, Ministries, MD MD Pastor,
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from the editor
NATIONAL March is National Women’s History Month. The public celebration of women’s history in this country began in 1978 as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, CA; the week including March 8, International Women’s Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and then Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme for National Women’s History Month is Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment. 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 is the ‘phenomenal’ Dr. Leah E. White, a dynamic woman of God who has been successful in many areas of her life professionally and spiritually. Also this month our female contributors will inspire, encourage and empower our women readers to celebrate their character, courage and commitment. To all of God’s Women, I salute you all and dedicate this special poem 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 you shall surely be transformed As, in you, God increases more; And become a woman of true excellence Bringing honour to her Lord.
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.
© By M.S.Lownde
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
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Q A
Q&A
&
Interview with
Dr. Leah E. White Greater Faith Baptist Church
G&G: Dr. White I am very excited for this opportunity to talk with you. We are delighted to feature you this month for Woman’s History Month as you celebrate your 20th Pastoral Anniversary. I am sure this is an exciting time for you and the Greater Faith Baptist Church. In one sentence how would you describe what you are feeling right now? Dr. White: I am both excited by being featured by Grace and Glory at a time when we highlight the contributions of women to society and specifically to God and His people and humbled to be celebrated by the Greater Faith Family for having served as their shepherd for the past 20 years. G&G: Dr. White most pastors have shared with me that ‘preaching the gospel’ was not necessarily what they had planned to do with their lives. Was it the same for you, did you ever imagine you’d be a Pastor; or did you have other plans for your life before your call to ministry? Dr. White: I began my professional career as a Classroom Teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools and then a Reading Specialist. Throughout my career, I’ve worked for the Maryland State Department of Education, Baltimore City Public Schools and the New Psalmist Christian School. After returning to the Baltimore City Public Schools from the State Department, I became the founding principal or Administrator of the New Psalmist Christian School with a commitment to be instrumental in the formative years of children’s lives. I believe that in providing a strong academic background that is undergirded by a solid Christian foundation, we equip our children to become the kind of leaders that God desires. While serving as administrator, my passion for the Word of God and the People of God grew exponentially. I found myself thinking and preaching and ministering everywhere I went. Because I was the daughter of a strong preaching mother, the late Dr. Mary Antoinette Phillips and a true servant/leader father, the late Bro. James L. Mosley, I had no desire to become a preacher, less more a pastor. My first-hand knowledge of the demands of ministry resulted in my wanting no part of it. I just wanted to be a “Professional Educator”. However, the word of God rang true, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) I wrestled with the call and tried to do everything humanly possible to avoid the call, but the more I struggled, the greater the conviction. I became so compelled that I wept my way through. After becoming a preacher, I soon felt the call to pastor. Although there were other Baptist women pastors, no organized Baptist
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church in Baltimore had ever called a female to lead them. I remember saying to my pastor, Bishop Walter S. Thomas that I would never experience the call to the pastorate, as my brothers. But once again, I discovered that God’s Word is true. “......... My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV) Shortly after that, the then Remnant Baptist Church extended the call for me to come and lead them as their pastor. Twenty years later, we look back on that day and have since changed our location, our name and our spirit and have become the Greater Faith Baptist Church. G&G: Dr. White, please share with us how this journey began for you; growing up as a young girl what were some of your dreams and aspirations? When did you realize your passion and purpose for your life? Dr. White: I grew up in the church. In fact, as a youth, I had an interdenominational experience. I’d spend my Sundays going from church to church. I began the day in Sunday School at Union Memorial United Methodist Church where my maternal grandmother was a steward and then go to Gillis Christian Community Church where my parents, sister and brother and I belonged, for morning worship. Later in the afternoon, I’d go to Emmanuel Christian Community Church for the Christian Training Union where my paternal grandmother was the Mother of the Church. I’d end my evenings either at Doswell Cathedral Church of God in Christ or First Apostolic Faith Church, where they had a strong youth and music ministry. I don’t ever remember a season when I didn’t go to church. I remember the day I surrendered to the call to preach the gospel. By then I’d moved my membership to the New Psalmist Baptist Church. Bishop Vashti McKenzie had been invited to preach our Women’s Day in 1986. She preached, “Who Knows If You’ve Not Been Called” from the 4th chapter of Esther. Despite the restless nights, the hours of crying, the lengthy list I’d made of “worthy” candidates to preach the gospel and the many ways I’d attempted to avoid preaching, the Word of God arrested me and I could no longer escape. In the midst of my doctoral work at Dayton, I felt the call to pastor God’s people. I found myself consumed by the concerns and cares of the members of the church and the families of the students
Q&A of the New Psalmist Christian School. I passionately desired to solve their problems, alleviate their pain and assist them in their growth and relationship with Christ. It was an inescapable passion over which I had no power or control. Preaching was no longer enough. I knew God was calling me to pastor. Over the years, I became burdened for women and their roles as they ministered to families, the community, on their jobs, both behind the sacred desk and from the pew. I realized that God had given me a special gift to minister to them and provide mentoring for them. Subsequently, I organized Sisters In Ministry, a 16 year old, mentoring group designed to nurture, inform, challenge and encourage women in ministry. G&G: Dr. White, what is one thing that most people would be surprised to know about you? What is the biggest misconception some people may have about you? Dr. White: Few people know how much of a home body, I am. I love being home, reading, making jewelry, centerpieces and cooking. I’m not a great technologist. In fact, I have trouble operating the DVD. But, I love entertaining and planning events. The one thing I hate is going shopping for me. I thank God for Strip-Malls so I can drive up with my shopping list, run in and out. However, I love shopping for men’s clothing. I could spend hours shopping with Russell because I love seeing a well-dressed man. Unlike women, it doesn’t cost a million dollars for a man to look good. Ties, pocket scarf, shirts, socks and shoes can change an entire outfit. In fact, I use to dream of owning a haberdashery. That and owning real estate was going to be my second career.
