I had my new Instagram account, I’d posted about three times, but I just could not warm to the new one. Then I thought about Facebook, or more likely I read it in one of my late night online deep dives into my situation. My recall is a blur. Mark bought IG, didn’t he? Maybe someone at FB has an in at IG. I asked my daughter, “Do you know anyone who works at Facebook.” She told me, “Yes, but Facebook and Instagram are two different companies” To myself, I know they are two different companies and do you mean to tell me you know someone at Facebook and you have not alerted this person about my situation. I told my daughter,  “Humor me and just tell him my situation and see what he says, I read online that sometimes people get resolution by going through Facebook.” And that, my friends, is the beginning of how my original Instagram account was recovered.

We were in Orlando. My son has read all of the Harry Potter novels and we went to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Okay, maybe I enjoyed it more than I should have, for having never read any of the books. However, it was on our way back to Maryland, when my daughter told me to check my email. There was an email with a link to claim my account. Hallelujah.

Scenes from the Wizarding World of Harry Patter

more Stunning Visuals at Harry Potter's World

and we had to save room for dessert from the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Though my family did not understand me in my pursuit and it took me a minute to unwind my emotions, I know it was around my name. Or rather I should say my mother’s name. At some level I feel I did not do proper diligence to safeguard her name. More than likely this was one of the ways I felt a connection to my mother and when it was hacked I felt like I’d lost something and I should have been more careful. I’m better now, sharing my emotions helped me to hear my tangled sentiments and get a clear perspective. Still, that hacker’s face is off my Instagram and I’m happyglad.

grateful for the help from my daughter and son

I received my copy the first Sunday of August when along with the dynamic preaching of Rev. Danielle Brown, that blessed the people of Highland Park, we were thrilled to see Atty. Jennifer Jones Austin and her husband Sean. For me, whenever I see Jennifer, or one of her siblings, I feel many good emotions, my eyes water and my heart grows with happiness. A little backstory, Jennifer’s dad was a year ahead of my dad when they met as students at Crozier Theological Seminary. The fruit of their lifelong friendship continues to envelope both families in love and memories. It was in the fall of 2010 when I got a call from Jennifer’s mother, Mrs. Natalie Barkley Jones, and she told me that she wanted my husband to coordinate a bone marrow match drive. I admit that when I heard her voice, I answered the call with my usual bonhomie and it took me a minute to process the seriousness. I don’t remember what I said, but I remember hearing words from Jennifer’s mom such as, now, serious, can’t wait, important, no time, need help now. I sat up in my chair, reached for a pen and started taking notes.

The Sunday that we held the drive at Highland Park, I remember going into the fellowship hall where nurses from the Wellness Ministry where taking cheek swabs. I was overwhelmed when I saw the crowd of people standing in line to have their cheeks swabbed. In that moment, I felt in my spirit that my friend, Jennifer, was going to make it. This was confirmed for me a few weeks later when I was getting ready for church and saw Jennifer featured in a national news story on Sunday morning.

There were severe restrictions on allowed visitors to see Jennifer, my dad, who was living at the time, made trips to NY to visit Jennifer and he kept me and my family updated. Dr. John Scott, who pastors in NY and was a student at Crozier, when my dad and Jennifer’s dad were there, also kept our family updated on Jennifer’s condition.

Though I knew Jennifer’s road to healing had twists and curves after reading her book I now know that I did not know much. At points, the suspense of what was happening to her had me on the edge of my seat. The standout for me is how she juxtaposed some of her harrowing physical events with the assurance of her faith. She does this with elegant honesty. It is not preachy, nor is it sappy. It is her truth.

Resurrection Sunday 2011 with Jennifer & her sisters, l-r Elsa, Lesley, Weptanomah and Jennifer

A post from Jennifer Jones Austin's FB, Sunday August 5, when she was with us at Highland Park, she met Sister Dorothy Waters

April 2011, a little over a year after her transplant, Jennifer’s family, including her mom, siblings, nieces and nephews gathered in DC to visit friends, celebrate birthdays, Easter and Spring Break. For Good Friday service, they went to Metropolitan Baptist Church, where my dad was preaching one of the Words. Though I believe, their plan for Resurrection Sunday was to go to New Shiloh, somehow they came to Highland Park. It is hard to put into words my joy in seeing all of the Jones family. An explosion of heart happiness is the best I can do. Jennifer looked amazing, beautiful and brand new. She appeared a miracle with no hint of smoke.                                                                     

