I collaborated with Chester Higgins, award-winning photographer and a longtime shooter for the New York Times, to produce this inspiring portfolio. The original concept I pitched was a bit edgier, but what we ultimately delivered for Essence was on-brand for the book. Tamara Jeffries delivered the text. Editing them both was a very rewarding experience.
Erlinda Mirafuentes-Dela Cruz was born and raised Catholic, becoming a nun in 1979. She spent 14 years as a nun but felt spiritually empty. She met a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo who invited her to their worship services. After attending several times and studying their doctrines, she realized they held the true teachings of the Bible. She was officially released from her vows as a nun in 1994 and was baptized into the Iglesia Ni Cristo later that year, finding the spiritual fulfillment she had been seeking. She prays that other religious figures may also find the true teachings in the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
The document discusses the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church. It states that Confirmation strengthens the work of the Holy Spirit begun in Baptism and calls the person to accept a sense of mission to spread the teachings of Jesus. It describes how all baptized Catholics should receive Confirmation if they desire it and are properly instructed. It explains that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities should also be encouraged to receive the sacrament. The rituals and symbols of Confirmation are explained, including anointing with chrism, renewal of baptismal promises, and laying on of hands. The effects of Confirmation are said to help the individual become more united with Christ and give special strength through the gifts of
Chuck Swindoll discusses how grace awakened in his marriage to Cynthia over 40 years ago and transformed their relationship. Early in their marriage, Chuck struggled with jealousy, controlling behavior, and having difficulty extending grace to Cynthia as he did others. Over time, as Chuck relied more on God's grace and treated Cynthia with grace, respect, acceptance and as an equal partner, their marriage blossomed. Grace has continued to strengthen their marriage for over 60 years and allowed Insight for Living Ministries to flourish.
Confirmation, Holy Spirit, Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, Rite of Confirmation, Celebration of the Sacrament, anointed, Sacrament of Confirmation, Sacrament
The document contains profiles of six candidates for the vestry of Restoration Church. It provides brief biographical information on each candidate, including their background, experience, passions, and vision for the church.
First Quarter Assessments for periods 2, 5 and 6 are due. Various student groups presented on topics related to church leadership, including the roles of deacons, priests and bishops. Apostolic succession and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) were also discussed.
The document discusses the author's religious upbringing as a devoted Christian and their journey to developing a more open mind towards other religions. As the author learned more about different faiths through research and interacting with people of various beliefs, they began to critically think about assumptions made in Christianity and question whether the story of God and Satan could be more complex. The author speculates on alternative possibilities for the relationship between God and Satan based on only getting one side of the story in the Bible. They have come to see value in exploring multiple religions and maintaining an open mind rather than adhering strictly to one faith.
Erlinda Mirafuentes-Dela Cruz was born and raised Catholic, becoming a nun in 1979. She spent 14 years as a nun but felt spiritually empty. She met a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo who invited her to their worship services. After attending several times and studying their doctrines, she realized they held the true teachings of the Bible. She was officially released from her vows as a nun in 1994 and was baptized into the Iglesia Ni Cristo later that year, finding the spiritual fulfillment she had been seeking. She prays that other religious figures may also find the true teachings in the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
The document discusses the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church. It states that Confirmation strengthens the work of the Holy Spirit begun in Baptism and calls the person to accept a sense of mission to spread the teachings of Jesus. It describes how all baptized Catholics should receive Confirmation if they desire it and are properly instructed. It explains that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities should also be encouraged to receive the sacrament. The rituals and symbols of Confirmation are explained, including anointing with chrism, renewal of baptismal promises, and laying on of hands. The effects of Confirmation are said to help the individual become more united with Christ and give special strength through the gifts of
Chuck Swindoll discusses how grace awakened in his marriage to Cynthia over 40 years ago and transformed their relationship. Early in their marriage, Chuck struggled with jealousy, controlling behavior, and having difficulty extending grace to Cynthia as he did others. Over time, as Chuck relied more on God's grace and treated Cynthia with grace, respect, acceptance and as an equal partner, their marriage blossomed. Grace has continued to strengthen their marriage for over 60 years and allowed Insight for Living Ministries to flourish.
