The Gospel Truth November 2021

The Honorable Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Citizen of the Year Award

Thelma Gibson, Founder of Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc. Happy 95th Birthday Pioneer

Honorary Gala Chairman, Stephen P. Ross. November

TO HOST 16TH

HOLIDAY GALA WITH SPECIAL HONOREES

Sandy Walker, Publisher

My Father, My Lord:

Thank You Father for the opportunity to experience this day. Some may wonder what is so special about this day. It is a day like every other day that You have allowed me to wake up and experience the beauty and bounty of this planet we call Earth. I am but a speck on the horizon, but I am here!

Father I thank You for the wonder and excitement I have for the future. I thank You for the wisdom and lessons learned from the past. I thank You for each breath I take. Fill me, Father, with the desire to do more and to be more. Give me compassion for others and the willingness to make a difference when and where I can. Fill my heart with gladness even when there is turmoil all around. Remind me in every challenging situation that it will pass.

Thank You Father. Thank You God.

-AMEN

Publisher’s Prayer

Sandy Walker

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.

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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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.

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Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling pain, frustration and lack. I pray Dear Lord that they will seek You in every situation and cir-

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 will happen that You cannot stop. I realize Dear Lord that it is not my job to understand. It is my

THE BENEFITS OF FISH OIL

There’s nothing fishy about this supplement that may boost brain health, protect your heart and more.

When you’re deliberating about a healthy dinner, you know that fish is usually a good choice. But sometimes, you might not be in the mood for it. Or maybe you don’t like the taste at all. And even if you love fish, not every type has high levels of hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids. That’s where dietary supplements come into play.

Dietary supplements are a great way to make sure you’re getting your daily value of key nutrients, and fish oil supplements are no exception.

What is fish oil?

Fish oil is a dietary supplement you can find at drug or grocery stores. It can support muscle activity, overall heart health and so much more.

Whether you prefer capsule, liquid or pill form, fish oil supplements contain two forms of omega-3 fatty acids: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

These omega-3s are typically found in fatty fish, including salmon and trout, and also other seafood, like crab.

Fish oil health benefits

Their full names may twist the tongue, but these two omega-3 fatty acids are great for the rest of your body. DHA can boost brain health while EPA has anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they can improve or even prevent certain chronic conditions.

These conditions include:

High blood pressure

Taking fish oil is believed to help lower blood pressure — possibly more so for those who have moderate to severe high blood pressure.

And while fish oil can’t prevent heart attacks or strokes, it can reduce the risk factors associated with both, including:

Increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol

Lowering triglycerides (fat in your blood)

Slightly lowering blood pressure

Slowing the buildup of plaque, which hardens and blocks arteries

Reducing the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Boost brain and mental health

Omega-3s play a huge role in brain development and function and are even helpful in improving mild memory loss. They can also help improve symptoms of depression.

If you’re living with depression or have mild memory loss, talk with your doctor about treatments that may be best for you.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Feeling achy? If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), try fish oil to help treat its symptoms, including joint tenderness, morning stiffness and swelling.

People with RA are at an increased risk of having a heart attack, and taking a fish oil supplement may also help lower their risk.

As with any medication, you should speak with your doctor before taking it. They’ll know your medical history and possible interactions with medications, and they can help you choose supplements.

5 Ways to Handle Grief

During the Holidays

It’s never easy to deal with a loss, but the holiday season has a tendency to bring up painful reminders of deceased loved ones. And this year, many Americans may be dealing with grief over the holidays for the first time, as we mourn family and friends who lost their lives to COVID-19.

It’s not just death that can cause grief over the holidays. In fact, it’s likely most people are coping with a variety of losses this year, from the loss of a job to a loss of a relationship as a result of being geographically distant or feeling isolated from people they love.

Starting around Thanksgiving, many people who have lost loved ones experience sorrow as they’re reminded of memories from those who are no longer near. Holiday traditions meant to bring joy, like trimming the Christmas tree or listening to holiday music, can trigger feelings of intense grief as we remember holidays past and wonder how to celebrate the festive season without the people we love.

