Grace&Glory 1
Psalm 95:1-6 (KJV) O COME, LET US SING UNTO THE LORD: LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION. LET US COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING, AND MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO HIM WITH PSALMS. FOR THE LORD IS A GREAT GOD, AND A GREAT KING ABOVE ALL GODS. IN HIS HAND ARE THE DEEP PLACES OF THE EARTH: THE STRENGTH OF THE HILLS IS HIS ALSO. THE SEA IS HIS, AND HE MADE IT: AND HIS HANDS FORMED THE DRY LAND. O COME, LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN:
Psalm 100 (KJV) “MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD, ALL YE LANDS. SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS: COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING. KNOW YE THAT THE LORD HE IS GOD: IT IS HE THAT HATH MADE US, AND NOT WE OURSELVES; WE ARE HIS PEOPLE, AND THE SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE. ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE: BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM, AND BLESS HIS NAME. FOR THE LORD IS GOOD; HIS MERCY IS EVERLASTING; AND HIS TRUTH ENDURETH TO ALL GENERATIONS.”
Psalm 107:1 (NIV) “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) “BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS.”
2 November 2 November2023 2023
Grace&Glory 3
November 2023
™
on the cover: Overseer Tobias A.B. McCain Lady Tamara J. McCain Temple of Praise Church of Baltimore, Inc. 111 Wheeler Avenue Baltimore, Md 21223
Cover Story Pgs 8-12 This month we are featuring Overseer Tobias McCain and Lady Tamara McCain. The McCains
are the Pastors of Temple of Praise Church of Baltimore, Inc., and they are celebrating their 4th Pastoral Anniversary. Overseer Tobias McCain shares with us "The Journey" of the ministry and Lady Tamara McCain answers the question, “What is it like to be a First Lady?”
Healthy Soul 14 MONTHLY MANNA
22 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon
Elder Tracey George
Feast At The Table of Victory
A Garment of Gratitude
30 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Pastor Rhoda Turner
Romans 8:28 Encounter 4
November 2023
Healthy Mind 18 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Lifestyle & Entertainment 35 FASHION FOCUS
36 GOSPEL NEWS
Alfred Turner
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Ericka J.
Fall Fashion Tips
Caring For Others
38 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Healthy Life
Ericka J.
Little Miss Black US OF A Pageant
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2
34 HEALTH MATTERS
Contributors............................................ 6
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels
Vitamin D Deficiency
Call Tyson Lesesne
Realtor The Vurganov Group
From the Editor....................................... 7
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, I’m here to answer your questions and help you get the best market value. Let’s talk!
443-554-9697
– Tyson
EXIT PREFERRED REALTY
Exit Preferred Realty
TYSON CELL
443-554-9697
OFFICE
410-6700-9100
2105 Laurel Bush Rd. | Suite 200 | Bel Air, MD 21015 EMAIL TYSON AT Tyson.Lesesne@gmail.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Grace&Glory 5
Contributors For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jackie Epps EDITORIAL Dr. Carla J. Debnam Min. Carenda McCray Tracey George
DR. CARLA DEBNAM Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5. ELDER TRACEY GEORGE Tracey Nicole George is an ordained elder. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.
Dr. Denyce Daniels Rhoda Turner Alfred Turner Ericka J. GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration. For advertising and more information contact
410-370-2636 info@gracenglorymagazine.org Follow us on: Grace & Glory Magazine @gracenglorymag GraceandGlorymag Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org
6 November 2023 6 November 2023
MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Min. Carenda is an Author, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and TV Personality. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Law Degree (Mediation and Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Min. Carenda helps individuals and professionals rise above their circumstances by detoxing emotionally. Carenda believes Emotional Management Equals Life Management. Her new book, 12 Rounds...How to Detox Emotionally and Win, is scheduled to launch 2024. DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University. PASTOR RHODA TURNER Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure. Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ. ERICKA J. Ericka J. is a Baltimore Native Radio and TV Personality Media Mogul. Ericka J. is a community activist who is very passionate about carrying on the legacy of her mother the late Rev. Sandi Johnson. Ericka J. is also a sought-after hair stylist and fashion icon.
