This blog is under going some changes. The name and purpose will be updated. Please stay tuned..
Blessings,
Kimberly Salama
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Running out of FAITH
I trust you all are having a blessed and anointed summer!
For the last few months the Lord has place me on a journey that I can not begin to describe. When I began this summer little did I know God was about to transform my life. All I could do is stop and look at His divine plans being implemented in my life.
Someone recently asked me, "How are you going to make it?" My response was "I don't know how I am going to make it." But then, that is the whole point of Faith isn't it? If you knew how you were going to make it, then you would not need Faith.
If you knew exactly how you were going to deal with an illness, a death, a loss, a financial setback, a broken relationship, addictions, HIV/AIDS, divorce and other issues, then you wouldn't really need faith.
You see, Faith comes in, when you don't know how you are going to overcome a situation. When you have run out of all options. When the doctors says there is nothing they can do. When you have no where to turn. It requires you to believe God for the things that you can not see yet.
The bible says, "Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). This means if you already have a way out of the situation, then chances are that is not faith. For example, if you have plenty of money in the bank, then it does not require a lot of faith to pay your bills.
Another example is, if you have not been diagnosed with MS, Lupus, Cancer or other debilitating diseases, and you are generally in good health. Then it will not take you a lot of faith, to walk, to talk, and to just to get up in the morning to see another day.
But if you have chronic pain, alzheimer's, and other debilitating illnesses, it will require you to have Faith to trust God daily to show up even in the midst of your illness.
This is FAITH. The ability to trust God to do the impossible. To allow God show up and show off in your situation- in His timing, in His own way.
So, are you Running Out of FAITH? Have you become impatient with God? Have you stop trusting God since things look bleak? Have you let the Haters, the Doubters and Nay-Sayers get to you?
Sometimes you have to just go ahead and trust God- even if no one stands with you. Don't give up on God, he won't give up on You! His promises ARE true. Hold fast to your Faith.
If you happen to find yourself Running Out of FAITH, as many of us do, just take a moment to ask the Savior to help you trust Him again. To give you more strength and to keep you away from the nay-sayers who can drain your Faith.
Saints, There is no magic potion. We just have to take it step by step. Trusting God each day, one day at a time. Allowing Him to work His divine plan in our lives... it is well worth it!
Keep the Faith!!
For the last few months the Lord has place me on a journey that I can not begin to describe. When I began this summer little did I know God was about to transform my life. All I could do is stop and look at His divine plans being implemented in my life.
Someone recently asked me, "How are you going to make it?" My response was "I don't know how I am going to make it." But then, that is the whole point of Faith isn't it? If you knew how you were going to make it, then you would not need Faith.
If you knew exactly how you were going to deal with an illness, a death, a loss, a financial setback, a broken relationship, addictions, HIV/AIDS, divorce and other issues, then you wouldn't really need faith.
You see, Faith comes in, when you don't know how you are going to overcome a situation. When you have run out of all options. When the doctors says there is nothing they can do. When you have no where to turn. It requires you to believe God for the things that you can not see yet.
The bible says, "Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). This means if you already have a way out of the situation, then chances are that is not faith. For example, if you have plenty of money in the bank, then it does not require a lot of faith to pay your bills.
Another example is, if you have not been diagnosed with MS, Lupus, Cancer or other debilitating diseases, and you are generally in good health. Then it will not take you a lot of faith, to walk, to talk, and to just to get up in the morning to see another day.
But if you have chronic pain, alzheimer's, and other debilitating illnesses, it will require you to have Faith to trust God daily to show up even in the midst of your illness.
This is FAITH. The ability to trust God to do the impossible. To allow God show up and show off in your situation- in His timing, in His own way.
So, are you Running Out of FAITH? Have you become impatient with God? Have you stop trusting God since things look bleak? Have you let the Haters, the Doubters and Nay-Sayers get to you?
Sometimes you have to just go ahead and trust God- even if no one stands with you. Don't give up on God, he won't give up on You! His promises ARE true. Hold fast to your Faith.
If you happen to find yourself Running Out of FAITH, as many of us do, just take a moment to ask the Savior to help you trust Him again. To give you more strength and to keep you away from the nay-sayers who can drain your Faith.
Saints, There is no magic potion. We just have to take it step by step. Trusting God each day, one day at a time. Allowing Him to work His divine plan in our lives... it is well worth it!