Grief is complicated and looks different for everyone. Sometimes, it’s surprising. Whether your loss is fresh or you’ve lost someone decades ago, unexpected feelings of sadness and loss can surface that aren’t necessarily attached to a specific memory. For some, these moments of grief can appear out of nowhere. For others, grief over the holidays is expected and dreaded. This year, the public health crisis

that has affected all of us in different ways may result in added grief on top of an already emotionally loaded time of year.

There’s no right way to grieve, but there are things you can do to try to cope over the holidays while acknowledging and expressing your sadness.

How to deal with grief over the holidays:

1. Accept the emotions that you’re feeling. The holidays can generate exaggerated feelings as the pressure to be merry collides with the reality. Grief can present itself in a variety of emotions, from sadness or anxiety to irritability or anger. Everyone grieves differently. But that can be difficult when you’re around family members who expect you to show sadness in the same way—or even hide it. But, you’re human and allowed to feel a wide range of emotions, including both grief and joy. Sometimes you may even feel happy and sad within a few minutes. It’s healthy to acknowledge your emotions and accept how you’re feeling rather than try to escape it.

2. Show yourself kindness. It may sound simple, but selfcare is one of the best ways to deal with grief over the holidays. Think about how you would care for others in your life experiencing loss, then apply the same measures of compassion and grace to yourself. When grief hits hard,

try to find things to do that help you feel supported and restored, whether that means getting outside for some exercise, meditating or journaling.

3. Find ways to incorporate memories of your loved ones into holiday traditions. One way to deal with grief over the holidays is to memorialize the legacy of someone you’ve lost and keep their memory alive. Whether you incorporate them into existing traditions or establish new celebrations, it can be therapeutic to remember the lives of those who’ve died. Here are a few ways you can honor the life of loved ones over the holidays:

Set a place for them at the table

Tell stories about them related to the holidays

Create an altar with favorite pictures and mementos

Write them a letter or email

Prepare a lost loved one’s favorite holiday dish

Light a candle in their memory

4. Talk to someone. Experts know grief needs to be heard and witnessed. Try to find someone who you know is a good listener and admit to them when you’re having a hard time. Healing can begin when we’re able to speak our grief into existence. And, when you’re in the listener’s role, remember

it’s not up to you to fix it. There’s no fixing grief. Instead, listen without judgment and remember that anything they’re feeling is OK.

This is especially true for parents of kids who may also be grieving. Kids need permission to feel all kinds of emotions, even if their grief manifests differently than yours. If you can help them normalize their feelings, whether that’s joy amidst sorrow or guilt coupled with happiness, you can help them to work through the grieving process in a healthy way.

5. Seek additional help. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, or you’re experiencing overwhelming grief for weeks or months, it may be helpful to seek counseling services from a therapist or psychologist. It’s healthy to ask for support, even if it’s outside of your inner circle. A professional counselor can serve as an active listener who can help you find healthy ways to cope with your grief, especially over the holidays.

Whether your grief is new this holiday season, or you struggle with sadness this time every year, know you’re not alone. And those feelings won’t last forever. While the holidays may never feel the same, time and support can help you make it through to the New Year a little bit easier.

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Miami Dolphins to Host 16th Annual Holiday Gala with special honorees

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Miami Dolphins will host the 16th Annual Holiday Gala “Heart of a Champion” on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, Home of the Dolphins, located at 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056.

