Vanessa Richardson's Blog, page 6

Sunday Best Gospel Contestant: Elder Goldwire McLendon “It’s All God’s Doing!”

Goldwire McLendon began his musical career at the early age of 9 years, in Jacksonville, FL. and moved to Philadelphia at the age of 17. For over 40years, he has ministered in word and song in the city of Philadelphia. Goldwire (Pop, as he is affectionately called) has been a soloist and a lead singer for “The Savettes Choral Ensemble” since its inception.

He has also been a featured artist with “The Brockington Ensemble” & “Victory Choral Union”. His voice has taken him to prisons, churches, concert halls, television, radio and many organizational functions. For many years, he and his family ministered to “the streets”. Many souls have been won to Christ through his vocal prowess and the ministry of the Living Christ. In 1978, Pop was ordained as an Elder and assigned as pastor to the Saint James Holy Church, located in Tennille, GA. After completing a successful pastoral assignment of sixteen years, Pop and his wife Ruth (of 59 years~ Mom) returned to the “Philly” area to be reunited with his entire singing family (children & grandchildren included), known as the McLendon Family.

Along with family ministry & his individual call as a minister and psalmist, his voice has been heard across the United States and even on foreign soul. In 2009, he was honored as “A Philadelphia Living Legend” along with other Philadelphia musical notables such as; Chubby Checker, Bunny Siglar, Pastor Rosie Wallace Brown, Billy Paul, Dee Dee Sharp and many others.


The Certain Ones: Why did you audition for the hit BET Reality Show Sunday Best?

Elder Goldwire McLendon: Yes, it is awesome how the Lord orchestrated my life in this direction. I am still overwhelmed that there are over a billion people on this Earth, and He picked me out to bless. I didn’t know there was a Sunday Best until my daughter in the Lord, called me. That Thursday, before the end of March in 2010. I said me? 79 years old? I was reluctant to comply with that. She begged me. And that is how I got down there.

The Certain Ones: Did you deal with any insecurity while auditioning?

Elder Goldwire McLendon: I knew that God was with me. He told me to step into your new season. He revealed he had something in stored for me.

The Certain Ones: You stated that a person has to live in order to fulfill God’s request. to answer.

Elder Goldwire McLendon: It’s all God’s doing. He is real just as you are talking to me. In order to get where I am, it takes constant prayers and meditation. God wants reverence and respect. If you’re faithful to God and his word, He will be faithful to you. God is real to me and I am so grateful to Him.

The Certain Ones: How do you feel about modern music and traditional? You are not outdated at all, as your style of music ministers to everyone.

Elder Goldwire McLendon: It is very important to live a life so God can use you.  I’ve seen people standing and clapping their hands; and some sitting singing. There is a difference when a person is anointed by God. The Bible lets us know we can’t straddle the fence.  When it comes to me, I don’t sing to entertain, but to praise God, and in turn it blesses you.

The Certain Ones: What are you feeling in that “moment” when you are ministering to your audience?

Elder Goldwire McLendon:  In that “moment”, I just begin to praise Him. When I finish, I just go into a little small area and begin to magnify the Lord in the worship and praise. And when I do this, I feel satisfied that the Holy Ghost; has touched me and used me for His glory. Many times I keep on… I get back to the Hotel and do the same thing.

                                      

Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant joins the cast of Who's Loving You?

 

Actor Tony Grant from "The Marriage Counselor" and Trisha L. Mann-Grant, joins the cast of Who's Loving You? We are taking it to another level. God always makes provisions for His visions. In my climbs, hits and misses, ups and downs, (many
No's and ignores. <------- Yep.) I am STILL encouraged, by that fact always. This is an inspirational stage production, with strong resonating messages. If you love soul-stirring singing, fierce poetry readings, and love to love, *smile*, this is the production for you! COMING SOON! Who's Loving You?  Actors Tony Grant from "The Marriage Counselor" and Trisha L. Mann-Grant, joins the cast of Who's Loving You? We are taking it to another level. God always makes provisions for His visions. In my climbs, hits and misses, ups and downs, (many
 Don't forget to check out my KickStarter Campaign. I need your help. Click on link to join my causes: Endometriosis and Donating to those experiencing economic hardship at Christmas time. Check out your rewards:Free Tickets to attend Who's Loving You Tony and Trisha L. Mann-Grant


