Social Networks or Your Soul?

Social Networks like Facebook, Myspace, Virb, Twitter, BlackPlanet, Ning, LinkedIn, Blogspot, Friendster, Tagged, and hundreds more have taken over many people's lives. I admit that I love staying connected to friends and family through social networks but I also notice the negative aspects of them as well. I encourage everyone who use social networks to do so with caution. Don't lose your soul to a Social Network!

Distractions

Social Networks can take all of your time if you're not careful. Set a time limit and don't go past your allotted time to chat with friends and family,etc. If you can no longer seem to focus on spending time in the Word of God, striving toward your career goals, taking care of your family and other responsibilities or you find yourself constantly checking your phone for updates, then you may need to evaluate where your priorities lie.

Unusual Connections

You may be connected with people through social networks who have a warped sense of life and who bombard you and your thoughts with their opinions. Guard your heart against things that you know are not of God. Be on guard against evil influences and by people who are not on the same path as you. You should be an example to other people who are lost and confused about life. Matthew 5:16 says "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Be the light in the dark places and even on social networks.

Be Careful Little Eyes

Many social networks can lead to developing dangerous relationships with strangers and even open a door to other serious issues. Be careful with exchanging photos, checking out links to third party websites and going into chat rooms that have questionable atmospheres.

All In Fun

Social networks are designed to be fun and to provide a network or platform to socialize. It was never meant to turn into a place for men and women to act unbecoming to themselves or one another. I encourage you to be mindful of your usage or over usage of Social Networks. Anything that takes you away from your relationship with God, serving others and fulfilling your purpose is not something that should be a priority in your life. So choose your Soul over a Social Network every time!

Memphis' Mayoral Race 2009

Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr.


A.C. Wharton

Carol Chumney

Thursday, October 15, 2009 Memphians will vote in a very special election for a new Mayor of Memphis. Several candidates are running for this position and DIVINE Magazine had the priviliege of catching up with some of the TOP candidates.

Scroll down to read interviews with Carol Chumney, A.C. Wharton, and Kenneth T. Whalum Jr.

A huge thanks to each candidate for taking the time to share with DIVINE readers in the Memphis area what they plan to do for the city of Memphis.

Many Blessings To Each Of You on Your Campaign!

7 Questions For...

Memphis Mayoral Candidate Carol Chumney

DIVINE: (1) What are the top 5 issues you plan to tackle as mayor?

CC: I have a "Back to Basics" platform, which can be viewed at http://www.carolchumneyonline.com/. As a lifelong Memphian who loves this city, my top priorities are to cut crime, bring good-paying jobs, work with the faith-based community and businesses to provide after-school activities and summer jobs for youth, fill the Pyramid, and revitalize neighborhoods.

DIVINE: (2) What support can you/do you plan to provide for Faith Based Organizations?

CC: I am a person of faith and regularly attend Calvary Episcopal Church (downtown), and Hope Presbyterian Church (Cordova). I have visited churches, synagogues,and other places of worship in Memphis. I will form an advisory committee of religious leaders from different faiths. I will work with them and businesses to develop programs for positive after-school activities and summer jobs for youth.

DIVINE: (3) Describe your passion for the City of Memphis.

CC: After 40 years since the tragic death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in our city, I believe this is the appointed time for Memphians to come together and heal. We have wandered in the wilderness long enough, and can conquer the giants of high crime, high unemployment, high poverty, and kids not having hope and a future, and make this a world class city. I see Memphis as becoming the economic engine of the South.

DIVINE: (4) Why do you want to be the mayor?

CC: I've devoted most of my adult life to public service, and I believe in the people of Memphis. I am running for Mayor because I believe that we can bring the change we need.

DIVINE: (5) What do you feel you bring to the table?

CC: I bring 13 years as a state legislator, and 4 years as a Memphis City Councilwoman. I also have been an attorney in private practice for over 22 years. The people of Memphis have always been able to count on me to stand up for them and let their voices be heard. I have a record of getting things done, such as fighting to repeal the 12 year pension for elected officials, passing statewide reform to make child care safer, passing the law to let the Memphis Church Health Center provide health care to thousands of working poor, and stopping legislation that would let corporations cover up environmental hazards. I am a proud graduate of the Memphis Public Schools, and of the University of Memphis college and law school.

DIVINE: (6) How will citizens be able to gauge your progress as mayor?

