Spring 2010
Cover Photo by: Karen Novotny Tisher
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Onthecover: Laki Gletsos and Jessica Taylor with their daughter Isabella. The family resides in New Mexico, where Jessica is a channel manager for eSoft and Laki is a senior waste manager for Terranear PMC at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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....................................LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ........................................................FROM WITHIN ................................................IN THE SPOTLIGHT ...........................FROM LEMONS TO LEMONADE ...............................................FOR YOUR HEALTH .....................................MIRACLES & BLESSINGS .....................................................CONSIDER THIS .....................................WORDS OF INSPIRATION
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the founder/editor’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor. The publication of any advertisement in the issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by the publication. © 2009 Ordinary People Magazine (Trademarkpending)
departments Founder and Editorial Director Verna V. Nickelberry Art Director Rushun Wiseman Contributing Editors Josie Hayslett Alexis Johnson Contributing Writers Vanderbilt Brabson Corina Campbell Dr. Sharon Locklear Pamela Steward Paola Tennon Layout Designer Denardo Crawford Marketing Consultant Joyce Parkinson Photographers Kendall Elam Eric D. Hall Sales Director/ Memphis, TN Janet Chestnut salesmemphis@ ordinarypeoplemagazine.org Sales Director/ Frisco, TN Will Odom tndimension.net (214) 514-2926 O.P. Magazine Mail P. O. Box 323 Memphis, TN 38101 (901) 949-3409 http://ordinarypeoplemagazine.org ORDINARY PEOPLE MAGAZINE is a quarterly publication and is distributed in Memphis, TN; Knoxville, TN; Atlanta, GA; and Orlando, FL.
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Letters to the Editor “I really enjoy reading your magazine. It is very interesting.” Mattie Guillory Beaumont, TX
“I really admire your magazine, while reading it I instantly thought of Guidepost, in many ways they are similar: they both tell the stories of everyday people, their struggles, their victories and no matter their outcomes we learn how God plays a part in our everyday lives by guiding us through these periods and in the end we come out a better person.”
Alicia E. West-Colbert Administrative Service Technician Indianapolis MEPS
FromWithin . . . .
Letter from the Editor... “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 All scriptures are from the Holy Bible the King James Version
As always, when God gives me a scripture to base the next issue on, I would wonder what God is saying to me. But as I meditated on the Word of God, the word praise stood out the most. For weeks, I would say the scripture out loud whenever it came to my mind. And each time the word praise stood out! And then He gave me “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 (KJV) And with that in mind this issue is about praise. As you read these articles, don’t just read them casually, but READ each one with a willing heart and mind to receive whatever God has for you. Ask God what does He wants you to get out of each one. In this issue we are: Spotlighting, Rev. Tina Williams, visionary and founder of L.O.V. (Lily of the Valley Ministries Inc) of Southlake, TX, an awesome woman of God, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing. Guest writer, Gwendolyne Henley lets us know how she dealt with a few of life challenges in “From Lemons to Lemonade:” A Story of Praise. Peola Tennon’s “For Your Health” is about being mentally healthy for the mind is where praise begins. Pam Steward’s “Miracles and Blessings”, makes is clear that we should praise God for all things as we allow Him to guide us to our destiny. In “Like a Good Neighbor” by Vanderbilt Brabson III, he takes us to the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:31-37. I am sure that the injured man in the parable praised God for the Samaritan who took time to stop and take care of his needs. We should praise God for all things. Knowing that He will never give us more than we can bear. Inspirational Words for this issue is the entire 34th Psalm.
And as always, Love, Peace, and Increase… Be Blessed,
Verna ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 7| 7 ordinarypeoplemagazine.org
InTheSpotlight
Rev. Tina P. Williams, Visionary BY VERNA V. NICKELBERRY Rev. Tina P. Williams is a
messenger of the Lord whose “meat is to do the will of her Master, Jesus Christ who sent her; that His will be done in her and through her.” She is a mighty woman of God whose heart’s desire is to go to a deeper place in LOVE for and with God’s people. Ordained in May 2005 under the esteemed Pastor M. Laverne Ball of Rose of Sharon Community Church in Plainfield, New Jersey and the Archbishops James and Esther McCarthy of New Canaan Covenant International Ministries, Rev. Williams delights in proclaiming the Word of the Lord and is a true worshipper.
