The Gospel Truth December 2021

DECEMBER

OTIS T. WALLACE

A Proven Leader For Tough Times

Sandy Walker,

My Father, My God:

Thank you Father for the mighty blessing of a new day. As I write this my heart is simultaneously heavy and happy. The heaviness is the result of the enormous loss I feel with the recent passing of Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek. But God, my spirit is so happy and blessed to have known her. Lord I thank You for giving her a long, productive and fruitful life. I thank You for placing a servant’s heart in her body. I thank You for giving her a family that willingly supported and shared in her work. I thank You Father for the life and legacy of the Honorable Carrie P. Meek.

May she rest with the angels in eternal peace!

Publisher’s Prayer

Sandy Walker

My Father, My God:

I am eternally grateful for the love You continue to bestow upon me. You love me unconditionally with all of my issues and all of my faults. You love me, Father, in spite of myself. I thank You for being with me always. I am comforted by the knowledge that You are with me every moment of my life.

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Lord as I navigate this wonderful journey called life I am eternally thankful for the love you continue to surround me with. I am thankful for the love and support of my amazing family. There is nothing I have done or could ever do to earn the blessings You continue to bestow upon me. Father I pray to be a blessing to others as you so generously bless me. You, my Lord are so worthy to be praised.

All is well with my soul as I focus my attention solely on You. I am thankful as I breathe the air You so graciously provide to me each day. How wonderful it is to be Your child. How wonderful it is to know that You are in charge. I am thankful Dear Lord for the blessings You continue to bestow. Father I know that I am in no way worthy of all that You give to me. You give me peace and love. You give me food to nourish my body. You give me all that I need to survive. Your blessings are so much appreciated as You place the right people in my life and in my path each day. I know Father that You are also placing me in the path of others so that I might do Your will in being a blessing as well. Keep my eyes open, Dear Lord, so that I might see those in need.

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Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling pain, frustration and lack. I pray Dear Lord

Father I pray for peace during these uncertain times. As much as we try to figure it all out, Lord You already know. When I find myself pondering the circumstances of the day I take comfort in the fact that You are in charge! Nothing will happen that You don’t allow and nothing

The Benefits of Being Kind

4 ways kindness makes you healthier

You’ve seen the bumper stickers: “Practice random acts of kindness,” they say. Whether it’s having your latte paid for by the man in the car in front of you or a getting a smile from a stranger in the grocery store, kindness almost always puts a little magic in your day. Well, as it happens, when you turn the tables and do something unexpectedly nice for someone else, you don’t just make their day; you give yourself a shot of health.

A healthier heart. Being kind reduces your blood pressurebecause it increases the levels of the hormone oxytocin (the feel good hormone) in your system. This hormones causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. This is especially important for black folks because we have a higher likelihood of developing hypertension-induced heart disease than other races.

Stronger immunity. One study found that people whose happiness was based on doing nice things rather than collectingnice things had less inflammation in their body and more antibodies, which fight disease. In the study, researchers analyzed the white blood cells of healthy volunteers and asked them what made them happy. Those who gave to others had healthier biomarkers than those with more selfish interests.

Less anxiety. Doing good deeds can make people who suffer from social anxiety feel better, according to research. In a University of British Columbia study, people with high lev-

els of anxiety were directed to do kind acts for other people nearly every day for a month. Actions like buying lunch for a co-worker or holding the door open for someone led to an increase in positive moods and a decrease in social avoidance for the study’s participants.

Improved relationships. The stronger the emotional bonds within groups, the greater our chances of survival. In fact, “kindness genes” have been hardwired into DNA. When we do something nice for someone else, we feel a connection. This strengthens existing relationships and builds new ones.

Kindness, it seems, is contagious. Studies show that when we’re kind, we inspire others to be kind, too, in a pay-itforward way. The New York Times reported on a trend of strangers paying for people in the car behind them in the drive-through. And the New England Journal of Medicine presented a case study of an anonymous person walking into a clinic and donating a kidney. The donation led to a nationwide organ drive: Ten people around the country received a new kidney as a consequence of that anonymous donor.

So if a simple act of kindness can make your heart healthier, strengthen your immune system, lower anxiety, help you form stronger connections with loved ones—and spark others to do nice things, too—why wouldn’t you want to practice it?

(Originally posted on blackhealthmatters.com)

OTIS T. WALLACE A Proven Leader For Tough Times

With the many challenges facing communities locally and nationally it is important to have proven, dependable leadership. During his tenure as Mayor of Florida City, Otis Wallace has brought the city through tough times and he has celebrated with the city during good times. From the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, economic recessions, and the onslaught of COVID, Mayor Wallace has made it his top priority to secure resources for the residents of Florida City. It is comforting to have someone who knows how to get things done at the top. Wallace has demonstrated proven, effective leadership.