from the editor
We’ve Come This Far It seems fitting that the Thanksgiving Holiday comes at the end of the year. Thanksgiving Day is the holiday when we pause and reflect on all of our manifold blessings. By the time we get to Thanksgiving Day we also discover that the year has almost come to an end. I’m sure we can all agree that we all have plenty to be thankful for. At the same time we can all agree that there were some things and some promises that we have been praying for and waiting for that may not have manifested . . . yet. What can we say then to these things? I would like to encourage you with some words from two songs that come to mind. I’m sure we are all familiar with these two songs. One is “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and the other is “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired.” When I looked at the lyrics of these two songs, they both seemed appropriate for this time of year; this time of year, when we are counting our blessings. In the first song, this lyric stands out, “We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His holy word, He’s never failed me yet.” In other words, that means no turning back and no looking back. It
means keep moving forward and keep the faith. It means don’t stop leaning on the Lord and don’t stop trusting in Him. It means that if I’ve made it this far, I can finish the race that is set before me. It means to forget those things that are behind and press towards the mark. (Philippians 3:14)
e i k c a J
The second song is similar in nature. “I don’t feel no ways tired. I’ve come too far from where I started from. Nobody told me the road would be easy and I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” I believe in order to not feel tired after going through something like a journey, a trial, a test, tribulation, etc., you must have strength down on the inside. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) I believe to travel this road called life, that you were not promised would be easy, you must have faith down on the inside. A faith that will not shrink. For we walk by faith not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7) I believe to know that God will never leave you, you must have His love down on the inside. I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3b)
EPPS
There may be only a few weeks left in this year and we may not know what the future will bring. But the good news is, we do know who holds our tomorrows and who holds our hand. Let me leave you with this song, “Through it all I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God. I’ve learned to depend upon His word.” So in retrospect we can thank God for bringing us this far, and we know that He will see us through to the end of this year, for He promised never to leave us. So go and finish this year strong, victorious, and thankful! Peace and Blessings. . . Grace&Glory 7
Overseer Tobias
A. B. McCain
8
November 2023
The Journey I received my call into the ministry at the tender age of 8 years old. I devoted and dedicated all of my youth to the Lord. There was a time in my life where I knew I wanted to become a Pastor but what I did not know was it happening so soon. Before I turned 30 years old God was ready for me to take the mantle. I was prepared to preach the Gospel, but I now had to be prepared to lead the sheep. It hasn’t always been easy however God has been faithful this entire journey. Being favored of the Lord I was blessed to travel and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the United States. However, in 2019 my aunt received a devastating call that she was diagnosed with cancer, and it aggressively attacked her body and as a result she went home to be with the Lord. It was at the demise of my aunt the late Apostle Shawna Branch I was called into a meeting with five members and there was a vote held; three voted yes and two voted no. It was after this meeting I met with my pastor and then later called the five individuals to my home church for a meeting with my pastor for him to hear their request of me to serve them. After the meeting and a time of prayer I agreed to take the ministry and within three months the church membership went from five members to sixty members. Numerous souls have been saved and baptized in our ministry. Within this journey of four years numerous families have been impacted by the ministry and lives transformed. Many sons and daughters have been raised in the ministry under the New Birth Church of Baltimore. However, as I mentioned before Pastoring is no easy job that one can just breeze through. It takes a lot of Praying, dedication, motivation, and perseverance to push through. Not just good days but especially when those days come when you are feeling like you are doing it all by yourself. As I started this journey the building of the church was a task, but I believe God
sent his people right into New Birth to get what they needed. We went from 5 to 60 in a matter of a few months. God is faithful to His words and those who diligently serve Him. Many nights I stayed at the church just being thankful and grateful for being allowed to serve at a higher calling as a Pastor. Much different from being a traveling evangelist, I was responsible for souls. Not an easy task I must say. I had to fast and pray to make sure I was hearing from God to lead the people down the right path, taking my assignment as serious as possible. Things were looking good at the New Birth Church; I couldn’t have been happier. Leaders were in place, the church was at its peak, we were well on our way to serving the needs of the people-uniting people in holy matrimony, outreach in the community with prayer, baptism of many souls. Building the church ministry is one of the best highlights of being a Pastor, letting the community know this is a safe place to serve the Lord. One of my greatest joys is seeing my peers coming to Christ and walking away from the streets and turning their hearts towards the Lord. Also showing people the altar is still Holy and you can cast your worries, fear, and all to the Lord. Being a Pastor doesn’t mean everything is going to go well all the time. I consider myself a holiness preacher and I’m passionate about helping people embrace the true essence of being a believer. I’ve learned this on my journey that the enemy is always on his job to get you off track and cause you not to be faithful to the Lord. Pastoring also comes with many challenges and some traumatic experiences. Within my first year of pastoring tragedy struck my family pretty hard. While preaching one Sunday I received a note handed to me in the pulpit saying a call had come saying my little cousin had been murdered in the streets of Baltimore. All while grieving the death of my cousin, the day after I buried him, I received a call Continued on page 10 Grace&Glory 9
