The admission is free. There are no bouncers at the door and there’s plenty of room for those who want in. Hats are welcome (especially crowns sitting atop saintly heads) and three piece suits often lead the entrance through double doors.

But what about those wearing sneakers? How about jeans?

Dress codes are “strictly enforced” on the club scente, but what about at church? The old mantra, ‘come as you are’ is music to the ears of those who seek a change. So they go to the Lord’s house: some in jeans, some in sundresses, and maybe even in shorts. For those lost and trying to find their way in life, an inviting and safe place to worship can bring ease in the midst of transition.

Being accepted by a welcoming church family can make the new lifestyle easier for the weary and confused. But as the newcomer settles into membership, the same clothing worn before their change often become a source of ridicule that ostracizes them. Head shaking, stares, and whispers let the offending party know that something is amiss.

Who is to say exactly what should be worn behind chapel doors? In a society where fashion plays a major role, some of the closed mind rituals held by the “elders of the church” may frighten seekers away.

Drugs, excess drinking, sexual promiscuity, and depression, are just a few issues people in general are dealing with today. What they are wearing is the least of their worries. But the the real culprits -those doing the ostracizing- seem to differ.

A true desire to know the word should be enough to seek the Lord and all the help He brings. Not the correctly hemmed dress or the shiniest of church footwear. Some places of worship still hold on to man made rules that they treat as if they were “The Law.”

A thesaurus filled vocabulary, snag-free Berkshire pantyhose and Brooks Brothers suit (complementing the latest St. John knit) if not careful, could become mascots for the church. Granted, sagging pants which show boxers and blouses which give the eyes more than what they need to see should not be accepted. None-the-less, the person wearing the garments should be handled with care.

There is a proper way to handle dress codes in which churches have set in place. Maybe if older men and women would take the younger babes in Christ under their wing and help guide them in the right direction, a better outcome would suffice.

It’s not about the name brand of the clothes or the churchiest of church wear. Rather, it’s about being presentable and respectful in a place of worship. If jeans are worn, it doesn’t mean you are way down on your maker’s list. If a woman wears pants, it doesn’t mean she does not have a connection with God.

If we as spiritual Christians open our eyes to the person God is speaking to and through, instead of the outer man, just maybe the church would be a place to run to instead of from. When the need comes to talk about problems does arise, the church should be a shelter and safe haven. And the doors should be open to all.

Keshia Dawn is a student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and author of the novel His Grace, His Mercy. She can be reached at keshia@dallassouthnews.org

Edited by Shawn Williams

DallasSouthNews.org is a nonprofit news organization based that focuses on news in Southern Dallas.

June 20, 2009 - Blogging While Brown Conference

8:00AM. - 8:30AM

Registration

8:30AM

Introductory remarks

8:35AM

Workshop: “The Competent Blogger”

This workshop will cover tapping into talent communities using web 2.0 tools and techniques to find lucrative and rewarding career opportunities. This is a must attend workshop for anyone interested in building an online presence or pursuing a long-term career in IT.

This presentation will address all aspects of careers In IT and the core competencies necessary to build and sustain a vibrant, fulfilling and prosperous career powered by the web 2.0 social networking phenomenon. The workshop includes , research results from the 2009 IT Job Outlook Readers Poll, skill sets that are hot in the current job market, and how to use social networking to “get discovered” for the hot job opportunities How to build a successful online business in the IT Industry

Presenter: Milt Hayes www.blacksgonegeek.org

9:45AM

Workshop: Mobility

Sponsored by AT&T

The Mobility Workshop is constructed to challenge third party groups to think about integrating wireless into their grassroots and advocacy activities as well as demonstrate AT&T’s leading positions in the areas of child safety (Smart Limits) and wireless technology (i.e. video share, 3G, etc.). The workshop includes an explanation of non-voice communications channels on wireless handsets, including SMS, WAP/Wireless Internet, Photo/Video Share, Video/3G, and Smart Limits and a hands-on demo of the service. Participants will walk through Web and SMS sign-up, SMS messaging and SMS mobilization. The training includes case studies from 08 election cycle.

11:00AM

Panel — Netroots in Action

Panelists will discuss how social media tools can be used to affect changes in policy, improve communities, and influence elections.