Through a program of “EACH ONE, TEACH ONE,” GLOW chapters incorporate wisdom and experiences of the elders of our communities with current life situations of today’s youth. GLOW also culturally exposes its members to things their eyes have not seen and their ears have not heard that will edify their walk with the Lord on this earth. Plant a chapter in your church and watch your community GLOW! Rev. Williams is a graduate of Norfolk State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel & industrial Relations. She and her husband, Xavier Williams, were married in Aug. 1992 and are the blessed parents of two children, Troi and Timothy. They currently reside in Southlake,Texas.
“I cried out to the Lord for help. Before I could finish the word “help” the Holy Spirit came upon me, purged me, filled me, and instructed me.”
She is the visionary and founder of Lily of the Valley Ministries Inc., (L.O.V.) a non-profit, faith-based organization. L.O.V. was established to help build communities, strengthen families, and improve the quality of life of residents in distressed communities. We strive to accomplish our goals identifying, educating, assisting, building and empowering struggling churches to become and to offer the light of Jesus in the communities in which they serve. A spiritually discerning worker for the Lord, Rev. Williams and her husband, Xavier, seek the face of God to sow seeds that will bear God’s glorious fruit in His eyesight. She is also the founder of Girls Learning of Womanhood Ministries International, (GLOW) a mentoring program aimed at reaching young girls in the name of Jesus and helping them succeed in areas others have overcome. | Spring2010 2010 88| Spring
Her Testimony: “On December 18, 1999, while in the family room of my home, I cried out to the Lord for help. Before I could finish the word “help” the Holy Spirit came upon me, purged me, filled me, and instructed me. He then became my guide and my teacher. My meat is to do the will of my Master, Jesus Christ, who sent me; that His Will will be done in me and through me. The Lord said to me that if I would delight myself in Him, He would give me the desires of my heart. Well, through a process, I have come to delight myself in the Lord and He has truly given me the desires of my heart and that is “more, and more, and even more of HIM.”
April 16-18, 2010 DFW LAKES EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER • GRAPEVINE, TX
Register Today @ www.LOVMinistries.org Pastor Tina Williams, Hostess
From Lemons to Lemonade:
A Story of Praise by Gwendolyne M. Henley If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Lemonade on a bright, sunny day is refreshing and is a drink I have enjoyed on many occasions. As time passed, I’ve drank limitless amounts of lemonade, to help me get through some difficult times.
I have always thought of myself as a strong individual and a survivor. I lived with that belief most of my life. It was easy to find a Bible scripture to reinforce my belief of great strength. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me.” Yet, in February 2008, my strength was tested. My lemonade helped to refresh me, but it was not enough. My trials beg an while I was taking a Red Cross nursing assistant recertification course. After completing the coursework, I became ill three days into the clinical work. I went to a hospital emergency room for a diagnosis and a prescription. After two shots of morphine to relieve the pain and a battery of tests, I was diagnosed with diverticulosis. Instructions were given to me to go home for a week of complete bed rest. My coursework required a certain number of hours for certification and missing a week for bed rest was not an option. I did not want to drop out of class and start over again. Although very ill, continuing was my only option. God was with me as I readied myself everyday for class. Ignorance of the severity of my condition was a blessing as I pushed through and graduated. My classmates voted me “Most Determined.” A few days later, the hospital called with new test results. A cyst had been found. “For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourself: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8. This scripture was one of many I held on to as I learned I had breast cancer. Cancer changed my life and brought me closer to God, the Father. The day of my hospital release from my second surgery, I woke up in a burning bed in my apartment second floor bedroom. Escaping from my apartment without a single burn, I found myself homeless in a city where I did not have any relatives. God blessed me with an invitation from an
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aunt who lovingly opened her home to me. I relocated from Knoxville to Mason, TN where I began 12 sessions of chemotherapy and 36 rounds of radiation. God brought me through again and I give him praise for all He has done for me. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” Isaiah 54:17. With that assurance, I knew I would win the battle against cancer. However, the battle was not over yet. I survived three more hospital stays and two bouts of pneumonia. As I recovered from many setbacks, I received pointers and tips from family and friends to encourage me. Positive thinking is important someone said. Family support is key another proclaimed. Cancer is no longer a death sentence came from an aunt who was a five year cancer survivor. God through His word said to me, I will never burden you with more than you can bear. My blessings are overflowing. My faith and family ties have grown stronger. My life has changed, my priorities are different and I am a survivor! I will now enjoy a glass of lemonade! *All scriptures were taken from the King James Version. Gwendolyne M. Henley Member of Holy Nation Church of Memphis
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“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one member one of another.” Romans 12:4-5 (KJV)
For Your Health
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by Paola Tennon RN, BSN, CCM, MBA Scenes from the recent catastrophes in Haiti and Chile are reflective of our ability to praise in the midst of devastation. Even when it seemed that all was lost, many still gave praise. Previous articles have been centered on the physical aspects of humanity. However, the mental and spiritual aspects of humanity are just as crucial to the survival of our species.
