November 2012 by Grace & Glory Magazine

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 1

2 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 3

™

NOVEMBER 2012

contents on the cover: Dr. Henry P. Davis, III & Lady Weptanomah First Baptist Church of Highland Park 6801 Sheriff Road Landover, MD 20785 310-773-6655 www.fbhp.org

Q&A Interview 8-9

Q&A Interview with Dr. Henry P. Davis, III

FBHP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 12

Iris N. Colmes

George A.C. Crocker

Special Feature A Historical Look at the

First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover, MD Pg. 10 - 11

features 15 MAYOR’S JOURNAL

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

17 GOVERNOR’S PAGE Governor Martin O’Malley 19 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten

A Teachable Moment 4 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

21 BOOK SHELF

Brandie Manigault

Hope Focused Marriage Counseling (Everett L. Worthington, Jr.)

23 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Declaring Peace

27 NUTRITION & YOU

Herline A. Knights

Emotional Eating

Eunice Dawkins

39 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

29 BODY BASICS

www.livestrong.com

Exercises for Inactive Seniors

Cassandra Vaughn-Fox

My Testimony

31 TEEN CONNECT

Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

41 FROM THE PULPIT

ThankFULL!

33 WORD ON FINANCES

Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson

Men Are Providers

Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, II Pastor & Certified Estate Planner To book Dr. Kenneth Robinson for a financial seminar in your area or at your ministry, please call

36 FASHION FOCUS

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor

Job 23:10 finance

ecently, I wrote an article for single women who desire a man that is more capable of providing for their financial needs. We use the story of Boaz and Ruth as an example of what kind of single lady a wealthy man would probably look for. Boaz was well-capable of meeting Ruth’s spiritual and financial needs. Unfortunately, this might be quite a search in today’s culture; however, it is very much in order. Every woman has a right to expect her man to take care of her financially and every man should strive to meet this expectation. So the question might be posed, “Are there any Boaz’s left?” (Ruth 4:9,10) Every man should understand that a woman needs financial security. This is one of the five (5) basic “Her Needs” as described in Willard Harley Jr.’s classic book on Marriage, His Needs, Her Needs. According to Mr. Harley, “Women need financial security.” This often accounts for why a woman’s response to financial challenges is much more intense than a man’s. The good news is that God has wired every man to be a provider, like Boaz. In fact, this is his first calling and assignment. Genesis 2:15 “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it.” Before man was a preacher, pastor, bishop, Apostle, CEO, businessman, salesman, accountant, lawyer, executive, manager, or any other profession, he was first a PROVIDER. Before God gave Adam a wife and family, he gave him a job. He gave him a place to work. I am so tired of men living “between jobs.” Every man must first accept his responsibility of providing for himself and then his family. Let’s look at a few things here in the genesis of the man that will help us see what God expects from every man. 1. God gave man all the resources he needed to be a successful provider.

34 GOSPEL INDUSTRY Men are Providers! NEWS Any Boaz’s left? Ericka Johnson 410.415.6400

45 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Donna Williams-Ross

Thanksgiving

In Every Issue

2. God expected him to provide for himself before He gave him a wife and family. 3. God placed the man in a garden. He has given each man his own garden. 4. God expected man to work creatively and diligently to provide for his family. God gave man all the resources he needed to be a successful provider. These resources are still here today. There are material, mineral, and monetary resources here in abundance. As a man, you must have a product or service to make money. When a man understands his assignment to provide, he will take advantage of the resources around him to create wealth. God expected the man to provide for himself before He gave him a wife and family. When Adam was given these resources, he was all by himself. There was no momma, auntie, wife, or any other family member. This is the proper pattern for the young men of our society to follow. If you have not provided for yourself, okay better ye, if your finances are jacked up, you are not prepared for the fee-male. Notice I said, fee-male. The truth is she needs your provision. The fee-male is not for free. The Book of Proverbs tells us, “Her price is far above rubies…” When was the last time you bought a ruby? The higher the quality of woman, the more she costs. I learned that after I met my wife. I knew she was a virtuous, classy, and elegant woman when I saw her, but I had no idea what she cost. Needless to say, I worked on my finances and eventually got it together, but many men never do. They never realize that providing is not a choice for a man, but an assignment. A man’s financial position, credit score, business acumen, economic knowledge, and creditable relationships will have a profound effect on his relationship with any fee-male (female). God placed man in a garden. He gave every man his own garden. Location! Location! Location! This is what you frequently hear in real estate as the key to success. Location is very important as it pertains to your personal economy. God gave the man his own garden. It was his responsibility to know his garden and cultivate it. I still believe that every man has his own garden. His garden is first in America. To be a provider in the garden, you must know something about how finances work in this economy. As a man, your financial success depends on your knowledge of the money game in the United States or the nation you are called to. Now see the problem most men face is that they are financially illiterate. To be a provider, you must take the time to understand money, how it works, and how to use it for your benefit. God expects man to work creatively and diligently to provide for his family. Work is the only road to financial stability and success. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:23a, “In all labour there is profit…” A man must have a proper attitude about work to be a provider. Nothing is more irritating to a woman than a lazy man. It really doesn’t matter what profession he pursues, whether the clergy, business, political, legal, entertainment, sports, activist, mechanic, etc., his financial success will be contingent upon his work ethic. Too many young men today are looking for shortcuts and some have found it through entertainment and sports, but that is a very small percentage of men. We must keep our young men in school pursuing their education, developing their minds, becoming the progressive thinkers of the family. This training will prepare them to work creatively and diligently in any field of endeavor, which in turn will yield the financial reward necessary for them to provide for themselves and their families. These four (4) principal truths should be taught to every young man who desires to take on a wife and family. His keen understanding of his first assignment as provider will empower him to prioritize his life in such a way that will prepare him for financial success. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 43 43

www.chicous.com How to Wear Leggings this Fall & Winterl

Contributors................................................................... 6 From the Editor.............................................................. 7 Scripture Page............................................................. 14 Carter’s Commentary................................................... 46

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 5

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Contributors

PUBLISHER

Jackie Epps

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps

EDITORIAL

Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault

PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC ARTIST

Mark L. Dennis Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

EB ADMINISTRATOR W

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

Advisory Board

Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC. www.Outfoxedmedia.org Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail! For subscription and advertising information contact 443-813-6547; 410-370-2636 or info@gracenglorymagazine.org

Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for all your advertising needs! Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/gracenglorymagazine and twitter @gracenglorymag Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org Send us your comments! 6 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

When I Think About It . . .

from the editor

This is the month and time of year when everyone will reflect on what we are most ‘Thankful’ for. All of us will mentally compile a list of things and reasons to be most thankful. My list goes something like this. When I think about . . . the goodness of the Lord and all He has done for me, my soul cries hallelujah, I thank God for saving me. When I look back over my life and think about it . . . I realize if it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be? When I think about it . . . it is only because of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. His mercies are new every morning. God is faithful. When I think about it . . . God has kept me through trials and tribulations, heartaches and disappointments. God has kept me through the good and the bad. God is my keeper. When I think about it . . . there is nothing too hard for God. He has supplied all of my needs. God is able to keep me from falling. When I think about it . . . God is strong and mighty; there is nobody greater. He is my shield, my buckler and my protector. When I think about it . . . I know God loves me. He gave His son’s life for me just so I can have eternal life. God is my Savior. When I think about it . . . my God is awesome. He is more than enough for me. When I think about it . . . can’t nobody do me like Jesus, can’t nobody do me like the Lord. In spite of myself, God has continued to bless me with life, health, and strength and I am grateful. I am grateful to God that things are as well as they are and I am grateful to God for His endless grace and His endless mercy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jackie Epps Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 77 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

