Erica Campbell Shares Her Thoughts On Masturbation/Self-Pleasure

“Where does God go when you are self-pleasuring?” - Erica Campbell

In an interview featured on a national radio show, Gospel Singer Erica Campbell shared her thoughts on Masturbation.

DJ Envy: “You talked about self love, you talked about self pleasuring. And you said, ‘Where does God go when you’re self pleasuring?” 

Erica Campbell: “Where does He go? Somebody asked me the question, ‘Was it wrong, was it right?’ I know some churches say for the bruthas. ‘It’ll keep you from slipping up. Go ahead and handle yourself. I’ve heard some women say, ‘I take care of myself before I go out on a date.’”

"I think about purity and purity happens before the actual action of whatever you do. Whatever you watch, whatever you listen to, whatever you do with yourself. Your mind being a place of purity is very crucial. But I think in our society today, everything is sexualized. You could be selling chicken and there will be a pair of boobs there. It’s just everywhere. So I think guarding your mind and guarding your thoughts and treating sex and sexuality as something beautiful that God created that’s supposed to be beautiful and otherworldly and you come together with somebody and your lives come together. It’s not so cheap."

“I just don’t think it’s supposed to be done by yourself,”  “I got an amazing, fine, wonderful husband so I just don’t have to. I got a husband there. Now, I know for singles, it might be a different story, but there are married people who would just rather handle it themselves." "And I can’t imagine what your husband feels like. Now, I gotta compete with your toys. It’s too much.”

"That’s between you and God but I just think when you are trying to live a pure life, when you are trying to hold yourself and keep yourself, for this beautiful, special wonderful moment or life with a spouse, don’t lessen it. Don’t cheapen it."

“I’m not judging nobody. I’m just talking about what God created,” she adds. “And it’s always the enemy’s job to pervert it, to twist it, to corrupt it, to make it filthy. He gave us free will. We can choose Him or not. There is a way that is right. There is a way that is honoring God. And the scripture says, there is a way that seems right to man. That doesn’t mean that it lines up with God wants for you.” " And I feel like God’s plan is always a bigger, better, more awesome plan that we can’t see and we don’t understand but I believe there is greatness in that obedience, in that faith.”

What are your thoughts about self-pleasuring and Masturbation? Leave your comments in the comment section below and share them online with us on all social media networks @BOLDJournal

References:
https://madamenoire.com/1103775/erica-campbell-masturbation-is-not-pure/
https://thegrio.com/2019/10/04/erica-campbell-says-self-pleasure-is-not-pure-where-does-god-go-when-you-are-self-pleasuring/

#GivingTuesdayNow A Global Day Of Generosity

Tuesday May 5,  2020 is the official day to spread kindness toward vulnerable families struggling through COVID-19. You can find information about Giving Tuesday Now under the hashtags: #StrongerTogether #FeedtheChildren #GivingTuesdayNow

Giving Tuesday, a popular day of giving that usually follows the Thanksgiving holiday is presenting #GivingTuesdayNow an opportunity for everyone around the world to stand stronger together and unite to fight food insecurity and share hope. 

Join in the global day of generosity and unity!  People are coming together and giving back in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Join us as we share hope, food, and essentials to food-insecure families struggling today.

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people everywhere together. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a value anyone can act on. 

How are you sharing kindness today?
Visit the official website: https://now.givingtuesday.org/ to learn more.

Tyler Perry Pays Off Layaway Accounts For Christmas

Producer, Actor, Director Tyler Perry aimed to make sure more than a thousand strangers have a very merry Christmas this year.

He revealed on Instagram recently that he paid off all the items people had on layaway at a pair of Atlanta-area Walmarts as a Christmas surprise.

View this post on Instagram

I was trying to do this anonymously but oh well!!!

A post shared by Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) on Dec 6, 2018 at 10:42am PST

"I know it's hard times and a lot of people are struggling," Perry said in the video. "I'm just really really grateful to be able to be in a situation to do this. So God bless you. Go get your stuff."

The "Madea" star paid for all items that were registered on layaway through 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, telling people they only had to pay one penny when they went to pick them up.

