The Cofield Report

February 2015

The Cofield Report February 2015 Issue

Allen Green, Editor & Publisher

Writers: Kemba Cofield

Kristin Cofield

Mary Daniels

Carl Gable, MD

Phill Hughes

Rev. Dr. A’Shellarien Lang

Christine Tunstall

Pastor Lenora Young

Mozell Gunthrie

Minister Donald E. Graham

Lindwood Heath

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Solidarity BS Writer: Mozell Gunthrie

The middle of December, 2014 I heard from one of my friends, a faithful member of an AME church that the Bishop had requested all members of the churches under his jurisdiction to wear black on Sunday, December 14, 2014 as a sign of solidarity. This was supposed to be in support of the current events that had transpired in Ferguson and New York involving the police and young black men. This request was quite disturbing to me because I question how wearing any color, red, blue, yellow, green or black can show solidarity? Do you really think for an instance “the powers that be” really give a damn about what color one wears? How is wearing any specific color making a difference? How does that make the

establishment pay attention? That Bishop who called for solidarity should emphasize to his memberships and people in general the importance of going to the polls on Election Day and voting? There can be no greater show of solidarity than this and not just when there is a presidential election but voting in every mid-term election. Our forefathers gave their sweat and blood for the right for black folk to freely go to the polls and vote, yet many black people take this right for granted most especially our young blacks. According to a recent article I read in the New York Times and from what I have seen just in this last mid-term election at my polling location voter turnout is a constant issue particularly among the young. This very fact factored into the Democratic losses in the midterm elections, when Republicans gained control of the Senate.

According to the October 2014 article in the New York Times Black voters made history in 2012, exit polling and census data show, when they turned out at a rate higher than whites to help re-elect Mr. Obama. But fewer voters go to polls in midterm elections. In 2010, a disastrous year for Democrats, blacks voted at a rate lower than whites, creating a “turnout gap.”

The numbers are significant. Although more than 1.1 million black Georgians went to the polls in 2012, only about 741,000 voted in 2010. In North Carolina, Democrats say there are nearly one million black registered voters who did not vote in 2010. This is a damn shame and the bishop want people to come together and wear black!!! For what!

Another stand for solidarity is to hit the establishment financially. Think about the holiday season and how much money just from the African American community alone is being spent on merchandise. Why not stop spending during the month of December. Don’t purchase a single present, don’t visit a single mall. Can you imagine the message of solidarity this would send? But no! We want everyone to sit in churches wearing the same color and believe we are making a difference, showing solidarity. Bull Shit! You heard it from Mozelle!

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The History of Gospel Music in Philadelphia Writer Lindwood Heath

Philadelphia may not be the birthplace of Gospel Music, but it certainly has made a significant contribution. I believe most of our Philly Gospel Music lovers (depending on our age) are aware of Clara Ward and the Famous Ward Singers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Angelic Gospel Singers, the Davis Sisters, the Imperial Gospel Singers, The Stars of Faith, The Savettes ,

North Philadelphia Juniors and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. We would now like to take time to acknowledge some of the lesser known singers who never reached national recognition. These are just some that actually made an albums or singles on a national record labels :Mary Johnson Davis Singers, The Tomlin Choir, The Gospel Emeralds (With my good friend the late Eugene Dukes), The Met Choir, The PA District Choir of United Holy Church Of America, The Edwin Newberry Singers, The Lorraine Ellison Singers, The Dandridge Ensemble,, Gloria Neal and The Ladies Of Song, The Murray Singers, (who re-

located here from Washington, DC), The Original Victory Chorale Union, The Victory Chorale Ensemble,(Still singing) The Voices of Fellowship) The Truelights (Prof Brockington’s 1st group), The Brockington Ensemble, Rev Ernest Davis of Phila. The Sincere Choral Ensemble (featuring Thomasina and Ernest James, The Christian Tabernacle Radio Choir (Church Of God In Christ) The

Sallie Jenkins Singers, The Capitol City Stars, The Bay State Singers, the Gate City Singers (featuring Bernard Patton , Grandfather of Tamika Patton), the Lane Relation Singers, and The Sons of The Birds.

I must mention some very popular Philly groups and soloists who, to my knowledge never recorded :The Thompson Sister (Janice and her sister Madeline (who is the head of the Clara Ward Singers in California), Bobby Johnson and The Troubadours, The

Sammy Bowens Specials, The Simeon Singers Carrie Collier , Evelyn Lewis and The Elites, The Israelites, Deacon Green and the Silver Crowns, Deacon Gilmore and The Sacred Harmonizers, Bob Huff and The Huff Singers, , The Daughters of Zion, Theodore Brown Singers, Walter Stewart’s Golden Echoes, The United Gospel Singers (Irma Beatty Brown Coleman and David Collier ( a team that would pack

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out Tindley Temple on their anniversary every Thanksgiving) The Johnny Thompson Singers, The Welcome Travelers (Featuring the late Bishop Joseph Aikens, The Heavenly Dew Drops and The Chanteers. The Robert Jackson Singers. Bro Morris Scott. This is just a few I remember, beside the group I sang with the Savoy Singers.

So many have been called home but those of us who remember them will never forget their contribution.

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Good Read Author Anonymous Someone has written these beautiful words. Try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small?

Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

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“Doveryai, No Proveryai” (Trust but Verify) Writer: Christine Tunstall

During the White House arms treaty signing in 1987, President Ronald Reagan practiced saying the above quote in Russian until he had mastered the words. Once he felt that the words flowed from his lips with ease, he repeated the phrase during the treaty talks many times to underline its meaning. The phrase, doveryai, no proveryai, simply means “trust but verify”. I believe that phrase, its meaning, should be a process adopted and adhered to by forward thinkers. Years ago, a person’s word was their bond. You could trust, without verifying, the sanctity of a person’s word. Their handshake or their word was as valid then as a person’s notarized statement was in later years. Now in 2014, whether it’s a handshake, a word or a signed

agreement, it is difficult at best to trust any of these items on face value. Years ago an agreement was sealed by the mere gesture of a handshake. The word of two individuals, culminating with a handshake meant there was an unbreakable agreement. Today, even with formal papers drawn up, signatures witnessed and notarized, the final agreement is questioned, dissected and destroyed. It’s very existence or the validity of the content of the agreement, after exhaustive bouts in court with both parties paying obscene amounts of money to attorneys who do all they can to erase any conclusion that an agreement, whether verbal or written is ever final, erases the possibility of trusting with or without verification. Unfortunately, today a person’s word is just a word. There is no substance or power given to a person’s word. It means little today in the board room or in an informal setting. Gone are the days where you could merely trust a person’s word, handshake or even their final signature in many instances. Lawyers will argue what the ‘intent’, ‘underlying meaning’ or frame of mind consisted of, in an effort to erase the appearance of an agreement. Instead of Doveryai no proveryai, the new mantra is “Do Not Trust and you had better Absolutely Verify”. Gone are the days of friendly board meetings and negotiations where a person’s word was held with as much regard as the assurance of God’s unbending love and mercy toward His children. As children of God, while we are not supposed to judge others, we are given the responsibility of being fruit inspectors. God gives each of us the ability to inspect fruit to see if it bears the test of God’s unbending love. Should the fruit be tossed away or does it bear further scrutiny. The scrutiny is the verification process. You are verifying that the fruit is from God’s garden. You are verifying that the fruit should be gathered with the other fruit God has provided for His people. Verifying that the fruit bears God’s stamp of approval is a necessary exercise in this Christian walk. Whether the verification process must take place daily, weekly or sporadically, whenever necessary, should not create any form of consternation because you are merely following the mandate of God – inspecting the fruit. Sunday after Sunday Pastors open the Word of God and read from the Holy pages of God’s Word passages that allow them to outline the day’s Sermon. They understand that the

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members need to hear a word from the Lord in order to get through their daily lives. They know that the congregants are starving for an understanding of the scriptures and trust that the words being spoken come from God’s Holy Word for God’s people. Their exegesis of Scripture is exemplary. However, in bringing the word to the congregants weekly, Pastors do not expect any members listening to their voice to blindly follow the readings. They invite each person listening to the sound of their voices to follow along with them as they read the scripture. They know that the congregants trust them. However, they invite everyone to verify what they are reading by reading along as well as reading more in depth when they go to their homes. Trust but verify - preaching from God’s word – doveryai, no proveryai. These same exercises should be utilized in your daily work and personal relationships. More friendships and relationships have been permanently crippled because doveryai, no proveryai was not followed. When information is brought to your light by a person or persons you believe have your best interest at heart, it should not be construed as a mistrust of your friendship to doveryai, no proveryai – trust but verify. The person bringing the information to you should welcome your verification process. If that person resists your verification stance, you may need to reevaluate the information you are being provided. Gone are the days of blindly accepting the word of someone without some sort of verification process. Verifying information from confidants does not question your trust or confidence in the person bringing the information, it merely protects both parties. It allows you to have the unshakable faith that any decision you made was based on facts obtained and verified, not based on opinions and supposition. Before making decisions that challenge or question the integrity of other parties, doveryai, no proveryai. Be Blessed

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The Challenges within the Process Writer: Pastor Lenora Young

Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Job 14:14 (b) (KJV)

“All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.”

Definition: - Challenge

According to the dictionary it means a call or summons to a fight or contest. Or in laymen terms, a test or a trial.

Process:

A set of actions or changes in a special order, a course of actions or procedures. To treat, prepare or handle by some special method. A systematic series of actions directed to the same end. A continuous operation or series of changes taking place in a definite manner. In layman terms – different stages brought about to cause change – change for the better.

We are living in a season where the scripture tells us; those that live Godly shall suffer persecution. The Word has expressed to us, we are living in perilous times. The Word has stated; Fight the good fight of faith. The Word has alerted us to the point of the trying of our faith – the challenging of our faith. The Word has been given to us to let us know that we are going to be challenged to the point of break down. Many are the afflictions of the righteous BUT the Lord deliver out of all. There has never been a negative in the scripture where it is not back up by God’s positive. The trials, test, and different situations we have encountered in our lives, has been put in place to bring us to the expected end. Everything we go through is not always the devil, some test – trials – some situations have been put in our lives – not for God to see but for you to see where you really are in this Christian walk. Where you really are in your spiritual life – where your faith level is – where your strength and weaknesses are. Everyday we are challenged – everyday your faith is challenged – everyday your character is challenged – everyday your integrity is challenged. Everyday we are being processed because of what God wants to do in us – through us – and for us. We are being processed for God’s us and Gods purpose. Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” We were birthed physically and spiritually to do the will of God. The hand of God was placed on us before the foundation of the world – we were ordained to do the will of God. Let me paraphrase this, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee do my will.” Many times we have tried to do our own thing, but it never worked