                    Consider it Joy order here

Highland Park After Church Glow, Jennifer with her husband Sean

My daughter reported the problem through her IG account and did the same for her dad on his IG account. I now know that their reporting was the equivalent of throwing two grains of sand to quell an inferno. My husband, bless his heart, told me that I needed to call the Instagram Help Center. By this time, I’d read enough online to know that the IG Help Center is a unicorn. I am sharing my experience and what I learned. I hope it prevents the same from happening to you or that you have tips in the event that it does.

First - If you have Instagram and you do not have two-factor authentication on it, stop reading and do it now. In fact, you may want to check all of your accounts, especially banking and ones that have credit card information attached to them. Some banks and financial companies require two-factor authentication and some just offer it. Hacking an IG account is relatively easy and the goal is not the IG account. The hacked IG account is a porthole to other accounts via your email. I did not have two-factor authentication on my IG account. As a result it was easy for a hacker (or bot) to switch my username by sending a forgot email, or forgot login details.

Second - Secure the email used when you signed up for Instagram. Ultimately, this is where the hacker (or bot, or hackbot is headed). If your email does not have two-factor authentication, do it now. Also, change your password. Whatever email you have, there is usually a link, on the account information page, to view recent activity. When I clicked mine I could see the hackbots were full throttle. Hackbots at locations around the world tried and some accessed my account. It is at this point that hackbots can use your account to send spam and phishing emails to your contacts. This is also the point where they can get banking, insurance and any information that comes through your email account. Remember, once the hacker has your email, it is easy to trail your email destination and input forgot password, change password and engage in all kinds of mayhem. This is a rationale for having more than one email account. It is also the reason why logins and passwords should be different for all of your accounts. On this front, in my favor, is my reluctance to leave my credit card number on file when I make online purchases. You have to diligently look for the opt-out prompt to not have your credit card information stored, when making purchases. It is getting smaller and smaller. Another plus in my favor is that I do not have my credit card number on my mobile phone. My hacked IG might have been a headache, but the google sites of hacked mobile phones with credit cards put it in perspective.

Third - If your username was deleted you may be able to create a new IG account with it using another email address. On the bottom of the Instagram page, trying signing up with a different email and the original username. I did this and I was able to reclaim my deleted username. This was important to me because not knowing whether or not I could get Weptanomah back as my username gave me stress and tears.

Fourth - Report what happened to Instagram. There are two ways to do this. I did both, multiple times. There are loads of  sites with instructions on how to report a hacked account to instagram. If you are using a lap or desktop this or this will help. If you are using a mobile device, this will help. I looked at youtube videos too.

Fifth - It has been a week since my IG was hacked. After many emails to Instagram, I received one email from Facebook with instructions to send original information about my account  as well as a photo, showing both of my hands holding a paper with the information about my account written on it. I have not heard anything since that email. Based on what I have learned online, I may or may not hear something. I have also received email alerts from a few companies that someone was trying to access my account. When this happened I made changes, such as deleting all of my account information with the site, changing the email, or adding another layer of security.

Finally, since I was able to reclaim my username I will start a new IG account. Though I have relaxed my hourly emails to the Instagram Help Center, I have not given up trying to get access to my old account. I will update if I do. In the meantime, my hope is that this information prevents someone from having the same experience or gives help if it happens.

My hijacked IG page

at the pajama party, Lady Wendy Nelson, 2nd from right with Lady Serita Jakes, center and l-r Lady Victoria Venable, Lady Shelby Teague and Dr. Anita Phillips

I’ve been to many women’s conferences in the course of my life, however this one had the biggest impact on me. I went without knowing what to expect, I wanted to support the conference. I did not know that God had a set up waiting for me.

