Grace & Glory Magazine August 2018

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scripture

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™

August 2018

contents on the cover: Dr. Ronald C. Williams & Lady Cyndi Williams

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 214 S. Loudon Street Baltimore, MD 21229 410-646-1462 www.pgbcministires.org

Special Feature pgs 8-11 - Dr. Ronald C. Williams is celebrating his 15th Pastoral Anniversary as shepherd of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Dr. Williams talks to us about his passion for church technology, evangelism, outreach, and personal spiritual growth, as he gives us a look back and a look forward into his incredible journey.

Feature Articles 16 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea

18 NUTRITION & YOU

Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

Freshman 15

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Look In The Mirror

Healthy Body

Healthy Mind 14 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

In Every Issue

Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)

Maintaining Spiritual Confidence

Scripture Page........................................ 2

Entertainment

Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7

20 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS

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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

Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL

Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Ruth Young Tyler

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period

www.artsperiod.com

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher.

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Advisory Board Chairman Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Chairman — D— r. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MDMD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. M. Reid Reid,IIIJr. AMESr.Church Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Michael A. A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador Dr. Jerome Barber President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Hampton , VA Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Dr. Timothy Boddie Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr. Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta,GA GA Bishop John R. Bryant Dr. Timothy Boddie Presiding Prelate of theChurch, 5th Episcopal Friendship Baptist Atlanta,District GA Dr. Harold Carter, Jr. Bishop A. John R. Bryant Pastor, New Shiloh MD District Presiding PrelateBaptist of the Church, 5th Episcopal Dr. Harold A. Carter, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook,Sr. U.S. Ambassador Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Dr. Suzan Johnson CookPittsburgh, PA Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Sr. Pastor,Ralph Believers Christian Fellowship, NY Archbishop L. Dennis Dr. WIlliam H. Center, Curtis MD Kingdom Worship Mt. Q. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Wanda Draper/Media Executive Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Cassandra Vaughn-Fox/Media Executive Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Dr. Donte’ Hickman, Sr. Healing Voices L. Ministries Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center World Healing Center Church, CA Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Dr.New Dennis V. Proctor Pastor, Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, Baltimore, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Dr.Harvest KennethChristian O. Robinson Pastor, Ministries, MD Pastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Rev. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

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from fromthe theeditor editor

LAZY DAYS

of Summer A walk on the beach, sitting on the porch with a glass of ice cold lemonade, lying in a hammock reading your favorite book or taking a nap . . . all signs of a lazy summer day.

This is the time of year when it is hard to keep anything serious on your mind. The kids are out of school, and it is time for that long awaited vacation. It is a time many of us set aside to stop and smell the roses, to laugh and play without a care in the world.

Everyone deserves a break from the mundane; however, while we are frolicking in the sun, we can’t get too caught up that we forget to man our posts. Oftentimes, when we decide to take a break in the summer from our everyday routines, we also take a summer break from assembling ourselves together as one Body in Christ.

Sometimes we spend a little less time with God, and we tend to skip Bible study, prayer meetings, etc. Many pastors can tell you that the summer months are low in church attendance (and everyone of course is not out of town).

I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t take a break and enjoy ourselves vacationing and spending time with family and friends. I am saying: don’t forget to man your post. Don’t relax to the point that you let your guard down; stay on point. While you are enjoying your summer, don’t lose focus and forget your purpose. Instead of putting God and the things of Christ on the back burner, keep the Lord ever before you while you are having hot fun in the summertime. You never know who could be watching you as you travel and meet various people. Let someone see Christ in you in everything that you say and do. Take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself to share the love of Jesus Christ with a stranger.

Remember your first love; after all, it is Jesus Christ that made it all possible for us to take a vacation or stay at home and enjoy the summer. The Bible tells us that, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Enjoy and savor each moment of summer!

Jackie JackieEpps Epps Editor-in-Chief Editor-in Chief

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Q&A

G&G: Dr. Williams we are delighted to welcome you back to Grace & Glory for this wonderful occasion as you celebrate your 15th Pastoral Anniversary as Pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Can you believe it’s been 5 years since we last talked, I’m sure much has happened, but how would you sum up these last 5 years in 3 words?

