Stanice's Open Mic

Stanice Anderson is... Walkin' On Water When The Ground Ain't Enuf: A One-Woman Show

2007-11-24T12:02:00.001-05:00

For Booking information contact Mike Tucker at 202-487-6453 or mike@district51.net

Author's Rebound From Drugs Inspires Others

2007-05-30T00:15:00.000-04:00

The article, Laurel Author's Rebound From Drugs Inspires Others, written by Raymond Lane, is in The Washington Post-owned newspaper, The Gazette. There are a few corrections (like Anacostia where I grew up is in Washington, DC and my father worked for the DC and Federal Governments his entire career; including as a DC City Councilman). Bottom line, the heart of my story is in tack. Also, I thank God for the testimonies I'm living through and the doors He opens to share them with others.

To read the Gazette article go to:

Gazette Article (opens new browser) http://www.gazette.net/stories/052407/entenew144404_32381.shtml

By the way, mark your calendars and purchase your tickets if you're in the area and share this with others, if you are not, The Black Women Playwrights' Group 18th Annual Staged Reading, TEXTURES. June 18th and 19th event at The Studio Theatre at 1501- 14th Street, NW in Washington, DC, will feature scenes from my one-woman show, Walkin' On Water When The Ground Ain't Enuf, along with scenes from five other selected plays by BWPG members: Betty Buttram, e. christi cunningham, Louise V. Gray, Debbie Minter Jackson, and Merrill Jones. Our celebrity host is Actor and Playwright Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha's TV mom and Deena in the original DreamGirls on Broadway).
For Tickets & Details Black Women Playwrights' Group (opens new browser) www.blackwomenplayrights.org

May God's favor continue to run you down,
Stanice Anderson, Author, Inspirational Speaker and Playwright;

Booking Agent: Leris Bernard, leris@lgbprod.com, (202) 234-0312

www.stanice.com (opens new browser)

Faith-Lift with Stanice: The Podcast (mini-messages; also on iTunes)
I Say A Prayer For Me: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph
(Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books)

Click cover for Chapter One

Article re: Patrice Gaines, My Mentor --Wanted: Women ready to renew their lives

2007-02-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

BoomerGirl.com: Wanted: Women ready to renew their lives

On a personal note, I feel like sharing that this article is about my good friend, writing/book/publishing-world mentor, Patrice Gaines. She is the friend who forwarded my Food for the Spirit email life-stories series, to her then-literary agent, Denise Stinson, who in-turn contacted me and thus began the life of my first book, I SAY A PRAYER FOR ME: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph, with a major publishing house, Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. Change is is possible. I am a witness. I was a heroin addict but God stepped in and extacted me from a hopeless existence, gave me purpose, resurrected my dreams, and put people like Patrice in my life to help me make the transition to His thrilling plans for my life. I love her and now that you've read this article too, you understand see why I thank God for allowing our paths to intersect. She's a stunningly beautifully woman with an equally stunningly beautiful spirit!

Praise Report from Rodney Abney

2006-12-22T15:05:00.000-05:00

My Cardiac Catheterization tests were negative. All my arteries are open and flowing. My valves and chambers are all working good. There is nothing wrong with my heart. I watched the tests on a television monitor and personally saw my heart functioning. My next test will be to check my pulmonary functions (lungs) to find a reason for my shortness of breath. I am really sort of at a loss for words today; I am happy. All I can say is I believe in miracles and the power of prayer. I 'thank you" for your prayers. And I say to You, "Thank GOD" at all times. I have thanked HIM for this!!!!

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing by Tee C. Royal

2006-12-15T14:49:00.000-05:00

Scandal Can You Handle? by Ebony Evans

2006-12-14T16:18:00.000-05:00

This is an past writing student, Sharon Evans', daughter's PROMOTIONAL CLIP FOR UPCOMING CELEBRITY GOSSIP SHOW HOSTED BY EBONY EVANS, Scandle Can You Handle?

Guest Poet, Derrick Lamont Boone

2006-11-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

Another Day of Loneliness
When I look out the window to a
day of darkness. I feel no embrace
from behind to comfort the emptiness
from within. Lord? I pray, where is mine
devine mate, is it the angel you sent
to watch over me. Love come and vanish
just like the mist on this dark day.
Is it just that I teach a aching
heart, but my heart is still empty.
Because loneliness is still here.