Continued from page 9
that my nine-year-old niece had committed suicide. Now I’m thinking to myself, how can I move forward with a double hit like this. Let alone I was building a ministry in the peak of the pandemic while churches were closing, but God had given us a mandate to build. I didn’t know how I was going to continue preaching after this horrific experience. Honestly, I wasn’t ready to take this on. I struggled with not just being my niece’s uncle but also her pastor. I wrestled with how do I be there for my family as both. The loss of my niece was a major hit for me, she was always with me in the house of the Lord. She loved Jesus and showed it in her praise. Many things have happened since then as I’m approaching my 4th year of Pastoring. As I’m enjoying this milestone in my life as I previously stated pastoring during the pandemic was not an easy thing. The truth is while others were closing God’s doors on their churches, I decided to keep my doors open. For some I was taking a big risk, however I just knew God did not want me to shut them on His people who desperately desired to come lay at the altar before him. We survived the worst season of our lives. While enduring the pandemic, God Blessed me with a beautiful, anointed woman of God whom I married during the pandemic. She’s truly an amazing gift and jewel to the body of Christ and mostly in my life. As this exciting moment in my life was taking place, I was hit with another severe storm, this time around it was something I almost slipped into a depressed state while going through. I couldn’t have ever imagined I would lose my best friend- my father who watched me, molded me, and raised me to be the man I am today. Three days into my honeymoon my dad took ill, and we rushed back home. This was when I really needed God the most. I had questions and couldn’t seem to find any answers. What was I going to do now? My Father sadly transitioned on March 28, 2021, and this was the time I was ready to walk away from ministry. Saying to myself I’ve laid hands on many people and saw 10
November 2023
what the Lord did with His saving power. I then questioned God and asked why couldn’t you save my father? My spirit was broken. I couldn’t minister to the people when I was broken on the inside. I took some time away from the pulpit to grieve and breathe. Even in this God is an awesome God. He never gave up on me even when I wanted to throw in the towel and walk away from Pastoring. God has chosen me for such a time as this, through the good and bad I will serve him. Tough times don’t last always. I’m praying and pushing through my hardest days all while serving. I have endured the challenges of being faithful and committed to people who aren’t into your vision. I’ve seen them celebrate me openly but try to kill and assassinate my character privately. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my short journey so far is you have no friends in your church, you are the leader not their buddy, and be slow to appoint because some are only connected for what they can take from you. I admitted to my congregation on a local Bible study teaching that one of my biggest mistakes in my pastoral journey was elevating people who simply wasn’t ready. I encourage every pastor don’t allow people to push you out of the will of God! God through prayer in January of 2023 instructed me to reorganize and establish a ministry with the intent to win more souls to Christ. He instructed me to birth the Temple Of Praise Church Of Baltimore, Inc. and the Chosen Generation Worship Center of East Baltimore. The storm removed what needed to be discarded and replaced the old with the new. In March 2023 God blessed me and my wife with a beautiful daughter Aria Marie. I’m blessed to have an amazing, brilliant son Jadon Anthony and a gifted loving wife Tamara Joy. Hear me I can never give up on what God wants me to do in this earth. There is more work to be done, more souls to save and my answer will always be Yes to His will. I close saying this, never allow your storm to navigate you, however you have the power from God to navigate the storm!
What Is It Like Being a First Lady? First, I want to thank God for all that He has done in my life and all that He will continue to do through me. Next, I would like to acknowledge my Husband who is my pastor, Overseer Tobias A.B. McCain, for loving me and pushing me to my greatest potential, my number one supporter. I love you to infinity and beyond! Last but not least, our greatest Blessings, our children Jadon and Aria, mommy loves you so much. Now let’s get into the real question, what is it like being the First Lady. First, I would say, “It ain’t no walk in the Park,” meaning this is not something you’re just going to stroll through. Every step you take is vital to God, yourself and those who are following you. I must say I’m thankful to God for choosing me for such an amazing assignment. I will say I am the most happiest woman being married to Mr. McCain and the Joys of being a First Lady has been an amazing experience. It’s not perfect all the time but it’s worth it. One just doesn’t wake up and say I want to be a First Lady, and if so, I would encourage you to really consider what you’re asking for. This is something