Confirmation, Holy Spirit, Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, Rite of Confirmation, Celebration of the Sacrament, anointed, Sacrament of Confirmation, Sacrament
The document contains profiles of six candidates for the vestry of Restoration Church. It provides brief biographical information on each candidate, including their background, experience, passions, and vision for the church.
First Quarter Assessments for periods 2, 5 and 6 are due. Various student groups presented on topics related to church leadership, including the roles of deacons, priests and bishops. Apostolic succession and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) were also discussed.
The document discusses the author's religious upbringing as a devoted Christian and their journey to developing a more open mind towards other religions. As the author learned more about different faiths through research and interacting with people of various beliefs, they began to critically think about assumptions made in Christianity and question whether the story of God and Satan could be more complex. The author speculates on alternative possibilities for the relationship between God and Satan based on only getting one side of the story in the Bible. They have come to see value in exploring multiple religions and maintaining an open mind rather than adhering strictly to one faith.
Michael Hogan is interning at the Kayenta Church of Christ in Kayenta, Arizona to help strengthen church leadership and make the church self-sufficient. He has taken over teaching the teen Sunday school class and two students, Titus and Darian, are close to being baptized with encouragement. A new member, Tracy, was recently baptized but is struggling with his ex-wife and being a role model to his son. The church also held two successful outreach events, a laundry outreach where they paid for people's laundry and shared their faith, and a four-day adult bible camp that was spiritually uplifting for 80-120 people.
Venerable Thich Nu Tri Thuan was born in 1945 in Vietnam and helped the poor from a young age. In 1963, she had dreams telling her to leave Vietnam, and was later adopted by an American family. In 1985, she went to France to study Buddhism and was ordained as a Bikhuni in 1989. That year, she went to India and courageously established the Linh Son temple in Kushinagar. Over 25 years, she built up the temple facilities and used it as a base to provide humanitarian aid like schools, food, medical care, and disaster relief to over 5000 poor children and families. Her current project is building a New-Born Buddha statue in Nepal to promote peace.
This document discusses the pursuit of perfection and spiritual maturity. It argues that we should not consider ourselves perfect or fully mature, but instead constantly strive to improve. We are advised to forget past mistakes, press on toward spiritual goals, and embrace humility, as God opposes the proud but favors the humble. The pursuit of perfection can never fully be achieved in this life, but we can continually grow in Christian character.
This newsletter provides information about upcoming events for the AYS youth group at Mt. Olive SDA Church. It highlights the spiritual growth goals for the new year and two young adults who have achieved educational milestones - Shakirah Reynolds earned her Ed.S degree and Kelley Dunson was accepted to the nursing program at Oakwood University. It encourages signing up to pray for the youth and updates on AYS can be found on their Facebook page.
The document discusses the importance of frequent confession according to Catholic teachings. Over numerous popes and councils spanning centuries, the Catholic Church has consistently taught that frequent confession is necessary for spiritual growth and holiness. While the practice of frequent confession has declined in recent times, the Church believes it must be emphasized again through preaching about the need for it and making the sacrament readily available. A return to frequent confession is seen as key to reversing religious and moral problems and ushering in a new springtime for the Church.
This document provides the personal testimony and research of Bonnie M. Egglehand about overcoming homosexuality through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It acknowledges help received from various pastors, ministers, and churches. The platform expresses that surrendering to God's love, forgiveness and acceptance allows one to receive their true identity in Christ. Speaking words of faith while submitting to God, repenting and forgiving can bring breakthrough from defilements and inner pain. True freedom comes from settling issues of the heart through faith in God's control and provision through Jesus.
Mysterious "Woman upon a Beast" in Book of Revelation Chapter 17, in myths & ...Nirmal Nathan
Who is this mysterious ‘woman upon a beast’ in chapter 17 of the Book of Revelation? More to it than meets the eye, than a mere coincidence between Semiramis, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Ishtar, Estre, Anat, Isis, Venus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Anana, Parvati, Durga, Madonna, Women on beast in Europe....... Which one is the original Mary, mother of Jesus Christ? The identity of mystery woman upon a beast!
