Kingdom Life Magazine Jun-Jly 2021

HOM E

I

CULTURE

I

FAITH

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BEHIND THE SCENE

JEFF BYRD

Jeff Byrd is the owner of Jeffrey Byrd Coaching. Jeff is a speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. Jeff is the author of the book Who Says So? Understanding the Messages that Shape Our Hearts. Jeff is the host of the weekly podcast Empowered Living with Jeff Byrd, available on most maJor platforms.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Ronald J. Atkinson Ronald Atkinson is the founder of YESUSA Transformational Cities, a socio-economic system connecting communities to living, learning, and leading from the inside-out. He is the owner of Urban Stock House, a curated stock library with withholdings that are culturally distinct and inspirational. He holds a MA from Regent University in Journalism with a specialty in advertising photography. His awards include categories in education and religious international competitions in multi-media, exhibition, and print photography.

BRYAN HURDLE

Bryan Hurdle, BA-LS, hails from Chesapeake, VA. Bryan is an alumnus of Regent University and is currently a teacher in Portsmouth (VA) Public Schools System.

He is the author of "The Step Tracker" AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon.

GLEN MASON

Producer-director Glen Mason wrote his first sports column for the Ledger Star Newspaper in Norfolk when he was 19years old, opting to write for an award­ winning feature paper instead of playing college football That opportunity in 1971 turned into eight years of journalistic experience as a writer (sports and entertainment) and photo-journalist.

An award-winning chef, food, and cooking writer, Mason is fond of saying, "I want to keep creating as long as the Lord lets me."

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FROM THE EDITOR

What is discipleship to me?

Discipleship or a disciple means to be disciplined in all aspects. A disciple must be much disciplined in his life. He should follow his teacher without any fail.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

A disciple is one who follows his teacher blindly, leaving out all his/her desires, plans, and resources. He sacrifices everything voluntarily for the sake of his teacher. Jesus had a broad picture of making disciples, not believers, and he has even given the great commission to make disciples. Many are believers, but only a few are disciples. A disciple knows the heart of God and acts accordingly. A disciple is a continuous process, and a lot of people, at some point in their life made a decision only to be a believer. They believe that Jesus is God's Son and that He died for their sins, but they never really commit to following Jesus.

Luke 12:24 "Any one who doesn't carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple". Carrying a cross is not all about taking a cross made of wood or some material. Here Jesus doesn't mention a physical cross; it is all about sacrificing the self. Jesus made it clear that to call yourself Christian is more than intellectual acceptance about who He is. It is following Him with the whole heart.

John 13:34,35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Jesus came to earth from heaven only to show His love for the whole of humankind. He did the same during His ministry. Here in this verse, we can see that Jesus gave a new command. A command is the one to obey. A disciple is the one who follows the command of His master and only if we obey Jesus and love one another we are His disciples as John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

This issue is about challenges overcome, obstacles exceeded, all the while the Grace and Mercy of God prevail in us.

Thank you, Jesus. Nobody but Jesus!

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LIFE worldview news

Calls to deny Communion to Biden for abortion views prompt Catholic soul-searching As the bishops' debate, ordinary Catholics consider what the sacrament does for them.

(LOS ANGELES (RNS) - About once a month, Lily Nguyen-Ellis stands outside a Planned Parenthood office in Orange County with her fellow congregants from Santiago de Compostela Church to pray for the end of abortion and for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. She and her group hold signs declaring "#LoveEveryHeartbeat" and "Love Life Choose Life."

A cradle Catholic, Nguyen-Ellis said she strayed from the church in her late teens before finding Saddleback Community Church, a Southern Baptist megachurch led by Pastor Rick Warren. She loved the sermons, but she felt something was missing. "It was me wanting to receive Holy Communion," she said.

About 10 years ago, Nguyen-Ellis, 54, returned to practicing Catholicism, even remarrying her husband in the Catholic Church after his baptism. Nguyen-Ellis wanted to be able to receive the sacrament of the body and blood of Jesus with her husband.

On paper, Nguyen-Ellis looks like the kind of Catholic who might agree with a push by the American church's conservative bishops to deny the Eucharist to Catholic politicians, such as President Joe Biden, who support abortion rights.