Keep the Faith!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Be Strong!
Greetings!
This story was sent to me by my friend in Uganda. I trust it will bless you! Please share it with someone you know who is going through a season of tests and trials.
Dear Friend,
Which are you? Carrot, Egg, Coffee? This is good!!
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Brighten someone's day with this message send it to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are blinded. Have a blessed week.
This story was sent to me by my friend in Uganda. I trust it will bless you! Please share it with someone you know who is going through a season of tests and trials.
Dear Friend,
Which are you? Carrot, Egg, Coffee? This is good!!
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
Brighten someone's day with this message send it to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are blinded. Have a blessed week.
Monday, June 7, 2010
GRADUATION DAY!! CLASS OF 2010!!
Here are a few inspirational quotes for those who are graduating this year, in the Class of 2010. Congratulations!!!
Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.- Roger Babson
Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. -Art Linkletter
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. -Malcolm X
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson (commonly misattributed to Nelson Mandela, 1994 inauguration speech).
CONGRATULATIONS!!! CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATES!!!
Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.- Roger Babson
Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. -Art Linkletter
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. -Malcolm X
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson (commonly misattributed to Nelson Mandela, 1994 inauguration speech).
CONGRATULATIONS!!! CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATES!!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Missions: Going into the Deep
I was blessed to attend a Missions Coffeehouse that was held to raise support for two people that were going on Missions trips. One was going to the Dominican Republic, the other was preparing to travel in the USA sharing Christ through drama.
When I entered in to the building, little did I know I would be changed forever and my life would never be the same. During the event, there was live music, poetry readings, hip hop, testimonies, singing, drama, acting, fellowship and good food.
But what stood out the most was that there was gathered together, a room full God's chosen people. His elect. People totally Sold Out to Him. They were from all walks of life. All colors, all races, all nationalities. But there was one common denominator. They all loved Jesus.
You see these were young people who were not lukewarm. They were on fire and totally sold out to Christ. They had gone into the deep waters.
I was amazed because it was as if God orchestrated the entire thing, bringing people from all over the nation with so many differences but with one common goal to Serve God!. He brought people from all over the state just to meet up in this season. These were his Mighty Warriors, Judah, His Anointed. And yes, they were all young people.
They were not making excuses why they couldn't follow God. Or why they couldn't come to church, couldn't pray, couldn't worship. No. They were vessels unto honor meet for the Masters use.
And let it be known, they were not absent of problems or struggles, on the contrary, they were going through just like everyone else, but they made it up in their mind that yet will they serve God in the midst of it all!
One brother was a walking miracle. He gave such a powerful testimony. He fell ill and went into a coma for 52 days, the Lord brought him out of the coma. But the doctors said he would not live and would die with in the year. Two years later the man was still living. Then the doctor said you will not live 5 years- since his case was so severe. The man lived five more years! Then the doctor said if you live 10 years after the coma/surgery it will be a miracle. And yes the man is still alive and celebrated 10 years in 2009. He is a living testimony and he continues to share about Jesus!
Just think, if God can deliver this man and bring him out of a coma, just imagine what he can do in our lives. No problem or situation is too great for God! We must go in to the deep water and begin to trust God by faith. Even when we don't understand why things are happening.
I don't know about you, but I am ready to go into the deep waters. God is seeking people that will sell out 100% to him with no excuses. That does not mean you are perfect, but that you are ready to do His perfect will. No matter what it cost. Are you ready to go into the deep?
When I entered in to the building, little did I know I would be changed forever and my life would never be the same. During the event, there was live music, poetry readings, hip hop, testimonies, singing, drama, acting, fellowship and good food.
But what stood out the most was that there was gathered together, a room full God's chosen people. His elect. People totally Sold Out to Him. They were from all walks of life. All colors, all races, all nationalities. But there was one common denominator. They all loved Jesus.
You see these were young people who were not lukewarm. They were on fire and totally sold out to Christ. They had gone into the deep waters.
I was amazed because it was as if God orchestrated the entire thing, bringing people from all over the nation with so many differences but with one common goal to Serve God!. He brought people from all over the state just to meet up in this season. These were his Mighty Warriors, Judah, His Anointed. And yes, they were all young people.