Women Evolve was nontraditional and unconferencey, I know that’s not a word. Both days, before the Word, we played volleyball with huge balls to Beyoncé! We worshipped in our pajamas, laughed, cried, and lay at the altar united in prayer with women we didn’t know. It broke every tradition in me and I was totally unbothered. First Lady Serita Jakes was there and she honored and imparted into her daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, the conference host. Serita Jakes was transparent and relatable to the women. Her testimony touched every woman because everyone could relate to being the carrier of  ‘stinkin’ things that were either not our fault or just being the carrier of others waste. But, she said, “When God gets a hold of ’stinkin’ things it becomes a sweet aroma to Him!” When she spoke to her daughter, as a mother I could relate to what she was feeling. First Lady Serita Jakes said that she was proud to see her daughter successfully soar into the purpose of God against the odds. There wasn’t a dry eye. This conference was really more than I ever expected.

Co-Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts

The two-day conference started each day with a morning session that had a funny warm up and a message from Sarah Jakes Roberts. This was followed by praise and worship and the morning speaker. After the morning speaker we had lunch from 12:00-2:15 there were picnic tables and food trucks in case you wanted to stay on the premises. The afternoon consisted of breakout sessions from 2:30-3:30. The breakout sessions were really great too. After a dinner break we gathered again for the evening session. Friday night was the Pajama Panel with Sarah Jakes Roberts, Cora Jakes Coleman, Angela Rye and Caitlin Crosby Benward. The conference adjourned on Saturday night after Sarah Jakes Roberts gave the Word.

Two things that I loved about Women Evolve were the Word and the interactive conversations. I’ve heard many great Word messages but there’s a difference between hearing a great Word and experiencing the Word. For me, when Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts spoke, they tapped into the heartbeat of God and not only ministered the Word but helped us to see where deficiency was within our lives. Then they taught, not about how to change, rather they taught us to evolve into the women we are destined to be. Literally, after every service I felt stronger, refreshed, revived and ready to birth things that I’d forgotten about or put aside. I also loved the question and answer time between the speakers and the women. There was space given after each session so women could be personally heard and ministered to. Women came unashamed, some broken, some strong, the transparency was beautiful and it united everyone in the room. Everyone was ministered to and comforted, because, every woman can relate to feeling some kind of rejection, fear of acceptance, setback or drawback in ministry, . 

Initially, I thought since Sarah Jakes Roberts is a millennial, the conference would be geared for that age bracket. The truth is, this conference was for EVERY woman. There was something for every woman, at any age, to feel connected. I marveled with other first ladies at the conference about how much the experience was affecting us. We were awed by our experience and proud of Sarah Jakes Roberts for obeying the vision God gave to her.

Women Evolve 2018

I didn’t realize that I needed this conference until I experienced the CHANGE. It really was the same great feeling I feel at my home church but differently packaged. Ultimately this allowed space for God to change my perspective and EVOLVE me in areas where I needed it. Another thing about this conference was I didn’t feel overchurched! There was balance. I think the women appreciated the balance, the transparency of the topics and interaction with the speakers. Everyone was relatable, touchable and we felt connected.

There were many special touches, like the acrylic VIP badges. I’ve never seen cute clear acrylic conference badges and the conference bags were our gift. They were cute but not overdone. They can be used as a nice carryon bag.

I’m still basking in the euphoria of what I felt, witnessed and experienced. I felt another dimension of God which awakened a side in me I didn’t realize was asleep. The conference theme, Woman Evolve, became a command and demand for every woman who attended. I’m already registered for Women Evolve 2019!

Women Evolve 2018 photo: @young_hearts_fly

First Lady Anita L Barnes

First Lady Anita L. Barnes – Vice-President of the Southeast Region of the IAMWMW                View her campaign information here and here

Dr. Loretta Dupree

First Lady Loretta Dupree – Vice-President of the Northeast Region of the IAMWMW            View her campaign information here and here                                                                                            

Elder Vernita Josey

First Lady Vernita Josey – Vice-President at Large of the IAMWMW                                          View her campaign information here

Dr. Margaret B Payton

Dr. Margaret B. Payton – Past Vice-President at Large of the IAMWMW                           View campaign information here and here

Dr. Thelma P Rich

Dr. Thelma P Rich – Past Vice-President at Large of the IAMWMW                                       View her campaign information here and here     

Godspeed to all of the candidates running for office of the IAMWMW. And we pray the Good Lord will pour out Blessings on our beloved Sisterhood.                                                                            

How did the enforcement of a law become an order to separate children from mothers and fathers? Did you know that there is no official protocol for keeping a record of where children are sent in order to be reunited with their parents? Did you know that the scripture used by Jeff Sessions to defend this administration's policy is the same one that was used to condone slavery?