Moderator: Carmen Dixon Rosenzweig, www.allaboutrace.com

Panelists: Megan Tady, www.freepress.net

Pam Spaulding, www.pamshouseblend.com

Cheryl Contee, www.jackandjillpolitics.com

GROUP PHOTO & LUNCH

1:30PM

Brand Camp University:Building a Strong Personal Brand Online

The goal of this workshop is to teach attendees to develop a digitally relevant personal brand in a web 2.0 world using social media. Identify tools and strategies to create, define, and manage who you are distinctly to help you define your space. Build and manage the character of you online brand and community organically, authentically, and cost effectively with the top personal branding tips. Outline: Participants will learn: Basics of Personal Branding, Defining your Value Proposition, o Social Networking strategies for personal branding, Networking tips online and offline for career success, Organically building your community, Online reputation management, Create brand plan, Use Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter for business and career development.

Presenter: Hajj Flemmings, www.BrandCamp.us, www.hajjFlemings.com/blog

2:40PM

Panel: The State of the Information Monarchy- What’s Next for Traditional Media?

Panelists will discuss whether bloggers and citizen journalists can fill the void left by changes in traditional media.

Moderator: Monroe Anderson, www.monroeanderson.typepad.com

Panelists: Eric Easter, www.ebonyjet.com

Bruce Montgomery

3:45PM

Panel: Bloggerpreneurs

Panelists will discuss making a name for yourself in the world of social media and networking your way to better opportunities and personal success.

Moderator: Jonnice Slaughter, www.chatterboxpublicity.com

Panelists: Angel Laws, www.concreteloop.com

Fredric Mitchell www.brightplum.com

4:45PM

Closing Remarks

And here is a list of confirmed conference attendees:

* A Buzz in Your Ear
* Acts of Faith in Love and Life
* Afrobella
* All About Race
* Around Harlem
* Around NYC
* Awesomely Luvvie
* Beckie Has a Blog
* Beyond-isms
* Black Gyrl Cancer Slayer
* Black PR
* Blacks Gone Geek
* Blank Bare Clean
* Blog Not War
* blogHer
* Bronzeville Change
* Brother Bartell
* Brown and Bridal
* But You’re A Girl
* Carlos in DC
* Change You Can See
* Chartreuse
* Concrete Loop
* Consumer Blast
* Cyber PR Urban
* D Jones Productions
* Dallas South Blog
* Dante Lee
* Dragon Fly
* Ebony Jet
* Flack Me
* Fresh Manna of the Day
* Global Wire
* Global Wire
* Goddess Intellect
* Hajj Flemings
* Harmonic Leadership
* Haute Muslim
* Have a Wonderful
* I Hate My Developer
* IT Empowers U
* Jack and Jill Politics
* Jamal Street Journal
* Kiamsha.com:That Which Awakens Me
* Listen to Leon
* Live Life Posh
* Locs and Dreams
* Love a Black Woman
* Marty Blogs
* Megans Minute
* Miss Theda
* Mocha Mom 365
* Monroe Anderson
* Naomi Christine
* Pams House Blend
* Peruanista
* Philena
* Photo Solitude
* Pocket Book Protest
* Project New Era
* Queen Tahj
* Save the Internet
* See Your Worth
* Small World View
* Social Media Socialite
* South Shore Chamber
* TATV
* The Joba Group
* The Smak
* The Super Spade
* Theo Talks
* Urban Beauty
* Urban Science
* UWISHUNU
* We Are Black Women
* Woman Body and Soul
* YBP Guide

$20,000 Scholarship Recipient Honored

The House of Hope Church is celebrating all graduates! On Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 10 a.m., we will host Graduates Recognition Day on our campus at 1420 High Pointe Lane in Cedar Hill, Texas.

This event will honor every graduate with a particular focus on those graduating from Cedar Hill High School.

Special recognition also will be given to the newest recipient of the Cedar Hill High School/The House of Hope Church Georgetown College Scholarship. Kevonna Webb, has been awarded a $20,000 annual scholarship, which she will receive for four years, totaling $80,000.

This is the second year of the unique partnership between The House of Hope and Georgetown College. The total amount of scholarships awarded is over $200,000. Georgetown College is a private liberal arts college in Georgetown, Kentucky which has the distinction of being a part of Oxford University in Oxford, England. Students attending Georgetown have the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford during their junior year.

The partnership with Georgetown College is one of the community efforts by THOH to offer hope for a quality higher education to academically talented and economically challenged students.

We launched THOH two years ago in Cedar Hill in the Cinemark Movie Theatre and our goal is to offer hope for living in the Best Southwest Region. We recently moved into our new campus at 1420 High Pointe Lane, where we intend to continue serving our community.

THOH offers programs for children, youth and adults. We recently completed a spring class through the renowned Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University and just launched a special 13-week summer study through the same life-changing FPU course. Providing FPU at a subsidized rate enables us to offer hope for financial freedom during stressful economic times.

