We often hear the phrase “To know you is to love you.” How blessed we are that this phrase applies unconditionally to You. You are an awesome and amazing God. Although I am blessed to know You, the real blessing is that You know me. You know every cell in my body. You know every concern and hope in my heart. You know my imperfections and the idle thoughts in my mind. You created me and You love me. Your love sustains me and means more to me than life itself. It is my air and my water. Father, I thank You for never leaving nor forsaking me. I thank You for giving me a sense of Your loving presence during the challenging times in my life. I thank You for lifting me up and walking with me as I navigate the twists and turns I encounter each day. You are a God of mystery and mastery. The mystery is that we must trust You although we cannot see You. The mastery is that You always work it out. Whatever our “it” is, You are on it!! Thank You Father for being my rock when I need strength and my pillow when I need a soft place to land. Thank You for blessing me and for the opportunities to be a blessing to others.
I love you Lord. -- AMEN
The best medicine
Jackson Health System gives everyone in our community access to world-class health care. In fact, that’s been our mission for more than 100 years. It’s important that we provide state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and top-rated medical professionals close to home. Because home is where family and friends are, too. And visits from loved ones have always been the best medicine.
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Success at The Greater Miami
Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s
16th Biennial Book & Author Luncheon featuring Sunny Hostin
Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its 16th Biennial Book & Author Luncheon, held on November 5, 2023, at the luxurious Ritz Carlton in South Beach. The event was a sold-out sensation that exceeded all expectations, welcoming a distinguished guest,
three-time Emmy Award-Winning Co-Host of ABC’s “The View” and New York Times Best Selling Author, Sunny Hostin.
Sunny Hostin, the celebrated author, mesmerized the audience with her wit, storytelling, and insight into her latest literary creation, ‘Summer on Sag Harbor.’ The book delves into
pressing themes like gentrification, affordable housing, and family secrets, providing a thought-provoking narrative that captivated attendees. Sunny Hostin’s presence at the event was truly inspiring, and her impact extended beyond the luncheon. As she shared her excitement in announcing to interviewer and event Chairman, Jessica Garrett Modkins
Pictured left to right: Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated President Kamila Pritchett; The View co-host and New York Times bestselling author of Summer on Sag Harbor Sunny Hostin; and Book & Author Luncheon Chairwoman Jessica Garrett Modkins.
Anne Turner Herriott delivered greetings at the 2023 Book & Author Luncheon
Luncheon Chairwoman Jessica Garrett Modkins (center in chartreuse) poses with chapter members at the step and repeat banner. Pictured from left to right: Janeen Lofton-Abraham, Esq., Dalayna Tillman, Esq., Immediate Past President Gail Ash Dotson, Esq., Heather Paschal Binns, Cristal Cole, Marcia Anderson, and Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq.
Pictured left to right: Book & Author Luncheon Chairwoman Jessica Garrett Modkins, LaKesha Wilson-Rochelle, Althea Player, the Honorable Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, Cristal Cole, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., and Immediate Past President Gail Ash Dotson.
that, “I’ve just finalized paperwork for my book trilogy to be distributed through Amazon Prime next year. If you haven’t read the book yet, you could also wait and then watch it on Amazon Prime. Octavia Spencer is my production partner. She is playing Olivia’s mother, Cindy, who becomes a very important character.”
The engaging interview delved into the publishing journey as a woman of color, unity in the plight to disarm gentrification and a deeper exploration of the intricate narrative
of ‘Summer on Sag Harbor.’ Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to receive autographed copies of Ms. Hostin’s book, Miss Jessie’s, and swag bags, making the experience even more memorable.
Kamila Pritchett, President of the Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community and sponsors. “This sold-out event could not have been possible without Title sponsor Amazon and
the generous support from AARP, The Housing Group and Jackson Health. This support allows us to invest in and expand our programming in South Florida, impacting the lives of our legacy, residents and stakeholders in a profound way.”
Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, was established in 1955, continues to make significant contributions to the South Florida community and beyond through its transformative programming.
Wanda Finnie, Esq., Programming Chair and Book & Author Silent Auction Chair for the Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairman Oliver Gilbert (District 3) and his wife.
Robbie Bell, Arts Facet Chair and Book & Author Vendor Chair for Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, poses at the step and repeat with her guest, Chef Tiyan Alile.