Walmart said in a statement to TODAY:

"Tyler Perry’s generous donation is making an unbelievable difference for so many families, and we can’t thank him enough for his kindness,'' "The heartfelt excitement and joy we’re seeing from our customers as a result of his holiday gift has been touching."

Store Associates got to witness how amazing the power of generosity is BIG TIME. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving! Way to go Tyler Perry!

Read full post on today.com

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Atlanta Helps Launch New Youth Initiative

image source: kids get outside now

Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta metropolitan YMCA were apart of launching a new youth initiative by the U.S. Interior Department to get kids more active outside. The Event is launching nationwide. The city of Atlanta was among the first selected to participate. The official kick-off was last Saturday. 

The next step in the campaign is a community wide summit to be hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta to discuss new strategies and partnerships to help implement this program. The Program is a part of President Obama’s “Every Kid in the Park” Initiative. 

The Wade Walker Park Family YMCA in Stone Mountain will host a Healthy Kid's Day this month on the 25th at 11am. Check out the info below for more details and follow @BOLDJournal on twitter and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Subscribe to BOLD Journal's Bi-Weekly Newsletter

*Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Ayvani Perez Found Safe

County police Chief Greg Porter has confirmed with Channel 2 Action News that Ayvani Perez has been found alive.

Porter said Ayvani was found in Conyers and is in good condition, but is being evaluated. She has been reunited with her family.

Wildrego Jackson, 29, has been arrested and Juan Alberto Rodriguez, 40, have been arrested but investigators said they believe the two men pictured in the sketches released Tuesday remain at large. Police have not determined any relationship between Ayvani and the men involved in her abduction.

Porter said the suspects were captured "through hard core police work."

“I want to thank the community as a whole for supporting the Clayton County Police Department and all the collaborations between the agencies,” Porter said.

A Levi's Call alert was posted for Ayvani, 14, who authorities said was abducted from her family's Ellenwood home Tuesday about 2 a.m. 

via WSBTV

Gov. Rick Perry Dedicates $130 Million Campus of Texas Church

Texas Gov. Rick Perry dedicated the new $130 million campus of First Baptist Church of Dallas, led by Pastor Robert Jeffress, on Sunday.

"Let me add my profound, 'Wow!'" Perry said. "This is quite a place, and the way we do it in Texas. It is a beacon – a place where our salt and our light can truly be seen."

While the new campus opened last weekend for services, it was officially dedicated Sunday.

 aerial image of the new campus of First Baptist Church of Dallas,

Mark Lovvorn, chair of the new campus Planning and Development Committee, announced that the Committee unanimously voted, unbeknownst to the First Baptist leadership, that the Fountain Plaza, a focal feature in the middle of the campus, will now officially be known as the "Jeffress Fountain Plaza."

Perry told Jeffress that "the fountain that will appropriately have your name on it" in downtown Dallas is "a beautiful place that will draw men and women who need Christ." He added that while people will come for its beauty, they will discover much more. "Thank you for sending a powerful message, not just to this city, state or nation – but to the world. First Baptist Church of Dallas is truly reaching the world with God's love."

In contrast to its splendid new building, First Baptist was once seen as a dying church. But Jeffress is credited for revitalizing the church, which has experienced growth under his leadership. However, some media recently described Jeffress as a "hate-spewing anti-gay, anti-Semitic" preacher. 

Perry spoke about the need to be gracious with "sinners," while not specifically referring to any group.

"I think of the woman [in the Bible] who met Jesus at the well," Perry said. "It is not our job to judge souls, but to point people to the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We as fellow sinners will never condemn someone to salvation, but God can use us to show them grace and love them to it."

Honoring the church's past heritage and commitment to Dallas, the service began with an archival video of former First Baptist Pastor Dr. W.A. Criswell in 1974 saying, "It is our desire, under God and the presence of the Lord, to build in the heart of Dallas the most beautiful lighthouse for Christ on this earth."

Dr. David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church and host of Turning Point radio and television ministries, was also among the guests.

"If the church is being ignored because we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, that's one thing; but if we are deemed irrelevant because we aren't playing the world's game nearly as well as the world does, then that's a tragedy," Jeremiah said. "If we're going to be attacked or ignored by the world, let it be for turning the world upside down like the early apostles did. Not for trying to become so much like the world that you can't tell the difference between the two."