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– we did not fit in with others. Others may but you may not. There are There have been times we ask God what are you doing” – why is this happening – I

don’t understand – what do you want me to do – what are trying to teach me – my favorite – WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? Then we cry and cry and cry. Do you realize, in this time of process, God is not paying attention to our tears. Why? Because what He is requiring of us is our faith and trust. Not just believe, but know that God is going to finish what he started. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” There is a great need for this process – there’s a great purpose for this process. For what God has in store, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Lo, I am with you always – through the process – through the challenge. Moses – challenged and processed to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. Job challenged and processed through the loss of everything – but coming out with twice as much. God allowing him to go through such a traumatic experience to bring forth words such as “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Yet he sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. His Honor challenged - His wife saying to him, “Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!” His response - “You’re talking crazy. We take the good days from God—why not also the bad days?” Not once through all this challenge, did Job sin. He said nothing against God. His constituents challenged his loyalty to God. Job you must have sinned to have to go through such trauma. I hear Job’s words – “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” I accept the challenge – I go through the process – I do it because, though I may loose my life, yet will I wait for and trust Him. “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare and service I will wait, till my change and release shall come. Jesus was challenged – His words – His actions – everywhere He went, He was challenged – Processed through shedding of His blood at Calvary – sitting on the right of God – becoming the Savior of the world – the go between - the one who intercedes for us. The one who speaks to the Father on our behalf. The lover of our souls – the lifter of our heads – our strong tower – our refuge and strength in the time of trouble – the king of kings – Lord of Lords – Our soon coming King. All because He was overcame the challenges within the process. We can overcome every challenge – the bible tells us, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. If He overcame, we can overcome because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Yes, there will be challenges within every process of our lives – as long as we keep our eyes on the prize, we will be everything God intends for us to be. Greatness in the making. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love

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for God is worked into something good. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. You are the biggest challenge within the process because you won’t allow God free course. When you let him have free course the process will allow you to be free in the presence of God – to keep yourself in touch to receive direction and instruction. Move yourself out of the way because God knows the thoughts He thinks toward you – thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

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A HEALTHY BODY IS A HEALTHY MIND IS A HEALTHY SPIRIT Writer: Phill Hughes

This is the time of year to take your health and diet seriously. Seriously, this is the flu season. You can’t underestimate the importance of good nutrition when it comes to your immune system. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are the ingredients to keeping your body’s immune system strong.

Speaking of good nutrition, here are just a few of the many foods to include in your diet:

A. Oily fish, including salmon, tuna and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids? Omega-3 helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

B. Zinc is another essential mineral, a cold fighter, which can be found in oysters. C. Garlic produces a potent antioxidant when it decomposes. It is most effective when eaten raw.

D. Citrus fruits; oranges, grapefruits lemons, and limes pack a vitamin-C punch when fighting off the cold or flu. Red peppers are high in vitamin-C too. E. One of the most uncomfortable parts of the cold and flu is the chest congestion and

the persistent cough. Did you know that fennel can help in clearing up chest congestion and reduce that nagging cough. Cut the whole thing up in a salad. Braise it with chicken or fish or puree it in soups and sauces. You can put it in almost

anything…..and use the whole thing.

F. Just when you think bacteria is bad for you, along comes yogurt. Eating yogurt helps replenish beneficial strains of bacteria, which promote good digestive health.

G. Strawberries are a delicious food packed with antioxidants. Studies have shown that this fruit can reduce the intensity and duration of the cold and flu. I love strawberries.

Potassium, Vitamin-B, fiber and immune boosting antioxidants are all found in mushrooms. Shitakes contain a nutrient that is thought to have anticancer properties.

Look for foods that offer Vitamin-C, Vitamin-D and Zinc more now than ever, especially since reports have already been released stating the flu shots only contain twenty-three percent of preventive help. For the seventy-seven percent, take your vitamins and eat immune building foods. Make sure that the foods you put on your plate are not only filling but are a benefit to your body.

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1st Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, who you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Resources: Health.com and Common Sense Homesteading.

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How to Stop Hyenas from Laughing Submitted by Mary Daniels

Who’s laughing now?

Lewis the Lion had a problem.

He was a young lion who was no longer a cub, but didn’t yet have the skills to hunt for himself.

With the assistance of his pride, he tried to get better at hunting, but would either make too much noise, move too soon or just wasn’t quick or strong enough to bring down and subdue his prey.

Whilst that alone was frustrating, to add insult to injury, the hyenas took great delight in Lewis’ failings as a predator and laughed raucously whenever the young lion let another zebra escape.

Lewis tried to roar at them, but he was only able to manage a loud squeak, giving the hyenas more reason to mock him.

“Just ignore them,” the older lions would say.

“How can I? Every time I start to stalk another antelope, I can hear their voices in my head before I even have a chance to mess up,” Lewis responded.

Lewis was tempted to stop trying and talked about his doubts with his mother, Lizzie, who was an outstanding hunter.

Lizzie looked at her son and said, “We’ve all been there. There was a time when I couldn’t catch anything and the hyenas would laugh at me incessantly. This is what I learned. If you give up, their mocking has worked and the hyenas have won. But if you keep trying and learning, you’ll eventually become a great hunter and the hyenas will have nothing to laugh at.”

Lewis nodded his head and agreed to keep trying.

The weeks and months passed, and Lewis became an accomplished predator.

He had a fine, flowing mane by now and had progressed from an awkward adolescent to a magnificent beast. As he wandered through the Savannah he noticed the group of hyenas (called a cackle) who had laughed at his earlier failed hunting attempts.

He charged at the cackle and caught one of the hyenas, knocking him to the ground and standing over him.

“Please don’t hurt me,” pleaded the hyena.

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“I’m not going to hurt you; I just have a message for you and every other critic. Your laughter didn’t stop me, it only spurred me on and now that I’m the master hunter, I just wanted to let you and your pathetic friends know that you’ll be living off my leftovers from now on.”

He let the quivering hyena go and let loose a roar that echoed for miles.

If you have critics in your life, don’t let them win by giving up and hiding from the glare of public opinion.

Keep working on your craft, developing your skills to become world-class in your field.

There an old saying that, “There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic.”

The reality is that the critics never do anything remarkable themselves, but live off the leftovers that the predators leave behind.