Our worship service is weekly at 10 a.m. on Sundays, with a special offering for children ages one through six years old during the same time. A Summer Hip-Hop Bible Study begins June 15, 2009 for students entering grades 7-12 this fall.

For more information about all THOH events and programs, please call 214. 417.0414.

Inspiring Bible Characters
Paul and Silas

In this week’s study of inspiring bible characters, we look at Paul and Silas. As you probably already know, Paul was a champion in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He and Silas are trying to do the work of the Lord and they find themselves in a bad predicament because they have sought to do something that is good. In their story, we see how the Lord is able to sustain us during the difficulty we experience in life.

Read this weeks entire lesson at BibleLessonConnection.com

Paul and Silas on a Mission

Acts 16: 9-12

• Paul is convinced through a vision that the Macedonians need help. Paul, feeling as though the Lord had called him to preach to them, leaves for Macedonia immediately.

• Paul has a vision that the Macedonians need help. Instead of money, food, water, supplies or protection from an enemy, Paul assumes that the help they need is to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Life Lesson: Sometimes, the best help you can offer to someone in need is to give them the Word of God. The Word of God will nourish a person for a lifetime.

Paul and Silas meet Lydia

Acts 16: 13-15

• Lydia was worshipping God. Her heart was opened to God and then after understanding the Word, she and her household were baptized.

• As Christians, we can have an amazing influence in our households. Like Lydia, if we open our hearts to God and earnestly seek Him, we could possibly convince members of our household to improve their relationship with Christ as well.

• I know it is frustrating when there is a family member or loved one who is living their life without the Lord, we must continually work on ourselves and hope that the light they see in us will cause them to rethink their commitment to Christ.

Paul and Silas in Prison

Acts 16: 16-24

• Paul and Silas were humiliated, beaten and thrown into prison because they sought to do the right thing. Paul commanded the evil spirit to come out of the girl. The spirit fled and thus the girl’s slave masters were without the opportunity to continue to make money off of her.

• Question for Thought: Have you ever been punished, ridiculed or mistreated because you tried to do the right thing?

• Life Lesson: In life, there may be times when bad things happen to you

Paul and Silas Inspire Us To…

• Be obedient to the call of the Lord and minister to those in need

• Offer the Word of God as the best way to deal with the trouble that life brings

• Not give up on family members and loved ones who don’t have God in their lives. Continue to be an example to them and you might find that they will get closer to God too

• Accept that bad things sometimes do happen when you are trying to do good

• Worship God genuinely and sincerely even during the toughest times in our lives

• Realize that God is willing and able to deliver us from the storms of our lives

• Understand the power that we have, through God, to positively influence another person’s walk with the Lord

• See how praising God in the midst of our difficulty is extremely powerful in helping us to feel better and ultimately, in helping us to overcome our situations

Last year for the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, CNN’s launched their documentary series Black in America as reported by anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien. CNN will re-air on April 4^th and 5^th at 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm ET and PT.

Listen to my very roughly executed interview of Soledad from last year by clicking below.

In the documentary, O’Brien described how escaped convict and armed robber James Earl Ray had already spent an uncommon year on the run that included plastic surgery the month before his path collided with that of the civil rights leader in Memphis, Tenn. Through interviews with first-person witnesses and investigators, O’Brien retraces the steps of King, Ray and investigators and explores alternative scenarios of what may have happened that fateful day on April 4, 1968.

This was an excellent documentary worth watching again and a must for anyone who wasn’t able to catch it last year.  More information can be found at www.cnn.com/blackinamerica

In our study of inspiring bible characters, we examine The Wife of Noble Character. Because of the difficult state of many marriages today, it is necessary that we say something that might inspire both husband and wife. While this particular passage of scripture we will study focuses on the role of the wife, we shall also look briefly at instructions the Bible offers for the husband.

Click here for Flash version or here for PDF of this week’s lesson.

The Wife of Noble Character
•Proverbs 31: 10-12
–The Bible is telling us that it is difficult to find a wife of noble character and that if found, she is worth far more than rubies.
–Her husband has full confidence in her. He knows she has dedicated herself to him and no other man. He believes in her and he lacks nothing of value because she makes sure he is taken care of.
– She brings him good, not harm. The noble wife is good for her husband. She is of help to him and he benefits from her presence in his life.

She is respected and praised…
•Proverbs 31: 28-31
–Her children and husband respect and praise her because of her character and work ethic.
–She fears the Lord. She is a Godly woman.
– She is to be honored and rewarded for the type of woman she is.