God chooses and sometimes as humans we will question WHY! God knows why and He will reveal to you the answer along the way. It’s been going on 3 years since I have sat in this seat and honestly the responsibility of it is heavy. You have your good days and your bad days, and I must say you have to pray through both. My husband was a well-respected preacher and had already been pastoring before I came into his life, so the challenges were different. I will say that surrendering your will for His will is the most crucial part of this process. That means you can’t be who you used to be, you have to be who God has called you to be. Truth be told I’m just a young lady from Park Heights who rode motorcycles and was a survivor of molestation, and that at the age of 30 told my testimony and wrote my first book. It was through this experience God afforded me the opportunity to share my testimony before Delegates in Annapolis, which assisted in a law being passed in 2018 the sexual prevention act. My childhood
Lady Tamara
J. McCain
Continued on page 12 Grace&Glory 11
Continued from page 11
of brokenness and pain God has transformed my life and allowed my path to cross paths with my husband, who has helped to push me and birth and enhance my gifts to share my story; around this work it has helped the little girl in many grown adults be found and delivered. One must always remember you don’t lead your pastor, even though he’s my husband he’s my pastor, and my job is to support and push the vision. I don’t allow anyone to cause problems for me and my husband. If it’s pastoral related, I instruct them to speak with their pastor. However, I’m here to pray and assist in any way that I can. I’ve learned on my journey when things get sticky you have to ask God how to handle it. You can’t afford to hinder the work of the Lord because of your feelings. One must learn to pray and honestly consult God on what you don’t understand. You might ask yourself how do you handle betrayal by people within the church, how do you handle lies people put on your name, how do you handle jealousy, strife, betrayal? I can tell you how, with experiencing all of it myself, you handle it with prayer. It’s tough when you want to take things in your own hands, but one has to remember the battle belongs to the Lord. In His word Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against thee shall prosper.” You see the weapons are going to form, the trials and tribulations are going to come, but none of it will prosper. I know for certain God has His hands on me and I know He will continue to guide me in this walk as a First Lady. Not all of this journey is bad, you see the good outweighs the bad. Having people in your corner that’s going to war for you in prayer 12
November 2023
is a key point in life. There are times I sit back, and I say, “Lord, I thank you for choosing me.” As I watch the women grow in Temple of Praise, I couldn’t be more proud. Some are older and some are younger than I, and I will say all the glory belongs to God. Women Birthing Change is what I call them. We are women of God whom God chose in this world to birth change and we will continue to do the Lord’s work. I’m always a phone call, or text away whenever they just need to talk or just need a listening ear. How do I balance it all someone might ask, and the real answer is, “I Don’t Know”, I just know I get up every day knowing there’s more for me to do in this world, and in our ministry at The Temple of Praise. I’m looking forward to 2024 with that year being the year of open doors. We’ve endured so much on this journey; I’ve endured so much on this journey of being a First Lady. I know God has much more work for me and in the meantime, I will continue to keep praying and fasting to hear what His instructions are for me, my family and ministry. Women Birthing Change will make a mark in this world. Just remember this Proverb will be your guide through it all, Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” God will see you through it all. The best feeling is knowing I’m doing the Lord’s work while serving along with my husband. God had a purpose for me even when I did not know what it was. When it’s all said and done, I want to hear the Lord say, “Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant!” Matthew 25:23
Grace&Glory 13
Min. Carenda
Deonne
14
November 2023
monthly manna
Feast at the table of VICTORY! (Poem by Min. Carenda Deonne) Victory has never felt so sweet. It’s a different flavor than just a win, It goes beyond cutting a six-tier cake of success. At its best, it’s an aroma that only the resilient can smell, It has a spice that only those of integrity can digest. Victory goes deeper than the temporal feeling of happiness, It lasts longer than the sound of a butterfly. It’s a Love Jones, A Love Jones that connects heart to purpose, Truth to justice, And pain to rainbows. Victory is the standing ovation of strength and tenacity within you, It has a kindred spirit with endurance, The aftertaste of serenity is one that is priceless, True victory is recorded in the books. If one really wants to know the story, it’s discovered in the pages of your life, It has no end because God’s favor is timeless, It speaks for itself, It even has a sound that a judge can hear. When victory arises, it heals frustration, Dries the tears of Naomi, And lights a fire of boldness that even a lioness would respect. Victory has its own breath, A recipe never suited for no-shows, It gives its best even in weakness, It makes the stature of Goliath fall to his death. Everyone will not feast at the table of victory, But TODAY is your day - Bon Appetit.
Grace&Glory 15
16
November 2023
“When you get the transplant, you’re living again.”
John Bayton had it all. He was working in the foreign policy field and felt successful. However, at a work event in 2003, it all came crashing down when he collapsed and was rushed to Washington Hospital Center. John was informed that his kidneys were failing and was immediately placed on dialysis to perform the critical function of cleaning the blood in his body.
After an emotional day, John woke up after the surgery with a new, healthy kidney. He gained the quality of his life back, the freedom to live and not just survive. That kidney lasted him 6 years before he needed and received a second transplant, thanks to which he is thriving to this day.
