FREE APRIL / MAY 2013
REVEREND LIZ WALKER
From News Anchor to >>> Anchor of the Good News
Dear
Black Women
What’s Your Plan?
RHEMA Spotlight
Environmental
Easter
Stewardship www.rhemamagazine.com
Minister Gillian Thomas
PHEN’s Fifth Annual Prostate Cancer Rally
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE APRIL / MAY 2013
FEATURES
11 What’s Your Plan? 14 Easter 19 Prostate Cancer Rally to Reach One Million Persons Story Reverend Liz Walker 20 Cover From News Anchor to Anchor of the Good News 23 Environmental Stewardship 26 Saint or Ain’t 31 Dear Black Women
SECTIONS 04 08 16 30 32 33 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Readers 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 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
I
t is 2am on
Sunday March 10th. Clocks are being reset as we prepare to spring forward one hour. It is now 3am: Daylight Savings Time, heralding the beginning of spring. The mornings are darker and an hour of sleep is lost. However, the long term advantage is gaining an extra hour of daylight through the spring and summer months. For some, it seems like a reasonable trade off, while for others spring seems so far away: after all, there are still piles of snow lingering on sidewalks and in parking lots. They are still not permitted to retire the coats, gloves and scarves worn throughout the winter season. However, hope springs eternal, so we anticipate the warmer days ahead and we wait until the weather truly reflects what the time change signifies. Have you ever been at a place in your life where you would welcome the ability to reset your clock? A place where you could fast forward through the troubled spots? When you are waiting with bated breath for the time to change, for the tide to turn? I have been there. It is wishful thinking, I know. Though temporary, adversities are hard to handle and remaining optimistic during those challenging times is not for the faint of heart. I am not always encouraged by the anticipation of a great, rewarding outcome- when every fiber of my being feels like its being stretched and my prayers seem to
RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
Note
go unanswered. It is then that you can
confidently depend not only on the strength that you know you have within, but more so on the strength and promises of your Creator. You cannot gain that extra hour of daylight without first being willing to give up that extra hour of sleep. To date, my most rewarding role ever is that of being a mother: a role that I would gladly give up an extra hour of sleep for, a million times over. To say I am proud, would be an understatement, because what I feel transcends pride. I can truly say that I am exceedingly glad. Mothers all across the world will be honored on Mother’s Day, May 12. But, for me Mother’s Day came early this year, I was already rewarded. My daughter obtained her Doctorate! I am the mother of the most amazing child who has blossomed into an even more amazing woman. I expected nothing but greatness from her, and I prayed for nothing but greatness for her. I always encouraged her to follow her dreams, do not settle for mediocrity and never be a follower, instead to blaze her own trail. She did not disappoint! I applaud her! So, I encourage all mothers to never settle for anything less from your child than you know they can deliver. Happy Mother’s Day! God Bless!
Valerie Brown
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS CEO/Founder - Andrew D. Gayle Chairman - Leon Morgan Editor in Chief - Valerie Brown Assistant Editors - Dacie Gayle and Dr. Alicia Anderson Contributing Editor/Columnist - Robby Thomas Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Linda Sharkey Columnist - David Carruthers Columnist - Kevin C. Peterson
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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RHEMA
Health
How to survive this spring’s Allergy Season? By Dacie Gayle
S
neezing, itchy and runny noses, sore throats and watery eyes are common symptoms of Spring Allergies. These symptoms are caused by the allergic reaction that 1 in 3 people have to pollen. Pollen is an allergen found in trees, grass and weeds. The severity and symptoms of seasonal allergies, also known as Hay Fever, vary depending on the individual. Unfortunately, this year the allergy season is forecasted at arriving early and lasting longer. Although this claim is repeated nearly every year, reasons for this phenomenon occurring this year are changes in the global climate and the increase in precipitation this winter. For all of you who suffer through allergies, here are a few tips to surviving this brutal season: 1. Don’t self-diagnose yourself: Instead of assuming that you’re suffering from allergies, take an allergy test. Whether taken online or in a Doctor’s Office, an allergy test will confirm your diagnosis as well help you in choosing methods of treatment.
