Grace & Glory Magazine April 2024

Psalm 91 (NIV)

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

• Dedicated team members committed to helping all residents thrive and stay engaged

• Dedicated team members committed to helping all residents thrive and stay engaged

• 3 daily nutritious meals & snacks

• 3 daily nutritious meals & snacks

• Weekly housekeeping and laundry services

• Weekly housekeeping and laundry services

• Group trips and indoor/outdoor activities

• Group trips and indoor/outdoor activities

• Specialized in home services (approved by physician)

• Specialized in home services (approved by physician)

• Safe and comfortable living environment

• Safe and comfortable living environment

• Music therapy & Art therapy

• Music therapy & Art therapy

• 24 Hour on call Registered Nurse

• 24 Hour on call Registered Nurse

Infinite Legacy

@infinitelegacyopo @InfiniteLgcyOPO

@infinitelegacyopo

April is National Donate Life Month. Infinite Legacy shares the inspiring and triumphant story of two friends with one shot at saving a life. Infinite Legacy also educates us on the “ultimate gift of compassion” and answers the most frequently asked questions about organ donation.

20 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

Pastor Rhoda Turner

Dreams Never Die

24 MONTHLY MANNA

Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon

Spring Cleaning Your Life: 7 Tips For a Fresh Start Pgs 8-13

Healthy Soul

22 NEW DAY FRESH START

Brandie Manigault Daily Devotions

30 HEAVEN’S BREAD

Pastor Patricia Saulsbury I’m “Just”

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps

EDITORIAL

Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Min. Carenda McCray

Brandie Manigault

Dr. Denyce Daniels

Rhoda Turner

Siobhan Saulsbury Ericka J.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

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Contributors

DR. CARLA DEBNAM

Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.

BRANDIE MANIGAULT

Brandie Manigault is the Co-founder of Healing Voice Ministries, Co-pastor of Ecos Church, and the author of New Day Fresh Start. Of all of the titles she has and hats she wears; her favorite is wife and mother. She is a firm believer that love wins and is passionate about the health of the soul.

MIN. CARENDA DEONNE

Min. Carenda is an Author, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and TV Personality. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Law Degree (Mediation and Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Min. Carenda helps individuals and professionals rise above their circumstances by detoxing emotionally. Carenda believes Emotional Management Equals Life Management. Her new book, 12 Rounds...How to Detox Emotionally and Win, is scheduled to launch 2024.

DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.

PASTOR RHODA TURNER

Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure. Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.

ERICKA J.

Ericka J. is a Baltimore Native Radio and TV Personality Media Mogul. Ericka J. is a community activist who is very passionate about carrying on the legacy of her mother the late Rev. Sandi Johnson. Ericka J. is also a sought-after hair stylist and fashion icon.

Siobhan Saulsbury

Siobhan Saulsbury is a financial ally. She inspires believers to transform their financial legacy for the benefit of future generations. She teaches on God's guidelines to financial success and health in a relatable and tangible way. Her signature phrase is "Make Good Choices"!

Keep The Faith

We are only three months into the year and so much has already happened. This year is a true test of our faith. We are being bombarded daily with so much that is happening in our communities, our cities, our country, and the world at large. There are wars and rumors of wars, crime that is out of control, disappointments, heartaches, and fears of what is going to happen next. In spite of all of this we are to keep moving forward, we have to, we can’t give up now. We have to stay strong and keep the faith. As we look back over everything that is going on in our lives, our society, and our world, I’m sure we all can say that God has never left us alone. And if we stay strong and keep the faith, the Bible tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

I believe that the key to being strong and keeping the faith is to know God for yourself, in other words, you need to have a personal relationship with God. Usually when you have a personal relationship with someone it starts with a foundation of trust. Trust is the first building block of establishing a relationship. You want to be confident that the person you are in a relationship with is trustworthy. One of the best ways to establish trust with someone is to spend time with that person and to become familiar with their character. So it is with God, we build our trust in Him the same way. When we spend time with God we become familiar with who He is and we become familiar with His character.

Knowing God for yourself is an exciting journey and you can start that journey by first spending time in the Word of God. Reading God’s word can stimulate and build your faith. There was a reading campaign whose slogan was, “The more you read the more you know”. Reading God’s word and knowing God’s word is rewarding and has wonderful benefits.

