Transformational 4Real - Vol 1. ; Issue 2; September 2020

CONTENTS 04

From the desk of Pastor Al Sims

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Interview with Dr. Eion Greaves

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Out in the Kitchen Garden by Michelle Smith-Forde

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Smithblends by Michelle Smith-Weekes and Shola Smith

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Trending in September

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Poetry Corner by Sharon Weekes-Alleyne

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Discipline: The Best Way Of Correcting Your Child

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Our tribute to Zoe by Lisa Jibril

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Trendy or Transformed by Ashleigh Jones

by Claricia Harley

Contributors

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Apostle Dr. Eion Greaves Claricia Harley Lisa Jibril Ashleigh D. Jones Pastor Al Sims Michelle Smith-Forde Shola Smith Sharon Weekes-Alleyne

From the Editor-in-Chief’s Desk:

Donna Jennifer Royalty Ross As I sit down to write this article for a second issue of Transformational4real, I began to think of how awesome and powerful our God is—awesome and powerful because He would allow me, who was not even looking for Him to be one of the messengers in this end times. This magazine is and will be dedicated for you to see victory in the lives of our friends and our family transformed.

Transformation begins when we recognize that our minds must be renewed. We must get to the place where we choose not to be conformed to this present world but become transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then and only then can we see the full manifestation of what God has called and ordained for us to do before the foundation of the world.

Transformation begins when we decide the conformation to this world does not provide intimacy with God. We are called to be intimate with God by the transformation of our minds. Years ago, there was a commercial that said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” A mind is truly a terrible thing to waste, especially IF we are not trusting in the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

My own transformation continues, as I continue daily to give myself over to God so that He can use me in the way in which He wants to. I read Rick Renner’s book “The Purpose-driven Life” and in the first paragraph, if not the first sentence, the author writes, “It’s not about you.” What do you mean it is not about me? In this world where we think everything centers around us, what a quick reality check when we are told, or should I say when we see it in black and white “it’s not about you.” What a sobering thought and a sobering statement. It is truly not about us. It is the way in which

God is using us to glorify Himself in the earth realm.

The decision is ours as to where we want to be or whether we choose to be “conformed” or “transformed.” Because God made us free-will agents, we can choose what direction we want to take our lives in. God says in His word, “I have placed before you life and death; choose life.” Therefore, we will not be able to stand before God and tell Him that He did not give us a choice. When someone puts negative and positive before you and tells you this is what it is, it is left to you to make the decision—to choose what direction you are going to go in. As I continue to let God use me to publish this magazine Transformational4real, I purpose in my heart, as I join with those sent by God, to bring transformational material always before you.

The things of this present world, COVID-19, political agenda and motives, mankind becoming lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God, falling away from the church, etc., are all things that have to happen before the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Know that every article is from a chosen vessel of God and is needed for this present season. We come before you and are purposing only to give to you what God has given to us to say. We are giving ourselves away to God so that He could use us. Will you join us in allowing God to transform you 4real?

To God be the glory as we continue this journey.

From my heart to yours, I am Walking in His Scandalous Grace,

Donna Jennifer Royalty Ross 3

Editor-in-Chief GodzMouthpiece

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Pastor Al Sims Senior Pastor of Bethesda Church of God, Sumter, SC

FAITHFULNESS: GOD’S LOVE LANGUAGE --------------------

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ome years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled, “The Five Love Languages.” This was a tremendous help for couples trying to find what characteristics were appealing to their spouse. This book revealed many strong and weak points in relationships but also helped a person positively identify what would make their spouse happy or even happier. With that in mind, I believe that successful and fulfilled Christians have a “relationship “with Christ. We are not in a religious arrangement but literally in a relationship. As most people know, a relationship needs to be cultivated and worked on continually to make the necessary improvements that would cause love to go. After years of pastoring and observing people, I have come to the conclusion that God really does have a love language.

Now we know that God is love. God is the embodiment of love, so I believe God is interested in our making our love relationship with Him improve and flourish.