CC: Is your neighborhood safer? Are kids in school, and safer on the way to and from school? Are there more positive activities for youth after school, and summer jobs? Are more good-paying jobs here? Are we being perceived as the up and coming city for relocation of businesses and families? Since this special election is to fill a vacancy, I will have less than 700 days to make a difference. I believe we can.

DIVINE: (7) Who/What Inspires You?

CC: The stories in the Bible inspire me- such as David who was anointed by God to become the King of Israel because he was a good shepherd, had faith, and a true heart. Or how about the battle of Gideon, in Judges, chapters 6 and 7. Gideon started with an army of 22,000 men, and God sent all of them home except for 300 men to defeat the Midianites and show his power.

7 Questions For...

Memphis Mayoral Candidate A.C. Wharton

DIVINE: (1) What are the top issues that you plan to tackle when you get into office?
AC: (1) Solving Crime is my number one priority. (2) Safety next because I want to ensure domestic tranquility. (3) Job Security because if we have more jobs it means less people in jail, less worry about teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, etc. If people have good jobs then there is a certain pride and dignity that flows from them, people feel like they are contributing. (4) Education because building support and finding resources for our schools is very important. I want to have a better relationship with the schools by providing support and not meddling.


DIVINE: (2) How long will it take for your plan of action to take place?
AC: Immediately. I am working on projects right now.


DIVINE: (3) What support can you/do you plan to provide for Faith Based Organizations?
AC: Build on what I've done already. Continue with the Faith Based Council and continue to implement programs like Headstart, Community Clean-up Programs, etc. I owe Faith Based Organizations for their support. I'd be the first to help with funding just as we did with World Overcomers and the Infant Mortality Project.


DIVINE: (4) Who/What Inspires You?
AC: My faith inspires me...I am a spirited person...it's hard for me to see evil. I always see the good in things and people. I have a good ability to do that. The people of good will greatly outweigh the people that don't...I can't walk way from that...I want to be involved with it.


DIVINE: (5) How would you change the big ball of potential theory that surrounds the city of Memphis?
AC: We've got the potential to be an excellent city...we have so many natural attributes--the river, the untapped labor force, people of good will, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, Lemoyne Owen, all the colleges and universities and much more. We just need a leader to tap into it and release it. Even the fact that Allen Iverson is here is great, anything that will unleash the competitiveness in us and the spirit of teamwork is good for our city.


DIVINE: (6) How will citizens be able to gauge the city of Memphis' progress under your leadership?
AC: I'm accessible and transparent about everything. I will set goals, provide time tables and measuring devices. I will always communicate with the citizens what's going on in our city.


DIVINE: (7) Describe your passion for the city of Memphis.
AC: I've had the privilege to travel to a lot of places and all cities have challenges. It's a love affair with me as it relates to my passion for Memphis. I wasn't born and raised here but I moved here by choice and stayed by choice. I want to help this city reach its fullest potential.

7 Questions For...

Memphis Mayoral Candidate Kenneth Whalum

DIVINE: (1) What are the top 5 issues you plan to tackle as mayor?

KW:There are only two major issues in this campaign. All the rest flow from them.

(1) Consolidation. I will swiftly snuff out the talk of consolidation and the spending of government resources on promoting consolidation, and redirect all resources into meeting the needs of MEMPHIANS; in other words, those who live inside the city limits.

(2) Personal Character. I will continue to lead by example in terms of faithfulness to my wife, serving as role model for boys, covering this community’s women and children.

DIVINE: (2) How long will it take your plan of action to take place?

KW: In the first 30 days I will conduct a public and systematic inspection of crucial city services to determine whether a standard of excellence in customer satisfaction is being met. This will include practice in the chain of command and communication exercises.

DIVINE: (3) What support can you/do you plan to provide for Faith Based Organizations?

KW: Within constitutional legal restraints I will offer support to those FBO who provide services to Memphis citizens based on need and not religious affiliation.

DIVINE: (4) What is the greatest hindrance to Memphis' growth?

KW: A communal inferiority complex that has been in place since the day Dr. King was assassinated.