I know that like me, you are praying and calling on Jesus to heal our nation. If you want to do something to help the children, here are some suggestions.                                                KIND, Kids in Need of Defense works to ensure that a child has quality representation for court appearances.                                                                                                                 LIRS, Lutheran Immigration Services offers a variety of ways to assist, you can even write a letter of encouragement to someone being detained.                                                        Tomorrow is World Refugee Day, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, ABHMS will co-sponsor a faith vigil on Capitol Hill as one of their ongoing efforts to aid in this crisis.

2018 has delivered its bright star graduates and these stellar scholars captured my attention. I believe they will capture yours too.

When the driver of the bus that Corey Patrick rode to school everyday posted a picture that she took of him on the way to his high school graduation, rivers of blessings started to flow for him. Rickey Smiley was so moved by Corey's story that he bought him a car.

Corey Patrick

And from my neck of the woods, the Bowie Blade News did a cover story on J’Aun Johnson. He graduated from Bowie High School and will begin his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Even better the Ivy League Penn has awarded J'Aun a full scholarship that will cover tuition, room, board and books. 

J'Aun Johnson

Robert Rush, in this year's graduating class at Harvard, credits his mother and a conversation with a guidance counselor, when he was facing suspension, that changed the trajectory of his life. Listen to him at Morning Prayers at Harvard. Read here and here about the extreme contrast in his life at Harvard. God Bless him for being open and not trying to front. Bonus, Robert Rush lite feet.

Robert Rush

Ieshia Champs and her children, photo credit Pastor Richard Holman

More than likely you saw the picture of Ieshia Champs, with her 5 children in her cap, hood and gown. Ieshia Champs graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The photo, taken by her pastor, of her with her children was everywhere. So much so that Steve Harvey told his studio audience that he was looking for her. Well, Steve Harvey found Ieshia and she was on his show.                                              These are amazing stories, enough to encourage anyone to run on a little while longer. Godspeed to the Class of 2018!

Celebration applause after Romane Paul sang, a cappella, Lift Every Voice and Sing

When she called me, she said, 'I was on my way to the appointment and it hit me, this is not for me.' In this case proficiency for the subject and desire to pursue it did not go together. Though her advisor in college made a strong case for pursuing a PhD in Economics, it was her time at Google that crystallized law as her choice for a career.

Last Monday, Lilybelle graduated from Columbia Law School with a J.D. degree. As her mother I am so happy for her. Happy she knew her mind.  Happy she followed through its guidance. Happy she knows the satisfaction that comes from a goal achieved.                          Was it Easy? No. Worth It? Absolutely Yes!                                                                          Most of all I’m happy that she knows with God all things are Possible.

Dean Gillian Lester conferring degree to Lilybelle. 

Lilybelle and her good friend Kendall Wells

Celebration Brunch w/ Lilybelle and friends and family at Laduree SoHo

Henry placing stole on his sister at the BLSA & LaLSA Graduation Ceremony

Read more highlights from the 2018 Law School Graduation. View more exciting photos from the Columbia Law School Graduation

The author Tracy Graves Stevens, photo above the author pictured with her daughter and beloved late mother

This scenario is from a couple of years ago and it may sound familiar to you. For me, it is played out time and time again and occurs in the lives of women daily.  It reminds me of the many hats we wear for our families. It is also an example of how we can be so outwardly focused that we sometimes neglect our own needs.

Another day begins, with just a few hours of sleep, I am running up the steps to check on my Mom, who lives with me, my husband and daughter. While preparing the day’s medications for my aging and ailing mother, I realize that I need to make an appointment for my daughter to get a physical for school. Also, don’t forget that Garry (my husband) told me to call the electrician for that annoying, blinking light in the kitchen. I guess I can fit that in while sending out resumes as I am in this new season of looking for employment. I should be grateful that I am home as Mom’s health is slowly fading but somehow thanksgiving is not the feeling settling into my spirit.  As the phone rings again, from another marketing call, my little dog looks at me with those winsome eyes and I realize that she really needs to go to vet to be groomed.   She is starting to look like a Sesame Street character, the one that lives in the trashcan.  Ugh, I remember that I have to get these things done by 6:00 because I need to be at the church by 7:00 for a meeting.