The Husband
•Ephesians 5: 25-33
–The Husband must love the wife as he loves himself. He must take care of her in the way he should take care of himself and his own body.
–He must love his wife so much that he is willing to give himself up (die) for her as Christ gave himself up for the Church.

How God intended it to be…

•The Husband loves his wife as he loves himself. He provides for her in a way that he should provide and care for himself. He loves her so much that he would die for her.
•In return, the wife feels loved and appreciated by her husband. She, then, reciprocates by being the best wife she can be to this man who adores her. She works hard to fulfill the role of The Wife of Noble Character.
•Because of her dedication to the family and to the Lord, she is respected and praised.

The reporters were very focused on asking questions about the budget, whether or not the President’s deficit spending would spiral out of control, and of course AIG. The White House Press Corp. repeated a few questions, an excessive amount of time on Republicans who have been critical of the President’s budget and deficit spending.

“First of all, I suspect that some of those Republican critics have a short memory, because as I recall, I’m inheriting a $1.3 trillion deficit, annual deficit, from them,” Obama said in response to claims that his budget was the most irresponsible in American history. “…there’s a interesting reason why some of these critics haven’t put out their own budget. I mean, we haven’t seen an alternative budget out of them,” he went on to say, “…the reason is because they know that, in fact, the biggest driver of long-term deficits are the huge health care costs that we’ve got out here that we’re going to have to tackle.”

My favorite part of the press conference was when the president snapped on Ed Henry from CNN. Ed started out fine by asking about his “anger” with regards to AIG and the executive bonuses. But then Ed tried to press the President on the timing of his anger.

“So on AIG, why did you wait — why did you wait days to come out and express that outrage?” Henry asked, “Why did it take so long?” Obama snapped back at Henry, “Well, it took us a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak….all right?”

The response garnered laughter in the press room, and excitement amongst my Twitter Followers. Some of my favorite Tweets from the evening:

PoliticalDivaRT @HopeChat: RT @roadkillrefugee MSNBC cam pans press corp: a sea of aging vanilla & gray looking down at notebooks

MonroeAndersonIt took days to speak on AIG comeback was a smack in the reporter’s face.

cristalbubblin“Cuz i like to know what Im talking about BEFORE I speak *smirk*”- President Obama *SHOTS FIRED* I love it LOL

oshunj#Obama got it right! He speaks re: #AIG bonuses when he knows what he is talking about…#CNN reporter got an ear full! Luv it!!

GEM2001You that was coming when he gave him the” President Obama Pursed Lip”

PoliticalDivaSomeone got their face cracked….

shawnpwilliams Not sure what CNN dude was hoping to accomplish, but I’m sure it wasn’t being snapped on by the POTUS.

It took a while, but it was nice to see Kevin Chappell of Ebony ask a question at the press conference. I enjoyed the direction he took his question, focusing on the people (homeless) who are affected by the economy. The President also spoke up on how veterans have been hit harder by the economy at higher rates than the rest of the country. I also thought the last question on the Israel/Palestinian conflict.

The questions were tougher this go around, but the President had a good showing. His next step will be working with Blue Dog Democrats to get behind is efforts with energy and health care.

LOS ANGLELES, CA, March 2009–Gener8Xion Entertainment’s feature documentary “The Cross – The Arthur Blessitt Story” opens nationwide March 27, 2009. “The Cross” is the story of one of the most unique individuals to walk the face of the earth. For the past forty years Arthur Blessitt has done something no one else has ever done, carried a twelve foot wooden cross through 315 nations, territories and island groups - or in other words every inhabited place in the world.

“I wanted to explore exactly what it is that drives a man like this,” says director Matthew Crouch, who also produces the film along with Richard J. Cook and Stephan Blinn. “The guy’s in the Guinness Book of World Records! Is he just a nut? A crazed fanatic? Or something else? Maybe some Old Testament prophet come back to walk the Earth!”

The Cross Film Trailer

“Some people laugh when they see me carrying the cross down the street,” reminisces Arthur in the opening of the film. “They yell out, ‘Hey, you’re a nut!’” To which he jovially responds, “At least I’m screwed on the right bolt!”

“The Cross” is being both produced and distributed by Gener8Xion Entertainment. Over the years, the company has won the acclaim of critics and audiences alike with their grassroots marketed, box office hits, which range from 1999’s #1 independent release, “The Omega Code,” to their most recent “One Night With The King,” a lavish epic which included performances by screen legends Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif.

Arthur has carried the cross through 52 war zones, met with Presidents and peasants, been greeted by hundreds of thousands in jammed packed squares and spent countless months walking alone down deserted highways – all the while never wavering in his self professed mission of sharing the love of Jesus with everyone he meets.