DIVINE: (5) What are your plans to remove the hindrance(s)?
KW: I will continue to uplift young people and give them an actual voice in their own government by adopting the principles and policies of the Memphis Youth Manifesto found at http://www.memphisyouthmanifesto.com/

DIVINE: (6) Describe your passion for the City of Memphis.
KW: MUSIC – MARTIN – MEMPHIANS. NEW MOVEMENT – NEW MAYOR – NEW MEMPHIS – VOTE WHALUM!

DIVINE: (7) Why do you want to be the mayor?
KW: Because we owe it to the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to make the city he died in a shining example of excellence.

A NEW SEASON!

Whenever we enter a new season I’m always tempted to think about the seasons that we encounter in our lives. Some of our seasons are plentiful, some are barren and some are stagnant. When we are in the midst of a good season we are the happiest people alive but when our seasons are not so pleasant we tend to withdraw from the world. Philippians 4:11 (KJV) urges us to “be content in whatever state we are in”. I admit this is hard to do when faced with family sickness or unpleasant co-workers or other tough situations, but it is definitely a good challenge to Christians. As we are blessed with cool Fall evenings, the beautiful colors that drench the leaves, and the smell of the crisp morning air let's remember to do a few things:

• Display cool, calm and even cheerful countenances no matter what.


• Reflect upon your attitude, your demeanor and your moods.


• Remember to express beautiful spirits and speak pleasant words.


• Plant good seeds for a bountiful harvest.


• Blossom in the Spirit of God.


• Most importantly, allow God to do a “new” thing within you during this new season!

Enjoy Fall!

Life’s Tests Lead to Testimonies

Trusting God is not just something to say anymore. It is a statement that comes at a high cost. A statement that has to be spoken with vigilance and by those who are unafraid of the tests that comes along with it. All tests aren’t from Satan. Many tests and trials come from God and He wants to see if we really trust Him. If you haven’t already, you will come to a point where going to church just isn’t enough, reading motivational books just isn’t enough, pep talks from friends won’t do. You’ve got to wake up everyday thinking, “Lord, will this mountain move today?” and at the end of the day when it hasn’t moved you’ve got to say, “Okay, Lord you’re in control so maybe tomorrow.” Even when the mountain you’re waiting on God to move becomes two, three or four mountains, you’ve got to take a deep breath and put your hands in God’s hands and say, “Lord, I trust you.”

I’ve discovered that even when you try to do everything right you still face adversity. People still come into your life and alter your paths. Situations continue to arise that force you to question your purpose and destiny. Moments like these can seem like they will last an eternity. These are the moments when God is pruning you and stretching you. All you feel like doing is crying, complaining, whining, screaming, hollering or all of the above. When you feel anger, resentment, disappointment, and disgust and you ask yourself, “why me” the question that really matters is “why not you”?

On many occasions God has brought us out of our situations and He is the “same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV). He changes not. He rescued you before so why believe that your current situation is any different. It’s not. Trust God. He never fails.

What About The Children?

Image Provided By Associated Press

Sixteen year old Derrion Albert was beaten to death last week at the hands of his peers. I heard about the incident through the grapevine but researched the news story myself and cringed as I watched the video of the incident at length. I was heartbroken and watched in disbelief as an innocent honor roll student was caught up in the middle of senseless fighting.

Gang violence amongst teenagers and consenting adults has gone too far. The lack of value for another human being's life is an abomination and unacceptable. The laughter and jeering that was heard on the videotape of what turned out to be this young man's last few breaths was an indication that this level of fighting has become the norm in our neighborhoods. It means that these type of brawls are just as common as watching a reality show or sitcom or as amusing as recording an event in real time and uploading it to YouTube for everyone to see. However, this time the rolling credits at the end of the video indicated that if viewers could "identify anyone in the video allegedly involved in the death of Derrion Albert, please call Chicago Police Dept. at 312-747-8272." Unfortunately, that's how the story of Derrion's life ended.

Our nation needs serious prayer and there needs to be a rallying of communties to win back our children. Our children need structure and guidance and if they can't get it at home they need structure and guidance at church, school, community centers, the neighborhood grocery store, the post office, wherever they go.

Prov 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." If parents would dedicate their lives to training their children and sowing into their children as opposed to working constantly, spending excessive amounts of time glued to the cell phone, or out with friends, a huge percentage of behavioral problems amongst our youth would be resolved. We need parents that are guilty of slacking in their duties to stand up and be parents. It's not an easy task but there are support groups and tons of literature to help in the process.