Luncheon Chairwoman Jessica Garrett Modkins (center in chartreuse) is pictured at the table of Hip Rock Star Advertising Sponsor. She is flanked by (left to right): Belinda Gordon-Battle, Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Councilwoman Katrina Wilson, Inga Alvin, Brandace Dean, LaShannon Petite, Rene Edwards, and Jaden Gilliam.
VERSE TO REFLECT ON
James 1:23 “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror.” (NIV)
One day last week, I was at home preparing to watch the evening news. While surfing through the channels, I happened upon an old music video I hadn’t seen for a while. For those of you who know me fairly well, you know I love my music. I am especially fond of good gospel music as well as R & B. I am what one might call ‘old school.’ At any rate, the music-video I came across was Jungle Love by Morris Day & The Time. I found myself engulfed as I sat there watching and enjoying the entire video right to the very end. I had forgotten about the evening news I originally set out to watch. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the video.
Shortly after the video ended I sat there for a moment and right then it occurred to me that I saw something in that video I hadn’t paid much attention to before now. During the video, the guy singing background in the band (Jerome) held up a mirror so that Morris Day could see how cool he looked while he admired himself dancing. While that might not seem significant to someone else watching, that brief portion of the video stood out for me. It stood out because it reminded me of my morning devotion earlier that day which referenced King David and the role the prophet Nathan played in this particular Bible story.
Nathan, King David’s righthand-man, told him a parable
Ronni’s Reflections Holding Up the Mirror
about a rich man who stole the lamb of a poor man. After hearing the story, King David was quick to judge this rich man and ordered that he be punished by paying back four-times as much as he had stolen and be given the death penalty. David later learned that those very harsh words would come back to haunt him. Right then Nathan held up the proverbial mirror to David and revealed to him that he was the very man in the parable. In other words, Nathan’s message convicted and rebuked King David. He was now confronted with his own guilt. On several occasions, Nathan was that concerned friend who held David accountable by holding up the mirror.
The Bible serves the very same purpose for us. The Bible is the mirror of God’s Word and we must look into it daily. I appreciate folks like Jerome and Nathan. I also appreciate it when someone holds the mirror (God’s Word) up to me so that I can see myself and my shortcomings. It’s not always easy to accept that type of criticism, but it is certainly vital as it relates to my Christian walk. As believers, it’s crucial that we hold up the mirror to one another. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that we go around pointing fingers and judging one another. The Bible is both the judge and the authority. However, it’s our job to simply hold it up for each other and be accountable to one another after we get in front of the mirror ourselves.
We all know that mirrors are commonly used for personal grooming or admiring one’s self, yet, have you ever noticed that the farther away we stand from the mirror the better we seem to appear? It’s only when we get really close up that all
the undesirables seem to come into view. Those things we try and avoid or pretend aren’t there are treated like we treat sin. When looking into the mirror, we need to be real with ourselves. Like the mirror, the Bible shows us and identifies those areas where we need improvement and those things (sins) that are unacceptable and unattractive.
The book of James emphasizes the importance of applying God’s Word daily. He uses the analogy of looking into a mirror and seeing something which is clearly out of place and not doing anything about it to correct it. Well, according to the Bible, we do it all the time. God’s Word shows us areas in our lives that aren’t pleasing to him. Even though we see certain aspects in our lives that aren’t acceptable, we continue to repeat them. We have become extremely reliant on and accustomed to mirrors in our homes, cars, barbershops, beauty salons, stores, etc. Shouldn’t we rely just as much, if not more, on the mirror of God’s Word? The purpose of God’s Word (his mirror) is to rebuke, train, equip and correct. I wonder what life would be like for many of us if we looked into God’s Word as often as we looked into the mirror.
Who is it that you care enough to hold the mirror up to, or who has cared enough to hold you accountable by holding the mirror up to you? I consider it an act of love to keep our brothers and sisters encouraged and accountable. We can use more Jeromes and Nathans. Michael Jackson was on point when he declared in song… “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.” What a great place to start to make a change. Your life can really change if you… “HOLD UP the Mirror.”
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Robert Shaw, Senior Pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Goulds, Florida, on graduating from Jacksonville Theological Seminary with a Doctorial Degree in Theology.
His studies started at Trinity Evangelical University in Miami and later moved to the Davie, Florida extension. This
Veronica Carey Buie
Why Forgiveness is Truly Good for the Soul
By Connie Domino
The Law of Forgiveness is a dynamic universal principle that can change our lives. When we are willing to forgive we can unleash an amazing power, and a flood of energy that can heal and uplift every area of our lives. When we are unforgiving, it can block our dreams, and goals. It can interfere with our relationships. It can turn our lives stagnant and dreary. When you hang on to anger and resentment it only boomerangs back on to you. It is like locking yourself in a prison of your own making. The moment you decide to forgive, the universe rolls out an array of ways to heal the past and help you move on. Unforgiving people are bitter. When you forgive and move on, you are releasing yourself from the negative holds of the past and freeing yourself from the burden of bitterness.
