The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in October 2016

foreverduncan

Hello World,

Per usual, I took note of blog posts and or articles that illuminate the path for black Christian women as I am one… So below is my Top 10 monthly roundup of blog posts and or articles for black Christian women ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out:) ! ) As usual, let me know if you like my list! Enjoy and share!

1.”Why The Inspiring Couple Behind #ForeverDuncan Got Married The Same Day As The Proposal [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]” by Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell

If you haven’t heard about the sweet and innovative love story of how Alfred Duncan proposed to his then girlfriend Sherrell and married her on the same day (Oct.1) after planning the wedding without her knowing about it, you have to fall in love with them too.  See more at: elev8.hellobeautiful.com.

2.”Kirk Franklin Gives His Daughter Away to Her Groom, Pens Emotional Letter Pre-Wedding [PHOTOS]” by Aliya Faust

Excerpt: In more wedding news, Gospel music star Kirk Franklin‘s family had a very big weekend. The proud – and protective – papa gave one of his daughter’s away in marriage yesterday (October 1); Carrington Franklin said the big “I Do” to her five-year bae, Maxx. Brian McKnight was there to sing “Still In Love” while Kirk, who also officiated the wedding, walked his baby girl Carr down the aisle. Keep scrolling to see some wedding photos taken by guests in attendance, plus one video of the most epic father-daughter dance! See more at: gospelgoodies.com.

3.”6 Possible Reasons Why Christian Men No Longer Want a Church Girl” by Judi Mason

Excerpt: In 2012, Pastor and movie studio executive Devon Franklin married actress and self-professed party girl Meagan Good. In 2015 NFL player Russell Wilson, a devout Christian started dating R& B singer Ciara. Their relationship received a lot of public scrutiny after his announcement that they agreed to remain celibate throughout their courtship. They married in 2016. Pastor Jamal Bryant is currently dating R&B singer Tweet, who was introduced to the world in 2002 with her sexually-charged song, “Oops.” Tweet is now a Christian and has been deemed by Bryant as his Last Lady, meaning she is the “one” for him. And just a few weeks ago actress, singer and talk show host, Adrienne Bailon celebrated her upcoming nuptials to gospel recording artist, singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader Israel Houghton with a Parisian-themed bridal shower. See more at: blackandmarriedwithkids.com.

the-mothers4.”Doubt and Shame in ‘The Mothers’: An Interview with Brit Bennett” by Morgan Jerkins

Excerpt: That is a big question. As far as the book goes, I was interested in the role of black women in the church. Black women essentially are the black church; they are the majority of people who go to churches and do the unseen and unacknowledged labor. I was interested in how black women are not allowed to speak at church — they’re not in the pulpit delivering the sermons most of the time. But they are doing the work that keeps churches afloat. They perform different roles, and are often silenced.

That’s why I wanted to explore the church mothers who are often dismissed as gossipy old ladies and don’t have institutional power. But they do have power. I think gossip has social power. Gossip is the construction of narratives around people; it spreads, and that’s something that’s powerful. See more at: lareviewofbooks.org.

5.”Georgia Female Faith Leaders Join Others in Denouncing Trump’s Remarks” by Shelia Poole

Excerpt: Others, such as Atlanta evangelist Alveda King, still support the Republican nominee. “I really do not appreciate Mr. Trump’s remarks at all,” said King, who was not among those signing the letter. “However, I’ve heard and forgiven so much worse.” Her focus is elsewhere. See more at: myajc.com.

Jennifer Baskerville - Burrows Portrait

Jennifer Baskerville – Burrows Portrait

Excerpt: The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis has elected the first black, female diocesan bishop in the history of the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, director of networking in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, was elected on the second ballot during a diocesan convention held at Christ Church Cathedral Indianapolis on Friday (Oct. 28). See more at: religionnews.com.

7.Tara Middleton Continues to Inspire Despite Inoperable Brain Tumor Diagnosis by Empowering Everyday Women Ministries

Excerpt: After being in hospice for a few months, Tara received a huge surprise. Through The Dream  Foundation and Hospice Care of South Carolina, she met Tamar Braxton, former co-host of The Real. This platform gave Tara the opportunity to share her story and inspire others to believe they can
overcome any obstacle they may face. See more at: empoweringeverydaywomen.com.

8.”The Professor Wore a Hijab in Solidarity — Then Lost Her Job” by Ruth Graham

Excerpt: Hawkins’s relationship with Wheaton’s administration, particularly the provost, Stanton Jones, began to fray within just a few years. Her experiences as a black woman on campus were never hostile, but she was occasionally uncomfortable. Early on, a “hip-hop chapel,” meant to celebrate black styles of worship, read to her more like a minstrel show, an offensive attempt to “check off the diversity box.” She complained and was rebuffed. She felt “spiritually dry,” a term Christians use to describe the feeling of being far from God. “It’s quite a paradox that being in this thoroughly Christian place has been a very difficult time for me faith-wise,” she told me in February. “At Wheaton, unity always trumps diversity.” See more at: nytimes.com.

9.”Kaleidoscope Of Meaning: Chance The Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ And Making Religious Meaning In The Intersection” by Sharde’ Chapman

Excerpt: As the world becomes more secularized, and the black community more radically individual, one often wonders whether the black church still holds a place in the lives of black folks. Especially for generations from the Millenials forward. While that is still a conversation worth exploring, I would argue that Chance the Rapper demonstrates that for many the black churches still holds relevance, but is interpreted differently. I know because as a born and raised Baptist, and clergy, I practice my spiritual and religious underpinnings much differently than my grandmother. My brand of Christianity includes tongue-in-cheek references to black Jesus, tattoos, hymns, and the gospel according to Lil Wayne. See more at: huffingtonpost.com.

