Grace & Glory Magazine December 2022

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Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:7-14

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

pgs 8-11 Brooks Clinton Center is a business and facility that brings people, communities and families together as well as assisting them at their greatest time of need. Their facilities include two hall spaces, offices and rooms. The Brooks Clinton Center uses the halls and facilities for events such as repasts, fundraisers and outreach. Whether it is financial, moral or spiritual support, Brooks Clinton Center vision is to “Bring Our Community Together One Family At A Time”.

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

Tracey George

Dr. Denyce Daniels

Rhoda Turner Season Bowers

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.

ELDER TRACEY GEORGE

Tracey Nicole George is an ordained elder. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.

MIN. CARENDA DEONNE

Min. Carenda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law degree from Regent University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, and declaring God's word through the power of love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door to self forgiveness and restoration.

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.

SEASON BOWERS

Season Bowers- is a Pastor, radio host, and Joy bringer! After spending over 20 years as a professional actor on stage, the Lord called her into full-time ministry. Season is passionate about releasing freedom and joy to the Glory of God in every way she can everywhere she goes.

Don’t Stop Believing

It’s Christmas. . . a time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, these are the sights and sounds of Christmas. As the world celebrates the holiday may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us his Father’s love and compassion for everyone. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23

The Christmas season comes at a time when you may have mixed emotions about the year coming to a close. This has been a challenging year all around the world, to say the least. But I encourage you, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Don’t focus on the year gone by, purpose in your mind to celebrate the season with your whole heart. In spite of the economy, the recession, unemployment rates, and politics . . . believe. In spite of disappointments, heartbreaks, and the loss of loved ones, still believe.

Believe what you may be asking? Well even one of the largest retail giants in the country “Macy’s” uses ‘Believe’ as their holiday theme. I’m not sure what they are asking you to believe; but I’m admonishing you to believe in the all wise God. Believe that God is an in spite of God. In spite of wars and rumors of wars, the threat of terrorists and all of the unrest in the world today, in spite of what it may look like or how it may feel, believe God is still in control. Believe that He sits on the throne and He is King of all kings and Lord of all. Believe that God has this whole world in His Hands. Believe God loves you unconditionally and is on your side. Believe still that God is who He says He is and there is no other beside Him.

In Luke Chapter 1, Mary the mother of Jesus was told by Gabriel that she would conceive a son the Lord Jesus. “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” Mary took Gabriel at his word and believed the word of the Lord. “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy

EPPSJackie

word. And the angel departed from her.” In spite of the odds and what Mary knew in the natural, Mary believed. Because she believed we have a living Savior. A living Savior whose birth we celebrate every year at Christmas.

Purpose in your mind to make this your best Christmas ever! This Christmas look up into the Father’s face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift. When it’s all said and done the best Christmas ever is knowing that you already have the perfect Christmas gift, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Eternal life and endless joy are parts of the gift.

Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the holiday season. Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. This holiday season honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was born to save all mankind and was sent to give us a hope and a future. Jesus Christ came that we might have everlasting life for all those who will believe. Don’t stop believing in him! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Q&A - Brooks Clinton Center

G&G: Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. is joining us again to talk about another business venture they spearhead. In our previous interview with Brooks Clinton, we talked extensively about their funeral services business. This month, we are talking about an outreach venue started by James Brooks and Kenyatta Clinton. What is the name of the center and where is it located?

Brooks Clinton: We would like to start off by thanking Grace & Glory for speaking with us again. The support that you have shown the Brooks Clinton Brand is appreciated. Our center is simply called the Brooks Clinton Center. It is located at 9990 Liberty Road; Randallstown, MD 21133. It is housed in Kings Point Square Shopping Center at the far left of the mall. We share the mall with other small businesses that impact the community.

G&G: Would you share with us the vision behind Brooks Clinton Center?

Brooks Clinton: Brooks Clinton Center is a business and facility where we use our space to bring people, communities and families together as well as assisting them at their greatest time of need. Our facilities include two hall spaces as well as a large lobby, offices and rooms. We use the halls and facilities for events such as repasts, fundraisers and outreach. On certain days, we rent out the halls to assist in our efforts of giving back to the immediate and surrounding communities. While anybody can rent a hall or room at Brooks Clinton Center for a variety of events and programs, whether formal or casual, we will strive to increase, sustain and expand the resources available to us and bring awareness to the challenges that plague our communities. Whether it is financial, moral or spiritual support, Brooks Clinton Center vision is to “Bring Our Community Together One Family at a Time.”