experienced sexism in the pulpit. But I thank God for all of the women who endured and remained steadfast so that the “Stained glass ceiling” could be broken. I stand on their shoulders. Consequently, I don’t waste God’s time defending my call, but use it to answer the call and do the work that He has assigned to my hands. Because I believe that “your gifts will make room for you” and “if God be for me, it’s more than the world against me.” God has a special role for each of us. Just as our leadership styles differ and our gifts differ, so do the needs of the people to whom we are called. But because God knows what His people need, He provides by giving gifts to the Body of Christ. I view our diversity as a blessing and another example of the omniscience and omnipotence of God. Our response ought to be to maximize the gifts in the Body of Christ so that we become living epistles, His hands, His eyes, His ears, His feet, His voice, His presence in the earth. Do pastors who happen to be female face more obstacles as pastors and do we have a different leadership style than do our male counterparts? Just as most women have had challenges in pastoring, so have I. But I believe that my greatest challenges had nothing to do with my gender. While many of my sisters have had horrible experiences, God has been unusually kind to me. God has given me FAVOR and opened doors for me and provided opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve ministered on four continents, at conferences and churches throughout the nation and the islands. I’ve been tremendously blessed and I thank God for every opportunity. G&G: Dr. White, I know men and women do things differently, is there really a difference in how a man pastors a congregation as opposed to a congregation being led by a female pastor? Is it more challenging to lead men and women
G&G: Dr. White, after realizing your call to ministry, women themselves Dr. Leah E. White & Deacon Russell E. White have had to struggle to arrive at ordained ministry, were you ever concerned about being a female pastor? Did you face any obstacles on your road to as a female pastor? becoming a pastor? Would you say it is because women’s styles of Dr. White: Research indicates that women are more right brain ministry and leadership differ from traditional models? oriented, operating out of their creativity and emotional side than Dr. White: Women in ministry weren’t an anomaly for me. As a do our male counterparts. While our western culture applauds little girl, Rev. Tiny Chaney was the Assistant Pastor at the Gillis and affirms a right brain perspective, I find that the world is filled Memorial Christian Community Church where Dr. Theodore C. with persons needing healing, encouragement and empowerment. Jackson, Sr. served as pastor. Women served in top leadership That’s what the church does. So, we are designed and specially roles. They believed the Word of God that in Christ “there is gifted to meet the needs of the Body of Christ. God knew what His neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female”. They believed that we people needed when He created us. The Word of God encourages are all children of God and God uses who He chooses. Persons us in Jeremiah 1:5 it says, “Before I formed you in the womb I such as Rev. Dr. Agnes Alston and Rev. Dr. Dorothy R. Johnson knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you continue to serve there and have impacted others in ministry as a prophet to the nations.” NIV throughout Christendom. As a pastor who just happens to be female, my challenge is to Having a mother who preached everywhere and other women become balanced so that I can meet the needs of the congregation. and friends who were noted preachers, I had difficulty reconciling what I heard with my experiences. I have never personally Continued on pg. 10 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 99 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
Q&A Continued from pg. 9 Therefore, I must surround myself with persons who possess the competencies that I lack so that we bring balance to the ministry. G&G: Dr. White, please share with us what you have planned for this 20th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration? What can we look forward to? Dr. White: I believe that this is the season when we can BELIEVE THE UNBELIEVABLE AND EXPECT THE IMPOSSIBLE. So, this year, I’m believing God to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond that which we are able to ask or think according to His power that worketh within us. While I’m a big proponent of leaving a legacy but have been negligent in doing some of the things God told me to do; I plan to begin this year and will prayerfully be well on my way by the end of the year. I desire to be remembered for my contributions to the Kingdom of God. It is my prayer that I will leave my footprints wherever I walk and folk will be better for having crossed my path. G&G: Dr. White, what have been some of the challenges you faced during your twenty years as pastor of the Greater Faith Baptist Church? Were there areas of ministry that were difficult or frustrating to overcome? Would you say it has become more challenging to reach and save the lost? Is ministry hard at times? Dr. White: As the fifth pastor of the church in fifteen years, I had my work cut out for me. The church had 19 members, including children and was located in a storefront on a street where most of the homes were abandoned or boarded up. Doing ministry in a forsaken and forgotten community is difficult at best. The feeling of hopelessness and rejection becomes intrinsically and impacts our witness. It’s difficult to proclaim liberation for a spirit of bondage and oppression. So, changing the mindset of the people to help them realize that God had not forgotten them and that they were not leftovers, a remnant, as their name suggested but
than these shall ye do.” This season, we are believing God for the unbelievable and expecting the impossible. If He did it before, He can do it again. G&G: Dr. White, you’ve been at Greater Faith Baptist Church for 20 years, what has encouraged you most being the pastor of this phenomenal church? Tell us about your proudest achievement as pastor of the Greater Faith Baptist Church?
Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Dr. Leah E. White, Rev. Walter S. Thomas, Jr. Dr. White: Looking back over the past 20 years, the proudest moment I had as Pastor was when we moved from the storefront that seated about 34 - 40 people to our present church which seats about 225 - 250 people. G&G: Dr. White, what three words best describes the ministry of the Greater Faith Baptist Church? What things would motivate a person or a family to visit the Greater Faith Baptist Church, and perhaps become a member of this ministry? Are there things in the ministry to welcome and attract young adults and teens? Dr. White: Faith, Praise and Family best describes us. At Greater Faith, we walk by faith, see God work as a result of our faith and have no problem sharing our faith. We are a house of praise, bringing our Praise with us, demonstrating our praise in worship and wherever we go. When persons worship at Greater Faith they often comment how we are such a close-knit family. In a climate where we maintain such distance, folk need to know that someone really lives and cares for them. We must be what the Master proclaimed, our brother’s keeper. As Disciples of Christ, we are known by our love, one for another.
could accomplish anything through faith and hard work was my greatest challenge. So, the purchase of our new church, which was in deplorable condition when we bought it and seeing it evolve to an inviting worship center helped instill faith in God’s people to expect and do greater things. He promised that “greater things 10 10 March March 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
G&G: Dr. White, what is on the horizon for you and the Greater Faith Baptist Church and how will it benefit the surrounding community where this ministry is planted? Dr. White: Greater Faith is in a season of expansion. We are expanding our mission efforts, strengthening both our local
Q&A and international impact. In addition to teaching and training opportunities for the community, we are ministering in local schools, have a weekly food pantry and provide consistent support to local efforts. However, I’d ultimately love to have an Outreach Center where we can continuously service the disenfranchised. Additionally, it is my goal to begin a capital fund campaign to liquidate our debts and to renovate our sanctuary. We just completed the first phase of our Jericho Project, replacing our pews with sanctuary chairs. It doth not yet appear what we shall be. G&G: Dr. White women play many roles in life as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, business owners, you name it. Given the added responsibility as a pastor who also happens to be a woman, how do you keep things balanced in your life? Dr. White: I’ve not quite mastered the balancing act between ministry and the rest of life. I’ve just been tremendously blessed with a husband who has not only been my greatest cheerleader, but has partnered with me allowing me to minister freely. “Deac”, as he is affectionately known is my stabilizer. He helps me stay focused, encouraged, peaceful and centered. After over 45 years of marriage, I can say without fear of contradiction that I could not have done what I did without one Russell E. White by my side. When I finish ministering wherever God leads me, I can look forward to sharing my life with an affectionate, Godly man who is so secure in himself that he can encourage me to be all that God has called me to be. G&G: Dr. White it has been said that if we want our girls to benefit from the courage and wisdom of the women before them, we have to share our stories. Were there any women who mentored you and helped shape your life? Who are some of the women you most admire? Dr. White: I was privileged to grow up in a family of strong, Godly women who set the stage for me. Both of my grandmothers were leaders in the church: Mary E. Hawkins and Gladys Mosley. I’m a fifth generation preacher, my mother being a well-known local preacher, The Rev. Dr. Mary A. Phillips. In addition, I’ve been blessed and impacted by the friendships and mentoring of preaching women like: The Late Dr. Parthia Hall Wynn; The late Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell; The Sisters of the Covenant: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie; Dr. Carolyn Showell; Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant; Dr. Peggy Wall; Dr. J. Ruth Travis; Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller. Other women and close friends in ministry: Bishop Bertha M. Greene; Dr. Ruby C. Gilliam; Evangelist Myrna Powell; Dr. Agnes M. Alston; Dr. Minnie Washington; Rev. Dorothy Johnson; Dr. Suzanne Johnson Cook; Dr. Patricia Pender. G&G: Dr. White, what words of wisdom would you give to aspiring young women who are answering the call of ministry? If you could give advice to a young female pastor just starting out with her own church what would you say? Dr. White: I would recommend that anyone who is called to carry the gospel take serious their call and who it is that called them. Preparation is critical. Proposing to speak on behalf of God is weighty, at best. Being given the privilege to be an instrument in the development of someone else’s relationship with God is awesome and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is incumbent upon us to take seriously the call. .