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Don’t Quit Unknown Author When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high, you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twist and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns,

and many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, you may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out.

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

Stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit!

Submitted by Kristen Cofield

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Stay or Go? Collegiate Athletes and the Decision to Go Pro Writer: Carl C. Gable, MD

On January 12, 2015, thousands of college football fans watched the NCAA national championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. The Buckeyes won the game by a score of 42 to 20 with a third string quarterback that until about three games prior, had never been heard of by most casual observers. Not many days after the game, this quarterback, Mr. Cardale Jones, now undefeated as a starter, and with a national championship under his belt, made the decision to return to school the following year to continue his education (and further develop his game), rather than immediately pursue a career in the National Football League (NFL).

Outstanding collegiate athletes are faced with a similar decision every year: return to school and continue/finish their education or enter the draft and potentially make millions of dollars for as long as they are physically and mentally able to produce on the football field or basketball court. To some, it is probably an easy decision; to others, an agonizing one. Given my almost complete lack of athletic skills, I’ve never had to personally struggle with making that decision; however, I have often pondered what I would do had God blessed me with the athletic skills to be in that position. Better yet, what advice would I give a young man or woman in that situation? What advice would you give? The following are just a few brief thoughts.

Education is truly a “great equalizer.” Though I wasn’t blessed with an abundance of athletic gifts, I have been blessed with the opportunity to obtain a good quality education. As such, my life is different than it would have been had I not rigorously pursued academics. That being said, one of the many purposes that education serves is to place the individual who obtains it in the position to hopefully be able to earn a living for him or herself. Gifted athletes are in a position to use their talents for the purpose of earning a tremendous living. Many of them make more in a year than most individuals make in a lifetime. Obviously however, their athletic skills have a time limit placed upon them by the physical limitations that accompany the natural aging process. It stands to reason that the longer they wait to begin a career in professional sports, the shorter their playing time as a professional athlete will be, particularly in professional football.

In addition, for most of us, the body ages more quickly than the mind. A 42 year old man usually cannot match the speed and physical strength of his 25 year old former self. A 42 year old man usually can however, read and comprehend at close to the same speed he could at 25. Many professional athletes have entered professional sports during their prime playing years and returned to school years later to complete their education, and often they’ve done so with millions of dollars in the bank. Can we honestly blame them for doing so?

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Finally, consider the risk of injury to an athlete while he or she is playing sports at the collegiate level. College football and basketball stars are constantly one play away from a season and/or career ending injury. After the opportunity to enter a professional sports draft with an accompanying salary upon successfully completing the draft in excess of several million dollars, is it worth the risk of playing one or more additional years in college when one injury could literally cost the individual millions of dollars?

Many years ago, ironically when I was the age of many of the up and coming professional athletes, I was all for finishing an education before playing professional sports. I thought like many of my mentors who were older that it was the “wise” thing to do. Today however, I’m not sure that is the best approach in every circumstance. I cannot blame a 22 year old man or woman who decides that he or she wants to enter a league that will pay him or her anywhere from several hundred thousand to several million dollars before they complete their education. If they take care of their money and make wise financial choices, they can always return to school to complete their education. They cannot however, return to the football field or basketball court in their 40’s and earn that same living.

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Still Dreaming Writer: Minister Donald E. Graham Jr. As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday on January 19th, it is safe to say that the dream of his “four little children living in a nation where they are not judged by the color of

their skin, but by the content of their character” is still just a dream. The fight for equal justice in this country has hit a fever-pitch as we find ourselves living in an era of “Hands up, don’t shoot,” and “I can’t breathe.” Growth and progress could be this nation's reward for facing the challenge of our times with courage and a demand for equal justice. The American Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the civil-rights movement of the 1960s were moments when our nation could have been torn from its very foundation, but a creative response to this turmoil helped move the country forward. At its best, non-violent protest have been strategically used to wake up a sleeping nation, to educate and

sensitize those who become awakened, and to ignite a sense of righteous indignation in people of goodwill to press for transformation. That's what the protests galvanized by the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and others are trying to accomplish. Many Americans find themselves at a loss to understand the depth of the anger and frustration of the protestors. “Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the river…” (Exodus 1:22) I can’t help but make the correlation between the verdicts in the Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner cases, to the decree that was made by Pharaoh in the above scripture. That is why I am deeply concerned for my 17 year old son. If he is ever confronted by a police officer and he asks why he is being stopped, then he is "resisting an officer”. If he turns around too fast with his hands up then he can be shot for making a “sudden move”. If he reaches for his cell phone to call his parents he might get shot because he was “probably reaching for a gun”. Many of the justifications I’ve heard supporting police using deadly force are very subjective, and unfortunately, the same subjectivity has not been afforded to our young black men. They shouldn’t have to walk the streets passive, docile, and timid just to make other people feel comfortable, when all they’re trying to do is make it home safely. If he is ever faced with a similar scenario, I pray that my son is able to make an informed decision, which will ultimately allow him to live to see another day. How do we as a nation effectively address this problem? We need to begin by addressing the pervasiveness of these unconscious biases, first by acknowledging them, and secondly by working to reduce them or ameliorate their impact. Police academies and law enforcement agencies not only need more diverse staff, but they need implicit bias training for officers. They need to measure, track and address implicit bias, enhance officer supervision and create accountability measures.