There's also an old African proverb that says, "It takes a village to raise a child." It's up to everyone to help our youth. If you are not already involved in a child's life I encourage you to ask yourself, "What About The Children?" The children like Derrion, the children like those who took Derrion's precious life for granted, the children like those who stood around laughing. Make sure you are imparting your wisdom and love into a young child's life. If you know a parent struggling to raise a son or daughter, pour into that parent and help raise that child. Seek out organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Youth Villages, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Girls Inc., local schools, the youth ministry at your place of worship, community centers, etc. to volunteer your time throughout the year! Our future generation of leaders need guidance.

Let's be in prayer for our youth, the parents of our youth and most importantly for the family of 16 year old Derrion Albert. May He Rest In Peace & May His Death Cause People To Stand Up For What's Right Everywhere.

TOXIC FRIENDS: How Many of Us Have Them?

People come in and out of our lives but not everyone deserves the title of friend. You’ve heard the saying, “Some people are in your life for a reason or a season.” Never has a statement been so true and anyone who fails to take heed to the lesson behind those words can end up with or probably already has toxic friends.

What is a toxic friend? It’s sort of an oxymoron because a friend wouldn’t normally be called toxic. It seems that anything considered toxic can’t be good. Toxic waste dumps, toxic bins to store previously used needles, and now toxic friends. In essence, a toxic friend is someone that can and will cause harm in your life. Thinking someone is a genuine friend when they are really toxic is almost as detrimental.

Let’s take a look at some toxic situations among so-called friends:

Toxic Situation 1
After a couple of bad experiences, Amy reluctantly decided to attend a party with her friend Bethany. Amy expressed to Bethany beforehand that they should stay together and watch each other’s back. Bethany reassures Amy that everything will be okay. As soon as the two enter the party, Bethany disappears with a guy into a dark corner. Later Amy sees Bethany taking shots of liquor with a group of strangers and tries to get her to leave. She claims that she is okay and that they would leave soon. Amy keeps a close eye on Bethany but is distracted by a fight. When Amy is clear from danger she searches frantically to find a non-existent Bethany. Amy resorts to sitting in her car hoping that Bethany would soon appear. After a few hours, Amy sees a couple of guys carrying out an apparently drunk girl. When Amy realizes that the girl is Bethany she rescues her from the guys in fear of what they had in mind. The next weekend, Amy receives a phone call from Bethany who wants to go to another party. What should Amy do?

Toxic Situation 2
Derek has been involved with his new girlfriend for about three months. His friend Jason is known to be a bit of a ladies man and has a reputation. Derek doesn’t pay attention to the rumors that he has heard about his friend Jason. On one occasion, Derek needed Jason to pick his girlfriend up from the airport. Jason was happy to help and put on his best outfit, his favorite cologne and headed to the airport. When Jason arrived, Derek’s girlfriend April noticed how strangely Jason was acting. Jason used every possible opportunity to stand a little too close to April or flash his winning smile. Everything Jason did made April extremely uncomfortable. When April was home, she called Derek to explain the situation but he refused to believe that his friend of 8 years would try to flirt with his girlfriend. Who should Derek believe?

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint a toxic friend and it’s even harder to end this type of friendship. Therefore, in choosing friends consider what Jesus said in John 15: 12: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” So you should love your friends as Christ has loved you and your friends should do the same. In any situation if a so-called friend does not have your best interest at heart they are a toxic friend. If you continue to deal with that person they will soon get you into a situation that can be dangerous to your life.

Keep your eyes open and your hand in God’s hand to recognize warning signs of toxic friendships. I Corinthians 10: 13 reminds us that “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” In other words, God always gives us a way out especially in toxic friendships. When people come into your life use your best judgment, choose wisely!

Remaining Faithful

You've gotten the breakthrough that you wanted and so you can exhale just a little bit. Your prayers were answered and your storm is now over! You can relax and catch up on the latest news with your co-workers on your lunch break. Right? Not so fast.

How long will you remain faithful as a prayer warrior, serving at church, testifying everywhere you go and do so just as diligently as you did when you were in need of God's mercy and grace? After the waves of life that throw us and jolt us have calmed down, we tend to turn away from the same God that kept us in the midst of our storm. Why is this?

