April 2017 Edition

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April 2017

™

contents on the cover: National Donate Life Month Latrice Price Community Outreach Coordinator

The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland

Special Feature pgs 8-13 - April is National Donate Life Month and the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland gives us an in-depth look into organ donation. Ieesha Johnson, Manager of Community Outreach, answers the most commonly asked questions about organ donation to help spread the word and educate others about saving lives.

Feature Articles 30 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea

Spiritual & Emotional Cleaning

34 NUTRITION & YOU

Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

Exercise: Enjoying The Benefits

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32 SINGLE LIFE

38 MAN TALK

Tyneice Pack

Dr. Charles Barrett

Are You An Effective Communicator

Yes, Jesus Loves Me

Healthy Body

Entertainment

Healthy Mind 28 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

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

It’s Time To Take Care of Yourself

36 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS

Ericka Johnson

In Every Issue Scripture Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Contributors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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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/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL Herline A. Knights Dr.

Carla J. Debnam Donna Royalty Ross Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten

Jackie Epps

Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Charles Barrett Tyniece Pack

Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District www.JandCDesigns.com Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD www.artsperiod.com Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Roebuck & Son Printing PRINTING www.hgroebuck.com Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher.

Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

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Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

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from the editor from the editor from the editor

All over the world, Christians will be remembering the crucifixion of Jesus, and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

At sunrise on Easter Sunday morning, believers everywhere will be singing “He Arose” and “He Lives.” Christians will be declaring that Jesus Christ got up from the grave with all power in His hands. “Isn’t that Good News?”

When was the last time you shared the Good News with anyone?

There is a song that has the line in it, “Said I wasn’t gonna tell nobody, but I couldn’t keep it to myself.” When was the last time you had some news you just couldn’t keep to yourself, you couldn’t wait to tell somebody? We don’t seem to have a problem with talking about the latest headlines in the news; which most of the time is not good news. In fact we spend a good amount of time talking about all of the issues plaguing our communities and the nation at large. Maybe the next time you get into a discussion about the economy, politics, crime, guns, etc., with your friends, coworkers, or family members, take this opportunity to tell them, “I’ve got Good News!”

Despite the fact that our lives are often bombarded with problems and hardships, there is always Good News for the believer.

Resurrection Sunday is a reminder to every believer that we too possess resurrection power.

And we need to let others know that no matter what happens in life or whatever knocks us off our feet, we have the power to get up again. We have resurrection power on the inside. That’s Good News.

There’s even more Good News in the Word of God. The Word of God tells us that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). It tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). It tells us that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). The Bible tells us that with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). The Bible is full of Good News.

The best news of all is that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) and God loved us so much that He gave His only son as a sacrifice for us (John 3:16). And if that isn’t enough how about this, if we believe that Jesus died on the cross for us and in three days rose from the grave early Resurrection Sunday, then we will have eternal life (Romans 10:9).

Now that’s Good News worth sharing!

Jackie Epps

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

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Q A Q&A

&

G&G: Ieesha, welcome to Grace & Glory, April is National Donate Life Month and we are excited for the opportunity to shine a light on organ donation. I understand you are the Manager of Community Outreach for The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, would you tell us about this organization?

Ieesha: Thanks so much for this opportunity! The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland is a non-profit health service organization that saves and enhances lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. As the organ procurement organization for Maryland, we facilitate donation and transplantation in area hospitals, provide donor family support, and educate about the life-saving power of donation. We are passionate about our mission of saving lives while honoring the legacy and generosity of donors.

donation are everywhere. Medical mistrust is common and not without historical justification, but in today’s world, myths such as “they won’t save me if I’m an organ donor,” are just not true AND they are costing us the lives of our family and friends on the transplant waiting list.

Ieesha Johnson, Manager of Community

G&G: With this being National Donate Life Month, this is certainly a good time to shed some light on frequently asked questions about organ donation. My first question is who can become an organ or tissue donor and is there an age limit to be an organ donor?

Ieesha: Anyone can become an organ, eye, or tissue donor! We always tell people, never rule yourself out. There is no age limit to saving lives. We have seen all ages give the gift of life, from infants to senior citizens.