Still looking out the window and
remembering all that has came in
your life and left. Wondering what
was the purpose of the experience.
Because I'm still lonely with nobody
beside me. The tears I cry is the love
I want, but when It falls , It has no
substance for my love to appear in a
nature form. Until then another day of
loneliness.
Derrick Lamont Boone
Copyright ©2006 Derrick Lamont Boone

Water Stand Still for me
Can you stand still for me, so I can follow
your flow. I would like to know where you
come from and where you are going. I see
the moonlight glow off of you, I see the
blue sky reflect on you. But I don't see
myself. So water stand still for me. So I
can see myself on you. You are the element that
is essential to life. You are a part of me,
sometimes you are calm, but you still flow.
Sometime you are ruff, but you still flow.
You are like the foundation of life.
Everything you do is like life itself. You
never flow the same, there always something
different about you. So water stand still
for me. So I can put life on hold, so I can
follow your flow. How deep does your water
go, is it as deep as the pain in my soul.
Only if I can be like you, when you flow to
your destiny. So I ask you? Water stand
still for me. So I can find my destiny.
Derrick Lamont Boone
Copyright ©2006 Derrick Lamont Boone

Blu Sapphire L.L.C

Testimony: Princess Carroll Ayo Durodola

2006-11-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

I HAVE A TESTIMONY!!!

It was a Tuesday morning, as I drove along George Washington Parkway on my way to work in Virginia.

SCREEEEECH! The blue taxi cab next to me jammed on his brakes until smoke came up from the tires. I thought he was going to hit the car in front of him, but all of a sudden his right tire turned towards me! BAM!!! He got me! And…BANG!!! My car hit the stone wall of the parkway and flipped over the wall. I felt myself careen down the wooded cliffs like a rocket, towards the Potomac River, thousands of feet below.

“Well this is it. This must be the way I’m going to die.” I could hear and see the trees and bushes hitting the sides of the car as it crashed through the woods. I didn’t feel any pain and calmly thought to myself, “Well, I’m ready for heaven, if it’s ready for me!”

All of a sudden the car stopped. When I realized I was alive, I looked up through my open sun roof towards what I thought was the road and seeing a man walking along, looking frantic; I yelled, “HELP!” He looked down. “She’s here!” “We’re coming!” he said. And half a dozen men spilled over the crest of the hill. They pulled me out through the sun roof.

They helped me to the top of the hill and I collapsed on the stone wall. Around me I heard people praising God and I felt so at home with these fellow praisers that, with my last ounce of strength, I raised my holy hand to heaven and joined them in worshipping this Father God, for getting me out of that alive!

Praise be to the Lord! It’s as if God wanted people to praise Him more. This did it. Join in!

Love,
Princess Carroll Ayo Durodola

-----------------------
HRH Princess Carroll Ayo Durodola
Author, Storyteller & Education Consultant
703-975-3385
www.PrincessAyo.com
PUBLICATIONS
Tunde, The Little Nigerian Prince
Tunde, The Little Nigerian Prince & the Soldier Ants
Yoruba Language for Children
Ojumiri & Bra Baboon Coloring Book & audiotape
The Art of Storytelling (Workshop)
How Do I Know I Love Myself (Workshop)
The Ancient Healing Art of African Storytelling (Workshop)
The African Village School Program (African School Simulation)
Africa's Vision Network (T.V. Show)

“Angel With Crooked Feet” by Anthony V. Sarjant, Ph.D.

2006-11-06T23:39:00.000-05:00

“Angel With Crooked Feet” is the inspiring story of the life of Tony Sarjant, born with a club foot to a mother who didn’t want him. He spent the first ten years of his life in and out of hospitals before his pre-teen life of petty crime landed him in a detention center for boys where he was sexually assaulted for years.

As a teenager he discovered the dark world of the occult, a world he fully embraced as a young man. His first marriage seemed to be the start of a new, happier life but after the births of his daughter and son he learned his wife was having an affair and that she was still married to another man! After his marriage ended, Tony’s life dissolved into years of drifting back and forth across Europe, punctuated by heavy drinking and several attempts at suicide, including the last one, which almost succeeded.

Not long after, when he in his late 30s, he met the woman who would change his life, Denise, now his wife of more than 20 years. Through Denise, Tony’s life was saved by the power of real love, the power of God. And through more trials, including a prison term and a crash that left him helpless, he found his purpose in life. “I know we can make a difference in the lives of hurting children,” Tony says, “no matter how old they are.”

Anthony V. Sarjant, Ph.D., is an innovative counselor and an ordained minister. He currently is a counselor with the nationally-acclaimed Rimrock Foundation in Billings, Montana. He previously developed and served as Director of T.E.A.M. Mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents in Billings

Tony Sarjant and his wife Denise live in Billings, Montana. They are the parents of two grown sons, Christopher and Andrew.

CONTACT:
Anthony V. Sarjant, Ph.D.
4332 Phillip Street
Billings, MT 59101
801-865-1154
tonys@angelwithcrookedfeet.org
www.angelwithcrookedfeet.org

Dr. Sarjant is available for interviews and speaking engagements.