They were not making excuses why they couldn't follow God. Or why they couldn't come to church, couldn't pray, couldn't worship. No. They were vessels unto honor meet for the Masters use.
And let it be known, they were not absent of problems or struggles, on the contrary, they were going through just like everyone else, but they made it up in their mind that yet will they serve God in the midst of it all!
One brother was a walking miracle. He gave such a powerful testimony. He fell ill and went into a coma for 52 days, the Lord brought him out of the coma. But the doctors said he would not live and would die with in the year. Two years later the man was still living. Then the doctor said you will not live 5 years- since his case was so severe. The man lived five more years! Then the doctor said if you live 10 years after the coma/surgery it will be a miracle. And yes the man is still alive and celebrated 10 years in 2009. He is a living testimony and he continues to share about Jesus!
Just think, if God can deliver this man and bring him out of a coma, just imagine what he can do in our lives. No problem or situation is too great for God! We must go in to the deep water and begin to trust God by faith. Even when we don't understand why things are happening.
I don't know about you, but I am ready to go into the deep waters. God is seeking people that will sell out 100% to him with no excuses. That does not mean you are perfect, but that you are ready to do His perfect will. No matter what it cost. Are you ready to go into the deep?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
CROSS STREET/WESLEYAN COMMUNITY DAY!
On April 11, 2010 during Cross Street/Wesleyan Community Day, Wesleyan University was given the Community Service Award by Cross Street AME Zion Church for their many years of service to the Cross Street Tutorial Academic Center(CSTAC). CaVar Reid was named Wesleyan Student of the Year.
Other highlights included members of Wesleyan Orchestra performing. The Wesleyan Women's Basketball Team was also present mentoring and talking with the children. They handed out goodie bags to the children. The community children were so thrilled to have college students to look up to.
This event was in collaboration with the Wesleyan Protestant Chaplin, Pastor Joan Burnett and Pastor Moses L. Harvill, of Cross Street AME Zion Church. The day started at Cross Street and ended on Wesleyan Campus. In the finale, everyone joined hands in a circle and sang with One Voice, "I need you, you need me, we're all apart of God's body, stand with me, agree with me, you are important to me, I need you to survive." This day will forever be etched in our joint history.
THANK YOU!!!
Other highlights included members of Wesleyan Orchestra performing. The Wesleyan Women's Basketball Team was also present mentoring and talking with the children. They handed out goodie bags to the children. The community children were so thrilled to have college students to look up to.
This event was in collaboration with the Wesleyan Protestant Chaplin, Pastor Joan Burnett and Pastor Moses L. Harvill, of Cross Street AME Zion Church. The day started at Cross Street and ended on Wesleyan Campus. In the finale, everyone joined hands in a circle and sang with One Voice, "I need you, you need me, we're all apart of God's body, stand with me, agree with me, you are important to me, I need you to survive." This day will forever be etched in our joint history.
THANK YOU!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Love Out Loud!
I had the privilege of going to an event on Wesleyan Campus sponsored by Ujamaa. It was a spoken word, poetry event in celebration of Black History Month. I can truly say it was an awesome event. There were so many talented students that shared their feelings about love, falling in love, falling out of love and more. There was a special group from NYC- WeAreWritersBlock group. They too were Hot!
One of the poets said, " If you are not loving, you are not living." I agree totally with that statement. Another poet said she was not looking for Love, but looking for Real. Since she could not find anyone to be true and really love her. One of the Master poets shared 10 things you want to tell a Black Man! She has a book out with a collection of her poems. Then one of the poets expressed his feelings toward God, and what was taking place in his life since his Mother was diagnosed with Cancer. It was very real and inspirational.
So much talent in one room was amazing to behold. I took it all in, and left feeling so proud of our young college students. They were using their God given talents to bring love, light, and laughter to a sometimes dismal world. I applaud them.
So what does it really mean to Love Out Loud?
To Love Out Loud is to take action in loving others by demonstrating and showing our love for them. It is not mere words, but actions. It is giving to the poor, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry. It is visiting the sick, visiting the prisons, visiting the elderly. You see to Love Out Loud requires that we take action.
In our relationships, it is showing our love by treating our spouse, mate, partner with respect, dignity, honor, loyalty. If your man is disrespecting you and degrading you by putting his hand on you and calling you all kinds of names, or if he is not being faithful and constantly cheating on you, you have to ask yourself: "Does he really love me?"
