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ISSUE
4 WOMAN 2 WOMAN MAGAZINE Empower Educate Encourage Women VOL 1 Issue 4
Dec 2021
a 501-C Closets for Schools Coats & Winter Giveaway School Uniform Campaign Page 6
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TEMPL A TE B Y ISSUU
L E T T E R F ROM
Publisher Peace Love Joy We are at the end of the year, and I want you to reflect on the things of this last year. Think about the things that required you to have PEACE, LOVE, and JOY. Now as we prepare for the new year 2022, we must go into this up-and-coming year with PEACE that gives us a freedom from distractions, experience LOVE of a great interest and pleasure in something, and have JOY as a state of happiness. Our vision is clear at Woman 2 Woman Magazine were we Empower, Educate, and Encourage Women. Our mission is for everybody to live a Happy Healthy and Wealthy life! Enjoy this December issue, from Tess!
Happy Holidays!
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Houston and Galveston County Are You and Your Family tired of Renting? Call 832-664-1754
Who Qualifies? • Minimum Fico 550 Minimum Monthly Income 2500 • Employed • Monthly Home payment plus Debt has to equal 50% of income TEXT YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS and the Words-Rent 2 Own to 832-664-1754 FOR MORE INFORMATION
Making homeownership accessible to everyone! Call Tess with H-Town Real Estate Investment & Realty LLC. at 832-664-1754 so you can take advantage of rent-to-own model offering Americans a safe alternative form of financing so you or your family can get into their dream home today, even if you don’t qualify for a mortgage or have money saved up for a down payment.
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TABLE OF C O N T E N T S 06
CLOTHED BY FAITH
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I CARE PEDIATRICS
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RECEIPE FOR TAMALES
13 GALVESTON, TEXAS CHEFS 18 DECORATING WITH THE HOLIDAYS IN MIND 20 DR. LYNN RICHARDSN HEALTHY WEALTHY & WISE 27 NATIONAL BLACK CHEF ASSOCIATION 29 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE GRATEFUL
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CONTRIBUTORS
CLOTHED BY FAITH.ORG Article
DR. LATOSHA HOLMES Writer
CHEF FERNANDA ALVAREZ Writer
ANGELA WILSON Writer
WALMART.COM Article
DR. LYNN RICHARDSON Writer NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK CHEFS Honors Acknowledgement
ELAINE SMOOKER Writer
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Clothed by FAITH
"See the lilies of the field grow..
.If that is how God clothes the grass of the fields...will he not much more clothe you?" Matthew 6:28-30
www.clothedbyfaith.org Clothed By Faith has served over 60,000 children and adults throughout the Greater Houston area since it began in 2013. The majority (60%) of CBF clients are children ages 17 and under. We have experience establishing and maintaining satellite closets within Covenant House, Parks Youth Ranch, and the Lieutenant's House. We also have a successful record of working with school administrators, counselors, and wraparound specialists to ensure the delivery of quality clothing and shoes to children in a timely manner. We have used our experience as a springboard to launch our Closets for Schools program focused on providing clothing to students in need within a school community. Clothing closets serve as an onsite resource for counselors at schools where there is a high demand for clothing from an underserved student population. Urgent clothing requests can be fulfilled while inventory levels are managed carefully to ensure demand can be met. We serve K-12 schools in the public and private sector in Houston and surrounding areas. The closets provide immediate access to one week's worth of gently used clothing and/or school uniforms to children and will serve students in neighboring schools. Requests for other family members can also be made through the Clothed By Faith system. We are very proud to announce that our first closet was established at Judson Robinson Elementary School located in East Houston. 98% are considered economically disadvantaged (ED). We actively worked with the school's principal and wrap-around specialist to determine a plan and timeline for establishing the closet while managing Covid constraints. Funds to furnish the closet with supplies and clothing were secured through a grant from the Texas Network of Youth Services. The closet has become a model for others to be established within Houston ISD and other school districts. This project was a true collaboration of the school district and Clothed By Faith to serve the basic needs of children. Close on the heels of Robinson was Milby High School where we installed our second closet.
Other Houston ISD schools have also requested a Closet for their students – Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Rucker Elementary and Navarro Middle School. The Navarro Middle School closet is planned to open in the Fall 2021 and will also be used by Edison Middle School and 10-13 elementary schools within the Austin High School feeder pattern. Pasadena ISD South Belt has also expressed interest in a closet in one or more of its schools. We are delighted to announce that Melinda Stephenson has accepted a permanent position as Executive Director of Clothed by Faith and Closets for Schools.
