ADAPTING YOU TO LIFE. ADAPTING YOU TO GOD
Vol. 2 Issue 2
March/April 2014
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SAMUEL SANDERS
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT... SAY NO TO THE STATUS QUO
FIND A CAREER YOU'LL LOVE THROUGH INTERNSHIPS AUTO INSURANCE HEALTH INSURANCE, OH MY! #BEPECULIAR
...BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; THAT YOU SHOULD SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO HATH CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELLOUS LIGHT;
Artwork: JoeCavAzos
1 PETER 2:9
K A E R B
E E FR (CONTENTS) SPIRITUALITY
MUSIC, JUSTICE & ETC.
P. 16 | Strive Against Mediocrity
P. 32 | Samuel Sanders
LIFESTYLE
IN EVERY ISSUE
P. 20 | Train Yourself to Godliness P. 22 | Health Insurance: #GetCovered
• EDITOR’S LETTER • CONTRIBUTORS
CAREER PREP & MONEY P. 26 | Internships: The Stepping Stone to Your Dream Job P. 28 | Financial Scope: Understanding Auto Insurance
COVER IMAGE: CHUCK JACKSON/SAMUEL SANDERS COVER DESIGN: UNKONVENTIONAL MEDIA, LLC
Photo: Michelle Clarkson
(EDITOR'S LETTER) Growing up my parents always told me that I should be a leader not a follower. “Don’t do what all your friends are doing, Allysen,” my dad would warn me.
It’s seriously crazy how far people are willing to go to be just like someone else.
I mean…middle school kids can be seriously unforgiving. But 16 years and several temper tantrums later, I understand.
topic. He says the church is supposed to be “God’s threat to the status quo.”
My parents weren’t trying to suppress me. They were trying to set me free. They were trying to call out the unique qualities that God had instilled in my DNA (thanks Mom and Dad).
So I challenge all of us to be all that we were called to be because this world is stuck and it’s going to take some peculiar people to help set it free.
Nowadays you can buy beauty, buy friendships and buy love. Every time I heard this, I wanted to scream! It was SO The reality though is that our attempts to be like Kimye or annoying. Jay-Z and Bey will ultimately leave us feeling empty, mediocre For a long time I resented that sage advice. At the time (just like and stuck…aka the “status quo.” every child), I never understood why my parents made such We were made for more. We were made to be peculiar. We a big deal about not being like every body else. I sincerely were made to be free. thought my parents were just trying to suppress my desire to Pastor Mike Patz of the Greenhouse Church in Gainesville, be cool, stylish and popular (like the rest of my friends). FL, has been preaching a revolutionary series on this exact
Although we were all made in the likeness of God, we were not all created equal (Genesis 1:27). Each human has been uniquely crafted and endowed with different gifts, talents and skills to share with the rest of world.
#BePeculiar
allysen
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ALLYSEN KERR Editor/Publisher editor@adaptmag.com PAULA KERR Contributing Editor MONICA SOLOMON Contributing Writer ANTOINETTE CHARLES Contributing Writer MARGARET OLATUNBOSUN Editorial & Social Media Intern ANGELA SKAFF Editorial Intern
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(CONTRIBUTORS)
Monica Solomon graduated from the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education Monica is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Public Health at the University of South Florida with a specialization in Behavioral Health. During her year of service, Monica plans to promote workforce health promotion in Orlando and Tampa through her platform: Work, Learn, Pray.
MONICA SOLOMON
Antoinette is a hard-working young woman. This wife and student is currently pursing a degree in Education. She and her husband recently moved to Tampa where they felt God drawing them to grow the Kingdom. She has two dogs, Cocoa and Lex, who are very much like children. She enjoys serving in her church’s children’s ministry and looks forward to singing, dancing and praying with the kids each week.
ANTOINETTE CHARLES
Paula is a senior writer for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts®. Her background and experience include communications, human resources management, recruiting, benefits administration and communications, as well as training and development. In her current role, Paula develops and writes communication and education resources for Disney Destinations. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Public Relations from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. Paula has been a contributing writer for Adaot Magazine since 2009.