As part of the journey to getting to know God we must also spend time in His presence through praise and worship. God’s word tells us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). When we worship God we tend to develop His traits and character. When we worship and praise God we honor Him for who He is.

Another part of our journey to knowing God is spending time in prayer. The word of God tells us that we should always

EPPSJackie

pray and to pray without ceasing. Prayer is how we communicate with God and how He communicates with us. We express our thanks, our faith, our love, our trust, and our hopes to God in prayer, and we receive from Him answers, assurance, guidance, peace, strength, power, and revelation. (Matthew 7:78; John 16:13; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:17-18)

Once you have established a relationship with God, it will be easy to trust Him with your whole life. It will be easy to stay strong and keep the faith no matter what comes your way.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10

Peace and Blessings . . .

James, left, and Russ, right.

Two Friends, One Shot at Saving a Life

54-year-old James Harris and 42-year-old Russ Redhead first met 10 years ago through a mutual hobby: they both played pool. More specifically, they met in a pool competition where the prize was an all-paid trip to Las Vegas, which they both wanted to win. When it was time for the two men to square up, James came in with a 20-point handicap and made the most of it. Although it was a tight game, he ended up beating Russ and eliminating him from the tournament. Russ didn’t take kindly to this, and went so far as to write a scathing Facebook post about James.

“I was like, ‘who is this guy?’ I had never seen him, never heard of him before, nothing. He's a good shot, you know? Oh, was I mad at him. It’s very competitive and we’re all passionate about how we play so it can get tense. But once I started to hang around James at other pool tournaments and chit chat with him here and there, I realized he’s actually a really good guy.”

-Russ

As “enemies” eventually became friends, James was privately dealing with chronic kidney disease. He had been diagnosed with the condition in his 20s but it was slow to progress through the years with no real disruption to his life. James kept the disease at bay until he got COVID-19 in December 2020 and became severely ill. His wife, Denise Epps-Harris, convinced him to go to the emergency room at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), where it was revealed his kidneys were functioning at critically low levels.

Doctors said it’s a good thing he came when he did, as in their assessment, he wouldn’t have survived another day at home. James was then placed on dialysis and put on the national transplant waiting list for a kidney and would undergo multiple surgeries as he waited for the call that a kidney would hopefully be donated from a deceased organ donor in time to save his life.

Meanwhile, Denise, who was James' primary caretaker, became a volunteer at Infinite Legacy, the local nonprofit organ procurement organization that saves and heals lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Denise was doing everything she could to raise awareness about organ donation to help those waiting like James. On her own time, she was also reaching out to family and friends encouraging them to consider going through the process to see if they could be a living kidney donor for James. She even posted about his need for a kidney donation in the pool group on Facebook, and one day found herself talking with Russ at the pool hall.

“Russ had come down from Pennsylvania for a pool tournament, and we were just chatting about James, and I realized, ‘oh, I thought you knew, he needs a kidney.’ Russ didn’t know, so he started asking me all these different questions about what the requirements were to be a living donor. I thought he was just being curious, or what have you.

Then he said, ‘I'll do it.’

I'm like, ‘do what?’

‘I'll be his donor.’

And I just started crying, right there in the middle of the pool hall. He gave me a hug and said, ‘it's okay. It's okay.’”

-Denise

Russ began the process right away to see if he was a match for James. He had a series of appointments and tests before the kidney team at UMMC determined he was indeed a match!

James and Russ playing pool the night before the transplant.

“I didn’t think I would be a direct match; I figured I would enter a kidney exchange program and that someone else would get my kidney and James would get a kidney from someone else. I still would have donated if that was the case, but I thought it was even better that I was a direct match…that's neat, you know?

I’ve been asked why I would do this for a pool buddy, but…I feel like it's just the right thing to do. The way I was raised is that if you put good out into the world, the world catches on and it restores a little bit of hope in other people. If the roles were reversed, I would want somebody else to step up for me. I still believe in humanity, we just need a little push sometimes.”

Moments before the kidney donation and transplant, Denise explained how she was feeling.

“Before all of this happened, I didn’t know much about organ donation. I thought registering to be an organ donor was just a nice thing to do. But after being thrust into this world and seeing firsthand that it actually saves a person's life, after meeting other people who have either donated or received a second chance…it's a no-brainer. It's okay to be a donor, it really is.

