FREE SEPT / OCT 2014
Bishop
J. KEVIN HARRIS
Founder and Senior Pastor of Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
Spotlight
CLINT BRADFORD
Faith to
OVERCOME FEAR www.rhemamagazine.com
The
EBOLA VIRUS FERGUSON, MISSOURI & MICHAEL BROWN: Forever Etched in History History
PASTORAL SUICIDES A Tribute to
&
Dr. Maya Angelou
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE SEPT/OCT 2014
FEATURES
14 Ferguson, Missouri and Michael Brown: Forever Etched in History 15 Faith to Overcome Fear
20
Cover Story Bishop J. Kevin Harris Founder and Senior Pastor of Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
28 Are You an Investor? 31 We Are Our Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper: Stemming the Tide of Pastoral Suicides 32 A Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou
SECTIONS 04 09 24 30 33 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Showcase RHEMA Word
Disclaimer Rhema is published every other month. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are strictly those
RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rhema Magazine. Rhema Magazine takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information. However we will not assume liability for the opinions or statements nor the accuracy of the authors. We also reserve the right to edit information we deem inappropriate for this magazine.
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Editor’s
H
ave you ever taken the time to really count your blessings? To give thanks for the people and things that truly matter? Sometimes life has a way of reminding us of what is important. I recently had one of those very powerful reminders. I had to call a childhood friend to console her on the loss of her youngest son who was killed tragically. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. We grew up together. I spent a lot of time at her house with her family. In fact, to this day I still refer to their home as my second home. It was one of the only places I could go for an extended amount of time and not get into trouble. Our parents were close and shared the same values. Needless to say, my friend was inconsolable. It was heart wrenching listening to her cry. Her pain and grief were palpable, permeating the phone and causing my heart to get heavy and my soul tired. She sobbed uncontrollably and I just listened. She wailed and I just listened. In between bouts of anger, grief, and rage, my friend managed to speak of him glowingly. Her son was her 22-year-old “baby”- the youngest of her five children. She loved him fiercely and the feeling was mutual. My friend spoke of the plans her son had for his life: to go back to school for he wanted to be an architect. She spoke of his desire to earn more money
RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
Note
so he could take care of her. He had a job interview scheduled for the day after he was killed. She spoke of his quiet disposition, the quietest of all her children. She spoke of her life never being the same and how badly she would miss him. My friend felt the need to tell me that she raised her son right- that she raised all of her children right. That even though she didn’t have a lot of money to supply the material things, that her children learned to be satisfied with what she could provide, and at no point in her life had they brought her shame. I assured my friend that I knew this: that she did not need to convince me. I can vouch for the type of mother that she was and still is and that her children turned out great. In spite of her overwhelming grief, she went on the say that she would not wish this pain on anyone, not even the perpetrators of the crime. Through all of this I just listened. She needed to talk about him and all I had to do was listen. I reassured my friend that I am there for her, that I am praying to God to strengthen her and her family and give them peace. This was only the first of many subsequent conversations I have had with her, and for the most part, the conversations followed the same path. I share her pain and will always be there for her in any way I can. She knows this. Even so, most times when I call, I spend the greater part of the conversation just listening. Sometimes, that is all we need to do to help our brothers and sisters get through grief. Just listen and pray.
Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS CEO/Founder - Andrew D. Gayle Chairman - Leon Morgan Editor-in-Chief - Valerie Brown Assistant Editor - Dr. Alicia Anderson Publication Consultant/Copy Editor - Michele Saunders Health and Lifestyle Editor - Dacie Gayle Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Nicholas T. Josey Columnist - David Carruthers Art Director - Tanya N. Riley of T.Riley Design Sales Manager - Tracie Taylor Sales/Ad Rep - Ronald W. Fitts Jr. Advertising E-mail - advertise@rhemamagazine.com RHEMA Office - 110 Wellington Hill ST Boston MA, 02126 Phone - 617-322-7896 E-Mail - rhemamagazine12@gmail.com
Rhema: "A Greek word meaning "what is said." In Christianity it is used in reference to the sayings of Jesus Christ." Matthew 4:4 states"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
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Health
The Ebola Virus By Dacie Gayle
T
here has been a multitude of media coverage on the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa and its impact on the United States. The rise in cases of the virus is indeed serious and it is wise to be informed of the virus and its symptoms. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or Ebola Haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease caused by an infection from the Filoviridae Ebolavirus Virus. The first case of the virus was seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976. Since then there has been many various outbreaks throughout Central and Western Africa. The Virus is most often spread from animals to humans through close contact with bodily fluids. The animals that are most commonly infected are gorillas, chimpanzees, monkey, forest antelopes, and porcupines. It is through close contact with these species of infected animals that humans can be infected. Therefore, Ebola is not spread through the air but through contact. Only when humans travel through and from the infected areas is the virus spread from country to country. Humans transmit the virus through close contact with bodily fluids such as blood, secretions, mucus, etc. Symptoms of Ebola can be seen between 2-21 days after infection. Symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
diarrhea, and vomiting and stomach pain. As the disease progresses it causes the individual to bleed internally as well as from the nose, ears, and eyes. Some individuals may cough or vomit blood. The initial symptoms of Ebola are similar to those of other diseases that are prevalent in the western countries of Africa including; Malaria, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Meningitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers. Therefore, Ebola is diagnosed using tests to rule out the other possible diseases. There is no known cure for Ebola although much work is being done to procure one. Physicians tend to treat the symptoms that an individual has by keeping the patient hydrated, maintaining their oxygen levels and caring for another infection that the patient may have. Ebola is a deadly virus with a 90% fatality rate and quarantine is a suggested and effective method of prevention of spread. Continue to be vigilant of the spread of the virus as time progresses. Remember that the virus can only be spread by close contact with infected individuals and that those who are formally diagnosed are quarantined. Keep the infected and/or deceased in your prayers.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ebola-fever-virus-infection http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/treatment/index.html http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
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Ferguson, Missouri and Michael Brown: Forever Etched in History By Joanne Daley
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin Seventeen minutes from the recognized city of St. Louis, Missouri is the smaller, more obscure city of Ferguson. Ferguson Demographics According to www.usa.com, the 2012 population of Ferguson was 21,135. Of that population, 13,753 of those people listed identified themselves as African American, or “Black.” Those who self-identified as, “White” totaled 6,194 in number, with 263 Ferguson residents identified as Asian, and only 156 as Hispanic. The remaining 1,000-plus of Ferguson’s population self-identified as having belonged to two or more races, including, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Hawaiian, or self-classified under the term, “Other.” These numbers may not mean much until you add the fact that only three of Ferguson’s 53 police officers are African American. The other 50 officers identify themselves as “White.”
twenty-eight-year-old Officer Darren Wilson unfolded. At the time of this publication, the events that led to Michael Brown's interaction with Officer Wilson, and his subsequent death are in dispute. Michael Brown has been laid to rest. Many have protested this case. The Internet is flooded with both positive and negative characterizations of these two men. The Facts These are the indisputable facts. On August 9, 2014, on the 2900 block of Canfield Drive in the city of Ferguson, Missouri between 12:00 and 12:05 P.M., Michael Brown, an unarmed African-American eighteen-year-old was shot six times, and killed by Officer Darren Wilson. Brown's body lay uncovered on Canfield Drive for at least four hours after he was shot. These two men – Brown, who recently graduated from high school and was scheduled to begin college and Wilson, an officer who was on the Ferguson police force for six years – are now indelibly linked in our nation’s history.
One thing that is for sure regarding all of these people, including Ferguson’s population and police is that we all are impacted by what happened on August 9, 2014 - no matter what demographic category they checked.
Looking Forward No one but Officer Wilson knows why he shot Michael Brown. We all have our opinions. Unfortunately, none of our opinions will bring Michael Brown back.
Ferguson Gains Notoriety Until August 9th 2014, Ferguson was off the radar for most of the country, and more importantly the world. This city has made national and worldwide news as the story of what allegedly transpired between eighteen-year-old Michael Brown, and
However, what we can do, is make sure that we all work diligently together so that whatever the reason Michael Brown's life ended so quickly is not used as an excuse to have this happen ever again.