2. Treat early: Don’t wait to take your medication. Treat your symptoms as soon as they arrive instead of waiting until they are unbearable. 3. Check local pollen levels: Be informed of the daily pollen levels. Whether you are checking online, your local news channels or newspapers, be aware of what the conditions are for the day and plan accordingly. 4. Wear sunglasses: Not only are sunglasses stylish for the spring and summer, but they are also useful in blocking pollen from reaching your eyes. So wear those Ray bans with pride this allergy season! 5. Wash bedding regularly and shower nightly: Pollen can be found on your clothes, hair and skin, so it’s important to shower at the end of your day to wash away all traces of RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
pollen. Cleaning your bedding also prevents further exposure to pollen. 6. Clean your home regularly: During nice weather we tend to open windows and doors to let in the sun and breeze. Be aware that we are also letting in traces of pollen. To avoid aggravation of your symptoms, wear a face mask and clean the surfaces of your home. Be sure to clean rugs that are in your home as well, for pollen often settles there. 7. Natural remedies: If you are averse to using over the counter products, try natural remedies. Create a homemade saline solution by mixing 8 ounces of water and a half teaspoon of table salt. Periodically rinse your nose with this solution to clear the allergens from your nose. Acupuncture has also been proven to be a helpful resolution. Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Allergies/spring-worst-allergy-season/story?id=18780798#.UUyudzLn9jo http://columbustelegram.com/news/local/harsh-allergy-season-expected/article_0705a7e2-134e-56f3-a0fa-19a31c600c29.html http://710keel.com/how-to-survive-the-spring-allergy-season/
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?
$ A
What’s Your Plan?
s the calendar turns to April we begin to feel the warmth of brighter weather, enjoy the smells of spring and struggle with our tax forms in order to meet the IRS tax filing deadline. Each year we review our income and file our taxes, but how often do we assess where we stand in the pursuit of our financial objectives? Tax season is a good reminder of where we have been and it also provides an opportunity to reflect on where we want to go. Whether it’s ensuring an appropriate emergency fund is in place, managing the risks to your family or planning for retirement, a financial plan seeks to assess where you are today, determine where you would like to go in the future and devise a strategy to get there. A conversation with your financial advisor and a well-constructed financial plan should include a review of the following: √ √ √ √ √
Tax planning: Previous 2 years tax return Retirement planning: 401K, IRA, Stocks, Pension, Social Security etc. Estate planning: Wills, Power of Attorney and Health Care Powers Asset protection planning: Insurance Policies Financial documents: Bank Statements, Household Budget etc.…
The financial planning process helps families and individuals organize their financial lives and rationalize the impact of any changes that need to be made. By assessing the use of available resources, the planning process may bring to light the benefits or detractors of different courses of action. In general, a financial plan is a living plan. As events occur and things change so too will your plan of approach. Routine review will help to monitor your progress and bring to light any changes that need to be made to keep you on track. A comprehensive financial plan will help an individual or family identify their most pressing needs and objectives and increase the likelihood of reaching those goals. We’ve all heard the famous quote that “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” What’s your plan? Written by Roxann C. Cooke RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
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E
Easter William E. Dickerson Jr.
(Pastor & Overseer of Greater Love Tabernacle)
aster is a Christian holiday in which we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. This time parallels with the Jewish festival known as the Passover. The Passover is the time wherein the Jews commemorate the death Angel passing over the house of each Hebrew who had sprinkled the blood of animals on the door posts after they were given instructions by Moses. Jesus the Christ is our ultimate Passover Lamb. He is the Lamb of God which takes away the dominion of sins. Animal sacrifices only covered the sins of the people on an annual basis: however, Jesus once and for all conquered the power of sin. Hebrews 9:22b states ...”and without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” This means there is no forgiveness where there is no blood sacrifice. Consequently, Jesus was God manifested in the flesh and he had to use his own blood to take away the sins of humanity. Jesus came into this world to satisfy the redemptive demands of our just Heavenly Father. Under the Jewish custom of worship and animal sacrifices, Jehovah God would allow the blood of animals to be shed as a type of the blood of Jesus Christ- which would be the last blood needed to be shed for humanity due to its sinless perfection. Leviticus chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement, it was a day in which Jews fasted all day and the priests offered up animal sacrifices to atone or cover for the sins of the people. However through the resurrection of Jesus Christ the penalty of sin was paid. Through the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus' death, burial but more importantly his resurrection we can now come boldly to our Heavenly Father. Hebrews 4:14-16 states "Seeing then we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Therefore this Easter with great joy, ebullience and humility we should celebrate since we understand that it is truly about what Jesus has done for us. Let us think about the spiritual impact of what this time is all about. It is not about having an Easter basket; it is certainly not about the Easter bunny, that’s a myth. It is not about having fine clothes or just gathering socially at church, but it is about the great story of redemption that the Father sent his Son and his Son redeemed us. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever would believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
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M
inister Gillian Thomas is the founder of Zoë Abundant Life Ministries, International; a spiritual development and nurturance Christian ministry based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is an impassioned teacher, preacher, worship leader, conference and seminar leader and facilitator. Raised in a Pentecostal home, Min Gillian accepted the Lord Jesus as a teenager and accepted the call to ministry at the age of 21. Her early inspiration came from both her mother Elva Nesbitt and grandmother Malcolina Eadie, (now deceased) both powerful women who showed tremendous commitment and tenacity in their individual Christian walk. Though fostering a new legacy, Min Gillian’s unique gene pool not only provided a spiritual birthright, but a distinctive backdrop for spiritual development and ministry. Throughout her ministry she has delivered God’s message of healing, hope, divine purpose and abundant life. Under the auspices of the Late Bishop J. P. Morgan Sr., she was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ and served in various capacities within the national church. In October of 1998, Min Gillian co-founded the former Asah Family and Life Enrichment Center, (A Boston based ministry) and served as an Associate Pastor for eight years. She was instrumental in organizing, “The Maximum Impact Family Tent Crusade,” a major multi-faceted faith-based outreach event designed to reach thousands in the community. She has traveled throughout the United States and the West Indies, conducting conferences, revivals, retreats and workshops. As a University of Massachusetts graduate, armed with a joint Bachelor's in Sociology and Psychology, Min Gillian’s espouses an incredible proclivity toward the roles of mentor, counselor and spiritual nurturer. She is a fierce advocate for our community’s youth; particularly for children with special needs and learning disabilities, and serves as a mentor to young women transitioning to adulthood. A dynamic and sought after speaker, Min Gillian challenges her audiences to become catalysts; encouraging them toward seismic change. In light of the demand for her ministerial expertise, particularly to young women, Min Gillian, recently launched a monthly women’s fellowship called, “Daughters of Deborah.” a fellowship focused on providing mentorship and key principles for strengthening and rebuilding relationships among women. She is the proud mother of two children Rachel and Steven Thomas and currently serves on the ministerial staff of Morning Star Baptist Church in Boston, under the leadership of Bishop John M. Border III. Twitter@gctmin RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL /MAY 2013
zoe.ablmin2011@gmail.com rhemamagazine.com 16
T
Prostate Cancer Rally to Reach One Million Persons Thomas A. Farrington, President and Founder of PHEN
The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is launching its "Fifth Annual Father's Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer" with an ambitious goal of reaching one million persons. This will be the largest and most visible prostate cancer education and awareness effort ever undertaken with a focus on Black America. The Rally will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2013 in partnership with churches nationwide during their regular church services. In 2012, The Rally reached approximately 200,000 persons based on the total membership of the churches that participated. This year, PHEN will augment the Rally with prostate cancer educational symposiums in selected cities on the Saturday before Father's Day (June 15th). The symposiums will be hosted by a church partner within each city serving as a magnet site. PHEN industry partners, members of its national survivor network, and local health providers will play integral roles in these educational activities. "PHEN’s Annual Father’s Day Rally” has proven to be an effective education and awareness outreach initiative for African American families who are the ones most impacted by prostate cancer. Because of these urgent needs, it is imperative that we build on our success and increase outreach efforts this year," said PHEN’s founder and President Thomas A. Farrington. Church partnerships which have been developed and nurtured across all denominations are the key to PHEN’s Father’s Day Rally success. “Congregations within the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church have actively participated in the Father’s Day Rally since its inception, and we look forward to participating in the Rally’s expansion in size and scope this year,” states Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Executive Director of the AME Connectional Health Commission. Prostate cancer survivors also play a crucial role in the success of the Rally by mobilizing their churches and communities. PHEN is appealing to all prostate cancer survivors, and their family members, to support and help lead the Rally in meeting its one million person goal. All are invited to join the PHEN Survivor Network. Black men die at a rate 2.5 times higher than men of all other ethnic and racial groups in the United States. This disparity led the US Senate, in July 2012, to pass a resolution recognizing prostate cancer to be of epidemic proportions among African American men.
RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
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Cover Story
R RHEMA
Rev Liz Walker
From News Anchor to Anchor of the Good News
Written by Robby Thomas
Rev. Liz Walker is an award-winning television journalist, a documentary film producer, entrepreneur and humanitarian currently working in the war-torn country of Sudan. She’s a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Transitional Preacher at Roxbury Presbyterian Church. To New Englanders she will always be known as Liz, after 32 years as a television news journalist, nearly 20 of those anchoring WBZ Television's evening newscasts in Boston. Liz has most recently hosted a special television magazine program called BETTER LIVING WITH LIZ WALKER on WCVB Television in Boston. Rev Liz’s call to ministry was noteworthy given her notoriety. Yielding to the voice of God, helped align her intuitive spirit, communication skills and passion for serving the world, toward effecting change and transformational ministry. Rev Liz’s journey began in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was born and reared. She grew up during the civil rights era. The movement had a profound impact on her life. Rev Liz recalls the tumultous times during desegregation; And in particular, the forced integration of Little Rock Central High School, where she witnessed the soldiers being mobilized by President Dwight Eisenhower to protect the so-called “Little Rock Nine.” She states that, “ The school was literally
RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL /MAY 2013
down the street from where I lived and those images left an indellible imprint of my life.” She witnessed struggle very early and says, “ struggle has always been a part of my life.” Coming out of that era, Rev Liz was fortunate to get into television after returning home from graduate school. Thanks to affirmative action, the local television station was looking to hire black women. She was encouraged to apply by her mother, who knew that her daughter had an interest in journalism and writing…the rest is history. Her news career began in 1974 and ended in 2001. She worked in Denver, Colorado and San Francisco before landing in Boston. In the process she has broken barriers, one being the first woman of color to anchor the news on a Boston television station. She has received numerous accolades for both her professional and humanitarian work, including two Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow Award and special recognition from the prestigious Gabriel Awards for her on-air and documentary work. In the summer of 2001, Rev Liz traveled to war-torn Sudan with the Rev Ray and Gloria WhiteHammond, (both prominent and respected leaders in Boston) to cover their work there, and also unearth the facts regarding the controversial slave trade in southern Sudan. The experience changed her life. She recalls, “what was particularly riveting for me was that I had never been in a combat zone or rhemamagazine.com 20
RHEMA
Cover Story
conflict area before, an area were war was taking place; I had never seen people who had suffered so much, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We saw villages that had been bombed, people who had lost limbs, we heard stories of women being raped, children who were killed, husbands hacked to death, all of which was going on in Sudan for two decades and nobody was doing anything about it… in my opinion, because it was Africa.” Motivated and outraged by the human rights atrocities witnessed in Sudan, Rev Liz co-founded My Sister's Keeper, a grass roots initiative that advocates for women and children who are trying to rebuild their country and their lives. She returns to Sudan often, including the region of Darfur, the scene of the twenty first century's first genocide. My Sister's Keeper has most recently completed the construction of a Girls School for more than 500 girls in southern Sudan. Rev Liz captures her own video footage during her trips to Sudan and has produced several documentaries on the troubled country, including the most recent called "A Glory from the God," profiling the work of My Sister's Keeper and its visionary, Boston humanitarian Dr. Gloria White-Hammond. In addition to her work on international education and women's issues, Rev Liz advocates for the homeless and survivors of domestic violence. She is on the "Kitchen Cabinet" of One Family Incorporated, a non-profit organization to end family homelessness in Massachusetts. In 1992, Rev Liz helped co-found the Jane Doe Safety Fund, a multi-million dollar advocacy group for survivors of domestic violence; She also serves on numerous community boards and is a spokesperson for people living with HIV-AIDS, breast cancer survivors, and at-risk youth. Rev Liz’s transformational experience in Sudan and subsequent call to action dovetails seamlessly with her new if only “transitional role” at Roxbury Presbyterian Church (RPC). The Church has had a deep and abiding commitment to social justice, which is part of Rev Liz’s narrative. Her desire to drop anchor along the shores of the world’s most RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL /MAY 2013
Rev Liz WalkerFrom News Anchor to Anchor of the Good News despised and despondent souls in places such as Sudan speaks volumes of the absolute magnitude of God and his grace. On Sunday’s, Rev Liz feeds a growing flock at RPC. As she preaches, her voice is clear and often high pitched, amplifying emphatically on key points. She excavates the ancient text with insightful illumination, weaving everyday relevance into her delivery. It is evident that she loves the word of God and loves preaching. Her messages are lucid and resonating. Her diction as distinct as it was on the six o’clock news. She talks candidly about some of her own challenges, sometimes reminding herself and the RPC family that it truly took a miracle for her to be standing behind the sacred desk, alluding to the pitfalls that come with being one of the most recognizable and successful TV personalities in New England. She talks excitedly about what God is doing in and around RPC, but acknowledges that she indeed has tremendous shoes to fill. The Church’s previous Pastor, Rev Hermon Hamilton, one of Rev Liz’s mentors, left a successful legacy of religious and community service at RPC. Similarly, and in addition to her already impressive schedule, Rev Liz the humanitarian graciously affords her time to well deserving institutions, serving as Trustee for Andover Newton Theological School, the Regional Advisory Board of the United Nations International Children's Education Fund, Tufts Health Foundation and on the Board of Overseers for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Rev Liz is also on the ministerial staff of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain, and attributes much of her development to the Hammonds. As Rev Liz embarks on this new chapter, the Rev Liz 2.0 version, she speaks very poignantly about women in ministry; “I believe it to be one of the last frontiers… one that is extremely challenging but rewarding,” “It’s also about something more important …building God’s kingdom.” Rev Liz makes it very clear, that she no longer serves as an anchor for TV news, she is now an anchor in God’s Kingdom, proclaiming the good news. rhemamagazine.com 21
Why Environmental Stewardship Shouldn’t Be An Option for People of Color
By Shamar A. Bibbins
A
s a college sophomore in the mid 1990’s, I accepted a field-study assignment with a local environmental organization in Poughkeepsie, New York. The job entailed helping the organization execute a public engagement campaign in low income communities of color centered around the State’s newly established recycling laws. We organized community meetings and other outreach initiatives with residents in Poughkeepsie’s public housing projects. As many community outreach workers can attest, the pendulum of public opinions swings in opposite directions...from great appreciation to deep agitation. However, it was the response of a young mother, not much older than myself, that changed the trajectory of my studies and eventually my career. Barely a minute into my message on the importance of recycling, a young woman looked me square in the eyes, clearly agitated, and said, “Look, are you kidding me, I don’t have time to sort through my trash…I’m trying to figure out how to feed my baby.” Her words were piercing. It was my “Aha” moment. From that day forward, I focused my energy not just on my environmental science curriculum but also on the social and economic effect that environmental injustice was having on our communities. For too long people of color and low-income communities have been the victims of systematic environmental injustice due to their disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards. African-Americans, Native Americans and other communities of color have significantly higher rates of asthma, respiratory problems and other chronic diseases, not because of their lifestyles or because of genetics, but because of their zip codes. Sixty-eight percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal plant, and millions more live in “food deserts,” with little or no access to healthy food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. The environment is our issue and should be at or near the top of our socio-political agenda. People of color are disproportionally affected by environmental threats RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL / MAY 2013
and we should be a part of the national conversation around effective solutions. The good news is that leaders of color across the country are spearheading the charge to elevate dialogue around environmental awareness from the ground up. The Urban Rebirth Movement (URM) is one of these bold leaders. URM is a performing arts collective, dedicated to raising awareness around social, economic and environmental justice issues. On Friday, April 5th, URM is hosting a performing arts tribute to environmental awareness. The outreach event will take place at Gilchrist Hall, located in Roxbury Presbyterian Church’s Social Impact Center. The event is in celebration of Earth Day, which is celebrated globally on April 22nd. The celebration includes live performances by poets, musicians, dancers and actors, who will address environmental issues that affect our community. The event also provides opportunities for environmental groups such as Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET)to share resources, and offer free home energy audits for attendees who sign up. The Urban Rebirth Movement hopes that this event will be the beginning of further dialogue among community stakeholders in Boston and the launch of an urban movement dedicated to environmental stewardship. With bold collective action, we can realize the vision of healthy, safe communities with access to clean air and water, healthy foods and economic opportunity for all. To learn more about the Urban Rebirth Movement, visit http://on.fb.me/1365NIy Shamar A. Bibbins is the Senior Political Associate at Green For All, a national organization whose mission is to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Shamar is based out of Washington, D.C.