Today is like a new season in our life. It's been a long, long road. Knowing my husband has the opportunity to live longer and for us to grow old together means the world to me. Russ is my angel, my brother. We're family now and will be forever and I can't wait to see all the blessings that will be bestowed upon him for doing something like this for us.”

-Denise

-Russ

After relying on dialysis treatment to keep him alive for three years and two months, James got word that he would finally receive his lifesaving kidney. The date was set for February 8, 2024.

Russ hugs James in a final sendoff before surgery.

James and his wife, Denise.

As James and Russ were being prepped for surgery, James said with Russ in ear shot.

“He's a great guy to do something like that for a friend who he didn't even like in the beginning. I don't know how you thank somebody for doing something like this. I wouldn't know what to say to him. But thank you. I don't think he realizes how much it means to me to have my life back.”

-James

On February 8, 2024, Russ donated his kidney to James at UMMC. The transplant was a success and both men are recovering well.

In 2023, 6,953 more lives were saved through the generosity of

Living donors don’t have to be related to their recipients. On average, 1 in 4 living donors are not biologically related to the recipient.

Kidney disease affects an estimated 37 million people in the U.S. (15% of the adult population; more than 1 in 7 adults).

1 in 3 adults in the U.S. (approximately 80 million) is at risk for kidney disease. Approximately 90% of those with kidney disease don't know they have it.

via kidney.org via unos.org

More than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. 85% of them are waiting for a kidney.

17 people die a day because the organ they need is not donated in time.

You too can save lives like James’. Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor at infinitelegacy.org.

more inspiring

The Ultimate Gift of Compassion

One organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance more than 75 lives through tissue donation.

For Latrice Price, senior community outreach specialist for Infinite Legacy, promoting education and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation isn’t just a job—it’s a purpose. When asked for the one-word reason why she supports donation, her answer is simple: religion. “All religions believe in the act of giving,” she says. “It is the ultimate gift of compassion.”

Latrice works closely with clergy and the faith community to make sure that people understand the truth about organ donation and the impact it has on recipients in need.

Did You Know?

“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you.”

(Deuteronomy 16:17)

In eternity, we will not need our earthly bodies.

An average of 17 people die nationally each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.

“We can enter Heaven without having every part of our bodies present.” (Mark 9:47)

“Heal the sick...Give as freely as you have received.”

(Matthew 10:8)

Every nine minutes, another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.

“...since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” (John 4:11)

DEBNAM Dr. Carla

Hello Spring!

Welcome to a new you, new season, new vision, and new experiences. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because of the new life it brings with it the budding flowers, the new blades of grass, the blooming cherry blossoms, and the expectancy of a fresh start. It signifies resurrection, springing forward and bouncing back from the winter season. It can be invigorating as we embark upon spring cleaning, updating our wardrobe and envisioning the fresh and new opportunities that are just around the corner. Graduations, weddings, and other springtime events also point to new beginnings. We get to shake off the gray, dull and sometimes depressing aura of winter and ease into the fresh, different, and unchartered season ahead. Not only is there freshness in nature’s atmosphere but also it can be newness in our spiritual, emotional, and physical being.

Take advantage of spring by making the most of this time of extended daylight by spending it in nature and carving out time to engage with family, friends, and activities that enrich your spirit. Open up your heart and mind to the potential for something more than you have become accustomed to so that you are ready for whatever comes your way.

This is one way to get what you desire but you must also take advantage of this time to renew your relationship with God. Spring is the perfect time to refresh and restart after your time of reflection and sacrifice during the Lenten season. Pondering your next move is in order after prayer time, and a desire to fulfill your purpose may be rejuvenated as well.

This is an opportunity to make the most of the time and grace that is offered during the spring. Revive your thoughts, desires and dreams and let them take on new life in this new season. Remember, it’s spring, a time to renew, refresh and refocus.

