Community Spirit Magazine March 2019

NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA’S LEADING FAITH-BASED PUBLICATION MARCH 2019

SPRING: CELEBRATING LIFE AND LEGACY STANDING IN LOVE PLUS: “ALIVE FROM NEW YORK” WITH FOCUS ON THE FAMILY SPENCER HENSON: ORU BASEBALL LEGACY ON AND OFF THE FIELD WHAT IS TRUTH?

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Three Actions You Can Take to Advance a Pro-Life Culture

Get to NYC! ALIVE FROM NEW YORK May 4, 2019 Times Square

Is your heart as heavy as mine over the news surrounding abortion in recent weeks? It’s only been a few weeks since New York passed its

Congress, demonstrating that pro-life voters are committed to push back

barbaric abortion law legalizing murder for any reason at any point during

against the culture of death and to protect the most vulnerable among us.

a pregnancy, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Delegate Kathy Tran argued that abortion should be legal right up to birth –or even

2) Travel to New York City on Saturday, May 4, and help us fill Times

beyond. Now, lawmakers in New Mexico and Vermont are looking to

Square with pro-life Americans for an event called “Alive from New York.”

expand late-term abortions.

I’m really excited about this – the event will feature live music, compelling Fortunately, there are courageous lawmakers out there who are willing to

and inspirational speakers and best of all, live 4-D ultrasounds broadcast

defend life. On Friday, I visited with U.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) in his

on a massive digital marquee in Times Square, powerfully showing the

office at the United States Capitol to talk about his efforts to protect

world that a baby inside the womb is fully human and should be given the

preborn babies and his thoughts on where we’re headed as a nation. You

chance to be born.

can listen to our conversation here.

3) Help us save a baby’s life for $60 through Option Ultrasound.

In the midst of the darkness evident around us, the pro-life community is responding with courage, conviction and commitment.

Focus on the Family (with pro-life Americans)

We plan to present this manifesto with signatures to the White House and

This initiative has helped save an estimated 425,000 babies in the past 15 years, and we’re aiming to save a million by 2025.

The Holy Spirit is moving in a direction that I believe will result in a greater culture of life in America, and we’re committed to being faithful to His call.

Would you be in prayer, as well? As we’ve sought the Lord, we’re convinced the Holy Spirit is on the move in this area. You can bet there will

We want you to join us.

be opposition, but we’re committed to standing strong as we encourage all Americans to “See Life Clearly.”

On Monday’s broadcast, I announced the largest pro-life effort in Focus on the Family’s history. It’s called “See Life Clearly”, and you can find out

Will you join us?

more at focusonthefamily.com/prolife We’re asking all pro-life Americans to do three things: 1) Sign “A Declaration for Life” and add your name to what we hope will be millions of others.

From the February 10, 2019, DalyFocus blog. © 2017 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

Used with permission. Originally published at https://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/three-actions-you-can-take-to-advance-a-pro-life-culture/.

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CONTENTS

COMMUNITY SPIRIT MAGAZINE | MARCH 2019 | VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

5 10 12 14 20

Community Spirit Letter from the Editor Standing in Love Building a Legacy On and Off the Field Taking the Tougher Road Dirt Is Powerful (And You Are Dirt)!

COLUMNS 6 8 16 18 22 23 24 26 27 29

Core: The Bible. God’s Word. No Errors.

Man 2 Man: Part 3 – What is Truth?

Rise and Shine: Spring into Ministry: Pray for your Coworkers

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Omega League Media Staff CREATIVE DIRECTOR TPC Studios CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pastor Alex Meyers, theChurchat, Betsy Gwartnet Catrett CONTRIBUTING MONTHLY WRITERS Contributing Monthly Writers: Ryan Goodnight, Teresa Goodnight, Mike Henry Sr., Andrea Stephens, and Ingrid Skarstad Williams DISTRIBUTION Community Spirit Magazine is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, businesses, and direct to home subscriptions. Email to deliver to your church or subscribe online for a copy sent directly to your home.

Claims by advertisers, guest authors, authors, and the opinions of Claims by advertisers, guest authors, authors, and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit Magazine or its publisher. Omega League Media is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, timeliness of content submitted although best effort is always made to accommodate all requests appropriately.

Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT): Scriptures taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM. Used by permission of Zondervan

BIBLE VERSE Romans 15:5-6 “May the God of ENDURANCE and ENCOURAGEMENT grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that TOGETHER you may with ONE VOICE glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” #onevoice #together #ChurchwithaCapitalC OUR MISSION Go into the world. Jesus said Go. To all of us.

Do Something. Get in the Game.

Be like Christ. Show His love.

Go. Do. Be.

Heart2Heart: Out of the Blues Financial: When You Retire, Will Your Social Security Benefits Be Taxed…And Why You Should Care?

Legacy: A Grandmother’s Heart Legacy: Oh Henry! Dr. Henry Migliore, a Legacy in the Fourth Quarter Legacy: Mary, Mary! The Amazing Life of Mary Williams Dr. Gonzalez and Mike Radke Helping Veteran Care Student Impact Contest Winner

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS THE 1ST OF THE MONTH, PRIOR TO THE ISSUE. THOUGHTS/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS Feel free to submit your feedback or ideas via the website communityspiritmagazine.com. If you want to have your work considered for publication, at the website click on “Submit Content.”

COMMUNITY EXPERTS/SPECIALISTS If you are field expert and would like to learn more about being a contributing author, contact us at 918.956.0700 or info@communityspiritmagazine.com.

STUDENTS We would love to entertain your submissions, ideas and suggestions. Please hop on our website in the student stuff and submit!

ADVERTISING Contact: Call 918-956-0700, or email ads@communityspiritmagazine.com

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS As we celebrate spring, we find ourselves naturally nudged by God to celebrate life. From the womb to the grave, valuing every precious moment we’ve been given, we CHOOSE LIFE with our readers and living it to the fullest.

This month we are celebrating legacies in all shapes, sizes and colors.

• Legacies in their youth already impacting those in need with Molly McKinney • Legacies on the field with ORU Triple Crown winner, Spencer Henson • Legacies built in beautiful arrays of color and character with the lovely Mary Williams • Legacies remapped in the fourth quarter with Dr. Henry Migliore • Legacies of faith being left behind from those who finished strong Purposefully or not, we all will leave a legacy. We want to encourage one of genuine faith with action. Generations will be forever changed by what they do (or do not) see in us. This generation, the millennials, want to experience faith in action more than any generation I have seen before. They have hearts that test what they hear with what they see. They value action over words.

When they see their grandparents, their parents, their aunts and uncles being real it makes an impression on their hearts. Likewise, when they see hypocrisy between words and actions, it also makes a lasting impression. When those same elders share faith in action with them, they see that faith making a difference in lives around them.

Leaving a legacy of genuine faith in Christ is the greatest “thing” a person can leave to their loved ones. It’s a legacy far greater than any THING, because it impacts their lives for eternity.

In his book, Nearing Home, Billy Graham writes, “Young people are very sensitive to hypocrisy; if they sense it in us, they will dismiss our pretenses and pay no attention to our advice…if they can sense our faith is sincere and our love is authentic, then they will respect us and take us seriously (even when they know we are not perfect.).” p. 121. The millennials crave authenticity in their elders and in Christians as a whole. Having faith without actions is as dead to them as it honestly is to God. For our youth, they are crying out to be surrounded by incredible legacies of authenticity. They are watching. Waiting. Whether we build one intentionally or not--we will be leaving some sort of legacy. Young or old, we all can chart a new course if needed and put in the moves for the best faith in action yet. May the few stories we captured inspire you, whatever your stage of life to chart a course impacting generations for eternity.

The thing about spring: All things become new. It’s a representation of renewal. It brings new life from things withered. It’s the same when we come to Christ, accepting Him as our savior. The old is gone. It is no more. The new is here. So, whether you’re knocking it out of the park like Spencer Henson or feel you’ve already struck out too many times--just remember, it’s not over til it’s over. Pick up the bat and get in the game. Spring into your legacy!

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CORE Written by Teresa Goodnight

The Bible. God’s Word. No Errors.

SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED, BREATHED OUT BY GOD:

“All Scripture is God-breathed out

by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”

2 Ti mot hy 3 :1 6 E S V

SCRIPTURE IS LIVING, PIERCING:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebre ws 4 : 1 2 E SV

SCRIPTURE NEEDS NOTHING ADDED:

“Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

Prover b s 3 0 : 6 E SV

SCRIPTURE SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TAKEN AWAY:

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”

D e uteron omy 4 :2 E S V

EXAMINE WHAT OTHERS SAY WITH SCRIPTURE:

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

Ac t s 1 7 : 1 1 E SV

Truth is, God did not leave room for us to go through

We live in a time where more and more people speaking

a human responsibility. Divine inspiration guarantees the

the Bible to pick and choose what we want to believe

on behalf of the Church, Christianity and God without

truthfulness of God’s word but not the accuracy of our

inside His word. Either we believe it is HIS word or

using any reference to scripture to back it up – or

interpretation. The Bible is infallible in all it affirms to be

we believe it is not. When we decide to selectively

‘adapting’ scripture to suit their argument. These same

true and therefore absolutely reliable. We, however, may

follow what works for us, it becomes our own brand of

people are confusing the message of Christ and causing

be fallible in our interpretation of the Bible.”

spirituality and likely not anything anyone should label

a problem with the CORE of who we are as Christians.

as Christianity. (That’s a whole other topic for another

When you study the teachings of Christ, He constantly

article, another day).

sent people back to scripture--usually quoting the Old Testament, as he was a master student of the Bible.

Wikipedia defines the inerrancy of the scripture fairly well–“Divine authority. For a believer in biblical

The Moody Bible Institute summarizes it well on their web:

inerrancy, Holy Scripture is the Word of God, and carries

“The Bible is verbally inspired. This means that the words

the full authority of God. Every single statement of the

of the Bible, not just the ideas, were inspired. What is

UGH! I jumped right into salvation by grace, faith

Bible calls for instant and unqualified acceptance. Every

more, this is true of not just some, but all the words

generating actions, and was ready to dive in further

doctrine of the Bible is the teaching of God and therefore

of the Bible. As a result, the Bible is free from error in

for March. Then it hit me. If I wanted to start at the CORE…the true basis for everything we know and believe as Christians, then the obvious place to start is with the Bible. What do we believe about it and why?

It’s a topic I can’t dive into super deeply in a magazine article. However, even when you scratch the surface— it’s a useful write-up to help give you a place to start.

requires full agreement.”

Why is this doctrine important? It’s simple. Christianity itself is based on the inspired, inerrant word of God. It is our authority. It is what God has to say about the matter.