But Nguyen-Ellis believes "that is for God to judge," not humans. "When I look at myself being a sinner, I'm very sure I have received Holy Communion in an unworthy manner and have offended the Lord with past actions," she said.

Just as Nguyen-Ellis has allowed Jesus, she said, "to transform me into a better person," she prays the same for Biden so he "could respect human dignity."

A Pew Research Center survey this year found that among U.S. Catholic adults, 67% say Biden should be allowed to receive Communion, while 29% say he shouldn't. Some divisions emerge among Catholics

who identify with the Republican Party, with a slim majority (55%) saying Biden's abortion stance should disqualify him from receiving Communion, compared with just 11 % who identify with the Democratic Party who say so. Additionally, more than half of U.S. Catholics (56%) said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while roughly 42% said it should be illegal in all or most cases, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is set to discuss Communion at its annual meeting in June, following an unusual declaration after the November presidential election that the bishops would form a working group chaired by Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron to "navigate" the "difficult and complex situation."

On May 1, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone wrote in a letter that "because we are dealing with public figures and public examples of cooperation in moral evil, this correction can also take the public form of exclusion from the reception of Holy Communion."

Vatican leaders have recently criticized these efforts, saying decisions on who can receive Communion rest solely with the bishop in whose diocese the sacrament is being administered, adding that it's "misleading" to suggest abortion and euthanasia are "the only grave matters of Catholic moral and social teaching that demand the fullest level of accountability on the part of Catholics."

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COMMUNITY

UNDER THE SCOPE THE BUZZ>

Maury star quarterback EJ Gibson is headed to LSU to further his academic and athletic education Eric Gibson is no stranger to a challenge nor shallow in his belief in Jesus Christ. As the scriptures says in Luke "For with God nothing shall be

Ronald J. Atkinson www.urbanstockhouse.net

impossible." Eric has truly lived through that scripture in his life.

Nurtured by a caring mother and grand parent. Eric has stood proudly on his faith and God's strength in him. With the upcoming signing with LSU as a preferred "Walk On" The mainstream media will tell you how he started as a winless sophomore at Granby. then transfer to Maury to help and led the commodores to a state title. You will read about all the accolades and

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awards he received along the way.

What you wont find out about is his selfless heart for service. and love for community he lives in. Eric's grandmother Pastor Veronica Thomas leads a church in Norfolk and frequently will hear Eric lead the Youth services or attend a Sam men's prayer line. He has also fellowshipped with cross town rivals on food destitution throughout the 757. So wile some may see this as a big challenge Eric has a bigger God.

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Gerry Hogan holds rare issues of Marvel Comics' X-Men and Spiderman. Photo by Glen Mason.

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LIFE HEAL THY

Pandemic Weight Gain: How to Lose the "COVI D 19" STORY BY: ALEC ANTOINE AND DR. ANJALI GRESENS

Before you overhaul your routine, take a moment to set the stage: •

Put on real pants: Your work-from-home uniform of stretchy pants isn't doing you any favors. "Put on a pair of jeans," Dr. Gresens advises. "You'll start to notice when they get a little tighter. It'll remind you to make different choices."

• or a laugh. A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, y is chuckling about the weight they've gained during arantine. But don't beat yourself up if you've put on

•

Stick to a schedule: "Our routines have changed, and we have to create a new normal," she says.

"Plan what and when you'll eat, and plan regular exercise time."

• Don't get hung up on weight: "Focus less on the

mic pounds, says Sentara weight loss specialist

numbers and more on what you can do to be healthier,"

Gresens, M.D. Stuck at home, we're moving less and

says Dr. Gresens. Reach for nutritious foods, try to get

asy access to snacks. On top of that, hormones

some movement each day, and get plenty of sleep.

ed in response to stress can make your body hang

• Be patient: It's easy to get discouraged if you don't feel

alories, says Dr. Gresens. "The world is a lot right

you're losing weight quickly enough. But losing a half-

she says. "Even if you haven't changed your diet,

pound or a pound per week is a healthy pace, Dr.

ay have gained weight."