Dr. Williams: “Growing in Christ!” The past five years have been a process of getting to know Him better, strengthening our relationship with the Lord. Greater relationship leads to revelation, clearer purpose, and growth. It’s wonderful to know you’re where the Lord wants you to be, doing what He’s assigned you to do, and serving the people He’s called you to serve.

equipped me to help in this manner.

Having said that, I’m not too surprised about where I am today.

Current realities aren’t always expected; but if we retrospectively “follow God’s breadcrumbs” and listen to what He’s saying, it’s not too surprising where we find ourselves. I’m a pastor with rural, urban, small, and large church history who happens to have a PhD in management with concentrations in organizations and technological innovation. So, in addition to inviting people to a relationship with Christ, I consider myself an action researcher of ecclesiological innovation and well-being of the church organism. I work a lot on church strategies for the 21st century.

G&G: Dr. Williams, let’s go back to the beginning of this 15-year journey. Looking back at where you were when you started this journey, where did you think it was going to lead you? Are you at all surprised at where you are today?

Dr. Williams: That’s a very relevant question from many perspectives because expectation is often based on context. Context is developed through experience. My church experience was the St. James Missionary Baptist Church in the small town of Welch, West Virginia.

It was great. It was where the seeds of faith were planted and where my faith was formed at an early age.

My adult church experience, prior to Pleasant Grove, was primarily developed through my 19 years at New Psalmist Baptist Church, an urban megachurch.

Those combined experiences prepared me for the assignment at a smaller community church in an urban environment. A significant part of my role in the Kingdom is to assist ministries of all sizes in developing cuttingedge, innovative ministry strategies. I believe God has thoroughly

G&G: Dr. Williams, was there a turning point in your journey or a moment when you realized that God had called you to an assignment of this magnitude?

Dr. Williams: There have been turning points and I’m still turning. God doesn’t give us the total picture all at once. To do so would remove the necessity for faith. He sometimes “peels the onion” one thin layer at a time. We must have the patience and faith to trust the process, while fervently chasing His will.

I’m still not totally sure where the assignment will lead. I just focus on preparation for where I believe He’s leading and faithful execution of the assignment at hand because the assignment is multifaceted.

One aspect is that of building up the local body of Pleasant Grove and being as innovative as possible in our context. There’s also the part the assignment related to assisting other churches. I take both very seriously because I know that’s my unique assignment.

For example, the 21st century universal church is facing a rapidly changing environment. The local churches, in Baltimore City, are facing challenges that are unique in our context. We are ministering in a depopulated city that has almost half the number of residents it had 50 years ago. I haven’t looked at the statistics. However, I speculate that the number of churches has increased during this same period. The manufacturing base that enabled residents to earn livable wages and support institutions, including the church, no longer exist. Baltimore has proven to be a very violent city. While African American church attendance remains stable compared to other ethnic groups, younger generations are less engaged. Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen A are as different as those who grew up on radio are from those who grew up in the television age, if not more. We must introduce the immutable Christ to very mutable people in increasingly mutable situations.

These realities really define the magnitude of my assignment.

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G&G: Dr. Williams, along with this awesome assignment, what were

Q&A G&G: Dr. Williams, I believe part of your some of the unexpected hurdles you had to overcome? What 15 year legacy is how you have pastored the was the biggest risk you had to take that achieved great results?

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church alongside your Dr. Williams: The biggest hurdle in all of this has been and will wife, Lady Cyndi Williams. Would you share continue to be “self.” The calling of God always comes with a with us the partnership the two of you share in demand for sacrifice, ask Jesus. The sacrifice doesn’t receive as ministry? much attention because it’s not the most glamorous aspect of Dr. Williams: It’s always a pleasure to talk the call. The demand for sacrifice may manifest in many ways. about my relationship with my wife because For some it’s financial. For others, it may be relational. For it’s truly a huge part of my testimony. We still others, it may be physical. The general demands of life met as freshmen at the University of Tampa for sacrifice don’t cease because we’re called to minister and Florida. We were both 18. She’s from the New when the demands of life are experienced in the context of the York area and, as I mentioned before, I’m from demands of ministry, the demand increases exponentially.