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie & Dr. Leah E. White Whether you have been called to teach, preach or pastor, “do all to the honor and glory of God.” It is God who called us. He deserves our best. We must bathe whatever we do in prayer. Finally, in addition to serving others, we must make sure that we have a balanced life and balance in our relationships. We need to not only minister to others, but we need to make sure that we have persons who speak into our lives and to whom we are accountable. Friends and co-laborers are necessary, but it is critical that we are pastored. Every pastor needs a pastor. I thank God for my pastor, Bishop Walter S. Thomas who has poured into my life, more than he will ever know. Other great men, such as Dr. Alfred C.D. Vaughn have been enormously supportive and influential in my life. G&G: Dr. White, lastly looking over the last 20 years are there any regrets? Are you where you planned to be at this point? What is on the horizon for Dr. Leah White, what are you looking forward to? Dr. White: You ask do I have any regrets and I ask, “Do you have time?” There have been many things I’ve done that I wish I had done differently and there are things that I didn’t do that I wish I’d done. But God has been GOOD TO ME and in the words of the hymnologist, “My good days outweigh my bad days. So, I won’t complain.” As for the future, I’m just focusing on growing Greater Faith and staying on my knees to hear what God wants us to do next. I just want to be in HIS WILL. God has given unusual FAVOR to Greater Faith and I’m looking for unprecedented miracles in our future as a result of our faithfulness. G&G: Dr. White we thank God for you and your continuous work for the Kingdom of God. We salute you and join with you as you celebrate your 20th Pastoral Anniversary. Dr. White: The pleasure has been all mine and thank you for your continued commitment to serving the Kingdom in excellence. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11 11 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
bio
Dr. Leah E. White Greater Faith Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Leah E. White is a native Baltimorean. She is the daughter of the late Bro. James L. Mosley and the Rev. Dr. Mary Antoinette Phillips. She has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University, a Master of Education from both Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Theology from Saint Mary’s Seminary as well as an earned Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and honorary Doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary. As a former educator, she served in the Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland State Department of Education and the New Psalmist Christian School. Her ministry has taken her around the world, from Africa to South America and even Germany. Her awards and commendations are too numerous to mention. She’s been featured as a columnist, writer and editor for notable publications including: Sister to Sister: Devotions for and from African American Women Volumes 1 and 2, and Zonderman’s Women of Color Study Bible. More recently, Dr. White’s writings have been included in Bishop Vashti McKenzie’s revised and updated Not Without A Struggle: Leadership Development for African American Women in Ministry (2011: Pilgrim Press). In 1994, Dr. White was called to serve as pastor of the Remnant Baptist Church, a storefront in east Baltimore. Since then, she has led the congregation to become a vibrant ministry in a 300-seat sanctuary in the west Baltimore community of Remington Community. As a model of the power of faith, they changed their name from Remnant to the Greater Faith Baptist Church with over 25 vibrant ministries. Greater Faith has become known for their extraordinary faith and trust in God. Her caring and nurturing spirit has been the seed that has birthed and mentored numerous sons and daughters in the gospel. Some of which have gone on to become pastors and overseers. In addition to serving as shepherd, teacher and visionary, Dr. White conducts Pastor’s Bible Fellowship each Wednesday at noon and again at 6:30 p.m. She is known throughout the nation for her ministry to women and holds a Women of Faith Bible Fellowship each third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Surprisingly enough, she still finds time to teach at the North Carolina College of Theology, serves on a variety of boards and organizations such as the State Director of Education for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, founder and CEO of Sisters In Ministry, Inc. and Urbane Community Corporation, the Executive Board Member of Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors and Jewel House Inc., just to name a few. She is married to Deacon Russell E. White and they are the proud parents of Jeff and his wife, Donna White and their grandchildren, Jeff Jr. and Dominique. Dr. White’s joy is in praising the Lord. She is determined to let the scriptures live in her. “I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES: HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH.” Psalm 34:1 12 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
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14 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
person of interest
Minister Antoinette Brown Blackwell (1825-1921) Antoinette Louisa Brown was the first American woman ordained as minister. She was born May 20, 1825 in Henrietta, New York, U.S.A. and later attended Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Oberlin was the first coeducational school to grant college degrees to women and to accept students of all races. Women, however, were expected to clean rooms, wash clothes and serve food for the male students. While studying at Oberlin College Brown met and became lifelong friends with Lucy Stone, a suffragist and an abolitionist. In 1847 Brown finished the literary course taken by most women. She encountered serious objections from the faculty when she then decided to study theology. They did not think it an appropriate field of study for a woman. However, the school charter decreed that no student could be excluded on the basis of sex, so Brown prevailed and finished the theological course in 1850. The Oberlin College faculty, however, refused to award her a college degree and she did not receive a license to preach. The degree was eventually awarded to her twenty eight years later. Brown traveled the lecture circuit for two years speaking in favor of abolition of slavery and temperance (prohibition of alcohol consumption) and preached whenever she had an opportunity. This was at a time when public speaking by women was considered taboo. She was often shouted down by male preachers. Finally, on September 15, 1853 Antoinette Brown was ordained a minister of the First Congregational Church in South Butler, New York. That same year she was also an official delegate to the World’s Temperance Convention in New York but she was not allowed to speak. In 1854 Brown withdrew as minister of her congregation due to theological differences. She found she had difficulty supporting the idea of the original sin and predestination. She then became a Unitarian. Brown took her ministry to the slums and prisons of New York City. Her observations of the poor and people with mental disorders led her to publish articles on these subjects in the New York Tribune owned by Horace Greeley. In 1855 she published Shadows of Our Social System. In 1856 she married Samuel Blackwell, brother of Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell, and a brother-in-law of Lucy Stone. The Blackwells had five daughters (two other children died in infancy) and Brown now focused on raising them. Though she stayed at home taking care of her family, Brown continued writing. In 1869 she published Studies in General Science linking scientific knowledge and women’s equality. In 1871 she published a novel The Island Neighbors. In The Sexes Throughout Nature, published in 1875, she claimed that Darwin failed to understand the roles of the sexes. Altogether Brown published ten books in her lifetime. She returned to the lecture circuit in the 1870s after her husband’s business failed. She was a strong supporter of the women’s suffrage and wrote magazine articles in support of this cause. Her articles were published in the Woman’s Journal, edited by Lucy Stone and her husband Henry Blackwell. She also continued her religious activities. She still preached and even ordained two women preachers. Brown served as a pastor emeritus of All Souls Unitarian Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey from 1908 until her death. In 1920, when Brown was ninety five, she was able to vote for the first time, after the Nineteenth Amendment gave women in the U.S.A. the right to vote. Antoinette Brown Blackwell died November 5, 1921 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 15
16 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
from the pulpit teen connect
teen connect
From the
Pulpit
It’s Me Oh Lord!