This document announces a women's conference called "Gifted Wailing Women Committed to a Life Changing Purpose". It provides details about the event such as date, time, location, guest speakers, and contact information. Brief biographies are given for many of the guest speakers, most of whom are pastors, evangelists, or prophets. The purpose of the event is to empower and encourage women through spiritual teachings and workshops.
The Personal Testimony of James Eugene Barbush, April 21, 2021JAMES EUGENE BARBUSH
James struggled for years trying to change through the Catholic Church but found no lasting change. He began reading the Bible on his own and attending a Methodist church where he heard the Gospel message. This led him to accept Jesus Christ as his savior, realizing his salvation was an event not a process. He was married in the Methodist church and has since pursued Bible study and serving God.
James struggled for years trying to change through the Catholic Church but kept sinning. He began reading the Bible on his own and attending a Methodist church, where he heard the Gospel message and began to understand salvation. Though he didn't have a clear moment of conversion, Marianna's testimony helped him realize it likely occurred in 1977-1978 at a Christian dinner. James now understands salvation is an event, not a process, and he has grown in his faith since that time.
heaven's visions shown to me that led me to True Parentswinny cayme
This document provides a first-person account of the author's spiritual journey through different religions until finding the Unification Church. Some key points:
- As a student, the author was introduced to the Mormon faith but had a dream telling him "no religion can save you except yourself."
- The author later joined the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) group on campus and was invited to attend a 4-day Divine Principle seminar.
- At the seminar, the author learned about the Principle of Creation, which combined science and religion in a way they had not heard before. This solidified their growing faith.
- By the end of the seminar
The document provides information on spirituality for family life ministers. It defines spirituality as a conscious relationship with God through practices that foster Christian discipleship. It emphasizes that spirituality involves being in community and realizing one's identity as a beloved child of God through baptism. It also discusses developing a personal rule of life through contemplative practices and devotions to guide one's spiritual growth in a balanced way. The document provides resources for family life ministers to cultivate their spirituality.
Cindy Darnell shares that she came to faith 14 years ago after experiencing a fullness in her chest while visiting a church. Over the next 4 years, as God showed patience, she explored Christianity and became convinced that Jesus is Lord, being baptized in 2002. She has grown in her faith through small groups, mission teams, Bible study, and fellowship. She hopes to serve Restoration by thinking strategically and empowering others. Her prayer is for Restoration to be a place of authentic relationships where people can find restoration and be challenged to better reflect God's image.
This document provides information about various Catholic Christian practices, including the seven sacraments, liturgical worship like the Mass, the funeral rite, types of prayer, popular piety such as the rosary and stations of the cross, pilgrimage, Catholic social teaching, and mission and evangelism. It defines each topic, provides examples, and explains their importance for Catholics today in strengthening their faith and connection to God.
St. Jude Thaddeus was a relative of Jesus who became one of the twelve apostles. He preached throughout Galilee, Samaria and Judea and helped establish the Church of the East in Mesopotamia. St. Jude wrote a letter to encourage Christians facing persecution. He was martyred around 65 AD for his faith. Devotees visit his remains in Rome and invoke his intercession for hopeless cases due to his steadfast faith. The document shares several testimonials of people attributing miraculous recoveries from illness, addiction, and anxiety to praying the Novena to St. Jude.
6 Tasks of Catechesis and the New Religion Curriculum: Catechesis Comprises Six Fundamental Tasks: Knowledge of the Faith, Liturgical Education, Moral Formation,Teaching to Pray, Education for Community Life,
Missionary Initiation
The document provides guidance for new members of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, outlining why people join churches, emphasizing the importance of receiving the spirit of the pastor in order to work effectively with their vision, and describing the pastoral leadership structure and expectations for member involvement and service.
The document contains biographies of six candidates for the vestry of Restoration Anglican Church. Each biography summarizes the candidate's spiritual journey and background, and expresses their vision and priorities if elected to the vestry. Key details include Cameron Doolittle growing up in an Oregon church plant and now having four children with his wife Carolyn. Elizabeth Boesen describes her conversion through Alpha and leading small groups. Christine Jones shares moving from a non-Christian home to loving teaching Sunday school. Cindy Darnell's faith growth through Bible study and mission teams. Anne Cregger Patterson's search for God until age 31. Ramsey Wilson remaining nominally Christian until age 32 when God grabbed hold of him.