What turns God towards us? What makes God perk up when He thinks of us or hears from us? I believe

it is faithfulness. The word faithful means loyal, constant, and steadfast. That definition seems simple enough for us to accomplish but so often we are the opposite. We are loyal, if it is convenient, constant when we are on a high and everything is going well, and steadfast whenever we are not facing opposition. The Apostle Paul had every right by human standards to be less than faithful. Listen to his resume. According to Second Corinthians 11:23-33, he was in ‘prison, frequently flogged severely, five times, receiving 39 lashes from the Jews, three times beaten with rods, three times shipwrecked,’ and the resume goes on and on. Paul was tested. Would he be faithful, “steadfast, constant and loyal “or would he be like so many others, just a “fair weather Christian?” Well, Paul chose the faithful path.

In Acts 20:24, Paul stated his position as he declared “but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the

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grace of God.” So how does all of this apply to us? I believe that faithful people, and by that, I mean faithful in prayer, reading and studying of God’s word, faithfulness in church attendance, tithing, and any other area that brings honor to God, definitely turns God’s heart to the faithful person. When faithfulness happens, divine favor will find you!

Things will start being added to you!

As it is written in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” When a man and woman find their love languages, great things happen in their relationship.

When a person finds love, God’s love language, great things happen multiplied many times over. God is waiting on you to turn His heart more toward you through faithfulness.

My pleasure to interview you Apostle Greaves:

Interview witH

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Dr. Eion Greaves

To answer your first question. I will say I was born in Guyana and lived there until I migrated in 1998, to the USA. I have been singing since I was five years old until this day. I went to Bible school at age nineteen and did a BS in theology and MA in professional counseling. I have been married for thirty—three years to Gwyneth, with four adult children and two grandchildren. I have been in the ministry and served for over thirty-five years to date and recorded three international

albums. And I am still writing to this day with a book on its way.

Your answer just gives us a synopsis of your life. Could you break down somewhat for us what happened from five years old, and about your Bible School age?

At age five to about eleven, it seems like, other than school and trying to be a child, I was the entertainment for my family and friends that would come to the house being the fifth of nine children. I was casted between two age groups and to my brothers and sisters, I was somewhat the life of the house and at the same time inquisitive. My mom and dad always called me old because for some reason I would be found with older people either singing to them or encouraging them. I was called by the older folks “the conversation boy.”

My dad and mom told me at birth there were scales over my eyes, and I was always deep in thought and wisdom hence the gift I now operate in. Between the ages twelve to eighteen, my discovery began when I first appeared on the most popular children TV program

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called “On Show Young Guyana” which took place every Friday and aired on Sunday morning. I was approached by what was then known as the youth division run by the government of Guyana youth sport and culture with a string band who asked my parents to have me be a part with supervisions and they did. This gave me my First National appearance to perform at the cultural center, which pushed me into the spotlight from performing at school concerts to singing with popular string bands and traveling professionally throughout the country and overseas.

During this period, I earned many awards musically and represented Guyana at the Caribbean Song Festival after winning the local competition. All of this put me deeper into the band and party life that was short-lived after I joined a church and later headed to Bible School for three long years. During my band and party life, two near-death experiences led me to church and that led to the life and message I now carry—The Kingdom.

Many times, when I hear you speak, I hear “Kingdom” and “kingdomminded.” Tell us about religion and Kingdom.

Religion is man in search of God by human efforts. Kingdom is a lifestyle imputed to us at creation but must be acknowledged and worked out daily through demonstration.

What are the differences and how important it is for us to know the difference?

It is important for us to know the difference between religion and kingdom because our life depends on it and our destiny is determined by it. Kingdom is a mandate given to us to execute in the earth, but religion is doing good things hoping we will be seen by men and God. The titles upon you are many. Do you stop to ponder upon the number of

assignments that God has given to you? It goes along with the scripture “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Titles are just endorsements given by man or embraced by man, but an assignment is more important. A title that is on you is proven by demonstration and fruits; our primary purpose is to live the call and not just have the call.