Paula Kerr
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Spirituality
STRIVE AGAINST MEDIOCRITY Angela Skaff, Editorial Intern The status quo is an existing state of affairs that just puts us “there,” and never changes, states Merriam-Webster. Mediocrity, is the state of being mediocre, moderate quality that keeps us just so-so…adequate, neither good nor bad. Do you find yourself in this place? What are you striving for? How do you plan to get away from there? The book of Malachi (Messenger translation) is one of my favorites -- not just because it is only a few pages long, but because of the message of God’s judgment. It also stresses the need for salvation, His extended and repeated mercies toward us, and how we should live faithfully before Him.
I know it is to someone, but I am willing to go through it so I can encourage you, and know that you are going through it also so you can encourage someone else! What is most important -- and it’s the one thing I consistently fail to do -- is that you seek God’s help as you‘re going through the tough times. After all, it’s only for a season. But rather than take my own advice, I find it easier to fight my own battles, catch an attitude and allow the anger…the worldly desires and old ways to settle right back into my state of affairs. Of course all of this gets me nowhere as He is patiently waiting for me to ask Him for help.
This year started off on a high note yet only three months in and it seems I have already fallen back into being content with my present “state of affairs”-- the status quo of my current life.
As I think about it, I am reminded that this is not how God has called me, or anyone of His children, to react. God has called us to be great, and to do great things for HIS kingdom.
I’ve already picked up old habits of the flesh, feasting on things that do not please me, and taking time for the things I want to do regardless of the consequences or the rights and wrongs.
What about you?
Starting to sound familiar?
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Are you feeling mediocre? Feeling like your life isn’t going anywhere…like you’re stuck in a rut? In a study guide by Lakeside Christian Church, they shared some signs to look for when doing a self-examination:
1. Cynical attitude (Malachi 1:2-3)
Read the full article to help you increase your wisdom. And, If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to take inventory of our spiritual life!
2. Minimal efforts and tarnished sacrifices (Malachi 1: 6-8, 10-14)
Mediocrity and living in the status quo are choices and decision we make and they will, in turn, hinder believers from the blessings He has stored up for us. I am thankful that we serve a God who showers us with unconditional love, relentless grace, and unimaginable mercies.
3. Compromised choices (Malachi 2:5-9) 4. Abandoned covenants (Malachi 2: 10-16) 5. An unrefined heart (Malachi 2:17 and 3: 1-5), and 6. A barren storehouse (Malachi 3: 6-12)
If you have been on the road of the status quo and mediocrity, He is waiting for you now.
MEDIOCRITY AND LIVING IN THE STATUS QUO ARE CHOICES AND DECISION WE MAKE AND THEY WILL, IN TURN, HINDER BELIEVERS FROM THE BLESSINGS HE HAS STORED UP FOR US...
Repent from the wrong decisions you might have made and let Him direct you back onto His path so you can enjoy the abundant life He has waiting for you. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you, and you can count on Him to keep His promises. As I write this article, I know I am also speaking to myself and I realize that I, too, have much repenting to do for the decisions I have made over the past few months. I write this article with the expectation that you will also take heed to the drawing of the Lord’s Spirit in your life. He has a righteous life planned for you and nothing anyone could ever give you can beat that. He is our Redeemer and He wants our all! Remember, you are an overcomer, and you are more than a conqueror! So, I encourage you to leave the status quo behind, pick up the armor of Christ and pursue the life He has uniquely created for you. Go ahead, step out in faith and let Him take you from glory-to-glory!
THE STATUS QUO IS AN EXISTING STATE OF AFFAIRS THAT JUST PUTS US THERE AND NEVER CHANGES, STATES MERRIAMWEBSTER. MEDIOCRITY, IS THE STATE OF BEING MEDIOCRE, MODERATE QUALITY THAT KEEPS US JUST SO-SO, ADEQUATE, NEITHER GOOD NOR BAD. March/April 2014
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#BePeculiar
FEATURE Story
LIFESTYLE
TRAIN YOURSELF TO GODLINESS Margaret Olatunbosun, Editorial & Social Media Intern We started 2014 with a call to “Girdle Up and Get Conditioned for Greatness.” But some still wonder: How do I achieve a balance in my social life without messing with my spiritual life? As long as I worship God does He really care what I do? What really is godliness? Indeed godliness is a mystery but I do know that it is generated from the desire to know His expectations of us. And it is birthed from the desire to be set apart from the crowd. Falling out of faith has become relatively common -even with the advent of online sermons and faith-based entertainment companies. The lines are blurred, boundaries are tested, and we have substituted God’s word for the readily available moral compass of our society. The truth has been watered down, and every day unsuspecting Christians fall into the enemy’s well-laid trap called mediocrity. We have fallen for lies that suggest we can earn the perks of communing with the Holy Spirit without putting in the work. James 2:17 illustrates this truth: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
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The Bible is a treasure trove, a lifeline for all, and it contains God’s will and salvation plan for us. In this masterful plan, God promises to help us live a life of godliness but we must be responsible and intentional about our actions. Godliness is not gauged by how many food items we omit from our plate, or how many rules we put in place. It is defined, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and marked by this evidence: our growth in our personal relationship with Him. In order to promote a healthy relationship with the Lord, every Christian should add a few ingredients to their spiritual diet.