Gresens says. Focus on creating healthy long-term

oesn't mean it's impossible to maintain

habits

lthy weight, though. Here's how to get started.

he Stage for Weight Loss Success ing diet and exercise habits can feel overwhelming. www.christianmagazineshr.com - 29

.. Log your food

Whether you use an app or just a paper notebook, keeping a food journal can help you identify eating patterns and become more aware of what (and when) you're eating, Dr. Gresens says.

A

a

is key to ...!:ill_ making healthy choices (even whe s curveballs your way .----��-- d quick, heal ou can turn to whe empted to go out �� for fod;says Dr. Gresens. you would eeting at work, e to exercise. If 'Ck off time or make a plan, · e more likely to skip it or ma e excuses." .

Keep food out of sight, out of mind,........,__._ Try to set up your home office far from the itchen. And keep tempting junk food out of the house altogether

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Body mage & ating � isorder wareness

DR. Brandice Lardner is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Author, Amazon #1 Best Selling Author, and Jesus Girl whose mission in life is to help women ditch the diet mentality and find peace with food and their bodies so that they are better equipped to do the great things God has called them to do.

WHEN NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE FEELS NORMAL Words by Dr. Brandice Lardner Photos by Anthony Richards Feeling positive about your body may seem like a foreign concept if you've been stuck in a negative cycle for any length of time. Sadly, that self-talk is anything but normal. We would never talk to a friend or loved one the way we do our bodies and yet this is an accepted practice. When did being so uncool get to be cool? It's time to send this lousy practice away with Joe, the cigarette smoking camel.

Body image has been a hot topic for both myself and the hundreds of clients that I've worked with.

Altering the way we interact with ourselves can be a challenging habit to let go of.

Why Do You Hold On To Negative Body Image?

I have found that digging into why we behave in this way can reveal some of the reasons for this behavior and reveal strategies for change. Beneath the surface of "I don't like my body" live common fears that keep this awful cycle in motion.

• "If I say negative things about my body then I will be more motivated to change."

• •"If I don't say negative things, then I won't feel the need to change."

I get it, avoidance is a powerful motivator in many areas of our lives ... We choose not to speed (too much) because we don't want a speeding ticket, not because we want a gold star for our driving abilities. We see this in a loved one finally making a dramatic lifestyle change when they are faced with a dismal health report.

Negative consequences do work in some situations but, when it comes to body image, it's a losing strategy. I have felt it and I've heard it from countless women- it is scary to let go of the negative chatter for fear that we'll suddenly "let ourselves go."

If we "give up," we envision our friends and family finding us unconscious, buried under a pile of brownies.

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The Twenty-twenty has been a year like no other.

With the challenges of a global pandemic, the protests and pain of those hurting because of systemic and other forms of racism, suffering economies and the closing of many businesses, Congresswoman Elaine Luria is here to serve.

Less than thirteen weeks after being sworn in on January 3, 2019, Hampton Roads was rocked by the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach, VA. Luria attended twelve funerals to pay respects to those lost during the Virginia Beach shooting. No one expects in their first term to face so many challenges.

Among so many urgent responsibilities lie the regular tasks of being a congresswoman.

With three-hour trips to D.C., three out of four weeks each month, it is no surprise that the whole family is making a sacrifice for Virginia's Second Congressional District, and not just Luria.

Luria was the first of her close family members to go into politics. This would not have been entirely surprising to her parents after such a prestigious www.christianmagazineshr.com / 36

"Be Good, Do Good Work" Navy career. Luria had operated outside the box since she was young. Her mother wanted her to take ballet.

Instead, she got a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. When deciding to go into politics after a twenty-year Navy career, Luria wondered if her mom was thinking, "Gee, aren't you going to just take a deep breath and relax... " But Luria's motto is "Be good. Do good work." Luria believed she could now best do this as a congresswoman.

During Luria's time with the Navy, she was deployed six times. As congresswoman, Luria remains on mission: To help people by creating an environment where people can succeed. The mission has not changed, only the terrain.

But this kind of mission is driven by values that run deep. Some values and mindsets come from her Navy career where Luria served as a nuclear­ trained Surface Warfare Officer and retired at the rank of Commander of a 400-sailor combat-ready unit.Values and mindsets that come from Navy culture include focusing on and gathering around the mission. Luria focuses on results, rather than political posturing. She is more interested in reaching across the aisle to get things done that benefit everyone rather than merely advancing her career.