With no freedom or control over his condition, he isolated himself and suffered a more reserved quality of life. Luckily, his nephrologist suggested he be placed on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant. He languished while waiting for seven years before finally receiving the call that every transplant candidate waits for – they had an organ for him.
Donation saves lives. You too can give the gift of life by registering as an organ donor at your local Motor Vehicle Office or by visiting infinitelegacy.org. Grace&Glory 17
Dr. Carla DEBNAM
Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
18 November 18 November2023 2023
Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
to your good health
Caring For Others Caregiving is not new, but it is a hot topic among every generation, but baby boomers find themselves facing this challenge even as they age and have their own health challenges. With this set of circumstances, some have found themselves facing stress, debt, caring for grandchildren and navigating the impact of the covid-19 pandemic. There are factors that make caregiving complicated. Sometimes the person we now care for was not kind to us, did not contribute to our upbringing or was not there for us as we would have desired. Caregiving under these circumstances can be painful but also is an opportunity to connect or reconnect with someone that had been distant for many years. Caregiving also gives us the opportunity to love those who cared for us and contributed to the richness of our lives. Caregiving requires a
lot from those in this role but for many it is a labor of love. Keeping the loving posture is a challenge at times because of the constant and consistent needs of our loved ones. Caregiving can also be a draining and depressing experience especially for those who may not get the support from other family and friends. Making sure arrangements are made for respite, scheduling chores, and hiring a care companion or getting friends and neighbors to volunteer can make the job of caregiving more manageable. Many churches, health organizations, and community organizations have resources that help as we navigate the paperwork, doctor appointments and other care needs our loved one may have. Caregivers must get out of their heads and not feel bad about asking for help. The resources are there, we just must do our research and then follow
through with the process. While caring for others, make sure your health and well-being are not neglected. Schedule all your medical appointments. This is a good time to get the assistance of others so you can take care of your health. Make sure you eat a proper meal and make exercise a part of your health regimen. Continue attending worship services online or in person. Your spiritual health is an integral part of your overall health. Engage in professional counseling or join a support group to help you get tips and the emotional support you need as you care for others. Caregiving does not mean your life ends and you must live in isolation. It means you must live on a schedule, get a support team, and pack your patience. It may be a journey of love for some or obligation for others, but you do not want to be lost along the way. Take care of yourself! Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
Grace&Glory 19
20
November 2023
Grace&Glory 21
Tracey GEORGE 22 22 November August November 2023 2023 22 2023
trinkets to triumph
A Garment of Gratitude Dress your best and aim to impress! In this season of giving thanks, as you are getting ready for the day, put on a garment of gratitude. An attitude of gratitude glorifies God. It shows Him that you appreciate and are grateful for the gifts and the grace He has granted you. In this season of giving thanks and as you usher in the holidays, gird yourself up in a garment of gratitude. Like the old adage says, “Attitude is everything.” Possessing a garment of gratitude also gives you the opportunity to let your light shine and to be the example of God in the Earth. In this season, dress your best, aim to impress, and plan to get from God all that He has for you because of your attitude of gratitude. Dress your best. Each day decide to put on garments that give you a glow and that lets people know that there is something different and unique about you. As a child of God, you are set apart for His service. Aaron, Moses’s brother, his mouthpiece, and the first high priest, was set apart by his garments in his service to the Lord (Exodus 28). The Lord commanded that his garments distinguish him as a priest and set apart for service to the Lord (Exodus 28). Craftsmen were instructed to craft and create garments that were made from fine linen, gold, and gemstones tailor-made just for him and his sons who served as priests along with him (Exodus 28). Every day adorn a garment of gratitude that resounds like the bells at the bottom of Aaron’s robe that tinkled as he went in and out of the Lord’s presence (Exodus 28:31). Let your garment of gratitude let everyone know that God is with you and that He is forever present in your life.