G&G: Can you become an organ donor if you already have existing medical issues, like diabetes, hypertension, etc.?

Ieesha: Absolutely. This is a myth we hear a lot, that someone thinks they are too sick to become a donor. But the truth is that each potential donor will be evaluated at their time of death.

With recent medical advancements, even people who are HIV+ can give the gift of life!

Outreach, The Living Legacy Foundation G&G: Ieesha, since this is National Donate Life Month, let’s start with some research that I have read. I read that G&G: Which organs and tissues can be donated after African-Americans are the least likely to participate in death? organ donation, that the percentage of Caucasian donors Ieesha: One organ donor can save up to eight lives are much higher. What would you attribute this disparity through the gift of their kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, to, is it just a lack of knowledge and/or fear? pancreas, and intestines. One tissue donor can enhance Ieesha: That’s a great question, and I think the answer more than fifty lives through the gifts of their corneas, is both a lack of knowledge and fear. In our work in the bone, skin, tendons, heart valves, and veins. These tissues community, we find that myths and misconceptions about can restore health and save lives.

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Q&A or social status are never considered when matching recipients. A great example of this is Dick Cheney – he waited for 20 months before he received his heart transplant.

Donate Life Ambassadors at the BMore Healthy Expo on March 2017. The LLF attends many health fairs to educate the public about the life-saving power of donation.

G&G: Do I have to be registered as an organ and tissue donor to have my organs donated? How does one become an organ donor?

Ieesha: While you don’t have to be registered for your family to authorize donation after your death, we always recommend that anyone who wants to become a donor register their wishes and have that discussion with their family. You can register at the MVA or online at www. donatelifemaryland.org. If you don’t feel comfortable registering, you should at least make sure that your family knows you want to become a donor.

G&G: Ieesha, if I register to be a donor, will a hospital still try as hard to save my life, or will being a declared organ donor (to donate after my death) affect the care I G&G: How are organs and tissues for transplantation receive in a hospital? obtained and distributed? How is a potential organ Ieesha: Another recipient identified? myth! Your donor Ieesha: Organ and tissue recovery is performed designation status only after the donor has been legally declared will never impact dead by a physician and is a very respectful the care you receive surgical procedure. Matching organs to potential in the hospital. Your recipients is done through a computer matching health is the top system run by the United Network for Organ priority of hospital Sharing (UNOS) that takes into account factors staff – they are such as blood type, size, and time waiting. working to save Recipients are placed on the transplant waiting YOUR life. The list by working with their doctor. teams who work on organ donation are G&G: Do donor families and recipients remain completely separate anonymous? from the hospital Ieesha: Yes, at the time of transplant, only basic team attending to details such as age and general location are patients. Organ disclosed to the recipients and donor families. If donation is not the families choose to do so, we work with them about trading one to write to each other and eventually meet. life for another, it’s about giving the gift G&G: Ieesha, does a person’s heritage, social, Gospel Fest is a free concert put on every year by The of life after you are or financial status play any part in whether or not LLF. Held at different churches in Baltimore during National gone. they will receive an organ if they ever need one?

Ieesha: Definitely not. This is another myth we hear a lot! Race, income, celebrity, financial

Donor Sabbath in November. The concert features gospel performers and a program to honor, celebrate, and educate about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Continued on page 10

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Q&A Continued from page 9

G&G: If I don’t register to be a donor, can my organs still be donated? Who would be able to give consent on my behalf?

Ieesha: Yes, you can still become a donor if you are not registered. We always have a conversation with the family, regardless of the patient’s donor status. We identify the next of kin and talk with that person and the family about the opportunity to donate and give life to another. Our team of Family Service Coordinators are trained grief support professionals and are there to support the family regardless of the donation decision.

G&G: What are the different ways to identify yourself as an organ donor?

Ieesha: We recommend that anyone who wishes to become an organ donor register themselves at the MVA by saying “yes” or by going to www. donatelifemaryland. org and registering online. Be sure to share your wishes with your family, as Donor aunt and recipient Danette Ragin well. sharing her story at the annual Donate

G&G: Why is it important for people of every race, background, community, etc. to become an organ donor?