Melinda is the founder of CBF Southeast Houston And among her many accomplishments is responsible for building our partnership with the Houston Independent School District and subsequently introducing Closets for Schools. In addition to this Melinda has established a partnership with the Houston Foodbank providing coats, underwear and socks to middle and high school. Melinda grew up in the South Belt area and graduated from Dobie High School. She has lived in Deer Park for 25 years. Her husband David is a chemical plant operator. They have been married 25 years. They have four children, Claire- 30 Clay – 24, Blake – 22, and Dylan – 13. Melinda was a work from home wife and mom for many years before returning to work as an aide at Deer Park Junior High in 2005 and then joining the staff of Deer Park First Baptist in 2007. Melinda started CBF Southeast in her garage and when it outgrew that space she moved it to three spaces inside Best Storage on Spencer. After Hurricane Harvey the gym at Deer Park First Baptist allowed them to use their space and this enabled them to serve more clients.
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Then the church graciously donated a large unused space upstairs above the gym - having a rent free space was an amazing blessing. Since opening in 2017 CBF Southeast Houston has served 13,058 people! We are so thankful to Melinda for her dedication and commitment to Clothed by Faith and look forward to an exciting future under her leadership. Would you like to support our school uniform campaign? Some of our school closets stock uniforms and outside of these closets we try to help at least 100 boys and 100 girls every year with new uniforms. Your donation will help us meet our goals.
Donate gently used or new school uniform 1) at one of our branches as described above like these: 2) Purchase a new uniform on our Walmart
The preferred colors are: 1) khaki or navy shorts, pants or skirts 2) polo shirts with no logo in any of the following colors: White, navy, red, hunter green, black, maroon or gold The suggested brand is Walmart: Wonder Nation. You can help in one of 4 ways:
\Click here >> Walmart Wish List << to purchase a school uniform! 3) Refer us to someone you know who works in a public or private uniformed school who may be able to help. If you have a referral or helpful contact please reach out to us at info@clothedbyfaith.org 4) Donate to Clothed by Faith here so that we can purchase the uniforms
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Hi, my name is La Tosha Holmes, and I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and the owner and provider at ICare Pediatrics. ICare is first Black Woman Owned Pediatric Clinic in the City of Webster. With over 14years experience in the field of healthcare and serving in every area of pediatrics, I decided to embark on a journey of private practice. ICare Pediatrics was founded 5 years ago as a virtual clinic. Today, I am now standing in the culmination of my vision, a fully operating brick and mortar pediatric practice. ICare Pediatrics is built on the principles of nurture, patient centered care, and flexible evening hours and Saturday appointments, we strive to make family life less stressful when it comes to meeting the medical needs of their children. Located in the heart of Webster, TX we are ready to serve you and your little ones. We understand at ICare Pediatrics “Together We Are Better”.
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Recipe for Tamales
Pork tamales are a holiday tradition in Mexico, enjoyed on Christmas and New Year's Day. They do take a bit of effort to make, but they are totally worth it! There are two keys to making the perfect tamales First, you need to make your own masa, or dough. And second, you need to spread the masa thinly on the husk. It also helps if you have the right tools in the kitchen to steam up
enough for a large crowd. A large stockpot will help you save time in the kitchen and make enough tamales for your loved ones and guests. After all, it's the holidays, so the more the merrier! Don't forget to invite your family to help you prepare them. That's almost as fun as eating them!
Ingredients 2 1/2LBS PORK SHOULDER TRIMMED OF FAT AND DICED 8CUPS WATER 1MEDIUM ONION QUARTERED 2CLOVES GARLIC MINCED 2 ½ TEASPOONS SALT ¼ CUP LARD 1/3 - ½CUP CHILI POWDER AND ½ TABLESPOON FOR THE DOUGH, DEPENDING ON YOUR SPICE TOLERANCE 4 CUPS MASA HARINA ½ TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER 30 CORN HUSKS DRIED, ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG
Directions The filling Place the pork in a deep saucepan along with the cold water. Add onion, chili powder, garlic and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 hours, until the pork is very tender. Remove the meat from the broth. Strain the broth and reserve (allow the Corn husks Soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water, using a plate to keep them submerged, until pliable, for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse to remove any corn silk and drain well. Reserve. the
broth to cool if you want to remove the fat; if that's not important to you, keep it warm for tastier tamales). Allow the meat to cool and shred using two forks. masa (dough) Mix the lard (room temperature) with the baking powder, the ½ tablespoon chili powder
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and two teaspoons of salt. Slowly, alternate mixing in the masa harina, with 2 cups of the
reserved broth. The result should be a thick, creamy paste.