Located in the heart of downtown Dallas since 1868, First Baptist Dallas opened its state-of-the-art campus last weekend, adding three-quarters of an acre of green space to downtown. It includes the latest features and technological advances for any church.

-April D. Byrd

Article/Photo Credit courtesy of Christian Post

Mississippi Put Prayer Back In School

"MISSISSIPPI NOW HAS PRAYER BACK IN IT'S SCHOOLS!!!" the post going viral across Facebook, however, the thing about this news is, IT'S A MAJOR VICTORY!! (smile) America in it's current state of affairs could definitely use a lot more divine guidance. Pledging allegiance to a flag representing states united under God is a definite plus!!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Pray without Ceasing.

Mississippi lawmakers have passed legislation that would legalize student-led prayer in the state's public schools. Senate Bill 2633, which went to Gov. Phil Bryant March 6 for his signature, would also allow students to talk about their faith in the classroom and organize school Bible clubs, as well as pray at football games, graduation ceremonies, and during morning announcements.

Sponsors of the bill said that secular groups have intimidated and confused school administrators about the legality of religious expression in schools, and the law is meant to bring clarity. According to those on both sides of the issue, “Organized school prayer remains widespread in Mississippi, despite opponents’ efforts to curtail it,” reported the Associated Press. “In October, for example, the ACLU sent a letter to the Lincoln County school system demanding a halt to routine prayer at West Lincoln High School.”

The bill's proponents insist it will not force students to pray, but will enable them to do so voluntarily. But Bear Atwood, director of Mississippi's ACLU chapter, argued that students who do not wish to pray would still be a captive audience. Christianity Today quoted Atwood as saying that the new law could also lead to procedural issues and unwanted favoritism, such as with “school administrators selecting which students lead prayer in announcements or before a basketball game.”

One of the leaders in the campaign for school prayer over the past several years has been Republican State Rep. Mark Formby, who has introduced a school prayer bill every year since 2009. He said the measure is meant to dispel all confusion about what students can and cannot do in school relative to religious expression, including wearing religious-themed clothing, discussing their faith in the classroom, and voluntarily praying at school-sponsored events. “I'm not so much worried about what's allowed as what's disallowed,” Formby told Fox News. He added that he has had many conversations with parents concerned about the issue, and the bill is meant to clear the air. Formby explained that the measure “doesn't have to restore school prayer,” but it “will allow children, on a voluntary basis, to pray or not to pray.”

read more at: The New American
photo credits: the new american, the word network

BOLD Testimony: Lecrae Moore

Lecrae Moore doesn't have just one powerful testimony, but many. Before the testimony of every award earned, or the almost international recognition the Rapper, Father, and Husband definitely had his share of drama.

Lecrae was saved from jail time because of a Bible He had in His car. His Life was also saved from a near fatal car crash. It was the crash that gave Lecrae the wake-up call he needed to take his faith seriously, and a conference He attended that ushered him more into his authentic groove. 

Lecrae has won a Grammy, Seven Dove Awards, Three Stellars, and many more accolades, but he most probably would agree that nothing can come close to the Life He's gained through Christ. Check out Lecrae sharing his exclusive and personal testimony, in his own words with a few verses in the mix. 

In the video, the artist explores how the "Gravity" of God's love brought him back to the reality of His purpose, passion and the aim for his music. 

Follow @BOLDJournal on Social Media for more Testimonies and Inspirational Updates!!

R for resources, O for opportunities.

“It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." -Moliere (1622 - 1673)

In the Old Testament, the story is told of Elisha, the Prophet, and the widow who had nothing to support her, except a little oil. The Prophet told her to pour a little oil into many jars, borrowed from neighbors. Even as she poured a little, the jar was filled to the brim. In a short time she had many jars standing with oil in each. Now, she could sell the oil and support herself and her children.

In the New Testament, we have Jesus doing something similar. Jars of water, each holding about 20 to 30 gallons, were transformed into wine, which the steward at the wedding feast at Cana, certified as good. Later, with five loaves and two fish Jesus fed a crowd of over 5000.