Ieesha: So glad you asked this question! It is so important for everyone, but especially African-Americans, to become organ donors. While donation and transplantation can occur between any two people from different racial backgrounds, transplants are more successful when organs are matched between people of the same background. The more African-American organ donors there are the more African-American lives that can be saved. There is a great need right now, but not enough donors, and we all need to do our part to save lives.

G&G: Ieesha, lastly, how can people help the cause?

Ieesha: There are many ways! First and foremost is making sure you are a registered donor and then sharing your wishes with your family.

We are also very excited about a grant opportunity specifically for houses of worship and faith-based organizations. We are awarding grants of up to $1,000 to these organizations to carry out activities that would increase education and donor designations for organ, eye, and tissue donation in Maryland.

Life Family Fun Run. This year’s run is

on September 30th in Baltimore.

G&G: What is a directed donation?

What is a living donation?

Ieesha: Living donation is when one person donates a kidney or lobe of their liver or lung to another to save their life. It’s an incredible process!

The living donor can lead a full, happy, normal life after donation, especially after knowing they helped save the life of another! Directed donation is when a donor, living or deceased, specifies the recipient of their organ donation.

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Organ, eye, tissue, and in spirit donors are honored at The LLF’s annual Ceremony of Remembrance.

The Ultimate Gift of Compassion For Latrice Price, Community Outreach Coordinator for The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, 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?

Nearly 3,800 men, women, and children in Maryland currently need a life-saving organ transplant.

“Love your neighbor as yourself...” (Mark 12:31) “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Every ten 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)

One organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance more than 50 lives through tissue donation.

“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.

“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5) “We can enter Heaven without having every part of our bodies present.” (Mark 9:47) An average of 22 people die nationally each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.

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

(Matthew 10:8)

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Grateful for the Gift of Life Danette Ragin knows both the experience of being on the transplant waiting list and having a deceased donor family member. Danette was diagnosed with end stage renal disease in 2006 after 9 years of doctors keeping an eye on her kidney health. At first, she was in denial. “I didn’t hear anything else that the doctor said; just the words “end stage renal disease.’” In 2008, Danette was given a second chance at life when she received her kidney transplant. “I prayed and asked God to let me see my kids graduate, get married, and have children of their own. Now, both of my daughters are engaged. I’m so blessed.”

Three years later in 2011, Danette was reconnected to donation when her nephew, only 23 years old, was shot and killed. In the midst of her grief, Danette wanted Martez to be able to help others.

“I have an extended warranty on life, thanks to my donor. My nephew died, but it was an opportunity for our family to give someone else an extended warranty on their life, too.”

In 2016, Danette’s doctor told her that she would need another kidney transplant. She didn’t worry, because she knew that whatever happened was in God’s plan. What she didn’t expect was for her two daughters and her godson to all get tested and be nearly perfect-match candidates to become her living donor. This past Christmas, Danette’s daughter, appropriately named Angel, became her living kidney donor. Danette is incredibly grateful and continues to raise awareness for the gift of organ donation whenever she can.

You too can give the gift of life.

Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor or learn more about living donation at www.donatelifemaryland.org.

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Grateful for the Gift of Sight Growing up, Sonia Taylor was always proud of her ability to see farther and clearer than anyone in her family. “I remember as a young girl taking road trips with my parents and my Dad and I would always play a game to see who could read the highways signs that were farthest away,” recalls Sonia. “Of course, I would always win! I was so proud.”

But then, in her late twenties, Sonia noticed that her vision was changing – the highway signs she had always seen so clearly appeared double, with a ghost-like image after each word. Her vision was deteriorating rapidly. Her doctor diagnosed her with a corneal abnormality called keratoconus. After several failed treatments, the final option was a cornea transplant. Sonia received her cornea transplant in 1992 and has never looked back. “The vision in my right eye improved significantly,” said Sonia. “Thanks to a generous cornea donor, I can see again.

