Grace & Glory February 2017

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scripture scripturepage page

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love – so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about – not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!

13-16 This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. 7-10

TO LOVE, TO BE LOVED

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love.

19 We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

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™

FEBRUARY 2017

contents on the cover: Rev. Dr. Daniel Nathan Carter New Shiloh Baptist Church 2100 N. Monroe Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 410-532-5306 www.newshilohbaptist.org

Special Feature pgs 8-12 - February is Black History Month. As we celebrate Black History we are pleased and delighted to feature a young man that comes from generations of preachers. Our cover story this month is Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Carter, the son of Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. and the grandson of the late Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr.

Feature Articles

16 EDUCATION DIGEST

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr.

The Importance of Making History

18 SINGLE LIFE

Tyneice Pack

The Heart of the Matter is Love

28 NUTRITION & YOU

Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

Eating For a Healthy Heart

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32 BOOK SHELF

24 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea

Brandie Manigault

Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling (Everett L. Worthington, Jr.)

38 MAN TALK

My Sister’s Keeper

Healthy Body

Dr. Charles Barrett

Reconciliation: Restoration of Relationships Pt. 2

30 BOBY BASICS

www.organizeyourselfskinny.com

Awesome Workout Routines for Couples

Entertainment

Healthy Mind 22 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

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

People Problems

Healthy Soul 26 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com nistries

Donna Royalty Ross

The Look of Love

44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS

Ericka Johnson

In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2 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

Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL

Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Donna Royalty Ross Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Charles Barrett

Tyniece Pack

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

www.artsperiod.com

PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher.

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

The Future is Blue! mguy@blueeyetechnology.com

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Advisory Board Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr. AME Church Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences 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

Always and Forever February is often labeled the ‘love’ month. Many of us will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this month with a special someone; and many of us will not be celebrating with a special someone. Many of us will go out of our way to show that certain someone our undying love with many acts and expressions of love and affection. On the flip side there will be those who will feel left out of this celebration of love; feeling unloved and sad because of the lack of [what they think is] the ultimate love experience.

Instead of wondering who loves you or if anyone will ever love you, there is only one promise of love that you can stand on and that is the love of God. God promises to love us always and forever. This is a good time of year to remind you that God will love us “Always and Forever”.

We should not depend on or wait for another person to make us feel loved, wanted or appreciated. We should not depend on another person to validate us or make us feel whole or complete. There is only one who can do all those things and that is God, the lover of our souls.

Just in case you may have forgotten, I thought I might remind you of how great God’s love is toward us. Do you know that you have God’s everlasting love? Do you know that nothing can separate you from God’s love? There is nothing that you can do or anything that can happen that will destroy God’s love for you.

I have put together a little ‘love’ list to remind you.

This is what God says about love.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

(Proverbs 8:17) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

(John 13:34-35) God’s love is shown through Jesus Christ.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he

loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

(I John 4:9-11) For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) God loves and cares for us.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

(Lamentations 3:22-23) But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

(Psalm 86:15) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-3) So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. (I John 4:16) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7) ♦♦♦♦♦ In closing I wanted to share this quote with you from Rick Warren, “God is love. He didn’t need us. But He wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.”

You’ll never find, no matter where you search, someone that loves you, the way God loves you, “Always and Forever!"

Peace, Love and Blessings to you,

Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief www.gracenglorymagazine.org 7

Q&A

G&G: Rev. Daniel Carter, welcome to Grace & Glory Rev. Carter: My first love is the drums and as most drummers Magazine. It is always a pleasure when I get the opportunity often times do, they develop a love for the bass guitar as well, to talk with a ‘Preacher’s Kid’, to be more exact the son of Dr. which I also play. Well, born in a Christian home and family Harold A. Carter, Jr. and the grandson of the late Dr. Harold A. I grew up around Gospel music. As I became older and was Carter, Sr., to start our conversation let’s do a few light-hearted exposed to more artists, I came questions. First tell us a little about yourself, how would you to know Tye Tribbett and GA describe yourself in three words? (formerly known as Greater Rev. Carter: First off, let me thank you Grace & Glory for Anointing). I literally had a having me. I must say this is a high honor for such a young dream of playing the drums neophyte preacher and I do not take this highlight lightly. I must with Tye and his group along let our readers know that I am no better than anyone reading with a desire to play for other this; I put my pants on just like everyone else (Lol). Nonetheless, artists as well. In 2013 that my name is Rev. Daniel dream became a reality when Carter; I am the son of Tye was in Baltimore during Monique and Harold Carter, a church tour and stopped by Jr. I was born in Reading, New Shiloh to share with us.

Pennsylvania, 3 weeks As I was the fill in drummer premature. Weighing less that day for the 8:30 service, than 5 pounds, I began to he asked if I would accompany Visiting the portrait of develop complications which him while they sang a few my Grandfather in the included a collapsed lung, songs from their latest album; chapel of Morehouse a heart valve that would that moment was also a College. not close and bleeding in surprise to me. the brain which resulted in 3 surgeries and spending G&G: Rev. Carter, you shared with me some exciting 3 months in NICU. After news surrounding you and ministry; you were recently After preaching my initial sermon. We were both in ordained this past December 11, 2016. Following in much prayer of healing, I returned home on Christmas tears. the footsteps of your father Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. morning. I would describe and your grandfather the late Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr., myself as, kind hearted, underestimated and patient. would you share with us what this monumental chapter in your G&G: Rev. Carter, What is one thing most people would be life means to you? surprised to know about you?

Rev. Carter: This chapter in my life means that I am carrying

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Q&A the legacy of the greatest but now I am creating my own footsteps in ministry. I believe I am mandated to live out my call by serving others which means helping the sick, shelter the homeless and feed the poor to the best of my ability. My Grandfather once told me, “You can’t be me, you can’t be your Dad, you can only be you”, and I intend to do that as long as the Lord has me on this earth.

G&G: Rev. Carter, when did you realize the call on your life to preach the gospel? Was it a difficult call to accept? Did the fact that your father and grandfather were preachers influence you to become a preacher of the gospel, or did you have other expectations for your life?