Regardless of race, ethnicity or gender, we each have basic needs. Although they may vary among cultures, they play a large role in our overall development and societal views.
Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, developed the first model or theory of motivation and development based on behavior and human needs. He conceptualized that once a specific need was satisfied, the motivation factor to meet that need decreased and the focus moved to the next need in the hierarchy. This became know as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and was constructed in the form of a pyramid, which reflects the fundamental importance of each need. Starting from base upward they are as follows: Physiological needs, which are required to sustain life (health, air, food and sleep.) Safety needs involve employment, home, medical, and finances. Social needs include love, affection, and a sense of belonging.
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Mental awareness and controlling stress levels are two important factors that affect our physical, mental or emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Esteem implicates self-respect, recognition, acceptance and esteem from others; Self-Actualization means the ability to achieve individual potential. He later adds three more needs by further exploring the aspects of esteem and selfactualization. These include: Understanding- the cognitive of academics, Aesthetic Beauty- the emotional need of the artist and Transcendence- helping others to achieve their potential. Although Maslow’s Hierarchical model is just one of many theories associated with human needs and may not be reflective of different cultures it gives us insight into what can inspire and motivate our physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Webster’s New World College Dictionary 4th edition defines wellness as the condition of being healthy or sound while another source states it is a balance of mind, body and spirit. Mental wellness or health reflects a positive level of
cognitive and emotional well-being in the absence of mental illness. So, how do we obtain and sustain this type of mind set when our lives are filled with stress, disappointments, and disaster? First, we must understand what occurs both physically and emotionally during episodes of increased stress. It is also important to be able to identify certain triggers that might prompt us to counteract or neutralize the potential effect of the unforeseen occurrences.
day activities at work, at home and even in our social life. Physical and or psychological behavioral changes may occur. Many illnesses or disease processes can be directly impacted as a result of stress (fears, uncertainty, attitude, change, trauma, disaster or our perceptions). Physical conditions may be present themselves in the form of high blood pressure, heart disease, cardio-vascular disease, ulcers, asthma, headaches, chronic anxiety, depression, and allergies. Likewise, the associated signs and symptoms may be displayed in the form of chronic colds/flu, insomnia, sore muscles, stomach problems, skin eruptions, weight gain, weight loss and the inability to concentrate. Mental breakdown may be seen as addictive or destructive behavior leading to abuse of others or self-directed violence such as suicide.
Secondly, be aware that your attitude impacts how you respond to a given situation. Stress is a natural occurring reaction and our response is directly correlated with how well we are able to meet the need or demands we are faced with. The positive aspects of stress are necessary to “The best way to manage help us thrive and become Emotional or mental concerns stress is to channel it into successful. It can promote are widespread and, according a more positive direction in self-empowerment, increase to The Centers for Medicare order to control it. Be mindful energy levels, and generate a and Medicaid the tendency sense of well-being. Examples that some situations may take for suicide can be reduced may include: meeting if depression and anxiety longer to resolve or accept deadlines, making tough are treated. Furthermore, in than others.” decisions under pressure, 2006 Medicaid provided 58 increased job performance, performing incredible feats million adults and children in the United States alone with such as moving an extremely heavy object during a crisis some form of mental services or support. What is disturbing or survival following a catastrophe. Thirdly, the negative is the number of undiagnosed cases and the rate at which we aspects of stress can limit our effectiveness; promote selfcope when dealing with stress. Unfortunately, destructive defeat, bring about irritability or anger, and generate a sense behavior or addictive behavior seem to prevail. The Centers of impending doom. Finally, stress left untreated can worsen for Disease Control web site contains the National suicide and lead to exacerbation of physical illnesses or pre-existing statistics and prevention strategies. Likewise, the USA mental conditions. When stress is balanced, we are at our National Suicide web site provides and array of resources optimal level of motivation. A quote from the book Attitude: http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html. An Inspirational Guide to Redefining Your Body, Your Health, and Your Outlook, by Victoria Johnson states: “It’s The best way to manage stress is to channel it into a more not what happens to you in life; it’s how you think about positive direction in order to control it. Be mindful that what happens that really matters.” some situations may take longer to resolve or accept than others. Start by managing your emotions rather than reacting Mental awareness and controlling stress levels are two to them and managing your health without relying on important factors that affect our physical, mental or artificial means, if possible. For a more optimal outcome emotional, and spiritual wellness. You may ask, “Why try these Tips on Managing Stress: Learn to say no to should this matter?” (I can handle my stress.) When stress added responsibilities when possible or delegate, prioritize is unresolved or constant, it can interfere with our day-totasks and focus on one at a time to defer feelings of being ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 15
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The American Academy of Family Physicians definition acknowledges that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected and each can influence the health of the others.