Try this Affirmation to Forgive Others:
“I forgive you completely and freely, I release you and let you go. The incident that happened between us is finished forever. I wish the best for you. I wish for you your highest good. I hold you in the light. I am free and you are free, and all again is well between us. Peace be with you.”
Lack of forgiveness tends to build a fortress around us and keeps us from participating with friends and family. When you forgive, your social life and family life will get a lot better. When you are unforgiving, it
also blocks goals and dreams from flowing into every area of your life. Not only will your social life improve when you forgive, but you will be able to meet financial, job, career and health goals. Forgiveness is the key to open the door to the abundance the universe has to offer. When your heart is open, you are like a magnet and can draw good things into your life. Each act of forgiveness begins with a personal decision in the heart of those wishing to be free from the tyranny of anger, resentment and fear. And each act of forgiveness brings you closer to having the life you truly desire. You can forgive by saying a simple affirmation for the those you’re angry with. Bring the person into your minds eye, imagining his or her higher happy self and tell them that you release them, let them go, whatever happened between you is finished forever, and you wish them well. Imagine them accepting your offer of forgiveness.
STREET DESIGNATION CEREMONY FOR FLORIDA CITY TEEN KILLED IN GUN VIOLENCE
by Veronica Carey Buie
On the morning of Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Rugina Talabert, the mother of slain Florida City teen, Noricia J. Talabert, who lost her life to senseless gun violence exactly eight years prior, gathered in Florida City at the very site of her daughter’s demise for a long-awaited street naming. The Florida City Commission, Miami-Dade County Elected Officials, local clergy, friends, supportive residents of the Florida City community and members of The Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation.
Approximately a hundred guests assembled under the vibrant colored tents and balloons where a special roadside ceremony took place to commemorate the eighth anniversary of Noricia’s passing and the street naming event. At the intersection of 8th Place and 12th and 14th Street stood the unveiled street sign that would bare Noricia’s name and honor her legacy. Ms. Tyesha Anthony served as Mistress of Ceremony and an opening prayer was rendered by Pastor Jeff Whitaker of
The Life Church of Florida City. The ceremony consisted of presentations, tributes and a host of gifts presented. The City of Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace and the City Commissioners joined him in presenting a special proclamation to Ms. Talabert followed by the much anticipated unveiling of the newly erected Noricia J. Talabert Place street sign. Each guest was invited to participate in ta traditional ritual of releasing butterflies. Shortly after the street sign unveiling, guests were invited to the Youth Activity Center (located at 650 NW 5th Avenue) for lunch and an extension of the program. Many guests attended and the program continued with additional presentations and gifts presented to Ms. Talabert and The Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation.
At the time of her passing, Noricia J. Talabert was an aspiring 17 year old student at Homestead Senior High. She was loved and respected by many. She was literally months away from graduating and was pre-
pared to embrace a bright future in the medical field as a Nurse Practitioner.
The Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation was established in 2016 with a vision and mission to help inspire change in girls and young women’s lives by motivating them to embrace who they are and empower them to live a proactive life n the face of adversity. The Foundation is changing lives by reaching out to underserved girls ages 12-16. The foundation’s programs empower girls by teaching them skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable. They are each taught to align themselves with the program’s 3 Pillars of Empowerment: Learn, Labor and Leadership.
For more information on The Noricia Talabert Dream Foundation, contact: NoriciaTalabert@gmail.com or call 404-879-8455.
Remembering Noricia
How to Have a Healthier Thanksgiving
As we go into the kitchen to prepare another Thanksgiving dinner, food may be more on our minds than the amount of calories in it. Take a look at the calorie count in some of our favorite dishes, get ideas on how to cut them down, learn how long it would take to walk them off and learn how to craft a healthier Thanksgiving.
The average American adult weighs 176 pounds, according to a recent Gallup poll. It would take an hour to burn 90 calories if a person this size walks at 3 mph, according to a report by the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. We’ve broken down how long it would take to burn each dish based on this calculation. (You may burn more if you weigh more, or less if you are lighter.) Calories are the amount of energy in food, and we need them to do various activities through the day—even to sleep and rest. Depending on age, weight and exercise routine, different calorie amounts are needed. Women aged 18 and older need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories a day (if they are not physically active). Men older than 18 need 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day. Comparing brands and reci-
pes in advance on sites like Calorie Count can help you plan how much you should eat on Thanksgiving.