Dinner with myself, cast, and Tony and Trisha L. Mann-GrantA DVD Copy of Who's Loving You?  Many more!
   http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1593585232/whos-loving-you-the-stage-production-by-vanessa-ri


My Life. One Story at a Time. I was honored to share my project with  Donna McBroom-Theriot, blogger extraordinaire on
My Life. One Story at a Time.   Cick on link to read my in depth causes.http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-endometriosis-foundation-of-america.ht

Thank you for dropping in! Let's go get it! Vanessa 

KICK STARTER: Who's Loving You? Stage Production

The Cause: Hello!  I would love for you to help with the birth of my baby. :) I am so excited about this production!  “Who’s Loving You?”  These inspirational stage productions rewards me with the ability to connect with some very courageous people.  These people, some would probably consider to be ordinary people, - I would beg to differ. They come from various walks of life and have endured many trials and tribulations and have prevailed in many of them.  Our endeavors has been the focus of various local and national media outlets.

To DONATE Click on link----->  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1593585232/whos-loving-you-the-stage-production-by-vanessa-riI’ve created an annual free acting/drama class or session. I describe these sessions as: “I AM,” it's an self-proclamation and reminder, that set goals and aspiration can be obtained in spite of hardships. At the end of the year; group participants get the opportunity to perform live on stage!   I write characters opposite of their true personalities. If they are introverts, I write a character who is not introversive; and if an individual in the group is bold and possesses a great deal of confidence,- they would act out character of someone, who has low self-esteem. 

Our meet-ups, literally allow participants to walk in the shoes of others. When  joining; they aren't aware, that I write varying characters mirroring members personalities. These drama classes as proven to be successful.  It provides a sense of faith, family, and friend atmosphere. We also collect nonperishable food items and warm clothing to donate to those who are experiencing economic hardships.
In addition to helping out our youths and the economically challenged. A portion of proceeds will be donated to The Endometriosis Foundation of America ( EndoFound) to further aid in the research for a cure.  http://www.endofound.org/Endometriosis.
 
The Endometriosis Foundation of America strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a robust campaign to inform both the medical community and the public, the EFA places particular emphasis on the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients. 

In 2009, Lakshmi co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America alongside World Renowned Advanced Gynecological Surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD. After suffering from the disease for decades herself, she has been able to make amazing strides with the Foundation such as launching the first interdisciplinary research facility in the country for Gynopathology as a joint project between Harvard Medical School and MIT, where she gave the keynote address at the Center’s opening in December 2009.
Endometriosis Facts & StatisticsMost women with endometriosis suffer pain—and present symptoms—up to a full decade prior to diagnosis.Approximately 176 million women and girls worldwide suffer from endometriosis; 8.5 million in North America alone.Associated costs of the disease are estimated to be a staggering $22 billion annually.The average woman is 27 when she is first diagnosed with endometriosis.Endometriosis is one of the top three causes of female infertility. While it is one of the most treatable, it remains the least treated.Abdominal and bowel symptoms linked to endometriosis are commonly misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as Pelvic Congestion or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).Many infertile women with endometriosis experienced debilitating painful periods as teenagers but were misdiagnosed.Many women suffer silently because they feel that their pain, especially pain associated with sexual intercourse, is just too personal to discuss with their gynecologist. This is more common in some cultures than others.Many cases of endometriosis can be successfully treated with Laparoscopic Excision Surgery. Hysterectomy should only ever be considered as a last resort. There is no oral medication to cure endometriosis. Stats taken from Endofound.org. http://www.endofound.org/endometriosi... will be sent to:Endometriosis Foundation of America
872 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065
212.988.4160. Bringing life to these productions can become overwhelmingly bittersweet at times.  However I knew that giving up is NOT be an option for me. In spite of physical and financial limitations, I still write these annual scripts and meet with my wonderfully small, --yet humbling cast members.  I walk with the faith that our show (s) will/must go on.  I’ve had High School and College students, write me, with heartfelt requests to participate in our performances. 
Some couldn’t afford transportation or wardrobe. So, I would meet them at a designated location and rehearse with them, other times, we’d rehearse over the phone. We also, provided make overs and food.   Upon doing this, I felt great humility, that I was able, (although it would financially hurt me), to help others in their need.

What is needed: We want to build a set for “Who’s Loving You?”  We are in need of sound technicians, a set to be built, transportation fees for cast and to distribute donated food and clothing items, to agencies and charities, promotional tools, and large food containers for storage of donated food items and clothing.