Luria has said regarding leaving the military and entering politics that she was not used to such a partisan environment. People have asked Luria, "Is it as crazy in D.C. as it is as I see on TV?" "It's not", she replies. "There's a lot of opportunities to work across the aisle."

Luria says she has "never been a very political person...In the military... it's about getting a mission done. I care a lot about getting results, but in elected office, there's a lot of politics that goes into how things get done which is something you have to learn how to navigate."

Image Virginia Pilot

In a recent response to this story that ran before the last election, a KLM reader challenged Congresswoman Luria on her voting record in regards to the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act (HR 619)

A bill introduced by (Rep) Wagner on 0/28/2021, the Rep. are pushing the bill to safeguard the right to life for Americans, particularly the most vulnerable. The bill would make the difference between life and death for countless children (particularly African Americans). Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats want to block it.

The bill requires that when a baby is born alive following an abortion, health practitioners must exercise the same degree of professional skill and care that would be offered to any child born alive at the same gestational age.

"THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING ME ABOUT THE BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT (H.R. 619). IT IS AN HONOR TO REPRESENT YOU IN CONGRESS AND HEARING FROM CONSTITUENTS LIKE YOU ENABLES ME TO BEST SERVE COASTAL VIRGINIA. I APPRECIATE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS ON H.R. 619. ON JANUARY 28, 2021, REPRESENTATIVE ANN WAGNER (MO-02) INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO PROTECT INFANTS THAT SURVIVE AN ABORTION. HOWEVER, INFANTICIDE IS ALREADY ILLEGAL; THEREFORE, H.R. 619IS NOT NECESSARY TO PROTECT INFANTS. CRITICS OF THE BILL SAY IT WOULD DISSUADE DOCTORS FROM EXERCISING THEIR MEDICAL JUDGMENT. CURRENTLY, THE BILL WAS REFERRED TO THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION. UNDERSTANDABLY, ABORTION IS SENSITIVE AND DEEPLY PERSONAL TO MANY IN OUR NATION. I HOLD THE CONVICTION THAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE HER OWN HEALTHCARE CHOICES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY PERSONAL DECISION THAT I BELIEVE SHOULD BE LEFT TO A WOMAN, HER FAMILY, HER FAITH, AND HER DOCTOR. PLEASE KNOW I WILL KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON H.R. 619 IN MIND. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING ME. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY E-NEWSLETTER, PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE HERE."

BY ALI THOMPSON & CHRISTINE JONES

Wikipedia says in Christianity, the terms primarily refer to a process of converting someone to become like Christ.

We What is discipleship and what is Jesus calling us to in Matthew 28:18-20? Is this a command, or a suggestion; does it mean we are just to evangelize and let people find their faith on their own, or does this mean we are to lead others and teach the precepts of the Scriptures and the character of our Lord? Does it require obedience and action on our part, or are we disciples just by being a Christian and being in a church on Sundays?

This passage at the end of Matthew's Gospel is what is called the "Great Commission." This is also the great failure of the church! This is the main call to the church from our Lord and Savior, and is the one thing most churches do not do at all!

This is the main reason for a church to exist, yet can you name one church that actually teaches people the basics of the faith and then moves them deeper into the precepts of His love and Word through all of the seasons of life? If discipleship is mostly absent from our churches, then most Christians will not understand how to live out their faith. They will not be able to handle problems, witness, share their faith, or grow effectively spiritually, because no one is modeling, or showing them the way! Some churches do a great job with evangelism, but once the people come in, they are stored in the pews.

Where is discipleship? What is it? Is the back door of the church as big as the front door?

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YWAM BRIDGE DTS

"I stand to give testimony to say that my life has been forever, impacted by Bridges DTS seminar, under the leadership of Executive Director and awesome man of God, Joseph Zintseme. Each lesson was taught with an anointing that gave me a fresh new revelation of God and His Word. These classes not only blessed me, but they have helped to transform me more into the image of Christ and equipped me to be a better servant in His Kingdom." www.christianmagazineshr.com / 46

Ronald J. Atkinson

What Discipleship will look like on the Eastern Shore Deborah Mack said this about the training series.