Q A

& INTERVIEW WITH

Dr. Henry P. Davis, III First Baptist Church of Highland Park Landover, Md

G&G: Dr. Henry Davis welcome back, it is a pleasure to talk with you again as the First Baptist Church of Highland Park celebrates its 91st Church Anniversary. How many of those years have you been the shepherd of this flock and what was your first impression of FBHP? Dr. Davis: So good to be able to have this opportunity to talk with you again. I have been pastoring First Baptist Church of Highland Park for the past 12 years and the Lord has blessed us in many ways, as our church has grown numerically, financially, and spiritually. One of the great attributes of our church has been receptivity to change and desire to move forward in a visionary way. G&G: Dr. Davis what does it mean to you to pastor the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, a ministry with such a rich heritage and legacy? What encourages you most as the pastor of this ever-evolving church? Dr. Davis: I’m blessed to be only the third pastor since 1945, following Dr. James Wyatt and Dr. James McCord, and the sense of history is appreciated at Highland Park, but there is the refusal to be a museum of yesterday. Our Church desires to be actively engaged in the kind of ministry that glorifies Jesus Christ and touches the lives of persons near and far. I’m very excited when I see such a cross section of persons involved in Kingdom work that is now affected by technology and the influx of the information age, yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ maintains her relevancy. G&G: Dr. Davis, a church anniversary is a significant time in the life of the church congregation, and is sometimes used to refocus priorities surrounding its founding. It can also be a time of soul-searching. What are your plans in celebration for this momentous occasion? Dr. Davis: Our theme for our 91st Anniversary is “Drawing Closer to Christ Through The Word, Worship, & Witness” – Acts 10:42 as we take this time to be reminded that Jesus 8 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

Christ must be at the center of everything that we do. We can’t be program driven, but we must be Spirit Led. The celebration kicked off on Sunday, October 28 with the Rev. Tyrone Jones IV, First Baptist Church of Guilford (MD) and culminates on Sunday, November 4 with Dr. Cynthia Hale, Pastor of the Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, Georgia preaching in both the 7:30 and 11:15 a.m. worship services along with Dr. Lloyd T. McGriff, Pastor of the Galilee Baptist Church of Suitland (MD) preaching in the 6:00 p.m. service. G&G: Dr. Davis what would you attribute to the longevity of FBHP and the fruit of this ministry? Is it just the fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone? Dr. Davis: Today’s Disciples at Highland Park stand on the shoulders of many great men and women of faith, who were deeply dedicated to making a Kingdom Difference. An interesting piece of history is that our church was the first church to go to multiple services in Prince George’s County, Maryland as we went to two services in 1968. Since that point our church has never shunned being willing to lean and depend on the guidance of the Lord. Investing in our youth has enhanced our church, but even broader than that is the need to minister to the many different generations who are a part of our church. Our church motto is “A Bible Believing, Christ Centered, & Spirit

Q&A Q&A interview interview Led Congregation” and those are more than mere words to us, as our prayer is that God would direct our paths. G&G: Dr. Davis it has been said a ministry is known by its fruit, would you say the test of any ministry is the production of saints, calling and equipping disciples, in other words the church turned inside out? Dr. Davis: Absolutely! We can’t keep ourselves cloistered behind stained glass windows while persons outside our doors are hurting. We enter to worship, but we must depart to serve. Each year our church offers opportunities for spiritual growth through our Discipleship Ministries to both men and women. We additionally have Crown Financial Ministry, so that persons can understand money-management with the realization that everything belongs to the Lord and that is why we must be faithful, as our blessings come from the Lord. G&G: Dr. Davis how do you set and establish the goals of the church and communicate those to the congregation? Are there ever any conflicts between you and the congregation as it relates to the direction of the church? Dr. Davis: Vision is shared in many different settings from the pulpit to Leadership Meetings and in smaller groups. It is always important to clearly share direction or change of direction so that persons other than myself can serve as ‘foot soldiers.’ No church is perfect, but I thank God for when there is overwhelming support regarding the vision that God has given to me for Highland Park. One of the things that excited me when I came to Landover 12 years ago was the openness to go FORWARD and that is still evident today. G&G: Dr. Davis in providing leadership to the congregation, and assisting members to be the Church, in worship and in service to the community, what are your expectations of the members of the church? Dr. Davis: It is my prayer that Highland Park Disciples would allow the light of the Lord to shine through lives wherever they might find themselves. It’s always a joy when I hear of persons sharing their faith and leading the lost to Christ. My heart is also warmed when I hear of how they’ve allowed the light of Christ to shine through their lives during challenging situations. Our church is a very loving church and although we can be classified as a mega church; we still are able to maintain a very common touch and that’s what attracts a number of persons to our church. I do my absolute as pastor to assure our congregation that they are loved and appreciated. G&G: Dr. Davis to be able to carry out the work of the church, what do you believe must occur first in the lives of the Christians who comprise the church? And what sort of

church do we need to produce the disciples to carry out the work of the church? Dr. Davis: The key word is “dedication.” Our church would not be able to do the things that we do without a strong volunteer base. This is evident with our “Seasoned Saints” down to our youth. Our dedication must start with salvation and is lived out in daily demonstrations. I preach all the time that it is not about us, but it is about the Lord and that is something that must be lived out. G&G: Dr. Davis how do you see the church’s role as it relates to social issues and in specific community issues? Should the church be involved in political issues? Dr. Davis: The church has always been a voice for change, especially in the African-American church experience, as evidenced through the lives of persons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, and many others. Our church is a part of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, which has always been keenly involved in social justice matters. Jesus affected everyday society and so should we. G&G: Dr. Davis how would you sum up the spiritual health of your congregation in qualitative terms (like prayer, evangelism, love for one another, etc.)? And what is on the horizon next for the First Baptist Church of Highland Park? Dr. Davis: I categorize our church as being a very healthy church, but we’re not a perfect church, therefore there is much work that will always need to be done. We, as a congregation, continue to look FAITH FORWARD to the construction of our new worship center on our grounds, along with a gymnasium, that will impact our community for many years to come. Our School, The Highland Park Christian Academy (Pre-K – 8th Grade), continues to stand tall and it is our prayer that God will continue to enlarge our territory. G&G: Dr. Davis lastly would you share with us what is on your heart from the Lord. What are you currently preaching and teaching on? Dr. Davis: I have a real burden for evangelism and seeing persons grow in the faith. I pray that God would speak a mighty word through me that will help persons know the love of God and that our lives should be filled with hope and trust. My prayer on Sundays is that I might encourage the Believer, challenge the Unbeliever, and inspire the backslider to come back into the fold. There’s so much spiritual confusion, so I want to supply persons with the needed tools/equipment to deal with inevitable challenges. So a constant for me is the opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus and allow Him to do the rest through me, as I simply see myself as an instrument in His hands.

www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 99

church history

The History of

The First Baptist Church of Highland Park Landover, MD

The First Baptist Church of Highland Park grew out of a mission founded in 1921 and was designated a church by the Ministers’ Conference of Washington, DC and Vicinity in 1922. During this period, a local land developer donated two lots of the Highland Park community for the purpose of building a church. After several pastors and waning membership, the United Baptist Convention of Maryland sent Rev. James C. Wyatt to pastor in 1945. With a congregation of 13 members, Rev. Wyatt was voted in as the Pastor of First Baptist Church. The original church building was located on Lots 19 and 20, 70th Avenue and M Street, in Highland Park (later renamed Highland Drive). The building was dilapidated and unsightly and limited funds made improvements extremely difficult. However, the church membership and ministry continued to grow. In 1950, Deacon and Mrs. James Davis and Deacon and Mrs. Wiley Lucas came upon the property on Sheriff Road. The property was purchased for $1,200 and in April 1952, the southeast corner of the foundation was laid by Deacon Davis. Others laid the foundation, raised the walls, and dug the baptismal pool. The entire first unit was completed without a mortgage. Then, on Sunday, December 12, 1954, the congregation occupied the bottom portion of the new structure, officially relocating the church to Sheriff Road. As the surrounding communities grew, membership in the church increased and the work to complete the building began. Additional space for parking was acquired by the Joint Boards, and in April 1962 work began to complete the second unit or upper level of the sanctuary. On Sunday, March 1, 1964, the congregation of 250 members moved into the upper unit of the church. The mortgage burning service for this structure, 10 10 November November 2012 2012 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

Current Church

James J. McCord Educational Building currently known as the Wyatt Annex, was held in June 1970. The church continued to grow and, as a result, instituted two worship services each Sunday at 7:30am and 11:15am. In 1970, Rev. Wyatt began to articulate a vision for the church. “He saw a magnificent edifice on this hill attended by people from all of the surrounding communities.” He spoke often of this dream though he mentioned that he may not live to see it. By this time, the congregation had reached a membership of 1,500, with 14 deacons and 12 trustees. On March 30, 1973, after 29 years of faithful service, Rev. Wyatt retired as pastor. He recommended that Rev. James J. McCord be called as the next pastor. Rev. McCord had served as Rev. Wyatt’s assistant since 1967, and, on April 1, 1973, assumed the pastorate of First Baptist Church. The church continued to grow, and in 1974, Rev. McCord established a building committee. On August 27, 1978, the church held the

ground breaking for the present edifice. On Sunday, January 13, 1980, the congregation moved into its new sanctuary. In 1987, the $600,000 mortgage on the current edifice was paid

church history

First Church Building Sheriff Road Future Site in full, liquidating what was to have been a 20-year mortgage in 8 years. To address the ever growing membership and ministry, in 1989, the Building Committee unveiled a three-phased model of future expansion. The model included Phase I—Education Building and Chapel, Phase II—Administration Area and

with an enrollment of 102 children, relocated to the new building and the congregation voted to name the building the James J. McCord Education Building. On Sunday, November 11, 2001, during the church’s 80th Anniversary celebration, the mortgage for the Education Building was burned. On January 1, 2000, after 27 years of service, Rev. McCord retired as Pastor. A Pulpit Committee was convened and brought three candidates to the church to be considered for the position of pastor. The Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis III, was elected as the church’s 11th pastor on July 31, 2000. Under his leadership, the church experienced continued growth, which has swelled to 3,000 members and over 70 ministries. In 2007, Dr. Davis and the Building Committee launched the “Faith Forward” campaign to build a 1,200-seat worship facility and to address the current and emerging needs of the congregation and ministry.

Music Suite, and Phase III—Christian Life Center. Rev. McCord and the church officials saw the need for an Education Building to establish a school for grades kindergarten through 6th and to accommodate the increasing need for meeting space and Sunday School classes. Approximately 7.8 acres of land, adjacent to the current property, was purchased. By May 1992, the parking area for the Education Building was completed and on Sunday, July 26, 1992 a ground breaking service was held for the coming structure. Just 13 months later, on August 28, 1993, the completed Education Building was dedicated to the Lord. The Highland Park Day Care Center, www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11 11

members speak

FBHP Member Spotlight

IRIS N. COLMES Iris N. Colmes, Deaconess has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park since late 1956. Deaconess Colmes has served on the Deaconess Board since 1962 and served as president from 1963 to 1968. Deaconess Colmes is a former member of the Missionary, Women’s Club and the First President of Widow and Widower’s Support Group and I have been blessed by each of these ministries. From 10 years of age until about 10 years ago, she has had to wear eyeglasses. One day she realized she was able to see without her eyeglasses. She praised God for her sight. Now, she can read the notices and Scriptures on the screen in her church and see things clearly. She has always loved Jesus for His gift of eternal life. The gift of the Holy Spirit has led her through many trials and test and His only requirement is that you trust Him and obey His Word. She learned obedience from Christian parents and grandparents and she praises and thanks God for them. Deaconess Colmes thanks and praises God for Jesus and for being her Father and for accepting her as His child. She also thanks God for her church family and leaders. In all things, she gives Him praise and glory. Deaconess Colmes has witnessed many changes at the First Baptist Church Highland Park and she thinks that all are good and she thanks God for her Pastor, Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis III, and the first family. 12 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

GEORGE A.C. CROCKER

EUNICE DAWKINS

George A.C. Crocker has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park for over 38 years. He joined the First Baptist Church of Highland Park on January 6, 1974 and has served as an active member of the body of Christ at First Baptist Church. Mr. Crocker became an active member of the Trustee Ministry, and, in 1988, was elected to serve as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry. For the past 24 years, Chairman Crocker has been very instrumental in helping to build the current Church edifice, the James J. McCord Education Building and other properties acquired by the Church. He is a member of the John F. Cook Lodge Number 10 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia where he served as Chairman of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Trustees and now holds the title of Grand Trustee Emeritus. Chairman Crocker is a long time member of the Church Trustee Fellowship of Metropolitan Washington. This is an interdenominational organization of Church Trustees organized to train Trustees in all aspect of Christian Work. Chairman Crocker is an active member of the September Birthday Ministry at First Baptist Church of Highland Park. He is a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Army, where he served for over 20 years. He is also retired from the US Department of Education. He is an entrepreneur and was a partner in a restaurant in the District of Columbia. He is currently working part time with the Maryland Department of Park and Planning Commission. You can often see him at Watkins Park during the Festival of Lights. He is married to Mrs. Annie Crocker and they have two daughters, Mrs. Karen Crocker Shoultz and Mrs. Donna Crocker Mason. He is the proud grandfather of two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Any day of the week, you can find Chairman Crocker walking the grounds of the Church. He spends 35-40 unpaid hours a week overseeing the day-to-day operations of the physical edifice and monetary assets of the Church.

As the hymnist wrote, “To God Be the Glory for the Things He has Done!” As we celebrate the 91st Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, God has been good to this body of believers. He has brought us from a mighty long way. I wasn’t born in 1947 when my grandmother, the late Jeannette Brown, and family joined Rev. and Mrs. James C. Wyatt, the Lucas’ (Wiley and Naomi), the Davis’ (James and Lillie Mae), the Dockery’s (Harvey and Mariah) and others at the “Little Church in the Bottom,” as it was called. It was, in fact, the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, that bore the name of the Highland Park community where it was located when the developer donated the land for the church. I was two years old when we moved on December 10, 1954, from the Highland Park community to our current location. Little did we know that we would be in the thick of traffic where people would travel past our church on a daily basis. Little did we know that we would be surrounded by homes and communities. Little did we know that there would be a cemetery next door. Little did we know that the home of the Washington Redskins Football Team (FedEx Field) would be built just down the street. Little did we know that Sheriff Road would be a four lane road. Little did we know that we would be sitting on a hill shining in this community and showing that Jesus is Lord! And, God is still blessing us. We have been blessed with three pastors that served this church with longevity (Rev. Dr. James C. Wyatt with over 29 years, Rev. Dr. James J. McCord with 27 years and Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis III has been serving this church and blessing us with the Word of God for 12 years and counting). In our midst, there are cornerstones with over 50 years and still serving God in Highland Park -- Ophelia Malloy, Agnes Butler, Eunice Ellis, Dea. Robert Vinson, Trustee Justin and Beatrice Wyatt, Vivian Dawkins, Mary White, Jackie Perry, Annie Tibbs, Angela Wyatt Taylor and Mary Spriggs just to name a few. As we celebrate 91 years, we are still serving this community, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and shut-in, blessing the poor and spreading the Gospel and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Again, To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done! We give God all Honor, all Praise and all the Glory.

