A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

Freeing Yourself From Your Past

Sometimes we allow issues from our past to stop us from pressing forward. We are so troubled by our past that it hinders our growth. I know that some of you have dealt with greater past issues. They are still holding you back from God’s promises. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 43:18-19a, "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth;”

Your past was never supposed to be a stumbling block. It’s supposed to be a tool to propel you forward. But a lot of times our past becomes a hinderance and not a motivation to keep going. I remember vividly when I was younger and I so desperately wanted to be a singer. I didn’t have the desire to sing professionally I just wanted to lead a song. I was told as a child that it wasn’t my place and that I should stick to being a background singer. That’s what I focused on to become the best background singer ever. I took that same mentality to everything. Living in the background was my specialty. I didn’t need the spotlight I stayed in my place. Until I met my husband, Jason Turner. He asked me why didn’t I lead a song? I told him the story that I previously shared in the paragraph before. He was so saddened by that seed that was planted and rooted inside of me. He worked on shoving me out of that box. Uplifting Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith me and telling me that I’m good enough and that I’m Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org

worthy enough. To this day he’s my biggest cheerleader. He pushes me out of my comfort zone because he saw more in me, and he didn’t want my past to keep me from reaching what God has for me. Rhoda Don’t allow yourself to be held back by the past, free yourself of the issues that’s holding you back and press towards what God has for you. What happens to you when you hold

TURNER on to the past? It becomes a weight that is purposed to hold you down. That weight causes destruction to your physical body as well as your spiritual body. It causes you to miss what God has in store for you. Try this for me standup and walk 2 steps forward, stop and then walk backwards 4 steps, then repeat. What is happening? Every time you walk forward what causes you to seem like you are not moving forward is your past. When you are held back by your past you get farther and farther from the promises of God. Philippians 3:13-14, Brethren. I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Your past is there to guide you not to hold you back. You got this, with God’s help you can accomplish anything,

Our cognizance of infections in our environment has increased through no intentions of our own. We have become acutely aware of biological hazards that affect our health. When we thought the coronavirus pandemic was over, we learned there was a new medical threat to our lives, MONKEY POX.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox. It’s found most often in areas of central Africa in monkeys. The first case of human monkeypox was reported in 1970. Almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa are linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. There is no link between the occurrence of the coronavirus and monkeypox.

What are the signs and symptoms:

Like many viral infections, monkeypox presents flu-like symptoms at the beginning of the disease. These symptoms may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, nasal congestion, and a cough. Individuals develop a rash on their hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The lesions may also appear on the genitals. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

How does it spread?

Monkeypox can spread between people or between people and certain infected animals. Monkeypox can spread through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Individuals come in direct contact with the monkeypox rash, scabs, body fluids and secretions, clothing, fabric, and objects contaminated with monkeypox viral particles. No studies have found a clear link between monkeypox and water in pools or hot tubs,. The monkeypox virus is killed in water at the chlorine levels recommended for disinfection in recreational water venues by CDC and required by U.S. jurisdictions.

How is monkeypox treated?

There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox. The viral infection usually clears in 2-3 weeks. The viruses that cause monkeypox and smallpox are similar. Antiviral drugs developed to protect against smallpox may be used to treat monkeypox in severe cases. Antiviral drugs are used only for people with severe monkeypox disease or at high risk of severe illness, like people with weakened immune systems or skin conditions, such as HIV that is not virally suppressed and eczema.

How can monkeypox be prevented?

The Coronavirus outbreak programmed us to be more vigilant with hand washing. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom will help decrease the spread of monkeypox. Multiple cases of monkeypox occur between individuals in close personal contact. Avoid sexual contact with a person with a rash or flu-like symptoms. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people with a rash that looks like monkeypox. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.

Saints, the bible tells us that God desires us to be in good health, even as our souls prosper. Good health is our right. Implement preventive measures like hand washing and keeping surfaces disinfected, and avoid sharing objects and clothing with others that appear sick, As always, trust in the Lord to make your path clear and free from serious illnesses.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels

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

Ericka J.