By Dr. Dana E. Neal, Pastor Dayspring Worship Center Pikesville, MD
An excerpt taken from the book entitled Released in the Spirit: Pressing Through my Pain, by Dr. Dana E. Neal
W
ake me up; I must be dreaming! Would it not be wonderful to wake up out of your dilemma to realize that your hardship, your pain, and all of your woes were all just a bad dream, happily realizing a bed of roses and a life of ease, with a few minor bumps here and there accurately depict your life? But, the fact of the matter is you are not dreaming. You are not experiencing a nightmare. The pain, the worry, the frustration, the sorrow, and all the other discomforts are real. Despite the fact that the doctor tells you it is all psychological, or your friends tell you that you are having a bad hair day or suffering from PMS, or your family tells you you’re going through a midlife crisis, you know deep down inside that what you are experiencing is more than what meets the eyes. You are living in your reality. In this reality, you are awakening to the truth that Christians go through difficulties too and are not exempt from heartaches, headaches, and trouble. Through your own experience(s), you are learning that salvation does not guarantee the believer peace, joy, or wholeness. Although God does make peace, joy, and wholeness, as well as other blessings available to us, salvation only guarantees us an escape from the penalty of sin which is death and grants us everlasting life through Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Anything worth having beyond our salvation must be sought after intentionally and taken by force! Consequently, if we are to enjoy our Christian life and take full advantage of the total package God has to offer us, we must first be knowledgeable of the promises of God, and be persistent and
determined to get them flowing in our lives. Next, because these promises are received by faith, we must endeavor to exercise our faith in God’s Word by declaring God’s Word is true above all else and whatever He said, He will bring to pass. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). Furthermore, we must continually denounce the powers of Satan, and declare our own victory through the power of Jesus Christ. Also, we must daily crucify our flesh because the flesh will try to cast doubt concerning what God has promised. Jesus says in His Word, “if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” (John 11:40). The flesh is tricky. It will either have you moving ahead of God, trying to take matters in your own hands or becoming stagnated, not moving at all because you’re too afraid. We must be confident that no matter what is bothering us or what ails us, by His Word and through our obedience, Jesus is able to save us from the enemy’s plans, plots, and ploys against our lives and heal us everywhere we hurt. Jesus is able to bring us peace in the midst of any storm, and a word of consolation in our discombobulated state. He is able to remove the iron and fetters that grip our souls and set our spirit free. His Word declares: “If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14). It just takes some effort on our part to get the total package of God. But until you get all that God has for you, rejoice in the first work he has performed in your life…your salvation! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 17
18 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
mayor’s journal
Walking in the Light Horseshoe Baltimore Casino to Launch Hiring Program in Baltimore by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
The Horseshoe Baltimore Casino is under construction and is expected to open later this year. The casino will serve as an economic engine, driving new jobs, tax revenues, and increased development. Horseshoe has committed to promoting local hiring and working with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development to provide Baltimore City residents with information and access to the 1,700 jobs that it will create. This strong public-private recruitment strategy could not have come at a better time, as many families are struggling to find job opportunities. Horseshoe Baltimore, working with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) and the Baltimore City Council, will conduct citywide outreach to educate residents about available positions, job qualifications, and the application process. The Horseshoe team and MOED will hold a number of neighborhood-based recruitment events. The team will employ promotion methods ranging from neighborhood canvassing to social media campaigns—in partnership with a wide range of community groups, neighborhood associations, and civic organizations—to spread the word. A complete schedule of neighborhood recruitment events is available at www.horseshoebaltimore.com. As an additional resource, job seekers can enroll in Horseshoe Baltimore’s Legendary Academy, a series of two-day, six-hour training sessions operated at locations throughout the city in conjunction with MOED and its workforce partners. The sessions will provide in-depth information about the
requirements for various positions, outline the pre-employment process, underscore Horseshoe Baltimore’s emphasis on exceptional customer service, and prepare candidates for positionspecific interviews. Job seekers who successfully complete the Academy will receive special hiring consideration. Finally, Horseshoe Baltimore will host a series of large-scale hiring events at the Baltimore Convention Center (March 7-9), Hyatt Regency Baltimore (May 3-5), and M&T Bank Stadium (May 19-21). We are pulling out all the stops to make sure that Baltimore residents have every opportunity to learn about and apply for jobs at the Casino. Horseshoe Baltimore means more business for our local tourism and hospitality economy. It means revenue to reduce property taxes and invest in our children’s education. And it means jobs for our residents. For more information, call 410-396-9030, visit www.oedworks. com or email casino@oedworks.com.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake publishes her “Walking in the Light” column each month in Grace and Glory Magazine. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 19
20 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
governor’s page
Better Choices, Better Results by Governor Martin O’Malley The most valuable investment we can make is in our children’s education. When we make education a priority, we give our children opportunity. Opportunity to learn at higher levels than their parents were able to learn; to earn at higher levels than we were able to earn. That’s why every year for eight years we have made record investments in our public schools. We have also made record investments in funding to build the facilities where our children can gain the skills they’ll need in our innovation economy. Over the last seven years, we have invested a record $2.7 billion in construction funding. Twenty-first century buildings support a 21st century education—because it is difficult to learn or to teach if you are shivering. Our students deserve more, and our teachers deserve better. This year, the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s proposed budget allocates $289 million for school construction. This includes $275 million for public school construction and renovation, $6.1 million for aging schools, and $3.5 million for building improvements at qualified non-public schools. These choices mean fewer children are going to class in temporary learning shacks. They mean fewer children are learning in classrooms that are inadequately heated or cooled. These choices mean that more students and teachers have access to technology that makes learning more personalized, more focused on each student’s needs. And these choices will support more than 7,400 jobs. These better choices mean better results: • For five years in a row, Education Week named Maryland‘s schools #1 in the country. • For seven years in a row, our students are #1 in AP success according to the College Board, and are taking more science and math AP tests than in any other state. • Our lower-income students are making greater leaps in achievement than in any other state.
Governor O’Malley visits with students at Baltimore Design School.
• More of our students are graduating from high school than at any time in our State’s history. • And more will have access to a college education, because we have done more than any other state in the country to hold down the cost of tuition. We are making enormous progress. But there is still work to be done. That’s why this year we are asking the General Assembly to take a step toward universal public pre-kindergarten by expanding access to Maryland’s low-income families. Every child should be given a strong start to their education. Growing and strengthening our increasingly diverse middle class has been the North Star of everything we have done as an administration. There is no greater ladder into the middle class than education.
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22 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
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24 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
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26 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
to your good health to your good health
Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Executive Director, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
Psalm 51 is an account of David’s apology and request for forgiveness from God. His affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent death of their son brought him to this point. One of the most interesting statements he makes is in verse 5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” David shares something with us that gives validity to our proclivity for making mistakes. We were born with the inclination to sin. This prompts us to follow the desires of our flesh instead of the will of God and impacts our overall struggle to make good choices. This story of falling from grace and redemption is something that we see everyday in our churches and communities. All of us fall short and have subsequent consequences for our decisions. It is not about the mistake but about the heart that is willing to change after the mistake is made. Unfortunately we live in a society that does not always like to take responsibility for our actions. David could have blamed Bathsheba for his sin or become offended when Nathan confronted him. Instead he admitted his faults and then submitted to the punishment. We love the God who forgives us but not the one who holds us accountable for our actions. We should follow the example of David and continue fellowship with God no matter what issues arise in our lives. We can accomplish this by maintaining an honest relationship with God that shapes and molds us in a healthy manner, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens.” We all get corrected when we get out of line. When your turn comes do not be surprised or embarrassed. The season of correction is for our good and for God’s glory; use this time wisely by growing and learning and drawing closer to God. Do not let a mistake keep you from reaching your goals. Failing is a path on the road to success. Remember it’s not how you start but how you finish. David ended up being a man after God’s own heart. What will you become? www.gracenglorymagazine.org 27 27 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
28 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
Is Your Hut Burning?
story of hope
www.inspire21.com
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect Him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. Then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied. – Author Unknown It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground-it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it. You say: “It’s impossible” God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: “I can’t forgive myself” God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: “I’m too tired” God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: “I can’t manage” God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: “Nobody really loves me” God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
You say: “I’m afraid” God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: “I can’t go on” God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: “I can’t figure things out” God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: “I can’t do it” God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: “I’m not able” God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: “It’s not worth it” God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)
You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated” God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: “I don’t have enough faith” God says: I’ve given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) You say: “I’m not smart enough” God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: “I feel all alone” God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) www.gracenglorymagazine.org 29
Saving for college is possible—
and affordable.
Life gets busy and before you know it, Dana and Donte are college age. Unfortunately, between booties, football cleats and pom poms, finding the time, and money, to save for college can be difficult. It’s possible that you’ve decided that saving isn’t an option for you, and that you’ll rely on student loans or some other miracle later on. Or, if your kids are older you’ve decided that there isn’t enough time to save. Regardless of where you are with saving, or how old your children are, remember it’s never too early, or too late, to get started. Here are some reasons why:
• Any savings large or small helps reduce the amount you need to borrow. Every dollar you save is one less you may have to borrow and repay with interest later. Even a few thousand dollars less in loans can make a difference. If you save $200 a month for four years, assuming a 6% return, that could amount to about $10,820. If you were to borrow this money instead of saving, you’d have to repay that amount, with interest. When you save, the interest is paid to you, while when you borrow, you pay the interest.
• There is still time to save. Even if your child is headed off to college next year, they’ll likely be in school for four or more years. You haven’t reached the finish line yet. There is still time to save!
So, don’t assume it’s too late to save, or that you can’t afford to save for college. You can still have an impact on how much debt your student will need to take.
• Tax benefits for contributions to the College Savings Plans of Maryland. Maryland Taxpayers can get up to a $2,500 income deduction on contributions annually per account or child depending on the Plan. These are the only 529 plans that offer Maryland tax benefits. Based on estimates from the State comptroller, that can be about $190 in State and local tax savings per $2,500 income deduction. So, even if there isn’t a lot of time for growth potential, the income deduction could mean a couple hundred dollars more in your pocket each year.