This year’s Honorary Gala Chairman is Stephen P. Ross. Mr. Ross is a real estate developer, philanthropist, and sports team owner. He is the chairman and majority owner of The Related Companies, a global real estate development firm he founded in 1972. Mr. Ross is best known for developing the Time Warner Center,

as well as the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. Moreover, Mr. Ross is the principal owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium

“In 2020, we were all punched in the mouth. However, we pivoted, we rose to one knee after being knocked down, and here we are standing tall in 2021. We are blessed as our community leads in all categories of recovery. Yet, we cannot rest on our laurels. We must remain vigilant in preparation for the next time we are met with a formidable foe,” said G. Eric Knowles, President and CEO of Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce. “Today, we celebrate those who have

paved the way by putting the magic in the “Magic City. Champions who understand that we are better when we weather the storms and address the challenges of our community together. Champions who also recognize to whom much is given, much is required. We celebrate this year’s Honorary Chairman Stephen M. Ross and the Miami Dolphins Organization for his unrelenting support to Miami, Miami-Dade County, and all of South Florida. We honor Mr. Ross with the Inaugural Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce’s “Trailblazer Award,” continued Mr. Knowles.

The 16th Annual Holiday Gala Award Recipients include:

Citizen of the Year Award:

The Honorable Mayor Danielle Levine

Cava, Miami-Dade County

H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Talbert, Immediate Past President and CEO of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

David Fincher Young Innovator Award: Myya Passmore, Diversity Marketing & Inclusion Specialist, Culture 44 Distinguished Service Award: Saliha Nelson, CEO, Urgent, Inc. Happy 95th Birthday Pioneer: Thelma Gibson, Founder of Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, Inc.

Individual tickets are available for $300 per person. Event sponsorship opportu-

nities range from $3,000 and up. These opportunities offer businesses the opportunity to promote their companies to an audience of South Florida’s top business executives, elected government officials, and community leaders.

For more information about this event, sponsorship packages, and/or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://m-dcc. org/.

To safely celebrate, the Gala will enforce the following COVID-19 safety protocols. The well-being of all attendees is of paramount importance.

Attendees will be required to wear face masks except when eating or drinking. There will be a limit the number of total guests in attendance to half of the capac-

ity.

Temperature checks will be taken before entering the venue.

About the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce: Founded in 1974, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce leads the way towards long-term business prosperity by providing advocacy, networking, resources, and training to men and women in business in South Florida. The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce is excited to be considered the “go-to” organization for small minority businesses in South Florida. Since its inception, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce strives to provide a World of Business Opportunities for its members.

New infrastructure bill may provide more funding for local transit projects

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, which recently passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by President Joe Bident today, will greatly benefit transportation projects across the United States, including those in South Florida.

In an effort to maximize funding opportunities to implement local transit projects, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) recently commissioned its strategic consultant, IMG Rebel Advisory, Inc., to conduct a deep-dive analysis of the IIJA bill.

“We wanted to identify funding opportunities that could help us leverage federal dollars to supplement our local and state dollars; thus, increasing our funding for the development and construction of rapid-transit projects, the purchase of additional zero or low-emission transit vehicles, and the enhancement of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in our communities,” said CITT Chair Oscar J. Braynon. “We are very grateful to all of our community’s transportation advocates who helped get this much-needed infrastructure bill passed.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. today for the infrastructure bill signing.

“I’m thrilled to join President Biden and leaders from across the nation for the signing of this historic legislation,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Miami-Dade County has been working hard to make sure we’re ready to partner with the federal government to invest these funds into hundreds of local projects, including transit infrastructure – building a better-connected Miami-Dade while also creating thousands of good-paying local jobs. We’re ready to put these funds to work to create new opportunities for Miami-Dade residents and businesses as we build back our economy stronger than ever.”

The bill places a heightened emphasis on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians, among other things. Braynon added that funds generated by the half-cent sales Surtax – a dedicated local-funding source for transit and transportation projects – give

Miami-Dade County an advantage over other regions when it comes to competing for the various federal grant programs.

The County’s sales Surtax generates approximately $300 million annually, and it has generated nearly $4 billion since its inception 19 years ago.

In its analysis of the bill, the CITT and IMG Rebel found that the bill significantly expands federal funding for transit, through such things as the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Small Starts program. This could potentially provide millions of additional dollars for transit projects, such as the ones outlined in the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) plan.

In addition, the bill also increases the federal share provided through the Small Starts program from $100 million to $150 million, and it increases the threshold for projects to be eligible for this expedited program from $300 million to $400 million.