Dress to impress. Each day anticipate to make an impact with the garments you choose to wear. Try to incorporate a piece of clothing that will level up your look and leave a lasting impression on everyone you encounter. Doing so can be just the thing to manifest and catapult you to receive your blessing. Naomi gave Ruth specific instructions on how to dress to impress Boaz, their family’s redeemer. She gave her instructions to bathe, put on some perfume, and some “nice” clothes (Ruth 3:3 TLB). Naomi provided Ruth with the formula to set them up from a garment that ultimately led to their gratitude to Boaz, their family’s redeemer. A garment of gratitude is the formula from the Father for you to flourish. Girding up in a garment of gratitude gives you the grace to dress and be ready to go after your purpose and blessings no matter what. Nothing and no one can stop your flow when you have a garment of gratitude. Your mindset and motto will be that in everything you will give thanks because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Apostle Paul encouraging the saints to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) is synonymous to girding yourself in a garment of gratitude. You may have to wrestle to withstand all you may have to go through but you are dressed to do it and you will win. A garment of gratitude gives you the grace to stand in your full armor of God, giving Him the glory, geared and girded up living your best life as a Kingdom citizen. Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
Grace&Glory 23
DĂŶLJ ƚŚĂŶŬƐ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌ ĨŽƌ ŚŽƐƚŝŶŐ
^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ͕ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϭϴ͕ ϮϬϮϯ ϵĂŵ – ϭϭ Ăŵ ϰϰϬϬ ZĞŝƐƚĞƌƐƚŽǁŶ ZŽĂĚ ĂůƚŝŵŽƌĞ͕ D ϮϭϮϭϱ “ s Zzd,/E' zKh E &KZ d, E<^'/s/E' /E >h /E' d, dhZ< z͊”
24
November 2023
Grace&Glory 25
&Žƌ
DĂŶLJ ƚŚĂŶŬƐ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ƐƉŽŶƐŽƌ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ϳƚŚ LJĞĂƌ Ă ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŽŶĞ ŝŶĚĞĞĚ͊
^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ͕ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϭϴ͕ ϮϬϮϯ ϵĂŵ – ϭϭ Ăŵ ϰϰϬϬ ZĞŝƐƚĞƌƐƚŽǁŶ ZŽĂĚ ĂůƚŝŵŽƌĞ͕ D ϮϭϮϭϱ “ s Zzd,/E' zKh E &KZ d, E<^'/s/E' /E >h /E' d, dhZ< z͊”
dŽ ŽŽŬ &Žƌ͗ • • • • • • • WĂƐƚŽƌ <ĞŝƐŚĂ d͘ :ŽŶĞƐ͕ •
^ƉĞĂŬŝŶŐ ŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŚƌŝƐƚŝĂŶ ŽƵŶƐĞůŝŶŐ 'ƌŝĞĨ ŽƵŶƐĞůŝŶŐ WĂƐƚŽƌĂů ĂŶĚ >ĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ^ĞůĨͲ ĂƌĞ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ dƌĂƵŵĂ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ^ĞŵŝŶĂƌƐ Θ ^LJŵƉŽƐŝƵŵƐ
Ăůů ϭͲϴϴϴͲϴϯϴͲϴϯϳϵ
26
November 2023
Grace&Glory 27
28
November 2023
Grace&Glory 29
a woman’s perspective
Romans 8:28 Encounter
have been quoted to me before, the doctor had no baseline previous information. He said that it was so low, that he wondered how I got there. His concern was alarming to me. I just asked him point blank if I was your wife, sister, mother, or child what would you tell them? He said I would tell them to go to the Emergency Room and I did; 11 hours later it was confirmed that I had internal bleeding and bleeding internally all weekend long. I was admitted into the hospital but due to a staff shortage since the COVID era I stayed admitted, but in the emergency room for 3 days. Due to the internal bleeding, I was on a liquid fast.
Rhoda
TURNER
When it seemed like the world was crumbling down around me, I would call my mother to ask her for prayer, help or advice. She would share with me Romans 8:28, “All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”It didn’t matter what anybody was going through, at the end of the conversation, she would quote that scripture. Even when we couldn’t see it working together, that scripture was part of the conversation. Just this past year I had a Roman’s 8:28 encounter. In December 2022, I was admitted into the hospital with internal bleeding. I had been bleeding internally all weekend long and wasn’t quite sure what was going on. Until I had gone to urgent care with what I thought were flu like symptoms. I explained to the doctor what was happening and after his examination he said to me that everything seemed to be fine, and his only concern was my blood pressure being low. I shared with him that it’s always low and since I didn’t know the exact numbers that 30
November 2023
By this time my entire family and friends were praying for me. Well at least the ones my husband had the right mind to tell due to his concern. Because of the issue that I was having the doctor ran every test trying to find a conclusion to the internal bleeding, and all the tests came back inconclusive or negative. But I know that God stopped that bleeding. Due to all of the tests that were administered they found an unrelated issue dealing with my uterus. I had several fibroids the size of a tennis ball or larger growing on and around my uterus. Now I was totally aware of the fibroids, they first appeared when I was carrying my last child, and they were monitored very closely. When we moved from Wisconsin to Arizona, I had totally forgotten about those things that were once the size of a marble. After I was released from the hospital, I scheduled an appointment with an OBGYN to discuss the fibroids and to see how big they were. Because the emergency room doctor seemed to be concerned, his concern caused me to move forward. The bleeding revealed something else that I wouldn’t have been aware of. Now it’s almost a year later and I had to undergo a laparoscopic hysterectomy to remove the fibrosis and after conferring with my doctor he shared that my uterus was 8 sizes bigger than what it was supposed to be. So, he was happy that I decided to remove it. See I didn’t see the ‘working together for my good’ Pastor Rhoda Turner part until everything else happened. Christian Faith But I’m glad that this Romans 8 Fellowship Church experience worked out for my good. Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org