We are thankful that our first point of contact to accomplish our mission and to see our vision unfold are the families that we serve at Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. We make it a point to allow the families that we serve see that our relationship with them continues after the funeral. It continues through our mission and vision at Brooks Clinton Center. Ironically enough, our first encounter with families that use the funeral home is not at the point of death. Generally, they have already been impacted through counseling, bereavement, events, drives and fundraisers conducted through Brooks Clinton Center.

G&G: A community center helps fulfill certain needs and demands of the community. What did you determine those needs to be in the community you are serving? What were some of those needs and demands?

Brooks Clinton: The Clinton and Brooks families grew up in Baltimore. In order to determine the needs of the community, all we had to do was go back and remember the needs of the community where we were raised and grew up. The result was that we see a lot of the same needs and demands now that we experienced back then. With thanksgiving to God, we are just in a better place to advocate for the communities in we once lived. Brooks Clinton Center is constantly looking for sponsors and committee members that can volunteer time and donate towards our community ventures. Speaking to individuals in the neighborhood, the people need a trusting community. With proper funding from our sponsors, Brooks Clinton Center can help us to consistently provide food drives, toy drives, community events and fundraisers to assist with remembering loved ones that passed as well as the families impacted by a

loved one’s passing. The demands of the communities we work in are having community representatives show up and help. They made promises during their elections. The community we serve would like to see those changes become reality. That’s the demand! Brooks Clinton Center will bridge the gap and be a facilitator for the community. We strive to be the platform and catalyst of meeting the needs and demands of our communities.

G&G: What services do you offer at the Community Center? Does the community center provide support and resources to the community, such as classes, workshops, etc.? Brooks Clinton: Brooks Clinton Center works hand in hand with churches, pastors, the local NAACP and, of course, Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. We are not selective in who we help, but our resources continue to increase. However, with what we have and where we intend to be as an organization, Brooks Clinton Center strives at its very best to help the communities that we work with daily. The services we provide through our partnerships are growing. We can provide support and resources through monthly food drives (while supplies and donations last), annual Back to School events where we give away food and school supplies, holiday Thanksgiving Drive where we provide families holiday meals and our Christmas Toy Drive in December. Numerous families have reached out to us for support with coats, toys and food during the holidays. We would like to assist them all but need more sponsorships and donations in order to succeed.

In addition to grief support, comfort education, group sessions on grief and professional development, Brooks Clinton Center provides the community with crime and violence awareness. In order to live in a community with record-setting statistics of crime and violence, we make it our business to make the community aware of it. Until change comes and community violence is nearly eliminated, the community must be aware of what is going on so that they can know how to be safe. There is a difference between being safe and knowing HOW to be safe. On December 10, 2022, Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. in collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department, NAACP Baltimore County and Kingdom Community Development Corporation

will have its first Gun Buy Back from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Kingdom Worship Center: 6419 York Road; Baltimore, MD 21212.

Working in the funeral service industry, we have seen murder numbers by use of handguns skyrocket. The rate at which children are having handguns in their possession or bringing them into schools is increasing. As a community, we would like to assist our minorities with education and support of knowing the risks in choosing gun violence. Our goal is to reduce gun violence numbers by BURYING GUNS: NOT LOVED ONES!

Instead, we are asking communities to properly dispose of their guns. In return, money will be given depending on the type of gun. Unfortunately, we have not received much support from the businesses in the community. Some people do not see a point in reducing the number of firearms in the community. We would really like the representatives and elected officials of our community to be more involved in events like these. We need them to volunteer their support and show the community and businesses that they care about the community like we do. If anyone would like to support our Annual Gun Buyback, all the details are on the back of this month’s Grace & Glory publication.