Question, did you catch that I did not mention what I needed to do to take care of myself?  When I think back on this time it felt like I really had no choice. These things plus more needed to get done. It is the continual game of balance that women deal with every day. It is sometimes hard to see the impact until you are forced to stop and be still.  I eventually had to do this when my caregiving obligations for my mother shifted to full-time when she transitioned to hospice care.

It is during this season that I realized the importance of Psalm 121:1-2. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. This scripture became my mantra as I sought the Lord to give me strength to address all the to do’s I faced daily.  This passage reminded me that God wanted me to fall into His mighty arms daily for whatever I needed.  It is like that trust game where a person just falls back into the arms of their co-workers or team members.  That is what God wants to be to us.  God didn’t necessarily take my responsibilities away. Some were crucial and had to be done but somehow Falling Into God made me feel like I had support in the middle of my chaos.   Many days God gave me the wisdom to say ‘no’ or ‘not right now. ’ Other days He directed my steps so I did what I needed to in the necessary order, and not wear myself out.  When it was time to stop and rest I fell into God by praying and meditating on His Word, this allowed me to relax..  I also had to learn to trust my mother to God so I could get some sleep – after all, God is God 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  

And I learned even more, as my mother transitioned to Glory, how to Fall Into His loving arms to hold me through my tears and grief. He is that same God – the one who parted the Red Sea, allows the Sun to rise and set daily, the one who provides air for our lungs and the one who knows your heart so personally that He anticipates what you need before you even open your mouth.

Fall into God’s loving arms today.  Trust Him with your planner, calendar, worries, needs, issues and more importantly, your heart.  His Word says that even when you are hard-pressed on all sides you will not be overcome (Isaiah 43:2).  You are one of God’s wonderful works (Psalm 139:14).  He is the Redeemer and you are the Redeemed.  God will never let you down.

What Just Happened? Living the Redeemed Life (When All Hell Breaks Loose)   www.tracygravesstevens.com

Pastor & First Lady DeVaughn preparing to cut the ribbon

December 30, 2017 was the date of the grand New-Entry Service for Pastor and First Lady DeVaughn and church family of Silverlake Church The Church Beyond Sunday. They were honored to have Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff deliver a message of encouragement. They were blessed to witness many pastors and dignitaries that came to join with them in celebration. Salutations were also received from clergy and officials such as Pastor Manson Johnson, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the Mayor of Pearland, Tom Reid.

Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff delivering a message at the celebration

In the inspiring words of First Lady DeVaughn, she states that the genesis of how our church started is amazing, and God continues to grow the church for His glory. We started in our home in Pearland, TX with about 7 members. Then we moved temporarily to a Holiday Inn in Houston. Then we moved back to Pearland into a leased space. Then, by God's favor we were blessed with 40 acres of land. My husband tells this testimony better than me, but a very prominent landowner in Pearland, TX, Mr. O'Day, found favor with my husband and wanted us to have the land. Nobody but God!   

The DeVaughn Family

God blessed us with 40 acres of land, this means our new building is on the same site as our first building. Since moving into the new sanctuary, our former sanctuary is now used for our children's ministries and special events. The new sanctuary seats 2,000 people. It is a state of the art building with classrooms, daycare, choir rooms and offices. We have plans for additional facilities to serve the community. 

Silverlake Church started almost 23 years ago and I have seen so many miracles of healing, deliverance and transformation. God continues to grow the ministry and transform many lives.  Pastor and I are determined to lift the Savior and not ourselves. When we keep lifting Jesus up, He draws all men unto Him! When people are drawn to God, transformation and positive changes take place. It has been a blessing to be used by God for His glory. 

Pastor & First Lady DeVaughn

This was before Parkland. I remember the sight that made me think this time things might be different. There is a cell phone video showing SWAT team officers entering a classroom, where students were hiding. Students were crouched in the corner and the SWAT officer, with a pointed rifle, yelled, “Hands, hands in the air.” You can hear someone crying, and see hands rising. The sight of trembling and shaking hands, in a school classroom, was raw and for many, including myself, it was too much. To see it is to witness pure fear and terror. Then the text messages that students, thinking they were going to die, sent to loved ones appeared in the media. Before the week ended, a group of Parkland students would gather and soon claim the world’s attention. 

photo: Peter Hapak for TIME

To be a person of color is to know that gun violence extends beyond mass shootings. African Americans are eight times more likely to be killed by firearms than people who are white. How can one even began to process the killing of Stephon Clark? What is more challenging is that research and data about guns is hard to obtain. Bear in mind, in America we keep statistics on car crashes, cigarette smoking, heart attacks, voting, all manner of things. Over the years, funding for research on prevention and statistics on ownership has been gutted. Imagine doing this for cancer research.