Grace&Glory 31
32
November 2023
Grace&Glory 33
health matters
Vitamin D Deficiency We are all told to consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. Hundreds of vitamin supplement advertisements are broadcast on television urging us to increase our intake of vitamins. Our local drugstores and retail venues devote entire isles to vitamin sales and displays. Which vitamins should we take? Many individuals take a daily multivitamin. But, women, young children, and older adults should increase their daily vitamin D intake. Naturally, our bodies make vitamin D through our exposure to sunlight. Many foods, like milk, eggs, fish, and fortified juices and grains, are sources of vitamin D. As we lack adequate sun exposure by working in offices and embracing vegan diets, we may lack vitamin D. Obesity, inflammatory bowel, and kidney disease also contribute to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency affects people across the lifespan. Breastfed babies don't get enough vitamin D from breast milk. Pediatricians recommend babies take vitamin D supplements. As people age, it's harder for their skin to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D, which may lead to deficiency. Uniquely, the pigment melanin found in dark skin blocks the ability to make vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Low blood levels of vitamin D increase the risk of experiencing bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency may also increase the risk of falls and develop mineral changes in the bone, causing osteomalacia. Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in preventing 34
November 2023
and treating different conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, fibromyalgia, severe asthma in children, and certain cancers. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include bone and muscle pain, weakness, increased sensitivity to pain, tingling and numbness of the feet and hands, and fatigue. Because the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are vague and often go unnoticed, identifying vitamin D deficiency can be difficult. A simple blood test to check vitamin D levels can be used to diagnose the disorder. Consider discussing having your vitamin D level checked by your healthcare provider. Vitamin D deficiency is highly treatable. If you are diagnosed with the condition and follow treatment recommendations, you will likely be able to increase your intake to an acceptable level, which should eliminate any symptoms or long-term problems. Daily supplements of vitamin D can correct deficits. Nutritionists recommend increasing your intake of foods enriched with vitamin D. Consider briefly sitting in the sun or near a window daily. A daily walk will increase your sun exposure and improve circulation. Talk to your healthcare provider about vitamin D deficiency.
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com
Grace&Glory 35
. J a k c i r E Jekalyn Carr
After 4 years Jekalyn Carr is back with new music! This time with a self-titled album simply called “Jekalyn”, this album features Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Pastor Mike, Kierra Sheard, Tim Bowman, and Papa San. Watch it with “You Carried Me”, and “Celebration” featuring Kirk Franklin & Pastor Mike! Whew! Congrats to you on “I Believe God” being #1 on Billboard! Available right now!
JJ Hairston
Nov 3rd “Joy Is Here” will be available everywhere! Let me just say this, I attended the “Christmas In July” Live Recording and hands down this is literally one of the greatest albums not just that JJ Hairston & YP have released, but this is one of the greatest I’ve enjoyed from start to finish. While it may be titled as a Christmas album there is much more than Christmas music. This is so good! Thank me later! Anthony Brown Baltimore’s Own Anthony Brown & Group Therapy will be 36
November 2023
dropping all kinds of goodies to music land. Their new project “Affirmations” drops on November 3rd, and the music video for his single “Up Up Up” is available as well, we got another album of hits dropping, another one for the home team! Tim & Braelyn Bowman What a way to celebrate Wedding Anniversary Year Number 8, the number of New Beginnings by announcing you’re expecting baby number 4 and all the joy captured on the cover of People Magazine! Congrats to the Bowman’s so many amazing things happening for this beautiful couple- music, family additions, living life to the fullest, full of bountiful blessings! Erica Campbell Erica has a new project out titled “I Love You” giving so many musical vibes, she has some awesome features including but not limited to the legendary Stevie Wonder, PJ Morton, and Richard Smallwood. It’s available now at all digital outlets. “Do You Believe In Love” is one of my faves, to my Baltimoreans and Dru Hill fans the lyrics and tempo on this song should sound very familiar, check it out yall!
News
Gospel & Entertainment Zebullon Ellis
greatest voices of my era. He has not stopped, from touring with Patti LaBelle to doing so many things musically, he continues to give us MORE! On October 9th, he dropped his new album titled “Modern Manhood”, on that same day he performed the National Anthem at The Dodgers Playoff game and sang on a talk show. “Jesus Freak” is definitely a vibe, I’m loving the song and the lyrics! Get it y’all!