Rhoda

Dreams Never Die TURNER

I was asked to speak at a Women’s Pastoral Conference this month. I said yes! But I was terrified it’s very difficult for me to speak in front of peers especially in front of women who have pioneered the walk that I’m currently on. When I was in prayer, I asked God to give me a word that went with the theme “Dream Again” that will inspire and touch the hearts of the ladies that would be in attendance on that day. He did! The word that He gave me caused me to ponder and reexamine some things in my life. When I’m given a word, I always see how such word applies to me at that moment. The word caused me to examine the dreams that He gave me, it caused me to question have I let that dream die or am I walking in it. Joseph was the dreamer, the parable in the Bible about his life is a favorite of mine. If you don’t

know the story of Joesph read Genesis chapters 3750; there is where you will find the given dream and the journey.

While I’m in conversation with God I had to pose the question about the Dream dying with me. I wanted to be sure that I’m fulfilling the purpose that He placed me on this Earth to accomplish. I was reminded that where I am now, is maybe not in the magnitude that I might have imagined, but I’m doing the daily work so that I can get to that magnitude. Sometimes we allow the journey to derail us wondering if the dream is big enough, if it can be accomplished or achieved, and I think that’s what I was doing. I was stuck on the process and achievements and not seeing that I’m accomplishing what He would have of me. Don’t allow the enemy to make you think that you aren’t doing the dream that God gave you. Joseph’s dream almost cost him his life. He didn’t stop dreaming. He kept the pursuit.

Understand that the graveyard is full of dreamers some people allowed their dream to die with them. What you are meant to do is what God has given you to do. Can a dream change? Yes! My dream changed but in actuality it stayed the same, it just took a different path. I’m willing to stay on this path of my dream as well. We are all here for a purpose. But the only thing that stands between you and your dream is YOU! Start small and watch it grow from there, Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” The Bible says in James 2:20, “That faith without works is dead.” Don’t forget to do your part after the dream is given, the work is needed and required so that the dream doesn’t die.

• Dream the dream.

• Apply the work.

• Reap the reward.

Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org

Brandie

Manigault

DAILY DEVOTIONS

(Excerpts

from NEW DAY

FRESH

START- by Brandie Manigault)

DAY 1

There will be times when a request is made of you from people who you know do not like you and mean you no good. In fact, they may even have a campaign out against you and go out of their way to discredit you, make you look bad, and try to persuade others to join their “team”. These are people who you may feel have no right to ask anything of you, but in these instances you must oblige. For the sake of your integrity and overall peace, you must grant their request. As hard as it may be, you have to be the bigger person during these times and treat them like Christ treated those who He knew for certain were ‘anti-Jesu’, merciful, forgiving, loving, peaceful, and gracious.

Challenge: Today challenge yourself to not automatically reject the requests made by your enemy. Show them the love and compassion of Christ.

Matthew 8:31-32

So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine.

DAY 2

Let’s not be discouraged if all the good that we are doing is not received well by others all the time. There will be times when we will want to help our family and friends, but they do not perceive our help as being help. They may view it as us trying to change them or make them conform to a way of life that they do not want. Change cannot be forced. Some people are not ready to change; it is not convenient for them. It has to be welcomed, accepted and embraced. If people do not receive our help, we must accept that it is ok, knowing that we had good intentions and did what we felt was right in our heart. Just consider it a seed sown in their life to be watered by someone else at a later time.

Challenge: Today challenge yourself to keep sowing seeds of help; love beyond the rejection and to try not to take it personally.

Matthew 8:34

And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

DAY 3

It’s time to start peeling back and dealing with the layers of the person you have become by default. Past seasons have left you broken, and you have learned to function with this disability. You didn’t mean to become bitter and angry. You didn’t start out a skeptic and pessimist. You never had trust issues, but somewhere on this journey you were hurt, let down, and disappointed, and at that point you began to change in subtle ways; so subtle that you didn’t even notice it. Now you look in the mirror and don’t recognize the person looking back at you. You are not happy with you, and you don’t know why or how you got to this place. The good news is that today is a great day to start over. It’s a new day, and you don’t have to be the person that you don’t want to be. Today you can make a change.

Challenge: Today challenge yourself to view the world through the untrained eyes of the person that you desire to be; give people a fair chance; see the good before you see the bad; trust before you disqualify. Be the you that you want to be.