How do you handle all the different people that are constantly seeking to hear your heart?

Those who desire to hear my heart are many but I have learned where to put people in my life so I can properly help them. Not every question from everyone deserves an answer from you; that is why I developed the art of ‘listening more, talking less.’

When did you realize the gift of music — your psalmist abilities?

My gift of music was a God-given blessing that runs through the family. I believe I was called to be a prophetic singer that we now call a Psalmist; it was pointed out to me about thirty years ago in the church I served in Guyana.

I ask the same question about your prophetic anointing. Did you see it coming?

The prophetic anointing of ministry was always there in the form of conversation and being inquisitive but made the connection when it was first put to use in a worship service where God opened my eyes to see something and I started singing it and eventually spoke it out and the rest is history.

What are the things in the ‘Kingdom of God’ atmosphere that grabs your attention the most?

What grabs my attention in the Kingdom of God is integrity not giftedness because what builds a ministry is wisdom not skills

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alone. The leadership I am attracted to is one with both skill and the Spirit.

Was there a specific incident or circumstance that was pivotal in you knowing or deciding with determination that “for God, I will live and for God I will die”?

I miss death and have been rescued from many dangers that made me decide to live for God because nothing else is worth dying for. My motto in life is this and whoever I can touch and improve, I tell them, “If you don’t see a model, be a model.” Whatever you are complaining about, the answer is in you; discover it.

As God continues to position you in the lives of many, what would be the “thing” that you want to impart the most?

Kingdom is the ministry God has given to me and I intend to mentor and impart all that God has given me to the next generation. In other words, work out of a job. Bettering someone is making you better.

Apostle: It was my pleasure interviewing you. I am excited about where God is taking you and I wish you God’s richest blessings as you move forward doing the things that God has called and ordained for you to do and be.

By. Michelle Smith-Forde Out in the Chellegarden Kitchen Garden I was born in Georgetown Guyana, a place where everyone had a backyard garden. I migrated to the United States when I was 10 years old and lived in Brooklyn all my adult life.

My first experience with gardening was seen in my mom having her small kitchen garden in good conditions. She always had something growing in planters because we lived in an apartment building. After my husband and I purchased our first home in Brooklyn, we had a very small backyard garden. Certain parts of Brooklyn are known to be food deserts where fresh fruits and vegetables are in limited supply, but fast food restaurants are in abundance. Fast foods are high in salt and unhealthy fats which definitely are not good for our health. For years, that garden produced so many vegetables and herbs from June to September and we were also able to grow winter crops for a few months into December. We harvested okra, tomatoes, garlic, cabbage, kale, and swiss chards.

Four years ago, we were relocated to Florida, now we have a larger area to grow our foods. My garden is strictly organic, and we make our own compost from our food scraps. Currently, we are working on building our soil to provide more nutritious food. Our growing season here in Florida is basically year-round but we have to be mindful of what we grow at what period of the season. For example, tomatoes do not do well in very hot sun, so we have to plant our tomatoes in the beginning of the season and then again towards the end of the season when the weather is a little cooler. We have several tropical trees—we have mangoes, guavas, sapodilla—including several different varieties of bananas, hot chilies peppers, sorrel and several varieties of tea plants.

Gardening is my joy, plus the benefits of our bountiful harvest. Growing a garden makes access to healthy nutritious foods accomplishable. I know where my food is coming from and how my food is grown. Starting a garden is not for everyone but there are some programs that you can find in your area. They are monthly CSA (community supported agriculture) you can join so that these healthy foods can make it to your table. Check with your local farmer on how to become a member of a “CSA”.

If you have any questions, get in touch with me on my Facebook page, Avenue K Garden and my IG account @chellegarden.

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Entrepreneurs on the Grow:

Michelle Smith-Forde and Shola Smith

Smith Blends

We are featuring Smith Blends Tea as our first of Entrepreneurs we are expecting God to grow and do mighty things in their Businesses.