Or if you happen to be involved with and loving someone else's man, you have to stop and ask, "Why do I have to get someones leftovers?" Love yourself and do not be anyones extra, appetizer. No matter how much they say they love you. If you are 2nd, they can not Love you Out Loud! It is mostly in secret, behind close doors. We deserve better than that. Please don't settle for the leftovers. It is better to wait than to settle. I know, I can hear someone saying, "I don't mind having his crumbs. It's that good. "
But fast forward to when you are in your 40s, 50s and you realize that you are still single and alone. You then discover that you have wasted your best years and chances of finding your soulmate- when you are young and everything falls in place, without exercise and the Magic Body suit. You begin to see that you spent all your time being 2nd-getting the crumbs.
Trust me, take the time now to get your own man. When you hit 40, 50, and your man still can Love you Out Loud! after 10, 20, 30 years- it makes all the difference.
On the the same level, we have to give them what they need and go out of our way to make them happy.. (without breaking God's biblical standards) So, are we Loving Out Loud?
As Pastor Harvill says, "Love is what Love does."
Begin today to Love Out Loud! Start with the people close to you and then continue to put your love in action by helping the poor, visiting the sick, helping the hungry, and helping the community. There are many ways to Love Out Loud! Just start where you are..
One of the poets said, " If you are not loving, you are not living." I agree totally with that statement. Another poet said she was not looking for Love, but looking for Real. Since she could not find anyone to be true and really love her. One of the Master poets shared 10 things you want to tell a Black Man! She has a book out with a collection of her poems. Then one of the poets expressed his feelings toward God, and what was taking place in his life since his Mother was diagnosed with Cancer. It was very real and inspirational.
So much talent in one room was amazing to behold. I took it all in, and left feeling so proud of our young college students. They were using their God given talents to bring love, light, and laughter to a sometimes dismal world. I applaud them.
So what does it really mean to Love Out Loud?
To Love Out Loud is to take action in loving others by demonstrating and showing our love for them. It is not mere words, but actions. It is giving to the poor, helping the homeless, feeding the hungry. It is visiting the sick, visiting the prisons, visiting the elderly. You see to Love Out Loud requires that we take action.
In our relationships, it is showing our love by treating our spouse, mate, partner with respect, dignity, honor, loyalty. If your man is disrespecting you and degrading you by putting his hand on you and calling you all kinds of names, or if he is not being faithful and constantly cheating on you, you have to ask yourself: "Does he really love me?"
Or if you happen to be involved with and loving someone else's man, you have to stop and ask, "Why do I have to get someones leftovers?" Love yourself and do not be anyones extra, appetizer. No matter how much they say they love you. If you are 2nd, they can not Love you Out Loud! It is mostly in secret, behind close doors. We deserve better than that. Please don't settle for the leftovers. It is better to wait than to settle. I know, I can hear someone saying, "I don't mind having his crumbs. It's that good. "
But fast forward to when you are in your 40s, 50s and you realize that you are still single and alone. You then discover that you have wasted your best years and chances of finding your soulmate- when you are young and everything falls in place, without exercise and the Magic Body suit. You begin to see that you spent all your time being 2nd-getting the crumbs.
Trust me, take the time now to get your own man. When you hit 40, 50, and your man still can Love you Out Loud! after 10, 20, 30 years- it makes all the difference.
On the the same level, we have to give them what they need and go out of our way to make them happy.. (without breaking God's biblical standards) So, are we Loving Out Loud?
As Pastor Harvill says, "Love is what Love does."
Begin today to Love Out Loud! Start with the people close to you and then continue to put your love in action by helping the poor, visiting the sick, helping the hungry, and helping the community. There are many ways to Love Out Loud! Just start where you are..
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Women & HIV/AIDS Awareness
(Warning: Contents in this blog are not suitable for young children)
Now that Valentine's Day is over, Can we talk?
Just think...
Every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV.
Every 35 minutes a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.
1 in 4 Americans living with HIV/AIDS are women. And African-American women are most affected.
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among African-American women aged 25-34.
An estimated 56,300 Americans are newly infected with HIV each year.
There are approximately 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV/AIDS.
The CDC estimates that 21% of people don't know that they are HIV positive, thereby they may be transmitting HIV without knowing it.
People of color are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection.