Tragically, Sonia became familiar with the other side of donation when her nephew, Jordan, died in 2007. His family honored his wishes to become an organ donor and Jordan was able to save the lives of seven people. “I’m so grateful that Jordan was able to offer the gift of organ donation to families – just like my donor offered to me.”

What’s your #In1Word reason for registering as an organ donor?

Share, learn more, and win at www.In1Word.org.

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UNITY:

Are You Ready To Answer the Call?

We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda.

Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer.

1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness.

2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree.

3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place.

2017! Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves!

Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!

Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 14 14 April April2017 2017| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory

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to your good health

It's Time to

Take Care of Yourself

One of the most frequently quoted verses is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Dr. Carla Debnam, Therefore honor God with your bodies.” These Founder, two verses are usually quoted in reference to clean living especially as it relates to sexuality. I Renaissance would like to enlarge the focus beyond sexuality Christian to obtaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by caring for ourselves through proper diet, weight management, exercise and by getting regular medical screenings. As believers, we focus on what persons should not do while ignoring what they can do in order to live healthy and victorious lives. A few of the practices that can help bring our bodies into a healthy place is to take advantage of the resources God has already provided. We can choose a variety of ways to exercise by walking or running, chair yoga or weight lifting, Pilates or spin cycling and aerobics or Zumba. Each of us can find a way to get up and move our bodies even if it is for five minutes. Exercise improves overall mental, physical and emotional health. We have been created to live, move and have our

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being in Christ, which includes proper stewardship of our bodies.

There is no substitution for having an awareness of your family medical history or being screened for common illnesses. We must also learn about the health issues that may be environmentally or culturally passed on to us so we can be proactive in fighting disease before it overtakes our lives. Many persons do not know that we are fighting the same sicknesses our parents or grandparents had and while some of those health concerns cannot be prevented some can be delayed or treated with more options than were available before. The effects of depression, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other illnesses can be decreased or eliminated by changing our diet, losing weight, or receiving treatment earlier in the progression of the disease.

Many persons are making radical decisions to take responsibility of their health and the health of their family members. It can be challenging to encourage our family and friends to quit smoking, drink water, eat more fruits and vegetables, cut the carbs or take a walk around the neighborhood but it is worth it. We have to be our brother and sister’s keeper so all of us can live the abundant life Jesus

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woman’s perspective

Spiritual & Emotional Cleansing

Tiffany Bethea She-EO Life Mentor www.Tiffanybethea.com

Spring is in the air! Can you feel it? After the winter we and most of the country just endured, I know I’m not the only one that is eagerly welcoming in the warmer air and longer sunshine in our days. This time of year also usually signals something else that is very popular in most households across the country, SPRING CLEANING. I can remember as a child as soon as the warmer air was upon us, it was time to begin making some adjustments in our home. We would deep clean areas that we maybe hadn’t paid as much attention to for the past few months.

Clothes and shoes that we had outgrown were set aside to be given away so that we could make space for new items.

Now that the warmer and brighter days are upon us, I want to encourage you not only to do a physical cleaning, but to also treat yourself to a spiritual and emotional cleaning. Typically when people spring clean, they are likely to do most, if not all of these things. Let’s take a closer in depth look at each.

CLEAN- Considering this word appears in the term “Spring Clean”, I’m sure it’s safe to say this one is a given. But what does it really mean to clean. By definition it means to refresh or to remove dirt and marks. Can I tell you something? Life is very contaminating. Just living life on a daily basis and interacting with others, it is very easy to unintentionally end up with marks on our hearts and minds. Sometimes in our busyness or need to move through our to-do-lists, we don’t even notice the marks that have appeared. If we pay close attention though, we can feel the marks that have shown up on us in the form of stress, worry, fear, fatigue, frustration, unforgiveness, and depression, to name a few. After a while we just assume that we are feeling negative because of the weather. It’s time to let the presence of the Holy Spirit wash us afresh and remove every blemish and stain. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Make that the cry of your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to remove every blemish and stain from your spirit and your soul.