Additional needs:
Your donation will go towards the following:
1) Administrative fees: marketing, fundraising, financial management<----- This is crucial to productions success rate!!!! Our voices and cause needs to be heard and seen.
2) Space rental for rehearsals and slated performance (s).
3)  Printing of our advertisements tools: Programs, posters, flyers, and postcards.
4) Production filming fees.
5) Building of our set.
So you can see that there is a lot of work that is put into these productions. But, I have great faith! Together you and I can make it work! Let's go get it!
I cannot express my THANK YOU!, aptly enough for your staid support and prayers!  Just know that, I AM so very thankful for you!

Wanda B. Campbell Author of Unresolved Issues Virtual Book Tour

 Author Wanda B. Campbell

Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.

Wanda B. Campbell believes there is nothing too hard for God and through His love and power; He can heal you in EVERY area you hurt. Wanda believes with God’s help our darkest time can become our brightest moments. Her primary mission is to encourage everyone to experience the unfailing love of Christ. Wanda is not limited by race, age, sex, denomination or organization; believing the liberation that comes from Christ is free to all.
Wanda B. Campbell’s literary achievements include: Mommy’s Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear, November 2006, First Sunday in October, January 2007, Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions, which landed a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Illusions, the novel, February 2009,Right Package, Wrong Baggage, August 2010, and Silver Lining, August 2011. Her fourth novel, Unresolved Issues, is scheduled for release August 2012.
Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance’s Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category.
Wanda is a mother of three and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons and enjoys spending time with her grandson.
For More Information
Visit the author online at:
  www.wandabcampbell.com View the blog tour schedule at: http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/au...
About the Book
Stacelyn thought her life was complete the day she married Dr. Derrick Garrison. The fairytale life she envisioned quickly vanishes, however, when Derrick’s late nights and unexplained absences cause her to question his motives for marrying her. As secrets from the past and emotional wounds are revealed, Stacelyn discovers the hard way that it takes more than love to build a marriage.Alone and bitter after Derrick’s sudden departure, Stacelyn is forced to face hard truths about the man she married. In the process, she discovers her own unresolved issues.Will the revelations drive her to her knees, or send her seeking comfort from the enemy?Purchase the Book Online at:Amazon.comBarnesandNoble.com
Unresolved Issues Book Trailer
      

Let the church say amen

“Let the church say amen.” The congregation repeated it in unison. After an emotionally charged sermon, those were the exodus words of Pastor Rosa Meredith. As the congregation sang the word in unison, a feeling of peace and tranquility descended in the sanctuary, unexpectedly changing the atmosphere. Upon observation, it was evident that the older generation recognized those inspiring words from the old-time hymn. While the younger generation clearly identified with the modern version stemming from the song, composed by Andrae Crouch – “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Pastor Marvin Winans. On that day, I’d once again allow the lyrics to pore into me:

Let the church say amen, let the church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Let the church, let ‘em say amen
If you believe the word, let the whole church say amen
God has spoken, so let the church say amen
Lift your hands, lift your hands
God has spoken, so let the church say amen,
Oh, thank you Lord
God has spoken, so let the church say amen.



Sitting in the church pew, I looked around and my eyes rested upon a young woman. She was beautiful, not just aesthetically, beautiful, but beauty resonating from the inside out. From afar I have witnessed her ups and downs. Through it all I have never heard her complain. Her head was tilted slightly to the left, she was oblivious to those around her; she was simply living in that moment. The young girl’s mouth moved, softly repeating the empowering words, affirming that what she prayed for God had heard and will answer. She ignored the flirtatious and envious stares, remaining focused. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”
A glance to my left revealed a man whom, I’ve known for years. Some of the congregants had long ago dubbed him simply as “The Rock.” Many witnessed his private loss, an episode which should have sent him spiraling into a state of despair. Instead he endured, becoming a living testimony to those who suffered severe losses in their lives. He looked down at his folded hands, nodding and softly sang the words. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.”