VACCI NATED UN VACCI NATED

Solving Puzzles Boosts Mental Health

Fears of contracting coronavirus coupled with strict shelter-at-home measures are causing all of us to be stressed. Studies show adults and children have elevated anxiety levels over the past two months.

But researchers have discovered something simple can help reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our emotional well-being: Solving puzzles appears to distract us and help us feel more positive amid this ever-evolving pandemic.

Why? Puzzles, which trace their origins back to the 1700s when they were created as an educational tool for children, gained mainstream popularity among adults during the Great Depression. Cheap and easy to assemble, they can fill what seems like endless days and nights. They require patience until the final piece is placed, helping engage our brain and triggering a response that can help with mental health.

“When you think about puzzles from the neuroscience perspective and what is going on in the brain, puzzles pack a big punch,” Nicole Calakos, a professor of neurology and neurobiology at Duke University, said in an interview.

One study at Drexel University in Philadelphia suggested difficult tasks and games prompt the brain to produce a reward signal. This happens when we get close to completing the game or reaching that a-ha moment.

“If it was successful and it was a good outcome, dopamine gets sent out,” Calakos said. “That’s a little bit like a pat on the back ‘good job.’ We all love that.” Puzzles, including crosswords, Sudoku or some vid-

eo games, require a level of focus and attention that could lead to mindfulness. They also help us feel a sense of control among something routine.

“Right now, we are all struggling with being out of our routines and all of the other new worries and uncertainties,” Calakos said. “So we have a lot of stress rattling around, and I think, at a very high level, puzzles are engaging us and giving us an escape from this.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress is having an unpredictable effect on folks during this pandemic. Some of us have experienced disruptions in our sleep (hello unsettling nightmares!) or eating patterns, worsened chronic health conditions or increased mental health problems.

Age and illness also play a role in how COVID-19 exacerbates stress and anxiety. The CDC found children, teens, older adults, those who suffer chronic diseases and people with substance abuse issues are more likely to feel the impacts of the pandemic on mental health.

Front-line workers, health-care providers, first responders and other people who work in response to COVID-19 also report a higher risk of feeling more stressed.

Since puzzles also tout health benefits that include heading off memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s, it only makes sense we engage in an immersive task that pulls us away from the stresses of our new normal.

The Carrie Meek Foundation Launches Open-call Grant Program to Mobilize

Residents in Miami-Dade’s Black and Brown Communities

Meek Mobilize Grants Program seeks projects that activate residents and improve life in Opa-locka, Liberty City and Florida City

The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic organization advancing Congresswoman Meek’s work to build civically engaged, well-resourced and resilient communities, launched the Meek Mobilize Grants Program today. The program will offer grants around $2,500-$10,000 for the best ideas, projects, programs and initiatives that mobilize residents in Opa-locka, Liberty City and Florida City around issues that matter to them Residents, faith-based organizations, civic groups, nonprofits, business owners and local activists are eligible to apply through November 30 at CarrieMeekFoundation.org/Mobilize. The program aims to strengthen neighborhoods and unite residents behind critical quality of life causes impacting Miami-Dade’s Black and Brown communities.

“When neighbors are inspired to take action together, they can build block-by-block relationships that create a safer, more supportive place to live,” said Lucia Davis-Raiford, president and CEO of the Foundation. “This effort is about empowering people to shape the future of their own community, and whether it’s pushing for affordable housing, safer streets or more after-school programs, there are so many ways to get involved around what you care about.”

Grants will support programs, projects and ideas to improve resident and neighborhood quality of life in the areas of Education, Health, Housing and Economic and Community Development. Projects may range from resident and churchled community gardens and youth programs, to advocacy campaigns and nonprofit fundraising or marketing efforts.

Special consideration will be given to projects linked to Community Safety. Typical grants will range between $2,500 and $10,000 per project. The Foundation anticipates making 5-10 grants in each of the three communities.