Recipe for Tamales cont’d Assemble Starting 1/2 inch from the wide end, spread about 3 tablespoons of the dough down each husk. Leave a 1-inch border on the sides. If the husks are small, use two so the tamales do not fall apart. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the pork filling down the center of the dough, then fold in the sides of the husk, wrapping the dough around the filling. Fold up the narrow end of the husk. Repeat to create the rest of the tamales. Set the steamer in a large pot filled with 2 inches of water. Arrange the tamales standing up in the steamer, folded side down. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, cover, and steam until the dough is firm, 45 to 50 minutes. Add water when necessary. Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve up your holiday tamales and ring in the New Year with flavor and style!
Chef Fernanda Alvarez
The Penny Foundation Hot line Are you in need HELP? Please contact us HOT LINE 832-548-0527 if you are experiencing Homelessness A victim of Domestic Violence Sex Trafficking Substance Abuse Addiction NEED HELPING!!!! Contact HOTLINE 832-548-0527
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2 Up and Coming Chefs from Galveston Island, Texas
By Angela Wilson Chef O Alexander I was born and raised on Galveston Island. A 1998 graduate of Ball High School. I’m also a graduate of Galveston College’s culinary school. My heart and soul has always been cooking and becoming a chef. I’ve worked in banking for a while, and I’m currently working in the petrochemical industry. I’ve worked and trained at The Grotto in Houston, and I also helped open The Grotto at The San Luis in Galveston. I recently got my degree in process technology to help fund my dream of opening a high-end soul food restaurant chain, which will feature my seasonings, seafood butter sauces, seafood rubs and marinades and my roux that I will sell separately in stores nationwide. I’m also most proud of getting close to my ultimate goal as a Food Network chef as I recently got an opportunity to work with Aaron May, a renowned chef who’s appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen and more. I’d say when I got my culinary degree. I wanted to be taken seriously and to learn some things that my grandma and mom couldn’t show me in the kitchen and also to prepare me for the future and what’s to come and to be ahead of the game Never stop dreaming, but make sure you take the steps to make those dreams come to life so you can be ready and not have to get ready.
I think that’s a beautiful thing I love to roller skate and to spend time with my friends talking about the “old days” growing up on the island. The best thing is that it doesn’t feel like a job. When I go home and put my sore feet up, I still can smile about it because I made everybody happy with what they indulged in because my flavors/cooking are unforgettable. I have a hard shell, but I’m really soft underneath. Go hard or go home! You can look forward to seeing Pay attention to everything and remember there’s no dumb question — just don’t ask it twice. LOL I’ve had plenty of mentors, but the ones who stand out are the elders in my life such as my grandma, my parents, my brother and likeminded, passionate people in the culinary industry that I’ve met over the years. “Soulful Affirmations” by Yvette D. McGill; however, my favorite author is Sister Souljah. Atlanta, Georgia, because of all the Black culture in one place. my chain of food trucks, restaurants, more of me and my products on grocery store shelves and seeing me on The Food Network (I am speaking it into existence!). I’m going hard because I’m definitely not going home. We enjoyed this interview by Angela Wilson. To experience the article Q & A style refer to Galveston Daily New Dated Oct 31, 2021
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Tickets www.riserooftop.com
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We Salute KHCB
Outstanding Volunteer
Dr. Janice Simpson For her Service to God’s Kingdom
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Darrel Borden 281-73-4444
Red Code 79099 BEE
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Interior Design for the Holidays Source: Amazon.com Curtain of Lights A wall built with lights builds a room of expectation. The lights create a path of excitement. Line them up around your entry way or cover your deck. Geanmoki 306 LED Window Curtain String Lights are wall décor at it’s best.
Source: Walmart.com Blue Party Fun 4 U Blue is a forceful color and stands out against any night sky. The lights are Cell battery 20” Blue Flashing String Lights Balloons 12 count comes with your purchase per pack. Gorgeous!
Source: Walmart.com Outdoor Tree Lights Shower Rain Lights Meteor Shower Rain Lights, 50cm 10 Tubes 540 LED Falling Rain Drops are water proof cascading Lights for Holiday Party or Wedding Decoration White in color. As decoration this gives a beautiful sculptural look to out door trees in your yard and on the property.
