S.H.I.N.E. Men’s Ministry debuts in April

By James W. Wade III Editor

Once a month, I have to listen to Cynthia come home all fired up because she just left S.H.I.N.E. In case you have not heard about this beautiful ministry, God gave the vision to Danita Harris. You know the name, the WEWS TV News Anchor you see Monday thru Friday mornings delivering the news. Harris is one powerful and anointed lady who has preached and spoken at many churches throughout Greater Cleveland and the surrounding area.

Well, after all these years, starting April 22, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in Warrensville, Danita is showing some love to the men, finally giving them a place to worship and let themselves go. “As a woman who loves and serves God, I genuinely believe it is the perfect time for a vehicle like SHINE Men of Integrity to be born. It’s a vehicle driven by God to remedy men’s ills by addressing issues affecting their minds, body, and soul. These quarterly meetings will be a safe space for men to feel free to be authentic. It’s a place where men can fellowship with other men from all walks of life and feel a sense of unity and empowerment,” said Harris

The morning will have prayer, praise, and strong messages emphasizing the need for self-work. Self-work is the process of reflection and introspection that helps us better to understand our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Leading the charge are two men who love God, are passionate about empowering young and seasoned men’s minds, and have the heart to serve the community. Josh Cribbs, former N.F.L., and Cleveland Browns Player, is the Director of S.H.I.N.E. Brothers. S.H.I.N.E. Brothers is our mentoring program for Cleveland Metropolitan School District boys. Cribbs also hosts a daily television show with his wife, Maria, and is known for his community service work in Northeast Ohio. Kerry Pope is a businessman, author, and S.H.I.N.E. Board Member. His book Authentically Me! is a guide to help people gain a healthy sense of self-love, self-respect, and self-worth.

Together, they will execute the pillars of S.H.I.N.E. by giving the men practical tools to live better lives, philanthropic opportunities as they give back to a designated charity at each meeting, and an empowering word that will encourage them to walk in their divine purpose. It’s time for men from all walks of life to unite and feel safe and empowered! Men talk about issues that concern the mind, body, and soul in a comfortable and safe atmosphere. Men who stand on their faith are unafraid to lift their voices to create positive change. Man to Man, Brother to Brother, SHINE Men of Integrity will unify men in Northeast Ohio as they let their light SHINE!

The charity for this meeting is the City Mission’s Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center. We ask that the attending men bring socks, underwear, hygiene items, bus tickets, and gift cards to Target or Walmart. Together, they will execute the pillars of S.H.I.N.E. by giving the men practical tools to live better lives, philanthropic opportunities as they give back to a designated charity at each meeting, and an empowering word that will encourage them to walk in their divine purpose.

Real Men Magazine had a chance to interview Kerry Pope about this upcoming service because I wanted the readers to understand how important this is for men.

R.M.: Tell us what to expect from this new ministry

SHINE Men of Integrity is an extension of Danita Harris’s ministry called “SHINE.” She started this movement seven years ago, and I am blessed to be a part of this next edition of her vision. This ministry will speak to man’s totality; Mind, Body, and Spirit. If we look at the conception of man first in God’s mind and then in his creation, we will find a significant disconnect between who we are today as men and who God created man to be. Emphasis will be placed on self-care, husbandhood, fatherhood, and parenting being present in an ever-changing world. Men will come broken but leave happy, whole, with a renewed life full of confidence and integrity.

R.M.: Tell us a little bit about you.

I am married with six children and four grandchildren. I was called into ministry at 16, and 39 years later, I am still on fire for God. I am a businessman, author, preacher, and musician. I love vacationing and seeing the world. We all are born with a purpose, and I strive to empower people to live the life God ordained for us. I am highly passionate about all things men. We have seen a significant decline in how men treat women and women’s respect toward men. I aim to change that one man at a time! I believe that it’s a man’s responsibility to raise

R.M.: There’s a real need for this ministry for men; explain why it is essential for men to come out and support this ministry.

I have experienced significant storms and can speak directly to men’s pains. One of my greatest passions is seeing men standing in our birthright’s power and authority. Having worked one-on-one with men for many years, I see a common thread over and over, the little boy trapped inside a grown man. Boys are taught never to shed tears, for it’s a sign of weakness, but when you suppress that which is natural (emotions), you are creating a ticking time bomb. I believe in therapy, for I, too, have experienced freedom from my past traumas through regular counseling. God is a healer, but He has also provided healing through a licensed therapist to heal the little boy inside. My ministry is geared toward the mind where all creation flows. EVERYTHING in life starts with the mind and manifests from here. SHINE Men of Integrity will work to reprogram how we think and create the life we desire, one thought at a time.

R.M.: Share your vision for the ministry.

My vision for SHINE Men of Integrity is to meet men from all walks of life right where they are. I want to empower them to be the Kings God destined us to be. Men need a safe place to take off their Superman cape and be themselves, Clark Kent. Instead of feeling like you have to save the world, save yourself. Men have never been taught how to give themselves self-care. From being a little boys, we have been told not to show our emotions, which is a sign of weakness. The only way Clark could save the world was to find a hidden place to transform, and poof... Superman to the rescue. I want men to have a place where it’s okay to be vulnerable, knowing that strength comes in unity. There is no safer place than SHINE Men of Integrity!

We are a group of men who love God by giving back to charitable organizations. Working throughout Cleveland to make it a better land is something we have adopted from Danita Harris. SHINE Men of Integrity will restore dignity and integrity to men’s lives while helping men become better husbands, fathers, and friends. We are ready to spread our wings and SHINE!” said Pope

“We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic has shifted all of us to value life and home. For some, being quarantined at home triggered undiagnosed traumas. As a journalist, I report on the rise of mental health issues as a result of the pandemic. Guess who’s been impacted the most? Men. Black men, in particular, are experiencing increased depression and anxiety. When we look at homicides, the blood of men, especially young men, are staining our streets. Lives are being slashed by senseless violence almost daily. Cleveland is the second poorest big city in the country, and we know poverty breeds a spirit of hopelessness,” said Harris.

Men come out, and let’s show the women we have faith and the love of God in our hearts too. S.H.I.N.E. is a spiritually-based organization that provides women and men with practical life skills and spiritual knowledge to improve their lives. It promotes unity among women and builds relationships based on the common goal of living a victorious life.

So, men, getting your ticket for an excellent event visit like this is still possible. Visit https:// itsyourtimetoshine.ticketbud.com/integrity to purchase your ticket.

“My prayer is that with the help of God, the men will help each other face fears, heal from pain in their souls, open up and be transparent about where they are spiritually and not be ashamed to say, “I need more.” Men tend to stay in their corners and never share the experiences that placed scars on their hearts and soul. It’s time for men to come out and speak their truths...even if it’s raw! A closed mouth never gets fed, and one will never conquer what one chooses not to confess,” said Harris