Experienced leadership is important now more than ever. The COVID health crisis has demonstrated this. Mayor Wallace and the city commission have been laser focused on bringing vaccines, masks, sanitizer, food and other necessary resources to residents. Securing and providing financial assistance has been and continues to be a priority. “The hardest part of the pandemic has been the loss of life and the health problems people experience. That really saddens me. Although with the vaccines things have gotten much better, we are always monitoring and preparing for whatever may come,” says the Mayor. Mayor Wallace and his wife, Greer, have participated in community support activities encouraging residents to become vaccinated against COVID. The two have worked tirelessly to keep the community informed regarding important health and safety services.

Mayor Wallace has always been a man of solutions who values the role of the business community. “Businesses means more jobs for our residents and are an enhancement to our city,” says Wallace. Mayor Wallace ensures that businesses know they are welcomed and appreciated. Making sure that Florida City residents benefit from the jobs that new businesses bring is a priority. Under his leadership many major national companies have come to Florida City, bringing even more jobs. Wallace understands that when people have jobs they are able to better provide for their families and secure their future.

Although the Mayor supports enhanced transportation to get Florida City residents to areas north where jobs are, he is equally focused on bringing as many jobs to Florida City as possible so people don’t have to leave the city to work. Millions of cars exit the Turnpike into Florida City each year heading to the Keys. His mission has always been to figure out ways to encourage them to stop and spend money in Florida City as they pass through. Those tourism dollars benefit the hotels and restaurants and ultimately the residents.

There was a time when developers didn’t want to build homes in Florida City. Under Wallace’s leadership the city took the innovative approach to put up funds and apply for grants to build 40 homes. They set up a Housing office to assist people through the qualification process. “We took the risk and showed the development community that building housing in Florida City could be profitable. Affordable housing is a big upgrade from much of the older housing in the community. Some cities shun affordable housing, we welcome it as nice housing that people can afford to buy. We support homeownership and quality rentals for our residents,” says the Mayor.

Wallace is an advocate for hiring young dynamic people who could bring new ideas and insight to the city. As workers retired or sought other opportunities he was able to fill those positions with new innovative talent. Over the years Florida City has benefitted from this approach. During the early years, Wallace identified the need for a functional and expansive sewer system. As a councilman he voted earlier against a sewer system that required the residents to pay for it. As Mayor he was able to secure grant funds for a much larger sewer system that did not create a financial hardship for the residents which was a major success for the city. Effective city governance, fiscally sound budget management and securing grant funds for the city has been the formula for Wallace’s success.

After Hurricane Andrew the city was devastated and the destruction was tremendous. The commitment of time required to recover was enormous. Those wishing to help only wanted to meet with the Mayor. In addition to the destruction of his home and the dislocation of his family, the Mayor had to be available 24/7 to ensure that residents’ needs were being met. He is thankful for the city workers who gave it their all while experiencing personal loss. To the surprise of many the city was able to rebuild better than before.

Florida City is a small town with a big heart. Again, it is a place that is experiencing many of the challenges facing cities locally and nationally. The advantage that Florida City has it that their mayor is a proven leader for tough times.

the basel south black art show brings art basel to the south dade black history center

The South Dade Black History Center, recently hosted the Basel South Black Art Show where the work of local artists was featured for the 3 day exhibit. The Basel South Black Art Show was established to provide the South Dade community with an art event during Art Basel weekend.

Attendees took part in a phenomenal opening night ceremony where they enjoyed an evening of live music, exquisite food, and a meet and greet with participating artists. The Basel South Black Art show featured the work of Robert McKnight, Eric (Hue) Houston, Nina Shepard, G. Darkins, Rodney Royal, Plantedman and Kinetic.

The opening night reception began with a moment of silence and candle lighting in honor of Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, the first Black person to represent Florida in the House of Representatives since Reconstruction, and who served five terms fighting for programs to create jobs and opportunities.

Artist G. Darkins was featured on Channel 4 news which highlighted her work at the South Dade Black History Center and other Art Basel events. They shared her remarkable story of resilience as she turned to art after a 2010 car crash left her quadriplegic.

“The Basel South Black Art Show was a wonderful introduction of the center to the community. It showcased the type of cultural activities and exhibits they can expect to experience. Seeing the overwhelming community support solidifies our purpose and the desire of the community to have these kinds of events” said former County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss who led the effort that brought the art show south. Diara Zeigler, community advocate and former Director of Church & Community Relations to District 9 Commissioner Kionne McGhee serves as Director of the center.

The South Dade Black History Center is located in the Larcenia J. Bullard Plaza in Richmond Heights. It is a Miami-Dade County facility in the Department of Community Advocacy and is located in District 9 and is supported by Commissioner Kionne McGhee.

PHOTO MEMORIES OF Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek

Compassionate.