In front of me was a septuagenarian — you would never have known she was in her 70s if she didn’t voice it aloud, which she humbly does. She was chubby-cheeked, bright-eyed, and always offering, an infectious smile to those who were ever blessed to cross her path. She had lived to see many of her friends come and go and had witnessed the good and the bad, sometimes, it seemed, it was more bad than good. Yet, she still prayed. Still believed, becoming better and not bitter in life and age. Her head was bent, her mouth softly singing the words “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” I loved the sound of her joyous voice. She subtly began rocking back and forth, lifting her hands saying thank you.
Different individuals with different problems, yet that day they were all linked together on one accord. Just like the day of Pentecost the Bible spoke of. “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.” Acts 2:1. There is strength not only in numbers, but unity and supporting each other in their hurts and trials. A person can be healed, yet still feel the residuals of their symptom. The mind has to be reformed all over again. There are many who can testify to this; I know personally I can. Has God has spoken healing, deliverance, breakthrough, renewal, marriage, and restoration to you? Then rest assured it is going to happen.

The congregation began exiting the sanctuary; in a perfect world everyone would leave renewed and revived. Unfortunately that is not the case. There is timing and walking the staid path of faith, believing if not today, then it will be tomorrow, that which God has promised you shall come to pass. “God has spoken. So let the church say amen.” And so be it. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. “Matthew 5:14. I am a firm believer that inside of us all are great testimonies. Testimonies are lighthouses to the world. God will give us beauty for ashes. Let the church say...AMEN.

Let The Church Say Amen (extended) - Andrae Crouch feat. Marvin Winans

The Journey...Has just begun.

 The 2012 Olympic Women's Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medal Winner Gabby DouglasAs I was gearing up for my weekly The Certain Ones, radio interview, with special guest “The Journey.” Author Jamee Greene. I just received the news that Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas has won, the 2012 Olympic Women's Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medal! This is winning for America! And also a historical landmark as, Gabby is now hailed as being the first woman of color to win this event! If you have been watching this young lady’s light shine, in the competition you’d witness her grit and determination to win the gold. Her performance has been acknowledged as almost flawless, with a score of 62.232.

The pictures that captures Gabby’s breakthrough performances, gives testament to this. Gabby isn’t called “The Flying Squirrel for just any reason, this young woman is true to the name. She is fast and incredibly flexible. Only 16 years of age, Gabby Douglas’ journey to get to where she is today; has been no easy feat. For her part, it took dedication, sacrifice, and practice, --and not focusing on the negative commentary of the naysayers. Gabby’s mother was hesitant to release her daughter at such a young so she could train with Liang Chow, the former coach of Olympic champion Shawn Johnson. Fast forward, this journey has only just begun for Gabby, endorsements and speaking engagements, I would surmise are certainly apart of Gabby’s journey.

“The Journey” by Jamee Greene is another powerful testimony that should not be missed check out her inspiring interview on The Certain Ones Online Radio Talk Show.  Your journey has just begun!



 
 Check out our interview at www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones.  Let's go get it!

It’s a New Day and I am feeling good!

It’s a New Day and I am feeling good! The storm has passed and it’s a new day! It has been raining for past couple of days, for some people this makes for a dismal existence, as it interrupts their pace. Some storms can be frightening beatific. Dark looming clouds overcasting the horizon with gray. There is something about the approaching storm (s) that make people edgy; this of course is understandable, as they can be unpredictable, with strong winds, thunder, and lightning accompanying it.

 It truly is a phenomenon to witness. Today is different. The Sun is at its zenith, the birds are chirping, and the soft gentle breeze, is causing the leaves on the trees to sway back and forth. Life. There is beauty all around, many will ignore the beauty that life, offer us for free, i.e., walking the beach, spending time with friends, going to the park, and so on. This “ignore”, is often not often by intent, -and it is just taken for granted. Until a storm happens. It is the dawning of a new day and the inspiring song “Feeling Good,” by the incomparable Jennifer Hudson, originated by the iconic Nina Simone, is playing in the background. I heard the beat.

I heard the strong vocals. Those entities are not what catapulted me into a new day. Sometimes, we can let the beat of a song move us, thus missing the message being delivered. I paused for a moment; actually listening to the illuminating words being sung. "Feeling Good" Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel Sun in the sky, you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me. Yeah, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, ooooooooh... And I'm feelin' good. Of course this song alone is not what actually caused a shift in my disposition. The choice to be happy in spite of life’s contending forces; is a personal choice in which we must all must make. There is a process to embracing the new, as a rule it begins with the mind. There maybe someone who is now, reading this article, has experience a loss, - or maybe in a state of sadness or oppression.