Many people with my background would have chosen a West Virginia. God placed the two unlikely children together and blessed us beyond completely different path if they were operating according Dr. Ronald C. Williams and measure. to conventional wisdom. However, the uniqueness of my First Lady Cyndi Williams background and call have provided strength during personal We married one year after graduation and and vocational challenges. While serving as pastor of a smaller urban relocated to Maryland because we saw it as a central place between our ministry, I’ve also served on the Coppin State University (CSU) College of childhood homes and we had college friends from Baltimore and DC. Business faculty. I served as the dean of the CSU College of Business for After three and a half years of getting our careers off the ground, our four years. I’ve done consulting during the same period. I’ve developed son Jayson was born in December of 1983. We joined New Psalmist the a deep knowledge of the business and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the following year. I then went back to school to get my master’s degree. region. I’m confident that God is using all of this to expand and make me When I finished, she went back and acquired her master’s. While she was more effective in the ministry assignment. It’s all ministry. in school, our daughter Jasmyn was born.

God was preparing my wife for ministry at the same time I was being G&G: Dr. Williams, during these 15 years, is there one accomplishment, prepared. Our children went to New Psalmist Christian School. First Lady achievement, etc., that stands out above the rest?

Cyndi went through discipleship training at New Psalmist. She started an Dr. Williams: It’s very difficult to choose an accomplishment. We have aerobics ministry called Pentecostal Movement that served the church and a long list of achievements as a church and I think some of them have all the church’s conferences. All of this was happening between 1988 and more relevance in this season than others. The answer also differs based 1994 when I preached my initial sermon at New Psalmist. The church was on the unique contribution each church is making in the Kingdom. For still downtown at Franklin and Cathedral. My call was a real dilemma example, there was a period for me because I really believed my wife wouldn’t be onboard. during my first five years when We’d been through all the struggles young families experience (i.e. we were able to bless one of children, careers, school, keeping the marriage going) and I was in our members with a new car. the middle of the Ph.D program at George Washington University The car was sponsored by our School of Business. Because we knew enough about the demands business partners and it was of ministry to know it would not be easy, I really thought it was for the person’s evangelistic not going to be well-received. However, to my surprise God had efforts. The member who already prepared her for the news I was to share. received the car invited Since being called to Pleasant Grove, she has been the greatest 250 different individuals to supporter of the ministry and me. She oversees the media ministry church during a four-month and the dance ministry. She uses her background as an IT project period. This was an innovative manager to help oversee the operations of the church. She isn’t collaboration between the traditional First Lady in the sense of teas, church hats, and church and partners for the presence on the pew. That has its value. However, I’m eternally advancement of the gospel. That was an important witness during my first grateful that she is my best friend, wife, and partner in ministry. five years as pastor, in addition to the traditional roles of pastoral ministry.

This year we’ve started our “PGBC Sew & Grow Fashionpreneur G&G: Dr. Williams, what impact has this ministry had on your marriage?

Institute.” We offer an eight-week sewing class for a nominal fee. The Dr. Williams: I’m blessed to be able to say that ministry has strengthened ability to sew enables participants to save money, learn a skill that can our marriage. I don’t take that for granted because I’m acutely aware of produce another revenue stream, and provides outreach opportunities the strain ministry can place on marriages. Being married and in ministry into the community. We’ve developed a workforce development pipeline also doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re happy in either. Our success through which graduates of our sewing class have the opportunity to get may be in part due to the reality that we basically grew up together and certified on industrial sewing equipment and work for a local fashion I didn’t preach my initial sermon until just before my 37th birthday. We producer. This is relevant during this season because the economic times did some maturing before we made a formal entry into ministry. I know are different than they were in 2005. Our aim is to remain true to the plenty of people who had the challenge of “growing up,” while in pastoral gospel and relevant in the prevailing times. ministry, and trying to stay married simultaneously.