**Statistical Data from Aids.gov website***
So, what does all of this mean for us? Why should we care? Is this our problem?
Many times among religious circles we shy away from discussing activities and behaviors we see as ungodly, worldly, or controversial. We have to face the fact that HIV/AIDS is not going away, as there is no cure to date. Often we only want to know "How" the person contracted HIV. If it was through blood transfusion, we are ok. But if it was through men having sex with men, men on the down low, men who have been incarcerated, or drug use, we have a problem with it.
I am not trying to advocate ungodly lifestyles- sin is sin. I only want to make sure we address what is taking place in our communities. We have to educate our girls, young women, and women about these critical issues. Many of us women," fall in love," forget God's laws of abstinence- until marriage. We start having unprotected sex with men that we know have been with everyone- in and out of jail. On and off drugs- yet we fail to protect ourselves. First by not following God's law to wait, then by not using protection.
We have to wake up.. The statistics are alarming, and they continue to get worst. This is our HIV/AIDS Awareness wake up call. Please take heed.. Abstinence first..
We will share more in a future blog regarding marital relations when you are unsure if your partner is being faithful. We will also include the male perspective.
But for now, Please...Wake up!!
Now that Valentine's Day is over, Can we talk?
Just think...
Every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV.
Every 35 minutes a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.
1 in 4 Americans living with HIV/AIDS are women. And African-American women are most affected.
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among African-American women aged 25-34.
An estimated 56,300 Americans are newly infected with HIV each year.
There are approximately 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV/AIDS.
The CDC estimates that 21% of people don't know that they are HIV positive, thereby they may be transmitting HIV without knowing it.
People of color are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection.
**Statistical Data from Aids.gov website***
So, what does all of this mean for us? Why should we care? Is this our problem?
Many times among religious circles we shy away from discussing activities and behaviors we see as ungodly, worldly, or controversial. We have to face the fact that HIV/AIDS is not going away, as there is no cure to date. Often we only want to know "How" the person contracted HIV. If it was through blood transfusion, we are ok. But if it was through men having sex with men, men on the down low, men who have been incarcerated, or drug use, we have a problem with it.
I am not trying to advocate ungodly lifestyles- sin is sin. I only want to make sure we address what is taking place in our communities. We have to educate our girls, young women, and women about these critical issues. Many of us women," fall in love," forget God's laws of abstinence- until marriage. We start having unprotected sex with men that we know have been with everyone- in and out of jail. On and off drugs- yet we fail to protect ourselves. First by not following God's law to wait, then by not using protection.
We have to wake up.. The statistics are alarming, and they continue to get worst. This is our HIV/AIDS Awareness wake up call. Please take heed.. Abstinence first..
We will share more in a future blog regarding marital relations when you are unsure if your partner is being faithful. We will also include the male perspective.
But for now, Please...Wake up!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Black History Wall of Fame
As a tribute to Black History Month, we will focus on leaders in our church who promote Black History exchanges throughout the year. They have made and continue to make great contributions in the community, in the church, and in the lives of others. They work tirelessly to educate, inform, instruct, and motivate others about issues relating to people of African descent. Therefore, today we salute them, and honor them for their dedication and service.
Pastor Moses L. Harvill & First Lady Mrs. Harvill
Dr. Jerome Long & Mrs. Long
Bro. Kwame Ocansey & Mrs. Ocansey
Bro. Ken Simmons & Mrs. Simmons
Bro. David Cooper & Mrs. Cooper
This list just a few names. There are many others who can be recognized. Thank you all for keeping the dream alive.
Dreams
by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Pastor Moses L. Harvill & First Lady Mrs. Harvill
Dr. Jerome Long & Mrs. Long
Bro. Kwame Ocansey & Mrs. Ocansey
Bro. Ken Simmons & Mrs. Simmons
Bro. David Cooper & Mrs. Cooper
This list just a few names. There are many others who can be recognized. Thank you all for keeping the dream alive.
Dreams
by Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Give and Pray for HAITI !!!!
Would you, Could you, Should you?
Can't you, Won't you, Why don't you?
Will you, Shall you, Can you, Have you?
Support the Relief Effort in Haiti.
Whether big or small, winter season or fall,
We all can do something. Let's make a difference!
GIVE AND PRAY FOR HAITI !!!