From Pain to Promise #3 by Minister Karen Anderson

2006-11-01T07:50:00.000-05:00

I DO
I married at 20 running from a bad relationship with my mother as a result of not telling her I was pregnant. My cousin who lived in New York at the time introduced me to my first husband. He was Catholic, I was a Christian, excuse me, a backslider. I had stopped going to church. He still lived at home with his mother; he hid me in his room and told his mother I was there. She brought me towels to take a shower. I lived with a man before marriage that I did not get a chance to know, or confirm that he was who God intended for me to marry. We lived in his mother’s house with his step-father and brother the first two years of marriage. A mama’s boy! We were married for 12 years. I couldn’t take the immaturity; something was definitely missing. He was not mature enough to give me the attention I desired, so I looked for attention in other places. Towards the end of the marriage, we purchased a home together; his mother was the real estate broker. He kicked me out of the home, called me b’s, and scratched my car while it was parked in the driveway. The next thing I know I am getting subpoenaed to appear in court. He was seeking full custody of our daughter, it didn’t happen, but I do pay child support. Talk about a financial set back. I ended up living with my pastor and his wife, (who I called Mom & Dad) before moving into a studio apartment, no furniture, I slept on the floor. I ate cereal for dinner.

© 2006, Minister Karen Anderson, Pelham, New York.

STANICE NOTE: God brought us a young writer who I'm featuring as a guest columnist on my blog, Stanice's Open Mic , which is set aside for YOUR talents and testimonies. Her name is Minister Karen Anderson from Pelham, New York. She is a PK (Preacher's Kid) with a TESTIMONY and willing to share it with us. Her third installment is I DO. Her column will appear for at least the next four Wednesdays. If you have comments please leave them, I'm sure your feedback will bless her.

From Pain to Promise #2 by Minister Karen Anderson

2006-10-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

A MOTHERLESS CHILD

Here comes the turn! Once I graduated from high school, my plan was to go to college and major in advertising. No husband, no kids, just me working in Manhattan , making money, calling the shots. Months before I graduated high school, I was raped by someone I briefly dated. Nothing serious. He lost his temper one day, he became angry, and RAPED me. In the dorm room, he threw me on the bed, ripped my clothes off. My hands were bound, and he was yelling for me to shut-up, spitting in my face. I was afraid, I didn’t call the police or tell my father for that matter. My stepmother’s father had just died, who could I tell, I wanted to run away, I needed to be held, I was scared as hell. In June 1987, I graduated high school, moved back to New York with my mom. We sent out applications to various colleges. Virginia State University accepts my application, wow shopping for college. Putting hot sauce on pads so my mother would think I was getting my period. I was in college going to classes, PREGNANT! No prenatal, nothing! My son was born in November 1987 on Thanksgiving Day. I prayed and asked God for a healthy baby, ten fingers and ten toes. He weighed in at 8.0 pounds. Healthy and a head full of hair. My mother was devastated. Brokenhearted, she made me apologize, everyday, not because I didn’t tell her I was pregnant, but because she had to pay for my college tuition as I was not eligible for financial aid. I could have died on the delivery table, I was not looking for sympathy, but for my mother to understand that I just had a baby, and I was an emotional wreck. Postpartum was kicking my butt.

Fortunately, we were able to contact the father and I agreed for his mother to raise my son in Indiana as I was not ready to be a mother. I am encouraged to let you know that my son, Jonathan and I have been in constant contact…he was not a mistake, but a blessing to be born.

© 2006, Minister Karen Anderson, Pelham, New York.

STANICE NOTE: God brought us a young writer who I'm featuring as a guest columnist on my blog, Stanice's Open Mic , which is set aside for YOUR talents and testimonies. Her name is Minister Karen Anderson from Pelham, New York. She is a PK (Preacher's Kid) with a TESTIMONY and willing to share it with us. Her second installment is A MOTHERLESS CHILD. Her column will appear for at least the next five Wednesdays. If you have comments please leave them, I'm sure your feedback will bless her.

The Writing Life: Let's Talk About Book Proposals

2006-10-24T23:41:00.000-04:00

The Writing Life: Let's Talk About Book Proposals

From Pain to Promise #1 by Minister Karen Anderson

2006-10-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

WHERE IS MY DADDY?

I want to share with you, or someone in the house of God who may be hurting, who is being abused, a young woman who has had a baby out of wedlock, a teenage girl who is pregnant and afraid to tell her parents, or a husband and wife who have outlived their honeymoon, those who are just emotionally busted, but still come to church. What I have just said, I have lived myself. I am the daughter of a preacher, a PK in every aspect of the word. Our house was the parsonage, right next door to the church. I woke up to church, went to sleep to church, school was church, BTU, Congress, conventions…all the while, lost! I did the choir thing, usher thing, folding church programs, ironing my father’s handkerchiefs; I was on duty 24/7; where did my childhood go? My father’s job was to the church, but what about me? My mother abandoned me and my two brothers, because she was on the run, but running from what? Here was a full-time pastor, he was always on call, plus he had a full-time job. I didn’t have my father’s time. I grew up searching for fatherly attention, even in relationships I was looking for my father. Daddy where are you? Pain!

