Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 October 2001 — Page 13

INSIDE. *B* SECTION*SPORTS

Salt and

Light

By Bishop T. Garrott

Benjamin

Mama’s

Boy (Part 3)

I must live for a cause not just because

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” — (Psalm 27:10) * !|l * * * This is the third part of a series of articles that will give you some of the flavor of the most important book 1 have written so far called Mama’s Boy. It is a tribute to my grandmother who as a single parent made every sacrifice in order that I might make something of my life and make a difference in the lives of other people as she planted the seed of Christ into my life from the very beginning and used her wit and wisdom to shape and mold who I am today. Over the next few weeks, I will share pieces of the “dream” which I hope will whet your appetite to read the entire manuscript. ToGod be the glory! *\ . * * o ♦VHmM Private Tears “As the train picked up speed. I finally turned away from the window, where the scenery was now (hanging every few seconds. My brain was trying to keep up with the swift-moving events of the last few minutes; so were my emotions. Feeling as if I had no control over what was happening, I sat jdown in the seat, stunned, and in nphildlike confusion quietly won[dered what was happening to me. In my mind’s eye I could still see my parents in their finery saying goodbye on the train station plat- . form. As I slowly settled into my ^-—-unfamiliar quarters, I remember ^ feeling so very alone. “The next memory 1 have is getting prepared to go to bed and hearing a porter say something like, “Don’t worry, you won’t fall out of bed, because there is a safety net to keep you from falling. That's right, there’s a safety net right here. You’ll be just fine.” A safety net? If I fell, I would be rescued. Little did I realize how prophetic those jvords safety net would soon become. I’m sure someone had told the porter to watch after the little boy in the upper berth because he’ s going to his grandmother’s house, and he needs someone to take care of him. Little did I know that I was entering into an awesome adventure that was going to change my life completely. “Except for that kindly, ebonyskin gentleman in the black uniform with gold buttons getting me ready for bed, I had little, if any, exposure to anyone else on the train. I just remember boarding the train, getting ready for bed, falling asleep, and arriving in Cleveland early the next morning. In some ways, going to visit my grandmother was an awesome adventure —not a traumatic experience, even though I was beginning to put two and two together based on some of the things I’d heard my parents talk about. Perhaps it was because of the hostility and antagonism I’d "known for so long in my home that I felt as if I were being released from prison, or perhaps a tomb. I sensed I was escaping something bad and was on the verge of departing to a better place, where I would be loved unconditionally, where there would be no fighting and See SALT, Page B4

By FAITH MOORE

My winsome 7-year-old son Donovan and I incredulously watched as the grand columnal palaces of the World Trade Center cascaded down it^to agray and flaming tomb. Innocently, Donovan asked,-“Mommy, why didn’t th$y show Market Square Arena this much when it was blown up?*’ Bemused, I was taken abaci; by his simple naivetd and

willing seb&iivity,

After all, Mafket Square Arena held a great significance to many of us and especially to this 7-year-old. He cried as it was ceremoniously imploding. Reeling from die enormity of this event, I was called to ex-

My emotions were an incredible juxtaposition of loathe for the violent acts and love for

my son.

Before these attacks, terror was not part of my consciousness. I now have a riper sense of evil. An insular man surrounded by his pimps and sycophants has infringed upon my liberty. I am acutely aware of the defiled world that I leave for my children’s inheritance. I am also aware of my role in the defamation of this

world.