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 13

scripture

14 14 November November2012 2012| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

mayor’s journal

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 15

16 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

governor’s page

A Balanced Approach by Governor Martin O’Malley This is the time of year when we come together to give thanks for our families, and for the many blessings of our lives. It is the time of year that we often spend more time at home with our loved ones, and get ready for the holidays. But before any of this happens, each of us has a civic duty. November 6th is Election Day, and it is fast approaching. In these times, there is so much doubt in our country about whether or not our best days are in front of us. We’re coming through the toughest economic downturn since the Great Depression, and no state has been immune to its effects. But, as a result of the choices we’ve made together, Maryland is well positioned to win in the new economy. Our public schools are ranked #1 in the nation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce names us #1 for entrepreneurship and innovation. The Milken institute ranks us #2 for science and technology, and we are one of only 8 states to defend a Triple A bond rating certified by all three major rating agencies–a true seal of fiscal responsibility. Together, with the men and women of Maryland’s law enforcement, we’ve driven down crime to its lowest levels since 1975. In the past six years, we’ve expanded health care coverage to more than 350,000 previously uninsured Marylanders – nearly half of whom are children. This progress would not be possible were it not for the strength and resilience of the people of our State. And it would not be possible without the leadership of President Barack Obama. The choice in this election could not be more clear. For the future of our State and our country, we need to re-elect President Obama, Senator Cardin, and like-minded Democrats to Congress. We need to support local leaders who work to strengthen our communities. And we need to vote for the fair ballot initiatives that move our State forward. Under President Obama’s leadership, foreclosures have been driven down to the lowest level in five years. Unemployment is down below 8% for the first time in 44 months. And we’ve now gone 31 months in a row with private sector job growth. In fact, under President Obama’s leadership, our private sector created more jobs last year than during the entire 8-year presidency of George W. Bush. Whether we move forward or whether we move back – the choice is yours. Now, more than ever, your vote is needed. So, please visit the polls if you have not voted already, and help us get the word out to your neighbors about the importance of everyone’s voice on Election Day. At this time, you can either vote in person during early voting, or on Election Day. Early voting starts the 2nd Saturday before Election Day, and runs through Thursday before the election, except for the Sunday during this time period. Each early voting center will be open continuously from 10 am to 8 pm each day. Find out where to vote early for the 2012 elections by visiting this website: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/early_voting.html On Election Day, you can vote at your assigned polling place. If you do not know where your polling place is, please visit our voter look-up website at: https://voterservices.elections.state.md.us/votersearch www.gracenglorymagazine.org 17

18 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

education digest

A Teachable Moment

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) I am sure that by now quite a few of you have already given some serious thought to your Thanksgiving menus. Thanksgiving is the one holiday when most of us seem to put our diets on hold long enough to indulge. There is a lot of preparation which goes into planning this annual feast. However, I believe there should be just as much preparation and attention given to the Thanksgiving prayer. Some families, jokingly, have set clear guidelines for the actual length of Thanksgiving prayers. There is usually someone appointed to pray over the food, the head of the household, the oldest adult present or an invited guest. I want to suggest that you consider breaking your family traditions this year and select a child to pray. I’ve always been encouraged by the honesty of a child’s prayer. Their prayers are usually short, funny, and always to the point. In recent years, I’ve passed along the Thanksgiving prayer responsibility to my children. They are eager to share aloud the many blessings in which we are all thankful. I am even more convinced that a Thanksgiving prayer can become a “teachable” moment for another generation. A “Teachable moment” is a term I’ve heard repeated over time as it relates to helping children develop educationally. This is a concept which was popularized by Robert Havighurst. In his 1952 book, Human Development and Education, Havighurst suggested that "A developmental task is a task which is learned at a specific point and which makes achievement of succeeding tasks possible. When the timing is right, the ability to learn a particular task will be possible. This is referred to as a 'teachable moment.' It

is important to keep in mind that unless the time is right, learning will not occur." I believe the time is right this Thanksgiving to provide opportunities for our children to learn lessons of prayer and faith. I have always believed that children model behaviors they witness within the confines of their homes. As we encourage our children to share Thanksgiving prayers, we should also become intentional in providing them with examples. In other words, give them a few simple guidelines. Over the years I’ve been drawn to the acronym of ACTS: Adoration (acknowledging God as the Creator of the Universe), Confession (confessing our own sinfulness and weakness, specific sins), Thanksgiving (thanking God for His personal benefits to us–forgiveness, family, and material comforts), and Supplication (asking for what we need). This is just one example. There may be other prayer formats in which you can share with your children at home. So often I hear concerns from people of how prayer has been taken out of our schools. Here’s my response, “Prayer has not been taken out of our homes.” As we train our children to demonstrate their faith in prayer, we should also expect that over time they will not turn from what they’ve learned. Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy Award winning Education Reporter for WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore. He’s also the Founding Pastor of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 19

20 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

bookshelf

Book Shelf Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling By Everett L. Worthington, Jr.

As I am finishing up my Master’s Degree program, I have come across a few books that have really impacted not only my study and pursuit of education, but that have impacted my life and perception of marriage and the family as whole. This month’s book, Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling, is a phenomenal book that lays out a “blue-print” for helping couples stay married and but not just stay married, but to be happily married. Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling by Everett L. Worthington, Jr. is dedicated to counselors, pastors, life coaches, and anyone who serves as mediator in helping marriages stay intact and healthy. Worthington says that the blue print for a hope-focused counseling scenario is two-fold. The first is the goal: to “produce stronger, less troubled marriages” and to keep the divorce rate fewer than fifty percent. The second component is to focus or to promote hope. I love his definition of hope. It is the combination of willpower, waypower and waitpower. Individuals must be willing to do the work to fix their marriage, have the actions to back it up, and the patience to wait for things to change. Worthington introduces us to seven different interventions that will push the couple towards health and happiness. My favorite two were the intervention on promoting confession and forgiveness and the intervention for strengthening communication. He emphasizes the importance of asking for forgiveness as

by Brandie Manigault

well as the need to forgive. According to Worthington there are four steps to confession: seeing that the other person is hurt, seeing oneself as a contributor to the marital problem, agreeing that one’s actions are wrong, and desiring to change hurtful actions. I don’t know how much plainer it could have been written. He does such a great job in simplifying a topic that has such a big impact on individuals as well as the couple as a unit. The intervention that deals with communication was probably the chapter that hit me the hardest.

On a personal note I believe that communication is not communication unless there is an even exchange of giving and receiving of information. Worthington writes about the importance of communication and the importance of making couples aware of their communication patterns. Worthington also does a great job at making sure that the Biblical principles and standards of marriage are highlighted in his method of helping couples. The life of Jesus is used as an example of respect and communication. For anyone and everyone who is out to keep the divorce rate low, marriages intact and healthy, resulting in healthy families, this book is a must for your library. Read it. Digest it. Adopt the “blue print”. Join me in promoting HOPE!