It is useful to guide, teach, and correct us if we lose our way. It is not something we can pick and choose a few

what it says. Moody Bible Institute believes strongly in the factual, verbal, historical inerrancy of the Bible. That is, the Bible, in its original documents, is free from error in what it says about geography, history and science as well as in what it says about God. Its authority extends to all matters about which the Bible speaks. 7 It is the supreme source of our knowledge of God and of the salvation provided through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

At Community Spirit, we hold true to the Bible being

philosophical items we think are universally applicable

the inspired and inerrant word of God. So, what does

and call it Christianity. If we base our faith on anything

though the Bible is God’s revelation, it must still be

that mean? Simply put: God gave it to us, and it has

else…anything…then we’re not actually following

interpreted. Interpretation has to do with our reception

no errors in it. It is THE word of God. It is THE authority

Christ. We’re simply following our version of what

and understanding of that which God revealed and

for every aspect of our Christianity. If the Bible isn’t as

becomes our own religion.

recorded. 10 Revelation is a divine act. Interpretation is

8 It is our indispensable resource for daily living. 9 Even

1 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21 2 1 Corinthians 2:11–16 3 Psalm 19:1 4 Romans 1:19, 20 5 2 Timothy 3:16,17 6 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Corinthians 2:12–13 7 Matthew 5:18; John 10:35 8 John 5:39–47 9 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 1 Peter 2:2 10 John 16:13 So, what does this mean for us today? We should take everything we believe/hear about God/Christianity through the filter of His word. Double-check scripture references when given. Request them when they are not given. For us to develop a healthy relationship with God and walk with him, we want our relationship built on His inerrant truths in the Bible--not our human wisdom or the wisdom offered by the world. He left us everything we need to know Him in truth. That truth is the truth that will set us free. †

God said in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16 “breathed out by God” then the validity of all the Scriptures comes

Nature itself, in all its complexities, tells us so much

into question. The Bible is too clear that it is God’s word

about God if we look around. We can learn quite a bit.

to pick and choose what parts we want to believe.

However, it is really an incredible gift to have God’s

Either we believe it or we do not. When someone starts referencing their “thoughts,” as a Christian, but cannot back those thoughts with God’s word—throw a RED FLAG. I cannot count the number of conversations I have been in or overheard where people were spouting off their personal opinions about Christianity but presenting them as if they were what we believe as Christians. Opinions are everywhere, but when it comes

word to reference and hear His voice in what He speaks to us. If we aren’t basing our beliefs on the word of God, then we have navigated away from Christianity.

God gave us many privileges and the ability to choose what we believe or say. However, nowhere did He offer us the freedom to change His word. In fact, He specifically warns against it. Altering His word has

to Christianity, they need to be fact-based, Biblically

direct consequences on our faith and even potential

certified statements. When opinions are shared as if they

consequences spelled out in different areas in scripture

are factual Christian statements, simply put, it leads

(Revelation 22:19).

people astray.

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MAN 2 MAN

A SOLDIER’S BOOTS Written By: R.A. Goodnight

Man 2 Man Part 3: What is Truth?

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” – Ephesians 6:14, 15

For ages, human philosophers have pursued answers to life’s biggest questions. Thankfully, a degree in philosophy isn’t required to find explanations for most, as the scriptures provide satisfying answers to all such questions. Let me give you an example.

Contained in the inspired words, we find a conversation that Christ was having with Pontius Pilate during his trial, just before his death. Let’s pick up the conversation at John 18:37 (NIV), where Jesus says to Pilate, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.” Pilate then responds to Jesus in verse 38 with a question, “What is truth?”

This is a powerful question. It is a question that affects all humans who have ever lived, are living, or will live in the

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The same question from above applies here as well.

stated that he came into the world to testify to the truth. He

How can we give testimony? How can we provide an

reinforces this again in Mark 1:38 (NIV), “Jesus replied,

answer to anyone who asks us? If we ourselves are

‘Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can

not familiar with God word we hinder our ability to do these

preach there also. That is why I have come.”

things. The study of God’s word must be a central part of our lives for us to be capable and ready to provide such a defense.

When we think of what Jesus did while on earth several

future. Using Christ’s statement in verse 37, he tells us

has become a ‘gray’ place, where good and bad have

that the truth was the reason he came to Earth. Because of

become subjective. However, with the truth of God’s word

Christ’s statement, the answer to Pilate’s question is central

lighting our way, it becomes clear what a Christian’s stance

to the Christian faith. If you were standing in front of Pilate,

should be on matters debated in the world.

how would you have answered his question?

thoughts may come to mind – he healed the sick, raised the

As a test to our readiness to defend our hope, ask yourselves

dead and gave his life as a ransom sacrifice. But, using his

if you could use the Bible to answer these questions:

own words, these are not the reasons (the primary reason) he came to Earth. What did Jesus spend most of his time

• Who is God?

doing? Preaching. Teaching. Testifying to the truth. He

• What are his primary attributes?

shared it with disregard to his own needs with anyone who

• What is the Holy Spirit?

would listen to the lifesaving message of The Good News.

• Who is Jesus Christ?

he asked it. But, prior to his arrest and trial, he did provide

on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”

There are obviously other questions important to our faith,

the answer in a prayer that he was offering to his Father.

The Bible tells us we need to sort through all we hear to

us to run into an battle, our knowledge of truth readies us to

but a comprehending these fundamentals gauges our

filter out what is good or evil. Christians encounter opinions

proactively preach it or reactively defend it. Paul reminds us

readiness to do what He has called us to do.

expressed as truth every day. Do we just accept these or

to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

do we test them out? How can we test them if we are

asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…”

CONCLUSION

unfamiliar with God’s truth contained in scripture? If we just

(1 Peter 3:15) Notice he stated – ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

For those who have been following the Call to Arms series,

accept them and then share them with others, we are simply

Readiness, willingness to stand up and testify--what

we can see that there is a continuing thread in these articles:

spreading those untested concepts.

better way to wage spiritual warfare than to testify to the

• In January, we learned how God’s word serves as our sword.

truth, provide a defense and show others the truths Satan

• Last month, we discerned that the study of His word

not in agreement with God’s word, it simply is not truth.

Christ’s statement should help solidify in our minds the importance of God’s word. Now that we understand what truth is, why is it a component of our spiritual armor? How does it protect us?

TRUTH AS A BELT Just as a literal belt is firm around our waist, encompassing our body, so should be our reliance upon God’s word. It should shape our thoughts, our beliefs and finally our actions.

Even when it came to Paul’s teaching, a group of first

• In April, we will conclude how the truth of God’s word helps forge us a helmet of salvation and a breastplate of

about its critical role, I wonder, are we giving the study of God’s word the real attention it deserves? †

I would consider it a privilege to hear from any of the readers. Reach out to me, share your stories. man2man@omegaleague.com @omegaleagueman

strengthens our faith to use it as a shield.

century believers did not accept them on face value. Acts tells us that they “examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11) If the words of a prominent apostle were put to the test, how fitting an example for us to use today with opinions coming from all directions. The Bible should be central in our lives, examined by us every day. It should be our litmus test to prove if what we hear is true.

Psalms 119:105 (NIV) reminds us of the help God’s word

This leads well into our next component of spiritual armor.

can give us in our daily lives. The psalmist states, “Your

How does truth play a part in having our feet fitted with

word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The world

readiness of the gospel of peace?

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attempts to hide.

truths with a response.

stand up as well to the battles we face. When we think

of our warfare as well. Just as a pair of boots helps ready

the truth, the source of truth. If any doctrine or theology is

us with “boots,” to share the Gospel and defend those

ingredient in our daily lives our armor will not be able to

this advice as well, “but test everything that is said. Hold

that many find (or try to make) complicated. God’s word is

faith. Further, a working knowledge of this truth equips

components of our armor get their strength. Without this

Interestingly, Jesus did not answer Pilate’s question after

NIV). He gave a plain, uncomplicated answer to a question

truth to test out thoughts, ideas and objections to our

God’s word – The Bible – is ‘the metal’ from which all the

As soldiers in God’s army, our testimony to the truth is part

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17

• This month we see that inspired word is the source of

righteousness to protect our minds and hearts.

• Why did Jesus Christ have to die?

Along these lines, 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 (NLT) gives us

Praying for his disciples, notice what Jesus requested,

“WHAT IS TRUTH?”

Let’s go back to Jesus words from John 18:37 (NIV). Jesus

Reaching the Community.

Community Spirit Magazine is looking for pastors, writers, and leaders from the body of Christ to join with us in our endeavor to reach the community. Please join us at a meeting on March 14th at 6:00 pm to discuss how you can partner with Spirit as we join together as the “C”hurch to empower the community for Christ.

RSVP or get more info at info@communityspiritmagazine.com or www.communityspiritmagazine.com.

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point in life where it would naturally choose air if it were taken away? The rights of the unborn without a voice are being suppressed by the alleged right of a mother, who was entrusted with the rights of all three. Should her “rights” come at the expense of another’s rights?

Seeking the right to terminate a pregnancy, when the child living inside already responds to mommy and daddy’s voices, is a difficult choice to understand.

Those precious curves of the baby’s foot that press out so that you can touch it on its exploratory path. The hiccups you strangely feel inside. The pressure on your ribs with that push as the baby turns in order to be ready to head out and start this new journey. That precious child growing inside, looking for care and protection, is certainly not thinking about anyone’s freedom except its own.

What law will be passed for the one without a voice to be heard? What tower will we light for its rights if NOT the freedom tower?

COVER STORY

Written by Teresa Goodnight

Standing in Love The photo on the cover is a baby girl taken from her mother’s womb a few days before her due date. There were issues with how the placenta was connected, which can be a bit dangerous. A natural birth might have caused health risks to the child, both methods to the mother. When brought home a few days later, her father says her eyes darted around recognizing her new environment with awe and wonder. She’s now 4 years old, brilliant, and is confident she runs the world, or at least her own little part of it. In this issue we celebrate life and legacy.

At the end of January, after February went to print, the state of New York passed a law allowing women to terminate pregnancy up to and through full-term for reasons one might use to return a sweater to the mall. In celebration of what they labeled women’s rights, they lit the heralded Freedom Tower in pink.

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It’s puzzling why a tower dedicated to precious Americans, who lost their lives in a horrible strike against our freedom would be the choice for a celebration of forever silencing these children. These children, who wouldn’t be given the basic right to enter independence and start their new life independent of their mothers, could now be terminated at will.

A child with placental complications is at higher risk, as is the mother, from birth issues—some of which can be pretty severe. How God crafted the mother’s body to give a home for her baby to grow is quite fascinating. The father’s role though is equally interesting inside the womb. The sperm creates both the placenta and umbilical cord. So, it is the father who is the life connection inside the womb for the baby to grow. It’s a beautiful process involving both parents. Both parents are responsible for sustaining the baby’s life while it’s readying to enter the world as an independent little one. The father’s role is not often discussed. It’s really a beautiful collaborative event God created.