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putting things in order. If we can be completely honest with ourselves, some of the areas that we find we have to clean only became dirty or messy because of a lack of planning or order. When everything has its own proper place, it is much easier to stay organized, even with limited time. So it is also with us spiritually and emotionally.

For example when we give prayer and meditation their own place in our daily lives, we don’t have to constantly figure out when we will “squeeze it in”. We find that with regular alone time with God we have more peace, joy, clarity and less marks and stains; we are more grateful and better able to enjoy the abundance of blessings around us. All of these positive feelings can actually give us more energy and help us enjoy our lives more; and all of this just from being organized. Let all things be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).

DISCARD- Something about a new season automatically causes us to start throwing away old things and making room for new things. We clean out our closets and drawers; perhaps because we are switching out our winter with our spring/summer wardrobe. But how often do we take note of the people, places and things that we have outgrown. In John 15, Jesus talks about pruning; the process of cutting back the excess in order to make room for growth. What things are you holding onto that are taking up the place of the very thing you are praying for? It’s time to ask God for the clarity and the strength to discard some unnecessary things from your life so that you make room for what is truly assigned to you for His purpose.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (I Corinthians 6:19) Our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temple, this includes our spirits, our hearts, and our minds. Just as we can’t allow our homes to get clutter, neither can we allow ourselves to get full of clutter. We need to be clean and free to hear from God and to receive His direction for our daily paths. So let’s get to it ladies. Let the spiritual spring cleaning begin!

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single life

How many times have you said, “No one understands me?” Well it could be that you are not an effective communicator. Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.

Communication is more than just our ability to talk, but also to listen.

Did you know that 60-90% of all communication consists of body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and tone as opposed to words?

The most important type of communication is between man and God. The first part of that communication is listening. God communicates with us through His Words (Romans 10:17) and by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Many people communicate in their earthly relationships the same way they communicate in their spiritual relationship. We go to God in prayer and tell Him all of our wants, our wishes and our needs but don't listen long enough to hear God's response.

In order for us to communicate we must first have a conversation.

A conversation is a two-way dialog, anything else is just speaking.

Communication can be very challenging because we have different backgrounds, experiences, and sometimes even culture, which all affect communication.

Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship whether it be family or romantic. Each of these relationships helps us to become better communicators. This picture gives you an example of how a misunderstanding can take place in a relationship.

Tony Robin says, “To effectively communicate we must realize that we are all different in the way that we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” If our ability to communicate is going to improve here are a few things that we can do: • Listen to understand and not to respond.

• Make eye contact.

• Remember that your partner can’t read your mind.

• Use I or me statements so that you partner does not feel you are accusing them of anything.

• Be open and honest with your partner.

• Pay attention to the nonverbal signals.

Communication is a skill that must be learned and practiced in order to have a successful marriage. There are 4 basic types of communication styles: 32 April 2017 | Grace&Glory

Passive Communication is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs.

Aggressive Communication is a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others.

Passive–aggressive Communication is a style in which individuals appear passive on the surface but are really acting out anger in a subtle, indirect, or behind-the-scenes way.

Assertive Communication is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others.

Remember that your words have power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it. Be mindful not to speak death over your relationship regardless of what you are feeling in the moment. I encourage you to determine what your communication style is and work with your partner to determine their communication style is. Once you determine your communication styles work together to make your relationship stronger. If the communication in your relationship is going to improve you must work on it daily.

Speak in such a way that Your spouse loves to Listen to you.

Listen in such a Way that your Spouse loves to Speak to you.

Unknown

Tyniece Pack

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nutrition & you

Herline A. Knights, RDN, LD

Everyone knows people should exercise. Here are the most common reasons why.

muscle fibers to pull on them. Strong bones are especially important as you age and grow.

Prevention of chronic diseases If you or your parents have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, regular physical activity is as important in managing and preventing symptoms as medications.

Immunity Regular exercise boosts the immune system by causing the blood to circulate more freely. It can reduce the frequency of flu, colds, and illness.