Rev. Carter: I was recommended by my father to look at the music program of a Christian university in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

I was accepted and received a music scholarship from this school. While attending the University of the Cumberland’s, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, I started off as a music major. I decided to sit out a semester going into my sophomore year, because I was basically homesick, as well as lacking interest in the music program. However, when I returned, I took a few religion courses. It was then that I began to develop a deeper interest in God’s word. It was also, after I returned to the university, that I heard the call to ministry. God spoke to me saying, “I’ve given you the gift of music, but now I want to birth Graduating from the University of the into you something Cumberlands with a Bachelor's. greater.” After sharing this information with the late Rev. Dr. Harold Carter, my grandfather, he asked me, “Do you see yourself preaching?” I answered, by saying, “There is nothing else I see myself doing in life besides preaching.” He then advised me to write a letter to my father to request to preach my initial sermon at the New Shiloh Baptist Church, which took place on August 7, 2011. I would say that it was somewhat difficult; before I was called into ministry I was asked countless times, when was I going to become a preacher like my Grandfather and Father? It was not until I heard the voice of God for myself, rather than the voice of others that I felt compelled to preach the Gospel.

Morning of graduation from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology. Proud Alumni!

G&G: Rev. Carter, I can only imagine what it was like

growing up with two iconic pastors, your father Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., and your grandfather the late Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr., what does it mean to you to carry and continue the legacy that has been set before you?

Rev. Carter: While we are talking about continuing legacy, may I add that there have been preaching legends One of the last family photos with our Patriarch. past and present that contributed to my ministry such as: Dr's. Harold A. Carter, Sr. & Jr., Dr. A.C.D Vaughn, Dr. Charles Booth, Dr. James Henry Harris and Bishop(s) Rudolph Mckissick, Sr. & Jr. For me personally, it means that I must protect the legacy passed down through generations. The bar is set high for me, not only are they great preachers and pastors but they are all well educated black men who defied the odds of society. My intention is to fulfill the plans of course, there will be naysayers and ones with their own opinion about me and that is fine, but I stand on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” ◆◆◆ G&G: Being mindful that the month of February is Black History Month, we asked Rev. Carter, a young My African American Brother, male what he wanted Tim, and to share with our I with our readers, particularly mother those who are his Dr. age. Often during this Monique month, we look to hear T. Carter. from our elders and those with years of life experiences, and rightfully so. We believe it is also important that your generation be heard from, and you are being seen as an up and coming voice, among others, of such a time as this. Given this opportunity, please tell us: (1) How do you see yourself as a Continued on page 10

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Q&A Continued from page 9

wasn’t long before our Harold A. Carter Chapel filled by the minute with over 200 clergymen.

I am sure that social media and cell phones helped to spread the word.

product (2nd generation removed) from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s? Have you had any opportunities to be involved in any forums, With that being said, I believe in protests, or movements order to access my generation of activism? (2) How do they must be met where they you assess where your are. The day of going to one’s generation is with regards neighbor’s house to hear the to the following: culture, latest gossip, neighbors punishing the new presidency, the you on behalf of your parents Recently, served communion with my Parents! Still in Awe! church, black on black and being home before the street crime/violence, policing, lights come on are and preaching/ teaching? over. Everything you Rev. Carter: Well, I must say that this has truly been want to know is but a an honor and a privilege for me. I recognize there are few clicks away. This many younger and older than I who are much more is now the culture that qualified for this platform of which I do not take lightly. we as preachers face.

With all of this in mind in regards to new, open doors It is no doubt that the of ministry, I believe God has opened these doors to recent swearing in reach my generation. I, along with my generation, was of President Donald not there during the time of the Civil Rights Movement.

Trump is a wake up We were not there when our grandparents were turned call to many, if not away at movie theaters, diners and schools, etc. The all, who have a good least we can do is honor those who fought for our right conscience. It is a to vote by peacefully demonstrating and letting others wake up call for this know that our voice, as young African-Americans generation of all races matters. Engaging in destroying property by breaking and genders to fight Dad and I, Dr. Harold A. Carter Jr. windows, setting cars on fire or throwing rocks at the for what we believe to police only shows the oppressor that we should be kept be right. What Donald where we are, mentally.

Trump has shown us in these first few days in office is the total opposite of what my president, Barack Hussein Obama, has Yes, I am mindful that there are taught us during his eight years in office. While he may groups and organizations that not have responded to the African-American community call for non-violence, peace and like some desired I believe he has taught us to carry calm. In fact, I am speaking from ourselves with class, pride, dignity, and respect. my experience of participating in the initial Freddie Gray Growing up in church during a time when church was march. When my father and not the norm for many pastor, Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. of my generation is learned that rioters were moving something we should in the direction of our church, teach our sons and we made our way back to New daughters today. The Shiloh, where Pastor Carter Hip Hop culture of my and Attorney Billy Murphy were generation has had being interviewed by local news tremendous influence on stations and decided it would our lives, but it certainly be wise to call all clergy back failed at having any to the church (who had earlier On the front lines of the Freddie Grey March connection with God with over 200 clergy behind me. Police participated in Freddie Gray’s and the church. For me, funeral) to call for peace in our advancing toward us because of not knowing I have always loved The Honorable Kweisi Mfume and I who we were. city via a press conference. It

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Q&A going to church. In fact, my parents nicknamed me “church boy.” It was not until I accepted Christ into my life at the age of six that I began to realize that church was more about fellowshipping with those who had a relationship with Christ and wanted to be like Him. It was much more than going to church out of tradition or everybody being forced to go. Now, I am not saying that those who come to church are not saved. I am saying that for a great number of millennials, church is an option and many have simply chosen not to go at all. I believe there are two ways that millennials look at the church today. First, they see it as a place of traditional fellowship with families, singing hymns and deacons praying, etc. Second, it is viewed as the one “safe” place that was a protector from outside evil forces; but now realizes these entities are actually birthed within the church in some cases.

and grandson of a civil rights leader, I believe we can capture the heart of this generation by demonstrating the love of Christ.

Just as Christ said he came to serve and not to be served, we are to emulate Christ serving others with humility and love (Matthew 20:28). Finally, we are all reminded in 1st Corinthians, “And now faith, hope, and love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

G&G: Rev. Carter, what would you say to that young person who believes they have been called to ministry and is afraid to accept the call?

Rev. Carter: I would simply say for him or her to pray about it. Yes, accepting the call can be fearful but it is also a leap of faith. I promise you when you accept the call the doors God open will be beyond your wildest dreams. As my Grandfather told me, “No matter the size of the door walk thru it anyway.”

G&G: Rev. Carter, as a young preacher beginning your journey in ministry, what is your vision for your ministry going forward?