TRAINING FOR GODLINESS IS A PRACTICE, NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT. WE NEED TO GROW, AND FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY APPLY GOD'S WORDS IN OUR LIVES.
PUSH YOUR PLATE AWAY
Friendships and relationships are beautiful but more so when we care about our standing in Christ. Not only do friends inspire and motivate us, they keep us accountable as we continue to walk towards perfection in Christ.
But he answered, “It is written,” ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
Sometimes we need to get away from life and its challenges. Investing in Christ-like relationships provide a platform that allows us to switch gears and enjoy a continuous spiritual high.
SOMETIMES GOD SETS US UP FOR A PURPOSEFUL TUNE UP.
FEEL THE BURN! “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelations 3:11) Sometimes God sets us up for a purposeful tune up. Imagine being tested and tried to ensure that we are ready to “fly” for miles without getting weary.
Incorporate fasting into your spiritual life. Turn off the TV. Stay away from social media. These things are “yummy” but they hold little value in building your faith and equipping you with the necessary spiritual nutrients for survival.
Our struggles serve this purpose, so feel the burn! No tear, sweat, or pain is wasted in your quest to godliness. There is a correlation between perseverance and character, and it is no mistake that we emerge stronger from our trials.
Incision has to follow your decision to maintain godliness. For you to experience complete transformation, you will need to change your diet and endure some cutting and shaping.
Training for godliness is a practice, not a one-time event. We need to grow, and for that to happen, we need to constantly apply God’s words in our lives.
GET A WORKOUT BUDDY “Practice these things; immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15)
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#BePeculiar
HEALTH INSURANCE: #GETCOVERED Monica Solomon, Contributing Writer
What’s the Big Deal About March 31?
#GetCovered
“A lot of young people think they are invincible meaning they don’t think they can get hurt…if they get health insurance it can really make a difference!”- POTUS ObamaCare. Marketplace. Website Confusion. Affordable Health Care Act. HealthCare.gov. Whew! I am sure you’ve seen these words at least a thousand times in the past several months. The reason you are currently being bombarded is due to the upcoming deadline to enroll for healthcare coverage via HealthCare. gov. Yep…that infamous website. Okay, side note, did you happen to see President Barack Obama on Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, I’m sure you will find it hilarious no matter your political affiliation. But, all jokes, puns, and gabs aside: March 31 is an important date to consider. Yes, this date may not be as important as remembering the deadline to withdraw from that science class before getting a less-than-desirable grade, but it is still pretty significant. Oh, and it is okay about the class…we have all been there; my advice? Drop the class and never look back. Any who, March 31 is the deadline to enroll for healthcare adaptmag.com 22
coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured individuals find affordable healthcare coverage. The Marketplace informs people whether they qualify for private health insurance, lower monthly costs due to their household size and income, and/or Medicaid. As we learn to adapt to life, we have to make some pretty adult decisions like: Am I really going to avoid the doctor like the plague for the rest of my life or am I going to make life a lot easier and just purchase healthcare insurance? There are three questions you need to ask yourself: DO I CURRENTLY HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE? Sounds like common-sense question, but I wanted to start off with an easy one. Whether you are planning a cool summer internship in New York City or you are a hardworking student at the library, you need to learn about your options for getting healthcare coverage. Feel free to check with your parents regarding their health insurance policy to see if you are currently covered under their policy (young adults under the age of 26 can possibly stay on their parent’s healthcare plan) or make an appointment to speak with a human resource representative at your job. Don’t forget that you also have the choice to buy a