Smith Blends was born in late 2019 by a Registered Nurse, Michelle Smith, with a natural gift for gardening and her daughter, Shola Smith, who is a Branding and Marketing Executive. Having a late-night motherdaughter conversation, it was a no brainer as we had discovered we were sitting on one of many family businesses.

With deep Caribbean heritage, hailing from Guyana, South America, The Smith Family grew up watching our Matriarch, Clarice “Winnie” Smith mix tea blends for her daily immunity boosting regimen. Not only do we want communities to take control of their health and wellness, but we also want to share The Smith Family’s tea tradition with the world.

“Every tree was designed to heal, and every leaf was created for medicine.”

Both mother and daughter are being particularly vocal about this idea and are watching as God does great things in and through them.

With Love,

Michelle & Shola SmithBlends Founders

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TRENDING IN

SEPTEMBER September 1, 2020

Eat right, bite right. We are what we eat. Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are being challenged in their eating habits. Help us to not allow food to keep us in bondage.

September 10, 2020

Let us make time to pray for those who our adversary the devil, is bombarding their thoughts with inadequacy, fear, doubt, and anxiety.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we bring before You those who are being daily bombarded by the lies of the enemy. May they begin to understand that You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you, amen.

September 21, 2020

We thank God for sending Jesus, to become our Prince of Peace. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for giving to us the peace that surpasses our understanding. May we continue daily to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, amen.

– National Nutrition Week.

World Suicide Prevention Day.

International Day of Peace.

September 21, 2020

World Alzheimer’s Day

September 21-27, 2020

Deaf Awareness Week

September 29, 2020 World Heart Day

There must be a recognition of why Alzheimer is attaching itself more and more to God’s people. Father, You and You only know the direct link to mankind and Alzheimer. We ask Father, in the name of Jesus, that You begin to show us how to strategically use your Word to cancel Alzheimer’s from Your people, amen.

As we stop to acknowledge Deaf Awareness Week, we must understand that God is greater than deafness. Father, in the name of Jesus, we acknowledge You as the Master Physician and we know that You hear us as we endeavor to speak to deafness and command it to leave Your children, amen.

World Health Day is observed annually to inform the world about heartrelated diseases. Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray that we continue to let others know of Your power and authority given to us to speak to every heart condition. Help us to boldly declare that heart issues must take its leave when we begin to declare Your name against it, amen.

Look forward to October, when we will continue to let you know what is trending.

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POETRY CORNER

God’s Gift to us Sharon Weekes-Alleyne His Gift to us.

He left a place of splendor And He came to earth and surrendered.

His life that we might live again.

Upon Calvary’s Cross He cringed in pain Because of our sin and shame He carried all our grief and blame So, our lives will never be the same Let’s accept forgiveness freely.

For us He died, for us He cried Not my will but thine be done He accepted the call and He died for us all He paid the price, became the sacrifice.

Oh, that spotless Lamb Who’s the Great I AM Became sin, so we could enter in, to His home on high, far beyond the sky Let’s choose where we’ll spend eternity.

With open arms upon that cross He suffered so that none should be lost Yes, He made a show openly. For Satan and the world to see Redemption’s Plan fulfilled for you and me Oh, accept His love willingly He gave His life so none should perish It is a gift we all should cherish.

One that we cannot repay.

So do not delay, for today is the day, accept Him I pray It’s a gift you should choose, or your life you will lose.

If you continue to live recklessly.

Joy Belle 10

Short snippet of Sharon Weekes-Alleyne (interview to follow in another issue) Sharon Weekes-Alleyne originally from Guyana and who is now residing in Canada always wanted to be an educator as long as she could remember. She always looked out for the less fortunate and would direct or take them to her home for help. She accepted Christ at age thirteen and served and loved working in Kingdom Building. She was the youngest to graduate from her Church’s Sunday School Teachers Training and one of the youngest to travel around Guyana singing at Crusades, Camps, Churches, Concerts, Radio Programs locally and overseas on Radio Antilles. She backslid but returned stronger with her passion for singing and writing poetry. And after a few years of teaching at a Christian School, she managed a non-profit for ‘at risk and vulnerable’ youth/children and their families in collaboration with UNICEF and USAID and also taught children, youth and adults in the evenings who could not read. After migrating, she studied and graduated in Social Work and works in the Education System and continues to write poetry, songs and devotionals along with spending time in prayer hearing from God and doing His bidding.