© 2006, Minister Karen Anderson, Pelham, New York.

STANICE NOTE: God brought us a young writer who I'm featuring as a guest columnist on my blog, Stanice's Open Mic , which is set aside for YOUR talents and testimonies. Her name is Minister Karen Anderson from Pelham, New York. She is a PK (Preacher's Kid) with a TESTIMONY and willing to share it with us. Her first installment is Where is My Daddy? I can relate, I'm a PD (Politician's Daughter). Her column will appear for at least the next six Wednesdays. If you have comments please leave them, I'm sure your feedback will bless her.

Domestic Violence Empowerment Prayer Breakfast

2006-09-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

Sisters4Sisters, Inc lovingly invites to join us for a Life Changing Breakfast you will NEVER forget! Silent Tears- No More * Domestic Violence Empowerment Prayer Breakfast...An End of an Epidemic-The Beginning of Divine Healing & Restoration.

Please join Sisters4Sisters, Inc. as we Recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In honor of those who have Survived and in memory of millions who have been Killed, we are hosting a Powerful Prayer & Empowerment Breakfast. Do you know a Woman Suffering in Silence? A Sister who wonders how can he say he loves God but beats me still? A Woman who questions if God still Hears her Tears ? Featuring Special Guests:

*Nationally recognized Domestic Violence Advocate, Evangelist and Author- Sister Artina Todd Norris (Pictured)
*Psalmist- National Recording Artist Lisa Gilliam
*Ministry in Dance-Creative Praise
Soul Stirring Testimonies...and More

Survivors Speak & Praise
This is a Celebration of Life and Restoration you don't want to Miss! Invite Everyone you Know (Men are Welcomed) including Victims, Supporters, and those whom they Love even when they don't Love Themselves.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28, 2006
8:00 am- 11:00 am (Doors Open 7:00 am)
Martins Crosswinds- Greenbelt, Maryland

Buy Ticket: $25.00 USD

www.sisters4sisters.com

Did you Know a Woman Suffering in Silence?

Domestic Violence occurs in an estimated 4 million intimate relationships each year.
It is one of the most important health problems in our country
The Surgeon General of the US reports that domestic violence causes more injury to adult women than Cancer, Heart Attacks, or Strokes
FBI statistics point out that a Woman is battered every 15-18 seconds in the U.S.
Approximately one third of female murder victims in the US are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.

Come Out Celebrate and Support this Dynamic Movement

Sisters4Sisters, Inc.
Together we Can Make a Difference...One Sister at a Time

-----------
Proceeds from this Breakfast will benefit- LOVE, Leave Out Violence Everyday. A Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Campaign & The Family Crisis Center of Prince Georges County.

Caribbean RIDDIMZ tomorrow "September to Remember"

2006-09-20T17:35:00.000-04:00

My Friend, Peppy's Event: Please support her. She's been so kind to me.

Cool People:

"Do you remember, the 21st night of September. Love was changing the minds of pretenders while chasing the clouds away. Our hearts were ringing, in the key that our souls were singing. As we danced in the night. Remember how the stars stole the night away". Earth Wind and Fire

The Spot: Zanzibar on the Waterfront - Sky Club (www.zanzibar-otw.com)
700 Water Street, SW, (DC Wharf area)

The Date: TOMORROW - Thursday, September 21

Jumpoff: 6pm

Stars who will steal the night away: Reign, The Poetry Man, and Nferno

Music: DJ Jah Prince
Extras: Peppy's and all Virgo birthday celebration
Food: Free between 7-8pm, and we might feel generous and extend it to 9pm

Door: $10

Outfit: Dress To impress...no athletic wear, hats, or sneakers
Shut Down: 1am

Online flyer:

Please note that the release of the highly anticipated "SHOTTAS" has been pushed back until November 3. Please do not be disheartened...all it means is that we have more time to promote it, and get the theatres packed when it drops. Visit www.myspace.com/shottasthemovie for updates.

Peace and blessings,
Rosie "Peppy" Parke
Creative Director/PR & Event Manager
Caribbean RIDDIMZ

www.peppypromotions.com

www.myspace.com/caribbeanriddims

Testimony: A MIRACLE NO LESS by Rodney Abney

2006-09-18T12:33:00.000-04:00

I HAVE NOT SMOKED A CIGARETTE IN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS. I GIVE ALL GLORY TO GOD. AND I HUMBLY, RESPECTFULLY AND SINCERELY ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED ENCOURAGEMENT, SUPPORT AND PRAYERS AS I AM TEMPTED. AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALSO.