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Today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream has yet be fulfilled in these yet-to-be United States. Ferguson is not Selma and America is no closer to fulfilling the ideals of the Civil Rights movement that so many of our Black leaders died for more than a half century ago. We are immersed in a recalcitrant domestic crisis that has been fueled by ignorance, negligence and dishonesty. When everyone is right, no one is. Furthermore, when no one is to blame, we all are. It is only when we begin to acknowledge these ugly truths that we begin to heal, evolve and march toward making King’s noble dream a livable reality. Love Is Who We Are and What We Do Writer: Rev. Dr. A’Shellarien Lang

The Bible says that God is love (1 John 4:7) and if we are made in

the image and likeness of God than we are love too. Jesus told the woman at the well that God is a Spirit (John 4:24) which means that we are spirit too. If God is a Love Spirit then we are Love Spirit too. Jesus confirms this in John 15:9-12 (NET) where He says, “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you.”

Jesus is our perfect example of Love Spirit in action. Jesus was fully human and operating in

what I talked about earlier. He subdued His human self (fruit) and effectively walked in His spiritual self (love). Jesus demonstrated divine love in the three years of ministry that are recorded in the Gospels. As the Bible comes alive for us we see that Jesus had what I call a “love anointing”. Jesus was able to speak and demonstrate love for those who followed Him as well as those who attempted to kill Him. One of the most amazing things about Jesus’ love is that there was enough for the whole world. It takes power in love (anointing) to die for a people who you know will reject you and act like you have done nothing for them. Bishop Charles Matthew Hudson Jr., the Senior Pastor of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, DC says that anointing is, “God’s purpose poured on you with power”. If we couple that definition with the understanding that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us, we can say that Jesus’ purpose was to love us back to wholeness. In our fallen state love came down to reconcile us back to our Creator. The power of His love is still saving folk today.

So what does that mean for us? It means that Love is an anointing. It means that what Jesus

demonstrated was power in love. It means that if Jesus had it we have it too. I know you are saying what, how can that be? There are some folk who are just unlovable, there are some situations that love is the last thing on my mind, and there are some places love just can’t travel to. Galatians said, “– the only thing that matters is faith working through love. By faith we worship God, by faith we serve God, and by faith we love God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Love keeps us, moves us, and sustains us. The power in love allows us to do things that we could

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not otherwise do. The nature in which we love can only be explained by adding Divine influence. The anointing of God enables us to get beyond our limited human ability to operate in supernatural ability. Jesus told us to remain in His love as He remains in the Father’s love. We cannot do that by ourselves, we must have the “love anointing” as Jesus did.

Anointing is that which connects the spiritual part of us to the Divine. As I said earlier, God is

spirit and so are we. The anointing moves us in spiritual ways that the human part of us will never understand. Have you ever been led to do something that you could not explain to yourself let alone anyone else? Something like share the gospel with someone you don’t know. Something like sing God’s praises in such a way that people feel the presence of God. Something like turn left on a street that you never turn on to find out later that there was a fatal accident on the road you normally take. Something like stand in a room full of folk and say what God tells you say. The essence of who we are connects with the essence of who God is and the supernatural happens. The anointing allows us to live, move, and have our being in God. It is that which is beyond the reading of the Word, it is that which lays to rest the intellect and awakens the unexplainable, it is that which empowers us to hear God more clearly, see the supernatural more readily, and feel God in a more definite way.

Unfortunately “church folk” have relegated the anointing to the select few who have had “the experience”. The human understanding of the confirmation of evidence of the anointing has been channeled down to speaking in an unknown tongue, rolling on the floor in convulsions, and the like. It reminds me of Elijah when he was running from Jezebel. As he stood on the mountain he was looking for God’s presence in the grandiose things when the presence of God was actually in the stillness. All of us do not have some dramatic story to tell about how God audibly spoke to us and shared the divine mysteries and then anointed, consecrated, and appointed us as the next messenger. Most of us hear God in the quietness of our hearts leading, guiding, and directing us. Most of us can feel God moving as we sit and meditate on the word of God that we just read or heard. Yes the gifts of the spirit have their place and that is what Paul said about the gift of tongues. Yes the manifestation of the anointing may cause some to react physically. What I am saying is that we can no longer deny or negate the truth that the anointing of God is accessible because of our essence not our humanly driven evidence. 1 John 2:27 (NKJV) says, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him”. John makes it clear that we all have the anointing the question is have we acknowledged, honored, and yielded to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

How do we remain, how do we stay connected to the Vine, how do we live, move, and have

our being in love? Romans 5:5b (NAS) says, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”. We must tap into the essence of who we are. We call upon the anointing of God that helps us. Some folk use David’s words in Psalm 51:5 (KJV), “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” to say that we are all born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Imagine what this idea does to our spiritual understanding of who we are. The Bible tells us that we were created in the image and likeness of God and as I said earlier, God is love. The idea that we were shaped in iniquity and conceived in sin is contrary to being created in the image of Love. I am proposing that we embrace the truth that we were created and shaped in love. Believing that God is Love, that I was created in that

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image and likeness, and that I am commanded to follow Christ’s example of love helps me remain. I stay connected to the Vine through my love for God, my love for myself, and my love for others. Paul says in Philippians 1:9-11 (KJV), “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”.

Paul makes it clear that our love draws on our intellect and our emotion. It increases more and

more and gives us the ability to make choices that make us better and not bitter. As we learn more about God and how God loves we begin to operate more effectively in love. The emphasis on growing in knowledge and discernment makes me think that love is not just something that happens it is something that is intentional. To say one fell in love is to say that they had no control over what happened. Think about when you fell, it was not something you decided to do, it was not something you willingly did, and it is not something you want to do again. To say that we fall in and out of love means that there is no intelligence associated with love. Paul makes it really clear that love is intelligent. So like I said love draws on our intellect and our emotion. According to Paul intelligent love helps us prove what is excellent and emotional love helps us be sincere and blameless because love fills us with the fruit of righteousness.