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NOW HIRING LEASING AGENT No experience Required
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832-664-1754 www.w2wtrainingcenter.org
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Healthy Wealthy & Wise Author Lynn Richardson
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Named by Urban Influence Magazine as one of the 20 Hottest Influencers in America, Dr. Lynn Richardson is an author, entertainment executive and celebrity financial coach who uses her quick wit and humorous presentation style to help others face their money issues and achieve personal, professional, and spiritual harmony. Dr. Lynn Richardson is here to lead us all into Financial Security. She clearly communicates more money doesn't solve a money problem: the more you earn, the more you spend. She teaches you how to leverage the
weapons of spiritual warfare to make better money decisions in her new book entitle “Put On Your Financial Amor: And End Your Battle with Money For Good.” Treat yourself to her Bestselling book, “Living Beyond Paycheck to Monday A Spiritual Path to Wealth and Prosperity” This book is short, smooth, easy to read, and Laugh-out-loud funny! In Lynn's humorous way of breaking down financial concepts and\ exposing money behaviors she gives you the real deal in a way that you can swallow.
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Would you be interested in spending one full year in session with Dr. Lynn Richardson That is possible she has a limited seating coaching course on her website. www.lynnrichardson.com Are you ready to move BEYOND2020? Are you FINALLY ready to achieve your financial dreams? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired when it comes to your finances? Are you ready to put this year behind you? Dr Lynn is choosing 20 students Beyond2020 (and more if you work hard enough) and teaching you to earn your first $100,000 or your next $100,000! Don't wait until the new year . . . Start Now! TAKE UNLIMITED ONLINE CLASSES AND WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! Master Financial Coach Lynn Richardson and her team of experts offer online master classes, online webinars other online tools and resources to help you start, makeover, build and maintain a profitable and relevant business. With more than two decades of leading roles in the banking and real estate sales industries, Lynn's vision is best portrayed in her books, most Notably Living Check to Monday: The Real Deal About Money, Credit and Financial Security, which achieved Best Seller status at the Congressional Black Caucus Conference Book Pavilion. Lynn is featured regularly on Good Morning America, Fox Business, Access Live, The Steve TV Show, The Hallmark Channel's Home & Family Show, BET Networks and has appeared in Essence, Jet, Upscale, on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and in countless media outlets nationwide. She has served as Chief of Operations for Russell Simmons' & Dr. Benjamin Chavis' Hip Hop Summit Action Network and is currently the President and CEO of MC Lyte's Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, and an executive MC Lyte's Sunni Gyrl entertainment/celebrity management firm -- where she oversee empowerment programs that impact the globe. The Chicago native began her career in 1995 as a financial aid counselor at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, before landing a succession of leading roles in the mortgage industry. After joining American Home Mortgage in 1999 (then CNI National Mortgage), Richardson was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2003 and consistently ranked among the top one percent of more than 4,000 loan officers
nationally. Richardson’s unrelenting desire to help the direst credit-qualifying cases resulted in her closing more than $100 million in mortgages during her first few years in the industry. Her approach to wealth creation helped a woman with four bankruptcies and two foreclosures become a successful home owner and real estate investor in just nine months. Richardson packaged her winning approach to helping consumers close on mortgage loan s into the Mortgage Approval Plan, which is now a signature industry tool used by top mortgage practitioners to assist consumers who need a roadmap to home ownership. In 2003, she created and hosted “Wealth ‘n Real Estate,” a flagship call-in talk show, for the nationally Recognized Chicago station, WVON 1690 AM and in 2005, she published her first book, Living Check to Monday: The Real Deal About Money, Credit and Financial Security, which achieved "Best Seller" status at the 2008 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference Author's Pavilion. In 2006, Richardson joined JP Morgan Chase as Vice President of Business Development for select regions and quickly advance to Vice President of National Strategic Partnerships a coveted role responsible for creating and managing mutually beneficial alliances with a multitude of entities and trade organizations. Later that