Meet Ebony Omar

Years of preparation, hard work and sacrifice undergird every note of the new release, “You Reign” from Detroit’s latest Gospel standout, Ebony Omar. When “You Reign” debuts on March 19, 2013, it will be the latest step of consistency and marked progression in the ministry of this budding new artist who made the final 10 for the “Sunday’s Best” auditions for the Detroit region.

Growing up around music, it was clear to Ebony Omar Perry what his passion in life would be. His musical influences included Marvin Winans, Kim Burrell, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. His earliest success in music began at the age of 8, when he sang a cover of the Sam Cooke classic “What a Wonderful World.” At the age of 13, he began directing the senior choir at his church and went on to win several choral competitions while in high school.

Ebony Omar studied science to become a teacher and work in education. He continued his post secondary education and obtained a Masters in Principalship from Central Michigan University.

He founded a choir, “The Levitical Voices,” who traveled the state of Michigan performing in front of thousands and became known for their distinct sound. Ebony Omar went on to join Perfecting Church where he was placed in the Detroit Recording Choir: Perfected Praise and the Praise and Worship team.

He has been compared to the likes of Isaac Carree, Brandy Norwood, Kenny Lattimore, Tonex, and Joe. Ebony Omar is easily recognized by his distinguished tenor voice. While working as a teacher for the Detroit Public Schools, Ebony Omar kept music alive within the schools of Detroit, forming and directing choirs at Rosa Parks Middle School and Durfee Middle School. During this time, Ebony Omar shared the stage with musical greats such as Donald Lawrence, Oscar Hayes, L’Renee, Martha Munizzi, Kurt Carr, Triumph Church Choirs and Pastor Marvin Winans. He received words of encouragement from musical “Big Brother” Richard Smallwood, and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

His new release, “You Reign” will delight Gospel listeners and will be available via iTunes and Amazon on 3/19/13.

Connect with Ebony Omar

To book or interview Ebony Omar, contact Crystal Hunter at hunterprandevents@gmail.com

To “Like” Ebony Omar on Facebook, click here.

To “Follow” Ebony Omar on Twitter, click here.

Support Ebony Omar

Purchase the new album “You Reign” from Amazon or iTunes:

The Ultimate

Valentines Day is a day of love to those who are deeply in it or to some singles, “Single Awareness Day”. However you celebrate the day, whether it’s with your spouse or celebrating singleness with your crew, remember why we as believers in Christ have the best Valentine of all.

1. Our Valentine is a Lover

“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

2. Our Valentine is a Giver

“For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16)

3.God’s Valentine Gift to us

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life…” (John 3:16)

Life! Eternal life is the ultimate gift that only God can give. This type of love God showed us is so deep and yet simple at the same time. His love is deeper than all the oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, ponds and puddles combined! Can you imagine a love like that? No love bewteen a man or woman can even compare to the love God has for His people. How grateful we should we be.

His Love, Our Love

1 John 4:16 says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

God is love and we as His people are love. If we live in God, who is love, we will be love and show love because God is love. His love is our love.

Showing His love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a” says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…”

The scripture above clearly shows us how to display real love to everyone we come in contact with from the foul tempered boss, arrogant co-worker, to the homeless man across the street. We may be the only love of God that they ever see.

Reflection

So on Valentine’s Day, reflect on God’s love. In His love, is a love for all people, no matter who they are, or what they have or haven’t done. God loves them all equally. We must try to do the same.

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.”  (1 John 5:2)

What are his commandments?

“”A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “(John 13:34)

Show God’s love today and forever.

About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.

February 4 would have marked the 100th birthday of a very special woman whose stand against an unjust law sparked the flames of revolution we know today as the Civil Rights Movement.

It all started December 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks made the decision to not give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. By not giving up her seat, Parks violated the “Jim Crow” segregation laws, but in the eyes of African Americans, she was and is a true heroine.

On February 4, 2013 the United States Postal Service honored the quiet strength of Rosa Parks by unveiling the “Rosa Parks Forever Stamp” in Detroit, Michigan at the Musuem of African American History.  Also on this day, the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan created an event filled with music, speeches and presentations in Parks’ honor. Those in attendance had the opportunity to sit on the very bus Rosa Parks sat on so many years ago.

The Faith of Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a strong believer in Christ and a devoted member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Because of her faith,  she was able to rely on God to help her with life’s problems.