Looking Back and Moving Forward by Thomas S. MonsonThomas S. Monson
The document summarizes Thomas S. Monson's address to the Latter-day Saints during the Church's General Conference in May 2008. In 3 sentences:
President Monson looks back on his ancestry and service in the Church. He expresses gratitude for those who have gone before and calls members to continue moving forward in unity doing the Lord's work. He testifies of God's love and of Jesus Christ, and promises to lead the Church through revelation as the new President.
Designed, edited, and published this 24-page commemorative booklet including all ads for St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cedarburg, WI in the fall of 2014.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a best friend:
- Trustworthy - You can share your deepest secrets and feelings with them knowing they won't betray your trust. Loyalty and discretion are important.
- Good listener - They are willing to listen without judgment when you need to talk through problems. They make you feel heard and understood.
- Fun and supportive - They enjoy spending time with you, participating in activities you both enjoy, and are there to cheer you on in both good and bad times.
- Similar values - While beliefs don't need to be identical, looking for someone who shares your core values like honesty, kindness, etc. helps ensure compatibility.
As for having friends of other
Michael Hogan is interning at the Kayenta Church of Christ in Kayenta, Arizona to help strengthen church leadership and make the church self-sufficient. He has taken over teaching the teen Sunday school class and two students, Titus and Darian, are close to being baptized with encouragement. A new member, Tracy, was recently baptized but is struggling with his ex-wife and being a role model to his son. The church also held two successful outreach events, a laundry outreach where they paid for people's laundry and shared their faith, and a four-day adult bible camp that was spiritually uplifting for 80-120 people.
Venerable Thich Nu Tri Thuan was born in 1945 in Vietnam and helped the poor from a young age. In 1963, she had dreams telling her to leave Vietnam, and was later adopted by an American family. In 1985, she went to France to study Buddhism and was ordained as a Bikhuni in 1989. That year, she went to India and courageously established the Linh Son temple in Kushinagar. Over 25 years, she built up the temple facilities and used it as a base to provide humanitarian aid like schools, food, medical care, and disaster relief to over 5000 poor children and families. Her current project is building a New-Born Buddha statue in Nepal to promote peace.
This document discusses the pursuit of perfection and spiritual maturity. It argues that we should not consider ourselves perfect or fully mature, but instead constantly strive to improve. We are advised to forget past mistakes, press on toward spiritual goals, and embrace humility, as God opposes the proud but favors the humble. The pursuit of perfection can never fully be achieved in this life, but we can continually grow in Christian character.
This newsletter provides information about upcoming events for the AYS youth group at Mt. Olive SDA Church. It highlights the spiritual growth goals for the new year and two young adults who have achieved educational milestones - Shakirah Reynolds earned her Ed.S degree and Kelley Dunson was accepted to the nursing program at Oakwood University. It encourages signing up to pray for the youth and updates on AYS can be found on their Facebook page.
The document discusses the importance of frequent confession according to Catholic teachings. Over numerous popes and councils spanning centuries, the Catholic Church has consistently taught that frequent confession is necessary for spiritual growth and holiness. While the practice of frequent confession has declined in recent times, the Church believes it must be emphasized again through preaching about the need for it and making the sacrament readily available. A return to frequent confession is seen as key to reversing religious and moral problems and ushering in a new springtime for the Church.
This document provides the personal testimony and research of Bonnie M. Egglehand about overcoming homosexuality through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It acknowledges help received from various pastors, ministers, and churches. The platform expresses that surrendering to God's love, forgiveness and acceptance allows one to receive their true identity in Christ. Speaking words of faith while submitting to God, repenting and forgiving can bring breakthrough from defilements and inner pain. True freedom comes from settling issues of the heart through faith in God's control and provision through Jesus.