About The Author

Everett Worthington, Ph.D., Everett Worthington, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he has been on the faculty since 1978. He is also a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia. He has published 17 books and over 150 articles and scholarly chapters, mostly on forgiveness, marriage, and family topics. The most recent books are Five Steps to Forgiveness: The Art and Science of Forgiving (Crown Publishers, 2001) and Hopefocused Marriage Counseling (Intervarsity Press, 1999). He directs “A Campaign for Forgiveness Research” (www.forgiving.org), which seeks to raise money to support research into forgiving. He was founding editor of Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal. He has spoken internationally at conferences and universities in Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. He considers his mission as “to bring forgiveness into every willing heart, home, and homeland.” He has made over 250 appearances in different media. Television appearances include Good Morning America, The Iyanla Show, The Leeza Show, CNN, The 700 Club, and others. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 21

22 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

to your good health

Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Executive Director, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

hen I was a child there was a card game we played that was very enjoyable. It was called ‘War’ with the opponents challenging one another with the phrase “I declare war”. It was competitive and exciting to be the first one to call out the words. Unfortunately, in our world today the words of a childhood game have become all too common. There is a cry around the world for ceasefire from all of the violence and confusion that plague our communities, our cities and our countries. Violence is the order of the day that in Baltimore County the school year did not start off with just bells ringing but with gunshots in the cafeteria. That confrontation was just the beginning of what has become an unprecedented number of gun related incidents already recorded this year and has prompted the use of metal detectors in the middle and high schools in the county. This is just one example of the daily occurrences of aggression in our society. People, young and old, male and female, Christians and nonChristians, are all prone to hostility, brutality and insanity. This has become almost the norm instead of an anomaly. Instead of choosing peace we have opted to choose bullying, fighting, arguing, persecuting and even killing one another. For Christians this is not the witness we want to portray to those we are called to influence. Our savior is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation on His behalf. Our charge is to declare peace and not war in the midst of our chaotic world. Psalm 34:14 challenges us to, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” As servants of God we are to represent the position of peace in our communities. This does not mean we sit back and watch things happen but

that we engage in positions that will make positive changes and not those that incite negative outcomes. We have sat on the sidelines too long letting the world’s point of view take over in areas where we were once the frontrunners. Proclaiming peace is what we should do no matter what is happening around us or within us. Jesus has given us the blessing of peace. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Fear and worry is the opposite of faith and peace. There is nothing keeping us from exercising our faith in the midst of trouble except fear. When we learn to depend on the legacy of peace passed on to us through our faith in God we fortify our ability to stand in the midst of the attacks of the enemy. The world wants to drain you of your capacity to endure and persevere when troubles come. There is an aggressive attack on the mental, physical, and spiritual health of believers. Yet we are armed with the knowledge and wisdom that the Holy Spirit will comfort us and bring to our remembrance all that we need to succeed. There is no reason to be concerned or worried about the future because we serve the God who gives us the peace that surpasses understanding. You may be worried about the election results, your doctor’s report or the next gas and electric bill. Be comforted knowing that Jesus encourages us to seek first the Kingdom, pursue righteousness, not to worry and to be content. If the flowers, birds, trees and other creatures are taken care of then surely you will be provided for as well. The next time you are anxious, stressed or begin to complain declare peace in your life. Jesus has the final say, so rejoice and abide in peace. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 23 23 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

24 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 25

26 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

nutrition & you

Emotional Eating: The Facts

By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

What is emotional eating? Emotional eating is a fairly common phenomenon in which food is used as a tool for dealing with strong emotions. Emotional eaters generally are unaware of how their emotions are impacting food intake. Why do some people have a problem with emotional eating? The issue is probably multifactorial for the majority of people. However, we know that brain chemistry has much to do with it. Certain foods increase the influx of “feel good chemicals” into the brain, and this sends a message to us that we should eat more to feel even better. Many people associate food with comfort, feeling as if they were “taken care of.” When they cannot get these feelings from other people or from within them, food seems like an easy cure. Today’s society relies heavily on food as a way of celebrating. Every major holiday and special event is built on a foundation of food. This is large-scale emotional eating. Many people find themselves preparing food and eating as a means of distracting themselves from the things that they would rather not think about or feel, even though they probably should. Is emotional eating always bad? No! Some people are able to occasionally comfort themselves with food and do so without any long-term health damage. Emotional eating becomes a problem when it becomes a habit. People who suffer from emotional eating tend to cycle between guilt and bingeing, and have a difficult time making peace with food. People

with serious issues involving emotional eating often do not even taste the food that they are eating. Emotional eating has nothing to do with physical hunger. What can I do to stop emotional eating? The first step is to try to figure out what specific emotions spur you on to eat more. Keeping a detailed food record, including what you were feeling every time that you eat, is a good first step. Once you know what is causing you to overeat, it is easier to figure out what you need to take the place of food. For example, the inner dialogue might go something like this: Are you stressed? How can you find relaxation without food in front of you? If there was no food in front of you, what would you do with this feeling? Would you go for a walk, take a hot bath, call a friend, begin a creative project, read a book, or write a letter that you will never send? What needs to change in your life to break this pattern of stress that is so severe that it is driving you to overeat? One of the most obvious ways to prevent eating unhealthy foods in response to your emotions is to just not keep unhealthy foods in the house. Of course, even too much “healthy” food can lead to weight gain, but not as easily. Do not go hard on yourself if you slip up from time to time. Instead, try to recover as quickly as possible. Look at each fallback as a way of finding out more about how your emotions and diet are linked together. www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 27 27

28 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

body basics

If you have been inactive, beginning a gentle exercise routine can bring important benefits. Regular physical activity can help prevent serious disorders such as heart disease and diabetes, and also increase endorphins, which can help keep depression at bay. As an older person, exercising can encourage you to remain active and retain your independence. At a time when your metabolism naturally slows, exercise can help with weight control. Endurance

Endurance exercises include walking, jogging or swimming. Tasks that require steady movement such as sweeping or raking also can be considered endurance exercise, increasing your breathing and heart rate for a lengthened period of time. If you perform endurance exercises regularly, you will find it easier to remain active and continue to go shopping, do some gardening or enjoy some suitable sports. If you have been inactive for a while, it is important to start slowly with endurance exercises. Begin by taking a gentle five- to 10-minute walk, and gradually work up to an optimal 30 minutes if possible. Set yourself a realistic exercise target based on your age and health.

Stretching

If you have been inactive, you probably will find your joints are stiff. Stretching exercises can help to loosen them and should be performed before doing any aerobic or strength training exercises to reduce the risk of sore muscles or injury. There are specific stretching exercises for each part of the body. In order to stretch the calves, stand at a short distance from a wall. Place your hands on the wall; your arms should be straight. Position one leg behind the other, at a distance of 1 or 2 feet away. Make sure the foot of that leg is flat on the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds, bending the knee of the leg that is moved back. Keep the foot flat on the floor. Repeat the exercise three to five times with each leg.

Strengthening

Strength training helps you build muscle by performing repetitive motions and using weight as resistance. It is important for seniors as it can help prevent loss of bone mass and improve balance. It will also help you stay active. Inactive seniors should begin strength training by using a weight that can be lifted easily without much effort. This can be a household item, such as a can of soup, if you do not have access to weights. Lift the item five times. When you feel that is too easy, do two sets of five repetitions. Gradually increase the weight you are lifting and the repetitions. Ideally, you will be able to increase your strength training sessions to 30 or 40 minutes, two or three times weekly.

Balance

Balance exercises are important; they will improve your confidence and can help lessen your likelihood of falling. A basic balance exercise is the forward knee lift. Stand near a chair or another object you could grab if necessary when performing the exercise. Stand with your feet shoulders-width apart. Shift all your weight to your right leg, and raise your left knee as high as is comfortable. The eventual goal is that your knee should be high enough so your thigh is parallel to the ground. Hold the position for as long as you can until you work up to 15 seconds. Change legs. Continue alternating legs for five minutes. If you have not been active, start slowly. Your eventual goal should be to complete five minutes of balance poses, three times a day. www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 29 29

30 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

teen connect

ThankFULL! The year is coming to a close and it has been eventful! We have so much to be thankful for and when we trust and believe God, He will never let us down. He reigns forever and despite what life may throw our way, He is ultimately in control. God answers prayers and does things in His time. That is something that we cannot change but we can learn to appreciate because God knows what we need and when we need it. Again He will never let us down, so we should not let Him down by not believing in His power.

We all go through things in this life that can make us start to wonder about the power of God, but it is so important that we bring ourselves back to those times where He has made a way when we knew there was absolutely no way. So let us thank God for all of the things He has done and will continue to do in our lives. Oh Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endureth forever! I Chronicles 16:34

Pastors Gregory & Tonya Dennis KINGDOM WORSHIP CENTER 6419 York Road, Towson, MD 21212

410-377-3500 www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 31

32 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

R Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, II Pastor & Certified Estate Planner To book Dr. Kenneth Robinson for a financial seminar in your area or at your ministry, please call

410.415.6400

word on finances

Men are Providers! Any Boaz’s left?