Rev. Carter: My vision is to be Allow me to also comment a motivational speaker to our Never get tired of hearing my hero preach the word of God! on the epidemic of crime youth, win souls for Christ and and murders. In my opinion, not be ashamed of the Gospel. black on black crime (violence) has been an unstoppable force I believe in order to do so it requires to deny in our city and state. At the time of this writing, our city is myself in Christ so that I can be used by him. I averaging one murder per day. In order to assess my generation also plan to support the ministry of my Pastor of youth who deal with violence in their schools, communities, while serving as his assistant at the New Shiloh and/or homes, Baptist Church. the best way to G&G: Rev. Carter, it has been my get to them is to As a young pleasure to talk with you. We pray meet them where boy with Rev. Jesse God’s richest blessings upon you they are and Jackson. and your ministry. have other viable options for them.

I believe one of the main reasons the Freddie Gray uprising occurred was because, in many ways, this is a frustrated generation whose Recently, blessing my cousin Cree Malik Thomas. voice is not often heard, and their outlets beyond school is limited.

We have to find ways for my peers to vent, recreate, and “blow off steam.” We want a pathway to higher education, jobs and a decent place to live. We want peace, justice and equal rights and will find ways, right or wrong, to fight until it is achieved.

With all of this in mind, as a young preacher (4th generation) Receiving certificate of Ordination.

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bio

R

everend Daniel N. Carter is the oldest son of Dr. Harold A. and Rev. Monique T. Carter, Jr. He is also the grandson of Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. Both, his father and grandfather, serve as Pastor of the New Shiloh Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD. He has a younger brother, Timothy Carter.

From his childhood, Daniel has always enjoyed being involved in the church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the age of six. Early on, Daniel demonstrated Godgiven talents to play musical instruments. These gifts were developed as a student of the Nathan Carter School of Music (named after his late, great-uncle), as he acquired instruction in percussion instruments. Daniel is, also, a bassist. He has been blessed to use his gifts serving in the Music Ministry of the New Shiloh Baptist Church, as well as the New St. Mark Baptist Church (Baltimore, MD).

He has been privileged to playing the drums and accompany gospel artists as: Shirley Caesar, William Murphy, Marvin Sapp, and Richard Smallwood.

Reverend Carter is a graduate of the New Town High School. Having been raised in a family and a 12 February 2017 | Grace&Glory

ministry that values the importance of education, his initial desire was to attend Morgan State University in order to major in music, with a desire to play drums for the famed Morgan State University Choir, mindful that during that time, his uncle was the Choral Director.

When God called Dr. Nathan Carter home in 2004, Daniel’s father and grandfather—both of whom had recently received honorary doctorate degrees from a small Christian college in the Appalachian Mountain of Kentucky (University of the Cumberlands)—suggested to him that he should seriously consider enrolling there, especially given the quality of the university’s music department. Daniel did so, was accepted, and was awarded a music scholarship.

While seeking to be a music major, Daniel had also developed a deeper interest in God’s Word, having taken several religion classes. Given his love of Jesus, His Church, and a desire to continue to be available to serve, God spoke to Daniel, while a junior, saying, “I’ve given you the gift of music, but now I want to give you an even greater gift.” Having heard that “running” from God was ultimately useless, Daniel sought

counsel from his grandfather and his father; both of whom helped him in acknowledging his call. On August 7, 2011, Daniel delivered his initial sermon at the New Shiloh Baptist Church and was licensed by his late grandfather Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. and father Dr. Harold A Carter Jr., to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Daniel served as an associate minister and a staff musician playing drums and bass at New Shiloh and just recently, God elevated him to serve with his father as Assistant to the Pastor.

In May of 2012, Daniel graduated from the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY, having majored in Religious Studies and minored in Communication Arts. The Rev. Daniel N. Carter is already being sought out to preach God’s Word, throughout the city of Baltimore and elsewhere. Rev. Carter is a Graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia with a Master's degree in Theology. He is currently serving alongside his father Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. as Assistant to the Pastor. Just recently, he was ordained into the Gospel ministry on December 10th, 2016.

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education digest

education digest

The Importance of Making History Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:18-20).

18

I spent a little more than five years reporting on television in Huntington, West Virginia. It’s a city of about 60-thousand people nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. One of my many assignments in the month of February included recording a segment on Black History month for the evening news. It didn’t take me long to learn that Carter G. Woodson, the man known as the “Father of Black History,” had roots in the city.

Woodson was born in Virginia but moved west in order to get an education. According to the NAACP, Carter G. Woodson and his brother Robert Henry moved to Huntington, West Virginia, where they hoped to attend the Douglass High School. However, Carter was forced to earn his living as a miner in Fayette County coalfields and was able to devote only a few months each year to his schooling.

Carter G. Woodson (1875 –1950) African-American Historian

month, I was introduced to one of Woodson’s nieces who still lived in the City of Huntington. I contacted her and she agreed to be interviewed at her home. She was able to verify what so many historians had observed about Woodson over the years. She says her uncle was not only passionate but determined to record the history of the African-American experience. Woodson believed that it was important to document the contributions of Black Americans as a legitimate and integral part of the history of this country.

In 1895, a twenty-year-old Carter entered Douglass High School, where he received his diploma in less than two years. In 1900, Woodson returned to Huntington to become the principal of Douglass H.S. Woodson would go on to college and receive his Bachelor of Literature degree from Berea College, Kentucky. Almost a decade later, Woodson received his M.A. from the University of Chicago, and in 1912, he received his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.

As you recognize Black History month, don’t overlook the need to record history. It can begin today. Here’s what I mean. It seems that a good bit of our personal, family and faith history is spoken but not written. We owe it to the next generation to document our history. We can start today with a pen and paper. However, technology allows us to videotape our conversations. I urge you to make a record of history, especially of your faith. The Bible is history, the history of God’s faithfulness to those who believed in Him. They were people who also believed it was their obligation to recall the goodness of God in their lives and to share it with those whom they met along the way. The same should be said for each of us as we prepare to make history.

The old Douglass High School building I mentioned earlier is still standing. It’s located along one of Huntington’s major thoroughfares. I would often drive by the building during my travels around the city. In my quest to find a local connection to Black History

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy-Award winning television reporter at WBALTV (NBC) in Baltimore, Maryland. He’s also the pastor and founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.