My mother was a premature baby in the 50’s, weighing in at only 4 pounds. It’s quite the miracle she’s even here—that I’m even here for that matter. However, if a baby can survive at such small sizes, in such an early delivery, it’s easy to see the line for viable, independent life is crossed quite early in the womb.

Interestingly, if a child’s air were cut off while being born, it would gasp for it. On its own, it would choose life. It just does. If we’re honest, I think we all choose life when given the choice for ourselves. It’s offensive to me as a woman and a mother to see the act labeled and celebrated as a right for the mother. How can we just eliminate the part of the father living inside the mother, providing sustenance to the baby? How can we eliminate the right of the one, who is at a

A Christian’s heart should not just break for the child. It should also break for the woman, who thinks she’s expressing her “right to choose.” Then, finds herself completely crushed from the weight of her irreversible decision. She might have felt trapped. This decision might have felt the easiest way out. I haven’t met a lot of people who want their missteps heralded all over town for 9 months.

These women are in an incredibly difficult place. These laws offer a seemingly free and clear path of freedom. It’s impossible for any of us who haven’t been there to understand everything going on inside of that woman. Whatever it is, she doesn’t need to be met with those who don’t understand spouting off their insults or hurling things at her on her journey. She needs love, compassion, and real commitments to help. Hurling these kinds of sentiments can help her get through her situation, maybe choose adoption for her child. God offers all of us His love and mercy needed to fix a broken heart. He has it. He offers it freely.

In Romans 3:23, He says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” ALL. As such, we should also ALL hold onto the grace we were so freely given by God and give it to others. As the church, we need to find new ways to make a difference. The days of hurling objects and insults (and even worse) should also be gone. They never should have existed honestly.

So, for the lives of children who will never be born, we light this page in pink and blue, representing the little boys and girls. We light it as their voice, but we also light it for the men and women caught in this turmoil. We pray they will find groups like Mend Crisis Pregnancy, Crisis Pregnancy Outreach, Hope Pregnancy Center, Go Life Mobile Medical—all in Tulsa or the Pregnancy Resource Center in Owasso to name a few who are lighting the way with love.

Finally, we light it for those who have already gone down this path. May all who have fallen into this step find God’s love, which knows no bounds. That love that sacrificed everything for our mistakes also covers the mistakes of these lawmakers. That love extends to these mothers and fathers. That’s the kind of

Stand in Love.

love we experience from our Father in Heaven. Unconditional love dripping undeservedly all over us with grace to remove sin as far as the East is from the West. May we all find His peace to choose better.

P L E ASE JOI N W I T H U S T H I S M ON T H I N P R AY E R : Lift up the leaders, who passed this law--for hearts to be broken by the weight of their decision. Pray for their change of heart.

Lift up the ones who seek to use the power of this law to terminate the life within them. Pray that someone, somewhere will touch them with the love of Christ. Pray God will send someone to help guide them to a better place for themselves and their child through an option like adoption.

Pray for those women broken by their “rights.” We cannot understand, but God’s forgiveness and love is right there for them, just like the rest of us.

Lift up the nation, “united under God” to remember the protection His veil affords.

Pray for all of us, who as a nation allowed this to happen by remaining silent.

Pray Christians will respond with that ridiculously amazing, unconditional love God shows us even though we’ve made bad choices—and let that love light the way back from this darkness.

#GoDoBe. No. Really.

Devaluing human life through a “right” for women—who will be the next victim of our “rights” if we continue to just watch it all unfold? Just giving an emoji or a directional thumb is a mere whimper of support. Join groups like Focus on the Family in NYC in person for “Alive in New York.” Find ways to give financial help. Reach out to one of the many amazing pregnancy resource centers, like those mentioned in the article, to help. Reach out specifically to women caught in this battle. Reach out as your church, as THE “C”hurch. We don’t offer a moment of prayer as a substitute for further action. We pause to get direction from our mighty God to face this with His guidance, wisdom and love.

Do more than let your voice be heard. Let your actions be seen. Let your love be shown. Go be Christ to the women and men in crisis. Go do whatever God is calling you to do (in love) to help. Be Jesus, not throwing the first stone, but loving the lost as Christ has loved us.

Join us for a meeting on Saturday, March 16th at 4:00 pm as we discuss the “Stand in Love” event for Tulsa. We want to come alongside Focus on the Family in their “Alive in New York” event right here in Tulsa with a supportive “Alive in Tulsa” event. The meeting will be live on Facebook as well as being held at LaFortune Park. We can’t wait to see you there as we talk about this event and get volunteers lined up for the cause! #forthosedeniedavoice C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T • N O RT H E A S T O K L A H O M A’ S L E A D I N G FA I T H - B A S E D P U B L I C AT I O N

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Spencer had a lot of offers from bigger schools, but he felt being close to home in a supportive environment with the kind of coaches and team he saw at ORU was the answer. Spencer said, “Playing at ORU is different.

The guys around here, the coaches, they will step to the side and talk to you and you can share what you’re thinking or feeling. They’ll get on a personal level with you; you know you matter as a person. I just didn’t see that at other schools as I looked around. It was different here.” That kind of support and confidence building landed Spencer the Triple Crown honor for his sophomore year at ORU, along with player of the week several times from the Summit League. It is easy to see how it’s been a part of shaping him into the confident man across the table.

FEATURE STORY

Written by Teresa Goodnight

Spencer Henson: Building a Legacy On and Off the Field Spencer Henson is already building a legacy on and off the field at 21. A talented first baseman and pitcher for the ORU Golden Eagles, Spencer was training just before the interview. In just the first few minutes, I knew exactly why the coaches selected Spencer for the story. We were looking for someone with character, building a legacy—and as you will read Spencer does NOT disappoint.

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I told Spencer we wanted to highlight what he does on and off the field in creating a legacy. I’m not even sure he took a breath before he started.

“I think the way you do things on the field trickles down into how you do things off the field and how you do things outside of baseball. On the field, growing up, you are taught not to skip reps. Do things like no one is watching to get your training in. Whether that’s in the weight room or on the field, you are there to make yourself better, stronger.”

Spencer continued, “I’ve always believed what you put in is what you get out. You do good things and good things will happen to you.” Spencer emphasized, “On the baseball side, the harder you work at something the luckier you get or the readier you are for the opportunities that come up.

I just carry that over off the field as well.” Spencer’s character of strength showed through in everything he said.

Spencer started playing ball in Pryor, Oklahoma with honors like the Louisville Slugger All American his sophomore through senior year.

After high school, he landed firmly at ORU when it was time for college.

Spencer said, “I actually played here with the summer team, the BBA Titans, from my sophomore year to my senior year. I just liked the atmosphere. I liked the coaches. They were real and personable with really great attitudes.” Spencer added, “When you go to other schools, the coaches, it’s just like it’s difficult to talk to them.”

When I asked Spencer, “Any people who have guided you in how to stay on your path?” He immediately answered, “Probably my teammates.

When I first got here, it was a pretty experienced, older group. So, I tried to just absorb it all. I didn’t get much play time freshman year, as the elders on the team had already proven themselves. So, I sat behind and watched the Matt Whatleys, the Brent Williams, Nick Rotolas and how they handled their business and how mature they were on and off the field.” Watching these other men set such strong examples on and off the field showed Spencer true character in action. It’s easy to see why joining a team with such committed, caring coaches and well-behaved players would “rub off ” the kind of character you’d be proud to see in your child.

Spencer is also a big family guy. It’s just a support system he’s always had. He said, “Having the family here and looking up there and seeing them in the stands, it’s also a big confidence booster and a reminder that there’s more to life than just playing baseball.” Interestingly, Spencer actually helped start his family attending church when he was just 9 years old in Pryor. Spencer said, “I grew up going to Southeast Baptist Church. One of my friend’s dad is a pastor there.” Spencer was told, “You can spend the night but we’ve gotta go to church in the morning.”

He laughed because he is now pretty sure the preacher had a plan all along. He said, “It was really cool because I think Pastor Rob knew what he was doing. He had a little parable that he talked about with me and threw me in the story. It was a cool feeling to have. Then, he went into how it transitioned into the Biblical side of things. Ever since then, I told my parents, ‘This is a pretty cool place. We actually need to start going there.’ We’ve been there ever since.”

We talked about life on the field, as it’s quite a battle in your mind sometimes. Spencer said, “When I get down on the field, we do a lot of mental side training here. For me it’s like, say I do boot a ball, I’ll always look back at this right field foul pole at the top of it, cause there’s always a right field foul pole anywhere you play. So, I just stare at it a few seconds, take a deep breath into my glove, and say ‘Flush it. Don’t worry about it.

You’re gonna get another ground ball. It’s not gonna be the last one you boot. It’s not gonna be the last one you’re gonna get.’ So I just get myself back in and ready for the next play.” Spencer added, “I really focus to give myself confidence and a reminder that it’s not the end of the world regardless of how it felt.”

I asked Spencer to translate his life on the field into his daily life.

Spencer said, “I think you try to give like things have been given to you.

You know, as an example, if somebody needs some cash you hand them a twenty and there’s some way that the kindness returns to you. Actually, funny enough it happened the other day. A guy was needing some money and I gave him $40. Then, I was going to the store to get a meal and I was checking my bank account and it wasn’t looking too good.

Then I’m walking in the parking lot and I stepped on $40 on the ground.

It was really cool. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does happen, it’s just a good reassurance that you’re doing the right thing.” I couldn’t help but think through life on a college-student budget, when every dollar counts. Having the gracious heart to offer what you have to someone in need—not knowing what you will do to cover your own meal—that’s giving the shirt off of your back without hesitation. That’s a guy building a legacy by example, even when noone is watching.

I asked Spencer, “If you were talking to high school students, trying to figure out what they’re going to do in life—what would you tell them?” Spencer again didn’t hesitate with an answer. “I’d tell them to ask questions. A lot of people, and I’m calling myself out here, just think they know things and don’t ask to learn more.” Spencer added, “When I was in high school, I was like ‘I’m gonna do this, this and this. Then a year later, I’m like ‘I don’t know what I’m gonna do.’ You’re still a kid when you’re in high school. If you’re curious about something don’t be afraid to ask. The more you ask the more you learn.” Spencer spoke with conviction of experience, “Don’t be afraid to reach out. Don’t be afraid to try things and fail. You won’t know if you like it or not if you don’t try it. Even if you fail—and you don’t mind it, you should keep doing it until that drive runs out or you get better and find a passion for it. Then, if that wasn’t the fit—go try something else.” Spencer said, “Make a list of what you want to do, a checklist and a goal list of the things you want to try to do. If you don’t like it, check it off. Have goals and aspirations.