Photography: Ronald J. Atkinson

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image: Ronald J Atkinson

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IMAGES BY RONALD J ATKINSON

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(L to R) Tish and Mam ma Lo share heart to heart, the fruit of discipleship.

Momma Lo has been known to allow the homeless to use her porch as shelter from the elements from time to time. She also encourages them to get the attention and assistance they need.

Mrs. Sutton, aka Ma Pat, has a very similar role in the very same community. In fact, the two mothers live around the corner from the other. Ma Pat is often distributing food and supplies to anyone that needs help. She's a positive role model and very often encourages young men to do the right thing.

Occasionally, Ma Pat may take her liberty to "go slam left" on the wayward, just to let them know that she means business. But, this stern leadership has won her great respect from some of the toughest personalities in the neighborhood.

Both of these neighborhood mothers have witnessed lots of violence and sadness in their communities, but they have also witnessed success stories of people turning their lives around for good. Both Momma Lo and Ma Pat can be found sitting on their porches sharing the goodness of the Lord and praying fervently for the people of their communities. They often give advice and

and wisdom to those who need it most. We're sometimes unsure how tough communities seem to survive such great challenges. Yet, it is in part due to these community mothers that hope, peace, provisions, and promise can miraculously emerge from hopelessness. Perhaps we're not aware of those who make great sacrifices in our communities, as they choose to remain active and available in their communities of need.

These are two such mothers that we owe a debt of gratitude.

We are so glad to witness these warm and caring mothers sharing with others, especially during uncertain times. May we all rise up as citizens to follow their leadership in serving others? May we take heart in becoming our brother's and sister's keeper? May we show up every day in some way to put a smile on someone's face by lending a helping hand, just like Mammo Lo and Ma Pat! a k from the other challenging peak.

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Images: Ronald J. Atkinson urbanstockhouse.net

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GRACE NOTES

A NOTEWORTHY MORNING AT SEA

Recently, I wrote an article referring to a piece published by John Piper. There was a question about a trend he noticed in people misusing scripture to support their mistaken beliefs.

wo Sundays into a seven-month deployment and I find myself glad that Sunday is our weekly mark for each week passed by. I have never had much of a chance to use this day for rest and restoration while at sea, and I'm finding it a very important part of my new weekly schedule.

I am swiftly falling in love with the incredible ways that God likes to sneak into my day, even way out here, so far away from everything in the Eastern Mediterranean. I experienced my first wave of inspiration from the Lord today.

After two weeks of tumult, queasy seas, while crossing the Atlantic, and the

By Racheal Starke Photo courtesy of Ad obe Stock

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MAN CAVE

S

DO NOT PLAY WITH YOUR ZIPPER

ometime ago I had been given a

with an old rope tied around. It is

beautiful suitcase by my nephew and

not suitable for my once-in-a-while

it was to me the best suitcase I have

travels anymore and I had to get a

ever head. My wife decided to put her

less beautiful replacement for that. It

everyday clothes in the suitcase and

is so with life and the unfortunate

for several times each day she would

part is that it may not be replaceable

open it to get a change of clothing for

in most cases.

her and my daughter. Over time the zipper started to malfunction and

Paul begins the Fifth Chapter of the

needed to be replaced, and I could not

First book of Corinthians by

find a suitable replacement for the

addressing a problem that beset the

zipper and now we put old clothing

Corinthian church at the time of the

inside and secured the suitcase with

Early Church. This problem related

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WHAT'S COINC ON AND WHERE IS COD?

Minister's Moment

words: Rev. Jason K. Williams M.Div., MPA

The United States has seen its fair share of death. According to Gun Violence Archives, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, the media, and police reports, there were s at least 150 mass shootings in 20 21. There is no clear definition or scientific cause of this rising reoccurring phenomenon but for the sake of context, mass shootings are incidents involving multiple victims of firearm-related violence and no explanation why it is happening. The Center of Disease Control COVID-19 Data Tracker has reported 500, 000 plus related deaths since the pandemics hit U.S soil, and yet some still believe it is a hoax and was made up to shut down the economy, and no explanation why it is happening. Sadly, in just 3 months into 2021, the trend of police shootings in the United States by

A Death is inevitable. The moment we are born, we

local and state Police Department are

begin to parish. The teachings of Jesus Christ, inform

occurring at an alarming rate, with a total 213 civilians having been fatally

us that life does not conclude after taken your final breath on this earth. Instead, his teachings provide

shot by law enforcement according to the Washington Post, and 105 of whom were people of color, in the

solace for Christians by informing us that something

first three months of 2021. M ore specifica lly, Black Americans were

more permanent awaits in the afterlife.