Before the attack I was hanging by a materialistic noose. After Sept. 11, 2001, I am released from that constricting noose. For tire first tune I knew the feeling of God’s comforting arms. I honestly feel secure

plain the unexplainable to my bewildered in the fact that God is in control. God is my son even as my own feelings shifted from refuge and my sanctuary. His companionship extreme melancholy to overwhelm in the enhances my autonomy. I have moments of wake of the attacks. illumination of the filings that are most impor-

tant in life. The paucity of money and prestige does not diminish from true happiness or quality of life. Quality of life depends on one thing, what I do with every minute of every hour of every day. My happiness depends upon my actions. Gandhi said “We must become the change we want to see.” I realize that I must live for a cause not just because. I now smile and speak to strangers with dramatic regularity. I seek to understand and appreciate people, culture and religions of the world realizing that we are transformed and linked by the process of creative destruction. Creative destruction is the theory that states that in order for creation to occur, there must first be destruction. Buildings and lives were destroyed in order to create unity and strengthen our faith in God.

Dr. Gardner Taylor inspires fellow ministers

Pastors attend ‘Preaching with Purpose’ conference By RONNETTA S. . SLAUGHTER Staff Writer A diverse group of ministers and clergy flocked to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for the “Preaching with Passion and Purpose" conference held last week. This inspirational event encouraged pastors to lead their congregations through pain and sorrow, especially after the recent terrorist attack. "If we’ve ever needed the word of God, we sure do need it now,” said Rev. Ivan Hicks, senior pastor at First Baptist Church. "Our entire community needs to be bound in the word of God.” The conference featured two days of workshops led by highly respected ministers from across the country. Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor, senior pastor emeritus of Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., headlined this year's event. As he made his way to the podium to deliver his first words, a standing ovation greeted him. "We have tried to reduce the gospel," said Dr. Taylor, instructing pastors to remain steadfast in God. "The word of the Lord is not dead. It is charged with the spirit.” Some churches have adapted to worldly values and standards, which often praise greed and “cheap" grace over spirituality and faith, he said. While his honors include Time magazine's "Deanof Black Preachers" and the 2000 “Presidential

/*

Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor (Photo/Curtis Guynn)

Medal of Freedom,” Dr. Taylor maintains that the core of his

strength comes from God. •‘‘Who else has the word when

Jrfejhas been too much for uSTTpT askfcd. “When 4fe have crotid the

best we can, the Lord will perfect that which concerns us.” Ministers must actively seek God’s word and implement such values into their lives. He has walked the streets of New York since the terrorist attack, and recognizes the vast devastation and lingering pain. “I think of the dreams, warm smiles, the love — all gone,” said Dr. Taylor. “Somewhere beyond retaliation, we’ve got to work on healing.” Following his words, the workshops highlighted valuable components of preaching and teaching. A wide array of pastors guided fellow ministers and clergy through an afternoon session. Dr. Charles Booth (Columbus, Ohio), Dr. Walter Malone (Louisville) and Dr. Kent Millard, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, all led workshops. The “I am ..." lecture showed pastors how to gain a sense of themselves and their mission before stepping into the pulpit. Another workshop explored innovative approaches to pastoral leadership, preaching and media arts. Dr. Edward Wheeler, president of Christian Theological Seminary, facilitated “The Passionate Preacher” discussion. There are several components to preaching with passion, and ministers gained insight into their own preaching styles. In “Passionate Preaching in a Globalized Ecumenical Community,” Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith examined the willingness to think beyond familiar cultural and denominational settings. According to Dr. Walker-Smith, communities must include diverse people who affect the larger context of preaching. During the worship and praise services, participants meditated on the conference and enjoyed fellowship with each other. In discouraging times, our citizens have looked towards their faith to sustain them. Pastors are an integral part of the healing process, and welcome the opportunity to be a good and faithful servant of God’s. “Know that God has a purpose and a plan,” said Minister Latonya Johnson of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.

Nicole C. Mullen

8th annual Gospel Music Explosion

Special to The Recorder Joyful Sound Productions will present the 8th annual Gospel Music Explosion Friday. Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Madame Walker Theatre. The welcome will be given by Reginald, Beverly and Quinn Barney of WTLC AM 1310. Reginald and Beverly Barney also will serve and master and mistress of ceremonies. Dorothy J. McGordon. pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church, will offer the opening prayer. The mission of Joyful Sound Productions is to present Jesus Christ to the public in the form of gospel music, to inspire and encourage the spiritual man as he begins his relationship with the creator and to uplift those who are building their relationship with Jesus Christ. Following is biographical information on some of the perf ormers.