Put them down. Ask about them. Explore them.” That kind of drive and learning to overcome fear of failure has set him on a path he loves at ORU and in baseball.

In closing, I asked Spencer, “What would you say to someone, if you were wanting to inspire them. Spencer said confidently, “If I had a chance to inspire anyone—I’d say ‘JUST GO DO IT.’ You don’t know if you’re gonna like it until you try it.” He said he’s still trying to figure out his post collegiate plans. He’s going to be doing baseball as long as he can, in whatever capacity that may be. Spencer said, “I’d like to get back into the college level and do some hitting coordination.

Just whatever ways I can stay around the baseball field, just doing whatever makes me feel like I’m 12 still.” Spencer may love to feel like he’s 12, but he’s certainly built a character and a legacy already of someone much older, wiser, and worth watching. †

ORU baseball kicked off February 15th for the 2019 season. Check out Spencer Henson and the rest of the amazing team. Tulsa is quite fortunate to have such a set of examples on and off the field to watch. See the schedule at http://www.oruathletics.com/sports/ bsb/2018-19/schedule.

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Filling The Void was founded by Kelly Swan, Erin Bjornberg and Chris Brooks.

Volunteers shake hands, serve sack lunches and offer to pray with people.

Taking the Tougher Road Written by Staff Writer

How would you react to an uncomfortable life-altering choice? For one Tulsan, it was a test of character and a call to action.

Fifteen years ago, Kelly Swan was approached by a man whose condition was painfully clear. He was dirty, disheveled and said he’d been eating from dumpsters.

Yes, Roy was homeless. Doing something about it is another matter altogether. That’s the hard part.

Roy asked Kelly point blank for help, confronting him with the proverbial fork in the road that impacted his life ever since.

“My gut reaction was to walk away,” Kelly admits. “And that’s exactly what I did.”

“But I had a serious challenge in my heart. I had been praying for God to use my life to help someone,” Kelly recounts.

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Each bag also contains an envelope. There’s no money inside. Think something greater – devotionals with scripture that are designed to give hope. The organization has written hundreds of versions.

“We feed the soul. It’s a two-fold mission – addressing physical hunger and the emptiness in a person’s heart. People need to know their lives have purpose and meaning in Christ,” Kelly said.

Filling The Void has won two national awards for public service. They’re known for their personalized approach, taking interactions beyond a surface level and working in conjunction with other agencies.

“Doing nothing was the easy choice, but I knew I’d regret it.

So I chose the tougher road. I retraced my steps, found Roy a few blocks back and apologized.”

The need here still looms large. Despite successful housing programs, homelessness in Tulsa increased 7 percent over the past decade according to 2018 statistics from the Community Service Council.

Kelly talked with Roy for 15 minutes. He shook his hand, learned about his life, prayed with him and took care of “There’s always going to be desperate situations and trauma his lunch. that turns lives upside down,” Kelly said. “But we bring a message of healing and redemption everywhere we go.”

The rest is history, or shall we say history in the making.

Colossians 4:5 challenges believers to “make the most of In 2018, Filling The Void’s volunteers served more than every opportunity.”

19,000 sack lunches across their four core cities and prayed with 6,000 people.

So after the encounter, Kelly and his friends formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit called Filling The Void to feed and All told, they’ve served 150,000 meals since Roy. The minister to the homeless and needy. annual budget is now up to $100,000 for 2019.

It’s an all-volunteer army that has attracted more than 1,500 helpers over the years. The ministry is heavily active in Tulsa, Denver, Dallas and Houston.

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The sack lunches are first-rate. We’re not talking about bologna sandwiches or PB&J. Filling The Void primarily serves Arby’s or Chick-fil-A.

In 2011, Tulsa philanthropist Henry Zarrow penned a letter to Filling The Void thanking them for pitching in at the Day Center for the Homeless.

“We’re one part of the recovery process that spans from A to Z. Our sweet spot is in front of door A. The people we serve trust us because they know we’re genuine and we’ve been here for years,” Kelly says.

“We learn names. We build relationships through repeated interactions. Then we can speak truth into their lives and point them to places for other help,” Kelly added.

Teams from Filling The Void hit the streets 223 times in 2018. Each outreach lasts about an hour. There are seven ways to get involved. You can see details and donate online at fillingthevoid.com.

“It’s a labor of love in every sense. There’s plenty of labor but we do it because God loves people,” Kelly said. “We’re purposefully working to facilitate lasting life-change.”

When asked to give our readers advice, Kelly said this: “Don’t wait until December to start serving. Nonprofits all over town need your help right now.“ †

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RISE&SHINE

Mike Henry Sr. is the president and founder of a new ministry called Follower of One. Check it out at www.followerofone.org

Written by Mike Henry Sr.: Follower of One

I began to realize this was my ministry. Ministry is serving others so they can move closer to Jesus. The word most often translated “minister,” is also translated by “servant.”

We serve others to make Jesus visible.

Please understand, I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes and been inconsistent. But every prayer matters. God will change people and he will change you.

Do you want to experience the joy and purpose of walking

But this time, when you see God make a difference, please

with Jesus daily? I made this challenge back in January,

write and let me know. My email is mike@followerofone.

too. Pray for your coworkers for the next 30 days. As you

org. I’m sure you will see God begin to change your world,

drive to work, pray for the people who work near you, and

and he’ll probably start with you! †

those with whom you will meet. And watch Jesus work.

Spring Into Ministry: Pray for Your Coworkers For a few years leading up to 9/11, even though I had trusted Jesus, I pursued my career without much concern for what God wanted me to do at work.

Every day, I went to work thinking my faith would make me a better employee, but not much more. After work and on weekends, after my bills were paid and everything else was done, then I could “do ministry.”

with other guests. Mary was in there listening, too, while

my job? Did I need to apply for a job with a church or an

Martha was busy preparing. So Martha decided to ask

overseas mission?

Jesus to send Mary to help her. But Jesus surprised Martha: But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha,

As the days passed, no ministry offers appeared and

you are worried and bothered about so many things;

nothing became clear. While I was waiting, I thought, at

but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the

least I could pray for my coworkers and our customers. So,

good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke

I began to spend time with Jesus, every day by praying

10:41-42 NASB.

and asking him to use me at work and to bless the people I knew I would see each day. As I drove to work, I would

As I watched the buildings smolder and the rescue

mentally walk through the office and pray for each person.

operations take place, I began to question. Had I had

Whether God chose to change my career or not, today, I

missed opportunities to be with God during my workdays?

could pray.

Was Jesus there and I had missed him? Is spending time with Jesus really the only thing necessary? How could I join

At first, I started asking that God would bless people

Jesus and do my job? I certainly couldn’t quit my job and

and give them favor. For the coworkers I knew, I could

sit around and pray all day. I had bills and responsibilities. I

make more specific requests. And for those I didn’t know

had a family.

very well, I decided I would try to get to know them

A

At the same time, I realized God was actively working in the

and more spiritual conversations. Some of the other

company I worked for. He’s more interested in the lives of my

Christians at work began to join me in praying for our



coworkers than I ever will be. And if that’s true, did I just waste

coworkers. Slowly, things began to change.

    

years that I could have been walking with Jesus at work? Had

reminded of my goal to lay up treasure in heaven (Matthew

I been like Martha, so busy about my own goals that I missed

At the same time, I began to change. Often, when I pray

6:19-21), but I didn’t know how. As I read scripture, I was

the goals and the work Jesus had for me to do?

for someone, or something, Jesus changes me. He gave me

puzzled by a story about Jesus in Luke 10.

a new heart for people and for my work. He showed me his So, I decided to ask God if he had a job for me. Daily I

Jesus was in town visiting his friends, Lazarus, Mary and

would ask him to show me how I might join him. Did God

Martha in their home. He was in the main room talking

want me to go into full-time ministry? Would I need to quit

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purpose in my job. And I saw lives change.

Now enrolling for the 2019-2020 school year.

Schedule your private tour by calling 918-628-6524.

3702 S. 90th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74145 www.montessorilearning.org

better. Slowly, God started opening doors. I had more

The events of 9/11 caused me to rethink my faith. I was

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Christian Montessori Academy

 

An emphasis on whole learning & retention Character development Low student:teacher ratios Outdoor activities & field trips Music, Art, Spanish, & P.E. High achievements in local competitions Graduates attend prominent high schools Alumni receive higher education scholarships

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Maria Montessori

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HEART2HEART Written by Andrea Stephens

Out of the Blues My puffy brown parka is being moved to the back of the closet. My gloves— the red, the lime, and the black ones—await their turned to be tucked away in a drawer. My boots, which are all black except for the chocolate and ivory imitation snake-skin cowboy boots that I had to buy once I moved back to Oklahoma, are being returned to the big suitcase that stores them during the warmer months (my creative way of dealing with small closets).

Yes, it is time to shed the winter outerwear and prepare for the spring months. I look forward to leaving the winter days behind and enjoying longer days of sunlight, warm breezes, and the first sighting of purple crocus and yellow daffodils. (I love that God programmed these two flowers to be among the first to bloom. Purple and yellow are opposites on the color wheel. When placed together, they create a strong visual pop that is energizing to our senses. Our Father knew we would need a little pop at this point in our lives.)

Are you looking forward to this change of seasons? Perhaps you are so busy with the things of life that you aren’t

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especially tuned into the shifting of seasons. Or maybe you are one of the thousands of women who are emotionally moved by the grey skies and leafless trees. Women are especially sensitive to seasonal changes, meaning that the unpleasant weather happening around us can greatly affect what is happening inside of us. Shorter days, cloudy skies, freezing rain, cold winds—can contribute to felling down, sadness, lack of motivation, and even sensing distance from God. The official name for this is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but in layman’s terms it is having a bad case of the blues! An ongoing dose of blah. Of course, there are other things that can land us in the blues like never-ending laundry, figuring out dinner again, a newborn that refuses to nurse, an argument with a friend, being laid off, so many possibilities. Ugh. Life can just be hard, right?

The good news for us is the truth that this is one of the very reasons Jesus came to earth. On that pivotal day in the temple when Jesus stood and read from the scroll, the text announced His purpose which included setting free the oppressed, downtrodden, heavy-hearted, and well, just plain blue! (Luke 4:18 – 19). Jesus came Himself to rescue us from the everyday blues.

Stephen S. ILardi, PhD, researcher and author of The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs, has developed a clinically-proven program he calls Therapeutic Lifestyle Change or TLC. When applied, people successfully come out of the blues.

ILardi shares that TLC has lots of benefits. Not only do you boost your feel-good potential, you might also experience “weight loss, increased energy, lower blood pressure, improved cardiac health, better immune function, reduced inflammation, greater mental clarification, enhanced sense of well-being.” Those are awesome side effects!