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Images: www.nydailynews.com www.ksdk.com
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Faith to Overcome Fear By William E. Dickerson Jr. Pastor and Overseer
This world's system often bombards us with many problems and cares which can cause us to be overwhelmed if we take our eyes off of Jesus Christ. When our loved ones get sick, we often become more aware of our own vulnerability to diseases. When someone dies, we become more cognizant of our own mortality . We often hear of people who have certain phobias and these disorders are the results of demonic attacks against us. Sometimes a person might look at another and say they are so fearful why does he or she not move forward in Christian maturity. However, the same person pointing the finger might be shy and that one will look at shyness as not a bad thing but shyness comes from being timid, and timidity is not born of faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear (timidity), but of power, love and a sound mind." The word sound means "well balanced and disciplined." Christians whose lives are not balanced and are undisciplined are operating in the spirit of fear. Therefore, many believers are out of order today due to fear. Isaiah 41:10 states, "Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, yes I will uphold you with the right-hand of my righteousness." Whatever assignment or task you have been given by the Lord to do, always move forward in faith knowing that the Lord is with you at all times. Every time we walk in fear, we glorify the devil RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
and make his name great within our lives. What type of fear is hindering your destiny? Is it the fear of rejection? The fear of public speaking? Or the fear of success? 1John 4:18 records,"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." As believers, we need to practice freeing ourselves from the grip of fear so that we can enjoy the peaceful liberality of what faith produces. How to Overcome Fear: 1.) Speak words of faith and stay positive; 2.) Cut off negative people from your private world; 3.) Guard your eye gate and your ear gate from what you see and hear; 4.) Get a mature prayer partner who will cover you and hold you accountable; 5.) Learn to trust God and His proven servant leaders. In 1Samuel Chapter 1, David the king of Israel had to face the giant name Goliath, but in order to win David had to operate in faith. What is your Goliath? What is in your life that's keeping you so fearful that you're not optimizing your potential? If we want to see the results of faith, we have to work it by trusting the Lord. You can overcome fear by using Faith. rhemamagazine.com 15
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Cover Story
Bishop J. Kevin Harris By Michele Saunders
B
ishop J. Kevin Harris, is the visionary, founder, and pastor of Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. Founded in 1991, Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church went from renting space to owning property mortgage-free in a span of six years. He is married to the lovely Lady Ruth Harris and is father to Joseph Kevin Harris, II. Bishop Harris has ministered to many of diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. Under his ministry, many have been delivered, healed, and have experienced miracles and freedom from the spiritual and financial yokes and bondages of the enemy. Ministry Outreach Bishop Harris’ ministry reaches beyond the walls of his church. He currently is host of “Touch and Agree,” a live, daily radio broadcast in central Virginia. Listeners call in to get a word of deliverance. Bishop Harris also has been a guest on The Word Network. Fish and Loaves Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church operates “Fish and Loaves,” a ministry that gives clothing to and feeds those who are hungry. Consecrated to Office of Bishop This past April, Bishop Harris was consecrated to the Office of Bishop, under Bishop Robert Joel Rochford of New York in the organization Dunamis Covenant Connection. He also was elevated to become
RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
a member of Dunamis Covenant Connection’s Executive Board. History of Ministry and Service Bishop Harris was called at a young age to be a servant of the Lord. He was born and raised in Richmond and attended Richmond Public Schools. As a child, Bishop grew up under the leadership of C.B. Franklin, pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church of Richmond. Bishop Harris’ first speaking engagement was at age 12 at Jerusalem Holy Church for a weeknight children’s program. By the age of 15, Bishop Harris, had officially preached his trial sermon. It was at age 15 that Bishop Harris’ prophetic ministry began with the laying on of hands. Notable Miracles Bishop Harris narrated in detail life-changing, paradigm-shifting miracles that bolstered his already strong faith in the Lord. Victory Tabernacle Baptist Church, founded in 1991 had humble beginnings. One building that the church worshipped before purchasing the sanctuary did not have any heat. In the winter, the church was, according to Bishop Harris, “diligent” to be there on Wednesdays and Fridays for Bible study and prayer. According to Bishop rhemamagazine.com 20
Bishop J. Kevin Harris
RHEMA MAGAZINE: Cover Story
Harris, “the amazing thing” was …
“What people should take away from my testimony is that the places that we want to be in God will come to us. They will come, but you have to go through the path,” said Bishop Harris. “We begin,” he continued, “and we want to get to the ‘There.’ But between ‘Here’ and ‘There’ is a path. And sometimes that path is not always understandable, but if you can just endure the path. Don’t rush. Take your time.”