Poised beyond her 11 years Naomi Wadler  photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

When the students from Parkland rose up and said #enoughisenough and #neveragain I was with them. I understood their frustration with tweets saying, "sending thoughts and prayers." Father AKM Adam said it best when he spoke to the "general resentment of public figures using theological platitudes and not using their political or legislative power to rectify a situation."

photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

The moment I heard about March for Our Lives, I knew I would attend. My determination only increased after witnessing the attacks from public figures and politicians on the student organizers from Parkland. What kind of adult does this to students not yet adults?  #notafairfight

And so, on March 24, my son and I took the Metro and in the words of Frederick Douglas and the sentiment of Rabbi Heschel, I prayed with my legs and my march was my worship.

March for Our Lives 2018 Washington DC photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Lady Nakia Wright & Elder Diahann Smith

More treasure for the day came as a beautiful book of courage cards handmade by Elder Diahann Smith. Everyone got one of her artistic treasures. Elder Diahann Smith also ministered, in flowing words, a message of inspiration. She encouraged us to consider the divine gifts God has stored in us. She made a few statements that I was able to get on paper, though all of it was noteworthy. She said, “As a servant there ought to be a burden.” and “If you belong to Him (God) you’re not running the show.” If the benediction had come after that, I’d have been good.  After her message we were ready and motivated to craft our boards for remembrance. One of my favorite parts of the day was seeing all the sisters receive a certificate. It was unique because the certificate ceremony took place before the vision craft work started. The food, the glittered book and certificate, we got swag and food before we did our work. The rewards came first and for me there was something truly motivating and energizing in that arrangement. I believe I speak for all the sisters in the room, we had the best most blessed special time. Shout out to my son, he woke me that Saturday morning. Still trying to get my feet under me since my return home from the UK, I did not know where I was and would have slept through an event I surely did not want to miss. Grateful

Book of Courage Cards and Certificate, glimpse that fried chicken in the corner

vision boards in progress

The bonus of this trip was that I would visit Oxford, where my father spent time in study during the summer of 2007. Prior to our travel, I found two photos from my dad’s time at Oxford. We knew we could locate the Bath Place Hotel, where he stayed. Locating Arlosh Hall, where he is pictured with members of his cohort, took some effort, as the letters in the photo were not as clear. Success came when Lilybelle was getting her student id and the student administrator told her that Arlosh Hall is the dining hall for Harris Manchester College. Side note about the Bath Place Hotel, the well-known mystery writer Dorothy L Sayers lived there in the 1910’s. Even juicier, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor rendezvoused there when he made appearances at the Oxford Playhouse.

Harold A Carter, Sr.  Summer 2007

Oxford Roundtable Summer 2007, my dad is 1st row, 2nd from left, please contact me if you recognize anyone from this photo. I would love to know about other learners in the photo

With our destination locations mapped Lilybelle and I set out to see these sites. My experience seeing the Bath Place Hotel was emotionally layered. It never occurred to me that I would one day travel to Oxford, it was not on my list. And yet, standing there I was grateful to God for filling a longing in my heart unknown to me. Only when I started walking around did I realize how much I wanted to see where my dad had studied and where I would leave my daughter for study. In the same moments I knew that when my dad stayed at the hotel, he experienced a symptom related to his prostate for the first time. Seeing the outside stairs to the guestrooms, I imagined him going up the stairs with his bags and looking forward to his studies while feeling a physical toll. I had a real feelings soup of awe, teariness, joy tinged with melancholy and incredible wonder.

When Lilybelle and I walked to Harris Manchester College, the woman who greeted us allowed us to go into Arlosh Hall, a beautiful dining hall. She also took us to the college chapel where I was able to sit and reflect on the goodness of God and the gift of this amazing experience.