Matthew 9:16-17

No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

DAY 4

Sometimes you just have to talk to yourself! No matter what the situation looks like and no matter what other people are saying about your situation, there will be those moments when you have to say to yourself, “I am better than this.” “This thing won’t be me.” “I am who my Daddy says I am.” Your circumstance may give you a visual of a defeated you, a sick you, or a depressed you, but you know better than that. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are healed and whole. Your sins are forgiven. You are worth it. Voices that say otherwise are just distractions to keep you from seeing you the way your Father sees you, and to keep you from going after greatness.

Challenge: Today challenge yourself to talk to yourself! Remind yourself that you are healed. Tell yourself how wonderful you are. Speak highly of yourself to yourself and drown out the noise of the world.

Matthew 9:21-22

For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

DAY 5

When we were called by Jesus to follow Him, we weren’t just called so that we could be good people and live a nice life. We were given a God-given ability to change lives. There is a time to sit at the Master’s feet to learn from Him, but then there comes a time when He sends us out into places that need what we have received while being with Him; a chance for change. The great part about being sent out by Jesus is that He equips us to do the work. He doesn’t leave it to us to have to figure it out. He gives us the power to speak into the lives of hurting people and to pray for the sick and see results. He molds us for the assignment.

Challenge: Today challenge yourself to say “yes” to be sent out. Leave your comfortable spot at the feet of Jesus and go do the work He told you to do.

Matthew 10:1 (MSG)

The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.

Deonne Min. Carenda

Spring Cleaning Your Life:

7 Tips For A Fresh Start

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring offers us a chance to rejuvenate and refresh our lives. Just as we tidy up our homes and clear out the clutter, spring is the perfect time to declutter our minds, bodies, and souls.

When I think about ways we can Spring clean our life, it makes me reflect on the importance of taking care of our heart. I don’t know if you ever stopped to think about how much your heart has carried and healed from over the years. One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” I hope you find these seven tips motivating and inspiring.

1. Declutter Your Mind: Start by decluttering your thoughts and mental space. Practice mindfulness meditation to clear your mind and reduce stress. Write down your thoughts in a journal to help organize your thoughts and gain clarity.

2. Cleanse Your Body: Spring is a great time to cleanse your body and adopt healthier habits. Start by eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise. Consider doing an emotional detox or cleanse to rid your body of toxins and boost your energy levels.

3. Refresh Your Relationships: Take stock of your relationships and make an effort to strengthen the ones that matter most. Reach out to old friends, spend quality time with family, and

nurture your romantic relationships. Let go of toxic relationships that no longer serve you.

4. Organize Your Time: Use spring as an opportunity to organize your schedule and prioritize your time. Make a list of your goals and priorities for the coming months and create a schedule that allows you to focus on what’s most important to you.

5. Renew Your Spirit: Spring is a time of renewal and growth, so take this opportunity to renew your spirit and connect with your inner self. Practice gratitude daily, spend time in nature, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

6. Simplify Your Life: Simplify your life by decluttering your physical space and letting go of possessions that no longer serve you. Embrace a minimalist lifestyle and focus on what truly matters to you.

7. Set New Goals: Use the energy of spring to set new goals and aspirations for yourself. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or making a career change, spring is a great time to act towards your dreams.

By spring cleaning your life, you can create a fresh start and set the stage for a fulfilling and joyful year ahead. Embrace the season of renewal and transformation, and let it inspire you to create positive changes in all areas of your life.

Min. Carenda Deonne www.stress-easy.com

Ericka J.

Gospel & Entertainment

Sandra Crouch

On March 17, 2024, Sandra Crouch, Gospel Singer, Songwriter, and Pastor, died at age 81. She was the twin sister to Gospel Legend Andre Crouch, whom throughout her youth she performed with back in the 60’s, her brother proceeded her in death.

Throughout her career, she won a Grammy and received several nominations for her contributions to contemporary gospel music and choir music. She also worked in production and contributed to other genres as a studio tambourine, percussion, and background vocalist for other artists and collaborated with stars like Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, Madonna and Janis Joplin. In the 80’s Sandra’s debut solo album saved the iconic Light Records Label from bankruptcy and won her a Grammy in 1984, giving up timeless gospel hits that so many churches still sing today, “He’s Worthy” and “Magnify The Lord (We Sing Praises)”, then in 1985 “Completely Yes”. We salute you Queen for all you’ve done for the Kingdom and Gospel Music.