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Discipline: The Best Way of Correcting Your Child By. Claricia Harley I have been at my wits end with how to discipline my children. Do I give them a stern talking-to, timeout, or spanking? I have come to realize after speaking with my pastors, my family, and my church family, that each of my children are different and they all respond to different types of discipline. I must do what works best for each child because they are individuals.

I need to figure that out so when it is appropriate to discipline them, I can do so.

There are days when I feel as if I gave no self-control and I lose my temper with my children. I get that awful pit in my stomach after I have said something harsh to them because I was upset. That is, the last thing I would want to do is provoke them lest they develop ill feelings toward me.

My intention is to discipline them so they are prepared to make wise decisions on their own, they can be lawabiding citizens when they are older, they themselves can be trustworthy, be wellmannered, etc.

I love my children more than I could describe and I want them to know I love them through my loving correction.

It is because I love them, I correct them not because I want to boss them around. I do not enjoy yelling at them, putting them in timeout or spanking them. Spanking is extremely rare in our home mainly because we like to resolve the misbehavior and get to the root of the

issue and spanking does not normally yield those results, we want. I know they are still young and learning so I must correct them as needed. They also need to learn that rules are important, and they must be followed.

Since each of my little ones has different personalities, we of course discipline them differently. As to our oldest child, she normally tends to respond better when we talk with her sternly or sit her in timeout. Our middle one, we are still figuring out the best method of discipline that suits her personality. So far, we have tried all methods with her, and she does not respond to any of them. We are not sure if she is too young to understand or just trying to test our patience, ha-ha. We will continue to work on her.

Our youngest is still an infant so she has not misbehaved yet, but when that time comes, we will have to see what works for her.

Our number one resource for discipline is the Bible.

However, there are a lot of helpful books out there that provide discipline or parenting advice which is biblical. I recently found this book “Parenting with Loving Correction: Practical Help Raising Young Children� by Sam Crabtree and will be purchasing it. Also yielding some sound advice from loved ones and close friends can also work. Trying different methods and techniques can often get you to the place you want to be with your children.

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To all of the mothers who have dealt or is presently dealing with their Baby in Heaven:

Our tribute to Zoe Lisa Jibril

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ven though this short poem was given to me during a difficult time over 17 years ago, I have hidden these words in my heart. Who knew that my journey into motherhood would begin with loss? I remember when we decided to try, and I found out I was pregnant, my heart moves on the joyous experiences to come— going to the doctor appointments for my monthly check-ins, discussing my child’s progress, preparing myself for morning sickness. All new, exciting expectations and experiences, I greatly anticipated in becoming a mother. Think of the late-night talks with my husband on becoming parents and him enduring the dictates of a pregnant woman and the endless ‘honey dew ‘ list.

But I received disturbing news; our baby had a birth defect called an omphalocele. An omphalocele is when an infant’s intestines, liver or other organs continue to protrude out of the abdominal wall. In development, the organs normally will develop and then seat neatly in the abdomen which then closes.

For nine months, I carried you under my heart.

You were our precious jewel, right from the start.

You are a special gift from above, Ordained by God, conceived by our love.

You will always be our little girl.

Worth more to us than the rarest pearl... ~ Anonymous

Our daughter’s did not. Now, I had to face the realization that my journey into motherhood would not be a normal one. My husband and I could only trust God. I would like to say we marched victoriously through, but the truth is, every step taken during my pregnancy was with the strength of God—we moved as if sustained on the right and left

by God. We staunchly objected the coercion of our doctor to terminate the pregnancy. At one checkup, he looked at my husband and asked who he was. Undaunted by his godless bedside manner, my husband looked him in the eye emboldened by the peace of God and stated, “I am her husband and father of the child.”