overwhelmed or anxious and develop a support system. Techniques include: practice breathing, avoid unnecessary changes in your life if possible, quiet your mind (meditate), face your stressor courageously and resist the temptation to ignore it, review past successes and inventory your coping responses; take action and commit to a course of action, take time daily for self (listening to music, reading walking, exercising and gardening) get enough sleep, maintain a wholesome diet, take the time to laugh, shift to positive thoughts and live in the present. The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there with to be content”. Spiritual health can be defined as the health state of your innermost self. The American Academy of Family Physicians definition acknowledges that the body, mind and spirit are interconnected and each can influence the health of the others. Spirituality, on the other hand, can be found in various forms based on different belief systems. Some cultures believe that these beliefs have contributed to positive medical outcomes that are measurable and leave them with a sense of well-being. Spirituality has also been linked to a more optimal outcome related to the coping process associated with illness, decisions associated with physician recommendations, and end of life choices. In addition, when assessing our spiritual health we can be motivated by such words as hope, positive outlook, forgiveness, self-acceptance, purposefulness, clear values, peace and meditation. Spiritual atrophy, includes words such as emptiness, anxiety, selfjudgment, conflicting values and need for self improvement, which can be paired with the negative aspects of stress.
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References https://cmsa.personaladvantage.com/content?cat=1000 0010&sub=10000245&cn http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mental_health http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/ articles/650.html http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0101/p81.html http://www.answers.com/topic/behavioral-change http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/ statistics/aag.html#1 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MHS/ http://www.medicinenet.com/stress/article.htm http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net http://www.nwtmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow http://www.surgeongeneral.gov http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management https://www.uiu.edu/current_students/services/rec_ wellness/spirituality Agnes M. and Guralnik D. Webster’s New World College Dictionary (4th edition), 2000 Johnson Victoria: Attitude: An Inspirational Guide to Redefining Your Body, Your Health and Your Outlook. Penguin Books.1993; pp. 1:5 Other reference: Mental Health American Resource Center 1-800-9696642 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-Talk (8255) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Information Line 1-800-232-4636
This overview helps us to understand the relationship that exists between our body, our mind and our spirit in conjunction with their potential effects on one another. In closing, let us remember to manage our stress and give “praise” in spite of our challenges. “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continuously be in my mouth.” Psalms 34:1.