Turn to your Neighbor and say “November 3rd!” All roads lead to the “A”, ATL for the live recording of Zebulon Ellis and his amazing musical gift! The title of the album is “Church Boy Live”. He has some pretty heavy hitters on the project- JJ Hairston, Kathy Taylor, Chrystal Rucker, Gene More, Crystal Aiken and one of the greatest choirs Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling. What a tribute to the Late Kevin Lemons!
Kervey Brown
Smokie Norful The original hit “In My Name” by Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers featuring Kim McFarland has been remade by none other than Smokie Norful and yall it’s so good. This song was timeless when it was released back in 1992 and Smokie just added more years and life to it and made us remember why we loved it so much. Available RIGHT NOW on all digital media platforms.
Kervey Brown is now a Bishop but he has always been a singer, noted for leading hit songs with Bishop Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Crusade Choir and he’s done songs with many others as well. You can count on Bishop Kervey Brown to give those good ole seasoned vocals and adlibs. Bishop Kervey Brown has dropped a single of his own titled “My Turn Around” and it’s currently available at all digital media platforms.
Vincent Bohanan
Jade Madden
Vincent Bohanan & SOV Live In Dallas was released on October 8th, this record is very good Track #8 “He Fights For Me” is a fave for me. Track #6 “Forever” featuring Anaysha Figueroa whew! Watch this one! I love it! I could go on through the entire album it’s just that good, just go grab it and THANK ME LATER!
One of the most authentic voices of this era Jade Madden has dropped her debut single “Spared” and whew, the title speaks gratefulness. The way she ministers this single, it’s absolutely one you want to add to your playlist and she’s Baltimore’s Own, let’s show her all the love, get this single IT IS GOOD!
BSlade
“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com
In case y’all aren’t familiar with this name, Tonex should ring a bell, this controversial musical powerhouse is legit one of the
Jekalyn Carr
Smokie Norful
JJ Hairston
Vincent Bohanan
Anthony Brown
Tim & Braelyn Bowman
BSlade
Erica Campbell
Kervey Brown
Zebullon Ellis
Jade Madden
Grace&Glory 37
Little Miss Black US Of A By Miss Ericka J This past summer Princesses came from all over to the DMV for this awesome pageant founded by Baltimore’s Own Letricia Loftin Russell reigning beauty pageant Queen, who was inspired to do this in honor of her late sister Stacy Loftin and her late daughter Braxton. After two tragic major losses, Letricia sought God for a way to honor the life and legacy of two very important people near and dear to her heart. Recognizing there ultimately was a purpose for her pain and that this would be a mainstream kingdom move to utilize her experiences and education in pageantry to make a deposit into the culture of our young black princesses. The Little Miss Black US Of A pageant celebrates black beauty, black brilliance, black legacy, and black excellence. The young ladies that come to be a part of the pageant have many gifts from starting their own movements in politics and culture. They give back to their communities, they are active in their churches, while also thriving in the arts, dance, cheerleading, music, and science. Learning and growing in the pageant arena plants the seed of sisterhood early on, not only for the contestants but it also builds and strengthens the mothers and even the dads that accompany their children on this journey. Pageant Boot Camps are held monthly that not only prepare them for the competition, but they are for overall character building, grooming, finance, social graces, community service, modelling, etiquette, interview skills and more. The pageant is currently accepting applications now ages 2-14, the categories are broken into age brackets for each level. If you are interested in your daughter being a part of this amazing experience log on to littlemissblackusofa.com for entry details and to learn more as well as sponsorship opportunity info. I have been able to witness this awesome venture and it’s much needed and I’m looking forward to 2024.
Huge Congrats to the 2023 Winners: Little Miss Black US Of A WinnerZoe Whitehead Little Miss Black US OF A JuniorTaylin Glascoe Little Miss Black US Of A PrincessLaila - Joy Perry
National Queen, Lauryn Booker was announced as the new Little Miss Black US of A Petite and her sister and dad share the moment.
The two remaining contestants grab hands to see who will be the next Little Miss Black US of A.
Little Miss Black Chesapeake Bay, Masyn Booker captured the audience with her dance moves.
The outgoing 2022 National Queens.
National Queen, Laila-Joy Perry, Little Miss Black US of A Princess takes in Times Square after walking in New York Fashion Week.
Little Miss Black US Of A PetiteLauryn Booker
38
November 2023
Newly crowned Little Miss Black US of A, Zoë Whitehead takes her first walk as Queen.
www.gracenglorymagazine.org
17
Grace&Glory 39
40
November 2023