“… that one night at prayer on a Friday night, it was so cold outside. One of our church mothers, who went home to be with the Lord …, I was praying, ‘Lord, bless us to get into a building with heat.’ And as I was praying, she said, ‘Pastor, I’m going to go and lay my hands on the vent while you pray.’ And we heard three knocks inside the vent. And all of a sudden, heat started blowing out! And we were amazed. And we called the landlord to say heat is running in the building. And they said, ‘That’s impossible,’ because there’s been no gas in that area since the early 1970s. The City [of Richmond] sent the gas engineers out and dug up the street, and they confirmed that the gas had been capped off of the building since 1974-75. There was no way for the gas to come in as those pipes were too old for us to open [for gas]. But every time we came to service during the winter, the heat would be on. We had been in the building for some time but God had tremendously blessed us.” “In 2005,” said Bishop Harris, “I married my wife, and the Lord blessed us with a beautiful son. Shortly after that, I went totally blind and gained my sight back.” Continued Bishop Harris about the landmark miracles that he has experienced: “Then in midway 2008, my kidneys failed and I went on dialysis for five years. Being on dialysis, I was preaching in Boston, Massachusetts. That’s when I had the privilege of meeting a woman I had never met before. That was Sister [Debbie Mitchell-] Dozier, and she said ‘God said to give you my kidney.’ She was a complete blood match. So God just blessed me.”
Word for 2015 Bishop Harris gave the Word of the Lord to Rhema Magazine readers for 2015: “There is going to be a lot of major open doors for recovery. There’s damage from 2007 up until 2013. They’re (the people of God are) going to walk through doors of recovery. And the restoration will not be of them getting what they lost. They are going to get greater. And God is going to give them the peace to know that they survived without it. And because they endured, 2015 is going to be a year of Divine Recovery. It’s going to be a year of release, because so many people have been walking under the bondage, under the oppression. But 2015 is going to be the year of the Lord’s Release. Pastors who have been struggling for some time, pastors who have been wanting their ministries to flourish, seemingly they have run out of ideas, 2015 is going to be the year of them recalibrating.” “Life is ours,” Bishop Harris concluded.
Testimony Takeaway Bishop Harris shared one piece of wisdom that he learned from his many testimonies: RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
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Minister
Clint Bradford
C
lint Bradford has demonstrated himself as a minister of Jesus Christ with over thirteen years of experience through preaching, teaching, and ministering the Word of God.
A native of northern California, he is a lifelong member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, and has served under giants in the faith, including Supt. A.C. “Dad” Macklin; Dr. B.L. Toliver; Bishop J.W. Macklin; and Overseer William E. Dickerson, II. Minister Bradford’s life is similar to that of many church kids in that he was saved many times before he “really” got saved. During adolescence, the allure of gangster rap and street life became prominent, but his Christian foundation and thorough discipline from his parents would ultimately lead him back. In his late teens, he decided to make a dedicated commitment to The Lord and God has honored that by allowing numerous ministry opportunities across the country. Subsequent to this commitment, he became Youth Pastor at Progressive COGIC in Sacramento, CA, being charged with building up a generation of youth on fire for The Lord. During this time, Clint continued to pursue academic excellence by enrolling in Cosumnes River College majoring in Management Information Systems. Although he had dreams of becoming a “dotcom” RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
entrepreneur, God had different plans for him. Clint ultimately shifted to SUM Bible College in Oakland, CA where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies. In addition to academics, his time at SUM allowed Clint to be exposed to and participate in inner-city evangelism; prison ministry; multi-ethnic worship services; and street preaching during Mardi Gras. This ministry exposure revolutionized Clint’s philosophy of ministry and gave him the appropriate tools necessary for effective urban ministry. This time also served as a ministry launching pad as many doors were opened to preach at churches, revivals, and at conferences across the United States. After Bible college, Clint responded to the voice of The Lord and moved over 3,000 miles to Boston to pursue a Masters in Urban Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. While in seminary, Clint also focused on creating relevant Hip Hop music within a Biblical worldview and was blessed to minister in song throughout New England under the moniker “anonymous1.” This new chapter in his life proved to be rewarding yet challenging. While he loved seminary, Clint was often homesick for California until he met a Boston native that changed his perspective. Clint is now happily married to the former Koriana Lewis and they have two incredible children Benjamin, 3, and Victoria, 2. They serve in ministry together at Greater Love Tabernacle in Boston and they are excited about all that God will do through them. rhemamagazine.com 24