Rodney Abney

Note from Stanice: You can leave your comments of prayers and support here and I will make sure Rodney gets them

Sisters Speak! The Secret Pain of Silence Ends Today

2006-09-18T11:32:00.000-04:00

September 2006

It is always encouraging to read a National News article featuring women in our community, but not when it reveals our Pain and our Shame. Nonetheless it is our Truth. The October issue of Essence magazine has uncovered "The Secret Shame of Prince Georges County". The Essence article investigates why the nations most prosperous Black community has such a high rate of domestic violence reports-and why sisters are suffering in silence. The Silence Must End and it Begins with Us !

Silent Tears

Domestic violence occurs in an estimated 4 million intimate relationships each year in the United States. Domestic Violence has become of of the most important public health problems in our country and it is time to stop the silence and the tears.
Did you Know:
• FBI statistics report that a woman is battered every 15-18 seconds
• More than 3 million children witness domestic violence daily
• Approximately one third of female murder victims in the US are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.
• The Surgeon General of the US reports that domestic violence causes more injury to adult women than cancers, heart attacks or strokes.

Learn More
Sisters Unite

Sisters4Sisters, Inc. & Grass Roots, Inc presents
No Limits- Domestic Violence Empowerment Prayer Breakfast.

• Saturday October 14, 2006
• 8:00 am- 11:00 am (7:00 Doors Open)
• LaFontaine Bleu-7963 Annapolis Road-Lanham, Md
• Special Guests, Testimonies, Psalmist & More
Corporate, Organization and Business Partners & Friends are Encouraged to Purchase a Table to lend your Support to a Worthy Effort.
Tickets May Be Purchased Online Or you May Purchase them from the following Ticket Outlets after Wednesday September 20, 2006.
• John 3:16 Christian Bookstore-Lanham, Md
• For His Glory-Largo-Upper Marlboro, Md
• Jesus Bookstore-Camp Springs,Md
Proceeds will Benefit The Family Crisis Center of Prince Georges County & LOVE-Leave out Violence Everyday.

Our Price: $25.00 USD
Purchase Tickets Now | Group Ticket Sales

Sanctity of LOVE

Sisters4Sisters encourages all churches and community groups to join in this effort to Heal and Deliver victims of Domestic Violence.
Sisters4Sisters, Inc. has developed a campaign of Awareness and Prevention entitled LOVE- Leave Out Violence Everyday. This outreach project which encouages and uplifts the heart and spirit of women is purposed to provide Prayer, Professional Referrals and Resources for those in need.

Sister Programs

This is a Special Empowerment Breakfast for all... If you are a Victim, A Survivor or a Supporter please Come Out and Help us to Make a Difference.
Blessings

Sisters4Sisters, Inc.
Celebrating 7 Years of Spiritual Sisterhood & Unity

email: sisters4sisters@aol.com
voice: 301-552-7470
web: www.sisters4sisters.com
We welcome all Corporatations, Churches, Businesses and Organizations interested in Sponsorship and Partnership in this Community Wide Effort of Empowerment.

Poetry from the Philippines by Rachelle Arlin Credo

2006-08-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Incubus
© 2006 Rachelle Arlin Credo

There's a sudden strange silence
Amid the busy whirl around me
Disclosing the scars of my innocence
From a dreadful yesterday
Shadows paint the spectacle
Of a vision that used to be enchanting
Catching me half a miracle
While a song consumes my thinking
Gradually I drifted into another reality
Like a wind from nowhere blown
Lost in a paradise of adversity
Only to find destiny on my own

Conscience
© 2006 Rachelle Arlin Credo

When I'm all alone
And no one else is with me
I can hear a charmed musical tone
With a sound full of veracity
Its tune makes my mind travel
Into a bizarre reminiscence
Making my past assent to unravel
To make known of its presence
Dark secrets begin to liquify
Unfolding everything into a spectacle
'Til my eyes could no longer cease to cry
Realizing regret embrace my enthralled soul

A Heaven of Sand and Stones
© 2006 Rachelle Arlin Credo

Build me a heaven of sand and stones
A castle out of sprays of sand
Where I may rest at the close of the day
For refuge from a whole day's run
Build me a heaven 'neath the azure sky
A little house far from the road
Where I can see the swallows as they fly
And the sampaguita leaves as they fall
Build me a heaven of little rocks
A residence that's stable and sturdy
Where the catastrophes of life
Could never topple down facilely
Build me a heaven of muck and soil
A hermitage away from civilization
There will be drawbridge and a moat
And walls from clashing religion
Build me a heaven of sand and stones
Not of bricks, of blocks and other stuff
For I do not wish to live on a throne
A home of sand and stones of love is enough

BIO:
Rachelle Arlin Credo is a freelance writer and columnist from the Philippines.
For more info, visit her website

God is So Awesome by Cassandra

2006-08-20T23:27:00.000-04:00

This week I experienced something with God that was so awesome.