healthcare plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Once you check out the website, you may even find out that you qualify for lower costs based on your annual income. How cool is that? WHAT HAPPENS IF I “ACCIDENTALLY” IGNORE MARCH 31ST? Glad you asked. Basically for most people they must have health coverage or they will have to pay a penalty. However, if you have healthcare coverage through your school’s student health insurance plan, in most scenarios you are considered covered under the health care law, aka ObamaCare. You won’t have to pay the penalty that some people without healthcare coverage must generally pay. Check with your student health insurance plan to see if it meets the criteria for the healthcare law. Most importantly, for people without health insurance remember you have options, check Healthcare.gov to learn more. AM I SUPERMAN? If you answered no to this question, then that means you are human and you might get sick at some point in your life, and health insurance can make a difference. If you answered yes…. Well, that’s awkward. But yes, you still should check out Healthcare.gov because Kryptonite is no joke and healthcare costs are serious! Do yourself a favor and visit Healthcare.gov and learn the facts for yourself. Oh, and don’t worry, they fixed the website. If you won’t do it for yourself then at least…do it for the vine…(I ain’t gon do it)…do it for the vine! Much love, peace, and low health insurance co-payments! Note: The Obama administration has extended the deadline to those who have begun the application process but were unable to complete enrollment by the deadline. Fox News reported that the website will feature a box that applicants can check to request an extension. The extended deadline ends on April 15.
Those with questions about applying for health insurance can contact the main number listed above, find local help or visit HealthcCare.gov for more answers.
CAREER & MONEY
INTERNSHIPS: THE STEPPING STONE TO YOUR DREAM JOB Paula Kerr, Contributing Editor Like most college graduates, you are ready to put away those textbooks and move on to the next chapter in your life: getting a job! After all, why not? You spent the last four years (or longer) in college preparing for it. But, with current economic trends driving career choices nowadays, finding the ideal job can be a less-than-desirable task…or maybe not. Perhaps you have already made plans for your future and now you need to find a job, if for no other reason then to start paying back those loans you borrowed to finance your education. Have you considered internship positions? As you do your research you’ll discover that internships are the next generation of jobs being scooped up by just about anyone these days. So why not be in the running? If internships are required for your degree, you don’t necessarily have to accept the first one that comes along. Look for one that fits your goals and career interests. Keep in mind that settling for an internship is not necessarily a bad thing if it will potentially lead to the job you ultimately want. By opting for internships, you should know that you are not “settling for second best.” Rather, see it as a “stepping stone” to gain crucial skills and meaningful work experience,
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which you can later add to your resume. Not a bad idea, right? After all most internships have three key benefits: making money (if a paid internship) networking opportunities, and increased exposure and experience. Even in a tough market, there is that ideal job opportunity waiting to be had. You only need a little perseverance and a willingness to work towards your goal. In my personal career experience, I was fortunate to have a full-time job while pursuing my college degree at night. Although it was never easy -- juggling career, school and family -- by the time I graduated from college, I had already gained quite a bit of work experience. If you decide to opt for an internship position, there are several things to keep in mind: GOALS. What are your goals? It is important to figure out your goals, whether you choose to volunteer, or whether you are earning money. Either way you will want to get the most benefit from your internship experience. Outlining your goals will allow this to happen.
OUTCOME.
It also would not hurt to ask when they plan on making a decision. Doing this will indicate that you have an interest in the internship position.
This includes particular learning experiences and skills you want to gain to get you to the next step in your career. COMPANY MATTERS.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW.
Think about the organization in which you want to enter your internship.
Now that you have sent off all the necessary credentials, you may suddenly realize how little you know about interviewing for a job. Then, when you least expect it, you get that phone call, or an invitation to “come in for an interview,” and you panic!
Consider companies that have a great culture, like the one you would truly want to work for--companies that are customer-focused and people-centric, meaning that they care about their customers, yet they are just as dedicated to providing an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
But, don’t despair. Like any normal job search routine, it is always a good idea to prepare and practice. Good preparation will get you through the process with flying colors. You can find suggestions for practice interview preparation tips that will help.