As a Christian, we know that Romans 13:1 instructs us to “submit ourselves [himself] to the governing authorities” but there are times where obedience to God’s law conflicts with obedience to man’s laws. In these instances, Rosa Parks is a great example of civil disobedience”the idea that Christians must obey God at any and all costs, even when it will cause them to be disobedient to unjust civil laws.

But, can Christians call themselves “Christians” and still perform an act of civil disobedience? The answer is yes. The Scriptures are clear:

“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the LORD  your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.” (Deuteronomy 11:22)

There are also several instances in the Bible where God’s people performed acts of civil disobedience, such as Daniel’s famous act of disobedience before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 6:6-11) or the Apostles in Acts 4:18-19:

“So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.”

From the book, Rosa Parks by Douglas Brinkley, Parks revealed her belief on civil disobedience and stated,”From my upbringing and the Bible, I learned that people should stand up for rights, just as the children of Israel stood up to the Pharaoh.”

What is the “Pharaoh” of today? What champions do you see raising up in the Body of Christ to tackle the injustices of our day?

About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.

However, to everything, there is a season. Dubois recently stepped down from the position after nearly five year to pursue future endeavors, despite “my pleas,” said President Obama during  the National Prayer Breakfast.

President Obama took “a moment of personal privilege” to recognize his close friend Dubois, before beginning his speech about prayer.

“Before I begin, I hope people don’t mind me taking a moment of personal privilege.  I want to say a quick word about a close friend of mine and yours, Joshua Dubois,” President Obama started.  ”Now, some of you may not know Joshua, but Joshua has been at my side—in work and in prayer—for years now.  He is a young reverend, but wise in years.  He’s worked on my staff.  He’s done an outstanding job as the head of our Faith-Based office. ”

President Obama went on to say how much he valued the daily “snippet of Scripture” sent to him through email by Dubois. Obama ended his praise worthy remarks of his friend by saying, “So this morning I want to publicly thank Joshua for all that he’s done, and I know that everybody joins me in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors– including getting married.”

Who do you think Obama will chose to be the next “Pastor-In-Chief?” Who would you want Obama to choose?   
About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.

Darrell Ray Green (born February 15, 1960) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League who played for the Washington Redskins from 1983 to 2002. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play football. Green was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Recently, we had an opportunity to catch up with Green to get a snapshot of what’s happening in his world.

Scripture reminds us that whoever desires to be great, must first master serving others (Matthew 23:11, Mark 10:43). Service has been at the core of Darrell’s life since his youth days growing up in Houston, Texas. Strongly inspired by his parents and work in the community, he carried that natural energy into his life as a professional athlete.

The rookie Green was invited to RFK stadium in Washington, DC to a Christmas community event hosted by another professional athlete who he clung to as mentor and friend. Mr. Owens had a huge impact on what would be a 25-plus year annual event, Christmas With The Redskins (CWTR), hosted by Darrell Green.

At the event @ RFK, Darrell noticed that after the cookies, drinks, games, each child was given a “token” of some sort. Problem was a 16 year girl would receive a gift designated for a young boy. Green was bothered by that. Growing up poor in Houston, he remembered that even though he received one gift, that gift was personal and something that was “handpicked” especially for him.

Therefore, this was his motivation to host an event the following year where he could collect data (photos, gender, sizes, ages) so that each kid would feel special, valued, and thought of when they received a gift. “I experienced something that I thought we could do better where supporters would have the privilege to spend time with the kids, and really make it special…where the child was on their mind.”

Darrell’s humility always shines through as he emphatically makes it known that the annual CWTR event is a community collaborative effort. Together with locally trusted relationships and leaders, auxiliary and community groups, and professional athletes, they repeatedly make it happen for hundreds of underprivileged children throughout the Washington metropolitan area. “We are all in it together supporting one another. The energy and the excitement that the people bring to the idea of giving—it’s the heart of the people, the willingness to take the time…”

The Redskins players and area supporters SHOW UP with one purpose in mind and that is to make a difference. Green says that, “this privilege” is theirs. Whether the kids are receiving gifts or the players and supporters are bringing the gifts. God is the Source of it all.

Speaking of God, there has never been a secret of Darrell’s deep-seated faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! “My faith is synonymous with my heartbeat.” Surrendering his life to the Lord while in college was the best and most pivotal decision that he has ever made—beyond football, beyond anyone or anything. “My faith is the driving force of my life. It’s Christ in me. It’s the substance of my life. Jesus has saved me, redeemed and delivered me and has helped me to live in every way.”