The program was developed from several listening sessions the Foundation hosted in Opa-locka, Liberty City and Florida City throughout 2021. The Foundation team met with locals, elected officials, nonprofit leaders and activists who expressed the value of having more residents to support community building work and the need to unite residents around improving their community.

“Throughout our listening series, we learned about so many successful efforts in our Black and Brown communities that are often not connected to a formal organization,” said Matthew Beatty, vice president and COO. “This program puts resources directly into what’s working and the people who know best what their neighborhood needs. The hope is to strengthen the civic muscle in these communities and make efforts more sustainable by encouraging grassroots support.”

The Foundation will offer assistance to residents and groups planning to submit a project proposal during a recorded webinar on November 3 and scheduled office hours on November 10 and November 29. There will also be technical training and support for winners to help ensure their projects are successful. For more information and to submit a short project proposal, visit CarrieMeekFoundation.org/Mobilize.

Tips to Maintain a Work-Life Balance

There was a time when the boundaries between work and home were fairly clear. Today, however, work is likely to invade your personal life— and maintaining work-life balance is no simple task.

This might be especially true if you’re concerned about losing your job due to restructuring, layoffs or other factors. Technology that enables constant connection to work can eat into time at home. Work-life balance can be especially difficult for parents of young children; almost 60 percent of employed first-time mothers in the United States return to work within 12 weeks after childbirth.

Still, work-life balance isn’t out of reach. Start by evaluating your relationship to work. Then apply specific strategies to help you strike a healthier balance.

Married to your work? Consider the cost

It can be tempting to rack up hours at work, especially if you’re trying to earn a promotion or manage an ever-increasing workload—or simply keeping your head above water. If you’re spending most of your time working, though, your home life will take a hit.

Consider the consequences of poor work-life balance:

Fatigue. When you’re tired, your ability to work productively and think clearly might suffer—which could take a toll on your professional reputation or lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.

Poor health. Stress is associated with adverse effects on the immune system and can worsen the symptoms you experience from any medical

condition. Stress also puts you at risk of substance abuse.

Lost time with friends and loved ones. If you’re working too much, you might miss important family events or milestones. This can leave you feeling left out and might harm relationships with your loved ones. It’s also difficult to nurture friendships if you’re always working.

Increased expectations. If you regularly work extra hours, you might be given more responsibility—which could lead to additional concerns and challenges.

Strike a better work-life balance

As long as you’re working, juggling the demands of career and personal life will probably be an ongoing challenge. But if you can learn both to set limits and look after yourself, you can achieve the work-life balance that’s best for you.

Setting limits

You can’t manufacture time. If you don’t set limits, then work or other obligations can leave you with no time for the activities and relationships you enjoy. Consider these ideas:

Manage your time. Cut or delegate activities you don’t enjoy or can’t handle—or share your concerns and possible solutions with your employer or others. Organize household tasks efficiently, such as running errands in batches or doing a load of laundry every day; don’t save all the laundry for your day off. Do what needs to be done and let the rest go.

Make a list. Put family events on a weekly calendar, and keep a daily todo list at home and at work. Having a plan helps you maintain focus. When you don’t have a plan, it’s easy to be sucked into the plans and priorities of

others.

Learn to say no. Whether it’s a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project or your child’s teacher asking you to organize a class party, remember that it’s OK to respectfully say no. When you quit accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you’ll have more time for activities that are meaningful to you.

Leave work at work. With the technology to connect to anyone at any time from virtually anywhere, there might be no boundary between work and home—unless you create it. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time.

Reduce email access. Check emails no more than three times a day—late morning, early afternoon and late in the day. If you access email first thing in the morning, you tend to focus on and respond to other people’s issues rather than being proactive about your own needs.

Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you’re likely to be.

Try to shorten commitments and minimize interruptions. Most people can sustain a maximum level of concentration for no more than 90 minutes. After that, the ability to retain information decreases dramatically. When interrupted during a task, you need double or triple the time of the interruption to regain full concentration on your task.

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