Saving for college no matter how late you start can make a difference. The College Savings Plans of Maryland has two State-sponsored 529 college savings options to choose from—the Maryland College Investment Plan and the Maryland Prepaid College Trust. Both Plans can be used at nearly any college in the country, and are the only plans that offer a Maryland State income deduction. Plus, the Plans offer affordable and flexible options to help fit your budget. You can start with as little as $25 per month. Regardless of where you start, every dollar saved is one less you may need to borrow.
To learn more go to CollegeSavingsMD.org/webinar.
Please carefully read the Enrollment Kit which describes the investment objectives, risks, expenses, and other important information that you should consider before you invest in the College Savings Plans of Maryland. The Enrollment Kit is available online or by calling 888.4MD.GRAD (463.4723). Also, if you or your beneficiary live outside of Maryland, you should consider before investing whether your state or your beneficiary’s state offer state tax or other benefits for investing in its 529 plan.
30 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
bookshelf
Book Shelf Hurt People Hurt People Sandra D. Wilson Have you ever heard the phrase “hurt people hurt people”? I have heard it a few times over the past few years, so when I saw a book titled Hurt People Hurt People, it caught my attention. Why is it that this statement rings so true for so many? Why do we inflict pain on others and on ourselves? Why do people fall into the trap of repeating a cycle that they had no intention of being a part of from the beginning? This book answers those questions and so many more. I’m glad I read this one. Sandra Wilson coined the phrase “hurt people hurt people”. This profound statement has opened up a whole new world of self exploration of people who have been hurt by someone and have repeated the cycle. She shares with the reader that even though some pain is self inflicted, “our deepest wounds come at the hands of those we love and trust” (p. 10). She encourages the reader to not ignore what they are feeling or tell themselves that they should not feel a certain way or seek comfort from
by Brandie Manigault
someone else. It is our humanity that causes us to feel what we feel and that is ok. People who have been hurt in the past are prone to hurt someone else. Wilson shows that being hurt is a seed that if not attended to and dealt with, will with time, govern how we react and respond to life and the people around us. Life is about choices and how those choices are made. One of the greatest strengths lies in the author’s transparency as a writer. Wilson expressed in these pages her painful past dealing with incest and being abused as a child to further validate her statement that teaching children about that “stranger danger” teachings are not enough, because again, it is those closest to you that pose the greatest threats to you. She uses her personal journey to put the reader’s personal journey into context. At the end of the chapters, Wilson has a section called “ponder and pray”. This section is designed to give the reader a moment to
pause, think about what has been presented and pray for guidance. When you are done reading this book, and quite frankly, during the time you spend between the pages of it, you will begin to see your mindset changing. If you allow the words to become life to you and bring clarity to your situations, by the end you will begin to make your way out of the vicious cycle of hurt. You will be in a healthy place.
About the Author
Sandra D. Wilson is a seminary professor, certified spiritual director and retired family therapist. She is an international speaker and the author of six books: Released from Shame, Into Abba’s Arms, Hurt People Hurt People, The World According to Me, Shame-Free Parenting and Counseling Adult Children of Alcoholics. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 31
32 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
Single
single life
The Successful
Dr. Monique Flemings Monique Flemings Ministries I can recall people telling me that they www.moniqueflemingsministries.com thought I was a successful single person. I wasn’t sure how to take that statement Chicago, Illinois
since I did not consider myself a role model for singles. I did not feel successful as a single person, and I wasn’t quite sure what that statement really meant. Was it a compliment or a badge of honor? I knew one thing that I was single and for me, successful was not in the same sentence when I defined myself. I had my moments of “when Lord will this season be over” followed by “now that was just a hot mess dinner experience”. I enjoyed my girlfriends company and kept myself busy with church activities and more church activities…and singles workshops, singles retreats, books for singles and all the things you are instructed to do as a single Christian. Single life is a journey of what you make it. Each day is a celebration of life and discovery and disappointments especially when THE ONE walks out of your life. You knew that was THE ONE that God sent for you and now THE ONE is a memory. It is in those moments that you learn who you are and whose you are, and rest in the love that can heal every broken heart and every damaged emotion. That is the love of God through Jesus Christ. It is in those down times that you find strength in your praise, in your honest prayers before God. As you cry out to a loving God who has your life in His hands and has not made one mistake about who walks in and out of your life, it is in those times that you gain strength in the God–love that must be first before you accept any human into your space. The God–love that allows you to talk to Him just the way you talk to your BFF. However what’s better is that you are talking to the creator of your life…not just a BFF. Single and desiring marriage is natural and if you have been married before, it may even come with a little more sting. It is completely natural to desire the God–mate for your life. It is completely natural to have those desires to express with one person as you walk through life. These desires are natural, they are strong and they are real. Whether if it’s a fairytale romance…it is still your personal desire and God, your daddy will provide you with clarity as only He can so that your reality becomes the God ordained plan that He has planned for your life. It’s natural and it’s good. Single and desiring not to be married . . . you have come to a place in your life where your desire for a God–mate is not a dominate theme as once before in your life. Allow yourself to be the person God has created, not being placed in a box by anyone …including yourself. It’s not that you are “too good” or “self- sufficient”, it’s that you are comfortable with the place you are in your life ….single… and it’s all
good. You are good with vacations alone or with friends. You enjoy your company and have decided that if the God–mate does not show up for life, you are all good. Single and not desiring a spouse…however will not reject the God–mate if they arrive a little late, just in a good place right now, enjoying your space. Single parent desiring an adult relationship and praying that God has not forgotten you as you see others meet and greet and do the couple dance. Parenting is your focus 24/7, and the thought of another person pulling on you feels overwhelming and sometimes you decide... “I’m good”...but in reality you smile when you think about the possibility of your God–mate walking with you and your child or children through your journey. “Will someone love me and love my child?” “Will I be able to open that part of my heart up again?” These are a few questions you ask yourself when your thoughts are allowed to think about you and not your child. You ponder on God’s plan for your next phase of this journey. Single life is a journey of what you make it. What I know is that the successful single is every person that is on the single journey. Each journey is unique and yet powerful for the script that God has written for your life. It only appears that all these pieces will not fit or work together for anything good but that is the beauty of how Daddy does things. He, the Master Creator, weaves all of our delicate pieces of life together and fastens them into purpose and then sets before you the God–mate, The Purpose-Partner and then the next phase begins. Are you a successful single? Oh yes you are! Every single parent, every divorced person, every never been married single person that has the strength to get up each day and continue this journey is SUCCESSFUL!
S- Survivor U-Unique C-Conqueror C- Covenant ready E- Established in the Word S- Secure in who I am S- Sure God has a plan for me F- Focused U-Useful L-Loved by God Yes, You are a SUCCESSFUL Single!! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 33 33 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
34 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
teen connect Does your teenager feel valued and significant in your home? If not, they’ll look for value and acceptance somewhere else. There are plenty of people who can make them feel valued, but mostly from the wrong crowd and with the wrong motives. There are four things you can offer your teenager to make them feel valued: your unconditional love, your experience, your time, and your wisdom. Each of these builds value. Being valued makes a teenager feel like they belong; they are accepted and they are therefore at peace with the world. Being valued builds their self-esteem and helps them have the confidence to say “No” to their peers. Being valued helps a teenager want to maintain their own sense of value and not accept anything less. When I talk about ways to instill value, you’ll notice that I’ll never mention using “your money” or “your faith” to instill value. Material and spiritual things are needed and certainly valuable, but they don’t build the kind of value that only a parent’s attention and love can offer. They are, in fact, often used as crutches by parents not interested in instilling real value in their children. Nearly every teen that has come through our Heartlight counseling program has either been given an abundance of material goods or spiritual guidance in their lifetime, or both, but for some reason they didn’t feel valued by both of their birth parents, so they crashed in the teen years.