Lastly, we currently give consultation on a volunteer basis in conjunction with Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. With the knowledge we have obtained, we pass it on to others whether it is through entrepreneurship, shadowing a mortician or to even learning how to set up and break down an event hall. If someone would like to go to school to become a mortician or a funeral director, we will help you with and through the process with the expectation that you will work under us for at least two (2) years after you graduate from mortuary school. We do not want an individual to go into the funeral service industry or managing of an event center blindly. Trial and error were our best teachers. Hopefully, with the knowledge and expertise given by representatives of Brooks Clinton Center and Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A., we assure any inspiring individual that they may not have to go through the same struggles.

G&G: What activities or organizations could benefit from utilizing space in Brooks Clinton Center?

Brooks Clinton: Any organization or activity

can benefit from utilizing any one of the halls at Brooks Clinton Center. There is the Brooks Gold Room and the Clinton Platinum Room available for rent at reasonable costs or sponsorship to our community, partners and friends. Any church, community association, fraternity, sorority, club, or family will benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities and accommodations offered by Brooks Clinton Center. Whether you would like to have a meeting, convention, church celebration, wedding, party, repast, etc., Brooks Clinton Center is the place to host your event with elegance and style…all while having our community in mind. In addition to events, if any organization would like to host their weekly meetings or club events, reach out to us at Brooks Clinton Center so that the doors of our center could be open for you to occupy and even partner with us. From the elegant halls and rooms to the rich color schemes, beautiful chandeliers, sconce and LED up-lighting, epoxy and ballroom floors, let’s just put it like this: everyone can benefit from utilizing the Brooks Clinton Center.

G&G: How does a person or organization go about utilizing space in Brooks Clinton Center?

Brooks Clinton: If you would like to utilize space at Brooks Clinton Center in Randallstown, feel free us at 410.921.2004 or email your inquiry to brooksclintoncenter@gmail.com. Please include your name, type of event, the desired date of event, best phone number to contact you and the number of guests you intend to have at the event. Someone will respond and request additional information and provide pricing. You can also find us on the Web at www.brooksclintoncenter.com as well as on all social media platforms: @BrooksClintonCenter. Come on and call us to schedule an appointment to visit and tour our facilities with one of our representatives. Our halls, rooms and spaces are like no other. A representative can also advise you on how you can support our events by sponsoring a hall space. By sponsoring a hall space, you contribute to one of our upcoming events such as our Annual Gun Buyback, holiday toy and food drives, S.T.A.N.D. (Stand Together Against Narcotics and Drugs), mother & daughter brunches, father & son basketball tournaments, or mentoring meetings for boys & girls through support, proper etiquette, and modeling. The list goes on. Feel free to call us to get more information.

G&G: Do you believe that the Brooks Clinton Center ultimately benefits the Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A.? Please explain?

Brooks Clinton: Absolutely! Brooks Clinton Center benefits the Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. Our goal in starting the Brooks Clinton Center was to make sure that each entity could work together for one greater cause: COMMUNITY! The whole idea of the Brooks Clinton Center was to be a strong support to our funeral service. The funeral service desired not to only deal with the community when death occurs. That agreement came with a promise to partner with the community during their abundant living. While Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. is in existence to provide funeral and cremation services to bereaving families, Brooks Clinton Center can meet the needs of the same people and families while their eyes are still open. Brooks Clinton Center benefits Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. because Brooks Clinton Center can provide other resources to the community when they will need it the most while they are still here.

Brooks Clinton Center benefits the funeral service because the community now has a resource that they can reach first instead of just a resource that they will use in the end. Brooks Clinton Center helps by bridging the gap between life and funeral service. Some of the greatest families that Brooks Clinton Funeral Service, P.A. has serviced has been because of their community involvement and connection with the Brooks Clinton Center.

G&G: Are there any future plans for the Brooks Clinton Center?

Brooks Clinton: We are in the process of expanding Brooks Clinton Center within the next couple of years. With proper sponsorships, we hope to include training in grief counseling, mortuary science and how to start a funeral service. Our future plans include scholarship programs, counseling programs, job training, as well as balls and events to help cultivate our young boys and girls for adulthood. In the very NEAR future, Brooks Clinton Center will be expanding from Randallstown and West Baltimore into southern Baltimore County where we can facilitate our community involvement even further. Stay tuned for more details as they unfold!