A holiday spirit that lives all year long. This year, we’re extra grateful for the gifts we have. The gifts of health, kindness, and compassion. And at Jackson, our greatest gift is the ability to bring our patients back to health. Our care team’s compassion keeps our patients merry and bright through the holidays and beyond. Wishing you a healthy holiday season, from our Jackson family to yours. Call 305-585-4JMG for a Jackson specialist near you.

The first step to minimize risk and keep yourself, family, friends and the community safe is to get vaccinated. You should also:

f Hold festivities outdoors f Wear a mask in indoor public spaces f Limit size of group gatherings f Get tested if exposed or symptomatic

For more information, visit miamidade.gov/coronavirus

More Than Half of US Households Can’t Afford Child Care, But Help is On the Way

The Children’s Trust convenes collaborative meeting to align efforts of Early Childhood Initiatives in Miami-Dade

The Children’s Trust Ad Hoc Early Childhood Committee held a series of presentations and discussions recently where key stakeholders and industry experts shared the latest data, trends and needs related to early childhood policy. The intent of the meeting was to ensure alignment of strategies and resources so all are working collectively and utilizing accurate data to help ensure families have access to high-quality child care options. Presenting organizations included the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Children’s Council, the University of Florida Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies and the Miami-Dade IDEAS Consortium for Children.

In their opening remarks, The Children’s Trust President & CEO James R. Haj and Committee Chair Daniel Bagner, Ph.D. spoke to the importance of early learning to improve the lives of children and families. “The science is clear on the matter – supporting quality early childhood development transforms the lives of children and their families, which ultimately benefits our entire community,” said President & CEO James R. Haj. “We know it will take all of our efforts, resources and vision to ensure our youngest learners are thriving.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also joined the meeting, voicing her support for the initiatives being discussed and announced the creation of a Miami-Dade County Children’s Commission, which will focus on the 0-5 age agenda. The Children’s Trust is expected to be a key part of this initiative.

According to analysis presented by Brittany Birken, Ph.D. with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, only 44% of US households with children under the age of 13 can afford child care at full cost, without sacrificing other necessary basic needs like food, housing or transportation. With the workforce returning in full force, affordable, safe and reliable child care is a top priority for many families.

Looking ahead to the future, the Florida Chamber of Commerce offers a strong outlook, planning to introduce

America’s first comprehensive, chamber-led strategy. “The goal is to cut childhood poverty in half, ensure all third graders are reading at grade level, and champion diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace,” said Florida Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson. “The single best investment we can make is in early learning and quality outcomes.”

The Children’s Trust Chief of Research, Evaluation and Strategic Planning K. Lori Hanson, Ph.D. and Associate Director of Programs Rachel Spector outlined The Trust’s Early Childhood Investments, called Thrive by 5, which includes a total of $48 million distributed across child care quality, child care access and early intervention programs and initiatives. As part of Thrive by 5, a $3.6 million investment from The Children’s Trust leverages $28.1 million in federal funding for 3,214 additional high-quality child care slots for low-income children birth to five.

Other notable attendees of today’s collaborative meeting included The Children’s Trust Board Chair Kenneth Hoffman, Board Members Pamela Hollingsworth, Dr. Malou Harrison, Gilda Ferradaz, Mary Donworth, Nelson Hincapie, Annie Neasman, Dr. Magaly Abrahante and Karen Weller. Also in attendance were Evelio Torres, President and CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties; Madeleine Thakur, President of The Children’s Movement of Florida; and representatives from the Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

About The Children’s Trust The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future. For more information visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org.

The Pain of Depression

Pain and depression are closely related. Depression can cause pain—and pain can cause depression. Sometimes pain and depression create a vicious cycle in which pain worsens symptoms of depression, and then the resulting depression worsens feelings of pain.

In many people, depression causes unexplained physical symptoms such as back pain or headaches. This kind of pain may be the first or the only sign of depression.

Pain and the problems it causes can wear you down over time and affect your mood. Chronic pain causes a number of problems that can lead to depression, such as trouble sleeping and stress. Disabling pain can cause low self-esteem due to work, legal or financial issues.

Depression doesn’t just occur with pain resulting from an injury. It’s also common in people who have pain linked to a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

To get symptoms of pain and depression under control, you may need separate treatment for each condition.

However, some treatments may help with both: Antidepressant medications may relieve both pain and depression because of shared chemical messengers in the brain.

Talk therapy, also called psychological counseling (psychotherapy), can be effective in treating both conditions. Stress-reduction techniques, physical activity, exercise, meditation, journaling, learning coping skills and other strategies also may help.

Pain rehabilitation programs typically provide a team approach to treatment, including medical and psychiatric aspects.

Treatment for co-occurring pain and depression may be most effective when it involves a combination of treatments.

If you have pain and depression, get help before your symptoms worsen. You don’t have to be miserable. Getting the right treatment can help you start enjoying life again.

(Article orginally posted on blackhelathmatters.com)

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