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Saint or Ain’t It is hard to tell who is a Christian today even though there are reportedly 3 billion people, one third of the planet’s population, who claim to be Christians. And yet what or who is a Christian? Can you tell by how they dress, who they know, what they say? Is being a Christian just believing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you have to be “saved” to be a Christian? Can you be saved and not be a Christian? ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8). Just believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; that He was born of a virgin; recognize you are a sinner; that He died for your sins, rose on the third day and you are a Christian. Well, the devil knows that. How many of us profess to be Christians and, if we are honest, know we really haven’t been so Christ-like lately? Are you truly reflecting the Heavenly Father’s light or merely polishing your own reflection brightly? Judas walked with Jesus and yet betrayed Him with a kiss. Peter received divine revelation in one moment and was later rebuked by Jesus for channeling Satan. “Who do men say I am?… Who do you say I am?”(Matthew 16:13-20) asked Jesus. His disciples’ responses revealed that despite what they had witnessed and experienced they did not know. Do you know? Were the disciples awake when He fed the five thousand, walked the sea, delivered the demoniac? Were you paying attention RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL /MAY 2013
by Sharon Hinton when He paid your rent, healed your body, and saved your marriage? Because we are all just sinners saved by grace and all fall short, we can still be real Christians, can’t we? Really? These days there is so much relativism and political correctness and so many people who are not who or what they seem to be or say. We are told to “judge not lest we be judged” (Matthew 7:1-2) but does that mean we don’t judge at all? Do we let anything go regarding church attire, and extra-marital and premarital relationships because the husband who cheated on the faithful church sister is now attending the same church along with his new girlfriend? Do we say nothing about the corrupt elected official in order to protect the church’s 501C3 status and political clout? So who or what is a real Christian, and who or what ain’t? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:4) and yet people very often choose their own way, relative truth and the life of convenience and still call themselves Christians or Saints. Honestly, can the real Saints please stand up? Because it is about time to be real...Ain’t it? Sharon Hinton is a Radio/TV Producer, Talk Show Host, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher, Wife, Mother and Follower of the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She can be contacted at hinton.sharon@gmail.com or Mrs Hinton on Facebook rhemamagazine.com 26
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RHEMA
Crossword Puzzle
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Dear Black Women I am writing this letter because I am concerned about some things that have been on my mind and have been brought to my attention. You see growing up I kept hearing that all black men are dogs, they are afraid to commit, and they are intimidated by strong, educated, successful black women. So, for a long time I believed that and vowed to be good to my black women to help change these misconceptions.
However, what I have found is that while there are a lot of black men that are not empowering themselves, many on drugs and in jail, many women fail to realize the story doesn’t stop there. Plenty of black men are working every day, taking black women and their children as their own and loving them, but this still does not satisfy many women. There are black men that love and respect their sisters- but, according to many black women, they are not making enough money. Now, the educated sister who is earning twice as much feels justified in emasculating him in front of their children. If one does not understand the role of a man and father, wouldn’t it be natural to abuse him? I’m hearing horror stories of how women who have been single parents for so long won’t let the man take his place and run the affairs of the house. There are other stories of black women who constantly interfere with the discipline the father tries to bring to his children and undermine and challenge his methods. It’s madness that so many black women are having children with men they do not RHEMA MAGAZINE: APRIL /MAY 2013
respect. I ask the black woman: is it because you are a part of the 30% of divorced women who got married because of the “Prince Charming Effect” (the romantic notion that marrying a man will solve all your problems) and your biological clock is ticking? Could it be that you can’t stand to be alone because you see who you are and you don’t like those voices so you attempt to drown them out with companionship? Could it be that your endless need to satisfy your emotions has left you alone because there is a hole in your soul that only God can fill? Countless statistics reaffirm the importance of having a man in the home: 90% of homeless children come from fatherless homes, 85% of youth in prison come from fatherless homes, 70% of all high school drop outs come from fatherless homes and 63% of youth suicides come from fatherless homes. This letter was not written to frustrate or disrespect anyone; many of us see the truth for ourselves. I think we can have amazing lasting families and relationships. Isn’t this God’s design? Anyway I have to go, I just wanted to let you know how I feel and what a lot of my black men are saying. Sincerely A concerned black man.
Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants, Unlock Your Greatness rhemamagazine.com 31
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Showcase
Rhema Magazine Celebrates Bishop James and Irose Peters on 50 Years of Marriage
Luke 23 verses 26-56 The King on a Cross
chosen of God.”
26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” 32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: This is the King of the Jews. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Jesus Dies on the Cross 44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said,
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“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. 47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” 48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb 50 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. 51 He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. 54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
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