Dr. Carla

DEBNAM

A Reason To Rejoice

What a year. We have lived through a time of political, racial, public health crises and community violence. There has been so much coming at us that sometimes we did not know one day from another. This tension and testing have drained many of us and have caused some to become anxious, depressed and feeling hopeless. The current events may be troubling, but we have not fully succumbed to the mood of the moment. Somehow even amid covid, conflict and confusion we have found a reason to rejoice. We are not rejoicing because of what we are going through. We are rejoicing despite what we are going through. There are reasons to celebrate no matter what is happening around us. Philippians 4:4 encourages us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV). This does not mean we ignore our feelings or suppress our hurts. It means that

joy can be found near us because it is within us. We can shift our mindset when we intentionally seek to find “there is a bright side somewhere”

as the old hymn reminds us. The bright side may not be found in the moment of our distress, but it is discovered when our prayer for peace is answered. The bright side can be when a family member we were estranged from gives us a call. The bright side can be in the conversation with a friend or the encouragement from a coworker. The bright side is closer than we realize and that is a reason to rejoice.

We have a reason to rejoice because our hope is not in people, positions, politics, or promises. Our hope is in Jesus, Immanuel, God with us! Our hope is in remining connected to the vine as John

15:7 reminds us, “If you remain in me and my words remain in

you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (NIV). Our hope is not this present world but in our eternal home. Our hope is in loving, forgiving and blessing those who despitefully use us. This does not mean we continue to let them abuse us, but we pray and keep it moving. Our ability to rejoice again in times like these is supernatural and amazing. The joy of the Lord is our strength and that enables us to rejoice. God can shift and transform our minds, hearts and souls as we feast on His word, fellowship with other believers and follow those who follow Christ. You and I can rejoice again because we have hope in the one who brings us joy and in the words of the angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV). Rejoice again because peace is promised to those that believe.

Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

BOWERS Season

PROMISE KEEPER

Are you a promise keeper? Does it make you crazy when people don’t keep their promises? Unfulfilled promises can cause great disappointment, even anger and pain. As children, the promises of our parents hold a lot of weight. I didn’t have any children of my own when I married my husband. We met, and married ten weeks later, and I became an insta-mom to his three daughters who were 6, 8, and 10. Talk about a crash course in parenting! Being a mom made me quickly aware of the words that came out of my mouth. The casual statements, “Sure, we can go get frozen yogurt after school” or “Yes, we can go see the puppies at the store tomorrow,” weren't quickly forgotten! “You promised!” would ring out from the backseat. Yes, I did, and I wanted to be true to my word. I wanted them to trust me.

Our Father in heaven always had a plan to fulfill His promise to His children through the gift of His son. In fact, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all in on it. That promise sustained the Israelites for hundreds of years. It saw them through hundreds of years, through the wilderness, wars, famine, captivity, and silence. While the Israelites waited for centuries, the Lord was faithful and loving to reveal that plan in various ways, through many people, and at the right time, it was fulfilled through the birth of a baby. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise of God to His people.

Jesus didn't only bring freedom and joy to the Israelites. Isaiah 49:5-6 indicates that while Jesus was in the womb the plan was for him to also be a light to the Gentiles and all people to the ends of the earth. He fulfilled a promise to you too - a promise you may not even know you were waiting for. His birth brought joy to you by answering your cry to be saved. The Lord heard you. When you lost hope, he answered. When you cried out in fear, he answered. When you were abandoned and alone, he answered. He answered you by being born.

The Father's one and only son entered this world to save you. While you may not have felt it at that moment, your cry for help was heard and answered. Even though that answer came over 2000 years ago, it is supernaturally effective in this very moment—as if in your exact moment

of need the baby Jesus was born just for you. It’s as if the angel who proclaimed at the birth of Jesus, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10) was saying it to you.

What a love story! God has loved you from the very beginning. There is nothing you can do to change His love for you. The Lord longs for you to know the depth and breadth of His love. His faithfulness extends to every area of your life. This is really good news. News that brings joy to every circumstance.