In each of these wonders we have something in common. Elisha and Jesus did not shun meager resources - a little oil, jars of water and five loaves of bread and two fish. In fact, they insisted on having insufficient material to produce in abundance. They multiplied a little into a lot. In doing that they teach us that resources and opportunities, no matter how small, can be the starting point for great works.

Let us turn the searchlight on ourselves. How do we use the resources and opportunities we have? Ignore them? Treat them with scant respect because they are not significant? Make a start and give up because results are not encouraging?

Moliere reminds us that we are accountable for what we do and what we fail to do; for what we accomplish and what we fail to attempt; for what we do well and what we do shoddily. We are responsible for success and failure to succeed, for want of effort.

Some of us are highly intelligent, but waste that asset in idleness. Some have gifts in the language - speak and write with remarkable clarity and persuasion -  yet, will not use the gifts to benefit themselves and others. Some others have talents in music, painting and the fine arts, but will not develop those talents profitably. 

"Opportunities come our way in the form of helping hands, friendships, words of advice and encouragement. We spurn them because we think differently and scoff those who caution us. We do not accept the gifts that come to us, either ignoring them or under-rating their importance. The stars are still there; it is just that we do not see them. We are cussed in our attitude."

 It is time we took stock of the neglected resources and opportunities in our lives. Is there a relationship that we are despising? (Is there a husband who does not acknowledge the love of his wife? Is there a wife who refuses to notice the little acts of love her husband performs? Are some children unmindful of the great sacrifices that parents make? Are some of us ungrateful to our benevolent employers? Do we heed the words of a friend who is trying to steer us away from sinful habits? Do we turn away from God?) Is there a talent dying in us? (The violin that was once played with gusto is now collecting dust in the attic. The canvas that was once adorned with vivid strokes of color, is faded and beyond recognition. The carpenter`s tools that once fashioned beautiful furniture, lies unused for years.)

  Does all this happen because we are indolent and will not work for success with what we have and what comes to us? Wasted opportunities are like sundials in the shade; and resources do not always take the shape of money and materials. Even time is an immeasurable and precious resource. To put enthusiasm into renewed efforts, let us imagine how the collective influence of opportunities and resources can change our lives splendidly. Let us count our blessings - there are too many to count.

--Ignatius Fernandez

REFLECTIONS ON THE YEAR GONE BY

“Time is what we want most, but what alas we use worst.” William Penn

Philippians 4:13

Another year has ended – all of 365 days. Those days slipped by like water through our fingers – unnoticed. In the year gone by much happened to us. We had many joys and some sorrows; some successes and a few failures; some gains and a few losses; some days were diamond and some were stone. Sadness and disappointment played like low decibel music in the background, as we tackled different tasks. 

In retrospect, we are not happy at the way the year sped past; the bouquet of images that we see has an assortment of flowers and leaves, not all roses. It could have been better if we gardened better. 

It could have been more fruitful if we realized that there were no mistakes, only lessons in the happenings of the year; and the only mistake was the one from which we learnt nothing. Of course, what hit us hardest was the lesson that time wasted will not be recycled.

Last year at this time we had with us some who have since passed away – they have joined the army that sleep beneath the sod. Will we be around, next year at this time? We do not know. Death is certain; what is uncertain is the time it will visit us. When it comes, are we ready to cut loose of our attachments? Death reminds us, if only we care to ponder, that we have not much time left and that the only things we really lose are those we try to keep. We are one year older and one year nearer to the grave. That should be a sobering thought.

Isn't it time to reflect on how we plan to use this year – a gift to us from God – so that we have fewer regrets when it ends? When we plan and act we get results; when we don’t we get consequences.

Let us consider our relationships because our greatest wealth is not measured in terms of riches, but relationships; and the quality of life will come down to the contribution we make to enrich and build relationships; only by giving and not by taking.

How do we relate to our spouses? Often uncharitable words escape our peevish lips, spiteful glances tell of our anger and harsh thoughts race across our envious minds. We display anything but commonsense in transacting with our spouses because we take them for granted. There is the flip side though. Some spouses are difficult. They revel in their quarrelsome roles. We could retaliate or choose to love, even when it is tough on us, because those who deserve love the least need it the most and in relating to them we should wrap difficult truth in the language of love.