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Q&A Continued from page 9 We are now on the other side of many experiences. We’re “empty nesters” with 37 years of marriage and 41 years of relationship under our belts.

We’re in the best physical shape of our lives and blessed to be able to serve the Kingdom together in a season with unlimited potential.

are stressed out, angry, insecure, and unhappy. I work on my emotional and relational well-being by applying principles of healthy relationship, prayer, reflection, and contemplation. I’m finally, in the best physical shape I’ve been in since high school. I wasn’t in terrible shape. But, I purposefully lost 43 pounds since August of last year, most of it since January 1 of this year. This is simply attributable to exercise and diet, applying the principles of macro-nutrition. I’m now at my high school weight.

This wholistic approach to being the best God will enable me to be ensures that I will be the best Pleasant Grove deserves to have.

G&G: Dr. Williams, after 15 years of ministry, I believe it’s safe to say that you are a successful pastor with a successful ministry? What would you say it takes to be a successful pastor today? What are your thoughts on why pastors leave ministry?

Dr. Williams: I’ll answer the last question first. In my judgment, pastors G&G: Dr. Williams, is there anyone you would say has had a tremendous leave ministry because they can’t see impact on you and your ministry? How has this person a path forward. That’s not always a impacted your life? negative. That time will come for all Dr. Williams: This is the place where I get the privilege of of us. Sometimes it happens because talking about the influence of my pastor. I’ve been under the of conflict with a board. On other pastoral leadership of Bishop Walter S. Thomas since 1984. occasions, it happens because God My paternal grandfather was a pastor but passed before I simply says, “It’s time.” In either was born. My father is a deacon and I grew up in a devotedly case, their vision of the future doesn’t Christian home. My father, who is now still active at 96, is include pastoral ministry. without equivocation the greatest father and man I know.

We all have our ideas about However, when it comes to pastoral ministry and influence on success, particularly in ministry. my ministry being, Bishop Walter Thomas, Pastor of the New Some define it by membership Psalmist Baptist Church, Presiding Prelate of the Kingdom growth, which can be a “rabbit Association of Covenant Pastors, is the influence. hole.” Mega-ministries are How has he impacted my life? He’s helped me see Jesus for See & Grow Graduates (sewing class) statistical outliers and are subject to 34 years. He preached and prayed my family and me through the sovereign will of God. Others define ministry success by the number some of life’s toughest crucibles. He modeled a ministry ethic that I can of preaching invitations received as a pastor/preacher. Still others define personally live with and feel good about. Much of what I received from success by the vocational trajectory of candidating and being called by a him, and continue to receive, is by way of observation. I heard Pastor church larger than the one you left. None of that has worked for me and William Curtis, son of New Psalmist and Pastor of the Mt. Ararat Baptist I’m grateful to not feel constrained, or in any way compelled, to pursue give a testimony about what Dr. Harold Carter, Sr. said about Bishop those standards.

Thomas and it exemplifies the impact. “He’s anointed to know the times.”