For most households, a roasted turkey is the center of Thanksgiving dinner. A few slices (8 ounces) is just 238 calories, but drowning the meat in gravy adds 30 calories and 300 mg of sodium for each onefourth cup serving. Being less heavy handed in pouring can reduce calories. Walking time to burn: 2 hours and 40 minutes—longer if you’ve added gravy.
This cheesy goodness is a holiday favorite, but macaroni and cheese is often the most caloric; just one cup adds as much as 493 calories to your place. To cut down, use lowfat cheese and milk. Margarine will add less cholesterol than butter, but it won’t cut the calories. If you don’t want to compromise, eat a smaller amount and forget that dinner roll. Estimated walking time to burn: 5 hours and 29 minutes.
Cranberry sauce is tasty alternative in place of gravy on the roasted turkey. It is low in fat, but onefourth cup of sweetened cranberry can be as much as 100 calories for
most brands. So: Have a light touch. Walking time: a little more than an hour.
One serving of Kraft’s stove-top stuffing mix for turkey comes in at 110 calories (that’s one-sixth of the box). Adding butter to the mix can increase calories by 102 calories per tablespoon. Walking time to burn: 2 hours and 21 minutes.
A half-cup of candied yams is 170 calories. If you add marshmallows to this confection, you’ll run up the calorie meter even more. (A halfcup of marshmallows is 80 calories.) It’s easy to reach for seconds on this dish, but beware: That can easily bring you to 500 calories. Walking time: 2 hours and 46 minutes.
Everyone prepares their collard greens differently, and calories will vary based on whether you add meat to the pot. Generally, a cup of collard greens is only 11 calories, so this is the healthiest food on the menu. It is high in vitamin A, which helps you maintain healthy skin and teeth. If you’re going to go for seconds, this is your best bet. Calorie-burning time: a brisk 7 minute walk.
D’Sean Perry Is Remembered For His Love Of Art And Football
The South Dade Black History Center recently hosted special exhibit
The “Love - Art - Football” exhibit honored the memory of D’Sean Perry and showcased special pieces of his artwork. Although best known for his prowess on the football field, Perry was multi-talented as a sculptor, painter, musician, poet and more. It is as if God decided to fill him up with an overflow of talent, trusting D’Sean to embrace it all, and he did just that. D’Sean Perry understood the assignment. He was a young man who operated with a keen sense of purpose. Those attending the opening night reception got a real sense of how strong his family bond was to him, and how truly blessed his family was to have him in their
lives. It was an uplifting event that gave the community he grew up in the opportunity to acknowledge his impact on those around him.
D’Sean’s life was not as long as we would have wished it to be but it was a life filled with love, hope, commitment, and sacrifice. His years, from brith until his untimely passing, were enhanced by the love and support of his parents, Sean and Happy Perry.
There are times in life when we move in what we think is our time but God is orchestrating the steps in what is His time. As He would have it, the weekend of the
reception for D’Sean’s art exhibit would be the very weekend that his UVA team would be in town to play the University of Miami. This divine intervention would allow for D’Sean’s teammates to privately visit his graveside in honor of their everlasting bond. It would also give school officials the opportunity to attend the SD Black History Center and join D’Sean’s family in presenting his artwork to a community that loved and nurtured his growth and development. D’Sean attended Sweet Home MB Church where he enjoyed the teaching and covering of Rev. Dr. Theo Johnson. He demonstrated the importance of his faith when he dedicated his life
to Christ at the age of 10, and was baptized before God at Second Baptist Church in Richmond Heights under Rev. Dr. Alphonso Jackson, Sr. Perry is remembered as a kind young man who was driven by his faith.
D’Sean was a star football player at Gulliver Prep in Pinecrest before he went on to play football at the University of Virginia. As a studio art major he was serious about his craft
and had dreams of having his work one day exhibited at Art Basel . To fulfill that dream the South Dade Black History Center will showcase Perry’s work as a part of its Basel South art exhibit in December.