The key component to all of this is that it is through Jesus Christ. Going back to John 15, Jesus told us to remain in Him, to remain in His love. As we remain in Jesus Christ our love develops intellectually and emotionally and the fruit that it gives us must do the same. Cultivating our fruit is an ongoing process that must not be neglected or negated. As our love grows our fruit grows. Bearing fruit is what we are called to do and we cannot bear good fruit if our fruit is no good. We cultivate our fruit through our faith and our faith is strengthened through hearing the gospel. Our faith grows as we listen to and apply the word of God.

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Black History Writer: Kemba Cofield

In America, February is a great month. It’s a time when we are to remember to love someone special in our lives and it’s a month for respect for those of African American heritage. Love and Being Black. Love Being Black. I want to combine the two celebrations to initiate an appreciation for whom and what we are as beautiful human beings. Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” It is ignorant to continue to focus on the darkness of our past without knowledge of the great contributions we have made in to our culture.

I’d like to start with mentioning, the slavery part of our history became different at a certain time. Harsh truths still ring in the country like the bells of a church house. Teach them to hate each other and they will continue. Focusing on the simplest things to keep us separated from one another. Willie Lynch guided other white people to institute this ignorance and we accepted it as truth but its darkness has kept our people consumed with ignorance for years. “I HAVE OUTLINED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES AMONG THE SLAVES; AND I TAKE THESE DIFFERENCES AND MAKE THEM BIGGER. I USE FEAR, DISTRUST AND ENVY FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On top of my list is “AGE,” but it’s there only because it starts with an “a.” The second is “COLOR” or shade. There is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SEX, SIZES OF PLANTATIONS, STATUS on plantations, ATTITUDE of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine hair, course hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action, but before that, I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST AND ENVY STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS. Don’t forget, you must pitch the OLD black male vs. the YOUNG black male, and the YOUNG black male against the OLD black male. You must use the DARK skin slaves vs. the LIGHT skin slaves, and the LIGHT skin slaves vs. the DARK skin slaves. You must use the FEMALE vs. the MALE, and the MALE vs. the FEMALE. You must also have white servants and overseers [who] distrust all Blacks. But it is NECESSARY THAT YOUR SLAVES TRUST AND DEPEND ON US. THEY MUST LOVE, RESPECT AND TRUST ONLY US. Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control. Use them. Have your wives and children use them, never miss an opportunity. IF USED INTENSELY FOR ONE YEAR, THE SLAVES THEMSELVES WILL REMAIN PERPETUALLY DISTRUSTFUL.” I share this to make sure see there are so many other things we can do than what’s in this list of ignorance. We are beautiful. We are smart. We are talented. We are equal. I wanted to share with each of you the amazing accomplishments of our people so you can see the amazing accomplishments of a race of people once thought of as incompetent.

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George Alcorn The imaging x-ray spectrometer.

• Daniel Hale Williams Pioneer of Open Heart Surgery. • Elijah McCoy Inventor of the Automatic Lubricator. • Benjamin Banneker "first clock to be made in America was created by a black man."

Designed Washington DC. • Dr. Patricia Bath Vision Cataracts. • Fred Jones Developed Refrigeration System for Trucks. • Otis Boykin– including computers, radios and TV sets. • Marie Van Brittan Brown Closed-circuit television security system. • George Washington Carver discovered over 300 different uses for peanuts including

making cooking oil, axle grease and printer's ink. • George Crum The potato chip. • Dr. Mark Dean invention of the Personal Computer and the gigahertz chip for storage. • Dr. Charles Richard Drew revolutionized blood plasma – leading to the invention of

blood banks. • Kenneth J. Dunkley Three Dimensional Viewing Glasses (3-DVG) – his patented

invention that displays 3-D effects from regular 2-D photos without any type of lenses, mirrors or optical elements.

• Garrett Morgan Inventor of a Traffic Signal and Gas Mask. • Jan Matzeliger Invented an Automated Shoe Lasting Device. • Lewis Latimer Invented an Improved Light Bulb. • Madam C.J. Walker Created a Black Hair Products Empire. • Percy Julian Pioneer in the Field of Synthetic Chemistry. • Andre Reboucas Invented an Early-version Torpedo. • Andrew Beard Created the "Jenny Coupler." • Benjamin Banneker Astronomy who Developed an Almanac. • Benjamin Montgomery Developed a Special Steamboat Propeller. • David Crosthwait Designed Innovative Heating Installations. • Ernest Just Pioneer in Marine Biology and Zoology. • George Carruthers Measuring and Detected Ultraviolet Lights. • George Grant Created an Improved Golf Tee. • George Murray Created a Cotton-chopping Device. • Granville Woods Telegraph and Railway Device Developer. • Jack Johnson Boxing Champion Invented a Wrench. • James Forten Revolutionized the Sail-making Business. • James West Created the Affordable Electret Microphone. • Lloyd Hall Revolutionized the World of Food Preservation. • Lonnie Johnson Invented the "Super Soaker" toy. • Marjorie Joyner Invented the "Permanent Waving Machine." • Patricia Bath Created a Laser Surgical Device. • Dr. Philip Emeagwali Created Processes to Innovate Internet Apps. • Richard Spikes Invented an Automatic Gear Shift. • Shelby Davidson Created Adding Machine Add-ons.

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• Thomas Mensah Pioneered the Field of Fiber Optics. • Robert Pelham Invented Tallying Machine for the Census. • Sarah Goode Invented the Folding Cabinet Bed. • Thomas Elkins Created a Refrigerated Apparatus. • Lonnie G. Johnson Super Soaker. • Valerie Thomas Developed a 3-D Optical Illusion Device.

