Empowerment: Issue #26

MPOWERMENT

A First Church of God Publication | Issue 26 T

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NOWWHAT?

Beloved

Beloved, welcome to yet another issue of EMPOWERMENT MAGAZINE. Each issue of this periodical seeks to provide you a source of information and inspiration and its intention is to help you grow in your walk with God and your work for God. In this issue I want to address a reality that many are facing and that I am sure some are seeking to process by and through the lens of their faith. Let me say that what I am sharing in this article is not meant to be merely political, but it is to address the results and impact of policies enacted by elected officials.

I think that by now we know that elections have consequences and often those consequences are far reaching and greatly impacting. With all that is going on; with all the things that cause us to wonder and even tempt us to worry; with all the uncertainty and lack of clarity; what should be the response of the Christian?

The Prophet Habakkuk reminds us that, “the just shall live by their faith”. That line reminds us that our faith informs, impacts and influences everything we do. Considering that truth, here is a question - how do we do that?

Let me suggest three ways we can model, exhibit and display our faith, even in the midst of what can be frightening times.

1. We live by our Connection to God 2. We live by our Communion with God 3. We live by our Confidence in God Beloved, no matter what we see or hear, there are some things we know. We know them to be real, true, and lasting, and so because they are, we hold on to them and we live by them.

In this season affirm and abide in your faith, which is your confident assurance in the love, care and help of the God you know and serve.

In these days, the just still live by Faith.

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Blessings - Bishop

The Bishop Speaks

- Bishop Timothy J. Clarke

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Empowerment Issue #26

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke Executive Publisher & Chief Executive Officer

Brother Edmund Davidson Publisher

Sister Deborah Thompson Editor

Sister Qwinita Bell Contributor

Sister Michelle A. Sutton Contributor

Brother Carlin Armstead Contributor

Sister Villia Davidson Senior Advisor

Attention Want to EMPOWER others?

We are looking for writers, reporters, editors, and graphic artists to spread the Word! Please contact brother Edmund Davidson at edavidson67@gmail.com for more information.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

YOU

We value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts about the publication. Please email us at edavidson67@gmail.com and let us know!

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Spread the

!

N ews

Introduce your friends and loved ones to Empowerment, an online publication from First Church of God. Published quarterly, Empowerment delivers words of wisdom, inspirational stories, and advice from members of First Church of God in one lifechanging and easy to read publication. Please share this issue...

. . . and let others be

EMPOWERED!

Empowering a people ready to meet the LORD!

If you have a passion of not only writing, but a passion to EMPOWER others then we want to hear from you!

We're looking for writers and poets, authors and scholars and even story tellers!

Please contact Edmund Davidson at edavidson67@gmail.com for more information.

EMPOWERMENT

Protecting Civil Liberties: Overco

donald j. trump

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oming Setbacks to Social Justice

by Carlin Armstead

The year 2025 is in its infancy.

However, it is already challenging us individually and as a community. Some civil liberties like immigrant rights and racial justice policies are under attack.

Immigration status, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and voting rights are a few of the affected programs. The question is: “What can we do about the impending changes?”

1. Advocate for pathways to citizenship and protection for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients

kamala harris Immigration The creation of federal-level immigration enforcement laws that criminalize asylumseekers and undocumented individuals using more aggressive deportation policies and family separations at the border. Additionally, an effort to eliminate the 14th Amendment of the Constitution is underway to prohibit children born in the United States from being automatic citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, You can help address concerns over these policies when you:

2. Support local immigrant aid groups providing legal help and resources Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs The current movement includes a recent order by President Donald Trump to eliminate DEI programs within the federal government.

This order cites concerns over illegal discrimination and wasteful spending. States introduced 30 bills targeting DEI initiatives in public colleges, with at least 13 enacted into law.

These laws often prohibit DEI offices, restrict consideration of diversity statements in hiring, and limit funding for related programs. In addition, corporations are ending specific hiring goals related to representation, which affects federal contractors and other workers.

Some strategies to combat these changes would include:

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1. Backing organizations that legally 2. Push for federal protections like contest anti-DEI legislation, aiming the John Lewis Voting Rights to uphold diversity initiatives Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act 2. Organizations implementing mentorship programs and 3. Encourage voter registration and employee resource groups that participation, especially among foster inclusivity marginalized communities 3. Supporting open dialogues to raise Overall, you can help protect civil awareness about the importance liberties by: of DEI in creating equitable environments 1. Staying informed through credible sources and rights organizations Voting Rights 2. Voting for leaders and policies that The right to vote is one of the most protect civil rights sacred rights in our society. The journey has been long for African 3. Volunteering and donating to Americans and women, resulting organizations in gaining power to have a voice in what happens in our nation. This 4. Contacting lawmakers, attending right is being threatened by forces protests, and using social media that challenge diversity. for advocacy Recently, many states have enacted laws that limit access to voting 5. Educating yourself and others on through stricter voter ID laws, legal protections reduced early voting, and restrictions on mail-in ballots. The Supreme Court’s weakening of the Voting Rights Act has allowed some states to pass laws that disproportionately affect minority voters.