Whitney Houston

The internet went crazy when the trailer dropped for the upcoming Whitney Houston Biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” last month. It was almost like you could hear screams from whatever screen you watched it on! This Sony Picture Entertainment release is said to be the official authorized form, signed off by her longtime manager Clive Davis and Primary Wave Music, of this Super-Duper Icon’s life. At this juncture, it’s said that the movie will depict her life from the beginning of her music career inclusive of her first stage performance and meeting Clive Davis, her marrying Bobby Brown, and her performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at The Super Bowl. The contents of the film trailer also suggest this film is bigger than just about her life but how she changed the culture of the industry and exceeded expectations; the greatest voice of our time has an even greater story. The film is set to release, December 23, just in time for the holidays! I absolutely can’t wait!

Kirk Franklin & Maverick City

These kingdom forces hosted the BIGGEST PRISON EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF FLORIDA! Out of 1400 inmates, 1300 were in the prison yard worshiping and singing “Jireh, you are enough” the name of Jesus rang out in a major way. Since then they have received letters from inmates saying they accepted Jesus, and that the prison has seen more peace and revival. This is what music ministry and kingdom building is about!

Kevin Mickie

N e w s I don’t even know how I ever let this one slip pass my radar! But Kevin Mickie released a single “They That Wait” back in August featuring my girl Lena Byrd Miles and “Mr. Church Feet” himself Dr. Kevin Bond, but WAIT, it doesn’t stop there, he has hands down one of my favorite choirs featured on this as well, The Anointed Voices of Ford, much honor to the Late Great Bishop Andrew J Ford. He pulled true powerhouses for this one, I can’t wait to see what’s next to come from this guy, make sure you go grab that single and let it bless you !

Jesse Powell

A great voice in the R& B and Soul Music arena passed away last month on September 13, 2022, in his home in Los Angeles, CA. He suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 51. Jesse’s most notable hit song “You” blazed the charts in his prime and is a very timeless song, I can remember it being sung at many weddings and still ringing down matrimonial aisles today. It hit Billboard Charts at #2, at its peak. Love and prayers to his family. “Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com

Tim Bowman & Faith City

DMV’s own Tim Bowman Jr. has dropped some fire on us! He’s accompanied by Faith City singers who have released their debut project, “Welcome To Faith City”, the lead single “Jesus” featuring Le’Andria Johnson is already out, and is fire! The vocal features on this project include Kim Burrell, Bri Babineaux, Kierra Sheard, Maranda Curtis, PJ Edmunds, and Mumen Ngenge to name a few. GO GRAB THIS ONE, THANK ME LATER!

JJ Hairston

The New Project “Believe Again” by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise is available NOW! It released on September 30, the release concert was held in Atlanta, GA. at Light Of Joy Church in Riverdale. This new album features Travis Greene, Benita Jones, David Wilford, Donishisa Ballard, Marc Britt, Juanita Contee, and others. His current single “Thankful” is currently in the Top Ten on Billboard, I have been waiting for this full release. This is JJ’s first project since becoming senior pastor of All Nation’s Worship Assembly DC.

Ron Summers

Congrats to Baltimore’s Own Ron Summers on his single “It Is So” featuring Tasha Page Lockhart holding on Billboards Top 30 at #22 for 3 consecutive weeks, that’s awesome for an Independent Artist! Ron shows no signs of stopping releasing his second single “To Come” on September 30, this hand clapping foot stomping single has all the potential to go even higher! Let’s support our independent artists by downloading their music! “TO COME IS HERE!”

Whitney Houston Kirk Franklin & Maverick City

Tim Bowman & Faith City JJ Hairston

Ron Summers Eric Waddell & The Abundant Life SingersEric Waddell & The Abundant Life Singers

They will be celebrating the release of their latest project “The Hour Of Power Experience” featuring The Reunion Choir with 2 CD release events. On Sunday October 9, CD release concert at Hour Of Power, 6:30pm at Concord Baptist Church 5204 Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore. And Monday October 10, 6:30pm-10pm, they gonna do it on wheels, and perform LIVE at the Monday Night Gospel Skate Party at the all-new Shake & Bake Family Fun Center, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore.