May 2011

2 May 2011 | Grace&Glory

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 3


c o n t e n t son the cover:Erich MarchPresidentKing Memorial Park

8710 Dogwood RoadBaltimore, Maryland 21244410-944-8300www.kingmemorialpark.com

™ MAY 2011

f e a t u r e s 19 GOVERNOR’S PAGE

17 WORD ON FINANCES Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson

Who Wants To Be a Kingdomaire?

20 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS Erika J.

15 MAYOR’S JOURNAL

23 NURSE’S CORNER Simple Things Help Make Healthy Aging Possible

Q&AInterview

8-9Q&A Interview with

Erich March

Where Memories Are Preserved 10-11


In Every IssueContributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Scripture Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Carter’s Comment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

27 NUTRITION & YOU Herline A. Knights

Exercise:The Pre-Workout Meal

31 BODY BASICS Charles ‘Chizelit’ Harris

So You Think You Are Healthy

25 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

Meaningful Connections

37 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Donna Williams-Ross

31 TEEN CONNECT Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

Power of Forgiveness

29 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Tim Tooten My First Teacher


PUBLISHER Jackie Epps

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jackie Epps

EDITORIAL Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Charles ‘Chizel It’ Harris Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Jamison ‘Jaye’ Boykin Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark L. Dennis

Tyrone Akins/ Tyght Shots Photography

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR Arts Period

PRINTING Peabody Press

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

Contributors Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn

Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr. President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson CookSr. Pastor, Believers Christian Fellowship, NY

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC.www.Outfoxedmedia.org

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Advisory Board

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC,a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

2011 SpecialsGrace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for all your advertising needs!

-Churches, Minsitries, Christian Schools, Choirs: Inform the community of your services, programs, etc.-Salons, Boutiques, Specialty shops: Advertise your sales.

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

Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr. President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson CookSr. Pastor, Believers Christian Fellowship, NY

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra Vaughn/Out Foxed Media LLC.www.Outfoxedmedia.org

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

others love with all their strength, all their being, and all their hearts, and with that love they perform magic when called upon, move mountains when necessary, and give the moon and stars whenever possible.”

Mother’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world.Who is this woman that we go out of our way to celebrate with such grandeur? All over the world, people will

be busy shopping for this woman trying to find that one special thing that will express their love for her. Who is this woman that Hallmark goes above and beyond to describe?

Who is this woman that songs and books are written about her? Poems will be read in church about her. Little children will proudly show off their ‘Crayola’ creations for this woman. Who is she? We call her Mother!

There are countless ways to describe this woman. Her ability to love unconditionally and her protective nature to keep her children from all hurt, harm and danger. She is a nurturer; she makes sure her children’s physical and spiritual needs are met. She is also her children’s first teacher, developing their minds to survive in the world.

There are many attributes of this woman we call Mother. She is our refuge, our way-maker, our best friend. She keeps all of our heart’s desires and dreams close to her heart. Perhaps the most important attribute of this woman is her praying spirit. Her prayers cover her children when they are near and far. A mother’s love is the most powerful love we experience in life.

When God created this woman, He knew that she would be an extension of Himself. The attributes of our mothers are strikingly similar to the attributes of our Heavenly Father. As we celebrate, honor and remember our mothers, let us Praise God for His wonderful creation!

v v v

As you enjoy spending time with your mother this Mother’s Day, remember those whose mothers have now gone to be with the Lord, and pray for those mothers who may be mourning the loss of a child. Give them a warm and loving hug this Mother’s Day and whisper in their ears that God knows and He cares!

Peace and Blessings

“M

Jackie EppsEditor-in-Chief

from the editor

MeMorial DayMay 30, 2011

We salute, honor and remember ourmen and women in the military

and their families.


Q&A interview

&I N T E R V I E W W I T H

Erich MarchPresident


AQG&G: Mr. Erich March, it is indeed a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you. Of course the March Family is a pillar in our community, and some may not know that the members of the March Family all play different roles in the business. Just to break the ice, tell us a little about yourself. We know you were born into the March Family and the funeral business. Did you have a choice to follow in the business or did you have other plans and desires for your life?EM: As the children of William and Julia Roberta March, we lived above the original funeral home on North Avenue. As soon as we were old enough to speak English, we were taught to answer the telephone “Thank You for calling March Funeral Home. How can we help you?” When I started college, I thought I was headed to law school, but during that time the funeral home was growing in reputation and the business was increasing. My parents needed help, so I decided to get my funeral director’s license first. As it turned out, I never went to law school, but I never regretted it. My goal was always to help people and I found that helping people when they were hurting the most as a funeral director was a very fulfilling career. Our parents taught us that our work was a ministry.

G&G: Mr. March you are the President of King Memorial Park, this country’s largest African-American cemetery. Would you tell us about the vision behind King Memorial Park, how did it all begin? And what are your duties as President of King Memorial Park?EM: Thirty-eight years ago, King Memorial Park was started as a rough little twenty acre cemetery in the Baltimore County countryside

by four funeral directors from the city. My father was one of them. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but like every dream there were nightmares as well. In the early years, very few families wanted to go to King Park because it was “too far”. When we did have funeral processions with cars filled with black people traveling through rural Baltimore County, houses along the way started displaying Confederate flags. At least once a month we were removing white paint off of the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ironically, we are now surrounded by the largest growing black community in Maryland.Most of the families that selected King Park were those that used the services of March Funeral Homes, so eventually the March family purchased the other partners’ interest in the cemetery and began to make improvements to the small burial ground. Today, King Memorial Park is comprised of 155 acres, featuring some of the most beautiful rolling hills, manicured lawns and gardens, chapel mausoleums and cremation niches. As the President, my most important duty is to make sure that King Park lives up to the expectations of the families that choose it for the final resting place of their loved ones. From making sure the Park is well kept to making sure the people that work there are caring and compassionate is how I see my role and my responsibility.

G&G: I understand that King Memorial Park now has a State of the Art Chapel for funeral and memorial services. Please tell us how having a chapel on site will compliment

the cemetery and benefit bereaved families? Would you say that King Memorial Park will be something like a ‘one stop shop’?EM: Our mission has always been to offer the best service and a beautiful resting place for our community. Ten years ago, we promised the families that wanted to place their deceased loved ones in a mausoleum that we would build a magnificent mausoleum complex that would contain a large chapel to provide for funeral services on the cemetery grounds. We kept our promise and built The Grand Heritage Chapel and Mausoleum in three phases. In each phase, families trusted us by purchasing spaces before it was built. Now our families, that do not have a church home or a large enough church for funeral services, have an Italian marble walled, stain glassed, state-of-the-art sound system equipped, 250 seat capacity chapel within the cemetery where they and their family members will rest. Also, the convenience of having the services at the cemetery allows those attending to be present for the burial without having to travel from a distant location.

G&G: Mr. March, what will be some of the services offered at King Memorial Park, will it just be a facility for funeral services and burials? There is more talk about cremation and it has become more prevalent in our community, will there be a crematory on this site?EM: Eventually, we intend to have a crematory at King Park as well as a full service funeral home facility because we intend to provide for all the needs of our community. Currently, because we recognize


Q&A interview

that families have choices, The Grand Heritage Chapel has glass front niches on the inside, granite front niches on the outside and featured gardens for those families that select cremation and want to have their final resting place maintained by King Park.

G&G: Mr. March, no doubt the funeral service business at times takes on the role of caregivers, administrators, and advisors. How involved are you in assisting bereaved families with funeral preparations and coping with grief? Will King Memorial Park also offer sources of professional help and support groups? EM: Caring for the families we serve has always been the foundation of our ministry and business. Whether through the cemetery or the funeral home, we counsel all our families and give them all their options when making funeral preparations. The last thing anyone needs is adding financial stress to the stress and heartache of losing a loved one. Our care goes beyond the funeral as well. We have offered grief support, not just to the families that we have served but to anyone in need of healing for more than twenty-five years. More recently, we have opened “Roberta’s House” for the entire Baltimore community, a grief and loss center focusing on the traumatic grieving of children and their families, in many cases due to violence. The center was named in honor of our mother, whose compassion for the broken hearted was well known.

G&G: There was a time when the funeral business industry was more hands on and personal, would you say it is possible to run a mega funeral home business and still give families that ‘hands on’ type of care? Memorialization of the deceased is a timeless ritual and with such a diverse selection of funeral homes in our community, why should someone select King Memorial Park and March Funeral Home to handle and arrange the type of service they desire for their loved one?EM: Unlike the mega corporations that have taken over the cemetery/funeral industry, we remain and continue to be a family owned and operated business. We live where we work and are part of the community we serve. From Baltimore,

to Prince George’s County, to Washington, D.C., to Richmond, everywhere there is a March Funeral Home we have a member of our family in charge. Thus we are able to control the quality of the service and the pricing. The out-of-town corporations that have bought many of the cemeteries in Baltimore have raised the price of burial to the point where the cost of burial is now more than the cost of the funeral. That reality has forced many families to limit the kind of funeral service they can afford.King Memorial Park is sensitive to the needs of our families and their financial situation. Most of the black owned funeral

homes, even though they compete with March Funeral Homes, will recommend King Park to the families they serve because they know we offer the same high quality service and products for a more reasonable price. Our prices allow the family to have the funeral they want and can afford.

G&G: Mr. March, many of the historic African-American cemeteries are now in disrepair or abandoned. Tragically, many of Baltimore’s famous black history makers’ graves are located and forgotten in some of these cemeteries. How will King Memorial Park avoid a similar fate?EM: It is truly sad that much of our heritage has been neglected in the poor condition of historic black cemeteries. But King Park proudly proclaims in our advertising that we are “A Cemetery You Can Be Proud Of”. King Park will always be well kept. The reason we can say that with confidence is the fact that

we will never be financially abandoned.King Memorial Park is a “Perpetual Care” cemetery, which means, by law, 10% of every sale goes into an interest bearing trust account that cannot be touched by the owners. In the event that the cemetery becomes full (in approximately 100 years) or goes out of business (which is unlikely), this fund would be used to keep the grass cut and the cemetery maintained perpetually.King Park is also the final resting place of some of Baltimore’s most notable legends, “The Mother Teresa of Baltimore”, Bea Gaddy, Hall of Famer and Baltimore Colt Jim Parker, comedian

and television personality, Slappy White and businessman and philanthropist Harlow Fullwood just to name a few. Their legacy as well as the heritage of every family at King Park will be forever preserved with dignity.

G&G: Mr. March, I understand that every year the March Family hosts a Memorial Day Celebration at the King Memorial Park What is the purpose of this event that has been going on for more than 10 years? What are the plans for this year’s memorial and who would you like to see in attendance?EM: Anyone who has ever attended our Memorial Day Remembrance Service can testify to the uplifting spirit that

takes place on the day we remember our deceased loved ones. With a gospel concert featuring local groups and an inspirational message brought by one of Baltimore’s pastors, hundreds of families gather every Memorial Day at the cemetery to celebrate the joy and memories of the lifes of those passed on. This year our program on May 30th beginning at 11:30am, will be hosted by Heaven 600 radio personalities Brad Rogers and Doresa Harvey. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Franklin Lance, Pastor of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, with Adoration, New Mighty Wonders and About My Father Business providing musical selections of inspiration. The event is open to everyone even if they have no one interred at King Park.

G&G: Mr. March thank you so much for sharing with us and we pray God’s blessing on the new addition of The Grand Heritage Chapel to King Memorial Park.


10 May 2011 | Grace&Glory10 May 2011 | Grace&Glory

Forty years ago, the Baltimore African-American community did not have a well kept cemetery to call its own, and the historic black cemeteries were in a state of neglect. Four funeral directors, including William C. March, decided to open a new cemetery for the black community. They purchased fifty acres in Baltimore County at a time when few blacks lived in the area. But this rural countryside provided open green pastures, and the promise of accommodating the memorialization needs of African-American families far into the future. They named the cemetery King Memorial Park. After struggling for more than fifteen years, the March family acquired full ownership of the cemetery and embarked on a long term mission to make King Memorial Park the best and most affordable resting place for the heritage of the African American community. As King Memorial Park’s President, Erich March continuously looks for ways to improve and differentiate the memorial site. He not only focuses on the landscape and memorial features but works toward developing a staff of counselors to assist families in making burial decisions. In addition to the African American community, the cemetery serves the distinct needs and traditions of Baltimore’s Islamic Community. King Memorial Park continues to live up to its motto: “A Cemetery you can be proud of, where memories are preserved.”

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11www.gracenglorymagazine.org 11

Forty years ago, the Baltimore African-American community did not have a well kept cemetery to call its own, and the historic black cemeteries were in a state of neglect. Four funeral directors, including William C. March, decided to open a new cemetery for the black community. They purchased fifty acres in Baltimore County at a time when few blacks lived in the area. But this rural countryside provided open green pastures, and the promise of accommodating the memorialization needs of African-American families far into the future. They named the cemetery King Memorial Park. After struggling for more than fifteen years, the March family acquired full ownership of the cemetery and embarked on a long term mission to make King Memorial Park the best and most affordable resting place for the heritage of the African American community. As King Memorial Park’s President, Erich March continuously looks for ways to improve and differentiate the memorial site. He not only focuses on the landscape and memorial features but works toward developing a staff of counselors to assist families in making burial decisions. In addition to the African American community, the cemetery serves the distinct needs and traditions of Baltimore’s Islamic Community. King Memorial Park continues to live up to its motto: “A Cemetery you can be proud of, where memories are preserved.”


scripture page

14 April 2011 | Grace&Glory


mayor’s journal

16 May 2011 | Grace&Glorywww.gracenglorymagazine.org 17


Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson, IIPastor & Certified Estate Planner

To book Dr. Kenneth Robinson for a financial seminar in your area or at your ministry, please call

410.415.6400

word on financesword on finances

n recent years, there has been a lot

of buzz around the church world about

Christians becoming millionaires. Having been

a student of biblical finances over the years, I am in favor of

Christians having money, especially when it is used for good like promoting the gospel of the Kingdom. That’s why I’ve coined the phrase, “Kingdomaire.” What is a “Kingdomaire?” It is a millionaire whose primary purpose as a millionaire is to supply resources for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. They understand that God has blessed them to reach this economic milestone to be a blessing to others. Additionally, it is my descriptive word for millionaires who use their resources wisely, constructively, and judicially. The “kingdomaire” has the proper biblical perspective on why he has the millions as well as why God has trusted him versus many others who just desire riches to support their luxurious lifestyle. Please understand I am not against God’s people having the best or living the best, however I am against it if it becomes the primary focus in life. Several years ago, I did an extensive study on millionaires. One of my primary sources of information came from the best-selling books, The Millionaire Next Door and The Millionaire Mind by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D and William D. Danko, Ph.D. In each book, the authors give a true description of the lifestyle of most millionaires. After many years of study and interviewing millionaires, they compiled the true facts about millionaires and exposed the misconception of how most millionaires live. I thought this was interesting especially relative to the Christian faith since I still question whether those who want to be millionaires truly desire to be “kingdomaires.” The description and lifestyle of most millionaires is similar to what I think the behavior of a true Kingdom of God citizen should be. Some facts discovered about most millionaires are as follows:• Most millionaires are frugal, integral, and religious as well as good stewards of their money.• Three times more millionaires live in homes valued at under $300,000 rather than homes valued over 1 million dollars.• More of them drive Toyotas than BMWs.• Most millionaires create about ten new jobs. (They are empowering others)

These are just some of the true facts about most millionaires. I am certainly not implying that true Christians should not live in expensive homes, drive expensive cars, or wear expensive clothes. However, the truth is many Christians who are pursuing millionaire status are living well above their means and are too much in debt to give any resources to God’s Kingdom. Many believers have been deceived in pursuing the lifestyle pictured on television of the rich and famous. They have consequently fallen prey to this deception just like others outside of the faith. The Apostle Paul gave warning to such ambition in his letter to Timothy (I Timothy 6:6-11). I don’t believe Paul was against believers or Christians having riches or resources. It was this same Apostle Paul who said, “God gives us richly all things to enjoy. “ (I Timothy 6:17) This same Apostle Paul was always encouraging Christians to give up their money and resources to support the spreading of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. (2 Cor. 9:8) That’s why I believe in the “Kingdomaires Concept.” God truly desires his children to have. There are many scriptures in the Word of God to support this. God says, “The hand of the diligent maketh rich.” (Proverbs 10:4) God loves the poor, but hates poverty. Poverty and debt are Satan’s most prominent tools to stop the support and evangelization of the gospel of the Kingdom. God wants His children to have the abundance, just not at the expense of their soul. As Jesus told the rich young ruler, with God it is very possible for a rich man to be saved and receive the Kingdom of God if he has his trust in the living God. (Mark 10:23-31, I Timothy 6:17) I believe that we will see many “kingdomaires” as we approach the end-time. The scripture is very emphatic that, “a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” (Proverbs 13:22) The “kingdomaire” has settled in his heart that it is God that gives him (her) the ability (power) to get WEALTH, so that we can establish His covenant. He uses his resources to establish the Kingdom of God in the Earth. So now I pose the question again, “Who really wants to be a Kingdomaire?”

Several years ago, there was a very popular show entitled, “Who wants to be a

Millionaire?” The off-the-chart ratings of that show revealed just how many

average Americans would love to be a millionaire. I am sure that many of them

were unaware of what it really takes to be one or how most millionaires actually live.


I


governor’s page

MARTIN O’MALLEYGOVERNOR

STATE HOUSE100 STATE CIRCLE

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1925(410) 974--3901

(TOLL FREE) 1-800-811-8336

TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY

STATE OF MARYLANDOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY

Dear Friends,

During the rapid development of highways and suburban communities in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, our nation’s natural resources were treated as if they were unlimited. Suburban sprawl consumed valuable open space and fragmented the bonds of community. Sprawl devoured public funds for new infrastructure, contributed to poor air and water quality and increased traffic congestion.

Our Smart Growth initiative combines the best of public and private investment with a long term vision to protect our shared natural resources. By concentrating new development and redevelopment in areas that have existing or planned infrastructure, we can create jobs, avoid sprawl, expand transportation, and protect our environment.

Smart Growth communities are characterized by compact, transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly land use, with neighborhood schools, walkable streets, mixed-use development and a wide range of housing choices. Its main objective is to provide Marylanders with a high quality of life, whether they choose to live in a rural community, suburb, small town, or city.

I believe that our best days are ahead of us and as One Maryland, we will move forward together.

Sincerely,

Martin O’MalleyGovernor


gospel industry news

By Ericka J.

The Grammys is restructuring its categories across all fields and genres.

Among the changes in Gospel• Gospel is being renamed to Gospel Contemporary

Christian• There were initially 7 categories in the Gospel field

now there will only be 5

• New categories have been added - Best contemporary/Contemporary Christian

Music Performance - Best Gospel Song - Best Gospel Contemporary Christian Single - Best Gospel Album - Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

• Eliminated Categories - Best Rap or Rock Gospel Album - Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Album

Artist entries now have a minimum of 40 entries in each category instead of 25 in the prior years. All changes will be recognized at the 2012 Grammy Awards

Congrats James Fortune on starting your new label Fiya World Music!The label will be marketed thru Light Records and distributed by eOne Distribution. James signed a 3-year deal and will house his own music James Fortune & FIYA and other artists signed to the FIYA World Music family. The first release from the new label will be his own, James Fortune & FIYA due to be out early 2012.

James Fortune & FIYA

Dove Awards

Last month on April 20th at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA the Dove Awards were taped LIVE! This year’s host was the hilariously funny Sherrie Shepherd. Performances this year included Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Committed and Chris Tomlin to name a few. It aired on GMC on April 24th at 8 pm.

Twinkie Clarke

Is preparing for her new highly anticipated release solo project entitled “With Humility”, this project is being produced by her nephew Larry Clark. I told yall The Moss Clark clan believes in keeping it in the family and supporting each other. Gotta Love It!!! Album hits stores on April 5th, if you don’t have it, go grab it! Congrats Woman of God!

Lexi

Lexi will be returning to the Word Network after a hiatus to revamp and regroup after a few jaw dropping interviews with Tonex, Bishop Thomas Weeks, and Carlton Pearson. She is also in the studio working on her new album entitled “Phenomenal”.

www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson Follow Mewww.twitter.com/MissErickaJIf you have news and industry info you would like to share email [email protected]



gospel industry news

Top Gospel Albums#1 Kirk Franklin, ‘Hello Fear’-Selling over

46,000 units, #5 on R&B/Hip Hop

Charts, #9 Billboard Top 200

#2 Mary Mary, ‘Something Big’- Selling

over 42,000 units, #6 on R&B/Hip Hop

Charts, #10 Billboard Top 200

#3 WOW 2011 Compilation

#4 Smokie Norful, ‘How I Got Over Songs

That Carried Us’

#5 Deitrick Haddon, ‘Church on the Moon’

Ericka’s Must Listen‘Before I Die’, Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear)

‘Chasing After You’, VaShawn Mitchell

‘Forever’, Lawrence Flowers & Intercession

‘Over & Over’, Trin I Tee

Independent Artist of the Month. . . Here They Come!!!!Freddy Washington’s single, ‘Jesus’ now available on iTunes.

Mother’s Day Concert coming to Baltimore on Mother’s Day, Murphy Fine Arts Auditorium, Morgan State University. . .featuring VaShawn Mitchell, Rance Allen, James Fortune & FIYA, Issac Caree, Lowell Pye. For tickets contact Murphy Fine Arts Box Office and all ticket master locations. Great line-up, treat your mother, treat yourself, gonna be a great nite!

Remembering the life of Rev. Beverly Simpson a great mother figure to many! An absolute jewel to all she ever met! Praying for the continued strength of Dwayne Simpson & Family.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers!!! U r truly to be celebrated not just on Mother’s Day but everyday! For all you did to bring forth life, to all you go thru to maintain and hold down the family! While you may not always feel appreciated, God has not forgotten! If nobody has told you, U ROCK! Happy Mother’s Day I celebrate you! Enjoy!!!

Kirk Franklin

U survived “It”, Live with it, Live inspite of it, live because of it, what-ever your it is, JUST LIVE!!!!!

Top Singles(Heavy Radio Rotations)#1 ‘I Give Myself Away’, William McDowell

#2 ‘I Smile’, Kirk Franklin

#3 ‘Walking’, Mary Mary

#4 ‘ Nobody Greater’, VaShawn Mitchell

#5 ‘ My Heart Says Yes’, Troy Sneed

Ericka’s Pics


nurse’s corner


nurse’s corner

To Your Good Health

Have you noticed that the numbers in the phone book seem to be getting smaller? Do you find it harder to get down on your knees to look under the bed — and to get up again?

There’s no question that age brings changes to our lives. And yes, some of them we’d prefer to avoid.

Physically, for example, stiffening joints can make it harder to get around. And many people find that their short-term memory just isn’t what it used to be. Often, difficult personal situations, such as the death of a spouse, can add to the negative changes.

But age can bring positive changes too. One survey found that many older people say they have less stress and more time for family, interests and hobbies than they used to. In fact, the vast majority of older people report they are satisfied with their lives.

“To a great extent, what older age will be like for you depends on how you live now and how you cope with the changes that come your way,” said Dr. Karen Cousins-Brown, a physician from the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit at Maryland General. “You may not be able to turn back time, but you can move in a direction that may make getting older easier and more pleasant.”

Here are a few pointers:• Decide to have an active mind and body. Remember the adage, “use it or lose it.”

• Choose to be involved. Isolation can contribute to depression and other health problems. So keep connected to family and friends. Social connections can help ensure that you have physical and emotional support for what comes your way.

• Choose a healthy lifestyle. The advice you heard when you were younger still applies: Eat well, maintain a healthy weight, get enough rest, don’t smoke, do what you can to stay safe and see your doctor regularly.

• Relish your leisure time. Do things you enjoy and allow yourself some downtime. Too much stress can contribute to a host of health problems.

• Practice healthy ways to cope. Believe in yourself, and remember: You can handle whatever comes your way.

Maryland General Hospital. . . provides comprehensive health care for seniors. For information about outpatient care, contact the Linden Medical Group Bolton Hill

practice at (410) 225-8855. For inpatient care in our ACE Unit contact our referral line at (410) 225-8400.

Dr. KarenCousins-Brown


Simple things help make healthy aging possible


to your good health

There is a saying that I have now found to be untrue in the lives of many people I have talked with over the years. The saying tells us to stop wanting and dreaming for what you have never experienced. We have all heard it at some point in our lives. "You can’t miss what you never had." This statement is not true on many levels but especially in the case of the loss of love and a healthy relationship with a parent. It is one of the most important aspects of a person's life that can impact them for years to come. It does not matter the circumstances of the disconnection whether it is the result of a death, divorce, adoption, unplanned pregnancy, anger or irresponsibility. The effects of the loss are still there and for some it becomes the source of a life filled with dysfunction and disappointment. The term used to describe our connections to others is attachment. John Bowlby in his book A Secure Base, defines attachment as a need to have someone that you are strongly disposed to seek closeness and contact with that individual and to do so under certain conditions. This need will manifest itself in behaviors that persons will act out in order to get the desired closeness and response from the person they desire to be close to. It is one of the factors for personality development and leads to certain behaviors that impact other relationships beyond the parent child connection. Some persons manage to handle the early rejection or disconnect and relationship problems very well. They find other ways to get their needs for closeness an acceptable

manner and do not put demands on others to meet those needs. For others, this is something that can be damaging and lead to disappointing attempts of getting what 'you never had' from the wrong people and for the wrong reasons. It can manifest itself in impulsivity, anger, addictions, depression, people pleasing, co-dependency and more. The earlier the loss occurs the greater the pain. The reminders of what persons desire and the possibility of those desires being unfulfilled has lead many persons to lead lives of destruction and desperation. Behavior problems in our youth to extreme expressions of dysfunction in our daily lives are further evidence of the pain of early unresolved and unmet needs and the baggage it brings. These are issues that people manage to deal with over time, some in a healthy manner and other in an unhealthy manner. As Believers we have an option for overcoming the deficits in our early relationships. Our hope for a secure base when we may not have received it from our parents or caregivers is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. He has promised to never leave or forsake us and not to abandon us as orphans. We can rest assured that we are accepted in the Beloved and that no one can pluck us from Jesus’ hand. David declared that “When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.” God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother and knows every hair on our head. These are reminders of our status as a treasured possession of God and how intimately he

knows each of us. This is why Jesus came into our lives. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son…so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 5:4-6 (NLT) You can miss what you never had, but with God as your guide you can make it through and be the son or daughter He can be proud to call his own.

meaningfulconnections

Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPCExecutive Director

Renaissance ChristianCounseling Center


ExerciseThe Pre-Workout Meal

nutrition & you

Everyone seems to have an opinion about what to eat before exercise. Information abounds. Personal trainers, magazines, news media, coaches, and every person in the gym have a philosophy about this topic.

Some say protein is essential to build muscle; others tout the importance of carbohydrates for immediate energy. Everyone agrees that water is important, but when and how to consume it varies, depending on whom you ask. Much research is performed with financial support from industry, with sometimes questionable credibility. The following guidelines are based on current nutrition research and strong empirical data.

For the majority of exercisers, those who perform cardiovascular or light strength

training as physical activity for an average of 35-40

minutes, a few days a week,

the most

important thing is overall good nutrition. A strong foundation of a healthful diet is enough to provide sufficient energy, prevent fatigue, and aid in cardiovascular and muscle work.

A simple pre-exercise snack with plenty of water should fuel the body sufficiently. The best pre-workout meal is one that works best for the individual and is not digested too rapidly. Try these ideas:▪ A banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter▪ Low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit▪ Oatmeal made with skim milk and fruit▪ Trail mix with nuts and fruit▪ Granola with low-fat milk and fruit▪ A smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, and wheat germ or flax meal

Sip water throughout the activity and after exercise is completed.

Exercisers or athletes in training may require a more substantial meal or snack to optimize performance. The best pre-workout meal for athletes is one that is full of nutritious and wholesome foods, but, most importantly, it is one that is tried and true for them. Factors that may contribute to how well a pre-workout meal is tolerated include: ▪ Age▪ Gender▪ Gastric motility and emptying time▪ Allergies and intolerances▪ Type of training▪ Overall diet▪ Dietary intake during exercise▪ Genetic factors

Pre-workout meal tips The following are some ideas that you may want to try:▪ Choose high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods—

whole-grain, high-fiber foods, consumed 1 hour prior to exercise, are ideal; some

examples include:

– Breads – Cereals– Muffins – Yogurt– Oatmeal – Beans– Crackers – Pasta

▪ Avoid high-fat protein sources, such as fried meats, cheese, and hamburgers, because they take longer to empty from the stomach and may contribute to a sluggish or nauseated feeling▪ Take time to digest your pre-workout meal—the blood used to digest foods in the stomach is required in the muscles for exercise; so, food will remain in the digestive tract longer if improper time for digestion is allowed▪ Eat familiar foods prior to competitions and intense practices▪ Use energy bars and protein shakes as alternatives to whole foods, but realize that the needed calories come primarily from sugars– The energy boost does not come from consuming the ingredients in these products, but from consuming the 200-300 calories needed in a pre-workout meal– These products are not more digestible than whole foods– Adequate water consumption is essential for complete digestion

ReferenceClark N. Sports Nutrition Guidebook. 3rd ed. Brookline, MA: Human Kinetics; 2003.

Herline AlisonKnights, RD, LD



education digest

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.Teacher

My

FirstI remember the very first day I showed up for school in Live Oak, Florida, a small sleepy southern town about 85 miles from Jacksonville. My teacher, Mrs. Francis Shelton Green, was at the door greeting students as ¬they walked in. Even though Mrs. Green had a major

Happy Mother’s Day

impact on my early learning, she was not my first teacher. My first teacher was my mother, Doris Tooten. Even today, this 80-year-old woman remains a life-long learner, whether it’s working word puzzles or watching one of her favorite television programs, Wheel of Fortune.

As I recall, my mother’s textbook was really the good book, the Bible and she made sure it was a part of our daily learning. There are four children in my family and my mother and father supported each of us in our efforts to receive an education. We were taught to follow instructions, respect ourselves and authority figures. We learned many of those basic lessons long before we showed to school to begin our formal education. I don’t remember if there was ever a parent-teacher organization (PTA) in my community. But I can assure you that when it came to advocating for children, her children, my mother had quite the reputation for showing up on campus, unannounced, to gather more information about a particular academic or behavioral issue.

Besides faith, which was the core of my upbringing, education was a close second on my parents’ list of priorities. My mother was her high school’s valedictorian, but instead of going on to college, she chose marriage and motherhood. I can assure you she has lots of higher education degrees. They’re not plastered across the wall of her home, but rather within the many pages of her own life experiences. My mother was someone who led by example. I’ll never forget the day she drove me to the local radio station for an unannounced job interview. I was just 14 years old. As we walked into the office that morning, the radio managers were a bit surprised to see us. She said, “This is my son and he wants to be on the radio.” She knew something that they didn’t, I had always dreamed of becoming a broadcaster.

My mother made sure my passion for broadcasting was connected to education. Four years after that teenage job interview, my mother drove me to a college not far from home to continue my studies. She always believed it was important to learn and to earn the respect of people I came in contact with. By the way, I got that radio job in Florida. My mother also encouraged me to take television reporting jobs in Washington, D.C., Huntington, West Virginia and here in Baltimore. Today, she reminds me of some of those earlier lessons and is overjoyed to hear I have passed them along to my own children. As we honor mothers this month, I want to thank my mother, my first teacher for teaching and touching the life of this journalist.

Doris TootenCourtesy of

Marquis CampbellPhotography



Pastors Gregory & Tonya DennisKingdom Worship Center

6419 York Road, Townson, MD 21212410-377-3500

Have you ever wondered how some people can be just mean and evil? Most often it’s because somewhere down the line, they were hurt and were unable to forgive. The reality of their hurt and pain still exists in some instances and it becomes

a defense mechanism. The mean girl at school may have been mistreated unfairly as a child or the ruthless boy was brutally beaten. The examples of both can only be healed by forgiving. If they never forgave the offender(s) that means they are carrying around built up resentment, which in turn, makes them “appear” mean and evil. Unforgiveness is one of Satan’s blindfolds. It unfortunately creates a crisis that could damage ones happiness. The biggest one of all is forgiving yourself. We’re challenged to forgive ourselves because we know ourselves the best. Maya Angelou once said, “I don’t know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, ‘well, if I’d known better I’d have done better,’ that’s all. So you say to people who you think you may have injured, ‘I’m sorry,’ and then you say to yourself, ‘I’m sorry.’ If we all hold on to the mistake, we can’t see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can’t see what we’re capable of being. You can ask forgiveness of others, but in the end the real forgiveness is in one’s own self. I think that young men and women are so caught by the way they see themselves. Now mind you. When a larger society sees them as unattractive, as threats, as too black or too white or too poor or too fat or too thin or too sexual or too asexual, that’s rough. But you can overcome that. The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. If we don’t have that we never grow, we never learn, and

we sure should never teach.”It is so true and who are we not to forgive? Think better, feel better, and be better. God’s

grace and mercy are new every morning toward us . . . great is His faithfulness. Yes, we know it may hurt; it was unfair, you were betrayed but ask God to heal the hurt . . . .He’ll take the pain

away.

teen connect

ThePower of

Forgiveness

So You Think You’re Healthy! body basicsHere’s 10 ways to see if you are Healthy!