• • • • •

Nicole C. Mullen has emerged as one of this generation's most compelling singer/songwriters. Blessed with one of contemporary Christian music's most distinctive voices, she is also a songwriter of rare insight and sensitivity. With songs that run the gamut from soaring praise ballads to intimate worship arias; from gritty hiphop anthems to sinewy, gospel barnburners, Mullen has the uncanny ability to build bridges over those boundary lines that separate cultures; young and old. Black and white, pop and urban. The scope of her remarkable

appeal was recognized earlier this year, as she became the first woman in 14 years to receive the Gospel Music Association's Songwriterof the Year title. And when her incredible worship song, “Redeemer" w as named Song of the Year, she joined the ranks of Gloria Gaither and Michael W. Smith as the only songwriters ever to have two songs honored with that distinction. In fact, she is the first African American ever to win a Dove Award in the Song of the Year category, and she often finds herself performing in churches that have never invited an AfricanAmerican guest before. Now if you are looking for filth, don't call Bone, if you are looking for a dirty comic, don't call Bone, if you are looking to laugh ‘til you can't no more ... then let's finish this conversation. Bone is "Saved. Sanctified. & Substitute Teaching," the title of his brand new comedy CD. Bone is funny. This comedian born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, is now residing in Sodom and Gamor... I mean Hollywood. Calif. He has the perfect blend of funny, soul, class, the Holy Spirit, and mustard greens that makes him a comedian to be heard. Bone was featured in Focus on the family’s "Breakaway” magazine. Bone has performed on BET's Comic View and was a featured guest on BET's "Oh Drama" hosted by Kim E. Whitley. Bone was also in Paramount Motion Picture “NecSee GOSPEL, Page B3

Al-lslam in America By Imam Mikal Saahir

Qur’anic verses against terrorism (Part 2) Immediately following the worst terrorist attack in U. S. history, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, leader of the largest Islamic community in America issued the following statement: “We are shocked and dismayed. Muslims please stay calm and remain in our good senses. We need prayers right now. People who do terrorist acts are not in their good Muslim behavior. We should ask ourselves, would Prophet Muhammed, prayers and peace be on him, kill innocent men. women, and children? Even if a Muslim becomes a terrorist, his answer would be no to this question: “WOULD PROPHET MUHAMMED KILL THE INNOCENT...?” Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Sept. 11,2001 ***** Terrorists, regardless of which religion they are associated with, cannot find support for their evil deeds in any book of revelation. Bible. Qur'an, or Torah. A terrorist is one who seeks opportunities for mischief with the intent of striking fear and insecurity in the innocent. G-d says in Chapter 28. Verse 77. "But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the home of the hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief." It is important that we clearly distinguish between what the faith teaches from that which the adherent practices. If a person or group claims to be Muslim, but their behavior is not Islamic, then we must note that difference and not call the person's wrong doing Islam. Just as intelligent people readily acknowledge that the evil actions of the Ku Klux Klan — whose full name is The Christian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan — does not represent Christianity, the same distinction must be made with other faiths. Hitler was a practicing Christian, however, his atrocities against humanity do not represent Christianity. The aggressive Jews who humiliate and abuse the Palestinians, do not. and should not be compared with the good Jews w ho are working for the peace of the sacred teachings of Judaism. The same applies to Al-lslam. The evils comm it ted by those who call themselves Muslim, yet they resort to terrorism must be distinguished. No true Muslim. Christian or Jew, who believe in and follow their respective holy book will commit evil in the name of religion. G-d revealed to Prophet Muhammed. "On that account: We ordained lor the children of Israel

See AL-ISLAM. Page B3