On May 5, 2003, she was born and immediately was taken to major surgery and survived it. We believed she was a fighter and constantly declared each daily event as a ‘little victory.’ Little victories are what I and we believed in. As the doctors daily brought grim news, our little victor continued to prove them wrong. I withdrew to only connect with my closest friends, who would actively, prayerfully stand in faith for the healing of my daughter. A month later, on our anniversary, Zoe ArielMikayla passed even when there were discussions of her potentially coming home. I believe one of the contributing factors of her death was medical error. I discovered our

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daughter was one of three infants that passed in that unit that same day. Two of the families brought suit against the hospital. One family sued the hospital for one dollar because they wanted to make sure it would never happen again. We did not seek legal action, possibly numb to the loss of our beautiful, Zoe. My journey into motherhood involved me laboring in prayer, fortifying myself every day for good news and then bad news about my beloved Zoe. Circumstances had cruelly diverted me from my motherhood journey.

As we buried our daughter, I faced the internal struggles. A band of expectant mothers with similar due dates accompanied me on motherhood journey. How do I face them? How do I rejoice with them when instead of laying my firstborn in a bassinet or crib, she lays in a coffin? All their children were born healthy with no issues. I remember the days leading up to her funeral—a heavy heart, a room painted, an empty crib, weeping at the base of Zoe’s crib, sustained only by the undeniable, presence of God’s Grace. Never say to a woman who loses a child, “Well, you can have more children.” This statement is insensitive and doesn’t consider the nine months of anticipation, the welcomed discomfort, and the planning experiences. To make such

a statement is as if one has ordered something at a restaurant and an associate flippantly remarks you can reorder again if it comes out wrong.

Please understand; I wanted that one, the one I lost. The one I carried.

It was implied that we sinned and therefore God saw fit to take our Zoe from us. This type of cowardice comments made it really hard to deal with the grieving process. How do you grieve to and with my God when others indirectly imply that your God has judged you for your sin? This quote captures the action of those who make assumptions and never understand the full details of the matter.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful” ~ Meg Wheatley.

I thought about what other church members were thinking. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I learned that kind of thinking doesn’t align with the principles of God. But it was some of the thoughts I experienced.

My questioning thoughts continued, “[But why] God, I rearranged my life to serve, I was at every church meeting, I have given tithes, offerings, special offerings...attended at every church, so God why me?” The real question here was why not you? Later, I realized with the help of my husband that God’s sovereignty was explanation enough. I stilled myself and rested in the fact He is sovereign. I don’t have all the answers, I don’t have a complete explanation as to why. But, if I say I trust God, then I am to trust God in all things. I am constrained by the sustaining truth of His word that says in Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Many called to provide encouragement.

While they would just cry, I found myself comforting them and reassuring them it would be alright.

I, Lisa, held my head high and never showing my hurt, vulnerability and disappointment. Why? Only in her nursery, just sitting there would I weep and cry and question and spin in my head the actions leading to these consequences. The calls stopped and no one would speak of her. Our baby girl Zoe Ariel-Mikayla was forgotten by others, but never by me. She was named, has a birth certificate and gravestone. The following Mother’s Day, May 2004, a church member proceeded to ask me to be involved in Mother’s Day completely blind to the reality I lost a child a year prior. My husband viewed it as insensitive and expected more from the church sisters who promoted sisterhood and unity. I proceeded to support the church event and carried the burden of being a mother with no child. For the next two to three years, I was to listen and adjust to watching those same women talk of milestones and raise their children before my very own eyes while preventing my heart from being embittered toward God. This was my motherhood journey. In my experience, I learned three things as I experienced the loss of my Zoe, my initial journey in motherhood.