On November 13, 2022 D’Sean Perry, along with University of Virginia teammates Lavel Davis, Jr. and Devin Chandler would succumb to a senseless act of gun violence. All three were UVA football players
who had just returned from a team bus trip to see a play. Although D’Sean would not survive the tragedy his memory is embedded into the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to know him. From Pop Warner with the RichmondPerrine Giants to early learning at The Whole Word Christian Academy, and Frank C. Martin Elem. as well as Gulliver and others, D’Sean Perry was not only Happy and Sean’s son, he was our son.
WWhen a woman in a certain African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child. They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.
When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child’s song to him or her. Later, when the child enters education, the village gathers and chants the child’s song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person hears his or her song.
Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person’s bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.
To the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around them. Then they sing their song to them.
The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity. When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another.
A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.
You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn’t. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well.
You may feel a little warbly at the moment, but so have all the great singers. Just keep singing and you’ll find your way home.
They're singing your song
From a story told by Alan Cohen in his book: Wisdom Of The Heart
BAPTIST HEALTH DELIVERS
AGAIIN AND AGAIN
by Veronica Carey Buie
A few weeks following the opening of the new Baptist Health state of the art Orthopedic Complex, The Gospel Truth Newspaper was invited for a special tour of the new 17,000-squarefoot facility located in Miami Gardens across from Hard Rock Stadium, home of our Miami Dolphins. As always, Baptist Health delivered.
In addition to this new facility serving the Miami Dolphins, it will serve the public as well offering comprehensive orthopedic care with a full range of rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy. Adjacent to the facility is the Baptist Health Training Complex, the Dolphin’s training facility. The training facility with its clinical areas, overlooks the teams practice field. That’s not all, the facility features cutting-edge technology and renowned Baptist Health medical experts.
When you see the “pineapple symbol” you can be certain that quality and care is what you can expect. Baptist Health is dedicated to both the community and the partnership with the Miami Dolphins. Now individual from the community can go where the pros go and can count on getting the same level of expertise provided to athletes of the Miami Dolphins.
ABOUT BAPPTIST HEALTH
HBCU Football Teams Selected for the First Annual Florida Beach Bowl
Battle by the Beach in South Florida, Game Day is set for December 13th
The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (7-3) will take on the Fort Valley State Wildcats (7-3) at the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl, set for Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. “This is an epic and historic moment, says Victor Robenson, CEO of Florida Beach Bowl. “We are thrilled to bring these top teams to South Florida, and to make waves and score big for the Fort Lauderdale area and all of the surrounding communities.” Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), representing the visiting team on game day, is a private Historically Black College and University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sitting at the highest point in the Queen City, JCSU has been a beacon of hope, intellectual capital, social justice and economic development since it was founded in 1867. “We are honored to take part in this historic event,” said Maurice Flowers, JCSU’s Head Coach. “It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our athletes. We are ready to bring our A-game to Fort Lauderdale.” Fort Valley State University (FVSU), representing the home team on game day, is
rated Georgia’s #1 public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for the sixth year in a row, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual college rankings. Located in Fort Valley, Georgia, the school boasts a tradition of excellence since its founding in 1895. “It’s a privilege for me to be back here in South Florida. I left the University of Miami in January as the Senior Associate Athletic Director, for the opportunity to lead FVSU athletics department, and now we are a part of the inaugural Battle by the Beach Bowl” says Dr. Renae Myles Payne, athletic director of FVSU. “We see it as an opportunity not just to compete, but to be a part of history. Our student-athletes and fans are extremely excited to represent Fort Valley State University and the SIAC, on such a grand stage.” Purchase your tickets today at FloridaBeachBowl.com. The FVSU Wildcats, representing the SIAC Conference, is the home team; and the students and band section is 126. The JCSU Golden Bulls, representing the CIAA Conference, is the visiting team; and the students and band section is 110. Student ticket prices start at $15.
General ticket prices range from $30 to $75. Group sales for 20 tickets or more, are to contact the Florida Beach Bowl office directly. Current sponsors of the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl include: Amerant Bank, American Diabetes Association (ADA), City of Fort Lauderdale, Coach USA, Visit Lauderdale, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). Urban Edge Network is the Official Broadcast Partner. About the Florida Beach Bowl The Florida Beach Bowl game features the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Fort Valley State Wildcats from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Be sure to follow, like and share the news and information about the Florida Beach Bowl on social media to stay up-to-date: Facebook, Instagram and Linked In @floridabeachbowl; and on X (formerly Twitter) @flbeachbowl. The Florida Beach Bowl is more than just a football game; it is a celebration of excellence and culture. For more information, visit FloridaBeachBowl.com.