Before heading back to the states, I spent a brief time in London. The Sunday before my return my daughter and I worshipped at Holy Trinity Brompton. We had a good time. I am so glad it came up on her Google church search. We heard a testimony from an artist, who painted portraits of the Queen and Prince Philip. He spoke about how the Alpha Group helped him after a move to Italy for marriage that did not come to pass. The message was delivered by Alex Rayment. His message was “What to do in the Storms of Life.” He reminded us of Jesus telling the disciples, when they were on the boat in the storm, to “Take courage, I am here, do not be afraid.” Pulled from his own experience with storms in his life Alex said, ‘Courage is moving forward and leaving fear behind.’ It was a well-timed message, both for me to part with my daughter on her way back to Oxford and for her to commence her studies.

Heading back to the states, with gratitude I knew a desire out of my awareness had come to life. Had I known and attached my wants and desires for such a journey it could not have turned out better. A prayer I had not prayed was answered. A longing absent my awareness was fulfilled. God did it. 

Happyglad to make it to church

Ting for Tea on the 35th floor of the Shard

After church brunch at Chiltern Firehouse

Cutting up in the gold room at Dover Street Market

& a Good Time was had by all, Praise God

Bishop & Lady Debnam preparing to exit Winters Lane location 12/10/17  photo: Robilyn Heath

The final exit of Bishop & Lady Debnam, video of Final Benediction is below. photo and video Robilyn Heath

The church purchased the property in 2011 and with minimal construction they were able to move the Renaissance Center to the new site. Founded in 2001, by Lady Debnam, the Renaissance Center provides professional counseling services by counselors who are able to integrate Christianity and the Bible.

Ministers of Morning Star Baptist Church ready to march into new church photo Robilyn Heath

l-r Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Lady Carla Debnam and Bishop Debnam preparing to enter the sanctuary photo: Dr. Anthony Brown

The congregation broke ground for the sanctuary in March 2016. In less than two years they were set to march into the new church. Early on that Saturday morning in December, the official church motorcade left the former site on Winters Lane headed for Woodlawn Drive. Following a consecration ceremony, that included the ribbon cutting, Bishop John R. Bryant prayed for and dedicated the Doors of the Church. Lady Debnam said this was her favorite part of the day, opening the doors, walking in and seeing the people file in, because it "meant the doors of the church are open!"  To God Be The Glory

Bishop and Lady Debnam entering the Sanctuary photo: Robilyn Heath

Inside Inaugural Service at Morning Star Baptist Church new location photo: Robilyn Heath

A view of the Beautiful foyer of Morning Star

As a graduate student I had a job working with a group practice of psychologists. The job fulfilled everything on my wish list. I had a flexible schedule. It was close to school, with good pay, terrific coworkers and on the job learning. It was ideal, save for the psychologist who would kiss me on the mouth. I Hated It. Recently, for the first time, I told my daughter about this experience. Even today, I feel myself brace because I still recall the sensation of his facial hair as he would approach for a kiss on my mouth, at work. I did not tell anyone. I did not tell him to stop. I tried to rationalize it. My self-talk went something like, ‘He’s an old man, he did not mean anything by it, he probably does it to other women and they don’t complain. You have to take the bad with the good.’ I did what legions of women have done. I endured and I repressed. When I completed my M.S. degree, I got another job.

When Marion Brown broke her non-disclose agreement and spoke about the harassment she experienced, my husband asked “why would she stay in a job for eleven years.” Ugggh, seriously, why is it that she, the victim, has to uproot her life, and the congressman goes unchecked? Marion Brown had four children to raise. Furthermore, as she stated on The Today Show, she enjoyed the work that she did with prison reform and she needed the income. The narrowing of positions at the top limit a woman’s ability to go from job to job, particularly when a letter of recommendation is needed. To think otherwise is to speak from a position of power. To Tarana Burke and the The Silence Breakers I say Thank You. Today I have words for experiences that I could not put words to or even process within myself when they happened.                                                                                                                                I add my #MeToo not just for my daughter, but also for my son and all of the #MeToo voices who have spoken, the ones who remain silent and those yet to speak.

l-r Rev. Sandra E.J. Coger, Mrs. Eloise Jackson, Mrs. Sherileen Hines & Dr. Thelma P. Rich                       

On Sunday October 15, members of the Maryland Association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows gathered at the Pikesville Hilton for their 50th year anniversary celebration. With the theme Journey of Faith (Ephesians 2:10) the banquet was a time to reflect on the legacy of the dedicated women who had the vision to come together to form the Maryland branch of the International Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows.