Just to say I’ve survived for 15 years would be a terribly low standard His impact is in the fact that he doesn’t mind sharing the knowledge. that dishonors the call. What defines my pastoral success is that I’m still excited and purposeful in the assignment. I still see the unlimited G&G: Dr. Williams, I’m sure in 15 years you have experienced many possibilities of God. I’m able to walk in peace in the service, love, and changes in the ministry of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and in power associated with my call. I guess it boils down to the blessing of still ministry as a whole. What would you say is the most significant change having vision. I could talk forever about what I believe the future holds that has impacted your church and how we ‘do’ church today? for ministry in the 21st century and how we get there. That’s Dr. Williams: The most significant what I’ve been uniquely equipped and called to do. But, impact on Pleasant Grove, and the that’s just a portion of the success equation. church as a whole, is the failure of this age to connect with the G&G: Dr. Williams, what do you do to ensure you continue authentic Christ. It’s like the word to grow and develop and stay committed as the pastor of to the Ephesian church in the book Pleasant Grove Baptist Church? of Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless I Dr. Williams: I make sure I’m fed spiritually, intellectually, have this against you, that you have emotionally, and physically every day. That fuels me for left your first love.” Because many in ministry. For example, we prepare biblically. However, I’ve church have tangential relationships been studying the great theologians from the contemporary with “our first love,” many outside to the first century. I’ve done this independently for the the church aren’t finding their way past few months, not part of a formal course but just into authentic relationship with Jesus for development. That helps me spiritually as well as Christ. That’s how you can have PGBC Members Stepping for Jesus intellectually. I’ve also expanded the level of ministry strategy the majority of an “evangelical” services I offer through a business I started a few years ago (www. movement compromising for political leverage and people going to church IBESworks.com). This is another way of sharing the blessing that helps for an “emotional fix” and missing spiritual transformation. As a result, me where I serve. I’m an advocate for emotional health. Too many pastors people have become confused about the difference between the emotional 10 August August2018 2018||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 10

Q&A outburst brought on by Spiritinspired remembrance and a changed life. They become disillusioned because of misplaced expectations and they disengage from the very place that can really help them.

The other part of the answer is that God has given us new tools that are even within the capacity of smaller Dr. Williams with PGBC Church Families ministries. Data analysis, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, design thinking, ministry intelligence systems, design thinking models, machine learning, neural networks, emotional sensing technology, are terms that ministry leaders must learn. In fact, there’s a term called “citizen data scientist” that suggest that this is the coming language of average citizens. There’s no reason we shouldn’t incorporate all of this in ministry. Incorporating these tools into our strategies will change the way we “do” church.

Change will happen much in the same way drums, screens, and other tools of ministry transformed church years ago, just at a much more rapid pace.

G&G: Dr. Williams, I understand that this year, your mission statement is, “The Lord has declared 2018 as the Year of "Stepping Forward in Faith: Study, Stewardship, and Sharing the Faith.” Would you expound on this statement, is this mission for the church on track thus far?

Dr. Williams: Yes. Every year we have a different theme based on where we are as a church. This year’s theme has a “back to basics” emphasis.

George Barna’s research informs us that we’re the most biblically illiterate generation to ever live. That’s a terrible commentary regarding the state of biblical interpretation and application; so we’re focusing on studying the word of God. Traditional Bible studies don’t accomplish the goal because attendance is inconsistent.

Self-study modules online enable some to select out of Brunch with the Pastor traditional face-toface teaching. Others may not have access to technology. We do some simple activities to help promote literacy, such as Family Feud Night and every Sunday placing a trivia question on the screen before offering.

Members put the answer on a Post-It note and place it in an offering basket. I draw a correct answer and give them a $25 gift certificate.

The first quarter of the year we focused on biblical financial principles. This approach combined the first two parts of the theme. The trivia question referred to information from an article distributed to the congregation on biblical financial principles. We also are combining traditional evangelism strategies with the development of social media strategies and other techniques that are more contemporary. We are a

smaller urban church; so we find ways to deploy these techniques on the available budget.

Some of our goals are on target and others aren’t. We use a tool called a “balanced scorecard” to track everything. It’s organized into key performance indicators, the measure used, responsible parties, the status, and additional information. We have one person who is the keeper of the card and we review it in leadership meetings. We have a “get it done” culture.

Our success is also measured in the reality that people, many whom don’t have college degrees, are developing skills that will be attractive to employers when combined with a simple certification.

G&G: Dr. Williams, where do you see the ministry of Pleasant Grove in the next five years? What are some of the plans for the future of the church?