Mysterious "Woman upon a Beast" in Book of Revelation Chapter 17, in myths & ...Nirmal Nathan
Who is this mysterious ‘woman upon a beast’ in chapter 17 of the Book of Revelation? More to it than meets the eye, than a mere coincidence between Semiramis, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Ishtar, Estre, Anat, Isis, Venus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Anana, Parvati, Durga, Madonna, Women on beast in Europe....... Which one is the original Mary, mother of Jesus Christ? The identity of mystery woman upon a beast!
This document announces a women's conference called "Gifted Wailing Women Committed to a Life Changing Purpose". It provides details about the event such as date, time, location, guest speakers, and contact information. Brief biographies are given for many of the guest speakers, most of whom are pastors, evangelists, or prophets. The purpose of the event is to empower and encourage women through spiritual teachings and workshops.
The Personal Testimony of James Eugene Barbush, April 21, 2021JAMES EUGENE BARBUSH
James struggled for years trying to change through the Catholic Church but found no lasting change. He began reading the Bible on his own and attending a Methodist church where he heard the Gospel message. This led him to accept Jesus Christ as his savior, realizing his salvation was an event not a process. He was married in the Methodist church and has since pursued Bible study and serving God.
James struggled for years trying to change through the Catholic Church but kept sinning. He began reading the Bible on his own and attending a Methodist church, where he heard the Gospel message and began to understand salvation. Though he didn't have a clear moment of conversion, Marianna's testimony helped him realize it likely occurred in 1977-1978 at a Christian dinner. James now understands salvation is an event, not a process, and he has grown in his faith since that time.
heaven's visions shown to me that led me to True Parentswinny cayme
This document provides a first-person account of the author's spiritual journey through different religions until finding the Unification Church. Some key points:
- As a student, the author was introduced to the Mormon faith but had a dream telling him "no religion can save you except yourself."
- The author later joined the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) group on campus and was invited to attend a 4-day Divine Principle seminar.
- At the seminar, the author learned about the Principle of Creation, which combined science and religion in a way they had not heard before. This solidified their growing faith.
- By the end of the seminar
The document provides information on spirituality for family life ministers. It defines spirituality as a conscious relationship with God through practices that foster Christian discipleship. It emphasizes that spirituality involves being in community and realizing one's identity as a beloved child of God through baptism. It also discusses developing a personal rule of life through contemplative practices and devotions to guide one's spiritual growth in a balanced way. The document provides resources for family life ministers to cultivate their spirituality.
Cindy Darnell shares that she came to faith 14 years ago after experiencing a fullness in her chest while visiting a church. Over the next 4 years, as God showed patience, she explored Christianity and became convinced that Jesus is Lord, being baptized in 2002. She has grown in her faith through small groups, mission teams, Bible study, and fellowship. She hopes to serve Restoration by thinking strategically and empowering others. Her prayer is for Restoration to be a place of authentic relationships where people can find restoration and be challenged to better reflect God's image.
This document provides information about various Catholic Christian practices, including the seven sacraments, liturgical worship like the Mass, the funeral rite, types of prayer, popular piety such as the rosary and stations of the cross, pilgrimage, Catholic social teaching, and mission and evangelism. It defines each topic, provides examples, and explains their importance for Catholics today in strengthening their faith and connection to God.
St. Jude Thaddeus was a relative of Jesus who became one of the twelve apostles. He preached throughout Galilee, Samaria and Judea and helped establish the Church of the East in Mesopotamia. St. Jude wrote a letter to encourage Christians facing persecution. He was martyred around 65 AD for his faith. Devotees visit his remains in Rome and invoke his intercession for hopeless cases due to his steadfast faith. The document shares several testimonials of people attributing miraculous recoveries from illness, addiction, and anxiety to praying the Novena to St. Jude.
6 Tasks of Catechesis and the New Religion Curriculum: Catechesis Comprises Six Fundamental Tasks: Knowledge of the Faith, Liturgical Education, Moral Formation,Teaching to Pray, Education for Community Life,
Missionary Initiation
The document provides guidance for new members of Hope Aglow Empowerment Center, outlining why people join churches, emphasizing the importance of receiving the spirit of the pastor in order to work effectively with their vision, and describing the pastoral leadership structure and expectations for member involvement and service.