A friend of mine was pregnant with her first child and, like most parents-to-be, she and her husband were consumed by the worries of, “How are we going to do this?” They couldn’t see how they would possibly have enough money, time, energy, and love to pull off the role of being parents. My friend’s grandmother told her, “Honey, don’t you know that every baby comes with a loaf of bread under their arm?” This is an old Hebrew saying (and often found in Spanish speaking cultures) meaning that parents need not worry about the costs to feed and raise a child because God will provide a way. It’s true! The Lord is so good at providing a way when we can’t see one.

Baby Jesus was born with a loaf of bread for the whole world! In fact, he was born in Bethlehem which, when translated, means “the house of bread.” Jesus says of himself in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” He compared his own body to bread as he broke a loaf and said, "This is my body given for you...” (Matt. 26:26). He was the bread that not only would satisfy the world, but he said of himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 6:35). He came to make a way. He is the way. He kept his promise, and he came for you.

Joyfully,

Season Bowers

Pastor, Author, Radio Host, Joy bringer 619-807-8509

Follow the joy at seasonbowers.com Instragram, Facebook

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Bishop Robert Farrow, Chancellor

Dr. Alfred Boddie & Dr. Alfred Wiggins, Presidents

Deonne Min. Carenda

May the Lord Comfort You

10 Scriptures to Help Those Who are Grieving This Holiday Season

Is your heart heavy this holiday season due to pain, sickness, or death of your loved one? Is it draining for you to be around others, or go to family gatherings because the empty chair is too hard to bear? For some of us, the holidays are one of the most difficult times of the year. Many of us have not only faced isolation and hardship, but also experiencing grief. I know the retail stores are filled with Christmas music, glitter, and bows, but for some of us it feels like ground zero. It takes everything in us to shop for gifts, take holiday photos, and buy “seasons greetings” cards. The holidays are just not the same anymore. We learn to condition ourselves back to normalcy but that doesn’t mean everything feels good on the inside. For many of us, we truly miss the smile, the voice, and the presence of our loved ones. As a Christian believer, how do we find joy in the reality of our pain?

What do you do when you don’t feel very Merry, and the cliché of Happy New Year makes your stomach uneasy? How do you handle the stress of grief and all the emotions that come along with it? I know my message to you this month should have more of a jolly feel, but my spirit tells me many are hurting and are feeling the weight of discouragement and despair. I recently had a coaching session with a client, and I asked her to draw a picture of how she is feeling emotionally due to stress. She drew a picture of steps that were going upward but she said the downward arrow represented her feelings of not going in the right direction. Wow, you see the steps in front of you, but you feel you are going downward instead of upward. After we discussed all the items she drew on that paper, some good and some not so good, she said, “One thing I do feel is hopeful.” As a Christian believer, no matter how heavy your heart might be during this season, do not lose HOPE!

The bible says in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” It is my sincere prayer that you receive the Lord’s comfort in this season. To receive His comfort means that you are willing to be vulnerable when you are at your lowest. It also means you are willing to trust His way of comfort, rather than your own. I am writing this message not only to you, but also to myself. May we not lose hope that even as God is calling many of our loved one’s home, we can thank God for those of us who are still here on earth, that His comfort towards us is sufficient. I want to share ten scriptures with you to meditate on when the nights feel long, and the tears keep coming. I pray these

scriptures will be a source of hope and strength even in your weakness.

• “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18

• “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

• “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8

• “And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:26

• “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4

• “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.” Isaiah 61:2

• “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13

• “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

• “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Remember even in this holiday season that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Your situation, circumstance and even grief does not feel joyful, but the joy of the Lord is your strength. The joy of His faithfulness, sovereignty, love, grace, and mercy is your strength today and forever. May that joy comfort you, prosper you, bless you and sustain you. May you have a joyful Christmas and Blessed New Year in Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior!

Min. Carenda Deonne www.carendadeonne.com

What is Perfect Peace TURNER

stressful time for me. One day I made a decision with the help of God that I wasn’t going to allow my mind to be stressed or disturbed. I went to the Word of God and applied this scripture to my life.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

Because God trusts me, He will help keep my mind. That’s what I needed.