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Are you an
investor? Spender, Saver, or Investor, which one of these are you? And why is it important for you to identify with one or the other? On the surface it may not seem very important, but as it relates to your ability to accumulate assets or significant wealth, one must consider their current money management strategies. Before answering these initial questions, it might be helpful to review a few basic definitions for each money management type. The following should serve as a general personal assessment guide. Spenders are often individuals who live beyond their financial means. Maintain high balances on credit cards, and if they allow their excessive spending to spiral out of control, may end up filing for personal bankruptcy a time or two. Savers will often have three to six months of their committed monthly expenses saved for emergencies; and are prepared for many of life’s unexpected financial events. Savers often bring brown bagged lunches 4-5 days per week to work and have little to zero financial stresses as they also live well below their financial means. Investors much like Savers, may have significant amounts of cash on hand for emergencies; but may additionally maintain more cash for their next investment opportunity. Adequate levels of insurance and brokerage accounts are common for many long term Investors. While it is widely known that Investors are ever mindful of R.O.I. (return on investment), a little known fact is that many successful Investors/Savers strongly adhere to the golden rule of donating at least 10% of their income. As you think about your personal finances you may wish to review the manner in which you currently manage your resources. Do you like to spend your money on things RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
that offer no tangible return? Do you expect a reasonable rates return, or do you prefer to invest with the expectation of receiving significant returns? As you are well aware, all things financial could have either a benefit or an opportunity cost. The opportunity cost for the spender, may be the lack of financial peace of mind; they may live from paycheck to paycheck, praying that no additional expenses come up unexpectedly. Perhaps the spender would benefit from taking a personal assessment of his/her current quality of life- to begin making positive changes with their finances. They might also benefit, by creating a weekly or monthly budgeting plan. The saver may benefit by increasing their knowledge of out of favor investment vehicles, i.e. low priced stocks with solid fundamentals and long term track record, or even purchasing real estate during a long period of significantly decreased property values. The saver may be encouraged to develop a knowledge base for building a well-diversified investment portfolio. While most would think that the investor would have everything in order, they too might benefit by carefully reviewing their investment statements, or updating long forgotten personal and professional legal documents. Regardless of your current money management style, there is always room for slow and steady improvement. Remember that your road to financial success, even with its challenges is destined to become an enlightening journey. Nicholas T. Josey Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org rhemamagazine.com 28
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We Are Our Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper:
Stemming the Tide of Pastoral Suicides By Michele Saunders
Pastoral suicide is the third-highest ranking type of suicide of all of the suicides in the United States. The main reasons pastors cited as reasons for taking their own lives (as subsequently found in suicide notes) are depression, financial pressures, poor family relationships due to the pressures of ministry, and health issues. Some things we can do to help keep our leaders balanced, healthy, and whole: 1. Remember that your leaders are NOT God, but human. They are prone to the same frailties as you are but on a potentially larger scale because of the compounded responsibility of answering to God for being stewards over His precious souls. 2. Bring kindness back. It is easy to find fault and to criticize, but think about it. Could you handle with grace some of the treatment that we sometimes give our leaders? 3. Pray for our leaders. Pray GOD’S WILL for them only. DO NOT pray your agenda. 4. Give our leaders space to take a break. However it is defined for your house of worship, a break means a break. Let the others in leadership lead while the shepherd is getting the rest needed to do the unending pastoral work with untraditional hours. 