What about others in our circle - Children, parents, siblings, relations, friends and strangers (friends, we have not met)? How have we enriched them; have we been enriched by them? In transacting with them we tend to judge ourselves by our ideals and them by their actions. Such double standards have to give way to generosity – the generosity of touching their hearts with nothing less than our own. Then, caressed by an unseen hand, we discover that some of them really care.

Can we develop new skills, add to our knowledge and become more accessible? Can we do something to add power to our personalities, without weight; and force without strain? Can we become better professionals and not those crazed about money, power and pleasure?

Many opportunities came our way last year. In responding to them we had some hits and many misses. This year can we improve on the hit ratio by extracting gold from opportunities rather than waiting for golden opportunities?

Are we ready to give up some annoying habits and take on some rewarding ones through extra and consistent effort? Change a habit and change a life, is a popular refrain. Shall we resolve to make that happen? When that happens we will stop plying the same old shuttle in the same old loom of life.

Ultimately, it boils down to the choices WE make:

•   Of accepting God in our lives

• Of appraising our relationships

• Of objectively evaluating our performance

•   Of making changes in our life-style to match our new goals.

"Let this year not pass like the others before. Until now we promised according to our hopes and performed according to our fears. Now let us not fall from our high resolve as we grapple with the mystery of pain, sorrow and disappointment. A new year is beckoning – let us go to it with high hope and purpose. The fact that we don’t have forever should spur us onward and to change."

-Ignatius Fernandez

Ignatius Fernandez http://thechildisfatheroftheman.blogspot.in/

4 Ways To Help The Poor

Some people have been blessed with better opportunities and circumstances than others. It's right to give to those that are less fortunate some of what we have been given. Whether it be material wealth or the fullness and love that we find in the life and word of God. When you have it to share, it's best to give and when we do give, we increase in that which we give. All of us no matter how much we have are still poor in some way. It's important to realize that "giving back"  helps more than just one person, it helps all of us universally as a culture. Applying the "Each one, Teach One" method to the gospel of Jesus Christ will uplift the spirit of God and create a positive impact in the world, and in the mindsets of God's children.

How do you feel about helping the poor? What did Jesus say about helping the poor?

Check it out Here:

One of many verses that Jesus spoke about the poor says: “And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell john what you hear and see…the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5). How are we to live our lives and love the poor?  Let us look into Scripture and see what Jesus said.

...A good conversation starter!

Feed Them The Word:

The Poor Have the Good News Preached to Them

Why did Jesus speak the verse from Matthew 11 above?  Have you ever fasted for a long period of time, say 24 hours?  If you have, then you know how desperately hungry you felt.  In that moment you would eat anything to satisfy your hunger.  That is how the poor receive the good news.  If you go to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, you will see joy on the homeless’s faces when they receive their food.  That is why the gospel is received so well.  When a poor person sees your love and your attitude of service in his/her time of need, he/she will be much more apt to listen to you tell them the Gospel of Jesus.  When you live out love you can plant seeds that God can grow.

A Poor Man Who is Content Will Live Eternally in Heaven

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table.  Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.  The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.” 

(Luke 16:19-22a)

The poor man was content to eat the scraps off of the rich man’s table.  He would have been satisfied with the scraps only.  This is exactly what Jesus was trying to iterate on the Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)  Being poor in spirit means to be content in every circumstance that you face in life.  When you are content, you are able to be thankful and even help others.  When you look at someone who is genuinely content, you will see joy radiate out of them.  That is because they are trusting God completely to provide for their needs.  The Bible is issuing a call for us all to be poor in spirit.  This creates dependence on God that allows Him to be the Father and for us to be his children.  It creates a bond of love that keeps growing stronger as you trust in Him more and more by being content with what you have.

We are Called to Take Care of the Poor

… we can certainly show as much love as possible to the poor people that need help, whether it is financially, physically or emotionally

“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you.  For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14)  Think about it.  If God is willing to take care of His children every day, we should be willing to also take care of those who need provisions.  Before Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, we were all in dire need of help.  We were poor because we all stood in judgment of God’s wrath.  Jesus’ death for us completely covered every single sin and took us out of God’s wrath.  If Jesus can show that much love to a poor humanity, we can certainly show as much love as possible to the poor people that need help, whether it is financially, physically or emotionally.