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20 21

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single life

e h t f o t r a e h e Th is r e t t a m

e v o L

It is that time of year again. Red hearts, pink and red roses, balloons, cards, and stuffed animals that sing songs. You see store shelves overflowing with these symbols of love. From the time we were little children in grade elementary school Valentines was a big deal. How many of you remember going to the store to pick out your cards? We would be so excited and could not wait to get to school and pass out your cards to your classmates and friends. In some elementary schools, Valentine’s Day is still celebrated in the same way. As children, we saw it as a day that we spread the love. In elementary school, we did not have an understanding of the type of love that Valentine’s Day represented. As we grew up we came to understand that Valentine’s Day focuses on the intimate romantic (Eros) type of love. I want to remind you that there are other types of love that we can share on Valentine’s Day and every other day of the year.

Love on Yourself Love the one closest to you...yourself! Indulge in a guilty pleasure with absolutely no apologies. Curl up with a cup of tea and that book you’ve been dying to read for the past three months. Lose yourself in a hot stone massage at the spa. Whatever your heart desires, be your own best Valentine.

Four Types of Love: Eros – Intimate Romantic love – (Hebrews 13:4) Phileo – Enjoyment, fondness, friendship – (John 21:15-17) Storge – Family loyalty – (Romans 12:10) Agape – Unconditional love – (John 3:16)

Love on the Unknown Find small and selfless ways to treat a stranger with no expectation of kindness in return. Surprise the person in line behind you by paying it forward. Give the gift of your time at a shelter. Your act of kindness can have a big impact on someone. It can change the entire course of their day.

Whether you are intentionally single, recently ended a relationship, or have experienced the loss of your significant other there is still love to be shared.

Don’t allow yourself to focus on not having a significant other to share it with. Celebrate and focus on the blessing of another day to enjoy life. Spend the day loving on yourself or sharing your love with other people.

Love on Family and Friends Love on those who have invested in your life. Close family members or an extended circle of friends, undoubtedly there are people who have touched your heart. Show them what their love means to you by expressing your gratitude. Put a card in the mail to thanking them for how they inspired you, encouraged you, or making you feel loved. Imagine how much it will mean to them to receive a card on Valentine’s Day expressing your love and thanks.

There should be no shame or guilt with being single on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year. It is so important to remember that you are defined by who YOU are, and not who you are dating (or not dating!).

The greatest gift is love!

A Prayer for you I said a prayer for you And asked the Lord above To fill your heart and bless your soul With the precious gift of love.

I asked Him for sincere love The kind that is meant to stay Just like the generous love 18 February 2017 | Grace&Glory

You give to those you touch each day.

I prayed for love from family And from every cherished friend Then I ask the Lord to give you His love that knows no end.

(Author Unknown)

Tyniece Pack

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Celebration of Survival is just that, a time to celebrate surviving the worst of life challenges!

Several years ago the world began to lose hope as a result of a drastic decline in our economy. People lost hope for life and living. We hold true to the word of God that states…“I come that you may have life and that more abundantly.” Trophy of Life, Inc. (TOL) was established in 2006 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to render hope and encouragement through services and acts of kindness to our community and abroad.

We are eternally grateful for great spiritual leadership through our senior pastors Bishop Gregory Dennis and Elder Tonya Dennis along with our Presiding Prelate Bishop Ralph Dennis and Elder Deborah Dennis. TOL connected with the Women’s Ministry of Kingdom Worship Center (Just For Me) sharing the vision of our leaders to connect to the community, and to connect the community to God. The Holy Spirit birthed Celebration of Survival (COS) as a result of the hopelessness of the world, more specifically our community. It is a time of celebration and victory in overcoming crisis, shameful behavior, poor choices and many other challenges that we have come through. Many individuals would be flabbergasted to hear of the challenges that family and friends have endured.

At least 12 individuals are chosen to share their life experience- the who, what, when, where, and victorious outcome. When these stories are shared, there are no details spared. It takes a bold and courageous man, woman, boy or girl to stand before an audience with such a message of devastation which has been turned into a message of hope. It is also a platform of freedom; no longer shamed but free from all. It is our intent for them to walk away with a sense of empowerment, giving God great praise for the great things He has done. The platform from which they stand upon to tell their stories have encouraged many attendees igniting the aspiration to “BE”.

COS is a spiritual component to the celebrants, extending Hope and Encouragement for many more favorable tomorrows. The takeaway for the participants and attendees is to feel empowered to “BE” all that God said and created them to “BE.” COS is a time of reflection bringing to the forefront thoughts of what we 20 February February2017 2017||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 20

survived; when others may have died from the same experience we survived. The experience certainly could have been the other way.

Each COS gets better and better. Each year the ceiling becomes the floor for the next year. Each year we invite the previous year’s participants to attend and support the current celebrants. There is Hope beyond life struggles and challenges, after heartache, after pain, and after devastation. We choose to view setbacks to be set ups for come backs.

It is a testament to the fact that we are more than conquerors through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

We are today because we persevered through our past. Our past does not dictate to us what our present nor our future will look like. We must see ourselves in the future and declare that it is glorious.

After we have been pulled, stretched, beaten, worn and torn, God is still on the throne to give hope and to encourage our very being.

I / We survived and we want to celebrate the same. We were faced with life challenges but the fact still remains…..WE SURVIVED! Trophy of Life, Inc. solicits sponsors to execute other God inspired events to render Hope and Encouragement in the earth.

Some of the programs of Trophy of Life, Inc. include: • The V.O.W. (Voices of Widows and Widowers)- a support/fellowship group for widows and widowers. We will Live, Laugh, and Love again.

• Our Kings and Queens- a program of support for teens.

• Heels to Heal- a financial component to raise revenue for Trophy of Life, Inc. 2017 • Immeasurable Investments- a mentoring program for teens rendering support from 9th to 12th grade.

• Trophies in the Park- a time to bring like-minded groups together to impact the community.

• Jazz Gala- an upcoming fund raiser.

• Soup Day (Quarterly)- community outreach; supply soup to the homeless.

We currently have dedicated volunteers however the vision of TOL will require the hands and finances of others to execute the vision. I am of the persuasion that God will provide provision for the vision. TOL would love to connect with persons who are driven to see others rise from the ashes of despair into a beautiful place; Spirit, Soul and Body.