CREDENTIALS. Applying for an internship should be no different than if you were applying for regular full-time employment. This means that you need to invest the same amount of time and effort in preparing a well-written resume and cover letter, providing the employer with a list of references, asking for a letter of recommendation, and sending out thank you notes after each interview.
CONSIDER COMPANIES THAT HAVE A GREAT CULTURE, LIKE THE ONE YOU WOULD TRULY WANT TO WORK FORCOMPANIES THAT ARE CUSTOMERFOCUSED AND PEOPLE-CENTRIC, MEANING THAT THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS, YET THEY ARE JUST AS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.
When inquiring, be sure to ask about the “required” and “preferred” qualifications of the position. This allows you to get the skills and experience needed for internships that you’re interested in. DEADLINES. Start applying early. Many summer and fall internship deadlines are between January and April. For instance, depending on the company you would want to work for some internships that might start in June require that you apply in February. Deadlines vary by company, so be sure to do your research to see what’s available before you’re ready to apply. Help is only a few clicks away. The Internet has great resources, ideas and support to help you. There are numerous career sites that provide information about internships, part-time or other entry level jobs, plus other tips and tools to help along the way. We’ve listed several for your reference: • CareerRookie.com • College Recruiter.com • AfterCollege.com • Bright.com Many companies also connect with potential job candidates through social media sites, including LinkedIn. Additionally, there are Facebook groups that you can join to learn more about the application process. People also use these social sites to talk about their anxieties during the application process. FOLLOW-UP. After you submit your resume or application, wait about two weeks and then check back with the company to make sure your paperwork was received and what the next step in the process will be. March/April 2014
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#BePeculiar
FINANCIAL SCOPE: AUTO INSURANCE Antoinette Charles, Contributing Writer
Automobile Insurance, you may love it or hate it. You may think, “It’s just another one of those legal requirements like filing your taxes…” And so you go on paying your bill or letting your parents handle it. So why are we talking about it? It’s extremely important that you understand the legal and financial responsibility once your name is listed as the “insured” on a policy. What if you don’t have a car? If you are licensed to drive you’d be shocked to know that you too should consider how car insurance effects you. With vehicle ownership comes the requirement to have a car insurance policy. If you elected to finance your vehicle, your lending institution will require regular updates on your car insurance status. They want to ensure you are maintaining your legal obligations. If they find that
you are not in compliance, you can face repossession of your car or force placed coverage (a situation where they increase your car payments upon obtaining a car insurance policy on your behalf). Yes, driving your vehicle seems so simple at first but it yields some serious responsibility. “So, what happens when you have an accident anyway? You file a claim and they take care of everything, right? Isn’t that what they are there for?”
going to go through this together to learn how insurance truly works. If you live in a different state you may have additional things listed and may not have anything called “Personal Injury Protection” or “PIP” for short. Each of these items are a coverage YOU selected when you first got your policy. Some are mandatory and some are optional.
No.... not exactly. You see, when you first sign up for that policy it’s up to you to decide what they will take care of, and up to how much.
Some require a deductible and some do not (a deductible is how much YOU have to pay before the insurance company will pay you for the coverage you selected).
It’s important to know that just because you’ve met your legal requirement, doesn’t mean that “everything is going to be taken care of.” Just because you ask for “full coverage” doesn’t mean that you are fully covered. So pull out your current insurance coverage page or ask your parents for a copy. We are
Bodily Injury Liability:
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Liability to Others: This section includes two coverages that “protect” you in the event you are determined to be responsible for the cost of the other person’s medical expenses and/ or damage to their vehicle or other property. If I injure
someone, the amount listed is what I am asking my insurance company to pay each person. This coverage is designed to take care of their medical bills. The insurance company has a cap of how much they will pay per accident. While each injured person is entitled to my selected amount, if there are more than two people everyone will have to split the amount listed under “per accident.” Property Damage Liability: This is the amount I am asking my insurance company to pay the other person to repair or replace their vehicle. Also, if I damage a fence, a stop sign, a guard rail, or anything else in the process, the cost to fix those damages too are also covered under that amount. Personal Injury Protection “PIP” (requires a deducible): This coverage is for anyone in MY vehicle that is injured during an accident. They are entitled to the amount shown here, regardless of whether the accident is my fault or not. However, if the person in my vehicle is already covered on an automobile insurance policy, then they have the ability to get this money from their insurance company instead. “PIP” has the ability to encompass a multitude of things such as paying the individual for time lost from work due to the car accident, paying the bills that may accumulate from injuries as a result of the accident, as well as paying for essential services that you are no longer able to do (cleaning, yard work, etc.). “PIP” must cover myself but can also cover my spouse and/or other family members in my home. This coverage is too complex to go in depth. However, I encourage you to ask your insurance company for a full understanding of what you are currently covered for as well as what you CAN be covered for. Uninsured Motorist: This is an optional coverage that takes care of me if I am involved in a hit and run accident, or if the at-fault person does not have insurance on their vehicle. This covers the people in my car the same way “Bodily Injury Liability”
March/April 2014
covers people in the other car(s). Comprehensive (requires a deducible): This coverage pays for damages to my vehicle resulting from hail, vandalism, flood, fire and theft. This can also include weather-related damages and damages to my car if I hit an animal. However, no matter how bad the damages are, my insurance company will not pay me more than my vehicle is worth. Collision (requires a deductible): This coverage pays for damages to my vehicle that are caused by colliding with another vehicle. Again, no matter how bad the damages are, my insurance company will not pay me more than my vehicle is worth. Rental Reimbursement: This coverage pays for my rental vehicle during the time my car is inoperable, after being involved in an accident. This allows me to still have transportation while my car is in the shop being repaired. Roadside Assistance: Coverage can vary by insurance carrier. Contact your carrier to see what is included and excluded. Also check to see if there is a deductible that is required or if there is a maximum amount of times you are able to use the service. Additional coverages: You may also have to option to obtain other coverages not listed here such as: TYPES OF GAP COVERAGE Coverage for additional modifications you make to your car that make it worth more than its face value So why does all of this matter?! 1. In the state of Florida you are only required to have two coverages: •
PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
•
PD (Property Damage Liability) minimum of $10,000 but can be higher.
make payments (unless you have gap coverage). If your vehicle is too expensive to repair you may be offered the option of getting a check to cover the cost of replacing it. This check may or may not cover the remaining amount left on your loan. If you do not have the proper coverage for yourself then you could end up stuck with a car payment on a car you can’t even drive. Or you could end up being sued if you are responsible for the medical expenses of someone who does not have a car insurance policy. Even worse, if the person has car insurance, they can still sue you for what their PIP coverage does not cover. Also, you would be surprised to find out how many people do not have car insurance on their vehicles! If they hit you and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, then you could end up paying out of pocket for the remaining cost of your medical bills (after your PIP coverage has been applied.) It may be beneficial to get a new car insurance quote once a year to see if another company is able to offer you a better rate. On the other hand, it may be worth it to stay with a company if they offer you rewards and programs. I encourage you to make some phone calls or visit your local agent’s office to get more information. This is a tricky subject but it’s one of the most important things you will have to deal with as long as you own, or operate an automobile. I hope this opens your eyes as much as it did mine!
2. Bodily Injury Coverage is NOT required in the state of Florida because their PIP takes care of them and your PIP takes care of you. 3. If the vehicle you are paying for is inoperable due to an automobile accident, you are still required to
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#BePeculiar
MUSIC
Photo: Chuck Jackson
HI, MY NAME IS SAMUEL... Allysen Kerr, Editor
SO, DO YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO CALL YOU SAM OR SAMUEL?
SO, IF YOU WOULD WRAP UP, OR SUM UP SAMUEL SANDERS, IN A NUTSHELL, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
A lot of people call me Sam, and I don’t mind it. But I introduce myself as Samuel.
Wow! That’s a crazy question. Never thought of that before. In a nutshell, as in like you just want words? Um, I guess...I don’t know if this is the right way to answer it, but I’m a passionate person, loving; don’t have any real enemies. Yea, I’m just a happy-go-lucky guy, for the most part.
WHY? Um, it’s kind of just my name. No, just the first name…I’m not really sure why, I’ve always preferred my full name. But like I said, I don’t mind people calling me Sam.
WHERE DID THIS LOVE FOR MUSIC COME FROM THEN?
But when I introduce myself to people as Samuel, it always blows my mind how it always like, ‘good to meet you, Sam.’ I’d say, “I just told you, my name was Samuel!”
That probably stems from my childhood. My mother sings, my older sister sings as well…I was always raised around music and always singing as a young kid.
SO, WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I remember singing like 80’s Christian metal when I was a 5-year-old kid, so it’s always been around me. When I was 12 years old I get my first drum set, and played in my bedroom by myself for five, six years, and then finally met some friends and started a band, and the rest is history.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. OH MY GOODNESS. HOW DID YOU SURVIVE? Um, I’m not sure. I ask myself that question everyday...It’s almost like a “black hole.” It’s like, if people don’t get out when they’ve been there forever [they may] never amount to anything. So, it’s kind of nerve-racking. Maybe I should get out, Allysen!
SO, WHEN DID YOU KIND OF KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A SINGER/MUSICIAN...LIKE, WAS IT WHEN YOU WERE FIVE? Well, I always had a dream to play music as a young kid. Baseball was my fave for like 11 years. When I got my first drum set at 12 the paradigm started shifting.
MAYBE, LOL. SO HOW OLD ARE YOU NOW? I’m 27 now...I don’t want to talk about it...I’m just kidding. adaptmag.com
I was a drummer; I started my first band as a drummer at 32
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IT’S DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN THE [CHRISTIAN ARTIST] CATEGORY?
And, I was reluctantly pushed into the singer position and fell in love with it. I love everything about it...interacting with the crowd, engaging the crowd.
Um, that’s kind of a stereotypical cliché answer. I don’t like ‘categories’ for one. I don’t really relate to most Christian music, if that makes sense; it’s just a genre nowadays, for the most part; [however], there are obviously exceptions.
You literally have the ability in those cases to change the atmosphere in a room, and it’s awesome. I love it!
And so just automatically throwing myself into that category it will be something I don’t personally want to do. And it’s not because I want to water it down or anything, or the message, because God is going to get the glory from whatever I do.
SO, YOU’RE NOT A FULL-TIME MUSICIAN YET. WHAT HAVE YOU HAD TO KIND OF DO IN THE MEANTIME? Right now I work for a huge online-based company and do social media marketing for them, and it pays the bills and pays for my music addiction. And for me to go out of town for like everything, but...yea, I’ve always had a full-time job ever since I was 17 years old.
I just want to be myself and be accepted equally by everybody. And people put my album in their record player because they actually like the music. SO, YOU’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WITH SOME REALLY AWESOME PEOPLE. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?
And I’ve always done touring and out-of-town shows always around that, so...just chasing the dream, you know. Once it’s in you...once you get bit by the bug, you can’t really kick it.
Aw, man the most recent show that comes to mind is the Lecrae show, there were 3,000 people there and it was unbelievable.
SO, THERE ARE A LOT OF ARTISTS OUT THERE CLAIMING TO BE UNIQUE, BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR MESSAGE... AND YOU DIFFERENT?
When I walked on the stage there was this huge countdown clock and everyone’s hyped to see Lecrae and stuff, and this white boy walks out with an acoustic guitar and like the place was silent for a second.
Um, message wise...I don’t know how to answer that question without...well, I guess I have to talk about myself in order to answer the question. You’re backing me into a corner!
But the response I got was unbelievable. I couldn’t have asked for a better response. It was such a good night. That’s, so far, the best moment
Ah, music-wise, message-wise I feel like I’m unique because I believe in Jesus, I’m a believer and a follower of Jesus. So that stuff...that foundation in my life and my relationship with Him is always going to come out in what I write.
I’ve had, I’d say. SO YOU’VE ALREADY RELEASED YOUR FIRST ALBUM... Yea, I’ve just released my second. OH, MY GOODNESS! I’M BEHIND, YES.
But on the other hand I’m always going to have life experiences, and I’m always going to have hardships and everything I’ll always want to get out onto paper and into melody and into song, and just get that out for therapy, really.
I released my first one called ‘Under the Shadow’ in 2010. And I released ‘Languages’ in July 2013. Going back from the first album to this album, what’s really different? Did you have a different goal or vision in mind for the second album versus the first?
So there is the mixture of like life, if that makes sense. It’s not just CCM and it’s not just General Market - I don’t really like even to classify any one, it’s just that I write about my life and you get everything intertwined through that. And, if it’s a worship song one day, then so be it.