A Poor Person can Have Great Faith

“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.  And He said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”  (Luke 21:1-4)  This woman showed amazing faith that God would provide for her when she gave all of her money.  She did not rely on herself at all.  She put complete trust in God.  She is an amazing role model for all of us to follow.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many teachings from Jesus on the poor.  We are called to help the poor.  We are called to be poor in spirit.  We also can see how great a person’s faith is when they are financially poor and still depend on God for sustenance.  Search for ways you can help someone who is poor and see what blessings God pours out.  God bless you as you live a life worthy of the calling.

Source: What Christians Want To Know

Christianity IS The New Sexy!

As we approach February, the month American culture romances the idea of love, more spiritually relevant faces are shining in the lime light. Biblical scripture reads: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."*  and that's exactly what a lot of spiritual leaders and innovators are doing. 

February's issues of Ebony and Essence

Bishop T.D Jakes and Iyanla Vanzant's faces blazing on the covers of popular magazines this month made the way, the truth, and the life much more appealing. It's Absolutely sexy to be Christian and American media needs more affirmation of the fact and more examples like this.  Despite earlier predictions Oprah Winfrey's Network (OWN) has taken has become a ratings success. 

Rick Warren, Author of "The Purpose Driven Life" was also recently in TIME magazine giving some fresh advice. With such great role models, it's definitely time for more Christians to unashamedly come out of the closet, and uncover the light for the world to see more of  God's glory.

"Why Being A Christian Is Hot"  by April D. Byrd

Heads turned as President Obama’s face shined on the cover of Newsweek, blatantly crowned in the glory of a colorful halo. Such an image makes it official that it’s never been more acceptable to take a stand for who you are and what you believe. The big announcement that shocked the world will undoubtedly make “coming out” more widespread, so instead of being judgmental, why don’t more Christians get on the fence with standing out and taking pride in and for what they believe? Despite all the pastoral turmoil, this year has been a proactive and reputable year for faith. Recently, a lot of heavy hitters have openly come out.

According to Jet Magazine, Bishop T.D. Jakes rise “from the pulpit to pop-culture” is what works. Recently Actress Meagan Good opened up to several Media outlets professing her faith, and controversial rapper Nicki Minaj expressed to “Nightline” that God was her hero. Even Mega-church Pastor Jamal Bryant jokingly proclaimed Tim Tebow the thirteenth disciple, as the Pro football player stunned the world with statistical signs and wonders. There was also surprisingly, much ado when Billionaire Media mogul Oprah Winfrey confessed Christ during one of her ‘Lifeclass’ tours in NYC. And after news of Rihanna “living her life for God” the string of events only further proclaim: It’s OK to “come out”.

Seventy Six  to eighty  percent of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. However, as the world, especially the United States is now in such a perpetual debate over what lifestyles are acceptable, regardless of what opinions will come and go; all those who stand unflinching for what they believe are winning. What truthfully works will stand, no matter who endorses it. However, the lifestyle of faith is making a major impact, not only in spiritual circuits, but now in mainstream media. Last year Gospel artists Mary Mary were truly “something big”. It seemed like every time we turned on the TV they were on it. Among other things they dominated major events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Ceremony and now they have their own reality T.V. show, becoming the first Gospel artists to have a feature show on a non-faith based network.

Mary Mary’s unconventional, yet uplifting sound has opened the door for a new generation of Gospel artists to top the Billboard charts like Flame, Lecrae, and the family group Forever Jones. Beyond pop culture, Jesus culture will definitely always be hot in entertainment media. Overall it’s been a good year for faith, and faith is a good value for life. A sense of knowing who you are and standing firmly for your beliefs has never been more popular. Sex sells, but confidence sells better.

Article as appeared on Elev8.com

*Matthew 5:16

Tamela Mann: Take Me To The King

Happy Monday!!

Tamela Mann delivered a stellar performance at the Stellar Awards. Mann performed the song "Take Me To The King" in a very regal manner full of splendor and glory. After the performance the crowd was left wowed and in awe.

Watch Tamela Mann's Amazing Performance:

May your Monday be motivated!