By: Laisha Harris
HOUSTON-In 1975, local business and professional communities have gathered for prayer and support at The Greater Houston Prayer Breakfast. With music, food and fellowship, members of the Houston, Mission Bend and Clear Lake community, and elected and appointed officials met in Downtown Houston on Tuesday for this annual event. Following a roaring applause and a standing ovation for members of the local police department and prayer for the country of Ukraine. Monica Lee, Senior Leader at the NASA Johnson Space Center, spoke about the way things look and the way things are.
Lee was told at a young age that math would stand in the way of her success as an adult. That was the way things looked to her teachers. Now, Lee is the Chief of Staff for NASA working on getting the first woman into space and the first humans on Mars. That is the way things are. Connecting the indisputable knowledge of science and the word of Christ, Lee says “an object will stay the same until there is a force or action to put it into motion. Or, as us Bible-folks would say, faith without works is dead.” You can want, you can wish, you can pray – but until you put faith into action, there will be no reward. She has a valid point. We pray for change but what is being put into action?
Lee goes on to say, “you may not be able to change the masses, but you can change the moment.” Thinking about the life of Jesus—Christianity was not common at the time Jesus was born, but His presence did change the moment. His life was impactful because Jesus followed the laws of his God, rather than the laws of the Romans. The following of Christ threatened the economic structure of Rome at the time, a factor leading towards His crucifixion. Jesus broke the rules of man that went against the Kingdom of God. By following Christ, you would be rejecting the ideologies and practices that encourage the oppression of others. By following Christ, love of God and others is the center of your heart, rather than profits and control of communities. We may not be able to change or stop racist people from being racist, but we can change the moment by taking in the way things look and recognizing the way things are.
How do things look? Like faint and insincere attempts at ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion.’ The Black community has been shaken yet again by an indisputably racist act of violence that is not acknowledged by the wealthy business professionals who make incredible profits in the Black community. It looks as if by standing in the righteousness of Christ, you are absolved of your responsibility to fight for the poor, the sinners, and the unclean. It looks as if Christ is standing with the White, wealthy, and powerful. It looks as if we are coming on the end of times—but that is not the way things are.
Psalm 82:3-4, “Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” Isaiah 49:26, “I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh.” Psalm 146:7-9, “The Lord sets the prisoners free . . . opens the eyes of the blind . . . raises up those who are bowed down . . . loves the righteous . . . protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow, But He thwarts the way of the wicked.”
The Prayer Breakfast concluded with a question that I encourage us all to think about: where do you stand with your God who created this world that we all live in?
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