Four Ways to Make Your Teen Feel Valued 1. Make sure there is structure and rules. – Structure says, “You are the one I am concerned about…and I value you enough to work with you and love you through the times you step out of line.” Discipline is all about them, and even though no teen outwardly likes it, it says you value them enough to help them. 2. Ask questions and collaborate with them. – When parents convey that what their teen has to say is important, it also conveys value. We parents share our opinions far too often in the teen years because we don’t want our teens to make the same mistakes we did. But we need to back off and offer our wisdom only when they ask. And though we may be shocked or not like what they are saying, we need to listen to what they have to say anyway. They’re probably just thinking out loud, and doing so in their immature way. They may just be echoing what their friends said — not really buying into it themselves. If you react too harshly, it can sometimes cement that idea in their mind and cause them to go that direction. So, be sure to talk with your teen and do so mostly with your eyes and ears, not your mouth. 3. Give grace. – Grace is an act of kindness. It is offering them something that’s undeserved. It affirms them with a message that says, “I love you when you are doing well, but I will also love you when you aren’t.” I recommend that all parents memorize this key statement: “There is nothing you can do to make me love you more. And there is nothing you can do to make me love you any less.” Share it with your child on a regular basis. Post it on your refrigerator door, attach it to the bathroom mirror, write it in soap on the windshield of their car. You cannot deliver this message to your teen too often. They need to hear it every day. 4. Give of your time. – If you are giving part of your valuable time to your teen, they’ll feel important and valued. In my counseling, the most often mentioned desire of teen girls is, “I want more time with my dad.” They want time together, even if they don’t act like they do. Whether you are a mom or a dad, take your teen to lunch, grab a snack after school, attend all games or school events, find things you
can do together, and communicate with them online. Send daily text messages to say “Hi” or “I love you.” Make sure your teen knows your desire to be involved in his or her life. Do it, or they’ll seek validation from someone else, and that can lead to bigger problems than you ever want to have with your teen. Here is the bottom line…it’s important for your teen to know that they needn’t look or act a specific way, or perform at a certain level in order to maintain your love. Your relationship with them won’t stop if they mess up, and your love will survive tough times. Having a relationship that offers significance and value means remaining involved in their daily life and accepting their growing need for independence. For all of us, value and security comes from knowing we are valued by God and our family. Your teen needs to sense that they “belong” and are valued regardless of what they do. Giving a sense of value is the most valuable gift you’ll ever give your children…and it’s free! So give it away, freely. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, national radio host, and the founder of Heartlight, a residential counseling opportunity for struggling adolescents, where he lives with 50 high schoolers. Learn more at www.heartlightministries.org. Mark’s blog can be read at www.markgregston.com or he can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. His radio programs can be heard at www. parentingtodaysteens.org. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 35 35 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
36 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
education digest
A New Chapter in Baltimore City BALTIMORE —I learned exclusively that after months of searching Baltimore City’s Board of School Commissioners was close to making a decision on hiring a new School Chief Executive officer. A few days later, the board confirmed what I had already reported. Dr. Gregory Thornton, the current superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, would be named the district’s new leader. Thornton said he made the decision to come to Baltimore not long after resigning in Milwaukee because of the rare opportunity it represented to extend the reach of his work in a city close to his childhood home of Philadelphia. Thornton also went to graduate school in Maryland at Salisbury University, so he considers the move a homecoming. “There are defining points in one’s career and one’s life, and opportunities like this one -- to really transform the lives of children -- come along rarely,” Thornton said.” Baltimore and Milwaukee are similar in size. Milwaukee has a little more than 78,000 students while Baltimore has 84,000. Their budgets are also about the same at a little more than $1 billion a piece. As for academics, according to a recent national report, while Baltimore’s fourth- and eighth-grade student math test scores are down, they are on the rise in Milwaukee. Both school systems have made slight gains in fourth- and eighth-grade reading tests.” Before Milwaukee, Thornton was superintendent of the Chester Upland School District in Chester, Pa. He was also chief academic officer in Philadelphia and he has held top school leadership jobs in Maryland and North Carolina. Thornton paid his first visit to a Baltimore City school, John Eager Howard Elementary, to officially accept his new job. “I want to be clear. This is not just about a superintendent or CEO coming to town. It’s not about a board of commissioners. It’s about all of us coming together for one goal, about making life better for the young people of this city,” Thornton said. He
appeared to already have the support of the city’s mayor. “This is a very exciting and pivotal time of change for Baltimore Dr. Gregory Thornton City schools, and Dr. Thornton will be tasked with a big role in setting us on the right course for generations to come,” Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake said. In the midst of transition, students have drawn up their own list of priorities. “I think the schools need cleaner bathrooms,” one student said. “The schools need air conditioner and heat,” another student said. The children must not become the only persons to share their ideas and concerns with the new school leader. It will also take parental involvement for positive change to take place. I have interviewed every Baltimore City school system leader to work in the district since 1986. Dr. Greg Thornton makes my 11th. There are no silver bullets, supermen or superwomen, but there have to be super parents and community leaders contributing to the educational process. I urge you to make sure your voices are heard at the PTA meeting, back-to-school nights and teacher conferences. I really believe that education starts at home. That said, we must continue to hold our leaders accountable and ourselves as well. Dr. Gregory Thornton expected to officially take the reins of the Baltimore City school system in this summer. Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an EmmyAward winning journalist for WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore, Maryland. He’s also the pastor and founder of Harvest Christian ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland
Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.
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38 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
5 Saving Strategies
finance
www.americasaves.org
1. Pay Off High-Cost Debt – The best investment most borrowers can make is to pay off consumer debt with double-digit interest rates. For example, if you have a $3,000 credit card balance at 19.8%, and you pay the required minimum balance of 2% of the balance or $15, whichever is greater, it will take 39 years to pay off the loan. With accumulating interest, you will pay more than $10,000 in interest charges. 2. Save for Emergencies – Having an emergency savings fund may be the most important difference between those who manage to stay afloat and those who are sinking financially. Without an emergency fund, you may find that need to turn to high-cost credit cards or payday loans to cover the amount you owe. Borrowing from these types of lenders could make it difficult for you to payback your debt and save successfully. 3. Save for Retirement – Saving now for retirement will ensure that you have enough money to live a comfortable lifestyle when you stop or reduce the amount of hours you work. You may be able to save for retirement through your workplace through a 401k plan or you can save on your own by putting money in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). 4. Save Automatically Through a Monthly Transfer from Checking to Savings – These savings will provide funds for emergencies, home purchase, school tuition, or even retirement. Almost all banking institutions will, on request, automatically transfer funds monthly from your checking account to a savings account, U.S. Savings Bond, or stock mutual fund. What you don’t see, you will probably not miss. 5. Buy a Home and Pay off the Mortgage Before You Retire – The largest asset of most middle-income families is their home equity. Once these families have made their last mortgage payment, they have far lower housing expenses. They also have an asset that can be borrowed on in emergencies or converted into cash through sale of the home.