10. Exclusive: Aunjanue Ellis on Nate Parker & the ‘Birth of a Nation’ Controversy by Aunjanue Ellis

Excerpt: And Nate’s professed Christianity, which doesn’t seem to allow for forgiveness and grace—given or received—confuses and disaffects those who hear him. It has bred distrust and disdain. And yet, despite all of this, I still believe in Birth of a Nation. I still believe in its rare and transformative power. See more at: ebony.com.

If you know of any black Christian women bloggers and or writers, please e-mail me at jacqueline@afterthealtarcall.com as I’m always interested in expanding my community of black Christian women blogs and websites. As I noted before, while this is a roundup of interesting blog posts and or articles for black Christian women, you don’t have to be one to appreciate these pieces :).

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUESDAY!!!

Any thoughts?

 

Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Pastor & Wife Become Parents!

baby resized

Hello World,

Yesterday, my hubby and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary (which is why there is no Greenleaf recap, but I will be back next week! I Promise!), but we’re not the only ones celebrating this month!

In what has proven to be a life-changing year already for Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock,  senior pastor of Atlanta’s Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the “spiritual home of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  and his new wife Ouleye Warnock with their Watch Night Service engagement and Valentine’s Day wedding earlier this year, the couple became the proud parents of a baby girl on Aug 1!

See her precious feet above! Congratulations to family!

Any thoughts?

 

 

McGhee Sextuplets Return to TV Tonight With the Premiere of ‘Growing Up McGhee’ on UP! MY INTERVIEW…

mcghee poster

Hello World,

The McGhee family first captured the hearts of America after an online photo went viral and the entire family appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011. Soon after, they received a series on OWN. Now the family returns to television in this all-new series for UP TV. Audiences will have a chance to follow this fun-loving family of eight as they embrace life and encounter new firsts – all of which come with unexpected twists and turns when you’re doing them with six five-year-olds. While neither Ro, a minister, nor his wife Mia ever expected their lives to be so hectic, they wouldn’t change a thing.

viral

Ro and Mia tried for 10 years to have children, but they never imagined they would end up having sextuplets! Life was busy enough when taking care of six little ones, but now that their brood is five years old and in kindergarten, they are facing brand new challenges that are throwing them for a loop. Never before have they felt more outnumbered! Diaper changes and feeding schedules have been replaced by sassy opinions and chore charts. “Growing Up McGhee” premieres tonight June 8 at 9p.m. ET.

The first episode is titled “Going a McGhee a Minute,” which is I was able to watch in advance. Here is the summary:  In this all-new series, the McGhee sextuplets are now five years old, and they are forming their own interests, opinions and personalities, which is certainly making life interesting for mom (Mia) and Dad (Ro) who now feel outnumbered! When they go to their first parent/teacher conferences, will the sextuplets get glowing remarks, or are Mia and Ro going to be sent to the principal’s office?

Below is my interview with Ro & Mia McGhee:

When do you find time to be a minister in addition to being a father of sextuplets and a carpet cleaning business owner?

It is because of God that I am a father of sextuplets and a business owner. It is the least I can do for Him for making me who I am today. My faith is priority, teaching my kids about God is essential, so in ministering I’m fulfilling both.

Do you think being married for 10 years before having your children gives you an advantage in parenting multiple children? Please explain.

I can only speak for my situation. Being married for the time we were without kids helped us to build a solid foundation. In this we learned each other, built trust, love and mostly a true friendship. So when the kids came, it just added to what was already there.

The both of you mentioned that your children have stashed items in the craziest places from cookies under a pillow to socks in a freezer. Where is the craziest place you have found something and what did you find? 

Bugs in my vehicle. My kids are at a stage where they are fascinated with bugs. So they collect them in a disposable cup. They will bring the cup in the car and watch them crawl out.  The most I found was about ten different types of bugs ranging from ants to potato bugs.

Do you have  anybody who assists you in taking care of your children other than the children’s grandmother? Why or why not?

We do have a small list of people that we can entrust our children with other then grandma. We choose to keep that list small because we can’t trust just anybody with our children.

McGhees Family Photo

Feeding six kids sounds very expensive! How much do you spend on groceries every week? And what is your favorite go-to meal for weeknight dinners?

When you have a big family, you have to be creative. We spend anywhere from $200 to $300 a week on groceries. Our favorite go-to meal is spaghetti with meatballs.

Why do you think keeping the children in kindergarten for another year will help them? Were they disappointed to find out they wouldn’t be promoted to first grade?

I am still a little torn with this, and I want to be completely honest. My kids have made great strides this year, and I cannot penalize them. However, I want what’s best for them. So I am working with the staff at the school for options and guidance. The kids are not aware of being held back as of yet until I work out the details with the school.

When do you get time to spend alone as a couple?

My husband and I go once a year on a just the two of us cruise every January for at least seven days. We have learned that this helps our marriage as well as assists us with being better parents. Also, when the kids get on the school bus sometimes we’ll have a breakfast date or a lunch date together. We’ve learned nurturing our marriage is a must.

Below is a video snippet of what you will see on “Growing Up McGhee” tonight at 9 p.m. on UP TV!