This list is incomplete. As my time has to continue to express, no matter what you have done. No matter how much you have. No matter how low you could be, you are beautiful. You are perfect. You can do anything you put your mind to do. Use your time on this earth loving the person you are from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. There is nothing greater than you. Your children are a beautiful version of you. You are to be appreciated and revered. I only want to remind every African American that this country wouldn’t be anything without our contributions. So instead of focusing on the darkness, remember the beautiful examples of whom we are and what we have accomplished. Remember who you are and know that you can evolve to greatness just from refusing to accept anything that is negative that is exemplified into our media, our music, our history books, and ultimately our minds.

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A TRIBUTE TO DR. VEROLGA NIX “Preparation for Transition” Writer: Mary Daniels

It’s been over a month since Dr. Verolga Nix, my music mentor and prayer partner, went to be with the Lord. I am reflecting on the wonderful way the Lord strengthened her from the diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer to her transition. Her recently released book, “I Choose Life,” which I co-authored, shares her powerful testimony.

April 9, 2013 – Verolga was deeply moved by the love demonstrated at a surprise 80th birthday party given by Intermezzo Choir Ministry and friends. Some of the City’s finest musicians and singers participated in an impromptu program: Theodore Thomas, Reverend Edward Smith, Jocelyn Tracey Gilliard, Juanita Holiday and Nathan Harmon were “gently” prompted by the honoree to share his/her beautiful gift. Of course, the background singers, consisting mostly of Intermezzo members, did an excellent job. The “icing on the cake” was when her daughter, Jolaine Allen, shy and unassuming, but a power-house soloist, began to sing “Jesus Paid It All” causing her mother to explode in joy. On the way home Verolga said, “If Heaven is like this, it will be beautiful.” Throughout the following days she would lower her voice to attempt to capture the richness of Jolaine’s timbre and she’d begin singing “I hear my Savior say…..JESUS PAID IT ALL.” She said, “I wanted everybody to hear MY daughter sing,” and she added with a smile, “Mary, she sang every verse and modulated.” Verolga was always proud of Jolaine and hoped that someday many lives would be touched by Jolaine’s magnificent voice.

Below are just a few highlights of that evening. I apologize for not having videos for each participant; they all were par excellent.

http://youtu.be/AkvUPQ4mgl4?list=FLa7loDg_QQ9cd8O3PJE15GA Verolga’s comments

http://youtu.be/TWY3H1qGmNM Beams of Heaven - Rev. Edward Smith & Verolga

http://youtu.be/9bVryn2OHnI?list=FLa7loDg_QQ9cd8O3PJE15GA Jocelyn Tracey Gilliard

http://youtu.be/DYhUpsr3_rk Lord's Prayer - Dr. Nix on piano at another venue

On April 21, 2013 - Verolga was guest musician at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 10th & Wallace. Dr. Leslie Callahan spoke on “Resurrected Resources” - the story of Dorcas, a woman greatly loved, who had died, leaving the people devastated and mourning. She had dedicated her time and skills to do good works. Dorcas was especially known for producing garments for the poor. She had a rich legacy of love and generosity. Many of the people held these gifts in their hands as they mourned her passing. However, Peter sent them all out of the room and raised

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Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:40) to the delight of the mourners. Dr. Callahan challenged us to consider what our legacy will be. She mentioned that when it’s time for us to die, we won’t be interested in mundane things. She commented that the Phillies won’t be important or any other forms of entertainment or recreation, when it comes our time to meet God. What will our legacy be? It was a powerful sermon and I remember saying to Dr. Callahan, “THAT was a timely

message” and I also realized that the veracity of my statement had disconcerted me. Verolga pondered the message for several moments and while driving home she began to question her legacy. In all honestly, I thought her legacy was obvious, and I reminded her that she IS the co-editor of “Songs of Zion” (United Methodist supplemental hymnal) – the most successful hymnal in its category and she had nearly 200 published copyrights of original songs; traveled expensively nationally and internationally and, last but not least, recorded music that has – and will continue – to transform millions of lives.

To my surprise, she stated “I’m NOT talking about music, Mary”. Now, I had to regroup. What is she talking about? Verolga had experienced an epiphany during the message and needed to understand her legacy. I reminded her of the young people she had encouraged while teaching in the school system and how many of them have been saved from the temptations and destruction of an inferiority complex, victim mentality or fear of failure. She was able to introduce them to the therapeutic world of music along with the message of God’s love which eventually transformed many of their lives. Several of them have become committed vessels for God’s use and are touching hundreds of lives through music and/or the preached Word. For over a year, Verolga had reached out to the victims of Katrina: she collected clothing, school supplies, blankets, etc. from many sources. This was time- consuming as the boxes were huge and needed to be packed and sealed properly, Of course, Verolga, in her persuasive manner, recruited others to help AND arranged for Staples to handle the shipping. She had often shared her home with people going through difficult and/or transitional periods, myself included and the list goes on and on. Like many people who serve others, she hadn’t been keeping score; Verolga was just going about doing good. The more we talked the more she understood that her legacy was indeed MORE than music.

The love displayed at her 80th birthday party and the provocative message from Dr. Callahan was to prepare and fortify her for some of the most difficult months of her life.

A few weeks later she faced surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. She shares the details of this remarkable journey in her recently published book, “I Choose Life” (co-authored by me)

Summer, 2014, Verolga was adamant in the quest to establish her legacy and began to put her house in order. She decided to share her extensive collection of books, sheet music, and other valuable items with family and friends; calling each person, stating “come over and see what you like, I want you to have something of mine” (reminiscent of Dorcas mentioned earlier). I

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chose several items but Verolga also insisted I have her Study bible which she inscribed with words of encouragement and THAT gift was and is (posthumously) deeply cherished. She also shared clothing (hers and Intermezzo’s), jewelry, music, etc. with everyone that responded to her invitation and smiled throughout the whole process.