year, Richardson was handpicked to serve as the coordinator of The Delta Challenge Home Ownership initiative, a signature economic development program of the international women's public service organization , Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Richardson's leadership in more than 100,000 consumer touch points worldwide and 35 million in closings for Chase, a 389 percent increase over the previous three-year period. In 2007 Richardson was responsible for implementing the Chase/AKA Keys to Homeownership initiative, Which leveraged the influence of the oldest black sorority to further establish home ownership as the foundation for building wealth within the African American community. In August 2008, Richardson was named National Homeownership Advisory Council Chair of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network a non-profit, non-partisan national coalition founded by entertainment and fashion mogul Russell Simmons and civil rights activist Dr. Benjamin Chavis that unites
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artists, executives, and advocates against poverty and injustice. In this capacity, she served as a fresh voice to the $59 Billion dollar hip hop community promoting responsible personal finance management. She joined hip hop celebrity panelists in addressing urban professionals and young adults in free seminars organized around empowering themes. During that same time, she launched the “ HBCU Health, Wealth 'n Real Estate Tour” as a result of her partnership with State Farm and Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge. Tour stops have included Howard, Hampton, and ClarkAtlanta to Monday: A Spiritual Path to Wealth and Prosperity," along with her third highly anticipated real estate book, "Yes, You're Approved! The Real Deal About Getting a Mortgage and Buying a Home," which she coauthored with her mentor, friend, and sorority sister Lori Jones Gibbs. She was appointed to join Dr. Benjamin Chavis (CEO) as the Chief of Operations for the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, where she continues to work with Russell Simmons (Chairman), other celebrities, and a host of corporate and community partners to execute global initiatives empowering the hiphop youth and urban professionals around the world. In 2012, Richardson was appointed President of MC Lyte's Hip Hop Sisters Foundation where she was responsible for assisting in the launch of various significant programs and she was later appointed COO of MC Lyte's business enterprise, Sunni Gyrl, Inc, which specializes in artist support, development, business strategies and wealth creation for various celebrities. In 2016, Richardson partnered with MC Lyte, Kelly Price,
Faith Evans Erica Campbell, and Nicci Gilbert to launch The W.E.A.L.T.H. Experience, a three day new year retreat she created for celebrities entertainment and corporate executives and women from all walks of life: www.wealthexperience.info. Universities to help students acquire wealth creation Tools that will safeguard them against bad credit, insurmountable debt and low post-college net worth that plagues African American graduates nationwide. In 2009, Richardson released her second book Living Beyond Check to Monday. Richardson received her undergraduate education at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and Loyola a University Chicago, a Masters Degree in Urban Ministry, Magna cum laude, from Trinity International University / Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an Honorary Doctorate from Global O.D. Seminary & University /Global Bible Institute in 2016. She is a certified chaplain a licensed financial professional and real estate broker, and a certified loan originator continuing education provider. Her experience include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). Her awards and recognitions are numerous, among them the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Award and the Community Renewal Society 35 Under 35 Leadership Award. Richardson is committed to nurturing her ministry for the benefit of others. She is the Pastor of Stewardship at California Worship Center under the leadership of Sr Pastor Warryn Campbell and First Lady Erica Campbell. She and her best friend Demetrius Richardson have been married for over 25 years, they have three daughters and call a Los Angeles suburb home.
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Congratulations 2022 President of Counsel of Business Women in Bay Area
Kathy Kidd
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Contact Tess Beafneaux to purchase yours today!!! 832-664-1754 Order on website: https://tesdralbeafneaux.itworks.com
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Coming to Galveston, Texas December 18, 2021
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Congrats to Pastry Chef Monique Fletcher
Congrats to Chef Brandly Hinds-Boone
Congrats for their two nominations from the National Black Chef Association. Awards given Feb 19-20, 2022. See you in New Orleans!!!!