Here are some ways we can all support preserving our right to vote: 1. Support organizations that advocate for fair elections (e.g., ACLU, League of Women Voters)

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Balancing Motherhood in

Politically Uncertain

Times

by Michelle Sutton

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 A few years ago, there was a media campaign to encourage people to consume more dairy products.

Remember the slogan “Got Milk”?

In today’s volatile political climate, the new slogan should be “Got Stress”! As America acquires a new administration in the White House, there are many people who may be concerned about the future.

I’ll be honest, even as a Christian, I have my jarring moments thinking what could happen over the next four years. However, I do my best to lean into my faith and not focus my feelings on those hopeless and hapless possibilities.

Life is always changing, politics, the economy, relationships. One active Wife and Mother who is committed to staying positive no matter who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is Arganise Kline. She has developed her own personal strategies to do her best to be stable during uncertain times. “I stay focused . . . on what I can control and not letting the fear tactics distract me from what God has promised”, she says. In addition to being the parent of a toddler, Arganise has a very full schedule as a college student, community health worker

and pharmacy technician. And just because you have your faith, it doesn’t mean life doesn’t become overwhelming sometimes. Arganise says having “Me-Time” and asking for help, helps her mental and physical health. “My favorite moments for “Me-Time” are when my husband and baby are asleep. During these moments I decide to read, watch my favorite show or just nap by myself”.

According to Arganise, Moms should confess when they need support.

“It is very important for us moms to admit that we need help, because this job is not meant for us to do alone. Whether you are married or solo parenting, we all need someone we can lean on”.

Nurse and Mental Health Counselor, Linda Ross Newsome LPC. RN agrees that Moms need to take a break from their busy routines. She stresses the importance of self-care to her clients.

“Me-Time is not selfish time, but rejuvenation time. Time for the mind, body and spirit to reconnect; time to quietly forgive yourself for things you believe you did not measure up to or time to bask in these many good things that have been a part of your life. These memories, lived out in whatever way fits you, in whatever place is right for you or feels good, can be invaluable in resetting your emotional clock, for the moments when your time is not your own.” And how important is it to ask for help?

“Very important to (your) mental and emotional well-being”, says Linda.

“Admitting is a step forward. Holding in or denial causes the brain to feel

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imbalanced. Asking for help can get you help, but not asking can leave you feeling alone, isolated and overwhelmed”.

And with the ebb and flow of the circumstances of life, Linda suggests how to handle the shifts. “Develop a script; for how you are going to respond to the changing landscape of life . . . Be determined to NOT allow the shifting to move you to places of fear, despair, depression or joylessness . . .Recognize and accept that change EVERYWHERE is inevitable. The question is: how will you relate to the change?”

And no matter what the future holds, it’s important to encourage our children. Arganise shared that it’s never too early to lift our next generation of leaders. “I teach my daughter confidence by allowing her to be creative, while giving her positive affirmations. I tell her she is beautiful, she is smart, she is a child of God”.

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Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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- Matthew 6:34

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DECISIONS COME WITH A COST Overcoming Stress in Politically Uncertain Times

by Qwinita Bell

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When man was created, he was given the right to make choices. On November 5, 2024, America elected Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. This was done following all that that had been seen and said, the negative destructive behavior condoned, the lies and hate allowed and exhibited, and the felony convictions. Throughout history we have experienced many being elected having expressed hatred of various races, ethnic cultures, lifestyles and beliefs. Greed and power have frequently played the starring role in many political agendas.

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The 2025 Presidential swearing in ceremony held on January 20th ironically coincided with the birthday of the most prominent and distinguished Black American in civil rights history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The calling of Dr. King continues to be in opposition of the elected. Many, especially those of color are left wondering what we could have done differently. Maya Angelou said, “When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time”!

The initial move of uprooting and deporting immigrants, provides us with a chilling picture of what may come over the next four years. Without the clear and loving Good News of God, it is true that the upcoming years are going to be a time of testing of our faith and patience. I am thankful for the HOPE God gives and the promise that He will never leave or forsake us. 2 Corinthians 4:8 says, ‘We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”. As people of color, we’ve trod this road before, we’ve overcome adversity before, we’ve been the underdog before; we’ve been down but never count us out!

The Bible is full of the triumphs of our God against the Goliaths of this world.

We don’t have to worry, struggle, or go without, just trust and believe Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread”.

God’s Word is the final say; the Bible is our handbook against the trials of this world. “Remember, our God is the creator of all and will always be in control!

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Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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- Isaiah 41:10

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