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Miracles & Blessings by Pamela Steward
“We complain about our shoes When some people don’t have no feet We complain about no money But still the Lord does feed For when I think about the things I want Not the things God knows I really need There are miracles and blessings for me” “We need to trust God more and learn to love him more And believe and keep the faith in what we cannot see For when I think about the things I want Not the things God knows I really need There are miracles and blessings for me.” Those are the words from the song “Miracles and Blessings “by Gaye Arbuckle. The words of this song resound in my spirit. Most of the time, we don’t experience the miracles and blessings that are stored up just for us because we fail to walk in OUR DESTINY. God has assigned people, resources, promotions and money to us. But these things cannot be released because we are not walking in, or even toward, our divine design or purpose. God created us to do great things. He has also provided the means for us to fulfill our assigned destiny. We are created beings made from a divine design. The one thing that keeps us from accomplishing great feats is self-doubt. Often we see miracles as supernatural healings. Miracles are super natural. But they are not limited to only healings. It is God putting His super on our natural. When we identify, embrace, and move in our natural abilities and allow God to put His super on it, we can experience miracles. Remember, miracles are events that only happen by divine intervention. Why did he, she or you get the job or the promotion with less or no formal education? Where did the money come from to start that business venture, especially when it did not add up on paper? What moved the anonymous donor to give just the amount needed to fund your dream? Why was
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Michael Jackson a superstar? Why is Bill Gates a wealthy man? Why is Barack Obama president? How did Oprah Winfrey surpass Donahue? Remember him? The answer is simple. They did what was natural for them to do, but what they did also required faith and imitative. Miracles or divine interventions were activated and released because someone actively, deliberately, and intentionally walked into their purpose. Now take time to be introspective. What comes natural for you? What can you do in your sleep, with your eyes closed, and hands tied behind your back? What have or can you do to make it profitable to do? We are all ordinary people who can do extraordinary things when we trust God and His design and assignment for our life. He has so many Miracles and Blessings just for us. Are you ready for the release? Lord, it is our prayer that you will guide us as we begin to embrace and actively walk in our purpose. Give us the passion to aggressively develop our natural abilities so we can be a blessing to the Kingdom. Lord, we praise you for all that you have invested in us and for trusting us with awesome abilities to change lives, in Jesus Name Miracles and blessing to you, Pam
Gospel Music/Artists
On Sale Now at SpinnStreet Music Yolanda Simpson &# % $')&% ) * $+) '(& + ( )&% -( * ( % ' ( &($ % (* )* - &) %)' ( * &% # $ )) ) * ## * 3 ,&() & funk, hip-hop, and soul. With songs like I Wanna Be Right and I Need to Know, Yolanda offers heartfelt lyrics that are just as hard-hitting ) ( +%"/ ( /* $) &# % ) ( ) ( $+) ) * ( * * # %") * ) +# ( -&(# *& * % &$ & & ( &%, * &% ) *& '(&, '(& &+% %* ( */ % 0 1 *& %)' ( * &% # $+) &# % - ) &(% % # , # % & % ( ) % ( ( % ' ( %*)2 )$ ## %% ( */ +( - ( ) % #&, &( & % $+) &# % # * ( $&, *& % # -&& # &(% - ( ) % *& ( * $+) , % % ( *#/ %3+ % / (* )*) # " # ")&% ( % $ ) (&-% + # % $/ % &)' # ( * ( $$&%
For bookings, contact: TND Marketing & Mgmt., LLC (214) 514-2926 tndimension@gmail.com
&# % $')&% # * ( $&, *& ## ) . ) - * , ) &% *& ( * ' *- % ) +# ( % ( )* % $+) &$'&) ) $+) &( % , + # ' ( &($ % (* )*) % #+ % )&#& $& '(&! *) % &$'&) * &%) &( % ' ( &($ % ) , % ) ( *& *&+ * &$$+% */ - * ( ( ** % $ )) ) &# % $')&% #)& ' ( &($) # , &% * #& # ) % % ## ) &# % $')&% )' ( ) *& ) ( her own musical inspiration worldwide, and likewise hopes to compose music for other contemporary artists and organizations on a global scale. MUSIC ALBUM PRODUCTION CAIPE, Inc CAIPE, Inc
CAIPE Kids World Music CD, Edition 1 CAIPE Kids World Music CD, Edition 2
2002 2003
Completed instrumental compilations for all music tracks on both of these preschool curriculum albums. The project required the composition of world and new age music sounds for children’s creative exploration. Signet Productions
The Verge
2008
Composed and performed all vocal and instrumental arrangements on album compilation. Produced, mixed, and mastered compilation for worldwide distribution. TELEVISED AND THEATRICAL MUSIC PROJECTS Word of Life Christian Fellowship The Voice of Faith Televised Broadcast
2006
Completed the musical title sequence for this faith based televised local broadcast, which aired weekly in Southern California. Word of Life Christian Fellowship
“The Love Fable�
2006
Completed all instrumental compilations for this staged musical production. The project required the composition of pop, hip-hop, and soul instrumental arrangements for theatrical performance. The Vine Church (HK)
“The Secret of the Manger�
2008
Completed instrumental revisions for a Hong Kong based musical production. The project required the inclusion of additional instrumental tracks on previously made music scores for theatrical performance.