Saving on a Tight Budget How can those who currently aren’t saving afford to save money? And how can those saving only a little save more? Here are our top ten tips for saving money when budgets are tight. Cut Spending Painlessly Tip 1: To find small savings that add up to big savings over time, keep a careful record of all (and we mean all) of your expenditures for a month. You may be surprised to learn how much you are spending on such things as a daily latte or restaurant meals. Tip 2: For necessary purchases — such as food and transportation and insurance— comparison shop to find the lowest prices. Also, take a list with you to the grocery store and stick to it. This will help you from buying items you don’t need. Tip 3: Limit spending for birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas. A few wellchosen gifts are likely to be more appreciated than a more costly pile of gifts chosen thoughtlessly in a shopping mall spree. Save for Emergencies Tip 4: Build an emergency fund to avoid having to take loans to pay for unexpected
purchases. Emergency savings are usually best kept in a savings or share account, despite the low interest rates these accounts pay. Remember keep a high enough balance in the account to avoid monthly fees. Tip 5: Ask your bank or credit union to automatically transfer funds each month from your checking to your savings account. Even as little as $10 or$15 a month helps. After all, that’s $120 or $180 a year. Tip 6: Put all your loose change in this savings account. For many people, that could add up to well over $100 a year. Reduce High-Cost Debt Tip 7: Avoid using high-interest credit card and payday loans. Payday loans typically charge interest rates of 500 percent, and the interest rate on credit card debts can run 25 percent. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars a year by paying off these high-cost debts. Take Free Money and Save It Tip 8: Low- and moderate-income workers qualify, each year, for an Earned Income Tax Credit that can be over $1,000, and often more than $2,000. IRS Publication 596 explains how to apply, or you can contact your local
SAVE
SAVE
SAVE tax payer assistance center for in-person help. Then pay down debt and save with at least half of the money you receive from this credit. Tip 9: Participate in a local Investment Development Account (IDA) program. In return for attending financial education sessions and agreeing to save for a home, education, or business, you typically receive $2 for every $1 you save through an IDA program. So, saving $25 each month could end up as $900 at the end of a year. Find an IDA program near you. Tip 10: If your employer matches retirement savings contributions, be sure to take advantage of that. Some employers match up to 100 percent of your contributions. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 39
40 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
nutrition
By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD March is National Nutrition Month. Celebrate with your family by trying some of these helpful and healthful suggestions. Sensible snacking – Encourage your children to eat more fruits and vegetables by setting an example! Have carrots and celery or cut-up fruit readily available for the family to snack on. A low-calorie snack – Half a large pepper offers you a full day’s worth of vitamin C. Munch on a pepper, just as you would on an apple, for a delicious, low-calorie snack. Cherries for your health – Cherries are a great choice, whether fresh or dried. They are rich in fiber and vitamin C, and are associated with heart health and reducing the risk of cancer. Cherries also are rich in melatonin, which may help with sleep! Fresh or frozen – Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh. Toss carrots, broccoli, or corn into canned soup, or make a fruit smoothie for a quick, delicious breakfast. Fiber for digestive health – Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables gives you fiber that keeps your digestive tract healthy and helps protect against diseases such as diverticulosis. The benefits of blue and purple – All fruits and vegetables from the blue and purple color family contain flavonoids, the most powerful phytochemicals found in nature. Phytochemicals decrease one’s risk of cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and much more! Carbohydrate facts – Excess calories are fattening, carbohydrates are not. ‘Soft’ fat is better – Choose your fat wisely. Limit your intake of “hard” fat, such as lard and butter, and use more “soft” fat, such as olive oil and canola oil. Hunger help – Fiber-rich breads, cereals, and pastas curb your hunger. They also help with weight management. Whole-grain goodness – Brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and whole-wheat crackers contain more B vitamins, potassium, and fiber than processed white varieties. Restaurant advice – When dining out, ask for whole-grain foods! Some Italian restaurants offer whole-wheat pasta or pizza crusts. Ask for brown rice at Asian restaurants. Labels tell it all – Dark-colored bread does not mean it is whole-wheat bread. Take a look at the ingredients. Look for the words “whole grain” first in the list. Colorful vegetables – Dark, colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots, are more nutrient dense than pale cucumbers, mushrooms, and celery. Early to bed – Get some rest. Your body recovers and repairs while you are sleeping. Sleep also can affect your weight and mood. A perfect start to the day – Start your day off right with oatmeal, an excellent source of whole grains. Spruce your oatmeal up with some cranberries, apples, and nuts! Which cereal to choose – When choosing cereal, look for those that contain at least 3 grams (g) fiber/serving, no more than 6 g sugar/serving, and no trans fat.
The fewer, the better – When it comes to choosing meat, the fewer the legs, the better. Chicken has two legs, thus it is a better option than pork, which has four legs. Fish for omega-3s – Fish contain significant amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health. When purchasing fish, buy domestic, wild varieties and stay current on the latest news. Food budget basics – You can eat a healthy diet without destroying your food budget by planning your weekly meals before you shop and sticking to your list. Buy nonperishable foods in bulk. Leave the kids at home, if possible. Never shop on an empty stomach. Nutrient-dense whole foods are best – Supplements are incomplete substitutes for nutrient-dense, whole foods. Grown from the ground up, real food offers a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, protein, and phytochemicals that work together in your body. Ready-to-go lunch – Pack your lunch the night before. This way you can easily “grab and go” in the morning and avoid eating fast-food or a highly processed, fattening meal in a box. Vending machine alternatives – Stock your desk drawer with trail mix, whole-grain crackers, fruit cups, and reduced-sodium soups to satisfy your cravings and to keep you away from the vending machine. Healthy additions – If you prepare processed foods, make them better. Add broccoli, peas, spinach, beans, lean meat, or low-sodium sauce to create a more nutritionally balanced meal and to stretch the product. 100-calories/day – If you cut 100 calories from your daily food intake, you could lose 10 lb/year. It is as simple as skipping the cheese on your burger, choosing carbonated fruit-flavored water instead of a regular soda, or substituting pork sausage with turkey sausage. The power of phytochemicals – Phytochemicals are a key component of foods. These tiny compounds help to prevent certain chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Digestive health – Probiotics, found in many yogurts, are likely to help improve gut health, but they are not a “cure” for digestive problems. Fluid consumption, total fiber intake, physical activity, and stress reduction also are important for a healthy digestive tract. Empty calories – Soda provides calories and carbohydrate, but has little or no nutritional value. To burn off the 250 calories in a 20-fluidounce soda, a 135-pound (lb) person would need to play 40 minutes of vigorous basketball or bicycle vigorously for 22 minutes. Instead of soda, choose water, tea, low-fat milk, or 100% juice. Heart-healthy advice – To manage blood pressure and protect your heart, strive to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, reduce your salt intake, quit smoking (if you smoke), and manage your stress levels. Osteoporosis prevention – Lifelong, healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. Eat calcium-rich foods to build strong bones and maintain bone density. Exercise regularly. Monitor your salt intake. A better juice– Get more calcium by switching from regular fruit juice to a calcium-fortified 100% juice, but watch your serving size. The calories from juice can add up fast! Germ warning – Did you know that the average in-sink garbage disposal contains about 1000 times more germs than the average toilet? At least once a week, clean the rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution to avoid contamination. Food safety – To prevent cross contamination, refrigerate or freeze foods as soon as you return from the grocery store. Place meats below the produce in the refrigerator. Use separate cutting boards for meats and produce. When cooking, wash hands in hot water frequently. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 41 41
42 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
www.gracenglorymagazine.org  43
gospel industry news
Karew Records Signs Praise and Worship Leader David Daughtry (Detroit, MI – February 6, 2015) – Karew Records, the gospel music label owned by Bishop J. Drew Sheard, senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ in Detroit, Michigan, and his wife, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, today announced the label’s new signing of Praise and Worship artist David Daughtry. Daughtry’s debut album will be released in 2014. Signing with Karew Records is Daughtry’s next step in his musical journey. “I am honored that God led me to a recording deal with Karew Records”, says Daughtry. “I believe there is so much more for me to do, both in ministry and my professional music career. My goal is to bridge the gap between the old and the new, transcending denominations, culture, and generations. My album is a healthy mix of contemporary and traditional praise and worship songs. Having traveled as far as the shores of Africa to the islands of Turks and Caicos, spreading the Gospel, God has truly blessed me beyond measure. And as the word says, I declare, that my eyes have not seen, nor have my ears heard, neither can my mind conceive of the good things that God has prepared for me. The best is truly yet to come.” Karew Records’ General Manager, Darrell Thompson noted, “David is going to excite Gospel music fans everywhere with his unique ability to usher them into God’s presence with the gift God has blessed him with. We are pleased to have him join the family.” A highly-skilled musician and psalmist, Daughtry has been an essential fixture within the Gospel music and entertainment industries for over a decade. He currently serves as the Director of Praise and Worship at West Angeles COGIC (Bishop Charles E. Blake). His extraordinary vocal talents has paired him with worldrenowned and award-winning recording artists such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Kim Burrell, and Yolanda Adams, just to name a few. He has appeared on various nationally televised events including the GRAMMY® Awards, the BET Awards, the American Bible Challenge, the Espy Awards, X-Factor, American Idol and more. Daughtry has also appeared in several feature films including First Sunday, Something New, and Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Woman Thou
Art Loosed. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Daughtry was trained by his mother, who doubled as a spiritual mentor and musical instructor, teaching him to read and play music at the tender age of six. Karew Records’ current roster includes multiple award-winning recording artists Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, and The Clark Sisters. In 2013, Karew Records released Jonathan Nelson’s #1 debut album, Finish Strong; the family owned label celebrated a string of successes since its 2009 inception. The multiple GRAMMY® Awardwinning Clark Sisters released the first recording on Karew Records (2009) with The Clark Sisters’ Family Christmas. Clark-Sheard’s Karew debut release followed with All in One (2010) and debuted at #3 on Billboard‘s Top Gospel Albums chart. Clark-Sheard also received the Stellar Gospel Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for All In One along with a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Traditional Gospel Album, and GMA Dove and BET nominations. The label has also released daughter Kierra’s, Free album (2011) to rave reviews and a #1 debut on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums charts. She also was named the winner of the 2013 Stellar Award’s Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year and received numerous other honors and nominations for the Free project.