I remembered how Verolga for years had visited hospitals and nursing homes, praying and ministering one-on-one, playing a selection, or presenting Intermezzo in concert. As I write this article, I recall how she regularly purchased a meal for a homeless gentleman who sat outside of Wawa’s – he knew her by name. I realized the importance of the aforementioned in perspective to her legacy as a Christian. It’s the ministry that was NOT on the stage but behind the scenes – caring for the sick, hungry, or needy. Givers often are oblivious to their impact, they don’t see it as building a legacy, they are too busy “serving” I am thankful God allowed me to remind her of those acts of kindness.

“A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (NASB) Prov. 18:16

Verolga’s incomparable gifts and dynamic presentation appealed to people from all walks of life and have left an indelible mark on the hearts of politicians, judges, ministers, celebrities, the Phillies, including the Phillie Phanatic, who tried to kiss her after Intermezzo sang the National Anthem (2004 Opening of Citizens Park) But her most treasured moments were those spent touring Europe.

Watch the link below:

http://youtu.be/hExOLf4nqds (tour of five countries)

LIVING EULOGY

A few months ago, Verolga called Intermezzo (past and present) together for an “evening of purging”, fellowship and song. Held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (Reverend Ethelyn Taylor) which had been the choir’s rehearsal venue for over a decade. In attendance were members who had sang with Verolga’s first group, Methodian Concert Choir (1965), as well as the 20-40 year “ vintage” Intermezzo members with a sprinkling of some “freshmen” (for lack of a better word) - all represented the most talented musicians and singers in the nation. Excitement was in the air as Verolga addressed her beloved group. Prayer, which set the tone, was led by Reverend Edward Smith (who she taught in high school). She spoke candidly about her journey with Cancer and also opened the discussion for anything on their hearts. Several members mentioned their love and respect for her. Verolga addressed the limitations on visitors during a time when she was highly susceptible to germs but smiled with a voice of authority stating “That’s over, you are welcome to visit me but you must call first.” Glancing around the room, I knew that many were excited to hear those words. She was proud of their commitment to God and to each other and encouraged them to continue to sing his praises stating that God knew about this illness and had orchestrated everything concerning the

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choir. THEN, she said “Lets sing!” Some of us were rather concerned thinking she might not have the stamina to play as she desired. However, there were members who could fill in if necessary. We watched as the Lord gave her strength to play several songs and we were blessed by “If My People,” “Hide Me in the Cleft,” “Fear Not” and HOLY. Almost 40 people strong, Intermezzo was on top of its game and it was absolutely breath-taking. She said she could have played all night; Verolga was in her world….but it was time for the church to close.

Members had brought bouquets of flowers to honor her. One bunch was selected and each person took a flower to present to Verolga as she sat holding a vase in her lap. As they approached her, each one would hug or kiss her and speak a word of love and appreciation, i.e. “You gave me confidence to sing,” “you taught me how to breathe properly” “I am a better singer because of you” and so on. It was surreal as I observed and thought how symbolic this was of the interment ritual EXCEPT, thankfully, Verolga was alive to experience the words and the love. I felt a little sadness and held back the tears. She was deeply moved… and told me later, I was sure I was going to cry at some point during that fellowship. She wanted the choir to begin to rehearse just once a month while she continued to gain strength and everyone was ecstatic. As much as we prayed for healing, many attendees felt that THIS was the last time they would sing with this talented woman of God. And so it was.

Jacqueline Crawford had provided transportation for that night. Verolga sat up front and I attempted to sit in the back but had difficulty squeezing in because of the many flowers she’d received from her choir/friends. It took us two trips to get the flowers in the house.

THIS, MY FRIENDS, WAS A LIVING EULOGY TO A LADY WHO WAS (AND IS) LOVED DEEPLY.

Stay tuned for the next issue

I’ve shared the preparation period but there’s so much more to share: The beautiful conversation of “transition” two days before she died and her anointed words and attitude the day before she died as well as the planning of her home going service and her last message to the world.

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TIP Corner THERE’S ALWAYS SOMEONE WAITING TO SEPARATE YOU FROM YOUR MONEY AND BELONGINGS!!! SOME THIEVES ARE NOT STUPID!!! *1. LONG-TERM PARKING:

A family left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into

the car. Using the information on the car's registration in the glove compartment, they drove the

car to the people's home in Pebble Beach and robbed it. So I guess if we are going to leave the

car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your

remote garage door opener. This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic

technology.

*2. GPS:

Someone had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on

the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football

fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS

which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard. When the victims got home, they found

that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.

The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote

control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at

the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how

much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to

empty the house of its contents. Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home

address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way

home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.

*3. CELL PHONES:

I never thought of this! This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her

cell phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit

card, wallet, etc., was stolen. Twenty minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone

telling him what had happened, hubby says, "I received your text asking about our Pin number

and I've replied a little while ago." When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them

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all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text

"hubby" in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn

all the money from their bank account.

*Moral lesson:*

a. Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using

names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc. b. And very importantly, when

sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. c. Also, when you're

being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that

the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet

"family and friends" who text you.

*4. PURSE IN THE GROCERY CART SCAM:

A lady went grocery-shopping at a local mall and left her purse sitting in the children's seat of

the cart while she reached something off a shelf/Wait till you read the WHOLE story! Her wallet

was stolen, and she reported it to the store personnel. After returning home, she received a phone

call from the Mall Security to say that they had her wallet and that although there was no money

in it, it did still hold her personal papers. She immediately went to pick up her wallet, only to be

told by Mall Security that they had not called her. By the time she returned home again, her

house had been broken into and burglarized. The thieves knew that by calling and saying they

were Mall Security, they could lure her out of her house long enough for them to burglarize it.

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REMEMBER THESE?