We get complacent and think that we have arrived. Another reason may be that we often feel so beat up and shipwrecked after our storm that we just want to be "normal" again. After a while, we begin making excuses about how busy we are on the same job that we asked God for and received. We use the same gifts that God gave us in every other capacity BUT to build up the Kingdom. We fail to give to God and others with the very same provisions that God has bestowed upon us. We begin to be our biggest problems. Sometimes being "normal" or being in a relaxed mode can mean being distracted by things that separate us from our number one love. No matter what, we must REMAIN FAITHFUL in doing those things that keep us connected to God.

According to the Dictionary, remain means "stay the same, especially after something else has been removed or not used up; continue in a place, position, or situation; persist". Therefore, the faith that you had when you were trusting God to deliver you should still be strong and present even after your storm has been removed. You've heard the saying, "You're either in a storm, headed to a storm, or on your way out of a storm." That is a sheer indicator that remaining faithful in praying, serving and inspiring others is absolutely necessary ALL THE TIME!.

1 Thessalonian 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." Remain faithful by praying for the storm you're in and the storm you'll be in next week, next month or next year. Serve at your church and in your community whether your storm is over or not, remain faithful to serving other people because your testimony can impact someone else life or their testimony will inspire you. Instead of always joining your co-workers for lunch or watching TV for hours on end after work, study God's word, sing hymns of praise and continue doing those things that strengthen your relationship with The One who loves you most; The One who always remains faithful to you. "God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on)..."1 Corinthians 1:9

Are you remaining faithful during this season of your life?

Practice What You Preach

Have you ever had to take your own advice? Scary isn't it? It's easy to give advice to another person when everything in your life is in tip top shape. When our friends and family members are going through rough times, we quickly tell them to trust God, to look to the hills from which cometh their help or any other religious colloquialisms that we can think to share. However, when we face a personal trial trusting God can seem like a daunting task but it's really a test to see if we practice what we preach.


Jesus warned us not to be like the Pharisees in Matthew 23: 1-3: "Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 'The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.' " You may have thought that the saying, "Practice What You Preach" was a cliche but those words came straight from Jesus! Matthew 23: 1-3 displays the danger of telling people one thing and doing another. To avoid being like a Pharisee just be yourself. Only give advice on things that you truly know about. It's okay to reflect on Jesus' power to deliver, heal, restore, provide, and so on but be sure you can speak of your own experiences and most importantly that you know where these promises are in His word. One day you will be faced with a trial of sickness, a familial issue, a financial problem, or something else and you will have to tell yourself all the things that you've said to encourage others.

God wants to know that we can practice what we preach. When tests come our way we won't wither or fall by the wayside. We will be able to tell ourselves to trust God, to hold our head up, to keep our hand in the hand of the Master and so on. Remember Practice What You Preach and Your Words Will Always Have Validity!

God's Delays Are Not His Denials

We often think of periods of waiting as a No to a question we've asked God or to a request that we've put in to God. We equate waiting on an answer from God to waiting in line at a grocery store or waiting at the doctor's office. In these types of waiting situations, our usual response is "Geez, would they hurry it up...I've got to be somewhere!" Since we are allowed our free thoughts on a daily basis and we get away with being impatient more often than we'd like to admit, we tend to think that we can also hurry God. If it weren't true there would not be several songs about this very subject. One song in particular is called "You Can't Hurry God" and was performed by choirs and singers all over the world. Dorinda Clark-Cole said it best in her version of the song with such powerful lyrics:

You can't hurry God

You just have to wait

May not come when you want Him

But He'll be there right on time

You can depend on God to come through

You just have to wait

VERSE:

Waiting on God seems so uncomfortable

Cause you don't know how long you gotta wait

Oh, my soul doth waiteth patiently on the Lord

Oh, because I know He shall renew their strength

He may not come

When you want Him

But He'll be there Right on time

You can depend on God to come through

You just have to wait

You can't hurry God

You just have to wait

May not come when you want Him

Be there right time

You can depend on God to come through

You just have to wait

VERSE:

Waiting on God seems so uncomfortable

Cause you don't know how long you gotta wait

Oh, my soul doth waiteth patiently on the Lord

Oh, because I know He shall renew their strength

I'm here to tell you

You gotta stop complainin

And start believin

He's gonna come through

Right when you need Him

You can depend on God to come through

You just have to wait

VAMP: Wait Wait Wait On Jesus

VAMP2: Wait on Him Wait on Him Wait on Him

You got to wait on Jesus

(Source: www.christian-gospelmusiclyrics.com)

Check out the Video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQRUrNkuuOE

So remember to wait on God! Also know that waiting on God can't be compared to any other kind of waiting that you have experienced. As you are waiting, rest assured that God is working some things out on your behalf that require your patience. You can't hurry God as he meticulously creates a job, a new home, a husband, a wife, a financial breakthrough, a legal victory, an opportunity for you to have an important conversation with a family member or friend, a position for you at a prestigious college, a deliverance, the breaking of a stronghold, a good report from the doctor, and so on! God hasn't failed you yet and he won't ever fail you. The way may seem dark, the prospects may seem few, your chances may seem slim but our God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He will make a way just believe and wait!

If you are in a season of waiting in your life meditate on this scripture: "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14. Notice that "wait" appears twice in this verse...so in other words wait and wait again on God!

Everything & Everyone Has A Purpose

I accidentally turned on one of the eyes on my stove the other day while cleaning around the knobs. The eye came on so quick that I immediately felt the heat rising from it. Since I wasn't planning to use it, I was really able to appreciate how great my stove is at what it's meant to do. I realized that if I were to ever go to use the stove and the eye didn't come right on that I would immediately call a repair man. Ultimately I realized that EVERYTHING has a purpose. Surely if I expect my stove to do what it is "purposed" to do then certainly God has a purpose for His children that are far more valuable than an eye on a stove! Matthew 10:29-31 confirms our value, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Let us not forget that we all have a purpose on this earth. God had plans for our lives and the lives that we would touch even while our mothers carried us in their wombs. "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Life happens and sometimes we don't feel like we even have a purpose or we have a hard time figuring out our purpose. Nevertheless, "we are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose"(Romans 8:28). So we are not to give up but to continue seeking God on what he would have us to do. Just like I would call my repair man if anything in my house failed to work properly, we have a Repair Man that we can call on to fix our hearts, our minds, our spirits and much more. Have you called on the Repair Man-the Creator of the universe, the Healer, the I AM, the Everything to your Everything, your God and Savior--to help you figure out your purpose? You should, His line is never busy and He's open 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year. Think about it and remember Everything & Everyone Has A Purpose!!!

7 Questions For...

J.J. HAIRSTON

New Album In Stores

September 1, 2009
RESTING ON HIS PROMISE

YOUTHFUL PRAISE featuring J.J. HAIRSTON

Click Music To Listen Now/Click Video For Exclusive Footage

DIVINE: (1) How have you grown since your last album?
JJ: I think I've grown spiritually, and I realize my purpose in the gospel music industry. I didn't really know what my focus or purpose was before, but I have a good handle on it now.

DIVINE: (2) How has Youthful Praise grown?
JJ: Well we've matured a lot. We're not kids anymore, and I believe we're in this for the right reason. Not for fame or anything like that, but to minister.

DIVINE: (3) What's your favorite song on this new album?
JJ: That would be "Close to You". It's a very intimate and personal worship song. I sing that song all the time. (I mean by myself).

DIVINE: (4) What can fans expect from your new album?
JJ: A lot of upbeat praise, of course intimate worship, some good old fashion church choir music, and a lot of the sound that the people who have the first YP record would recognize.

DIVINE: (5) What other projects do you have up your sleeves?
JJ: Well we're writing for a few other projects, but right now my focus is on promoting this new record.

DIVINE: (6) What was the inspiration for the song "Resting On His Promise"?
JJ: Well I wanted to encourage God's people in this crazy economic time. There are some people who may have lost jobs, or who are worried about losing a job or just worried about what their financial future is going to be. I just wanted to encourage them to rest on the promises of God.

DIVINE: (7)"Resting On His Promise" has lyrics that say, "I'm covered", why is it so important for believers to remember this and non-believers to understand this?
JJ: Well the main focus of the song is about being financially covered, but it also can be translated to being covered from anything! Sickness, financial difficulty, stress; we're covered or should I say shielded from all of it. Will we ever get sick, maybe, but our outcome is not the same as those who are non believers; their trust is man, but ours is in the Lord. It's important that non-believers see and recognize that because it may win them to Christ. We all have been failed by man, but God can not fail!

DIVINE: Thanks so much for your time and many blessings on all your future endeavors!
JJ: Thank you so much for you support!

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