Trophy of Life, Inc. Portia S. Wheatley Founder and President 443.271.5607 www.trophyoflife.org (under construction)

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to your good health

It

has been challenging over these past few months to adjust to the ideas and actions of others that may be in conflict with the values you and I may hold. The struggle to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies has become a reality that we cannot ignore. Relationships Dr. Carla Debnam, are difficult and selfishness along Founder, Renaissance Christian with the lack of empathy seems Counseling Center to be more prevalent and socially acceptable than ever. This is not about political affiliation, whether you are conservative or liberal, or your church membership. This is about being an ambassador for Christ by doing what honors him and showing respect for those in our lives. It does not matter if we know the people or not. We are called to show love because God is love.

Everyone has people problems. It may be with family, friends, coworkers, church members, business partners, professional associates and more. People problems are not going away so we need to learn how to handle

People Problems

ourselves in every situation. We are accountable for our response to those persons we encounter no matter what they say or do. Our job is to uphold The Golden Rule, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets,” Matthew 7:12. Living out The Golden Rule is not easy because we would rather go with our feelings and seek to hurt those who hurt us, to anger those who angered us, to shun those who shunned us, to not show love because we were not shown love. Taking the least traveled path and living out treating others with compassion and consideration is only accomplished through our dependence on Jesus.

We cannot solve our people problems without him living in and through us.

The love God has shown us now has to be shown to others. We do not have to like or accept the actions of others but we have to resist repaying evil for evil, injustice for injustice and disrespect for disrespect. Let’s show that we are Christians by our love, what we are for and not what we are against. We can make a difference one person, one situation, and one relational problem at a time. 1 John 4:7-8 encourages us to represent God through love. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” People problems will always plague us but we can get through them when we set appropriate boundaries and approach them with confidence and in love knowing that we have done what is right and just and honorable.

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woman’s perspective

I Am Not My Sister’s Keeper, I Am My Sister!

Hello my lovely sisters! It’s February and of course love is in the air. Very soon, if not already, we will be seeing cards, candy, balloons, chocolates, flowers and so much more aimed at celebrating romantic love. I think it’s wonderful! But I’d love to also celebrate and spotlight another type of love that is also special and divine. I’d like to start a three part series this month on Sisterhood. Now I’m fully aware that just the mention of sisterhood sparks so many different emotions in women and the word alone has so many different connotations associated with it. For the next 3 months let’s take an in depth at what sisterhood is, what God has to say about it and how to heal from the pain of broken sisterhood. I am hoping to open this topic up and shed some light in an attempt to bring healing for broken sisterhood relationships and strengthen healthy sisterhood relationships.

Isn’t it amazing when we can truly find those covenant sisters with whom we can share our secrets, cry tears of sadness and joy and share some of our most precious life experiences?

When I think of my covenant sisters I think about the amazing moments we’ve shared such as being in the delivery room when my best friend became a mother and gave birth to her beautiful daughter. That is a moment in time that neither of us will ever forget. I also think about helping one of my sisters unpack and anoint with oil her very first house.

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another priceless moment that we will forever share.

One of my favorite quotes is, “Friendship is essential to the soul.” The love and joy shared in a true friendship between women is nurturing to our spirit and soul. God has gifted us with friendship even though sometimes we don’t see it that way. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ephesians 4:9-10.

There is so much power in agreement and connection between sisters. Can you think of a moment when you didn’t have the strength to pray for or encourage yourself and you connected with one of your good sister-girlfriends and after that interaction you had the strength to keep going? What about that day you just needed to get out and get some fresh air and you went shopping with one of your sister-friends and afterward you noticed you were refreshed, revived and ready to keep going. There is power in connection with another Godly sister. The truth is this Christian journey we are on can be tough. There are joyous seasons that make us smile but there are also challenging seasons that we don’t enjoy as much. In those times the enemy loves to isolate us because he knows he can cut off a source of strength, motivation and accountability. I encourage you my sister not to allow the enemy to use your trials and difficult seasons to pull away from those who will love, support, pray with, pray for and encourage you.

God is love and life is amazing. It comes in various forms including family, romantic partners and of course our friends. Let’s make sure that we don’t overlook our amazing sister-friends and find some time to show them love and celebrate them. I am touching and agreeing with each of you that God will continue to preserve your healthy sister friendships, and that He will reveal the toxic ones so that you can walk away from those. However I don’t want to get ahead of myself, we will talk about that in next Tiffany Bethea month’s article “The Sisterhood She-EO Life Mentor Series Pt. 2”. Stay tuned! www.Tiffanybethea.com

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word of encouragement

THE LOOK OF

LOVE

And behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” [Matthew 3:17] And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him!” [Luke 9:35] “Here is My servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations.” [Matthew 12:18] While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” [Matthew 17:5] And a voice came from heaven: “You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” [Mark 1:11] Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him!” [Mark 9:7]

◆◆◆ When Jesus walked the earth, His Father, was well pleased with Him. So well pleased was the Father with Jesus, that I have shown above where time and time again, scripture after scripture, God continued to put His Son on display. After making us in His image and likeness, we ought to remember that we are heirs to the throne and joint heirs with Christ Jesus. In other words, God does not love Jesus any more than He loves you and me, He showed forth His love for us in Ephesians 1:5– “In love He predestined us for adoption to son ship through Jesus Christ.” His look of love towards us was so great that when He looked at us and the things that we were going to do even after that He adopted us.

Think of how an adoption plays out. The husband and wife or God in this instance – goes to the place where all these children are waiting to be adopted.

Those same children have seen numberless people come and look at them and leave with the children of the best pedigree and they are adopted and gone. These children who have been abandoned by their parents, perhaps because of a crooked nose, a messed-up face, a crooked leg, or an adulterous affair, etc., feel they are not needed. Then here comes the Godhead, and looks behind what He saw in the natural, and chooses you and me. The look of love. Love so tender that it did not matter how messed up we looked; His love propelled Him to choose us.

Remember we did not choose Him, but He chose us in love before the foundation of the world [John 15:16]. God also appointed you to bear fruit that would last.

Greater love has no man, than a man would lay down His life for others. That’s the love that we should be talking about. So even as you celebrate “Valentine’s Day”, know that the love of God – the look of love God has towards us is greater than anything and anyone that you believe is worthy of your love.

Let me introduce to some and replay to others this secular song -- “The Look of Love”, which also shows us God’s love extended towards us throughout the world.

The look of love is in your eyes, a look your smile can't disguise.

The look of love is saying so much more than these words could ever say.

And what my heart has heard, well it takes my breath away.

I can hardly wait to hold you, feel my arms around you.

How long I have waited, waited just to love you, now that I have found you.