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Monique Fletcher Cakes by Monique Facebook: Monique Fletcher 409-455-4389 KHCB KEEPING HIM CLOSE BY
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How Do I Heal from Hurt around the
Holidays By Dr. Roger Barrier In my story about the Orlando girl, I was showing you some of the tools that I use in comforting one who is hurting. Notice that both my heart and my attitude are filled with compassion. Notice that I ask rhetorical questions which are designed open them up to receive comfort. I was certain to use healing words as well as deeply emotional words to help them mourn and facilitate their healing. We might say things like: “My heart is aching as you share your story.” Or, “It hurts me to know that you experienced such pain.” Or, “I’m sorry that you felt such rejection and abandonment.” Unfortunately, our culture knows very little about comfort. We deal with hurting and mourning people all the time. Unfortunately, too often we have no idea how to help them. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who mourn for they”: “Shall be told, ‘All things work together for good to those who love God.”’ “Shall be told how to fix it.” “Shall be told, “Don’t cry. It really doesn’t hurt as much as you think!” “Shall receive an encouraging pep talk.” Shall be given logic and reasons.” “Shall be told how to do it better next time.” “Shall be told why it really was their fault.” “Shall be told, ‘That is not nearly as bad as what happened to me. Let me tell you my troubles.'” “Shall be told, ‘Stop worrying. It will all be OK.'” No. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” By the way, there is a time for logic and reasons and encouragement and instruction, but those things come later—long after the process of mourning and comforting is well in place I like to meet people and ask them, “what’s the best
day that you’ve ever had?” No one has ever turned me down for an answer. People like to talk about the best day that they ever had. Then, on the basis of Romans 12:15a, I rejoice with them and get excited about the good day they had. Next, I ask them what is the worst day that they ever had? No one has ever failed to answer my question. Most people like to talk about their hurts. Then, on the basis of Romans 12:15b I mourn with them over their hurt. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are willing to share their hurt with an almost stranger. Romans 12:15 is a simple model for opening the door to someone’s heart to bring healing and occasionally even to sharing the gospel. So, one day I met Robert on the first tee. As we started walking down the fairway, I asked him what was the best that he ever had. He thought for a moment and replied, “Well, I guess it was the day that my son was born.” So, I spent some time rejoicing with him about how great it is to have a new baby in the house. Four holes later, after we teed off and were walking down the fairway, I asked him, “What’s the worst day you ever had?” He thought several moments and then replied, “Well, I guess it was the day my son was born. We used a midwife instead of going to the hospital and our son had some problems at birth. His legs were damaged and have never worked well.” Now on the basis of Romans 12:15b it was time to mourn. We never made it to the fourth green. We talked in the woods while several groups passed us by. When we finished the round Robert was further along in his healing, and I had a new friend.
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5 Thoughts about Comforting In his sermon about Job and his comforters, Chuck Swindoll shared several thoughts about comforting that I’d like to pass on to you: 1. Comforters care enough to come uninvited. If a friend has a heart attack, it’s not long before 2. you’re down at the hospital. You don’t wait for an invitation. No one needed to send a message to Job’s comforters. As soon as his three Comforters heard about his suffering and anguish, they came. 3. Comforters listen carefully so they can minister to the emotions and not react to the words 4. . You have to learn to listen. This reminds me of the story: A man asked his wife, “If you could have anything in the world for one day, what would you want?” She said with a smile, “Well, I’d love to be six again.” Early the next morning, the morning of her birthday, he got her up, and off they went to a local theme park. What a day. He put her on every ride in the park—the death slide, the screaming loop, the wall of fear—everything that was—five hours later she staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling, her stomach was upside down. It’s off next to McDonald's. He ordered her 2 Big Macs along with extra fries and a thick chocolate shake. Then off to an animated movie, the latest Hollywood blockbuster. They ate hot dogs, and popcorn, and M&Ms and Pepsis. It was a fabulous 6-year-old adventure. Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and lovingly asked, “Well dear, how did you like being six again?” One eye opened, she said, “Well, actually, I meant my dress size.” Most people miss seeing the real needs by miles. They come as if hurting people need sermons and condemnation and illustration s and philosophical thoughts and examples from
nature. Job said, “Can’t you just be here with me and say, “You’re sorry,” as I try to survive. 3. Comforters openly express the depth of their feelings. Think about the nurse who comes to take care of you in the hospital. Is she going to say, “How are you? Tell me, I want to feel deeply with you.” Are you kidding? She says, “Bend over,” and gives you an injection. Friends don’t give each other shots. Job’s comforters threw dust on their heads an ancient expression of grief. They sat down in the dirt because Job was in the dirt. Comforters are not turned off by distasteful sights. Job’s friends were aghast when they saw him. They didn’t recognize him. The old homestead was gone. The servants and animals were gone. The graveyard was full. The comforters went to the dump. Job had no hair and his robe was torn and he was sitting there with dung burning near him and dogs nearby and garbage around, and they wept. 8. Comforters understand, so they say very little. Mr. Green died. He was the 85-year-old chief deacon of the small church that I pastored while in college. This would be my first funeral. I went early to Mrs. Green’s house to be there before the mourners began coming. I sat in a corner recliner and said not a word. I didn’t know what to say, so I said nothing all day. I felt so awkward and out of place. I wanted to leave; however, I felt it was my pastoral duty to stay. Finally, it was time to go. As she hugged me goodbye, Mrs. Green whispered in my ear, “You’ll never know how much it meant to me for you to be here all day. I thought to myself, “What a great lesson, sometimes just being there is more than enough. Sometimes silence is the best comforter. I’ve decided that we’ve done it right when they hate to see us go. Material used with permission from greatcommandment.org.
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The Exercise Coach
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