So, let’s take a look. Here are his six suggestions, along with a few of my own (I’m quite experienced with battling the blues).

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1. Eat to Beat the Blues. While increasing fruits and veggies combined with cutting back on all things sugar is highly important, so is eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, chia and flaxseeds.

This benefits your brain as well as your body. Dr. ILardi recommends taking an Omega-3 supplement with a 2:1 ration of EPA:DHA. (Check with your doctor before taking any new supplement).

2. Get moving. Physical exercise releases your body’s natural feel-good hormone called endorphins. If you are not used to exercising, start with simple heel lifts and marching in place, then a brisk walk outside or at the indoor mall. Work up to brisk walking, biking (outdoor or stationary), pilates, or whatever you will enjoy.

3. Get lost in a healthy activity. Doing something that keeps your mind occupied on down days will help lift your mood. Try working a puzzle or a word search game, playing solitaire, baking something to share with a neighbor or reading the latest Karen Kingsbury novel.

4. Soak up the rays. Sunlight exposure is a definite blues blaster. There are special sun lamps available that are helpful during the cold dark days. Try creating more light around your house—flip on some switches, open the curtains. Light some candles and enjoy their warm glow.

While you sit near a window, think about the super sunny days of summer that will be here soon.

5. Be with people—especially other believers. Social interaction can lift your morale (being alone and isolated can lend itself to feeling blue). Do what works for you—invite friends over, visit family members, go to the movies, join a gym, volunteer at your church or a local non-profit. Even window shopping at the mall at least gets you out and about—just beware of using a spending spree to help yourself feel better.

6. Get the right amount of sleep. Deep sleep is needed for our minds and bodies to stay balanced. So, do your best to get the recommended 8 hours per night. However, if you are finding that your favorite activity on grey days is staying in bed all day, we need to talk!

7. Scripture says to take your thoughts captive—yes, cuff them, lock them in jail, and throw away the key! (2 Corinthians 10:5) Then we need to change or redirect our down ways of thinking. King David, a famous Old Testament personality, identified with feeling down and with choosing to refocus his attention. In Psalm 42:11 (NLT) he recognized that he felt down in the dumps, that he didn’t understand it, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?” But then he encouraged himself in the Lord when he said, “I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” David not only had a case of the blues, he was trying hard to understand it. Ever been there? Redirecting your thoughts and using positive self-talk will help.

Putting your hope in God is also key. Hope is confident expectation of what God is going to do.

8. Read, Pray and Praise. These are the three most important keys to overcoming the blues. God’s Word is spirit and life. It is alive and active. Reading the scriptures early in the morning can set the tone for the remainder of the day. Prayer does the same thing.

Talking to God about how you feel, what you are going through, what you need will lighten your heart as you choose to trust Him. Listen quietly for His response which usually comes in a still, small, voice. Add praise—the best blues buster ever. Whether you love traditional hymns, modern worship music, or a combo of both, make praise part of your daily routine. Sing, dance, kneel, raise your hands, just do it.

9. Hahahahaha! Do or watch something that makes you laugh. There is scientific proof that laughter helps people heal physically and emotionally. Even scripture says that a joyful heart is like medicine to your overall well-being (Proverbs 17:22). So, what makes you laugh? Get more of it!

This is a practical approach to getting out of the winter blahs.

It helps lift and helps prevent the blues. TLC has physical and psychological benefits for everyone! Simply put, getting out of the blues is about taking care of yourself. Often times women put themselves last on the care list with husband, kids, job, errands, etc. coming first. You need some TLC as well. A little Therapeutic Lifestyle Change will not only be good for you but for those you care for. You’ve heard the expression put your own oxygen mask on first. This is not only important in the case of cabin pressure change on an airplane but for you as well. It is necessary for your role as women to take time for yourself; to grab bits of time that come open during our week to workout, meet a friend for coffee, attend bible study or prayer group, take a nap, drink a protein smoothie, even a 20-minute chair massage at the mall—one of my favorite self-care treats. You are worth it and those you care for think so, too. †

Note: If you or a loved one is experiencing a severe case of the blues, it might be clinical depression. Reach out to your family doctor and to a Christian therapist for help. Depression is treatable with various therapies, possible medication, and lots of TLC!

If you are in need of a therapist, we do recommend Christian Family Institute www.christianfamilyinsitute.com 918.745.0095 or Counseling Services of Tulsa www.counselingservicesoftulsa.com at 918.574.2722. Let them know Community Spirit sent you!

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SURPRISE! One year later, an amazing thing happened. My life shifted into a new season, and I finally had both the time and energy to tame a bush gone wild in my back yard.

Between the teenagers I bribed and my own vengeance unleashed, the branches began a transformation. Vines that had laced themselves into the branches (and my window screens) were unraveled and torn out. The kids wielding clippers morphed the scary bush monster into a coiffed, lopsided silhouette of Kramer’s head (yes, I do mean the character from the sitcom Seinfield).

The long-forgotten “other side” of the bush was now uncovered. More vines traveled along the house, fence, and untended (unwanted!) trees. I was determined to eradicate them all. I ripped up every trail until I realized that with each pull of the viney ropes, strange yellow and green balls were swinging from the branches of rogue trees along the fence. Hmmm! What kind of trees are these?

FEATURE STORY

Written by Ingrid B. Skarstad Williams

Dirt Is Powerful (and You Are Dirt)!

I’m not really a “flower person.”

I don’t garden. I never studied botany. I don’t recall yearning for bouquets. Roses didn’t send my heart fluttering. Anything beyond basic flowers or dandelions went unidentified most of my life— until a mystery bloom captured my heart and my camera on a sidewalk in South Carolina.

It wasn’t on display. Quite the opposite, actually. Spilling over someone’s concrete barrier of a back yard, the flowers seemed to be celebrating their slow-motion escape with a “Seussical” carnival suspended on vines.

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I could almost picture the “Whos down in Whoville” climbing on the whimsical explosion of color and taking a spin. I’m not sure how long I lingered with my lens drinking them in. But that moment marked me.

And no one I knew could tell me what it was.

It would be 10 years, many states, and thousands of flower photos later that I would meet the curious blossom again. I was on official business— the delightful business of doing photography for a botanic garden. Had I only been looking at the displays, I would have missed the vibrant purple, raspberry, and lime green carousels beginning to open on the end posts of a bridge. Once again, they seemed almost nonchalant in their fabulous eruptions.

Now I had horticulturalists to quiz and Latin name plates to decipher.

Passionflower! The discovery pleased me. I was glad they had an energetic word like “passion” in their name. No wonder I loved this flower! Wild dreams, quirky passions, and brilliant expressions have always piqued my interest. They, like this flower, might seem like a fantasy until it pops up and throws a party along the path of life.

Thinking I would clear the vines and get a closer look, I continued yanking the stems down. The balls came with them! I stopped to examine my growing pile of twisted green stems and leaves and saw a shriveled puff of faded purple and green. I gasped!

PASSIONFLOWERS? IN MY YARD? Clinging to the same vine were the neon spheres. This must be passionfruit! Sure enough, the hidden corner of my yard was in full harvest.

I gathered and Googled—just to make sure I knew what to do with my sudden abundance. What a strange and exotic fruit! The bright yellow skin formed a miniature bowl once it was cut open. Dark, slippery seeds encased in a gel-like suits were slipping and sliding in greenish-clearish slime. The teenagers couldn’t be bribed to taste them when they saw the insides. “Alien brains,” they said. I decided to be the brave one. I slurped it up . . . FANTASTIC! Sweet! Over-the-top delicious!

An adventure like had to be shared! I immediately posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram. An international friend was shocked when she saw them! Passionfruit was common in her homeland of Singapore. She dearly missed it after moving to the U.S., and it was nowhere to be found in our stores. But it was strangely plentiful in my back yard! (Needless to say, I shared my harvest).

That summer, the passionflower vines and their delicious fruit were one of three botanical surprises. Wild chamomile visited my patio. A delicate red cypress vine mysteriously appeared in my planter. Somehow they appeared and graced me with their beauty, wonder, and adventure. I guess I am a flower person after all.

Then again, maybe I enjoy the flowers because they are much like people—each unique with dreams full of life and possibility—when they bloom, they share their beauty, wonder, adventure, and joy with all who draw near.

WHAT’S BLOOMING IN YOUR BACK YARD? Right now your life may feel like a tangled, overgrown mess much like my yard. But there could be hidden passions coming to life! In fact, I can almost guarantee you have seeds of dreams planted in you that no one has seen yet—maybe not even you!

One day you’ll notice something new, clear the chaos, and find fruit ripe and ready for you to taste.

“Taste ye and see, how gracious the Lord is: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Ps. 34:8 GNV). “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope” (Jer. 29:11 CEB).

Just think what can happen if you discover those hidden passions and then set out to nurture them! Sure it will take hard work. You may have to “clear the land” and make room in your life. You may have to plant new things you want to see grow. You may have to guide and direct the natural gifts and abilities that are already there. It may take time, but if you see something sprouting up, it’s likely that now is the time for it to grow and flourish!

1. Seeds (and dreams) are amazing.

A seed can be seemingly dead, dormant for years, and yet when it is buried in the dirt, something amazing happens—life breaks through! An entire blueprint is in that little seed. In the right environment, the blueprint unfolds. A seed will come to life. It will grow. It will produce whatever it was designed to produce.

2. Dirt is powerful. (PS. You’re dirt!)

What is it about the soil that makes seeds grow? It can release that hard shell of a seed and nurture that spark of life waiting to be engaged. It makes change happen. Dirt is powerful! And you’re dirt! God made man out of dirt. (In fact, an interesting side note is that “man” and “ground” come from the same Hebrew word! Genesis 2:7 (KJV): “And the LORD God formed man [‘adam] of the dust of the ground [‘adamah].”) We’re dirt! We’re designed to make things grow.

3. God’s design is brilliant—trust it.

Did you know that science recently discovered a plant gene that interprets when the environment is optimal for growth and only then allows the seed to begin its transformation? It can remain dormant in the ground for years if the growing conditions are not favorable. In much the same way, God knows the seeds and dreams planted in you. He has designed your destiny to flourish. And He knows the times and seasons for each to unfold. Trust God’s design! It’s brilliant. It’s perfect.

GOOD THINGS ARE GROWING NOW! God has a brilliant blueprint planted in you. At the right time, with the right conditions, God’s plans will unfold and flourish. Trust that brilliance at work in you!

I believe God loves to surprise His children with good things. Those good things are growing right now. Other good things are waiting with delight, knowing they will grace your life with a beautiful surprise in the future.

Don’t be discouraged if you have dreams yet to come to fruition. Maybe you’ve planted and nurtured others before yourself (which is a seed in and of itself, and you will receive the benefit of the harvest). Galatians 6:9 (TPT) says, “And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!”

There are seasons to move through and seasons to come. This moment you are living in right now is precious. It’s your season. Embrace it! A farmer cannot rush the seasons, but can wisely work within them. So to, as you recognize the season you’re in, you can fully embrace it and be ready for the next.

Dear reader, this I pray over you as I wind down my words: May God’s Word grow and dwell in you richly. May the dreams in your heart come to full fruition.

May your words and actions be blessed in the season you are in. And may you go forward in full confidence knowing that a great harvest awaits you as you abide in Christ Jesus.

Like that passionflower vine that captured my curiosity, maybe that “bloom” you admire in far away places is finding its way to your back yard. Maybe your hidden passions are becoming noticed. Maybe your dreams are just beginning to be uncovered to you. Or maybe you’re settling into your groove. Whatever season is in your life, I hope you run toward it—arms open wide. You were made for this! † C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T • N O RT H E A S T O K L A H O M A’ S L E A D I N G FA I T H - B A S E D P U B L I C AT I O N

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FINANCIAL

SENIOR MOMENTS

Written by Randy C. Cowell, M.S, LUTCF, CFP®, CRPC®

Written by Teresa Goodnight

When You Retire, Will Your Social Security Benefits be Taxed...and Why Should You Care?

Most Americans are not aware that Social Security benefits have not always been taxed. Not until 1983 was there a tax on the once sacred retirement benefit. In a bipartisan compromise after recognizing the impending insolvency of Social Security, President Ronald Reagan and then Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill, agreed to allow up to 50% of benefits to be taxed.

That opened the door. Later in 1993 during his first term, President Bill Clinton raised the taxation percentage to 85%.

This article will discuss the impact those taxes have on retirees.

Before you can implement defense strategies one must first understand how the IRS thinks. There is a calculation that is performed specifically to determine whether you are over the prescribed income threshold. About this time you are saying, “There is an income threshold?” Yes, if married and filing jointly, it’s $44,000 and if filing single, it’s $34,000.

So what does that really mean? The IRS, as one of its last calculations when calculating your taxes, determines your 22

“Provisional” income. If you are not familiar with that term, just read on.

Provisional income simply stated, is the calculation to determine if your SS will be taxed. First, they add all your 1099 income. This includes interest, dividends, short- and long-term capital gains, as well as any municipal bond income. (You read correctly. ALL muni-bond income counts as provisional income.) Next, the IRS counts all the “Ordinary” income from your qualified plans and retirement accounts.

Then to cap it off, they add insult to injury and count 50% of your SS benefit. If you are married and it exceeds $44,000 or single and it exceed $34,000, then congratulations--up to 85% of your benefits will be taxed at the highest tax bracket you are in.

So, now that you know what Provisional income is, let’s have some fun with math. First we have to make some assumptions. Let’s say you are married filing jointly and your SS income is $25,000. We have calculated your provisional income and it exceeds $44,000. That means 85% of your income or $21,250 is now added to your income at the highest marginal rate. We assume if you are in the 24% marginal bracket, your SS tax bill is $5,100. You now discover you have a $5,100 hole in your income. So how do most people respond? They withdraw more money from their IRA’s and saving accounts. Here is an important question. When they withdraw more income from their IRA account(s), if tax rates have risen, how much more will they have to withdraw?

So, why should you be concerned about preventing your provisional income from exceeding the threshold(s)?

According to David McKnight, best selling author of the Power of Zero, retirees that allow their SS to be taxed tend to run out of money faster than those that do not. [1]Why? Because the mere act of withdrawing more puts that much more pressure on the assets to perform. To make matters worse when tax rates go up (assuming Congress does nothing), how much more will retirees have to withhold to compensate for even more taxes?

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Senior Moments, sponsored by Visiting Angels 918.609.5600 Tulsa or 918.333.7400 Bartlesville visitingangels.com/greencountry

Not to pile on here, but if you listen to other experts like David Walker, former Comptroller General, and Ed Slott CPA, retirement expert, tax rates beyond 2026 are destined to increase due to the fiscal spending policies of the government. Ed Slott warns, “Those who saved most diligently, though, will soon realize that a substantial chunk of those tax-deferred retirement savings are sitting ducks for a revenue-hungry Uncle Sam. In fact, as your 401(k) or IRA funds grow, so does the government’s share since it is a partner, Uncle Sam can increase his partnership percentage of your tax-deferred savings whenever he needs more money, and that day is coming soon. The question is then, are you prepared?”[2] So what’s the answer? Stay tuned for Part II in next month’s Community Spirit magazine for strategies that can insulate and buffer you from the impact of higher taxes.

(2423086RM–Feb21) † [1] McKnight, D. “The Power of Zero.” 2013. Reprint. Boston: Acanthus Publishing, 2018. Print.

[2] Slott, E. 2013. Forward. In: The Power of Zero. Boston; Acanthus Publishing, xi-xii

Randy C Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc., in Tulsa. Oklahoma. He is the author of “God Good Debt Bad”. Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com.

Registered Representative of and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC (HTK), Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC, 4111 S. Darlington Ave., Suite 800, Tulsa, OK 74135, (918) 664-6511. HTK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. ACT Financial Services, Inc. is unaffiliated with Hornor, Townsend, & Kent, Inc.

Building a Legacy A GRANDMOTHER’S HEART With tears running down my cheeks, I heard the cancer specialist explain there was nothing we could do for my grandmother last year. I watched her face, as she didn’t quite understand what he was saying. I held her hand. My mother asked questions that I tuned out, as the only information that mattered was that my grandmother’s days were short In number. We walked downstairs to sit outside, while my mother went to get the car. My grandmother asked me what the doctor had meant.

“Is there anything they can do?” she asked.

I tried to avoid the conversation. I didn’t want to say it. She pressed me again. So, I answered. She held my trembling hand in her fragile thinning hand and assured me it was ok. She then told me that the world was getting further and further from God. She said she wouldn’t be surprised if Jesus came back before anything happened. The one thing she assured me of, which I already knew, was that if Jesus didn’t come back first, she would beat me to heaven. We lost my grandmother a few weeks later.

A month after she passed, my mother handed me her Bible. It may be one of the most meaningful things I ever received. I didn’t even know I wanted it. It was full of bookmarkers I had given her, the gift note in my handwriting to Josephine Rhyne, when we gave it to her Christmas of 1993. It had a postcard I sent her from Cannes in 1999. There were notes here and there, underlined texts, and passages of importance written on papers folded between the pages.

I treasure every little one of them.

QU OT E S TO C H E W ON :

“The greatest legacy you can pass on to your children and grandchildren is not your money or the other material things you have accumulated in life. The greatest legacy you can pass on to them is the legacy of your character and your faith.” Billy Graham, Nearing Home p. 119 “Wise counsel to the younger is the duty of the aged.” Unknown “Young people are very sensitive to hypocrisy; if they sense it in us, they will dismiss our pretenses and pay no attention to our advice…if they can sense our faith is sincere and our love is authentic, then they will respect us and take us seriously (even when they know we are not perfect.).” Billy Graham, Nearing Home p. 121 C O M M U N I T Y S P I R I T • N O RT H E A S T O K L A H O M A’ S L E A D I N G FA I T H - B A S E D P U B L I C AT I O N

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“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

And I know that same faith continues strong in you...for God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:5-7 NLV. My grandmother’s legacy was not one of fortune or fame, but one of faith in God. She made her share of mistakes, triumphs, and sacrifices. She scolded me when I was frustrated with my mom or my sisters. She reminded me to forgive as I had been forgiven. She taught me every Christian makes mistakes—ones they regret, confess, and are forgiven for

by God. In our last lucid conversation, she told me to go pay attention to my husband, because she always valued relationships in the family and reminded me to cherish the

incredible men I had been given in my grandfather, father and my husband. Her advice was stern when needed but laced with love and beautiful grace all the same.

Goodness. I do miss her. I remember sneaking into “big church” lying with my head or my feet across her and my mom. Oh, if I could go back to those days and soak it all in just a little longer. But truth is—I did soak it in. We soaked it in. Her faith was passed on to my mother. They both passed it to me. I will pass it to my daughter. It will be passed from generation to generation.

However, what my grandmother left for my mother, for me, for my sisters, and her grandchildren and all of her family that we cherish was her living, breathing faith in God. It is a legacy impacting us all for eternity. There is no amount of money and no treasure as great, as the treasure of God her legacy helped plant in my heart.

an accredited author with over 17 books published in 7 languages, and a strategic consultant. He has recommendations and accolades from past students and clients singing his praises for his business strategy and guidance. Above all these things, or rather intertwined into all of these things, he is a man intentionally and passionately following after God.

Think hard about the legacy you are leaving behind.

Whether intentional or by chance, we are all leaving one.

At Community Spirit, we pray yours will be one making an eternal impact on those you love for generations to come. #GoDoBe

I asked Henry about a moment when he felt everything changed for him. What was that big pivotal decision?

Henry said it came in 1970 after a 7-year stint with Continental Can. To get there, he took me back a bit in the story. “I became part of an executive training program at Continental. There were 200 of us in the room. They started the session explaining they only needed a hundred”, said Henry. He continued, “They said ‘We’re either gonna get rid of you or you won’t be able to stand the pressure.’”

Henry followed, “Coming out of the military and college athletics, I was conditioned for stress and knew how to endure. So, I became the youngest key manufacturing manager in a top 50 corporation at the time. I dealt with union groups and some of the toughest mob groups in Chicago.”

So many people spend hours on their wills, outlining every precious thing they own and selecting who will receive what. It’s a thoughtful process and I’m sure filled with love.

Henry’s story continued. At 30, they wanted to send him to New York to be the youngest Vice President in the corporation. He had a big expense account, a big career and a nice salary. But, in 1970, Henry said “My mother, on her little typewriter, wrote me a letter and said ‘You know they are opening a university right in Tulsa called ORU. You have a master’s degree. Wouldn’t it be fun if you would move home?” So what Henry did was not unlike what many of us have done to ward off mom’s pleas. Henry said, “I sat down in front of my old typewriter and sent them a 7-year old resume with my bad typing and my 2.29 GPA.” Henry quipped, “I never thought more about it except that they would write back and reject me. Then, I could make a copy and send it to my mother.” Henry and I both laughed a little about the persistence of a mother.

OH HENRY! DR. HENRY MIGLIORE, A LEGACY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER Isn’t it funny how a well-played game is still best remembered for the plays in the fourth quarter? You play well to get there, but man—when that ball goes over the line in the final seconds for the victory, it’s just a moment.

It’s all you talk about the next day. Eventually you get around to what led there—which was dedication and hard work, but that play feels like a defining moment. If you don’t execute on it—it’s also one of those haunting lost moments of opportunity.

Dr. Henry Migliore likes to reference his life as somewhere between the fourth quarter and overtime. Just a year ago, the doctors were calling in his family to say their goodbyes.

Today, he met me at the Village Inn, because I wanted to understand how at 78, I’ve observed him living with such purpose and building his legacy. Everywhere I go—he’s there. Everyone I meet, he knows. Even while at Mend Medical Clinic and Pregnancy Resource Center one day, I happened to mention talking with Henry. Forrest Cowan said “I know him. He showed up here wanting a desk one day. I wondered who he was. I started looking back through our history as an organization and his name was everywhere. I got the guy a desk to use.”

I’ve only known Henry a few months, but from what I’ve experienced, he’s kind of everywhere in everything. He 24

has this purposeful desire to listen to God’s spirit and to move where he’s led. It’s so intentional. However, with Henry, getting to the conversation you intend takes a little navigation.

Let me explain. Before sitting down for breakfast, he ran into two former students, who were excited to see their former professor (and also kind enough to buy our lunch!). Then, after a brief chat with those gentlemen, the conversation led us to another with our lovely waitress. We started discussing her spiritual battles with fear and anxiety. Before long, we’d invited her to church. It was as if we were longtime friends, exchanging numbers while discussing Henry’s love for pancakes. A few minutes later, the woman sitting behind Henry said, “I almost jumped in the middle of your conversation. I loved it. It was so easy for you to invite her to church.” We discussed her church and her heart for adoption and fostering ministries.

In just about an hour, I felt engaged with much of the restaurant, both staff and guests. I think that’s just what happens when you are with Henry. His love for the Lord and people is infectious. His willingness to listen to the slightest nudge from the Holy Spirit lands him in places not originally on his radar. He exudes the love of Christ and genuinely wants to impact people everywhere he goes. Make no

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“The Migliore family” Henry second from the left.

mistake, it’s not an accident though. Henry is incredibly INTENTIONAL. He sets his mind on things above, opens his heart with his eyes and ears, and charts the course daily knowing full well the Spirit of the Lord might nudge him on a few rabbit trails prepared in advance for him to do. And, he does all of this with severe migraines, lower strength, and a general malaise taking its toll. Henry said, “I just adjust my plan based on my new circumstances and head on as far down the road as I can travel.”

Henry has so much history at 78—it’s difficult to think about how to capture the essence of such a legacy in a magazine article. He’s a record setting athlete, a former Dean of Business at Oral Roberts University (ORU),

Henry continued, “Then 3 days later, Harold Paul called me and started a dialogue. He called every 2-3 days to pray with me.” Henry continued the conversations, as he enjoyed them, but had no intention of taking the position.

Henry said, “He then told me he wanted me to fly out and possibly join the faculty. I told him my parents lived close to the University and I would fly out to meet him, but I was honest. I told him straight out that I wasn’t going to accept the position, but it would be nice to see my parents.”

Henry went on, “The meeting went fine and he offered me the position, but it wasn’t for a few nights later back at home that it hit me. It was about 2 am and I whispered to Mari ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’ She immediately said ‘Yes.’ Then he said ‘We’ve gotta go to ORU.’” Henry chuckled a bit as it seems a bit ridiculous to most when you say it out loud. He took a 50% pay cut, lost his giant

expense account, lost his seemingly guaranteed success path with corporate America and followed God’s spirit in his heart.

Over 40 years later, Henry has no regrets. Henry offered, “You never really know what would have happened. Think of something big like that I might have been spared from 9/11?” Then Henry said, “What I do know is if I had taken a 45-minute train back and forth to work daily, I would’ve missed out on time with my kids. I would’ve probably made more money, but after seeing how the Lord has guided our lives from 1970 until the minute we’re sitting here, it was the right choice.”

Henry came from a Christian home, which really gave him a leg up on his journey with Christ. His mother and father raised him in church faithfully. Then when he was 13 their pastor, Cecil Bolding, started working alongside of him at his parents Western Auto store. Henry said he gained valuable wisdom from his pastor and friend. It really was a mentorship in the workplace, offering Henry even greater exposure to the things of Christ. It’s such a great reminder of the investment we need to make in future generations.

The impact of those interactions can transfer from generation to generation.

May 13 of 2018, Henry said “EMSA fired an alert to family and friends and people are coming into see us in the ER. They had given up and thought I was gone. His granddaughter in law, a charge nurse at St. Francis, made a suggestion and suddenly, the game was going into overtime.” Henry spoke boldly, “The Lord must’ve needed me for something else. I just believe that. I’d love to be the old Henry full of energy going to chamber meetings, being impressive but I can barely function some days.”

Henry said, “I’m hoping my legacy will be that people see I kept moving for the Lord even when it was a struggle.”

Henry said he would want his obituary to reflect that “Henry just hung in there, was giving everything away until the Lord decided he had no more to give.” He continued, “We’re all going to experience difficulties. The real story will be how did each person navigate those steps through the 4th quarter of their life (whatever age that will be) to keep doing what God had for them to do.”

Every one of us leaves a legacy. There will be a story of our lives, our character, our choices. Henry reminds us all that purposefully seeking to leave a legacy for Christ, expanding that into whatever form it takes needs to be a priority. He’s a prime example of continuing that purpose into the 4th quarter—and will one day leave a life with very few regrets.

“It’s a life full of roads you didn’t see coming,” says Henry “but true fulfillment comes when we are ready to follow God’s whisper towards His purpose.”

Henry spends his 4th quarter, which he sometimes jokingly calls his overtime period, sharing these values with everyone he meets. He follows Christ with passion and fervor with headaches that would leave most of us lying on our beds in a bit of despair. He doesn’t want to waste one minute of what God has given him doing less than what God has called him to do. For me, that makes him more than a man of purposeful legacy. It moves him into the category of a very rare modern-day hero.

Dr. Migliore has a book “A Biblical Approach to Life Planning” that you can grab a copy of on his website for $14.99. www.hmigliore.com Email Dr. Migliore at hmigliore@aol.com and he will give you a link to his book. https://youtu.be/1-xePO107IA video for his 4th Quarter Redefined the legacy continues book.

Henry told me that things he now copes with are as simple as that he forgets where he’s going. He said, “If I’m familiar with something I can do it. I did a book signing at Barnes and Noble with a great turnout. I’m sitting there though struggling to even get up.” Henry went on, “The Lord just keeps opening doors up. I go through them—just slower than I used to move. I’d like to think that whatever your story is about me—it is one that encourages others to think about their legacy and to keep going in the direction God has for them. There’s still time. Whatever quarter of life they are in—whatever their struggles, there’s still an impact they can make for Christ.”

Henry says it best himself. “My life is dedicated to living a life of integrity with devotion to my Heavenly Father. I want to be the best family man possible--to be dedicated to my dear wife Mari of 54 years, my 3 children Theresa, Roscoe and Daniel and my 7 incredibly special grandchildren.”

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MARY! MARY!— FINDING YOUR GOD GIVEN DESTINY

record after years of programming on the high school and collegiate levels, professional and doctoral levels, as well as special workshops for middle school and upper elementary school ages.”

Mary’s next project is dear to her heart. She’s working with Dr. Libby Adjei, the superintendent of Langston Hughes Academy for Arts and Technology. It’s a charter school in North Tulsa threatened with losing its battle to remain open.

Mary is working with Dr. Adjei trying to save the school by offering a program about building self-esteem, establishing a cotillion for the students. She wants to teach men how to treat women, how to treat other men, and how to treat themselves. She wants to do the same for women. Mary

Mary Williams isn’t consciously building a legacy, as much as she is living as a modern-day creator of change. She’s been paving the way for racial integration for as long as she can remember, holding positions across Tulsa enabling her to focus on her mission. She’s a woman of been doing it so long that it’s just the essence of her beautiful character. She has a way of making you feel so incredibly special—even when you are trying to focus on the amazing life she lives.

Like many women with those special gifts, she somehow makes you feel as if you have known her all of your life. You just want to share things with her. Our conversation travelled all over the place. She laughed that we had to be careful whenever we talked, as a few minutes could turn into a few hours. I felt special that it might be just with me, but I knew Mary had that effervescent presence with everyone she met.

With her B.A. Degree from Oral Roberts University, Mary is a board member of Greenwood Chamber of Commerce helping to bridge gaps within our city. Mary has been the first, or only African American in positions around the city. She was the first African American to serve as Vice President of the Tulsa Chapter of the Association of Desk & Derrick Clubs, where they promote education around the oil industry. Mary is also a motivated women’s leader, mentor, speaker, writer and more.

Mary has played the role of a successful political campaign adviser, while also implementing the first monthly political community forums for a diverse candidate in North Tulsa. Mary also is the Director for the citywide “Juneteenth on Historic Greenwood,” an event focused on sharing “heritage, history and hope.” We could list event after event, organization after organization where Mary has been leading the way for diversification and change.

Her overall mission is to help others find their purpose and reach their God-given destiny through her Color Me True Workshops she now puts on around the city. These sessions focus on personal and professional growth of the attendees. It’s really an empowerment program fostering identity of purpose and multicultural awareness.

Mary said, “The Color Me True Workshop Program is designed to fit a wide variety of audiences. It provides steps for participants to find their purpose, build self-esteem and take possession of the path God has for them.” Mary continued, “Color Me True workshops have a proven successful track 26

Color Me True Destiny Programs Word Study: True Meekness

By Mary L. Williams What is the true meaning of Meekness? For many who follow today’s standards for success, meekness is an attribute that may leave you on the marginal sidelines of life. Yet, Jesus said in Matthew 5:3 (ESV) that the meek will inherit the earth. But, how? Was Jesus only referring to the millennial kingdom?

Viewing Jesus as a Biblical model, meekness is wisdom and power in demonstration without being harsh or clamorous. It is composure under pressure and silence when others should speak. Meekness is a key attribute of a good listener with confident self-esteem. Many people confuse meekness with weakness. Au contraire mon ami! Weakness allows abuse of power to control the mind, will and emotions out of fear and false humility. Meekness, however, expresses itself with confident composure to do what is right in the face of opposition! Meekness is inherent in the divine nature of a born-again believer.

(Reference Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus describes Himself as meek and He certainly was, yet he did not allow the hypocrites, Pharisees, and wicked people to control Him. A person who practices meekness does

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not allow the adversary to steal the gifts God has given to him or to distract him from their God-given purpose.

As with most things in life, beware! There is a counterfeit. False meekness pretends to be soft and subtle through use of manipulation tactics and domination behind the scenes. False meekness masquerades in fear and discontent. False meekness plants soft nuggets of discord without being out-front and forthright. Open and honest discourse is not a preference for the person who hides behind the deceptive curtain of masked false meekness.