Kim Burrell Arrow records, a division of Arrow Global Entertainment signed Award Winning, Gospel Great, Pastor Kim Burrell. Kim Burrell has a worldwide fan base, that has crossed genres, and cultures musically. Her voice is amazing, Her vocals are impeccable, she’s a force to be reckoned with on any musical level! She has five albums to date, but has been singing since she was very young, and has made a career in music now for more than 20 years. She’s made her mark not just in Gospel but her unique voice quality has gained her great respect and notoriety in the secular world as well. Pastor Burrell has worked with Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Chaka Khan, Shirley Ceasar, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, as well as the late Whitney Houston who was such a fan of her work they became very close friends. “Arrow Records is excited about the new relationship and what’s to come musically. Kim Burrell is a widely respected global brand, and we are elated to join forces with her by forming this unique partnership”, says Cappriccieo M. Scates, General Manager for Arrow. “We all have been huge fans of her work for many years, and having an opportunity to assist in bringing her music to the world, is an amazing honor! Like most, I refer to her as the greatest voice alive, and I am so excited about working with her.” Arrow is planning a May 2013 release for Kim and I can’t wait! I love her music it’s been captivating me since the first time I heard her. Congrats Pastor Kim u deserve it!!!

Gospel News

By Ericka J.

Jonathan Nelson His new single “Finish Strong” hit radio last month, it was written by Jonathan as well as Kenny “Babyboy” Shelton. The session was recorded live this summer, at Kingdom Worship Center (Bishop Ralph Dennis).The album is scheduled to release in 2013, this is Jonathan’s debut project on his new label, Karew Records. “Finish Strong has a universal message that will appeal to a broad audience. I hope people will finish strong in whatever they are assigned to do in life. Whatever you are called and commissioned to do, remember it’s not about how well you start, it’s about how well you finish. Your pursuit, purpose, and assignment in life, it must be run with patience and endurance. It’s not going to be easy, you will have some roadblocks, some detours and maybe some delays, but at the end of the day, you must finish strong”, says Nelson. I was a part of the live session of “Finish Strong” and I honestly see this record being huge for Jonathan, landing him more awards, and nominations. Congrats on what’s to come for you and Purpose! Continue to keep Baltimore smiling, we are extremely proud of you, keep giving us Kingdom Music, I know you’ll have a Strong Finish, because you have Strong Faith!!!

34 November November2012 2012| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 34

gospel industry news Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper Light Records announces its newest signee, Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper. Anaysha made her mark in music at an early age. She was the lead on the song “Holy Lord”, with Danny Eason & Abundant Life, a New York based youth choir that was extremely popular. A lot of churches still sing it to this day. Anaysha has established a career in music. Her voice can be heard with quite a few of the industry’s greats, including but definitely not limited to Kurt Carr, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir, Alicia Keys, James Fortune, Kirk Franklin, and she’s also one of the background vocalists for BET Sunday’s Best. I knew it would be just a matter of time before a label would grab her, and set her sailing further in the industry making her own brand in the music world. Anaysha has much to be excited about, she has not only inked a record deal, but she’s a newlywed, she married her longtime sweetheart Chris Cooper! I’m so happy for you Nay, and I’m excited about all God has in store for you, can’t wait for the upcoming debut LP in 2013.

Local Artist Highlight Mt. Hattin Missionary Baptist Church Choir They are back and still sounding absolutely wonderful! It’s been a minute since Mt. Hattin has recorded an album, but to hear them on their newest project, it was definitely worth the wait. They still have the great sound they have always had. Their single will be hitting radio early November, and the full project early 2013. “Created To Make It” coming soon. Look for it!!!

Jeff Jacobs The 5th Live Recording of Dr. Jeff Jacobs took place Oct 27th, at the First Christian Community Church of Annapolis. The album is titled “I Wanna Worship”, it was presented by Dr. JJ Productions, and produced by Stellar Award winner Minister Isaiah Thomas. Stay tuned for release info!

Top 5 Gospel Albums

1. Gravity...................................................................................... LaCrea 2. Best Days........................................................................ Tamela Mann 3. Jesus Is at the Center .................................Live Israel & New Breed 4. Life Music ............................................................. Jonathan Reynolds 5. The Experience.................................................... Le’ Andria Johnson

Top 5 Gospel Songs

1. Take Me To The King .................................................... Tamela Mann 2. Awesome.............................................................Pastor Charles Jenkins 3. Life & Favor .................................................. John P Kee & New Life 4. It’s Not Over......Israel & New Breed feat James Fortune & Jason Nelson

Project Praise Congrats to Project Praise on winning six Rhythm of Soul nominations!! If you have not heard this group of young people from Baltimore you are missing a treat, they do a phenomenal job!!! Look them up on YouTube, email them projectpraisemusic@yahoo.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Enjoy this time of family, reflection, and most of all remember to give honor and reverence to God for all his blessings these 11 months of 2012. Pray for the less fortunate, and definitely continue to pray for the families whom have suffered the lost of their love ones this year. I’m continually praying for the family of my dear friend Min. Shelley Carter, in the loss of her oldest daughter Shekia Polston, who was just like a niece to me, so young, vibrant and full of joy, a jewel to all who knew her, she will be sorely missed. I ask that you all reading this will remember her, as well as her siblings, Christopher & Shea Polston, and the Carter/Polston Family. Holidays are especially hard because those are memorable family times, but as Christians we don’t die we simply transition, from labor to reward!!! Til next month! Follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/MissErickaJ, email me missericka75@yahoo.com, www.instagram.com/MissErickaJ Like Me www.facebook.com/IndustryNewsWithMissErickaJ www.gracenglorymagazine.org 35 35 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

fashion focus

Source: www.chicous.com

36 November November2012 2012| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 36

Leggings continue to be trendy this Fall-Winter 2012-2013 season, and many major fashion houses and mainstream commercial brands continue to offer leggings in their collections. I could see why leggings have been favored by fashion trend setters and, especially, by fashionistas. Leggings look great, when the whole outfit is properly pulled off. They are comfortable to wear, they are versatile, and they keep your legs warm after all! Leggings are neither pants, nor tights. They are more on the tights side though. That is why I would suggest that you think of leggings more as tights: you can wear them with any mini dress, sweater dress, shirt dress and mini skirt. Leggings which look more like tights are quite versatile, as you can throw them in many outfits – just for additional coziness and warmth during this colder season. Some of the leggings designed to look more like skinny pants or jeans – they are made from thicker fabrics and have some additional attributes – such as pockets, zippers, leather applications and buttons. You may pair this type of leggings with long shirts, cardigans and blazers. Always make sure though, that your tops are long enough to cover your buttocks. Here are several ideas on how to wear leggings this fall-winter 20122013.