Jamal Bryant

This year marks 24 years since Dr. Bryant founded Empowerment Temple and while he’s currently in Atlanta pastoring the thriving New Birth Church. Empowerment Temple is standing strong under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert Turner. So, to celebrate and commemorate Empowerment Temple’s Founder’s Day, Dr. Bryant is coming home!

On Monday April 15, 2024, at 7pm, all roads lead to Empowerment Temple AME Church, 4217 Primrose Ave., where Dr. Bryant will be bringing the word in true Jamal Bryant fashion unto the Glory of God as only he can!

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy

Hot off the press a new single by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy titled, “UP, UP, UP” now available everywhere you get your music digitally. In addition, they are headed on the road with the “I Got Away Tour” which will also feature Pastor Mike Jr., Deitrick Haddon, and Bri Babineaux. And guess what it’s being sponsored by McDonalds, and GUESS WHAT, General Admission tickets will be free‼️ However, you have to purchase VIP tickets if you want to be VIP.

Brandon Camphor and One Way

NEW MUSIC ALERT! BC & One Way have released a brand new single, titled “Hymn Medley” which is a celebration of hymns we grew up on with a contemporary spin and awesome instrumentation, it’s so clean y’all, and the vocals are amazing! It is currently available on all digital media platforms, and make sure you check out the music video as well on You Tube which is also simply amazing!

News

Good Times Cartoon

I don’t think y’all understand how excited I was to find out that one of my absolute favorite cartoons growing up which I still watch reruns of THIS VERY DAY, is being rebranded as the 4th generation Evans Family coming back as a cartoon on Netflix and will premiere on April 22nd! I Can’t Wait to check it out!

Chester Burke

DMV’s Own Chester Burke & Company have released a brand new single titled “Grateful”, these singers are SINGIN on this song, and one of my all-time favorite singers, Sunday’s Best Season 6, THE Terrill Hall is the featured vocalist on this song,

“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com

Sandra Crouch

Jamal Bryant

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy Brandon Camphor and One Way

Good Times Cartoon

Chester Burke

I’m “Just” - Judges 6:15

Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard quite a few messages about how God used people who seemingly didn’t have too much to offer anyone, in their eyes. To them, they were “just” a shepherd, “just” a kid or whatever it was they happened to be. No matter what it was, they didn’t view their role as being important or of having any real value. That makes me think about how I used to see myself. When my husband and I got married, we made the decision that I would be a stay-at-home mom as long as we could manage on one income. He said it was his desire that I be at home, taking care of the kids, keeping house, and having dinner ready when he came home. Now, that may sound condescending or chauvinistic to some, however, it was music to my ears. Even as young as 12 or 13, my heart’s desire was to be a wife and a stay-at-home mom.

Three years after our marriage, John joined the military and we left Delaware and moved to Ft. Knox, Ky, our very first duty station. While there, we met other military couples who didn’t all view our choice the same way we did. This is when seeds of doubt and uncertainty were planted in my life. Whereas we had both been comfortable and confident in the choice we’d made about me staying at home, now I began to waiver. I didn’t share my thoughts with my husband at that time, but they were definitely there. After Ft. Knox, then came Germany. There, I met some wives who weren’t just working, but they were in high paid positions with these awesome titles. When they’d ask me what I did, my answer was always, “I’m just a housewife.” If I looked on the outside the way I felt on the inside while answering that question, they would’ve seen defeat, embarrassment, and shame. I was comparing myself to them and in my eyes, I was a total loser. They were making money. I was making clothes for my girls and myself. They were able to go out to eat every night if they so desired. I cooked at home every day, with an occasional meal at a restaurant. They drove luxury vehicles. I drove

(NLT)

a VW Rabbit. The more I compared myself to them, the more I fell short, in my eyes.