Weight management Exercise, whether it is cardiovascular or strength training, can boost metabolism and help shed pounds. Exercise requires using calories, which is what the body needs to expend to attain a healthful weight.

Improvement in cognitive functioning Research shows that increased circulation of blood to the brain improves cognitive functioning. Exercisers are quicker with answers, thanks to more oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Improvement of mood Brain chemistry responds positively to exercise. Staying physically active can prevent depression, reduce stress, and make you feel more relaxed. Choosing a brisk walk instead of time in front of the television will help you manage tension.

Strong heart and lungs Exercise makes the heart and lungs more efficient, strong, and resilient.

Blood and oxygen flow increase when exercise forces the circulatory system to move blood through the body. The heart and lungs are responsible for managing the extra exertion, which makes them both stronger and more efficient.

Better sleep Research shows that people who exercise fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly than those who do not exercise. Exercise actually increases your energy for most of the day, so exercising right before bed maybe is not the best idea.

Improved quality of life People who exercise report they have better moods, sex lives, interpersonal relationships, and health than those who do not exercise. In nature, bodies are supposed to stay active. Those who move more report feeling better.

Muscle building Exercise increases muscle activity. To have metabolically active muscles, you do not need to have large muscles, just active ones. The more your muscles move, the more they burn calories, even after the workout.

Both cardiovascular and weight training provide this benefit.

Strong bones Any weight-bearing activity will help strengthen bones by causing 34   April 2017 | Grace&Glory

References and recommended readings Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF. Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9:58-65.

Mayo clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular activity. Available at: http://www. mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676. Accessed March 20, 2017.

WebMD. How regular exercise benefits teens. Available at: http://www.webmd. com/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-exercise. Accessed March 20, 2017.

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gospel industry news

Gospel Industry JJ Hairston

News

By Ericka J.

JJ Hairston released the very first project from his own label, and it’s his group JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise. I'm sure if you have not purchased his #1 single "You Deserve It" YET, you have certainly heard the single, and now the full project is available, and is doing incredible on multiple Billboard Charts holding the #1 SPOT. In addition is in The Top 50, in all genres at #33 THAT’S MAJOR!! I'm super happy for JJ and the choir, he has to be one of the most humble men I know and definitely in gospel music; he has celebrated and supported everyone in this industry and it's his time and his season! If you don't have the project GO GET IT!!! It will absolutely bless your life, as they celebrate 15 years with this project taking it back and giving us some of his past hits that made us LOVE them, in addition to some new tunes! Thank me later!!

Hezekiah Walker

Hezekiah has inked an $80 million dollar deal! Bishop Walker owned a property on the East Side of Brooklyn, New York, where he would hold rehearsals and later became the home of Love Fellowship Tabernacle before they outgrew it and moved to their larger facility. The new facility will house low income and seniors and it will have 24 units and will be the length of a full New York City block. The Mayor of NY has given major kudos to Bishop Walker for bringing this initiative to assist low income housing, it will also offer retail and commercial property, and community rental space in which Bishop Walker plans to open a music school and youth center.

Tasha Cobbs Shout out to Gospel Artist Tasha Cobbs on receiving The Key to the City of Jesup, Georgia. The Mayor David Earl Keith presented her with the key at Unity Church of God. She has shown herself to be an exemplary citizen and outstanding member of Jesup, Georgia. In addition Tasha got married last month, it shocked everybody!

Her family and friends thought they were just coming to a private dinner ceremony unbeknownst to them, they were actually attendees at the wedding and reception of Tasha Cobbs to music director and producer Kenneth Leonard White, while their relationship hasn't been a secret, they wanted to have a private ceremony. Congrats Newlyweds!!

Anthony Brown

PJ Morton

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy’s new single "Trust In You” is all the buzz right now, and they are prepping now to release their forthcoming project "Long Way from Sunday".

Congrats to PJ Morton the son of Bishop Paul S Morton, and member of the group Maroon 5, on his partnership with Ford Motor Company with his new single "Sticking to My Guns".