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Don't ever go. You've got the look of love, it's on your face.

A look that time cannot erase.

The above is a popular song composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and sung by English pop singer Dusty Springfield. Let us replace that song to sing like this: The look of love is in God’s eyes, is a look His smile cannot disguise.

The look of love from God towards us is saying so much more than these words could ever say.

And what our hearts has heard, well it takes our breath away.

We can hardly wait for God to hold us, and for us to feel His arms around us.

How long we have waited, waited just to be loved by Him, now that He has found us.

He won’t ever let us go. He’s got the look of love, and it's shining forth on His face.

A look that time cannot erase.

Imagine God singing that song to us – a look that time cannot erase. Oh, what joy would fill your/my/our hearts as God expresses that kind of love for us. Because of the look of love, nothing God does for us can be erased. His love extended towards you and I is unconditional, faithful, merciful, irrevocable, stubborn, and undeniable; and in every way known and shown to man God continues to pour forth His love towards us.

As you wish your Valentine “Happy Valentine’s Day”, remember the “red” roses or the red cover on your chocolates indicate the love God has for you, by sending His Only Begotten Son to Calvary’s cross to die for you and I. God’s love continues to shine forth for all to see “how great is our God”. Think of God’s lingering look that continues to cause Him to always be there to take us out of our daily challenges.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours from Donna Donna Royalty Ross and all the subsidiaries of In Trust Royalty Ross Ministries.

In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com

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nutrition & you

Keeping your heart healthy is complicated. Many factors contribute to your risk of heart disease, including genetics, diet, physical fitness, and stress.

Eating for a healthy heart When you are eating for a healthy heart, you need to pay special attention to: • Avoiding high intake of total, saturated, and trans fats • Avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol • Eating a diet that is high in fiber • Following a low-calorie diet • Exercising regularly • Managing stress Lowering your blood cholesterolThese tips can help you lower your blood cholesterol.

Decrease your total fat intake by: • Eating less fried foods • Using less fat in cooking 28 February February2017 2017||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 28

• Replacing fats with olive and canola oils Decrease your saturated and trans fat intake by: • Eating fewer animal products, whole-milk dairy products, and processed foods • Consuming lean meats, poultry without skin, and fish • Choosing low-fat dairy products Decrease your cholesterol intake by: • Eating fewer animal products • Consuming fewer egg yolks Eat more fiber by including more of the following in your diet: • Dried beans • Whole grains • Fruits • Vegetables Limit sodium by: • Choosing fresh or frozen fruits and

vegetables • Eating foods that are not processed • Looking at labels for low-sodium and low-salt foods • Not adding extra salt to your food at the table Achieve and maintain a desirable body weight by: • Speaking to your registered dietitian and doctor, if you are overweight or want advice on maintaining a desirable body weight • Obtaining medical clearance before initiating an exercise program Reference American Heart Association. Choosing a heart-healthy diet.

Available at: http:// www.americanheart. org/presenter. jhtml?identifier=353.

Accessed January 21, 2017.

By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD

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body basics

Awesome Workout Routines for Couples www.thenest.com Motivating to work out is not always easy, but it’s a lot easier when your significant other is on board. Studies show that teaming up increases your chances of sticking with an exercise program. Plus, gym dates are a great way to bond and make exercising...dare we say, fun. So whether you’re a chill duo, an outdoorsy couple, or you both easily bore, read on for workouts that you’ll enjoy doing togther.

body basics

things up at home. It also helps build strength, is a great stress reducer and puts you in a good mood. Plus, studies have shown that all that mindfulness you cultivate during yoga class can spread to other areas of your life, including the dinner table; studies show that yogis tend to eat more healthfully.

Other workouts to attack together: Pilates

ADD Duos Get tired of the treadmill after about five minutes and the elliptical after two? Can’t sit still long enough to last through a yoga class, and find hiking way too low-key?

Boredom is a common reason for quitting a fitness routine, especially for those in need of constant stimulation. So couples who easily lose interest should look for workouts that constantly mix things up and throw in plenty of surprises to hold their attention -- which boot camp is guaranteed to do. During this intense, nonstop workout, you’ll challenge your body and your mind as you sprint from jumping jacks Outdoorsy Types If you find the idea of running or pedaling in front of a TV at the to crunches to pull-ups to push-ups, all while scorching gym completely unappealing and prefer to spend your free time in the hundreds of calories and building lean muscle. And you fresh air and sunshine, head outside for a bike ride together. Whether certainly won’t get bored -- you’ll be too busy just trying to keep up with the rest of the class. All that hard work will you prefer leisurely rides to town, racing down the road or climbing pay off big time: Boot camps are popular for their very noup dirt paths, it’s a great way to get your heart pumping and spend ticeable results, and encouraging each other to get through QT with each other and Mother Nature. It’s hard to get bored of the the class (no easy feat!) is a great way for couples to grow constantly changing scenery.

Other workouts to attack together: hiking, kayaking, downhill ski- closer. ing, cross-country skiing.

Now that you’ve found the right workout for you two, why not try one of these top couple sports?

Low-Key Couples If the intensity of, say, a spin class is enough to wipe you out for The couple that plays together stays together. Exercising with your partner will strengthen your muscles, your heart, the season, maybe you need to take a more Zen approach to getting and your relationship. fit: yoga! It’s the perfect way to burn calories at the gym -- and heat Dancing Kings and Queens If you love tearing up the dance floor at weddings and nightclubs, then it’s time to start shimmying away some calories at Zumba class.

This Latin-inspired, high-energy workout feels more like an hour-long dance party than a workout, so it’s almost impossible not to have fun.

Other workouts to attack together: salsa dancing, ballroom dancing, hip-hop, or if you’re a little worried about showing off your skills in public, there’s the Dancing with the Stars workout DVD series (Amazon.com).

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bookshelf

bookshelf

Book Shelf Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling

By Everett L. Worthington, Jr. As I finished up my Master’s Degree program, I came across a few books that have really impacted not only my study and pursuit of education, but that have impacted my life and perception of marriage and the family as whole. This month’s book, Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling, is a phenomenal book that lays out a “blue-print” for helping couples stay married and but not just stay married, but to be happily married. Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling

by Everett L. Worthington, Jr. is dedicated to counselors, pastors, life coaches, and anyone who serves as mediator in helping marriages stay intact and healthy.

Worthington says that the blue print for a hope-focused counseling scenario is two-fold. The first is the goal: to “produce stronger, less troubled marriages” and to keep the divorce rate fewer than fifty percent. The second component is to focus or to promote hope. I love his definition of hope. It is the combination of willpower, waypower and waitpower.

Individuals must be willing to do the work to fix their marriage, have the actions to back it up, and the patience to wait for things to change.

Worthington introduces us to seven different interventions that will push the couple towards health and happiness.

My favorite two were the intervention on promoting confession and forgiveness and the intervention for strengthening communication. He emphasizes the importance of asking for forgiveness as 32 February 2017 | Grace&Glory

by Brandie Manigault

well as the need to forgive. According to Worthington there are four steps to confession: seeing that the other person is hurt, seeing oneself as a contributor to the marital problem, agreeing that one’s actions are wrong, and desiring to change hurtful actions. I don’t know how much plainer it could have been written. He does such a great job in simplifying a topic that has such a big impact on individuals as well as the couple as a unit.

The intervention that deals with communication was probably the chapter that hit me the hardest.

On a personal note I believe that communication is not communication unless there is an even exchange of giving and receiving of information.

Worthington writes about the importance of communication and the importance of making couples aware of their communication patterns.

Worthington also does a great job at making sure that the Biblical principles and standards of marriage are highlighted in his method of helping couples. The life of Jesus is used as an example of respect and communication.

For anyone and everyone who is out to keep the divorce rate low, marriages intact and healthy, resulting in healthy families, this book is a must for your library. Read it. Digest it. Adopt the “blue print”. Join me in promoting HOPE!

About The Author

Everett Worthington, Ph.D., Everett Worthington, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he has been on the faculty since 1978.

He is also a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia.

He has published 17 books and over 150 articles and scholarly chapters, mostly on forgiveness, marriage, and family topics. The most recent books are Five Steps to Forgiveness: The Art and Science of Forgiving (Crown Publishers, 2001) and Hopefocused Marriage Counseling (Intervarsity Press, 1999). He directs “A Campaign for Forgiveness Research” (www.forgiving.org), which seeks to raise money to support research into forgiving. He was founding editor of Marriage and Family: A Christian Journal. He has spoken internationally at conferences and universities in Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. He considers his mission as “to bring forgiveness into every willing heart, home, and homeland.” He has made over 250 appearances in different media. Television appearances include Good Morning America, The Iyanla Show, The Leeza Show, CNN, The 700 Club, and others. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37

finance

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gospel industry news

Travis Greene In spite of all the scrutiny and backlash for accepting the invitation to perform for President Trump's Inaugural Ball, Travis Greene is showing no signs of letting that slow him down or stop him from spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

With 9 Stellar Nominations, and a Grammy nomination it's quite obvious he’s "Intentional" in his walk. As he preps to hit the road for "The Worship Tour" with his brothers, Baltimore’s Own Anthony Brown and Jonathan McReynolds, that launches February 21, he has also released the official video for his chart topping single "You Made A Way." I really like the video; you can check it out on vevo!

Erica Campbell & Anthony Brown Erica Campbell and Anthony Brown are the official hosts for the 32nd Annual Stellar Awards.

Anthony was a huge, huge winner last year and broke all kinds of records with his winnings; he literally swept the Stellars and it was a proud day for Baltimore I will never forget! Erica Campbell is doing great with her radio show as well; this should be a great night!

Travis Greene

Eric Waddell Every second Sunday Eric Waddell & the Abundant Life Singers Erica Campbell & Anthony Brown host an Hour of Power at various locations all over the city, featuring that good ole timeless choir music. For the month of February it will be held at First Apostolic Faith Church, 27 S. Caroline St, Baltimore, MD. There will be a concert to commemorate the life and legacy of Deidre "Dee Dee" Showell, as well as the 100th Anniversary of First Apostolic Faith Church. You are welcome to participate in the city wide mass choir along with the Abundant Life Singers.

Eric Waddell

ee" Showell

Deidre "Dee D Kim Burrell

I reported previously that Kim Burrell would be honored at the BMI's with The Trailblazers Award along with Marvin Sapp, however due to the controversy surrounding her right now the BMI's asked her not to participate at this time so that the focus can remain on the songwriters and their music, 36 February 2017 | Grace&Glory

gospel industry news Stellar Awards The Nominations Are In!!!

Congrats to all the nominees!!

Top 5 Gospel Songs #1 Hold My Mule Shirley Caesar #2 Made A Way Travis Greene

Tamela Mann - 9 nominations Travis Greene - 9 nominations Hezekiah Walker - 7 nominations Jekalyn Carr - 5 nominations Todd Dulaney - 5 nominations Shirley Caesar - 4 nominations Bri - 3 nominations Livre - 3 nominations Enon - 3 nominations

#3 You Deserve It -

Special Shout Out to DMV's own JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise and Charles Butler & Trinity on both receiving nominations in 2 categories. I wish everyone the best and they are already all winners!!!

#2 The Hill Travis Greene

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise #4 God Provides - Tamela Mann #5 You're Bigger - Jekalyn Carr

Top 5 Gospel Albums #1 One Way Tamela Mann

#3 WOW 2016 Various Artists #4 A Worshipers Heart - Todd Dulaney #5 The Journey - Donnie McClurkin

Ricky Dillard I had the awesome pleasure of attending the 10th live recording of Ricky Dillard & New G and it was definitely one for the books! He featured some of gospel music's greatest on the album- LeAndria Johnson, Tina Campbell, BeBe Winans, and Karen Clark-Sheard; the MC's for the evening were comedian Jonathan Slocumb and Lexi. Everybody who was anybody was in the building, Dr. Carlton Pearson, Hezekiah Walker, Anthony Brown, JJ Hairston, Steven Hurd, Jonathan Nelson, Melonie Daniels, Monique Walker, Kervey Brown, Craig Hayes, Earnest Pugh, and Bishop Albert Jamison, just to name a few. During the recording Ricky paused to honor Mother Shirley Berkeley and Richard Smallwood.