Rhoda

The Holiday Season maybe a stressful time for some and a joyous time for others. There once was a time in my life when the Holiday season was stressful. I didn’t have a lot of money, still don’t, but because of where my mind was, I saw things differently. Money was tight and I would feel sad. I felt sad because I couldn’t get my children the hottest gifts or gadgets for Christmas. I would stress wondering what I could afford to get them and would they like what I could give. I wanted them to be able to go to school and have these amazing gifts conversations with their friends. I know the meaning of Christmas and I taught them as well. I know that Christmas isn’t about gifts, they didn’t pressure me about that anyway. It was all me not wanting them to get teased or picked on for not having the cool things. So it became a

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

This last scripture became my favorite.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 KJV)

I stressed over the Holidays so much that I missed the true meaning and the reason of the Holiday. I had to repent and ask God to forgive me for my mind not being in the right place. Once forgiveness happened. I was able to truly enjoy the Holidays. I had to come to a decision that I wasn’t going to allow the enemy to trick me out of this time. I decided to do better and be better. During this season don’t focus on the gifts. Rather focus on The GIFT.

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

Tracey

Embrace Emmanuel

Hug Him! Wrap your arms around yourself and embrace Emmanuel, God with you (Matthew 1:23). This holiday season, make a conscious effort to remember that God is with you and that you are never alone. Embrace Emmanuel and remember that He is the reason for the season. Embrace Emmanuel and recognize that He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Embrace Emmanuel and remember that His presence in your life is the best present you can have. Gifts received from others are good but remember that you have the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Gathering with Him is the best gift you can receive. He is a Lord that wants to lavish you with all things good. Embrace Emmanuel and let Him be your peace, protection, and all the provision you need. He is with you to supply every one of your needs and to be the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Embrace Emmanuel and receive Him as Master overall in your life. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight (Proverbs 3:6). Holding Him near gives you the opportunity to shower Him with praise, worship, and continuous adoration. Embrace Emmanuel by meditating on His word. Doing so will work wonders in your life. When you fully embrace Emmanuel, your faith increases, and you trust Him to show Himself strong and mighty in your life.

Embracing Emmanuel, at times, is easier said than done. Choosing God may not seem like the popular thing to do but doing so always positions you for a blessing. Imagine how Joseph felt when the angel of the Lord told him to embrace Mary who was pregnant before they came together (Matthew 1:24). He chose to embrace Mary and baby Jesus because he knew that if God said to do so, everything would work out fine. Little did he know at first, but he soon found out, that He was opening his arms to embrace the Savior of the world. When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He promised to be with you always (Matthew 28:20). Recognize the fact that you are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and that God abides in you. You are never alone because you have the Holy One residing and abiding in you. Embrace Emmanuel and be confident of the fact that you can rest assured that He is with you. As you celebrate your Savior’s birth this month, take a moment and practice His presence in your life. In a time when everyone is trying to gather in a group, choose to get with God and embrace Emmanuel. With God you can be grateful that you get to commune with Him constantly and He is there to cast all your cares (1 Peter 5:7). This Christmas, come to Him. Embrace Emmanuel and He will exceed all your expectations (Ephesians 3:20) and elevate you to another level.

Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com

health matters

RSV: What You Should Know

There is a conversation about a "new" virus affecting children and adults. The virus is Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV. RSV is not new. RSV was discovered in 1956 and is recognized as one of the most common causes of respiratory illness in children. It causes annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age two.

RSV infections usually occur in the late fall through early spring months but can vary in different parts of the country. With mask-wearing and physical distancing for COVID-19, there were fewer cases of RSV in 2020. The RSV infection causes bronchial infections in infants and common cold symptoms in adults. More severe respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia in children under six months old, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, can develop. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. Children attending childcare centers or who have siblings attending school are at a higher risk of exposure to the infection.

Symptoms

Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough, and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued, and have breathing difficulties. Usually, these symptoms will clear up in a few days. A barking or wheezing cough can be one of the first signs of a more severe illness. In these instances, the virus has spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation and closure of the small airways entering the lungs.

Infants with severe RSV will have short, shallow,

abnormally fast, and labored breathing. The infant's mouth, lips, and fingernails may turn bluish due to a lack of oxygen.