In the 1970s, legendary singe r and writer Marvin Gaye wrote: What's Going On". In the song, he references the killing during the Vietnam War. The

much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 35 fatal shootings pe r million of the

song's message was pol itical and spoke to a particular time in ou r Nation's history. To many, the '70s were considered the "good ole days" but just

population as of March 2021.

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The church can and must be a better witness. If we build our Christian witness upon the foundation of authentic, welcoming love, the church can become a shining light of joy for the suffering and hope for the hopeless.

Immigration and refugee policy is, of course, a complex issue. Even within the church, there's ample room for disagreement and debate. I understand that not every believer will have the same views about how best to run a country like the United States.

But as followers of Christ, we have a duty not to let our politics blind us to the image of God in our neighbors. We can disagree about policy; we can't disagree about basic empathy and compassion. For the sake of Christ and his kingdom, we need to put politics aside and create a culture of welcome. We have to resist the urge to politicize the suffering and the needs of others.

Welcoming the refugee, the asylum­ seeker, or the immigrant starts with listening. Every displaced person has a story to tell of hardship, loss, difficulty, and sorrow. Their stories usually intersect with the complexities of power, race, class, and world religion. What's more, these stories are often narrated against a background of trauma, oppression, colonialism, and persecution. Listening gives the displaced the space they need to show us who they are and draw us into their lives.

When we listen to their stories and view their struggles in the light of Christ, we can see that these people from around the world are not so different from us. They want the same things that we want: a place to call home, safety and security for their families, peace and prosperity among friends and companions

If the church opens itself to the stories of refugees and the displaced, then it may become a place of transformative encounter where divisions no longer matter.

That's not just important to our response to the refugee crisis; it's also crucial for the church's true identity, rooted in the evangelical mission to minister to the world and spread the good news of Christ. In our rapidly changing world, this evangelism is changing too. In the past, the church's mission to evangelize the world took missionaries around the globe. Today, the people we are called to evangelize come to us as refugees and displaced people.

As a community of believers, we have to start asking ourselves the tough questions. How can we best speak Jesus' message into the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers?

How can we bring healing to those who have been hurt by violence, famine, racism, or religious persecution? How can we help to give new life and restore the brokenness of trauma and loss?

How we answer these questions will determine whether we live up to our sacred calling to follow in Christ's footsteps in spreading truth, hope, and love to the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the suffering.

We have a lot of work to do. I recently edited an anthology of pastoral, theological, and refugee perspectives on the church's evangelical mission called "No Longer Strangers: Transforming Evangelism With Immigrant Communities." From these different voices, I learned that, yes, the church has a lot of growing and changing to do, but Christ is already and always among us, guiding us to incite that growth and that change.

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Images & Words: Ronald J. Atkinson

A Letter To My Children

About Racism

By Tom Sugimura Photo Courtesy of Facebook

o my children, You have heard recently about Asian Americans being mocked or harmed because of their ethnic origin. This is not a new occurrence in our country's history, but it may be new for you. So, I want to share with you some truths to help you think rightly about it.

YOU ARE LOVED First. you are loved. Your mom and I love you (Psalm 127:3-5). Your siblings love you, though it may not always seem like it (Psalm 133:l ). You have many friends and a church family that will always love you (Galatians 3:28).

Most importantly, God loves you so much that he gave his Son to die for you (John 3:16; l John 4:7-11) and he created you to reflect his image in your own unique way (Genesis 1:27). As such, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16). So, remember that you are loved. Even when hateful people say or do things to harm you, it cannot change your identity or your value (Romans 8:35-39).

BE WISE IN YOUR RESPONSE When people sin against you as they eventually will do, be wise in your response (Colossians 4:5-6). Sometimes it is best to ignore the fool and stay out of the mud (Proverbs 26:4).