Dr. Williams: I see Pleasant Grove as a model of urban ministry in the small to midsize context. We will serve as an example of transdisciplinary approaches for pastors who want to learn and grow in techniques for the coming church age. This coming age will break all conventional understanding of how church is done. God has set us up in a climate of heightened human suffering and unprecedented tools to anticipate solutions to problems, getting ahead of them even before His people realize the problem’s existence. We will be a model of Spirit-led innovation that will address the depths of the human need for salvation in a greater way than the iPhone addressed subconscious needs and desires. That’s who we’re becoming. The key is not expecting it to happen the way it happens everywhere else.

That’s the definition of Spirit-inspired innovation. Jesus came with a new plan.

G&G: Lastly, Bishop T. D. Jakes said in a message that great passion does not come without great pain. You have pastored this ministry with great passion, is this a true statement for you? And after 15 years as Pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, what would you say you now know for sure?

Dr. Williams: The short answer is “not much.” As soon as you put too much in the “I know this for sure category” you’re in trouble. I cling to “Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine.”

Everything else is subject to question and change.

The extended answer is concurrent with Bishops Jakes’s statement. Salvation came with a great deal of pain, even death. Some of my deepest hurts Church Dinner have come through pastoral ministry. It’s been in the depths of the pain that Jesus became more real than ever before. He really became “mine” in the power of His resurrection. It’s through this that the “engine of hope” and the mystery of expectation in what looks like terminal conditions drive us to complete our assignments, even to the Cross.

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to your good health

Maintaining Spiritual Confidence Nothing is impossible for God! (Luke 1:37) This is the declaration we should have whenever there is an obstacle in our way. It is the testimony of assurance in the power of God to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or think. It is also a source of confirmation as we look back on what God has done before so we can be confident in what God can do now and in the future. Maintaining spiritual confidence has to be intentional. There are challenges in life that can make us unsure and doubt our faith. It is during these times when we need to rely on the Word of God and believe in the promises of God. Difficulties always test our faith so we must remember our past victories and encourage ourselves in the midst of the storms of life. Each of us has spiritual confidence through our trust in God. We have not been given “a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Some of the steps towards maintaining our spiritual confidence is to continue reading, rejoicing and remembering. Regularly reading the word of God gives us the wisdom needed to face whatever

life brings. We can get directions, solutions and chastisement when we faithfully digest the word.

Another key is to rejoice and praise the Lord. We are to give thanks no matter what we face. Thankfulness for the presence of God in our lives gives us a heart that is connected to our source of strength. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Remembering how God has brought you through can be uplifting and helps you build spiritual confidence.

We can trust in the faithful love of God and believe in the new mercies God gives us everyday. Knowing that God’s presence is consistent is a source of strength and builds our spiritual confidence. Be encouraged because when you and I run out of options that is when God’s power is at its best. You and I can be sure in what God can do because if He’s done it before He can do it again. Our confidence does not rest in us alone but in the power that dwells within. You and I can maintain our spiritual confidence by staying connected to Christ.

Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

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woman’s perspective

One Saturday morning I was eating breakfast in a cafe. I was intrigued by the fresh fruit station and picked up a cup to put some fruit in. I noticed that it had a donut smudge on the side of it. I thought to myself I should get another clean cup. So I grabbed another cup and it also had another smudge on it. Now I didn't want to be wasteful so at this point I was thinking what is going on, why are the cups dirty. Just then I looked down and discovered lo and behold I had some donut glaze on my thumb from the yummy donut I picked up right before stopping at the fruit salad. Then I looked at the stack of cups and realized they started off clean, I was the one smudging them.

Naturally this brought an analogy to my mind. How many of us can relate to this analogy whether we realize it or not? I have come across so many women whose attitude is, "I've given up on men." This statement is always a red flag for me of someone who doesn't see their smudge. It is expected that we all will experience a few relational issues, such is life. But once you develop a pattern of relationships where you are "misunderstood" or "unappreciated" or "mistreated”, after a while, the common denominator quite possibly is YOU. Unfortunately I believe this truth is too hard for some people to face just yet. I remember learning that the reason people faint or become unconscious is to protect the brain from processing too much pain so it just shuts down. I think so many people do the same thing emotionally, they just become unconscious. Totally unaware because they aren't yet ready to face deeply painful truths.