Charles Butler & Trinity On February 10, all roads lead to the Sanctuary at Kingdom Square for the live recording of Charles Butler & Trinity as well as the single release for the Sanctuary Choir. Also featured that night will be Baltimore's Own Marissa Farrow, bringing forth a sermonette. It’s going to be a great night and it's FREE! Plan now to attend!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day to Everyone! They call February Love Month, make sure you find yourself always showing love not just this month but every day of your

By Ericka J. life, you never know who may need it, it's a fruit of the spirit, make sure you are showing it and sharing it! I challenge you in the spirit of love to do a random act of love to someone and watch what it does and how you'll feel afterwards! To the single people find something to do for yourself, show yourself love, treat yourself!! I make it a practice as a single woman to show my son and my family love! I love you all and sincerely appreciate the love you show me! Til Next Month!

Don't forget tune in to my new radio segment, "IN Tune...IN the Mix...IN The Know...With Miss Ericka J" and stay connected with me thru all my social media . . . www.twitter.com @ MissEricka J, facebook www.facebook.com/ ErickaJohnson,or via email missericka75@ yahoo.com. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 37

man talk

RECONCILIATION – The Restoration of Relationships, Part 2

The Lord continues to speak to me about reconciliation and the restoration of relationships. Having focused on five realities that are associated with reconciliation, it is fitting to turn our attention to how relationships can be restored in our lives.

NUMBER ONE: RECONCILIATION IS ACTIVE

It has been said that anything worth having requires work; and this truth certainly applies to relationships. Whether between friends, siblings, spouses, parents and their children, or even neighbors, the same determination and commitment that we invest in earning advanced degrees, securing better jobs, and improving our financial situations is necessary to nurture healthy relationships. More than a trendy social media hashtag, #relationshipgoals are much too significant to be accomplished casually; we must be intentional about doing things that will ultimately make these aspirations realities.

For this reason, reconciliation is an active process that requires deliberate effort. Because God loves us, and desires a personal, intimate, and meaningful relationship with each of us, He pursues us. Let’s look closer…

Through the lens of three parables in Luke 15—The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Lost Son—Jesus provides clear examples of active reconciliation. In the parable of The Lost Sheep, a man who has 100 sheep, but is missing one, leaves 99 in order to search for the one that is lost. Metaphorically, this is what God does for each of us: He pursues us.

Similarly, in the parable of The Lost Coin, a woman searches high and low until she finds the one that is missing. It does not matter that she has nine others; she is more concerned about, and committed to, the one coin that is lost! Last, the parable of The Lost Son is the story of a young man who left his father’s house to engage in what some might consider risky behavior. But after experiencing what he thought was the good life, he came to his senses and wanted to return home. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). Brothers, this is the active and intentional quality of reconciliation: although the young man chose to leave his father’s house, reconciliation was more important than who was right or wrong. Even today, is being reconciled to friends and family members more important than justifying that you were right and they were wrong?

NUMBER TWO: RECONCILIATION IS INCONVENIENT

But not only is reconciliation active, as highlighted by Hebrews 12:14 and Matthew 5:9, it is also inconvenient. Hebrews 12:14 includes these words: Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. As a child, I remember hearing this scripture in various charismatic settings. Often employing the poetic eloquence of the King James Version, the emphasis was not placed on follow peace with all men; but rather holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. But as I’ve grown throughout my Christian experience, I have come to realize that holiness is not the only, or even the most difficult, challenge of living a life that is pleasing to God. Instead, living peaceably amongst those whom I encounter every day warrants closer attention. Not to be overlooked, the text does not differentiate between those with whom we should live peaceably. In other words, we must seek to live at peace with everyone—even those who do not like us, fundamentally disagree with us, and routinely challenge us.

Similarly, Matthew 5:9 contains these words: God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. As Jesus spoke to a rowdy, motley crew who would later be instrumental in forever changing the world, He outlined the essential attributes of being one of 38 February February 2017 2017 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 38

His followers. Known as The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), among other things, He admonished Dr. Charles Barrett them to be humble, merciful, to have a pure Dr. Charles Barrett is heart, and to work for peace. Importantly, let’s a school psychologist with consider verses 10 & 11: God blesses those Loudoun County Public who are persecuted for doing right, for the Schools and Associate Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you Professor of Psychology at when people mock you and persecute you and Northern Virginia Community College. lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

In other words, as reconciliation will not happen without intentionality, actively pursuing peace will inevitably be costly and inconvenient.

Like many of the disciples, some of these traits are likely not within our nature, particularly as men. Especially related to being a peacemaker, socially constructed gender stereotypes have not encouraged men to behave in this manner. But regardless of the ways in which we have been conditioned to conduct ourselves, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit can help us to mature and develop the qualities that are lacking so that we can become all that God desires us to be (Galatians 5:22-23).

In fact, the times in which we are living present myriad opportunities to practice reconciliation. As we witness increasingly hostile tensions between nations, and more accurately, between ethnicities (Matthew 24:7) both in the United States and around the world, how do we pursue peace?

Simply stated, one person at a time. As depicted in Luke 15, we pursue individuals, one at a time. We talk to our neighbors, one at a time. We engage with those who think differently than we do, one at a time. We intentionally and deliberately build community so that we can grow from sharing our stories and lived experiences.

NUMBER THREE: A PERFECT METAPHOR FOR RECONCILIATION

Several years ago, Oprah Winfrey ended her interviews by asking a simple, yet profound question: What do you know for sure? While I can think of several responses, I am particularly certain of this: God uses relationships as His primary method of developing our Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23) and accomplishing His plan in our lives. Let’s look closer…

Even before I was married, I often wondered why marriage is the metaphor used to illustrate God’s relationship with us, His Church (Ephesians 5). And through my relatively short experience as a husband, I have learned, firsthand, why marriage is the best possible example and demonstration of Christ’s love for, and commitment towards, us. Fundamentally, marriage is the union of two imperfect people who desire to become connected and united as one in every way (Genesis 2:24). Like reconciliation, the process of becoming one requires intentionality and, at times, will be inconvenient.

Nevertheless, the magic and mystery of marriage lies in inherently flawed individuals striving to perfect their union through unconditional love and undying commitment. Through good days and bad, happy and sad, marriage is continual reconciliation. It is patience that never grows weary with impatience. It is forgiveness that never grows tired of forgiving. The marriage covenant embodies unyielding grace, which is the cornerstone of reconciliation: experiencing that which we don’t deserve and extending the same to others.

So brothers, whether married or not, each of us can learn from this sacred institution. Are we allowing grace to govern our relationships? Are we allowing grace to guide our decisions and actions? Having been the recipients of grace, are we instruments of the same? Although inconvenient, are we actively pursuing peace and reconciliation with all men? Today, what are you doing to restore relationships in your life?

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