Give: for the physical needs of the land.
Pray: for the Spiritual needs of the land.
CROSS STREET AME ZION SUPPORTS THE RELIEF EFFORT IN HAITI !!!
Can't you, Won't you, Why don't you?
Will you, Shall you, Can you, Have you?
Support the Relief Effort in Haiti.
Whether big or small, winter season or fall,
We all can do something. Let's make a difference!
GIVE AND PRAY FOR HAITI !!!
Give: for the physical needs of the land.
Pray: for the Spiritual needs of the land.
CROSS STREET AME ZION SUPPORTS THE RELIEF EFFORT IN HAITI !!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
So, You Made It To 2010, Now What?
Happy New Year!!
It's another year that the Lord has brought us through. Many people did not make it through 2009. Still many others lost their direction and their way in 2009. The enemy took alot of people out in 2009. So we must thank God, we are still here, still in the race.
I am not sure about you, but I was glad to see 2009 end. I had so much pain, so many tears, so many hurts, so many sleepless nights in 2009. So I am glad 2010 is here. But, Now What? What should we expect in 2010? What does God have in store for us this year?
I am eager to find out.
Will I finally step into my destiny this year and be all that God called me to be? Will I fulfill my calling this year and go on the Mission field? Will my family grow and we have another child this year as my husband would like? Or will this year be like last year full of tests and trials?
Only God knows the answer. But this year whatever it brings I am grateful. You see, in the struggle of 2009, I learned so many lessons. In the struggle, my faith increased. In the struggle, I learn how to trust and depend 100% on God. In the struggle, I became stronger, wiser, better. In the struggle, I found true people who really loved us. In the struggle, my prayer life was strengthened. In the struggle, I learned how to truly worship God regardless of the situation. Now because of going through the struggle, fewer things can shake me.
So, even if in 2010 I face more storms, I can now welcome them and not run from them.
One valuable lesson I learned is that "a born again Christian can never hit rock bottom." You see when the bottom falls out, and your world becomes unglued, you fall and land into the hands of Jesus. He carries you as you are spiraling out of control. He holds you in His loving and caring hands. You do not hit bottom. You only land in Jesus' hands. And there is no better place to be than in the hands of Jesus.
Only when you see God mightily and miraculously move in your situation do you realize that you were in His hands all along. And you begin to understand that what He was doing all along, was just getting you ready for the Next Level. To God be the Glory!
Be Blessed in 2010!
And as Pastor Harvill said so Prophetically, Ask God to Bless You For The Decade!
It's another year that the Lord has brought us through. Many people did not make it through 2009. Still many others lost their direction and their way in 2009. The enemy took alot of people out in 2009. So we must thank God, we are still here, still in the race.
I am not sure about you, but I was glad to see 2009 end. I had so much pain, so many tears, so many hurts, so many sleepless nights in 2009. So I am glad 2010 is here. But, Now What? What should we expect in 2010? What does God have in store for us this year?
I am eager to find out.
Will I finally step into my destiny this year and be all that God called me to be? Will I fulfill my calling this year and go on the Mission field? Will my family grow and we have another child this year as my husband would like? Or will this year be like last year full of tests and trials?
Only God knows the answer. But this year whatever it brings I am grateful. You see, in the struggle of 2009, I learned so many lessons. In the struggle, my faith increased. In the struggle, I learn how to trust and depend 100% on God. In the struggle, I became stronger, wiser, better. In the struggle, I found true people who really loved us. In the struggle, my prayer life was strengthened. In the struggle, I learned how to truly worship God regardless of the situation. Now because of going through the struggle, fewer things can shake me.
So, even if in 2010 I face more storms, I can now welcome them and not run from them.
One valuable lesson I learned is that "a born again Christian can never hit rock bottom." You see when the bottom falls out, and your world becomes unglued, you fall and land into the hands of Jesus. He carries you as you are spiraling out of control. He holds you in His loving and caring hands. You do not hit bottom. You only land in Jesus' hands. And there is no better place to be than in the hands of Jesus.
Only when you see God mightily and miraculously move in your situation do you realize that you were in His hands all along. And you begin to understand that what He was doing all along, was just getting you ready for the Next Level. To God be the Glory!
Be Blessed in 2010!
And as Pastor Harvill said so Prophetically, Ask God to Bless You For The Decade!
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