5. Focus on your own walk with The Lord. As you grow stronger in your relationship with God and in His Word, you may need your pastor, but you may find that you may need your pastor less. This might even lighten your pastor’s load and just might help you to help them to advance the Kingdom of God here in the United States and beyond. In conclusion, it is Biblical to look after the health of the whole body, including the mind, in addition to the spirit. See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Signs of depression in our shepherds may not be easily recognizable because they have learned to mask them for the congregants’ and outer public’s sake. It is not any less spiritual to get help for a mental health issue than it is to get help for a physical issue. It is time to take that foolish stigma away. Too many leaders’ lives are being lost to suicide due to pride and fear of being viewed as not having enough faith because they might be out of balance physically and mentally. For pastors, church leaders and members who might need immediate assistance, please dial 9-1-1, or call your local health care providers. If your counseling need is not of an urgent matter, one nondenominational resource here in New England that specializes in ministering to ministerial leaders is: Still Harbor 666 Dorchester Avenue South Boston, MA 02127 T: (617) 682-0259 info@stillharbor.org RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
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What We Now Know: A Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou By Nikisha Funches
Maya Angelou April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014
D
r. Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was raised with one sibling, Bailey, who would pin her with the nickname, “Maya.” At the age of seventeen, she would give birth to her only child, Clyde "Guy" Johnson. Eventually she would change her name to Maya Angelou. How do we give a brief synopsis of such a life of longevity and grace? Ms. Angelou received over 30 honorary doctoral degrees, wrote seven autobiographies and gained international recognition. In 1969, she would write the critically acclaimed book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In 1971, Dr. Angelou was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Die. In 1993, Dr. Angelou spoke at President Bill Clinton's Presidential inauguration reciting her poem "On the Pulse of the Morn’." This is simply what we now know: Dr. Maya Angelou will be remembered for many things, but she will not be forgotten for one simple reason. What she did, she did with love. We know your name, beautiful and strong woman. We know your poems, intelligent and gifted writer. We receive the lessons, thoughtful and mindful teacher. This is probably the best way I will remember Dr. Maya Angelou. She was born in a time where a Black person could be first. She was a prelude that would leave a legacy. So, as we remember Dr. Angelou, let us also not forget that she has served her purpose and left this life with a wealth of knowledge, and seasoned us RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
with a type of common sense, that could only be found on Nana's lips. As I searched through my Facebook posts, what I found so amazing was the trending of Maya Angelou quotes – the wisdom that only comes from living and experience, and the understanding that we are in fact to leave a legacy. Although she only had one son, Dr. Angelou’s words were able to give insight to the motherless, the fatherless, the helpless, and the successful. I dared not become sad but only thoughtful. Imagine if this generation in which I live had not experienced the fullness of life that this woman lived. Would we ever understand the wisdom of this elder that is not only phenomenal but simplistic? That even being misquoted would say, "Do better?" Dr. Angelou was the type of speaker that commanded a room, even if you just happened to walk past your television and hear her voice. She spoke with a calm that would quiet the storm of the runaway soul. She did things that many will not do, like being the second poet laureate to speak at a Presidential inauguration. She served as a Civil Rights activist. She wrote books and poems. She traveled to Africa as a teacher. She was a Tony Award nominee. I could go on and on. But I will not. I will end it, the way she lived it for us: Perhaps it is the click of your pen that causes the mind to tap into greatness… Perhaps it is the sound of your voice that causes the sleeping mind to wake up… Perhaps it is the words of your books that cause a writer to create a masterful thought… Perhaps it is the strength of your stature that causes the weak to stand up straight… Perhaps it is the caged bird you set free that causes a girl child to know her worth… Perhaps I just need more time to tell you thank you. I need more pen to write you a love letter. But what is for certain is that you have left a mark in history. You have earned your title of Teacher, Poet, Scholar, Writer, Actress, Playwright and last but not least, you have earned what you asked for a cool drink of water ‘fore you die. Marguerite Annie Johnson. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 02:14, Jun 10, 2014, from http://www.biography.com/people/maya-angelou-9185388.
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Showcase
ANDREW G., DAVID MANN, TRACIE TAYLOR & TAMELA MANN
BROTHER CHRIS & JACQUELYN STOKES RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
DAVID MANN & BROTHER CHRIS rhemamagazine.com 33
Psalms 27 NKJV
A Psalm of David An Exuberant Declaration of Faith 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear;Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek:That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,”My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2014
14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! rhemamagazine.com 34
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