1. Do you spend more than four hours a day watching television?

2. Do you eat at fast-food restau-rants at least five times a week?

3. Do you find yourself tired even after a full night of sleep?

4. Do you have a busy or stressful lifestyle?

5. Do you experience shortness of breath when you climb more than one flight of stairs?

6. Do you make excuses or procrastinate when it comes to exercise?

7. Do you plan your meals ahead of time or do you eat whatever whenever?

8. Do you eat less than four meals a day?

9. Have you noticed a decline in your energy level over the years?

10. Have you noticed that you are not as flexible as you use to be?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to address some of these areas in your life. Just take small steps each day to improve each of them. It would help to have an accountability partner to keep you on track. The first step to change is admitting you need help. Don’t be afraid to talk with a certified fitness trainer and/or a nutritionist to get you started.

o no surprise, America is currently in the midst of a recession and, to make matters worse, we are right smack in the middle of a serious obesity epidemic. Although

finances are important, money cannot replace good health. As the media continues to bombard us with advertisements promoting weight loss, our obesity rate is steadily increasing.On the flip side, many thin people who don’t exercise or eat healthily, are at a risk for cardiovascular disease as well. No matter your size or waistline, this problem affects all of us. Good health can only be improved by moderate exercise

Tand making wise nutritional choices. That’s a fact! A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that low-fat diets do not, despite all of the hype, reduce a woman’s risk of cancer or heart disease, only regular exercise.

Being overweight is not equivalent to being unfit. In fact, being underweight actually kills more than 30,000 Americans each year. Equating weight loss, instead of lifestyle changes, with improved health is like “buying a brand-new Mercedes with a bad engine.”

So why do Americans continue to buy into the idea that thinner is better? Even though diets prove to be ineffective 95% of the time, we spend 40 billion dollars annually on diet products.

Studies also show that seven million women suffer from eating disorders; and 35% of those who diet, go on to yo-yo dieting, which is more unhealthy than being overweight; and 25% of those who diet tend to develop some type of severe eating disorder. So how can you tell if you are on the right track to living a healthy life?


teen connect


Donna Williams-Ross

word of encouragement

The CanaaniTeWoman?

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord”, she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daugh-ter was healed from that very hour. (Matthew 15:21-28)Let’s look at the Canaanite woman.

1. Faith is a spiritual force. 2. She went to Jesus to ask Him to deliver her daughter from

demon-possession. 3. Jesus ignored her. 4. His disciples asked Him to send her away.

1. Her daughter was grievously tormented by a demon. 2. The Canaanite woman could have left Jesus’ presence – walked

away and even felt disappointed. 3. She was not moved by what Jesus said. 4. She was moved by what she expected of Jesus. 5. She did not care about status, feelings or looks. 6. She came for something and was not going to leave without it. 7. Her unmovable position caused faith to move to action. 8. Faith – the spiritual force works until it produces the results of

what is being sought. 9. Her faith was the spiritual force that was unmoved by what was

said. 10. She was unmoved by words spoken by Jesus for she knew He

was her only answer. 11. She stood by what her request was. 12. She was not going to leave empty-handed.

1. The Body of Christ can learn to stay the course, because all things are working together for good. That God is good and not necessarily what we feel should be our good.

2. We need to learn that in order for us to obtain the victory we have to be willing to stand in the face of adversity and

5. When Jesus did address her, He made reference to dogs and crumbs. 6. One translation stated, “Oh woman your faith is something else. What you

want is what you get.” 7. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. She heard of Jesus.

She had proof that He was a Healer and healed others.

FACTS ABOUT JESUS AND THE CANAANITE WOMEN

THE CANAANITE WOMAN’S FAITH

I encourage you to walk in the measure of faith that God has given to you.Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for infusing me with Your power to walk in faith – faith that would cause the world to be amazed with our confidence in you, amen.

THE CANAANITE WOMAN’S FAITH

WHAT CAN THE BODY OF CHRIST LEARN FROM THE CANAANITE WOMAN?THE CANAANITE WOMAN’S FAITH

13. She stayed focused. 14. She was so fully persuaded that the disciples’ disdain of her did not affect her.

In other words she didn’t come for help from that and so she did not waste her time having a pity-party about their opinion of her.

15. She didn’t get upset and anxious and walked away but she took the position of a worshiper.

16. She didn’t get emotional and cried and pitied herself.17. She could have debated whether or not He was right in calling her a dog –

that didn’t matter. She was not there for debates; she was there for deliver-ance of her daughter.

18. She stayed her course.19. She just simply believed and at no point doubted what her result was going

to be.20. She did not check the time to see how long she was standing there.21. She was not moved by what it looked like.

apparent defeat, all the time rejoicing because God has already given us the victory.

3. We can learn that even when we are ridiculed or made to feel like we are not part of the in crowd, God still has our best interest at heart.

4. We can learn to wait it out in a victorious manner.

38 May 2011 | Grace&Glory38 May 2011 | Grace&Glory

On, or around, the time of this month’s Grace & Glory publication, the much anticipated Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton may very well have occurred (April 29th) at Westminster Abbey, London, England. So much excitement, so much anticipation, and so much press; all due to the wedding of the oldest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana and grandson of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip; namely, 28 year old William Anthony Philip Louis — Prince William of Wales.