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Credits 2010 2009 2009 2009 2007 2007 2006 2005-2006 2005-2006 2005 2004-2006 2004-2005 2004
ML King Luncheon—Belo Mansion Dallas Bar Association
Bishop & Doc “Wedding” Stephanie & Michael — A Musical Celebration John Legand “The Potter’s House Choir” Jimmy Thomas Ministries “Forgiven Tour” Worship Team Open Door Ministries Prayer Conference Evangelist Pat Willie Conference Host/ Worship Leader BAACC Summit VII/ Guest Psalmist Global Day of Prayer (Dallas Convention Center)/ Soloist For Men Only Conference T.D. Jakes Ministries Worship Team “Potter’s House Live” in Africa Recording Mega-Fest Worship Team T.D. Jakes Ministries Guest Appearance Potter’s House Choir TBN PHASE Singles Conference/ Music Director “Power of Love Drama” Potter’s House” Bishop T.D. Jakes Pastor
Composer\Arranger * Poet * Musician * Producer * Vocalist *
Elder Kerry Brinkley is a motivated, personable Musician and licensed/ ordained minister at the Potter’s House Church Dallas, TX (Bishop T.D. Jakes Sr. Pastor). With well over 26 years of experience in all levels of music and leadership. Elder Brinkley is flexible and versatile. He has a gift to establishing foundations which provide stability while encouraging an atmosphere that is adaptable, progressive, And on the cutting edge in building excellence for growth throughout the body of Christ. Elder Kerry Brinkley flows in a genre that ranges from traditional to contemporary, infusing a vibe of R&B, jazz, and gospel, with a flavor of neo-soul. A Minister of Music, Praise & Worship Leader, & Music Director over several plays and choirs, he currently serves as an Elder and in the Music and Fine Arts department of the Praise & Worship team Josiah and the Grammy-Award winning Potter’s House Choir. He prides himself on the philosophy that, “Music should be more than just empty words and scattered notes. It should have meaning, and flow into an experience…” He desires that you embrace the Anointing with a refreshed, strengthened, and be renewed through the love and peace of Christ Jesus.
*Songwriter *
Biography
For booking information contact: Will Odom TND Marketing & Mgt., LLC (214) 514-2926 ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 21
ConsiderThis...
Like A GOOD
NEIGHBOR
By Vanderbilt Brabson III
Several years ago, my brother and I traveled to Detroit, Michigan to move our great aunt and uncle, Gaynell and Fred to Knoxville, Tennessee where we lived. Doretha, my wife, and I primarily assisted the two, preparing many of their meals, running their errands, and transacting their business under the direction of my great aunt because her husband was in the early stages of Alzheimer. Eventually, due to his deteriorating mental state, his wife placed him into a nursing home where he could receive around the clock care. 24 | Spring 2010
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A few years later, my aunt requested we place her into a nursing home, as well. Although her mind was still very sharp at the age of ninety-one, her body had grown very feeble. One evening, Doretha and I were attending one of our children’s basketball games when I received a call informing me Aunt Gaynell had been rushed to the to the hospital. There, the attending physician explained to me just how critically ill my aunt was as she lay there unconscious upon a gurney. He left me alone with my unconscious aunt, and I began praying on her behalf. After a while she screamed out, “My neck, Lord, my neck! My neck, Lord, my neck,” she repeated, still not opening her eyes. I took some folded towels and placed them gently under her neck to give her better support. She said, “Thank you, Lord!” Within minutes, again she screamed out, with her eyes still closed, “I need to spit, Lord, I need to spit!” I took some paper towels, wet them and cleaned out her mouth. She repeated that once more and again I cleaned out her mouth. Although Aunt Gaynell never became lucid that particular evening, her vitals eventually did stabilize, and the attending physician moved her to a room.
dom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” In Luke 10:31-37, we see an account of a lawyer attempting to match wits with Jesus Christ by asking Jesus to define exactly who our neighbor is. Jesus answered by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. After finishing the parable Jesus asked the lawyer which of the three—the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan was neighbor to the injured traveler? The lawyer had no choice but to admit publicly that neither the priest nor the Levite acted in the injured man’s best interest, but it was the Samaritan alone who showed him mercy, and therefore he had been the true neighbor to the injured man.
Only God knows what lies ahead in our path, and only God can guide us around hurt, harm, and danger.