Green admits that serving others is not always easy, whether in the context of family, sports, church or community so he solely relies on his faith to keep him grounded so he can perform at his optimal level for the greater good of all who have been entrusted in his care—for to whom much is given, much more is required. “What could I have done to deserve a life I’ve been given? It’s by God’s grace. I’m grateful for that Grace.” Darrell just doesn’t “run” his mouth about his faith for fanfare. He walks out his faith—it’s a lifestyle not a convenient means to an end. “My faith is living out His Will. You want me to be on this team and not just chase the money? You want me to attend this church? You want me to raise our children here? You want me to reach the world and share the Gospel?“
It’s an integral part of Green’s mission to serve, give and support and that mission is linked to the continual leadership, trust, guidance and obedience of the Holy Spirit in his life. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13.

As Proverbs 31:23 states Mr. Green “is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the leaders of the land.” Darrell loves, protects, and honors his life partner Jewell and family. Today, our communities and society at large need more Green examples to equip the next and now generations. A steadfast beacon of faith, hope and love of one who has not only won on the field but who has won on the larger playing field called life. What’s his winning playbook strategy? …His connection to the Greatest Champion of all times!

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13:13)

Roz A. Gee is a contributing writer, author, speaker and business owner. Her brand, new released e-series, @Essentials is now available on www.EssentialsMatter.com or visit www.RozGee.com for your next conference, seminar or retreat.

The 40 Day Soul Fast: Your Journey to Authentic Living by Dr. Cindy Trimm

Empowerment specialist, bestselling author, and renowned speaker, Dr. Cindy Trimm delivers a 40-Day plan to nourish your soul, replenish your mind, and refresh your spirit in her newly released title, The 40 Day Soul Fast: Your Journey to Authentic Living.

This book is an eight-week study of the life of the soul, enabling you to uncover a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for your life. With this personal guide to fasting from strongholds that break your spirit, you will discover how to achieve greater health, happiness, and success.

Seasoned with compassion and understanding, Dr. Trimm reaches through the pages to keep soul-fasters motivated and empowered to stay the course.

On Day One, Dr. Trimm provides meaningful direction on how to take the first steps toward authentic living that will build the foundation for spiritual fulfillment:

“As you set out on this journey toward discovering your divine, authentic self –uncovering those things that truly motivate and inspire you and bring you inexplicable peace and joy, casting aside those thing s which chastise your peace and  grieve your spirit – I want you to prayerfully lean into the Spirit of God within yourself,. Listen carefully to what you hear God’s Spirit saying—that still, small voice—and write down what you hear”

Serving God and humanity is her passion. A transformational leader and former senator of Bermuda, Dr. Trimm is known as a revolutionary thinker. With a strong desire to improve lives, she launched a global leadership transformation organization, Trimm International. She has earned a reputation as a catalyst for change and hope across nations.

The 40 Day Soul Fast is the first in a series focused on biblically based principles for inner healing, authentic living, and personal empowerment. This book is also offered in curriculum format for small groups, churches, organizations, and families.

Download this E-book and other great titles on sale in celebration of Black History month. Click here to purchase the e-book and learn more about the featured authors this month.

For more information on Dr. Cindy Trimm and The Soul Fast Movement visit www.soulfast.com and www.trimminternational.com.

Celebrate and Be Inspired! For incredible deals on your favorite E-Books from authors including Cindy Trimm, Myles Munroe, T.D. Jakes, Jamal Bryant and others, be sure to check out our Black History Month special!

Click on one of the book covers below to learn more about these incredible titles:

Twist of Faith tells a story about  Nina (Toni Braxton) who is a singer in the church choir, single mother and teacher.  Nina, her Uncle Moe, and home church take  Jacob (David Jullian Hirsh), a Jewish songwriter mourning the tragic  loss of his wife and three kids, under their wing to help him rediscover purpose in life.  During the time of Jacob’s turn around, Nina and Jacob find a connection through the music that could change both of their lives for the better.

Will you be one of those tuning in to Lifetime on February 9? Do you trust cable networks to tell Christian-oriented films with integrity or would you rather that they leave the genre alone altogether? Share your thoughts and why.

About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.

Good News

Success and favor are following the “Praise is What I Do” singer whose dedication to the ministry of praise and worship has blessed thousands of people. His latest single, You Reign has been a hit across the country. Murphy’s latest album, God Chaser, drops February 5, 2013.