One may ask what is the difference between humility and meekness? Humility is an inner response of the heart and mind. True humility esteems others higher than oneself with unconditional positive regard. Meekness guides and protects the reactions of a humble heart with the infinite timing of wisdom.

Meekness is the outer response of sincere humility.

Therefore, success can be gained on earth through a meek and quiet spirit when the Divine Holy Spirit is in control. There is NO FEAR in true meekness. Meekness is more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus!

said, “If we can learn to treat each other with respect and to respect ourselves, we can accomplish so many things we need in life.”

Mary is a licensed minister and noted as a community servant who believes in the power of prayer. Prayer walking in the community is one of her favorite activities.

She simply walks and prays on whatever God brings to mind. Sometimes she starts the walk with things on her heart, others she prays for people and places she sees along the journey. This amazing focus on time with the Lord is part of what creates such a peaceful spirit in her.

She just exudes love all over the place. You just want to be around her and catch some of that love she’s throwing

around so freely. I have to think that’s a bit of a picture of what being around Jesus was like—and isn’t He our role model for daily living? Mary is simply right on track following in the footsteps of her savior.

Mary said, “When I leave this life, I hope what is left behind me — the work that I’ve given, the work I’ve served — has helped improve someone else’s life.” Mary continued, “It’s a spiritual thing. I get a sense of filling a spiritual part of me, a most important part of me when I help people find their God-given destiny.” I don’t think she has to leave anywhere to know she improved someone’s life. Like most she encounters, mine was improved just in the small time I spent with her. †

Veteran’s Program Dr. Jorge Gonzalez is known for his passion for concierge-level patient care. It is why patients follow him wherever he goes. It’s also why new patients seek him out. When Mike Radke was recruited to work for Dr. G, he didn’t really know how critical his role would be. Mike was given the responsibility as the liaison between the patient, the insurance companies and the pharmacies.

This role was an effort to help patients get the care Dr. G knew they needed. It’s a fight unfit for those battling with neurological conditions just trying to find a path to wellness. They needed help.

That help came in the form of a 24-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Mike was given marching orders by Dr. G to go make sense of an impossible world of paperwork and forms standing in the way of the care his patients needed. Mike said, “We are different here at Dr. G’s office, because we really are about patient care and not the dollars. Dr. G employs me to help facilitate the process to get patients, like the veterans, the medication and care they need.” He added, “It’s a full-time job just trying to navigate the system with them. Imagine if they were trying to navigate it alone. We fully believe we are in this together.

Whether Dr. G is praying in his office to help patients fight their medical battles or entrusting me to do what I’m skilled to fight the battles with the insurance companies with them—it really is the highest level of care.”

Almost immediately in his new role, Mike noticed a more troubling trend in veteran care. Mike said, “Due to some changes in legislation a few years ago, veterans could seek care outside the Veterans Administration medical unit and come into Dr. G’s office to receive needed specialized care.” Mike continued, “As a veteran, who suffered numerous injuries and disabilities from combat, I really appreciated the newfound freedom.” The move was a nice 27

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step; however, as good as the move had been, Mike noticed getting the insurance companies to approve recommended prescriptions and treatments for these patients was next to impossible.

Mike said “Dr. G would diagnose the veteran patient and then prescribe the treatment the patient needed; however, that’s when the mess really started. The prescription was denied; mountains of paperwork and coding ensued, trying to find the path of least resistance to get the patients the help needed.” Mike went on, “For veterans, it is next to impossible to get the right treatments through the system. When disapproved, it then requires a custom authorization created by the same insurance company, who denied it the first time.”

Mike continued, “I was giving the medication briefing for a patient with migraines. Come to find out, the patient was also a combat veteran. We started realizing how much we had in common, even the timeframe of different operations. In the process, I found out he also suffered from migraines caused by undocumented head injuries in the service. As so many veterans know, you need someone who believes you and is willing to listen in order to get the right treatment.” Mike emphasized, “In the service, if it’s not written it didn’t happen. Documentation is a problem. You are so busy and so focused on the battle you are in, caring for yourself becomes the last thing you are thinking about. You are concerned with your comrades first. The military has a bit of a demented or dark sense of humor. It’s common to say demeaning sorts of comments in regard to health and injuries--so you certainly aren’t recording them all. But, just because they weren’t recorded, it doesn’t mean they didn’t happen.”

That’s where Dr. G is different. He truly listens to the causative circumstances explained by the patients and uses that information to diagnose the problems. It’s a nice feeling just to be heard, much less to get the right diagnosis and recommended treatment. It’s unbelievable what some veterans go through just trying to find a doctor who will listen to them. With Dr. G they were heard; he wanted to prescribe the proper medicine to bring relief to the veteran patient, but it would take an exorbitant amount of work to get it approved. Mike said he works through rigorous amounts of coding, submitting and resubmitting the paperwork to get what is needed. Then he added, “There are so many legislative guidelines that have actually become closer to brick walls between veterans getting the proper treatment and the proper amount of quality care needed.”

“So, as I explained it to Dr. G,” Mike said, “I was given the power to go do something about it. It really came down to someone needing to say something. I’m sure lobbyists are talking in Washington D.C., but we never hear it. It really questions the benefit of those conversations in D.C. if I don’t see any needed changes here in Tulsa, OK. This individual with the migraines said he wanted to do something about it as well. Since he and I had that common bond from a battlefield to a chance meeting in the doctor’s office, I could completely understand his plight.” Mike added.

Mike continued, “So, we worked together. I armed him with the information to take this battle up the chain. We discussed the quality and quantity of care in the VA vs a civilian workforce. We selected the medication for migraines, so that we could show individual results as an example of this study. The veterans aren’t a part of these normal drug studies. So, when a medication has the ability to relieve the veteran of something that is chronic and debilitating—it’s just crazy we can’t get it approved.” Mike added, “Migraine sufferers are really the only ones who understand just how life altering they can be. We are incredibly lucky to have a doctor in Tulsa, who specializes in the care of these monsters—and he wants to provide that needed care to the veterans. So, we really wanted to help get this case heard.”

It is obvious veterans want care beyond what the VA system can afford them. If we can’t get the quality of care we need, what was the point in creating the legislation to allow the veterans to step away from the VA in the first place?” quipped Mike. “It was definitely a double-edged sword.” said Mike. “We knew our office had to be sharper than the legislation to push this level of care to the needed level for veterans. It wasn’t going to stop with the freedom to explore other care. It had to be armed with folks like me, empowered by doctors like Dr. G, taking on the system to get that needed care approved and paid for by the system. The VA have traditional medicines but unfortunately those medicines are often dictated by a federal budget and not by the need of the

patient.” he said. “Their physicians care changed but the company that approves the payment of the insurance and the treatments allowed didn’t.” Mike ended.

Mike’s plight was just the beginning. “I had a chance meeting with someone I was able to help bridge that gap. I helped sharpen their sword or figuratively put a bigger round in their gun.” Mike went on, “I fear we are now in a situation where we are just at the tip of the iceberg with different types of care needed for veterans based on the last 20 years of conflicts.” Mike added, “With operations and conflicts such as Desert Shield/Storm, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, those individuals are either retiring or getting older and now their service-connected signs and symptoms need more attention, specialized attention. Now that they can get specialized care outside of the VA—the way they are going to pay for it should be two steps ahead of them and right now it’s five steps behind.” Mike closed, “Veterans need Dr. G and our office to help get us the care we need and the help to navigate the war for coverage. It’s a sword this office is honored to take up in the fight. We never leave anyone behind, and we’ll never quit fighting the good fight.”

Dr. G operates a concierge neurology practice off of 68th and Yale.

He’s also launching 3 new research study for migraine sufferers, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and seizures in 2019. If you or someone you love suffers from any of these afflictions and want to be part of the study, just reach out at research@tulsaneurospecialists.com.

Community Spirit with Dr. Gonzalez’s office reached out and received a great response from Congressman Kevin Hern’s office.

We’re looking forward to watching all of these amazing hearts work together to see what they can do for veterans: “Congressman Hern is the son a of 22-year Air Force veteran, so he had a first-hand look growing up at the many sacrifices that military members and their families make every single day for our country.

Because of this experience, the Congressman has a special place in his heart for helping our veterans.

While we may sometimes disagree on the methods, both sides of the aisle seem to agree that our veterans deserve the best care we have to offer. I believe the thousands of dedicated individuals working on behalf of veterans in our federal system, along with members of Congress from both parties, are always willing to listen to new ideas about providing the best service to our veterans.

Our office, like many, has a full-time staffer focused solely on providing answers to veterans about their benefits, making inquiries on their behalf, and helping them navigate the federal process. We can’t promise outcomes, but we certainly take enormous pride in being able to assist our veterans in any way that we can.”

-Robert Aery, District Director for Congressman Kevin Hern

Student Contest Winner Community Spirit is humbled to honor Miss Molly McKinney from Jenks High School as our Student IMPACT contest winner. Molly will use the $250 to further the development of her website, so that she can sell her products to fund missions project for little children in Guatemala.

(Wouldn’t it be great if a web designer stepped in to help her?!?

Hint. Hint. Nudge. Nudge.)

Molly--We were so excited to meet you and learn about the mission God has you on. You are well on your way to creating a legacy of life lived for Christ. We can’t wait to run your first ad for free when the website is ready to go! Check out the “almost” finished project at www.123pearls.org.

M OL LY ’ S SU B M I S SION :

“The day I stepped onto the docks at Mission El Faro, my first thought was ‘I feel like I’m at home’. Every time I held a child, I was thinking ‘How are you so happy with so little?’ The answer I received was

‘The joy of the Lord is instilled in them.’

From that moment on, God was formulating a dream in me and opening doors for me to live it out. The joy these children have is the joy we all strive to have. 123 Pearls is investing in these children.

Through your purchases, you will be blessing them and preserving a life of joy, love, grace and wisdom that only comes from God. 123 Pearls is giving back to honor God, Guatemala, and can help you fulfill your joyful journey for the Lord.

These kids and that place have been a constant love in my life. They showed me a new and truer meaning of God’s work in places outside of just my home. This is how this has impacted me and now I’m doing what I can so others are impacted through my new mission.

Being able to do labor work in El Faro for only weeks at a time has made my hunger grow stronger to do more.

Therefore, I have taken my resources to help provide life changing experiences for those who feel like are beyond an “everyday” reach.

I’m 17 years old now. My first year travelling to Guatemala, I went with Redeemer Youth at Redeemer Church. Last year, I went with Young Life. Paul Phipps has been my youth pastor for the past five years and now I am a young life leader for him!

Faith. Knowledge. Character.

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