About 2 weeks ago i had been experiencing chest pains and didn't know what it was so I decided to get it checked out. I went this past wednesday to have a cardiac CT ( scan of my heart to check for blood clots). This Friday I got the results. The nurse said that my heart was fine and the test showed that it was normal, BUT!!!! It showed that I have a lymph node under my right arm that is larger than normal. The Dr. wanted me to come in so he could check it out. I went and he felt the lymph node and said... " have you been bitten by any bugs lately?" I said, "yes" and pointed to my arm. He said, "Lets treat you with antibiotics for the next 2 weeks and come back and we will check for it again.

Guys!!! I had been feeling sick for the past 2 weeks and weak but just kind of blew if off. But I was getting worse and didn't know why. Lord!!!! God is so Good. God saw it there and gave me a warning sign that was serious enough for me to get it checked out. What amazes me the most is that the radiologist was checking my heart but just so happened to notice my lymph node. Praise God.!!! God is so good.
© 2006, Cassandra, Hattisburg, Mississippi. Visit her page by clicking on her name or cut and paste tp://www.myspace.com/albanycd

STANICE NOTE: Cassandra is one of my new friends on myspace.com. I'm pretty new to the site and she welcomed me with open heart. I thank God for her and many people that I've met since being a part of that community. And I thank God for her willingness to share her testimony with us... visit staniceSpace and add me as your friend. Click above Or cut and paste this url http://www.myspace.com/isayaprayerforme

Vevlyn L. Wright shops her memoir

2006-08-18T12:47:00.000-04:00

Stanice, below is a query letter that I'd like to post on your open mic page, if you will allow it. It is an excerpt from my memoir. It is also approx. 600 words.

AFTER pulling myself up I took a rest on the futon.
Five minutes later I scooted to the edge in preparation for getting to my feet. Here, I perched another couple of minutes. Standing, I immediately caught hold of my footstool and from there made my way to the bathroom, using as props en route, the armoire, French doors in my living room/bedroom, hall stand and finally the wall on the hall. My business in the toilet took about ten minutes, including rest breaks.

Again using the wall hall as a prop, I traversed the short distance from the bathroom to the washroom.

Initially, I sat on the edge of the bathtub to undress but immediately stood up for fear of falling in. I stumbled the few steps over to the washing machine and used it as a prop while I disrobed. Ambling back over to the bathtub, I eased in slowly and turned on the showerhead, allowing the spray to pelt my chest. I became dizzy. The room began turning slowly. It began to darken … I was roused – how many minutes later I am not sure - by my doorbell. It was Richard. I hollered that I would meet him downstairs.

On Tuesday morning, I was alive and very tired as I dialed the hematology department at Hôtel-Dieu to arrange for a blood transfusion. On the way downstairs, I experienced another small blackout, my third since Friday but still I managed to meet Richard who was waiting outside. The two of us rode in silence. I was too tired to talk and I think Richard sensed it.

"We're here," he said, cheerfully. It was shortly after 10:30.

With much effort I sat up to take in my surroundings.
To the right was a large plaza littered with people -- tourists by the look of them. From the vantage point of an airplane they would resemble an army of ants. In the midst stood a breathtaking structure, not at all a rare sight in Paris. In a few days, I would discover that this was Notre Dame. But today it was just another pretty facade.

Richard helped me out of the car and the short distance across the Place du Parvis Notre-Dame to the hospital lobby where he ensconced me in a chair while he went back out to find a parking space . . .

The excerpt above is taken from "I am I am,” the working title of my memoir. It chronicles the experiences of my first year in Paris, how I believe God saw me through them and how I dealt with them as a Christian.

A little about Me. I am a Michigan native who grew up in Louisiana and lived in various corners of the country, including Chicago, Boston and Dallas. A little more than a year ago, I returned to the States (locating to Washington, D.C.) after five years in Paris. I studied at Southern (LA) University, Northwestern (IL) University and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I received a master's degree in journalism.

In addition to the aforementioned works, I have as a staffer and freelancer written and edited scores of articles for the likes of The International Herald Tribune, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the publishing imprint of UNESCO and The Patriot Ledger (Quincy, MA).

My literary output also includes two anthologies and a short story collection. Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on a book of poetry. These poems — threaded with sadness, anger, sardonic humor and hope —have been well-received in Boston, Paris and Washington.

It is my wish, hope and prayer to secure a worthy, visionary publisher/agent to help me get this memoir and My other works onto the shelves of Barnes & Noble and other book emporiums.