As I shared this story with my wife and our four children in our weekly, “around-the-kitchen table” Bible study and devotion, Van’esha, our youngest daughter, who was nine years old at the time, looked at me and asked, “Daddy, why didn’t you tell Aunt Gaynell you weren’t the Lord?” I smiled and said, sweetie, Aunt Gaynell was unconscious the whole time I was there but, in a sense, it was the Lord doing those things for her—He was just doing them through me. And in a sense I was doing those things for the Lord—I was just doing them through her. Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-40 (KJV) “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king-
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Who then is our neighbor? According to Jesus’ parable, someone has rightly said… “Our neighbor is anyone who has a need that we see (irrespective of their race, creed, economic background), and we have the wherewithal to meet that person’s need.” In a real sense, no one has been a better neighbor to mankind than Jesus Christ who came to our rescue when mankind, like the injured man in Jesus’ parable, was left for dead—battered and bruised along life’s highway by the devil, the ultimate thief and arch enemy of our souls
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(John 10:10a). Shouldn’t we follow Jesus’ example and be a good neighbor to those in need around us. We are a nation that has been blessed with much, and to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). In January of this year an earthquake devastated Haiti, leaving anywhere between 150,000 to 200,000 dead and 1.5 million people homeless, depending on which source you read. In February another earthquake registering a magnitude of 8.8, killed over 700 people in Chile. Reports say that more than 1,000,000 Chileans were affected and at least 500,000 homes severely damaged by the mammoth temblor. And here locally, in our communities, along our streets, and even within our own families are hurting people, destitute, and in need of assistance. Of course the easy thing to do is just sit back and let someone else assist and give of their time and resources, but this is not what Jesus Christ has called or empowered you and me to do. He has called us to be His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and to serve as beacons of light in this spiritually dark world around us (Matthew 5:16). We are never more like Jesus than when we are reaching out to others on His behalf.
parable clearly revealed their behavior was unacceptable. When it comes to being the kind of neighbor Jesus was speaking of in His parable, how is your attitude? Remember, the wounded man was just a topic of conversation to the lawyer. To the priest and Levite, the wounded man was a problem to be avoided. To the bandits, the wounded man was just someone else to exploit. To the innkeeper, the wounded man was just another customer which meant money in his pocket. To the Samaritan, the wounded man was someone who needed his compassion and care.
In a real sense, no one has been a better neighbor to mankind than Jesus Christ who came to our rescue when mankind, like the injured man in Jesus’ parable, was left for dead— battered and bruised along life’s highway by the arch enemy of our souls
Let’s learn what it really means to be a good neighbor from Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan; otherwise, we may find ourselves missing out on our blessing to be a blessing to someone in need. Oftentimes, it is not the fear of danger but our indifference which keeps us from getting involved and helping others. To fail to be compassionate is to fail to be Christ-like (1 John 3:17). True compassion is not hidden away in our hearts but manifested in our lives. Both the Priest and the Levite may have inwardly pitied the wounded man, but because their pity did not result in an act of compassion, Jesus’
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–-And to Jesus, each of us was worth dying for. Like a good neighbor, let’s reach out to the hurting around us. “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” Martin Luther
Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation, developed the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, and taught that salvation is not from good works but a free gift of God, received only by grace through faith in Jesus as redeemer from sin. © March 2010 Vanderbilt Brabson III, Author ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Ms. Nickelberry, Thanks for your support of our Summer Camp 2010 program. We appreciate your time and dedication to the ministry. Below is a copy of the ad we would like to post in your extraordinary “Ordinary People” magazine. Please feel free to contact us @ 901-491-6403 or 791-9583 if you have any questions or concerns with the ad. Pastor Andrew & Shirley Perpener
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Psalm 34
Words of Inspiration I
will bless the Lord at all times:
his praise shall continually be in
my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall
hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord,
and he heard me, and delivered me
from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their
faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth
round about them that fear him, and
delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man
that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to
them that fear him.
of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh
The young lions do lack, and suffer
unto them that are of a broken heart;
shall not want any good thing. Come,
spirit. Many are the afflictions of the
teach you the fear of the Lord. What
out of them all. He keepeth all his
many days, that he may see good?
shall slay the wicked: and they that
lips from speaking guile. Depart from
The Lord redeemeth the soul of his
pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are
in him shall be desolate. (KJV)
open unto their cry. The face of the
A Psalm of David, when he changed
hunger: but they that seek the Lord
and saveth such as be of a contrite
ye children, hearken unto me: I will
righteous: but the Lord delivereth him
man is he that desireth life, and loveth
bones: not one of them is broken. Evil
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy
hate the righteous shall be desolate.
evil, and do good; seek peace, and
servants: and none of them that trust
upon the righteous, and his ears are
Lord is against them that do evil, to
cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the
Lord heareth, and delivereth them out
his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. (KJV)
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