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At other times, you might instruct the well-meaning person to see their ignorance (Proverbs 26:5). In some cases, ask for help from authorities (e.g., your teacher, your boss at work, the police) whom God grants the power to establish peace and justice (Romans 13:14).

The wisest response might even be to fight or to protest peacefully. This is especially true when you are defending those who cannot protect themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

God does not permit you to sin against those who sin against you, but his Word grants us a variety of responses. This is the way (Proverbs 23:19).

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nd who is a the executive chef and at Volcanic Sushi + Sake. She was inspired to cook by her grandmother and was trained in various respectable restaurants in Los Angeles by highly skilled chefs. Her time in D.C. and on cruise ships visiting Norfolk exposed her to various cultures and their

eally does make you calm - any food that makes you calmer makes you more loving of the people around you and appreciative of all that God has provided us. I think that is comfort food.

KLM -- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT COOKING? I like to integrate colors. I Ii and red and blue and all that.

nt colors, yellow like your painting. ecause you put all e up with different

unned jobs because taunted in public. I what He did for me.

757-636-5059

There is something about a father when he enters his home to engage with his family. A father's presence alone changes the atmosphere of the home and has an enormous impact on the aspiration of the family. The year was 1983 and my third birthday was drawing near when my mother and father decided to go their separate ways. That year, the seed of rejection had been planted underneath the soil of my heart. That seed would later be nurtured by the remarks and comments of my peers and spilled over into my academics. As a result, I self-medicated. First food, than pornography. What was the root? Abandonment led to feeling rejected. Rejection is the seed to the manifestation of this "cancel culture" we now dwell within.

The "Cancel Culture" movement is a manifestation of past misunderstandings. It's not new, and in this article, I intend to prove just that. This article will also explain how when men aren't present in the home, it can be detrimental to a child's psyche and if not adjusted, the child has the potential to carry over rejection into adulthood. Then, I'll attempt to submit to you, the reader, an alternative/solution outside of canceling everyone and everything.

For intimacy, I'll begin with me. In my early years, I was considered a "problem child" with little to no respect for authority. Being disruptive in classroom settings, up and down out of my seat which led to several Individualized Educational Plans (IEP). Those IEP's meant the parent and/or guardian had to be present. Which also meant my mother had to take time off of her job to attend those sessions. My mother was not happy. Assessment after assessment, nothing revealed a solution to this "problem child" and his issues. By the age of 10, I gained multiple suspensions from school and the school bus. You could only imagine my academic progress. Things were going nowhere and fast. Obesity, anxiety, and bullying became a normalized routine in my daily interactions with my peers.

A two-parent home is vital to the development of a child but the role of a father is critical.

"Children of involved fathers are more likely to demonstrate a greater tolerance for stress and frustration (Mischel, Shoda, & Peake, 1988), have superior problem solving and adaptive skills (Biller, 1993), be more playful, resourceful, skillful, and attentive when presented with a problem (Mischel et al., 1988), and are better able to manage their emotions and impulses in an appropriate manner" (Parent@help Library 1.1-parent help.eu, n.d.).

My God. Let's go through each point from that quote. First, children are more likely to have a "greater tolerance for stress and frustration when involved with their fathers." The greatest frustration a child (race isn't relevant) can experience is when his/her father has gone AWOL (absence without leave).

Headlines When separation happens; another problem is created. I'll explain. When working through a typical subtraction problem, the very first thing you do is regroup. When the father (and mother) decide that their relationship is irreconcilable; all parties involved, specifically the child, must now regroup. That can be very stressful and frustrating to a child who had no say as to why and how his/her parents concluded.

In May of 2020, I completed my collegiate career (for a while, anyway). I've always considered myself a great student. Passed my courses with ease. Some more difficult than others, for the most part completing my courses, came easily.

Praise God. However, no matter how great I was at writing papers, discussion boards, etc. the frequent test-taking and exam rearing is where my pride and humility intersected. . I didn't have to go to college four years to understand I wasn't the greatest test taker. I needed help. Now as a forty-year-old man; I can tell you that life never misses the opportunity to lead me back down "Humble Road."

Usually, it's not the path I'd take to get to that road; however, if left up to me I'd never get there.