Naomi B New artist Naomi B, has been hitting the ground running, while serving at her home church, Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord in Baltimore, working in music ministry preparing for her debut single, just in time for Resurrection Sunday. It is titled "He Lives" a remake of that good ole hymn, it’s available everywhere download it, get it, you want to own this!

36 36 April 20172014 Grace&Glory March | Grace&Glory 36 April 2017 || Grace&Glory

gospel industry news J Moss

Gospel singer J Moss announced he accepted his call to ministry as he continues to release some awesome music. I knew it would only be a matter of time before the pastoral call would come forth, and last month he launched his church Living Waters Church in downtown Detroit.

Therron Fowler

Baltimore's Own Therron Fowler son of the late gospel legend Ricky Fowler, whom has sang with and supported so many, has released his debut single titled "Walk With Me" it’s available digitally everywhere. Support good gospel music!

Support Baltimore's Own!

Bloody Win Tour The Bloody win Tour is coming to the DMV! Monday, May 1, ALL ROADS LEAD to Empowerment Temple where Dr. Jamal Bryant will be the host pastor! The tour features Tye Tribbett, JJ Hairston, Jekalyn Carr, & Tasha Cobbs this is going to be explosive, head over to www.bloodywintour.com to get your tickets!!!

The Latitude Tour This features The Walls Group, Kierra Sheard, Brian Courtney Wilson, and Geoffrey Golden and you can have the opportunity to be the opening artist for the tour with these amazing artists! Think you have it? Submit a three minute video clip to be entered into the contest log onto The Walls Group | Home | Gospel Recording Artists.

Dr. Leonard Scott

A well-deserved honor goes to Dr. Leonard Scott the Co-Founder of Tyscot Records one of the oldest and longest operating gospel labels in the world, he was inducted into the Stellar Hall Of Fame this year at the 32nd Annual Stellars. In addition, he released a new single titled "Feel Good" as he celebrates 40 years of life changing music.

Top 5 Gospel Songs

You Deserve It.......................................... JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise I Need You..................................................................Donnie McClurkin Hang On......................................................GBI featuring Kierra Sheard Made A Way........................................................................Travis Greene Joy ...............................................................................VaShawn Mitchell

Whittney Jackson DMV's Own has released a debut project titled "Release The Sound" produced by Phil Bryant and his team at WriterzBlock the project is available NOW! SUPPORT!!

Top 5 Gospel Albums

You Deserve It............................................ JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise WOW 2017 Sounds Of Revival 2...................................................William McDowell Let Them Fall In Love........................................................ CeCe Winans Back to Life....................................................................... Anthony Evans

It's Resurrection!! God didn't just get up, he got up to resurrect some things in our lives! Those dreams you gave up on, don't you dare stop dreaming, those goals don't give up, those areas in your life, those circumstances, those situations you feel were lifeless, God is about to show up for you! Hold on he's working on it, he's coming to resurrect and bring those back to life! Happy 19th Birthday, to my son, My Prince, the sunshine of my life, the apple of my eye, I celebrate you and the gentlemen you're becoming Taj! ‘Til next month follow me on www.twitter.com @MissErickaJ, facebook, www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson, via email missericka75@yahoo.com or via Instagram. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37

man talk

Released 20 years ago, Kirk Franklin’s Love masterfully combines a haunting melody with equally powerful lyrics: Love, a word that comes and goes, but few people really know what it means to really love somebody…

In trying to capture the essence of God’s love, these words are also included “… I'm so glad your love will stay, ‘cause I love you; and you show me, Jesus, what it really means to love…” One of the most moving sections of the piece follows a climactic crescendo and conveys this fundamental quality of God’s love “…When I should have died you loved me, I'll never know why you loved me; it's a mystery to me now I’m glad I see Jesus. When all hope was gone you loved me... now I can go on ‘cause you love me...” Without discounting Franklin’s contribution to the canon of gospel songs about love, William Batchelder Bradbury provided melodic structure to Anna Bartlett Warner’s poem Jesus Loves Me more than 150 years ago. In fact, Bradbury added the famous refrain “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.”