Well, just like I was selling myself short, that’s what Gideon did in the book of Judges. When the Midianites were terrorizing the Israelites, God spoke to Gideon and told him that he had been chosen to be the deliverer for Israel. “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15 NLT) In other words, Gideon was saying, “I’m just....” Just like God used Gideon to deliver Israel, once Gideon stopped looking at himself through his own eyes and began seeing himself the way God saw him, He has used me. No, He hasn’t used me to deliver a nation from terrorists but let me tell you how He has used me. God has used me to not only teach my own children to read and write before starting school, but also other people’s children as well. He has used me to teach young women how to be good wives and mothers. He has used me to pray for those who are in the workforce, whether by choice or necessity. Most importantly, God has used me to share His love to those who feel unlovable, unwanted, and unnoticed, whether it be at an airport, in Walmart or at a gas station. He has turned my “I’m just a housewife” into “I’m just a housewife who’s meet for the Master’s use.”

Father God, I pray today, no matter what position we find ourselves in, that we will realize You desire to and can use us just as we are. Help us not to compare ourselves to, be envious of, nor judge others. You’ve called some wives and mothers into the workforce and some to stay at home, with neither group being better than the other, but rather needing each other. Help us to realize this and to be productive as Your daughters in whichever direction You’ve led us. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Thyroid Disease

Many of us watched the television documentary on Wendy Williams. You may have been as shocked as I was about her appearance. Her eyes were bulging, she was severely underweight, and her behavior was erratic. You might have asked, “What is going on with Wendy?” The popular television personality seems to be in poor health. Wendy Williams has hyperthyroidism or Graves disease. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and makes too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism.

Increased thyroid functioning often occurs in people 20-40 years of age. The exact cause of hyperthyroidism is unknown. Conditions include viral or bacterial infections, menopause in women, and thyroid inflammation. Researchers consider hyperthyroidism to be an autoimmune disorder. The body spontaneously will secrete excessive thyroid hormone. Sometimes, the thyroid gland will enlarge. Excessive growth can cause the gland to secrete too much hormone. Smoking is also a risk factor in the development of hyperthyroid diseases.

The thyroid gland is a small, bow-shaped gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid produces three main hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. These hormones affect almost every organ and body function, including heart rate, muscle activity, the digestive system, brain, and bones.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are related to the organs and functions influenced by thyroid hormone function. Individuals with hyperthyroidism complain of feeling hot and experience heart palpitations. Other symptoms include weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, frequent bowel movements, hair loss, hand tremors,

increased appetite, sweating, irregular menstrual periods, mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, depression, and feeling out of control. Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly and can be mild or severe.

Wendy Williams also has exophthalmos, a condition where the eyes bulge and protrude from the eye socket. The eyes become irritated, red, and dry. This is related to excessive thyroid secretion.

Iodine is an element needed to regulate thyroid secretions. The salt that we use to season our food is bonded to iodine. This process helps to decrease the incidence of thyroid disease in America.

Complications of an overactive thyroid can be severe. Individuals may experience thyrotoxicosis or a thyroid crisis, resulting in delirium, high fever, hypertensive crisis, and a heart attack.

Treatment of hyperthyroid disease is varied. Antithyroid medications containing potassium may be prescribed to suppress hormone secretion. Radiation therapy is used to shrink the thyroid gland and decrease the release of thyroid hormones. Surgical removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland, thyroidectomy, is the treatment of hyperthyroidism. A small incision is made at the base of the throat to remove the thyroid. Individuals then need to take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of their lives.

Many of Wendy Williams’ behaviors and idiosyncrasies can be explained by her diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Let us pray that Wendy receives appropriate treatment for her condition to allow her to live a healthy life.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University

DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

healthytips025@gmail.com

Saulsbury Siobhan

Tip 1

Many times we don’t even take the first step toward reaching our financial goals because of how the process might look or feel. Understanding that you won’t be perfect from the beginning and recognizing that not everyone will be on board with your choices will allow you to take that first crucial step. Let NOTHING hold you back from changing the financial legacy of your family!

Tip 2

Looking for a little wiggle room in your budget? Here are a few things you can take a look at to save a few bucks. Find free or inexpensive ways to have fun, sleep on the decision to make a purchase in order to overcome the “impulse” to buy something you may not need, make sure you actually use everything you’re paying for and that it’s worth it, and lastly get food and drinks at home more often. Are there any helpful tips or tricks you’ve learned along the way that help you keep a few extra dollars in your pocket?

Tip 3

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” ― Colin Powell #discipline #mindset #selfcontrol #giving #saving #spending #habits #goals #financialgoals #financialfreedom #legacy #wealth