1. You are not flawed. Stop blaming yourself for the death of your child. You are not flawed because of the outcome.

People are uncomfortable talking about death and dying. People are concerned because they don’t know what to say. I believe if we talk about death and dying, it will not leave individuals with wrongful thinking of blaming themselves. Talking is one healthy way of combating symptoms of depression.

2. Allow yourself to grieve. We grieve differently. We experience misfortune differently. Allow yourself to heal; don’t seek to comfort others who are only

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bystanders to your tragedy.

You need to be given emotional First Aid, stop and be aided. The grieving process might take a month or a year depending on who you are. You must allow yourself time to grieve. Grief can take you on a different pathway if you allow it. The ache will always be there—what ifs, what could have been. It takes time to heal.

Talk, talk and talk some more which will help with the healing process. It is okay to talk about your loss even when it makes others uncomfortable.

3. You are loved by God. Romans 8:38–39 declares “ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Losing your beloved doesn’t separate you from God’s love. No ignorant accusation, implied, whispered assumption or falsely preached declaration will separate you from the love God has for you.

As a believer in the Living Christ, I have discovered that being a follower of Christ, your faith will sustain you when faced with trials and tribulations. Those moments serve as signposts or monuments in your journey as experiences with God that strengthen who we are in Christ.

Don’t be silent about the troubles you experience and face. None of us lives a pristine untouched life.

Speak up and out. Your story will help someone during their time of trouble. We are all here to help one another.

Trendy or Transformed

By Ashleigh D. Jones

F

or many years, people of God have been able to be easily identified based on what they wore. People have used many different forms of symbolism to declare to the world that they are followers of Christ. Some people adorn themselves with jewelry that represents the crucifixion. Others use bumper stickers and license plates displaying scripture or other well-known church vernacular.

Some may even encourage it based on the fact of wanting to prove they are not ashamed to be affiliated with their faith. There are even churches that sell or provide their members with attire showing their emblem and their location. Many stores and boutiques earn a sizable profit selling T-shirts, mugs, books and all other sorts of religious memorabilia.

Each time we decide to use these materials to promote our faith, we must recognize that people will identify us by what we are wearing. It shouldn’t just be a way for us to spot out other Christian brothers and sisters for networking opportunities. If we are wearing a hat that says “Jesus Saves,” are we ready, willing and able to witness to our fellow man?

1 Peter 3:15 gives us a charge to be prepared in all scenarios. We should always have an answer for questions about the hope that is within us.

As trendy as some of these religious materials are, we must be careful of a very dangerous trend that is rising among us. There are T-shirts and other memorabilia displaying messages that are sending various mixed signals. One can simply go onto their internet search engine and type in ‘I love Jesus but...’ or ‘I love Jesus and...’

These materials display messages that allow people to add whatever it is that they desire to mix with their faith. One is I love God and whatever type of worldly music. Various other genres of music promote profanity, vulgarity and illicit sexual behavior.

We must always be careful what we watch and listen to. These are all things that we should biblically take a stand against. Another one that has

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become very popular is “I love Jesus, but I cuss a little.” Saying you love Jesus among many people would identify you as a Christian. However, letting people know you like to use profanity whether a little or a lot can send a very misleading message to unbelievers. If as believers, we think it is okay to wear a shirt that seemingly justifies our desire to hold on to a tiny bit of our sinful nature, where does that trend end? Would we in turn be offended if someone decided to wear a shirt that says, “I love God, but I snort cocaine a little?”

Would we feel unsettled if a fellow believer wore one that said, “I love God and pornography.” We would begin to deal with an issue that many of us struggle with amongst the body of Christ. That would be the issues of big sins and little sins.

We could start the debate on if using profanity isn’t as bad as a drug addictive habit.

No matter our take on what is bad, good or worse, we must keep in mind that in Hebrews 21:1, God gives us the wisdom to truly change and transform. You can come to God with whatever your ‘I love you and or but’ is. Through prayer and meditation, God will show you how to rebuke strongholds and set aside the sins that easily beset us.

Donna Jennifer Royalty Ross books

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