There is certainly empathy to their plight. No one is exempt from the storms of life, as the Bible states “God sends rain on the just and the unjust.” Matthew 5:45. God doesn’t leave us in our storms; in fact He leads us through them. Don’t listen to the sounds of the thunder and lightning. Be in tuned to His soft and gentle voice, believe me He speaks to us, we often times, miss it. Pain and hurt can do that. There is one thing, that I do know about storms are, they don’t last always, and the Sun is going to shine after a while. Hold on and never let go. Give out, but, never up. Go ahead and shine now, because after all you’ve been through and endured, you have a right. Before, you know it; it is the dawning of a new day!



                                             Feeling Good Video Jennifer Hudson

Broken To Be Made Whole

You know my sister once shared with me an illustration, where she took a single sheet of paper,then ripping it into several pieces. Stating that was her: All torn apart. (painful situation can do that to a person) My sister, then proceeded to pull out a new single sheet of paper. I continued to watch her in rapt fascination. Wondering where she was going with this. My mind was too busy conceiving its own answers. Is that not how we often times do? When the situation gets hot, and answers are slow in coming, we want to "help" God out. We want to work it out. When God has already worked it out. My thought? Certainly when something is torn asunder there is no restoration for it. I guess my facial expression conveyed my inner thoughts, she looked at me sharply, and just smiled. I felt the slight censure and was immediately humbled. Submitting my thoughts, I focused on her. "Yes, the paper was torn. That was me then." she stated. I really looked at her, not as my sister, but as woman, sharing her testimony. She held up the another piece of paper. "This is me now. I am completely whole." her voice was stronger this time. My eyes began to swell with tears, as I remembered some of her public angst. My sister was once broken into pieces. Yet there she stood in front of me. A whole woman. She was beautiful. There was a look about her, that was never present before. It was the look of an victorious woman. And at that moment, revelation dawned on me. Our thoughts are not God's thoughts; nor our ways His ways. He is omnipotent! All power belongs to Him. How quickly can we forget this in our storms. The Apostle Paul took his eyes off of Jesus in the storm and began to sink. Don't lose focus. If God chose you for a purpose, rely on Him to lead you through. His will is good and is made perfect. Watch this: testifying how God had made her new. He gave her a new mind, a new heart, a new song, a new praise! You are not invisible. Coming from behind, is your testimony, earned. Your are a light. Believe me when I say, you are relevant in the most tangible way. You must know this... and then believe it. Your time to shine will come. Like the Sun, it knows it time to rise, to illuminate, the WORLD.I believe in you! Let's go get it!

Beauty for Ashes

  The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Is 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Is 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Is 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolation's, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolation's of many generations. Is 61:5 

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine dressers. Is 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Is 61:7 For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. Is 61:8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Is 61:9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. 
 Isaiah 61:1


I absolutely love that scripture, lengthy though it may be. :)  It signifies hope to those who feel hopeless. So many people today are hurting, it almost overwhelming to see.It is almost impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is there dimly lit at first, but keep on keeping on, you will get closer to it. In order for you to reach that light, you must NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up.  That is too easy. It takes strength and a made up mind to continue on.  Beauty for Ashes.   From devastation to restoration.   See yourself as being victorious, in spite of the situation (s).   Continue to believe and then pursue. Happiness is a state of mind and action (s) pursued. Now, is the time to do those things you’ve always wanted to do. Stop allowing fears and doubts to handicap you. Life is too big, too grand to sit back and let it pass you by!  Let’s go get it!


 Enjoy the poem below "Beauty for Ashes", by Poet Christina.

What's Happening?

Hello everyone! What’s happening? First let me apologize for my not posting as often as I should. This is something I am working hard on to remedy. So, please forgive me. The year has been quite busy one.   If you are not careful you can work too hard, and never enjoy the fruits of your labor.So many get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that they forget to simply live in the moment, getting HIGH off of life.  I made a list of things I want to do, some not so expensive things:
Going to the Beach.Visiting Museums.Going to the Aquarium.Watching the sunset and rise.Performing in Poetry Clubs.Going to Stage Productions. (Not written by me!)
Taking Potter Classes.
Just enjoying the NOW.  Let tomorrow take care of tomorrow! 
I want to share with you some pictures of the cast of "Love Found Me", starring Anthony Grant and Trisha Mann, and my little angels. Enjoy!


 Tony Grant and Tamaro Johnson




Tony Grant and Donta' Robinson


Actress Trisha Mann posing with cast members and the babies! Awww.......

 Actors Tony Grant and Trisha Mann posing with the infamous Sister Ethel!

 Trisha and Tony cheesing with cast members!  I think we have some up and coming actresses! Lol.