The document contains biographies of six candidates for the vestry of Restoration Anglican Church. Each biography summarizes the candidate's spiritual journey and background, and expresses their vision and priorities if elected to the vestry. Key details include Cameron Doolittle growing up in an Oregon church plant and now having four children with his wife Carolyn. Elizabeth Boesen describes her conversion through Alpha and leading small groups. Christine Jones shares moving from a non-Christian home to loving teaching Sunday school. Cindy Darnell's faith growth through Bible study and mission teams. Anne Cregger Patterson's search for God until age 31. Ramsey Wilson remaining nominally Christian until age 32 when God grabbed hold of him.
Looking Back and Moving Forward by Thomas S. MonsonThomas S. Monson
The document summarizes Thomas S. Monson's address to the Latter-day Saints during the Church's General Conference in May 2008. In 3 sentences:
President Monson looks back on his ancestry and service in the Church. He expresses gratitude for those who have gone before and calls members to continue moving forward in unity doing the Lord's work. He testifies of God's love and of Jesus Christ, and promises to lead the Church through revelation as the new President.
Designed, edited, and published this 24-page commemorative booklet including all ads for St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Cedarburg, WI in the fall of 2014.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a best friend:
- Trustworthy - You can share your deepest secrets and feelings with them knowing they won't betray your trust. Loyalty and discretion are important.
- Good listener - They are willing to listen without judgment when you need to talk through problems. They make you feel heard and understood.
- Fun and supportive - They enjoy spending time with you, participating in activities you both enjoy, and are there to cheer you on in both good and bad times.
- Similar values - While beliefs don't need to be identical, looking for someone who shares your core values like honesty, kindness, etc. helps ensure compatibility.
As for having friends of other
Slides from a day-long retreat on Persistent Prayer for Benedictine Oblates at St Scholastica Monastery, Duluth MN. Include clickable links to video of Fr William Meninger from Souljourners.
Claire McIntosh is an award-winning writer and editor who has worked for publications such as Essence magazine, where she was the Deputy Editor. She is known for her intimate writing style on topics such as wealth building, relationships, and travel. Claire is also a sought-after speaker who has appeared on television and radio. In her personal life, she enjoys adventure travel and spending time with her family in New Jersey.
I assigned Newsweek\'s Johnnie Roberts to bring the complicated world of broadcasting mogul Cathy Hughes to light in this business profile for Essence. I give him high marks for shoe-leather reporting.
I met so many interesting women reporting this piece. I only wish we\'d had more edit pages to capture the inspiring tips they shared. So much ended up being trimmed for space. But Essence got some great feedback after running it as a top coverbilled story.
Kai Wright put together this timeline to commemorate the 25th anniversary of AIDS. I conceived it as part of a 4-part multimedia package for Essence. Kai taught me so much and I look forward to collaborating again.
Three corporate insiders and philanthropists who used their powerful positions in 2007 to transform their industries and revolutionize the world are profiled. This includes Ursula Burns, the first African-American woman president of Xerox Corp; Debra L. Lee, CEO of Black Entertainment Television who launched new programming; and Sheila Johnson, CEO of a hospitality company and WNBA team owner who initiated an effort with CARE to equip women to fight global poverty.
I collaborated with Tamara Holmes on this story dedicated to anyone who has ever had a loved one treat them as a personal ATM. Holmes really gets the "personal" side of personal finance, which is why I entrust her with money and career related assignments again and again.
On the 25th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS, I conceived and spearheaded this 360-degree look at what the disease has meant in the lives of African Americans. It was executed brilliantly by a team of Essence writers and won an industry award.
At midlife, she has reinvented herself as a rookie jockey and has won several key races despite a lifelong battle with bipolar disorder. I interviewed Sylvia as part of a package celebrating phenomenal women.
1. How We
Worship
“WE ARE A SACRED PEOPLE,” SAYS RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER CHESTER HIGGINS JR. OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS.
Our expressions of faith have sustained us for centuries. And for many of us, spirituality is as indelible a part of our identity as Black-
ness itself. Sisters in particular don our spiritual armor daily as naturally as we do our clothes. But as remarkable as our devotion is,
even more so is the diversity of spiritual traditions and practices we hold dear. Black women are Baptists and Buddhists. We pray in
megachurches, storefront churches, at work, in mosques, in solitude. In this photo essay shot exclusively for ESSENCE, Higgins in-
vites readers to journey to sacred realms both familiar and unexpected, as Black women like us provide a look at how they worship.