Vevlyn L. Wright
E-mail: Vevlyn@yahoo.com

2005 Copyright Vevlyn L. Wright

Television Premieres/Film Screening by Silvia R. Holmes

2006-08-17T13:33:00.000-04:00

Hello family & friends,

Between home & work, life has been good! I've been busy over the last two years with several projects that are airing soon and/or screening in the Washington, DC area. So, I would deem it an honor if you'd take a look at what I've been working on. Let me know your thoughts.

Peace,
Silvia

CAMP 9.11 Children of Hope
August 20, 2006 @ 8pm TLC (The Learning Channel)

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, the world changed for every American, but for no one more than the Children of 9.11. Although five years have passed, for these children of the victims, 9.11 seems like yesterday. But there is a place they come together to heal: Camp 9.11. Meet six of these courageous and inspiring children as they brave the challenges of an adventure camp that pushes them to their limits. It's only in this crucible that they forget the tools to help them cope. Along the way, they hurt and heal, laugh and cry - and leave camp strong enough to face whatever life hands them next.

Additional Airdates:
AUG 21 2006 @ 12:00 AM
AUG 30 2006@ 07:00 PM
AUG 31 2006 @ 12:00 AM

THE PACT
August 24, 2006 @ 8pm - making its Washington, DC debut
Urban Film Series
Landmark's E Street Cinema
555 11th Street NW
Washington, DC
A gritty, provocative true-life story of three friends from the 'hood, Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis, and George Jenkins, who made a pact in high school to find a way to go to college and then medical school. They not only accomplished this, but they're now spreading the word to inspire other inner-city kids to stay off of drugs, out of gangs and to take the educational route to a better life. THE PACT captures the pathos of the men's individual journeys, the integrity of their voices and the power of their rare friendship. Their stories affirm the values that ultimately sustained and drove them: courage, tenacity, and faith. And they give tribute to the life of the mind and its power to turn dreams into reality.

For ticket information, please go to the Urban Film Series website or check out the Landmark E Street Cinema website.

For more information about THE PACT, visit ThePACTthemovie.com.

The Monastery
TLC (The Learning Channel)
(Airdate TBA - I'll keep you posted on this one)

This TLC documentary series follows 5 ordinary men and women on a journey of self-discovery. The men given this once in a lifetime opportunity live in a monastery for forty days and forty nights and the women, in a convent. The film follows them during this period to see if the experience of living amongst monks and nuns has the power to transform or alter their lives.

Deacon Bill Reid's Grace Place - Issue 2

2006-08-15T23:10:00.000-04:00

Photo from
Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you!

Just a Word from Scripture. I believe that God's Holy Word will bless all who read this.

Philippians 2:5-6 - "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God."

First, I am going to lift up these two words, "this mind." What a beautiful thought, that we can have the mind-set of Christ Jesus, because Ephesians 1:3 says that God "blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ", so that we have the ability to humble ourselves and to be obedient to our Father.

Verse 8 says that, "He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified, beat, spat upon and scourged.

Historically, scourging is described as using a whip with 6 to 9 cords of leather that had broken glass and/or sharp metal embedded into the cords so that when it struck the skin, it would invariably tear the skin as no ordinary whip could. But check out Hebrews 10:19-21! "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God..."

You will remember that the temple in Jerusalem had one chamber that was called the Holy Place and it had another chamber that was called the Holiest or the Most Holy Place. These two sections of the temple were separated by a veil. Only the temple high priest could enter this Most Holy Place, and that was once a year, on the Day of Atonement. He would make sacrifices of animal blood not only for the sins committed by the nation/people of Israel, but also for the sins that he had committed. Within the Most Holy Place was the mercy seat, the Ark of the Covenant that contained Aaron's rod that had begun to bud, a jar of manna and the Ten Commandments.

At the time of Jesus' crucifixion, Matthew 27:50-51 states, "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. (51) Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split..." They, agents of evil, thought they had killed the Lamb of God, they thought they had Him right where they wanted Him, but look again at Hebrews 10:19-21. Jesus consecrated, or set apart for God's holy purposes, a new and living way, a New Covenant, through the veil, that is, His flesh - when they tore His flesh, they released the blood of Jesus.

Matthew 26:28, Jesus said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission (pardon, forgiveness) of sins, No sin exists in which the blood of Jesus cannot wash it away. Praise God! Hebrews 9:22 states, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” No more animal sacrifices! Good-bye earthly high priest!

We now have forgiveness of sins and a right to eternal life. We now have access to the very throne of God through our Mediator and Advocate, our High Priest who sits at the right hand of God Most High, making intercession for us. Praise God for Jesus Christ who truly made a way out of no way. He and He alone is the ‘way’. So, now we see what the humility and obedience of Christ has accomplished for humankind.