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HOW DO WE GROW FINANCIAL BLESSINGS FROM GOD? It is widely believed that people do not plan to fail; rather, people fail to plan. This applies to every aspect of life, but particularly our finances.

Many American families neglect to keep a good, detailed record of their expenses, and if we are not careful with our spending and we fail to exercise good discipline, we can

"The plans of the diligent end in profit, but those of the hasty end in loss" -Proverbs 21:5.

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FAITH IN LAW

8 ESSENTIAL SKILLS A LAWYER MUST HAVE TO LITIGATE OR SETTLE A CASE EFFECTIVELY

by Ryan McNeill, ESQ

W

hen you find yourself between a rock and a hard place, for example, in a complex personal injury case, you might find yourself desperately in need of the guidance of a reliable and well-prepared lawyer.

You retain an attorney to fight (to use the tools of arbitration or litigation to develop and present your claim or lawsuit convincingly and win against any opposing party). For example, winning complex personal injury cases involving road accidents often depends on hiring the best lawyer. it begs the question, "what are the most important skills and abilities of a good lawyer?"

1. Creative problem-solving skills A common misconception is that the legal profession doesn't need creativity. On the contrary, however, most client's problems don't have obvious solutions. It's an attorney's job to think out of the box and find new ideas and arguments to help bring the desired results.

Most lawyers acquire creative problem-solving skills through experience and specialization. You wouldn't visit a dentist for a skin infection, would you? Ensure you hire a lawyer specializing in a particular area of practice—the type of law your claim or lawsuit entails.

2.Good communication skills Great lawyers are expressive and well-spoken. Vital elements, for example, addressing a court, public speaking, and negotiating with opposing parties, all require magnificent and flawless speaking.

A lawyer should also possess the ability to write concisely, persuasively, and clearly. Part of winning a case is presenting wellwritten briefs and case arguments (among other legal documents) that are easy to understand.

An effective lawyer is also a good listener—communication is twoway traffic. An experienced lawyer knows that it is essential to comprehend and understand what the client or the opposing party to the case is saying.An attorney must have excellent listening skills to analyze oral statements and complex testimonies and design supporting (or counter-

FEATURE

3 Interpersonal skills: assertive but not aggressive. You might have heard someone comment, "he isn't aggressive enough to win the case" That's not necessarily true. A lawyer should be assertive but not aggressive.

An assertive lawyer will present the arguments clearly and authoritatively while not disrespecting others. On the contrary, an aggressive attorney will ignore other's views and may even attack them. Some unscrupulous aggressive lawyers even use legal means to get what they want.

Just like a lawyer who lacks compassion, an over-aggressive attorney is often impatient and hence ineffective at understanding and analyzing the matter at hand. They lack respect for others and harm interpersonal relationships. It often creates an unconducive negotiation environment and can make faster resolution impossible.

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4 Investigation, research, and information analysis skills.

Finding and analyzing authoritative legal content inappropriate books, constitutions, and the internet is not always a walk in the park.

Lawyers will tell you that their opinions don't stand up before a judge unless they back them up with facts. That's where the investigation and research skills of a lawyer come in handy. your attorney must know how to: ·Work with investigators ·research laws, use online resources. Apply relevant regulations and use judicial opinions.

The ability to pick what is relevant to the case out of a heap of information and present it concisely and clearly to a client, judge, or opposing party is invaluable to a lawyer.

5 Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.

There's always room for settlement, even when the matter has reached trial. A financial award, a plea bargain, or a continuation without a finding is often part of the solution at any stage of the case. All these likely resolution routes need strong negotiation skills.

An experienced lawyer understands that the best next move is not always the most obvious or easiest one. To outmaneuver the other party and win the best outcome for a client, an attorney should be a creative thinker, a good problem solver, and an excellent negotiator.

Other useful skills ·Initiative, resilient, and selfconfidence. ·Teamwork. ·Compassion for clients. ·Stress management . ·Time consciousness. ·Strong moral code.

The bottom line

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Like other professions, a successful lawyer should have the right skills. At times they'll have to be persuasive, analytical, and creative writers. But at other times, their work will demand more assertiveness, dedication, research, and investigation skills. But in all situations, a lawyer should not be afraid of attention and public speaking and must have excellent people skills

The Law Offices of Esquire Litigation Group

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