Photographs by Chester Higgins Jr.
Text by Tamara Jeffries
INSPIRED BY ISLAM
Benoit-Ahmed: Muslims pray five times a day. In the summer I wake up at a quarter to four to make the first prayer. At work, I find
a little corner to pray. That is the most sacred thing I do. When I pray, I’m doing what Allah asks of a Muslim. I’m showing I appre-
ciate that I’m so blessed. When I stop everything and take ten minutes to do midday salat, it gives me a moment of peace in the
middle of a busy day. After I pray, I sit for a few minutes in silence. I’m able to reflect on things that happened during the day and
work things through in my head. So it’s more than a spiritual practice; it’s a practical practice. Islam is my compass. It’s a way for
me to stay on the straight path. It’s what keeps me sane in an insane world and helps me to be a better Jo Ann.
Jo Ann Benoit-Ahmed I took my shahada—the profession of faith—during Ramadan, the holy month in which Muslims fast during the daylight hours.
lifting her hands in prayer, In the evenings, people gather to pray together, eat together. It was magical. I’d never been in such a community, where folks shared
or performing salat. the same spiritual goals. When I found them, I was like, Wow, this is what I’ve been longing for. .
238 E S S E N C E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 visit essence.com DECEMBER 2007 | ESSENCE 239
2. how we worship
A MIGHTY FLOCK OF FAITHFUL
Malissa Redmond, praise and worship leader (not pictured): My whole family was raised in Rugged Cross Baptist Church. It was
very close-knit; you knew everybody and everybody knew you. But I felt in my spirit that I needed more. When I started visiting Christ-
ian Cultural Center, I found that it filled that void in my life. At my old church, there were about 300 members. At CCC, we have more than
28,000. It was a definite change for me. But when I first came to CCC, I wasn’t coming to get to know anyone personally. I’ve always
known a lot of people. I was in dire need of ministry. For me this was actually a hiding place, a refuge.
As time went by, I realized that I was in the process of building a relationship with the church and making this my home. I thought, Okay,
how am I going to do this? There’s no way that you’re going to get to know everybody. It came as a revelation to me that as long as I re-
mained open and wasn’t afraid, God would bring the personal relationships that I needed to have.
This is an amazing place to experience God. Entering into the sanctuary when it’s full, there’s a sea of people. When service starts, Service at Christian
everyone focuses on what’s happening onstage. It’s amazing to see the ignition. Believers are ignited by the fire of the Holy Ghost to wor- Cultural Center,
ship, to weep, or to lift their hands in adoration and praise. Sometimes it sounds like a million people, even though it’s just thousands. . Brooklyn.
240 E S S E N C E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 visit essence.com
3. how we worship
Baptism of Artisha Arthur at
Cornerstone Baptist Church
in Brooklyn, by Pastor
Lawrence E. Aker III (left),
and Deacon Wade Mitchell.
CHILD OF GOD
Artisha: I’ve been loving the Lord and praising God all my life. As a baby, I was dedicated at Cornerstone Baptist Church in
Brooklyn. I’ve felt that Jesus Christ was my Lord and Savior since I was 7 years old, but I was a little too young to make the deci-
sion to be baptized. At 13, I’m old enough to make the decision for myself. I was really prepared and ready in my heart to make it
official—to let everyone know I had accepted Him. Baptism is when God changes your whole life and makes it clean and purified.
God kills the old you and brings you the new you. After I was baptized, I felt purified. It has made my heart fill with joy.
I’m in the eighth grade at New Grace Christian Center School. I’m looking at high schools now—public, private and Christian
schools. I know God will be with me wherever I go. When bad things come, I can stomp the devil out. I know that I’m in God’s hands.
Prayer helped me through a difficult time in my life. When my uncle was sick, I prayed that God would heal him from the crown
of his head to the soles of his feet. When he died, I prayed that God would bless him to make it to heaven with Him. After he passed
away, I felt sad a little bit at first. But I talked to God about it, and now I no longer feel sad. I praise God anyway. .