The unfortunate reality is though, until we face such difficult truths about ourselves, we remain unable to change in those areas.

We can improve that which we will not acknowledge. So we keep blaming the "stack of cups" and everybody else as being the problem when really the problem and solution lies in one hard look in the mirror to see how we got the smudge on our thumbs. I especially find it sad for people in this predicament because I have been blessed to realize how much life is about relationships. I value them and pour into the relationships I have on many levels because I understand the value of people that you come across. It deeply grieves me to see people not able to attach to people long term and genuinely not realize that what they are bringing to the equation is causing the conflict.

Now let me provide some balance, I'm not saying that one person is completely to blame all the time because in any relationship it takes two to build; but when it comes to people who have what I call the "friendship deficiency", they aren't able to keep genuine lasting friendships or relationships because they don't possess enough of the "attaching" qualities such as selflessness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, patience, generosity, consideration, sacrifice, genuineness, honesty, or genuine love. These are people who I consider to have the donut smudge on their thumbs, every cup they come in contact with they will smudge and ruin relationships that really could have survived, minus the emotional smudge.

So what am I saying? We all need to really take time to evaluate ourselves. What do we carry or give off in our interactions with people? What do people really think of us? Who do people say we are when we're not around? When we see unhealthy repetition in our interactions with people, isn't it time to look in the mirror? Chances are you don't keep running into the same circumstance or attracting the same people by accident. And despite what feels comfortable to think, IT'S NOT EVERYONE ELSE! Let’s acknowledge Tiffany Bethea our smudges, recognizing that we serve a God who is able to cleanse us and purify our smudges so that we She-EO Life Mentor have whole, healthy relationships and interactions and live peaceably with all men as instructed in the word. www.Tiffanybethea.com 16 August 2018 | Grace&Glory

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nutrition & you choices to be effective. Following are some tips to help students get back to a healthier weight.

Avoiding the...

Freshman Fifteen

Despite the ubiquitous warnings, books and discussions about the “freshman fifteen” and early academic weight gain that many students succumb to the first year of college, students continue to pack on the pounds their first year away from home at colleges and universities.

Many students are savvy, and recognize that they earned their larger size by over-indulging at the ice cream bar in the dining hall, too many late night pizzas, using their dining money on giant boxes of M&Ms (and eating 16 servings at once) or eating their way through too many care packages sent from home. The added pounds legitimately mollify very few freshmen. For the registered dietitian, working with students who are struggling with new weight gain requires a combination of education and behavioral change work. Since students are living a new lifestyle, many times in a new (and temporary) housing situation, without access to a kitchen, often limited funds and unknown food handlers, education requires a detailed look at all aspects of food 18 August 2018 | Grace&Glory

• Drink water. The easiest calories for most students to cut out are the wasted calories on sugary drinks, juices and sodas.

Unlimited soda and juice bars in dining halls promote over consumption. The only thing a student should drink like water is water. Caffeine may be a part of late night studying for students – diet sodas and low fat milk in coffee are better choices than high calorie alternatives. (Registered dietitians can take this opportunity to teach students how proper hydration boosts metabolism and prevents fatigue).

• The Boy Scout motto. Be prepared. Stocking a dorm room mini-fridge and makeshift pantry with water, fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grain crackers, cereals and granola bars will set students up for success. Asking for care packages to be sent with favorite cereals, pre-portioned low calorie snacks, dried fruits and nuts is a great way to keep undergrads on track.

• Schedule meals. Plan classes so that there is time for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, instead of back-to-back classes. Eating every 3 – 5 hours will prevent snacking all day long, skipping meals or grabbing convenience foods – all which may lead to excessive caloric intake.

• Go green. Begin each meal with a piece of whole fruit, raw or steamed vegetables or a salad with light dressing. When getting back in line at the dining hall for seconds, students should be educated to revisit the fruits and vegetables, instead of the starches and fats. It is really hard to gain weight from overeating fresh fruits and vegetables, so these foods should be encouraged.