                                                    Lady Tawanda Holmes

The festive gala was co-chaired by First Lady Sherileen Hines and Dr. Thelma P. Rich with Rev. Sandra E.J. Coger serving as the general chairperson. The celebration included statements from Lady Tawanda Holmes, president of the Maryland Covenant of Minister’s Wives Incorporated and current local president of the Agape Fellowship, Dr. Gwendolyn Young who also blessed us in song. All of the living former state presidents were recognized as well as MAMWMW life members.

                                              Pastor Jesse & First Lady Gwendolyn Young

Rev. Dr. Douglas V. Logan played a Spirit-filled medley of hymns and gospel songs. One of the songs in Dr. Logan’s piano medley was O Thou In Whose Presence, years have passed since I last heard that beautiful hymn and hearing it woke up something in my spirit and I am still singing it. The program also included reflections from a preacher’s kid, a minister’s wife and a minister’s widow. The MAMWMW current president, Mrs. Eloise Jackson received a well-deserved salute for her marvelous work as state president. I appreciate her talent for organization, communication and the way she uses the internet to send thoughtful emails to inform members of events in the lives of other members in addition to announcements from the organization.                                                                                                                                 photo credit thanks to Mrs. Dorothy Fontenot

                                           Rev. Dr. Douglas V. Logan

having a good time w/ Mrs. Andrea Logan center & First Lady Donnetta Logan

l-r Rhonda Dickerson, Shanice L. Stewart, Taneya Pair, Elise B. Gordon, Desiree G. Smith, Leslie Foxx

The book, Share Your Testimony Volume 1:  Women Who Overcome is the printed fruit of the vision God gave to Shanice L. Stewart. The visionary for the Share Your Testimony ministry, Shanice L. Stewart, said that in August 2015, God placed on her heart that she would host an event for women to share their testimony. Her initial reaction of excitement turned to apprehension as the event's date drew closer. She states in the book’s introduction that God answered her prayer by sending women with powerful testimonies. In 2016, Share Your Testimony hosted five events, each time women were able to connect with other women. Shanice L. Stewart says that she witnessed women receive healing from past experiences and traumas at these events. When she asked God what to do next, she said that God told her it was time to turn Share Your Testimony into a series of books.

In the premier volume of Share Your Testimony the authors include Leslie Foxx, Elise B. Gordon, Rhonda Dickerson, Desiree G. Smith, Taneya Pair and the visionary Shanice L. Stewart. I became aware of the publication of the book through Taneya Pair, who I got to know at FBHP’s  Women’s Retreat in 2015. I remember her being in the prayer room for early risers and since that time I have come to know her as a beautiful young woman with a sincere and loving heart determined to follow the voice of God for her life. I praise God for all of the beautiful sisters who contributed to this inspirational book. These sisters have peeled back the layers of their journey and called out roads that led them away and astray. The glory of their story is revealed in the road that led each sister to her divine and unique relationship to Christ as Savior. 

This book is an inspirational and encouraging read for anyone. To that let me add, if you know someone who feels that life has become difficult with circumstances that seem impossible to overcome then Share Your Testimony is a must read. 

Order here

                                           The Beautiful Ladies of Share Your Testimony

photo CNN

Two videos of human chains caught the attention of the media, one to rescue a man from a truck. The second chain helped a woman in labor get on a truck. The miracle of her story is that her two of her previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriage. 

The Dusty Dogs, the Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squad rescued people in Port Arthur. 

Heartwarming photos tell the story.

photo Joe Raedle

David J Phillip/ AP photo

Scott Olson/ Getty Images

People are sharing videos too.

This pastor went back to his home to get toys for his children and he plays the piano in his flooded home.

Some have suggested that a statue be made of this sheriff.

& in the video that blew up and blessed with over 18 million views Victoria White's singing Spirit Break Out made people sit up on their cots, the Power of the Gospel is Real.

My prayers and plans for action to aid and support continue as I am sure that yours do as well. God Provides.