fashion focus With a mini skirt, a blouse and short jacket. This look combines several trends of the season such as black-and-white printed skirt, orange and dark blue colors. A thick fabric skirt like this would look great with leggings. Make sure that your leggings go beyond your ankle boots line, so there is no skin showing. By wearing your mini skirt, a matching color leggings and ankle boots this way, you make your legs look even longer. With a sweater dress and oversized coat. Sweater dresses are perfect for wearing with leggings. Because of the short length of sweater dresses, your legs may look too revealed. That is when leggings come in very handy. This season’s trend – oversized coats – will work well with leggings, since it will give some volume to the silhouette. As for footwear, either knee-high boots or ankle boots are suitable for wearing with leggings. With a short dress and fitted jacket. You may want to combine your short dress with leggings and fitted blazer for a classier look. Again, there are several Fall-Winter 2012-2013 trends which have worked really well together in this set: over-the-knee boots, red color, knit dress and layering. With a sweater dress and vest. Fur vests are big this season, and they can come really handy for styling up your outfit with leggings. In this set trendy burgundy color adds sophistication and chic to the look. With a sweater dress and tweed coat. A trendy tweed coat adds some coziness to the look, while biker’s boots bring some conflict. Clash of styles is something you can experiment with for creating unforgettable and telling looks. In this look the conflict between a romantic dress, a cozy tweed coat and bikers boots turned out to be both edgy and stylish. With a short dress and trench coat. This set gives you an example of how leggings can be actually worn as tights. You can easily go for tights instead of leggings in this outfit, and it will not look as if something is missing. No doubts, leggings add an interesting twist to the look. With a long top and a cardigan. As I mentioned

earlier, some leggings do look like skinny pants, and in this case you can wear them with long shirts and cardigans. I would not suggest though replicating this look without a cardigan – because you may be at risk of looking too sporty – as if you just have gotten out of a dance class. When it comes to wearing leggings, think layering – to keep it stylish and chic. Fall-Winter season offers lots of opportunities to experiment with your outfits; there are many fashion trends to explore and adapt to your own taste and style. Incorporating leggings into your outfits is just one of the ways to adapt current fashion trends to your own taste and styles. There are so many other fashion trends to explore. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37 37 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

38 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

womans perspective

Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Out Foxed Media, www.outfoxedmedia.org

This month’s article has been the hardest to write. But I figured since this is the month that God graced the earth with my presence, I figured that I would share with everyone the Test that led to my Testimony. As you all know, last year was a very trying year for my family. What you don't know is that my parents’ health issues weren't the only Test my family faced. In the middle of my family’s health issues I began to experience severe back pains. The pain became unbearable to the point I would cry myself to sleep. I was dealing with my parents’ illnesses, a new position at work, raising three kids alone and now this. A test I didn't know how to study for. I went to the doctors and to my knowledge I was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. How was I going to face my kids? How can I tell my parents they were under enough stress? So this test I had to take by myself. The question I had was how was I going to pass this test and what tools did I need to prepare myself. I began praying and asking God to guide me to get through this. I

asked Him to tell me what I needed to get through this. Step One: I began to remove negative people and things out my life. (Note: I'm still working on this.) Step Two: Build, Build, Build my relationship with God. Step Three: Cleanse my soul so that I could receive everything that was for me. Step Four: Listen and receive. Well one year later and after a lot of prayer, appointments, tears, and pain, I am here to report that through God's Grace and Mercy I'm doing well. You see my Test was that I had to accept what life was handing me, but Trust God to get me Through. The next time you are wondering why or how, know that God has your back. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 39 39 www.gracenglorymagazine.org

40 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

from the pulpit

From the

Pulpit

or thirty years I’ve had the security and solemnity of doing what I loved, what I knew and what I lived for. Pastoring was never my life’s ambition, because I’m a fifth generation minister, I wanted to leave the “family business,” and the inherent headaches and heartaches that went with the territory. Leading church folk can be hazardous to your health!

“… He knows the way that I take…” ~ Job 23:10

By Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Biblical folk and God spoke to them, and led them and blessed them, didn’t He? Does God still “order our steps?” Is God really “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway?” Can we really count on God to get us through the foggy, uncertain, unsettled and unfamiliar times of life?

However, after accomplishing every goal, and still feeling empty, I surrendered to the voice, vision and vocation that would define me for three decades.

That is what the text at the opening of this article referred to. Job was confused. His wife, his friends, his family and his faith had all let him down. No encouragement, no sound advice, no assurance that “Joy would come in the morning!”

But one day the “cheese was moved,” the page had turned and my comfort zone became uncomfortable! Have you ever felt uncomfortable in a comfortable place? A job, a relationship, a church, a city, a clique, an organization can all run the race that was set before you, but the time may come for a fresh encounter, a different challenge and a time to walk by faith into the unfamiliar. Abraham did it (Genesis 12:1); Moses did it (Exodus 3:10); Joshua did it (Joshua 1:2, 3); Ruth did it (Ruth 2:16); but those are

Finally Job, surrendered to the certainty of his situation. Although Job was clueless as to what waited for him in the next scene of his unpredictable journey, he was able to conclude, what I’ve had to conclude, and that is, “He knows the way that I take!” And since I am His and He is mine, and since “He who has begun a good work in you, will perform it (Philippians 1:6), then I stopped fretting and started fasting and focusing on God providing me with a map for this journey.

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 41

42 November 2012 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 43

J&C DESIGNS is

GRACE & GLORY’S Graphic Designer

SPECIALIZING IN

Wedding Invitations & Accessories

WEBSITE DESIGN

now available!

410-686-7233 • 443-600-9722 • www.JandCDesigns.com 9801-J Tailspin Lane • Baltimore, MD 21220 J&C DESIGNS also offers:

GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES

Business Cards • Post Cards • Advertisements Brochures • Flyers • Magazines • CD & Book Covers Seals • Logos • Customized Plaques & much more!

Offering a collection of fine invitations for all occasions from: CARLSON CRAFT • BIRCHCRAFT STUDIOS & THE HERITAGE COLLECTION for the African American Bride

• WE DELIVER . . . our invitation albums to your home. Keep them for a few days to browse through with your fiancee at your convenience.

• 44 FREE SHIPPING . . . & delivery of your invitation order. November 2012 | Grace&Glory

• PRICE MATCHING . . . of invitations

word of encouragement

Donna Williams-Ross In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL and remember to: “Give Thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ as His Son.” Well it’s November and Thanksgiving Day is here again. Seems like we just celebrated Thanksgiving Day a few months ago and it’s here again. Actually it was twelve months ago. Oh, how time is flying. Mark 13:19-20 speaks of the time we are living in -- “These are going to be hard days—nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there’ll be nothing like it again. If he let the days of trouble run their course, nobody would make it. But because of God’s chosen people, those he personally chose, He has already intervened.” However, despite the times we are living in, we have got to stop and thank God for all that He continues to do for us. We are living in a time when it seems like the time is moving more rapidly than ever. So much so that we are too busy to really stop and give thanks to God as we ought to. Oh, it is not that we are not telling God “Thank You,” but we are doing it while not spending enough time in the presence of God. We are living in a microwave age, where everything is being done so quickly that if we really take the time to blink, we would have missed a minute. No longer do we even want the microwave to take a minute to heat something. In other words, a minute seems too long for us to wait on the microwave. I myself have been guilty of wanting the microwave to quickly give me what I have placed in it. Therefore let us take this time to truly give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One. WE, God’s people are publicly declaring our love for our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of every person who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We are acknowledging that “while we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” [Romans 5:6-8–AMP] Do you know anyone who would die for you? I know that I personally don’t know anyone who would gladly die so that I could live and not pay for all the wrong

things that I have done. I mean I can think of a few people who I may say would give up their lives so that I can live, but I cannot promise you they would, especially for something they didn’t do. That God would publicly show us that He loved us by exchanging His Son’s life for ours, WE, God’s people say “Thank You Father.” WE, God’s people are publicly declaring that we are thankful that God has spared our lives and we are able to see another Thanksgiving Day. Most of us have buried a loved one this year and we know the pain of losing that person, but we thank God that we made it. We are still here because God still has a plan and purpose for us being here. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” [Jeremiah 29:11–AMP]. What wonderful news to know that God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. He didn’t dump us all together and give us one plan for all of us, but has given us our own specific purpose for being here on earth and for that WE, God’s people say “Thank You Father.” WE, God’s people are publicly declaring that we are thankful that God promises to not “see the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.” [Psalm 37:25–AMP]. Jesus then broke it down more specifically in Matthew 6:25-34 when He spoke about us not worrying about our lives, what we are going to eat or what we shall drink; or even about our bodies, what we should put on. WE, God’s people say “Thank You Father.” WE, God’s people are thanking GOD for a country in which we can openly praise God and not have to do it behind closed doors or worry about being caught doing it. WE, God’s people say “Thank You Father.” WE, God’s people are thanking GOD for daily covering us instead of exposing us for the many things we do daily that is not pleasing in His sight. You know what, I could go on and on about the things that we all could be giving thanks to GOD for collectively, but I am going to end here so that you can personally take your own time to thank God for all that He has done and continue to do for you. I know I am going to be thanking God for many things that He has done for me privately and publicly. Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you from In Trust Ministries and remember to give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45