“All to often religion has caused the cross to become a symbol of conflict around the world,” says Arthur, “but it’s part of my life’s mission and hopefully the mission of this film to reinterpret the meaning of the cross for people so they can see that the cross is not something that’s against them, it’s the ultimate symbol that says God loves you no matter what.”

Arthur points to the fact that he’s still alive today, having survived wars, firing squads, beatings, deadly jungles, as well as the fact that he and his cross’s ability to gain access to most unreachable of places as proof that the world is open to his message. In 1982 Arthur even marched alone through five fighting armies into West Beirut to pray for Yassir Arafat. All of it was captured live by CNN’s Peter Arnet.

Now 68, Arthur first came to some notoriety back in the sixties when he was known as “The Minister of Sunset Strip,” feeding and witnessing to hippies, Hell’s Angels and Black Panthers during some of Hollywood’s most radical days. In December of 1969, felt God calling him to take the giant cross down from the wall of his “Jesus” coffee house, a hippies hang out called “His Place” and to carry it on foot across the county. Not even a brain aneurism two weeks before he was to begin his journey could hold him back.

Producer Stephan Blinn notes, “even if you’re someone who couldn’t care less about church, religion, Christianity, whatever, here’s a guy who’s just full-on gone for it! He’s been through some of the most mind blowing stuff and no matter who you are, you’re just sitting there in awe going, no freakin’ way he just said that!”

“I always find myself inspired by people driven to lead extreme lives,” says Crouch. “Whether they’re climbing
Everest, investing all they have into the world’s next great company, or giving it all away to care for destitute orphans in India. Arthur is just such a person. Besides, who wouldn’t want to make a film that can be summed up as ‘Survivor Man’ meets ‘Blue Planet!’

In addition to the March 27th release of “The Cross,” Arthur’s book of the same name is currently available, published through Authentic.

Gener8Xion Entertainment, Inc. is a film and television production and distribution studio engaged in various projects focused on life-affirming, family entertainment.

Click here to read the entire lesson

Philip was one of seven men chosen by the (Jewish People) to handle certain leadership duties while the twelve disciples focused on spreading the Gospel (Acts 6: 3-4). Philip and his counterparts were full of the Spirit and had great wisdom (Acts 6: 5).
In this lesson of inspiring bible characters, we will see how one man can have a great impact on the lives of others. Hopefully, through Philip, we will see how we, too, can do something powerful in the name of God.

Philip spreads the Gospel
•Acts 8: 4-8
–The Bible says that Philip proclaimed Christ. Philip’s dedication to Christ and His Word is an example for us to follow. Do you proclaim Christ to others? What are some ways that you can personally spread the news of Jesus Christ to those you come in contact with?
–Philip ministered to the needs of the people and they were healed. We all know people who are hurting and in need. We have frequent opportunities to assist those who need our help. You can be a listening ear to someone who is dealing with a life crisis, give Godly advice to a loved one, or pray for someone in need. There are a number of ways that you can help another person, relieve their pain and help them find joy once again.

Philip and the Eunuch Cross Paths…
•Acts 8: 26-29
–From scripture, it appears that the angel of the Lord arranged this meeting between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
–Question for Thought: Who has the Lord “arranged” for you to cross paths with? What is the Spirit of God telling you to do about them?
•Acts 8: 30-35
–The Ethiopian eunuch is seeking knowledge about the Lord. He’s been to worship, he’s reading God’s Word, but he needs help to understand it.
–Philip is obedient to the Spirit of God and shares with the eunuch the good news about Jesus.
Philip baptizes the Eunuch

Steps Leading to Baptism

•Hear the Word
–Romans 10: 14

•Believe that Christ is the Son of God
-Hebrews 11: 6

•Repent of Your Sins
–Acts 3: 19

•Confess before men that you believe
–Matthew 10: 32

•Be Baptized for the forgiveness of your sins
–Acts 2: 38

Thanks to BibleLessonConnection.com for being a Dallas South Community Supporter.

Despite the bad weather, we had an outstanding turnout at Dallas South’s initial Get Into The City. Thanks to Ms. Jan Gore who provided an excellent atmosphere at Texas Caribbean Foods, as well as The Beat Condos and Southside on Lamar who were sponsors of the event. And thanks to John Spriggins who’s art was on display for the evening.

Those who joined us asked when we’re going to have our next GITC. We’re scheduled to hold an official Get Into the City in June, though we may have a warmup prior to that. Stay tuned to Dallas South for updates.

In the meantime, check the photo gallery below and see all of the fun that you missed.