Treatment

Mild RSV infections will go away in a week or two without treatment. Physicians recommend using over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and manage respiratory symptoms. Hospitalization is indicated for infants and adults with severe RSV infections. The hospital will use intravenous (IV) fluids to aid in hydration and humidified oxygen to help with breathing. In most cases, hospitalization will only last a few days.

Prevention

Reinfection with RSV during subsequent seasons is common. Individuals do not develop lasting immunity against the virus. Strategies and actions used to reduce the spread of Covid-19 effectively reduce the transmission of RSV. Avoid contact with people displaying cold symptoms, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Implementing social distancing practices and wearing a mask in public places can reduce the transmission of the virus.

Respiratory syncytial virus is not a new virus that is receiving national attention during this transmission season. Do not fear this virus. We are more than conquers. Prayer, supplication, and implementing practices to reduce the spread of the virus can keep you and your family safe.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com

Ericka J.

Gospel & Entertainment

Tamela Mann

Congrats are in order for this queen, Tamela Mann has been racking up awards left and right and apparently there’s no stopping her! Bringing home the 2022 American Music Award for “Best Gospel Artist!” What a way to end her 25 plus city tour “OVERCOMER” which sold out everywhere it landed !

TD Jakes

“Finally Loosed” is out and available right now at all digital media outlets! Recorded in conjunction with the “Woman Thou Art Loosed” Woman’s Conference. It features Tamar Braxton, Jason Nelson, Jessica Reedy, Maranda Curtis and more! What a way to seal the WTAL Finale! Shout out to Stanley Brown on the production and for continuously producing great timeless music!

James Hall

The Duke, The Professor, and his amazing group of singers Worship & Praise will be celebrating a milestone victory this month, 35 years in gospel music! “God Is In Control”, “God Wants A Yes”, “I Never Shall Forget” , “The Blood”, “The Storm”, I could literally go ON AND ON, calling out their hits. They will be having their Celebration Reunion Concert, taking us on a live journey experience Sunday, Dec 4th, at 6pm! All roads lead to New York to Citadel Cathedral Of Praise & Worship in Brooklyn NY, the concert is FREE and will also feature Vincent Bohanan & SOV, Pastor Marquin Middleton & MORE, CONGRATS WAP‼️

VaShawn Mitchell

VaShawn is celebrating a decade in gospel, VaShawn Mitchell did so with a Live Recording last month in Detroit at Sound Board in Detroit Motor City Casino. Featured artists on the project are Donnie McClurkin, Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Page Brooks, Shana Wilson and Ron Poindexter. The reviews and responses from various attendees deem this album to be a game changer for 2023, CAN’T wait to hear it, it’s set to release early in 2023!

Jason Nelson

Check out this new single by Baltimore’s Own Jason Nelson and Phillip Adzale “Mighty God”. I love this single, absolutely a song you can definitely sing in your Sunday Morning Worship experiences. Phillip is from Ghana and he brings that vibe to the song along with the incomparable vocals and ministry of Jason Nelson. WAIT, AND ANOTHER ONE! Can we say not one but 2 single features with Jason Nelson, “Focus” the single from Anthony Hall “Friendsgiving” project is also out right now! Just grab em’ both! Let’s go BMore Congrats Jason!

Semaje

This young man I wrote about this summer that absolutely WOW’ed me and stole my heart with his performance at the GIN Conference in Miami. He is back at it with another single titled “I Rely”, while he had our heads boppin and vibin to his single “ You”, he slowed it down a bit, belting out lyrics in a ballard to God, it’s good! Go grab it! Available right now and if you don’t have “You” grab that too!

William Becton

Singing “Be encouraged, no matter what’s going on, he’ll make it alright, but you gotta stay strong”.

Yes, that’s William Becton, who pinned this timeless hit that we will be

singing for years to come.

Well, he’s back, with a documentary performance titled, William Becton-The Journey, which will take you on a journey of his 27 year tenure in music. The motion picture aired last month online, and in addition, he released new music with it, “Worship Him” is available right now at all digital media outlets.

“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!”

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Tamela Mann

TD Jakes

James Hall

VaShawn Mitchell

Jason Nelson

Anthony Hall

William Becton

Semaje