As we approach Resurrection Sunday, defensibly the most significant event on the Christian calendar, how do we know that God loves us? According to Bradbury, “The Bible tells [us] so.” In looking closer, what does the Bible say about God’s love for you and me?

Dr. Charles Barrett

Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools and Associate Professor of Psychology at Northern Virginia Community College.

POINT 1: GOD LOVED US WHEN WE DID NOT, AND PERHAPS NEVER WOULD, LOVE HIM IN RETURN. Romans 5:8—But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. In this verse, the profundity of God’s love is captured in a single word- while. Said another way, at the same time or during the time when we were not thinking about God, He sent His son to die for our sins. And because Christ died, we can live forever. Rather than waiting for us to show that we were interested in a relationship with Him, God proved His unconditional commitment to us in the most unselfish of ways.

POINT 2: GOD LOVED US WITH EVERYTHING THAT HE HAD. More than God’s love not being contingent on our love for Him, it was also sacrificial. John 3:16—For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Consider this: beyond what Christ experienced while dying on the cross, the crucifixion was also excruciatingly painful for God, The Father. Because He had no other sons, sending Jesus was sending all— literally everything—He had.

POINT 3: CHRIST LOVED US BY TAKING ON A DEBT WITHOUT THE EXPECTATION OF REPAYMENT. Was it necessary for Christ to die? Was this the only way to satisfy the debt that was brought on by our sinful state? The answer is found in Hebrews 9:22—In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. This principle was repeatedly illustrated throughout the Old Testament whenever an animal was sacrificed to atone for sin (Leviticus 16:3, 5-6, 11, 20-22).

But because of Christ, the once-and-for-all sacrificial lamb who took on the penalty without complaint (Isaiah 53:7), this is no longer necessary. We know that Christ loves us because He accepted the responsibility for what He did not do (Isaiah 53:4, 12) by paying the ultimate price for charges that he did not incur. And like The Father’s love in Romans 5:8, Christ did this without expecting anything in return.

POINT 4: CHRIST LOVES US BECAUSE HE REFUSES TO LEAVE US IN OUR CURRENT SITUATIONS. 38 April 2017 | Grace&Glory

John 3:17—For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Salvation is the foundation upon which a full and rewarding life that is spent in perpetual fellowship and relationship with God rests; but this is only the beginning of our Christian experience. In other words, while a personal relationship with Christ does not always instantaneously erase the reality of conditions with which we struggle, it underscores our humanity and continual dependence on Him to help us overcome every situation and become better than we were the day before.

So, because God loves us, He allows us to experience various challenges and circumstances to ultimately develop our Christian character (Galatians 5:2223; James 1:2-4). Yes, God loves us just the way we are; but He also loves us too much to allow us to stay the way we are.

POINT 5: ARE WE LOVING LIKE JESUS? Although God is sovereign, He is neither a dictator nor a tyrant. For this reason, when we are faced with decisions, He allows us to choose what we want to do (Joshua 24:15; Revelation 3:20). God’s love that was expressed by sending His only son to die for our sins and Christ’s obedient response to the will of The Father (Luke 22:42) were conscious decisions. Such demonstrations are the epitome and embodiment of unconditional love. Let’s look closer…

When Jesus says, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34), He is praying for those who were actively killing Him! Moreover, God used Paul, who was once an enemy of The Church (I Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13) and who struggled with an unnamed besetting sin (II Corinthians 12:7-10), to write most of the New Testament and help Christians (even today) grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

So if Christ spent some of His final moments praying for the forgiveness of those who were killing Him, and Paul became one of the greatest messengers for God despite his past persecution of Christians (Galatians 1:15), rest assured that God forgives and loves you, too!

Bob Sorge, in his book, Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Praise and Worship, discusses a concept known as the Horizontal Function of Praise.

Essentially, while praise is a vertical interaction between God and man, there are horizontal benefits for those in our company (Acts 16:25-34). In the spirit of Sorge, what is the horizontal function of love? Having been beneficiaries of God’s love, how does this impact those whom we encounter each day?

Because love is a sacrificial and conscious decision that is not dependent on the actions of others, do we love like Jesus?

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