Gospel Industry News
By Ericka J.
Tyler Perry’s “Hell Has No Fury Like A Woman Scorned”
The hit musical stage play by the incomparable Tyler Perry will be in Baltimore, March 20-23, at the Modell Performing Arts Center. The play features Cheryl Pepsi Riley, a legendary music icon, who can sho nuff sang, and Patrice Lovely who plays ‘Mamma Hattie’ on Tyler Perry’s sitcom “Love Thy Neighbor”; she is hilariously funny and has an incredible voice. I’m super proud of my friend and brother Zebulon Ellis (BET Sunday’s Best finalist) who was also cast in this play as The Reverend. Baltimore lets support this production in a major way!! 44 March March 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 44
gospel industry news Mary Mary Light Records announces its newest signee, Anaysha The sister duo is on the cover of this month’s JET magazine. They are geared up for the third season of their self-titled reality show, Mary Mary. Last season revealed some pretty big challenges for the two. Tina discovered her husband Teddy Campbell of ten years and father of her four children had an affair, in addition to other issues she had to deal with, financial issues, throat issues, and cancer. “You basically saw me losing it I was very tempted to walk away.” Tina has decided to not be bitter, and press on, “I still believe in God and love. I will not live in this horrible space of “I’m going to fix him” or “I hate men and marriage”; you do that for a moment and realize it doesn’t undo anything.” Good for you Tina! Erica and Tina dealt with the split from their former manager Mitchell Solarek of Maximum Artist Group, who had nothing but good things to say about the duo, “I am very proud of the work and accomplishments that Erica, Tina, and I experienced together during my time as their manager. I wish them continued success both professionally and personally. “ I’m anticipating all this season has to show and offer us about the sister duo, we’ve seen them at their best and their worst but as fans and viewers that is what makes us know them and adore them because it allows us to see them in a real way beyond the stage. Tune in!!!
L Spenser Smith This man is a quadruple threat, he can preach, he can absolutely sing, write, you name it, musically this man has got it. He’s back with his new single “My Life” he’s back!!! I still to this day listen to his last hit single “Surgery” and he just keeps getting better!! This new single is definitely one you want to own! Go grab it! It’s available now, at all your digital media outlets! We anticipate the full album “Unstoppable” slated to be released in spring 2014.
Tyler Perry Also last month was the debut of Tyler Perry’s new self-titled talk show, The Tyler Perry Show on OWN. Tyler Perry is always keeping busy between his movies, plays, TV shows, who knows what’s next with him, and I Love It!!!
Top 5
Gospel Albums 1. WOW Gospel 2014 .............................................. Various Artists 2. Never Land...................................... Andy Mineo 3. Best Days........................................Tamela Mann 4. Grace............................................... Tasha Cobbs 5. Church Clothes; Vol. 2............................. Lacrae
Top 5
Gospel Songs 1. Beautiful Day....................................................... Jamie Grace 2. Every Praise.............................Hezekiah Walker 3. Break Every Chain.........................Tasha Cobbs 4. It’s Working.............................. William Murphy 5. You Can’t Stop Me.......................... Andy Mineo
Brandy R&B singer Brandy was surprised at her 35th Birthday, as she was serenaded by her favorite vocalist Kim Burrell, who sang “Lord You Been Good to Me” and she had ME and Brandy in tears as I watched the clip!! WOW!! You can watch it for yourself on YouTube
Kefia Rollerson Season 6. BET Sunday’s Best runner up Kefia Rollerson an absolute vocal power house will be releasing her debut single, “I’m A Winner” to all digital media outlets this month. I absolutely love her voice and her vocal magic, this girl can sing. I’ve listened to the single and I LOVE IT!!! I’m anticipating a great album from her. Keep up with Kefia http:// www.kefiarollerson.com/
JJ Hairston Condolences to my friend and brother JJ Hairston, in the loss of his mother Evangelist Sandra F. Johnson. His mom passed away on February 12th. JJ is such an amazing guy, with a heart of gold, and his group Youthful Praise is one of my favorite groups. I will be keeping him and his family in my prayers.
Til next month, “Having Faith is better than having all the answers, trust him with ALL of It!! Let your praise be a praise of expectation and anticipation, for what God’s about to do! Expect the Great!!!” Special birthday wishes to my Grandmother Mother Vena Jackson who will be 81 years young on March 23rd! Thanks for being an incredible woman in my life, my rock, my supporter, our family is blessed all the more because you’re in it, and you never stop praying and covering our family!! Love U Always!!! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45
word of encouragement
We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work. [John 9:4 -- Amplified Bible] We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. [John 9:4 -- Message Bible] As we sit here looking at the beginning of March, we are in the last month of the first quarter of 2014. Many resolutions were made: losing weight, living right, eating right, preparing financially, and giving more into the Kingdom of God to see His work accomplished in the earth. Many churches made declarations of what they heard God say “this is the year of new beginnings”, “year of the overflow”, “ years of mourning is over”, and the list goes on. So what have we done so far in our own lives and the lives of those that God has called and ordained for us to minister to? In other words there is work to be done, let us get busy reminding God that He said if we ask of Him, He would give us the heathen as our inheritance [Psalm 2:8]. Are we running after God or are we becoming more like the world (lovers of others, rather than lovers of God) [2 Timothy 3:2]. I repeatedly ask God to help me to not become a lover of myself. It is so easy a path to walk into. In John [9:4] as stated above, Jesus, speaking to His disciples declared that, “We must work the works of Him Who Sent us and be busy while it is daylight; night is coming when no man can work.” Yet we continue to have divisions amongst us. Denomination is still against denomination, though that slowly may be changing. There is still division among us; there is still the upper echelon and the rest of the Body of Christ. However, have you sat down with yourself and reckoned what the
46 March 2014 | Grace&Glory
end of the first quarter – March will be. Jesus is going to come like a thief in the night [1 Thessalonians 5:2]. Jesus said in [Mark 13:26 27] “And then they’ll see the Son of Man enter in grand style, his arrival filling the sky —no one will miss it! He’ll dispatch the angels; they will pull in the chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.” Let us come together acknowledging that there is work to be done and also that where there is unity God has commanded the blessings. If you are an apostle, you know what you are supposed to be doing; prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, ministers of reconciliation – stand up and take your position. We are in a sincere battle – the Kingdom of God versus the Kingdom of darkness. We have already won, but that does not mean that we are to sit and do nothing. We must be about our Father’s business. I encourage you today to begin to work in the vineyard that God has so called and ordained for you to work in. I encourage you to maximize every given gifts and talents that God has given to you. Recognize that honestly no person can do your part with the precision that you can. Prayer: Father, in the name of Your Precious Son Jesus, forgive us for not doing the work that You have called and ordained for us to do in an expeditious manner. We didn’t intend to sleep on our positions, but have gotten caught up in the things of the world. Help us to remember that we are in the world but not of the world. Help us see great manifestations by the end of March – the first quarter of 2014, amen. Donna Jennifer [Royalty] Ross In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com
scripture
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 31
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 35
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 38
www.gracenglorymagazine.org 47 47 www.gracenglorymagazine.org
48 March 2014 | Grace&Glory