’m sure that you have been caught up in all of the proceedings. I’m certain that

you’ve been glued to every tabloid article, interview, feature story, and the wedding itself; sitting on the edge of your seat with utter and profound attention to every sequin, jewel, style of wedding, dress, and detail of the ceremony. And, I’m equally convinced that as a reader of this commentary, you’ve already asked yourself, “Is he kidding? Is Dr. Carter for real? I’m happy for Prince William and Kate, but I’m not even half-way worked up about their wedding.” You will be glad to know that, quite frankly, neither am I. n n n

On this side of Resurrection Glory and during this season of the Christian Church’s victorious observance over death, hell, and the grave, I want to share a word about another Prince. The only, true Prince. The one whom Peter uniquely described, in the first sermon of the New Testament Church, on the Day of Pentecost as, “The Prince of Life.”“And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” Peter, only a few weeks earlier, from the time of his having spoken these words, had denied his Lord. The death of the Savior challenged his faith and even after the resurrection of Jesus, his ambivalent emotions were expressed in the statement, “I go a fishing” (John 21:3). However, sometimes, a lot can be learned in a short time, and the Holy Spirit is the best Teacher. Without a doubt, the Holy Spirit must have given this thought to Peter. The Greek word translated “prince” is archaegon, which can be translated as “author, giver of life,” or a “predecessor in any matter.”

John wrote “Without him was not anything made that was made” (1:3). Paul preached of Mars Hill, “He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25). The Bible speaks of all kinds of life: vegetable, animal, human, angelic, and eternal. The Author, the Prince, the Progenitor of all these is Jesus. Peter, an uneducated fisherman from Galilee, became an insightful expositor of truth and graduated with honor from the Holy Spirit’s university. Indeed, he seemed to have a knack for being able to recognize who Jesus was/is. (Note: Mt. 16:16).“And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them…Greatly wondering.” (Acts 3:11) In the midst of what was happening, Peter began to speak to the crowd gathered on Solomon’s porch. What followed proved astonishing (in my opinion, even more so than the lame man’s healing). It is easy to analyze Peter’s sermon, but it would be illuminating to read his mind. He referred to Jesus as the Author of life, but perhaps the translators were justified in saying, “the Prince of life.” A prince is an uncrowned male member of a royal family. He is the closest to the reigning monarch and the successor to the kingdom. The listeners to Peter, no doubt, thought of the “man” who’d recently rode into their city by donkey. Peter, no doubt, thought about One who’d existed before time began.“Ye… killed the Prince of life….” The Son of God had given life to all things; yet, Peter made the astounding observation that what seemed impossible had been carried out by mortal men. He, who was able to give life to every living being, chose not to prevent the death of His own life? There had to be some explanation for such a phenomenal event. Peter was satisfied he knew the reason for the death of his Lord. Voluntarily, Jesus had vacated His place in the heavenly kingdom

as heir and had come to earth on divine assignment. He was seemingly overcome by His enemies, but Peter now understood that it was only because His death was part of the divine mission. As Caiphas said, “It was expedient that one man should die for the people” (John 18:14). It was all a part of God’s plan… that we be adopted into His royal family. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ….” (Rom. 8:17).“…Whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” God had done for His Son the impossible. Peter emphasized that the glorious news of the resurrection was not the figment of an overwrought imagination; neither was it based on rumor. He and others had witnessed the phenomenon. His words, “whereof we are witnesses,” challenged every doubter. He had seen the Prince of life. He had heard His voice. The Prince (of Heaven) was Alive. Moreover, how could the Giver of life remain dead? Therefore, in response to the crowd’s curiosity, Peter was in essence saying that the healed lame man was irrefutable evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, for a dead Jesus could do nothing. But, since Jesus was who He claimed to be, there should be no problem in explaining what had happened to the man. Jesus was alive, and the lame man had a new lease on life. And, so, this season causes us to reflect on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, having passed through Samaria, where ten destitute lepers approached and appealed to Him for their healing. All of them were healed. One returned to Him to give thanks and joined His company. From there, Jesus went on to Jericho where a blind beggar was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. He cried out for mercy, although the crowd demanded his silence. But the Prince of life stood still and heard the cry of the blind beggar (again, a greater miracle by far than when the sun stood still

in answer to the cry of Joshua) (Joshua 10:12-13). For, in one instance a part of creation stood still; in the other instance, the Creator Himself stood still. “By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible, invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him” (Col. 1:16-17). Jesus’ journey continued to advance toward Jerusalem when He passed through Bethany. His friend Lazarus had died. Yet, He broke the silence of Lazarus’ grave by His princely command. When Jesus arrived at the Holy City, Lazarus was in the procession as the triumphal entry began. Of great interest is the fact that the crowd hailed Jesus as King, as He rode on a donkey, at that point, into the city. Isaiah’s Prince of Peace (9:6), Daniel’s Prince of princes (8:25), and Peter’s Prince of life had but one objective, now. Calvary. Having reached the city, Jesus’ earthly assignment was all but finished. Having divested Himself of His own crown, (Phil. 2:6-8) he was in the process of providing one for us. Peter was able to see it, now. The Holy Spirit had taught him well. As Joseph discerned, evil may have been plotted “but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Gen. 50:20). When John the Revelator thought about Jesus’ royal nature, he described Jesus as Lord of lords and Kings of kings (Rev. 17:14), but only after he had already made this astute observation, acknowledging the life that Heaven’s Prince has brought us: …Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings….” (Rev. 1:5-6a)

There are times when I need not go any further… this is one of them.


Dr. Harold A.Carter, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church,

Baltimore, MD

I

May 2011

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Transcript of May 2011