242 E S S E N C E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 visit essence.com DECEMBER 2007 | ESSENCE 243
4. how we worship
(Left to right) Monica Haynes-Wiggan at
Beth Shalom Hebrew Congregation in
Brooklyn, reading prayers of repentance with
Deborah Levy and Beryl Matthias Abubakar.
SHALOM
Haynes-Wiggan: Shalom—that’s Hebrew for peace. I am a Hebrew Israelite, de-
scendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I was born an Israelite—I just didn’t know it.
In the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy, The Most High God told us that if
we didn’t follow His laws, He would uproot us from our land and scatter us, and re-
turn us to slavery by way of ships. I believe that describes the African holocaust to
a T. I believe we are those Israelites, the descendants of Isaac.
My parents raised me as a Christian; I was in my thirties when I did my shuva—
which means to return to the laws of the Creator. When I learned about an Ethiopian
Hebrew congregation in Harlem, I said, “These are my people.” We worship es-
sentially the same way European Jews do. I keep the Sabbath. I go to synagogue.
I keep kosher. My favorite time of year is the festival of Sukkot. Five days after Yom
Kippur, we build a sukkah, a temporary dwelling that we live in for the next seven
days. [Sukkot commemorates the 40-year period during which the children of Is-
rael wandered the desert, living in temporary shelters.] I built mine myself in my
yard. The roof is bamboo because it has to be built so that you can see the sky. It
is so peaceful at night to look up and see the stars and moon and to meditate on
the Creator and His vast Creation. I love it.
Abubakar: You have some people who accept Black Israelites and some people
who don’t. I’ve experienced some prejudices over the years. Some of the White
Jews will ask, “How did you become this?” Sometimes I answer them and some-
times I just tell them to go read Deuteronomy. .
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5. how we worship
Cecilia Loving (far left),
lawyer, minister, praying
with 11 members of
Spiritmuv, the Prayer
Circle of Light.
SISTERS IN CHRIST
Loving: Paul said in Acts 17:28 that it is in God that we live and move and have our being. It’s the idea that there is no
separation between us and Spirit. That is where I got the whole concept of Spiritmuv.
At the circle, I talk about a particular topic to help provide some spiritual perspective. Others will share as well; some-
one may sing a song. We usually do a meditation or visualization, taking time to be still and to listen to Spirit. The beauti-
ful thing is that once you’re centered in that Spirit—gotten really still and quiet—the Spirit will speak to you in amazing ways.
We have journals and we record whatever Spirit says to us.
At the heart of the group is the Prayer Circle of Light. Depending on the needs of the people, we will actually surround
a person and pray. We may have a laying-on of hands. Through this circle we are able to come together and realize our
oneness with Spirit and reinforce our own belief that nothing is impossible when we are totally in alignment with the Spirit.
We can move ourselves out of the way and do what we are called to do. .
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6. how we worship
BUDDHA’S BLESSING
Letman: As a Nichiren Buddhist, I have an altar with a Gohonzon—a scroll inscribed
with Chinese and Sanskrit letters that symbolically depict Buddhahood. I chant at
my altar before I leave home every day. It can have a profound effect on how I per-
ceive things. For example, when I walk out of my door there may be a lot going on
in the street—the smell of the garbage trucks, the noise of sirens. A million different
things can happen. By the time I get to work, all these things can put me in a pretty
bad mood. But if something happens that upsets me, I try to learn something from
it rather than see it as a setback. My Buddhist practice has been instrumental in that.
Before I became a Buddhist, I was always in a state of anger. When I started chant-
ing, I started to transform my inner self and the way I perceived life. Through this
practice, I learned ways of seeing things that have helped me overcome my anger
and cynicism. I chant to center myself and maintain an unshakable happiness.
Obviously you can’t go through life without experiencing obstacles. Nichiren Bud-
dhists see these obstacles as a way to change negativity into something positive. [
Lauren Letman
chanting at the altar
in her home.
“our belief and faith is the glue that we humans use
to bond us to the holy spirit and one to another.”
—CHESTER HIGGINS JR.
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