I had the songs written but I wanted to go into the studio and see the songs come alive naturally. The one thing that I wanted to accomplish was to go in more of a soulful direction musically and I feel like we accomplished that.
SO, YOU’VE BEEN GETTING QUITE A FOLLOWING LATELY, DID YOU EVER THINK THAT YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC WOULD TURN OUT THE WAY IT HAS?
We’ll see what the next record is like though; it might be even more... MORE SOULFUL?
Yea, I think I did. I’ve always had that feeling, I’m sure like people who have a passion about something can relate to [that]. It’s never been like a ‘what if’ this happens?’; it’s always been more like, “I can’t wait ‘til.”
Maybe. I’m just not an R&B kid, so I don’t know; we’ll see what happens. Well, so with ‘Languages’, what was it really about, if you had to kind of sum it up?
It’s always been like when your parents tell you they’re taking you to Disney World when you’re six years old and you’re like, “Aw, I want to get there, it’s going to be in two months,” it’s like almost a reality that it’s going to happen. That’s kind of what I’ve held on to, if that makes sense.
Every song is…very conversational. It’s me talking with somebody, or me talking to somebody I love, or me having a conversation with God. And, so I was trying to brainstorm to figure out what I wanted to call it and ‘Languages’ popped in my head.
YEAH IT DOES. THAT’S REALLY COOL. I THINK IT’S REALLY AWESOME WHEN YOU CAN KIND OF SEE YOURSELF SOMEWHERE BEFORE IT HAPPENS AND KIND OF SPEAK THAT INTO EXISTENCE AND SAY, “YEA, LIKE THIS IS WHERE I’M GOING TO BE...” March/April 2014
But you know they say love is a language, or somebody can speak a language through their movements - body 33
#BePeculiar
All Artwork featured belongs to respective artists
18, and then we didn’t actually have a singer, so we found another drummer that was a lot better than me.
Photo: Chuck Jackson
language, so I was just like ‘cool, let’s go with this.’ So, Languages kind of encompasses what all the songs are talking about.
in traffic; they’re like in the grocery store yelling at each other, but right now in this moment they’re in complete unison and that amazed me.
AWESOME! SO WHAT ARE YOU REALLY HOPING THAT PEOPLE WILL GET FROM THIS PROJECT...AND I GUESS YOU’RE GOING TO BE WORKING ON SOMETHING ELSE?
And God created music to do that and, ultimately to experience His presence. But it’s crazy how even outside of the Christian borders how He creates unity?
Yeah. I mean…I’m starting to do a little writing right now. I really want to put another project out in 2014. I definitely don’t want to wait three years again. That’s a long time... you lose so much steam.
And it’s still serving its purpose to some extent. So I just want to bring people together. I want to speak to people and tell them they’re not the only one going through what they’re going through, and that there’s hope and there is a better way to live.
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO THAT PEOPLE WILL LEARN ABOUT YOU? I MEAN I FEEL LIKE YOU’RE KIND OF STILL TRANSFORMING, EMERGING AS A KNOWN ARTIST OUTSIDE OF THE JACKSONVILLE AREA. WHAT ARE YOU HOPING THAT PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOU AND YOUR MESSAGE?
MORE THAN ANYTHING, WHAT HAS THIS JOURNEY, THUS FAR, TAUGHT YOU ABOUT JESUS? A lot. I would have to say, patience, for one. Um, trusting Jesus when you feel like it and when you don’t. My dad always told me ‘Son, there’s two times you serve God, and that’s when you feel like and when you don’t.’
I guess it’s like: what they hear is what they get. When they’re hearing my songs they’re getting a look into my involvement with God and, I don’t know…I just have a passion to reach people with music...that’s such a crazy tool, because people can relate on so many different levels.
And…there are times when I try to take things in my own power and do things on my own and I find myself months later spinning my wheels and not getting anywhere and, He’s definitely taught me patience and He’s definitely taught me to trust Him no matter how long the process takes.
I went to show in Miami, it was a massive show, about 80,000 people and those kind of moments for me, I don’t know why...I’m sure everybody thinks about this stuff, it’s like these people probably were like flicking each other off
It’s tough but, it’s good...being molded.
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