carter’s commentary

ON WINNING

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., Pastor New Shiloh Do you find yourself torn, from time to time, trying to determine what’s best, or what’s right, Baptist Church when it comes to achieving, or reaching, a desired end? For example, you have to take a Baltimore, MD test, and if you “ace” it, you will get the promotion you’ve been striving for. In order to

successfully do so, what’s your mind-set? “I just wanna pass this test and get it over with,” or “I will prepare myself diligently to do my best, so that even if I don’t get the promotion, at least I will have acquired more knowledge and grown in the process.” Let’s extrapolate further, in order to get to the substance of this commentary. Let’s say that you are able to successfully pass the test by “winging it” and you get the promotion, would you have been better off applying, preparing, and maturing yourself, although you weren’t successful in passing the test and were denied the promotion? Which process proves to be the best, the former or the latter? What does it mean to win? What is winning? I’d been giving such questions thought prior to the 2012 presidential debates. Even before the first debate was held between President Barack Obama and (former) Governor Mitt Romney, in Colorado, the analyst and pundits seeming only angle in covering the same was, who will win; and what will it take to win? I heard nothing about the candidates casting a vision for our nation. I read nothing about why little was being raised about poverty (especially among children), our nation’s ongoing inferior (public) educational systems, or the need to continue the conversation about classism and racism. It was all about tactics, tone, and maintaining the right temperament. WBAL radio aired a segment, recently, that dealt with: “It’s not about what they say, but how they say it.” To my surprise, the segment’s angle was voice pitch; that lower voiced presidential candidates have won 15 out of the last 17 elections. It seems that lower pitched voices connote authority, while higher pitched voices come across as whinny and complaining. Granted, I understand that by virtue of the word “debate” there is an implied winner, but we’re talking about the course of a nation. Yes, the issues of taxes, jobs, and the economy were on the table, but it seemed only to the extent of who would “win” the issue by being the most aggressive and persuasive, not whose platform would be the right or best one for our 315 million citizens. In a word, it’s all about “polls,” not people. (Of course, at the time of the release of this publication, no less than three debates will have occurred: two presidential and one vice-presidential. Perhaps more substance will have emerged in the two remaining debates). Still further, unless one makes a major blunder, given the subjective nature of such debates, who’s to really determine who wins? There are no points, test scores, or knockouts. At least, in the athletic/sports world, a score can be kept, although given the opening three weeks of replacement referees in this year’s National Football League’s season, I’m not so sure. Wasn’t that a laughable mess? Winning was so vital, or shall I say, getting winning right was so vital where a professional sport was concerned, that even President Obama weighed in on the issue, practically admonishing the regular refs and the NFL to bring the matter to a close. Obviously, too much money (including that of Vegas’ bookies) was at stake. One might say that such importance on winning is mainly, if not exclusively, applicable to such arenas as politics and sports; not so. The church is replete with wondering who the winners are. On one level, we are almost forced to determine winners in the pulpit. “Did he/she ‘preach’ today?” “Did he/she ‘kill’?” We have to determine winners in the choir stand. “How’d the choir do?” Seldom, when worship is discussed, is the language about the impact of the message, the meaning of the song, or the results of the ministry relative to the edifying of people or the saving of souls, but it has more to do with whether or not the church goes “in,” and the preacher, singer, or choir at that given time gets to be… (wait for it…) the winner, based primarily on whether there was a shout. The nature of our Western World’s society has evolved into an almost exclusive society that’s based on winning. However, the concept is couched in (forgive me for this) evolution, only to the extent of the idea of the survival of the fittest, only the strong survive, and to the victor go the spoils. Such are axioms that “evolved” out of that line of thought. The very fact that our city’s baseball team recently made it to the first round of the playoffs, as a “wild card” gave new life to downtown venues: hotels, restaurants, and bars. Retail businesses that manufacture sports paraphernalia, like baseball caps and t-shirts, were licking their lips, while on their way to the bank. After 15 years, Baltimore had a winning baseball team. Winning, then, is good for morale, the psyche of individual citizens and the community, as well as (drum roll) the economy. Such is also “played out” in the Bible; particularly in the Old Testament. If anything has to do with winning, the Bible does. Conquests, triumphs, victories are what it’s about. Right over wrong. Good over evil. God over Satan. And, then, there’s the drama on Calvary, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ (God’s Son) and the ultimate victory over death, hell, and the grave, which resulted when Jesus is raised from the dead. Such was/is a “win-win.” Jesus was resurrected, and we who believe “it” are saved. Make no mistake about it, there’s a battle over who will win our souls. Moreover, God, who is the paradigm of all that is victorious, is yet to have the final win—Armageddon. The obsessive nature of winning, like last year’s Charlie Sheen’s rants on the subject, having been fired from television’s hit sitcom’s Two and a Half Men, aren’t healthy or wholesome. Everything that came out of his mouth, during interviews, ended with “winning” as a kind of exclamation point. His view of winning is narcissistic. It’s winning at the expense of others and for the absolute sake of winning just so he could/can be #1. In fact, given the fact that practically every television network has some type of competitive show, from singing to dancing to cooking to storage lockers to endurance, to modeling shows just how obsessed we’ve become with who will be #1. Even the plethora of court shows have to do with who will win. However, we possess an inherent nature of winning that should call and cause us to do, and to be, better… in order to right wrongs, raise standards, and regain our intended, spiritual relationship with God. Winning, then, is not so much about being #1, as it is being positioned to better glorify God. It has been said that everyone loves a winner, and no one loves a loser. Such may contain an element of truth, for by no means is winning everything. Arguably, one can be a winner without being first to break the ribbon or have the most points. History is replete with so-called losers who’ve turned out to find victory in defeat. And, we should be ever aware that the race is not (given) to the swift…. (Ecc. 9:11) Ideally, most of us would love to affirm the saying, “It’s not about winning and losing, it’s about how to play the game.” Such is humane and considerate, as it suggests that the important aspects in competition, whether in the classroom, the business world, etc., are the lessons learned and the growth achieved during the process. Still, we know that there is nothing quite like the exhilaration of winning and being a winner. I suppose the Apostle Paul’s comment is helpful. He calls believers to excellence as long as they do so, staying within the rules—no cheating. “And if a (person) also strives for masteries, yet is he/she not crowned, except he/she strives lawfully.” (2 Tim. 2:5) Indeed, such is our quest, isn’t it? Perhaps, second place isn’t that bad. The silver medal still gives one the opportunity to stand on an Olympic pedestal. For, when it’s all said and done, we know that we are wired to excel. This may be the best interpretation of what winning may be; when one doesn’t have to make an excuse or apologize. Ask yourself, have you ever heard a legitimate winner make an excuse? Winners don’t have to. Winners just win and humbly become the recipients of their accomplishment(s). Hear the words of the hymn writer, Lucie Campbell: “Oh, when I come to end of my journey, Weary of life and the battle is won, Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption, He’ll understand, and say, ‘Well done’.” November | Grace&Glory 46 46 October 2012 | 2012 Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.orgâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 47

48 November 2012 | Grace&Glory