What this means for me is that daily I must pick up my cross, I must be obedient to the Word of God and humble myself in His holy presence.

© 2006 Deacon Bill Reid, All Nations Baptist Church, Washington, DC

STANICE SIDE-BOARD: The pastor and other people that make up All Nations Baptist Church are always so welcoming and warm toward me. I first visited after accepting an invitation by Deacon Reid to give a talk. Please visit. The church is located on the corner of North Capitol and Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Our church entrance is on Rhode Island Avenue -- 2001 North Capitol Street, NE; Washington, DC, (202) 832-9591

Empowered by Faith (article by Stanice Anderson)

2006-08-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

Look for Stanice's article, Empowered by Faith, in the Sept/Oct issue of
Hope for Women Magazine.
Order your subscription today. Only $14.95 for one year.

Also check out promotion issue (July/Aug. cover below)which featured another Stanice article entitled, The Hour I First Believed

Mark your calendar--Stanice has a booth reserved at the 2nd Annual Capital BookFest '06 presented by The Washington Post (co-produced by Carla A. Nelson and Kwame Alexander) on Saturday, October 7, 2006, from 10 am to 7 pm at BLVD at the Cap Centre in Largo, MD.

This one day multi-cultural book festival will feature author readings, panels, writing and publishing workshops, poetry performances, live music, children's storytelling, and exhibitors from the Washington Metropolitan area, celebrating the literary arts and promoting literacy in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

In addition to Stanice signing her book, I Say A Prayer For Me: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph, you will be able to sign up for subscriptions (for yourself and to give as gifts) to Hope For Women Magazine. She will also have on hand copies of Sept/Oct issue for sale and FREE copies of the promotional July/August issue (while they last).

An article in Gannett newspaper - Muncie woman to launch Christian-based magazine for women | The Star Press - www.thestarpress.com - Muncie, IN

Out of the Darkness 2006 by Belinda Pauls-Anderson

2006-07-22T12:50:00.000-04:00

The Stats--Over 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
--Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, and 1,500 more attempt to do so.
--Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old.
--Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old.

The Challenge and the Hope
August 12th – 13, 2006 is the 2006 Out of Darkness Walk. in Chicago thousands of people will walk 20 miles overnight and into the dawn to help shed light on suicide, its impact and its prevention for Suicide Prevention. Each walker agrees to raise at least $1,000. Net proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to fund research, education, survivor and awareness programs - both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Death by suicide is on an alarming rise in the young adult and senior population. These are the very people we live with, work with and attend church with. Choosing to end one’s life by suicide testifies to a tragic brokenness. Life is God’s good and precious gift, yet for some, it appears to be a living hell and all they feel is pain and no hope.

As Christians it is our obligation to protect and promote life. We should encourage others to seek their hope in God. During those times of despair, we need to provide love and support for our troubled brethren…and for this reason I choose to take the challenge…to walk 20 miles through the night.

God has blessed me by connecting me with a spiritual based, company Spirit Inspired that is selling tee shirts silkscreened with her poem, Born for a Purpose, to help raise money for this event. To learn more about the walk and/or make a monetary donation go to …go to support a walker…Belinda Pauls-Anderson. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is sponsoring the walk.

Together we can make a difference! It is about faith and trust in God’s promises. We were all “born for a purpose”.

Born for a Purpose

We were born for a purpose,
To do something right.
To provide inspiration
To show Christ’s life.

We were born for a reason,
To Make changes in this world
To proclaim our Lord and Savior,
To tell people God’s word.

We were born in this time.
Determined by God above.
He wanted our spirits here now,
To tell of Christ love.

We were born for a purpose;
Born for this time
God gave us life!
He had a purpose in mind.

Conflict and Triumph by Deacon Bill Reid

2006-07-20T18:39:00.000-04:00

Please check out Luke 8:1-3. 1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (NIV)
Some things jumped out at me when I read these Scriptures:
(1) Jesus had at least two women traveling with Him 'through every city;' these women could be called disciples;
(2) and Herod, who was the epitome of evil (His father was Herod "the great" who had attempted to have Jesus killed as an infant when he ordered the killing of all male children under of the age of two.
(3) His ancestor was Esau whose descendants were the Edomites - historical enemies of God's chosen people, particularly after they had left Egypt.

The conflict continues today!

But check out Joanna, the wife of Chuza, who was Herod's steward. Jesus' power was so strong that he had Herod's steward as one of His disciples. Pulled her out of serving darkness and evil (when you serve evil, you MUST pay a heavy price) and brought her into His marvelous light. Who knows what evil this man had required of Joanna, but by the grace and mercy of Jesus, she was able and allowed to provide to God in the flesh! -- We serve an awesome God.

Grace and peace.
© 2006 Deacon Bill Reid
All Nations Baptist Church, Washington, DC