• Go lean. Choose lean protein sources of fish, chicken, pork and beef.

Good sources of protein are also going to include eggs, legumes, tofu and nuts. Broiled, baked, grilled, steamed and poached foods are the most healthful. Avoid sauces, gravies and marinades as much as possible.

• Sleep and exercise. These essentials are not negotiable. Sleep is required for a well-oiled metabolism. Exercise is vital to maintaining a healthful weight.

• No food in the library. Keep snacking and studying separate. Use study breaks as a time to have something to eat. Choose single portion or preportioned snacks that contain carbohydrate with a little fat and or protein.

• Portion patrol. Patrol your tray to make a sure your plate looks like what would normally be given in a TV dinner, on an airplane or in a high school cafeteria ‘hot lunch’ line. Choose only one “new” food to try at a given meal (it will be served again) and fill the rest of the tray with familiar foods, fruits and vegetables. Don’t put desserts on your tray, or you will eat it. If you really want a sweet after a meal, make a special trip to get it. When the meal is over, leave the dining hall!

• Hungry? Before each meal, check in with yourself to see if you are really hungry. If you are eating for a reason other than hunger, see if a glass of water, conversation with a friend or short walk will fulfill the need.

By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

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gospel industry news

Gospel Rapper, Da Gospel Way, Tackles Gun Violence In New Release, “A Reason To Cry” Today’s current climate has inspired people to speak the sentiments of their hearts. D.G.W., an inspirational rapper, has much to say about the recent gun violence in Maryland, South Carolina and Florida. Deeply moved by the shootings and the loss of life, he decided to put his thoughts on paper – and in music. A gifted lyricist, D.G.W, also known as Da Gospel Way, penned a song called “A Reason To Cry”. It highlights the tragedies and the pain that we as a country have been experiencing. The brand new track, “A Reason To Cry”, is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and other digital retailers.

“In writing the song, my desire was to remind people that what’s been happening in our society isn’t just something we should be crying about, but we need to be a part of the solution,” says the Christ Records’ recording artist. Through the track, which speaks on a topic that many – on both sides of the debate – are passionate about, D.G.W. seeks to refocus the conversation back to God. Making bold declarations, D.G.W.’s “A Reason To Cry” covers topics like lack of prayer in schools and the spiritual warfare that’s taking place in our educational establishments on a daily basis. Flaunting urban stylings and a grit that comes only from the streets, “A Reason To Cry” is produced by Emu. Da Gospel Way is a favorite in his hometown of Houston, TX. A native of H-town, he grew up on artists such as The Winans, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Williams Brothers. With parents that were adamant about their children being raised in the church and a father who was an associate pastor, he was in church regularly. With an affinity for the drums, he began playing and rapping around the age of 7 or 8. As a teen, he got caught up with the wrong crowd and soon found his way into secular music. The environment got a little too dangerous and ultimately, after a few years, he left the mainstream side of rap because of the “negative energy”. Since that time, he’s been sold out, choosing to rap about the Lord. A producer as well, he’s been creating his own tracks and beats for the past several years. He’s released a couple of Gospel albums including 2017’s self-titled CD and is prepping for the debut of his third project.

“When I rap, I want people to hear the word, The Word of God,” says Da Gospel Way. “A lot of people don’t know the word, but through my songs, I am trying to get the word out so that when people hear it, it can change people’s lives. Because most young people today won’t pick up a Bible, I am intentional about my lyrics speaking what the Bible states, but in a way that young people will be able to relate.” For more information about D.G.W., log on to ForChristEnterprises.com. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Da Gospel Way Photo: http://www.tehillahpr.com/ DaGospelWay/DGW.jpg Da Gospel Way Photo: http://www.tehillahpr.com/ DaGospelWay/DGW2.jpg Da Gospel Way “A Reason To Cry” CD Cover Photo: http://www.tehillahpr.com/DaGospelWay/RTC.jpg 20 20 August August2018 2018||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

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