Murphy says that God Chaser captures what has been going on at his Atlanta-area church, The dReam Center from week to week over the past seven years. Murphy has also provided leadership for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship as Overseer of Worship.

“The record started out as a collection of prophetic songs,” Murphy says. “These are songs we got as we were in prayer and worship at our church. God just began to give us these songs and I felt like it was time to release them to the world.”

This is Murphy’s first release for the record label, RCA Inspiration, formerly Verity, where his label mates include Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Byron Cage among other genre-toppers.

According to Murphy, God Chaser “is a straight up Sunday morning record.” Murphy makes it clear that by “Sunday Morning” music, he means music more like “Praise is What I Do,” than foot stomping and hand clapping.

Murphy, the Worship Leader

Long sought out as a clinician for worship teams and a mentor to worship leaders, Murphy has penned a new book called “Praise Is What I Do.”

“It’s a 3 part series that is coming out the fourth of July week,” Murphy says. “It’s the 21st century guide to relevant worship.” The book is filled with practical guidance on worship and is aimed at helping oncoming generations of worship leaders.

“What we are going to talk about is how God gave Moses instructions on how to create a tangible presence,” says Murphy. “We’ll talk about  the cherubim that faced one another and the presence of God and the mercy seat. Something was created because of the relationship with the cherubim. What the Scripture was saying was when the cherubim did their thing they became invisible and the people were able to have an experience with God. That is the whole focus.”

Murphy, the Pastor

Just as Murphy has been a trailblazing artist, he is also a cutting edge pastor who has carved out a new pattern for Sunday morning worship. “The first thing we do when we get to church is, we give an offering. Then we worship and then I preach. Then we go home. Every time we gather, I feel so privileged,” says Murphy. “There is such an authentic presence of God. The grace on our church is incredible and I do not have to be the person preaching or leading worship. One of my sons, Kenneth Noah, ministered recently and killed my church! (laughs) I had to get the mic back!”

Clearly, Murphy enjoys pastoring his growing flock, which will soon be one church in two locations Murphy announced to Gospel Today.

“Yea, we’re moving into South Atlanta. We will still be in North Atlanta but we are going to have two campuses. God is blessing us with a place in the north and in the south. We will have an 8 am service at the north location, then jump in the car and have a 10 am service in south Atlanta. Then jump back in the car for a 12 pm service in north Atlanta.”

Murphy, the Man

However, behind the music, writing and the life of a pastor, Murphy is a man who has experienced God’s love and care during difficult times in his life.

“I’m blown away at how God continues to use me through life experiences. I was engaged at 20, married at 21, and divorced by 24.” Murphy’s first marriage produced two children. “By the time my middle son was six months, we were in divorce court. So, there I was, 24 years old, divorced with two kids, preaching and singing. I was like, ‘Man this is over.’”

Murphy remained positive despite contrary court rulings and a protracted custody battle. “Sometimes in life you lose, but what you do,” says Murphy, “is you keep living and keep believing God.”

Living and believing in God is exactly what this family man has been doing. At 26, Murphy remarried and recently celebrated his 13th wedding anniversary. The couple has two children together.He loves all of his children dearly and takes special pride in them.

“There is an anointing on all of my children. They are special,” Murphy says. “Every parent says their children are special but I do this for a living, so I know what’s special and what’s just cute, and my kids are special,” says Murphy of their God-given talent.

Murphy, Grateful

Murphy says he is incredibly grateful for this season in his life and the opportunity to share new music. “I think people are going be be blown away from the music. When we start singing it, it really feels like the presence of God engulfs the room.”

Be on the lookout for William Murphy, III’s new album God Chaser, February 5.

About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.

However, there are people who are doing their best to bring clarity to this issue such as Essence Magazine columnist Sophia Nelson, who is trailblazing across the country to give pastor’s wives a credible voice and opportunity to be heard with her daily tweets and chat discussions every week.

As a result of TLC’s The Sisterhood, pastor’s wives across the nation are holding luncheon’s and round table discussion and coming out from behind the wide brim church hats to bravely speak about their pain and concerns about today’s modern church. For that reason alone, I shout  AMEN!

To the ladies of the show, please know that there is always a “sacrificial lamb” before real progression appears. If the burden of being on this show gets you down, just remember, this too shall pass. I challenge the ladies and the producers to show the parallel what we go through as pastor’s wives with the lives of biblical, historical characters.

There is one agenda for the Church and that is to make Christ known. If The Sisterhood fails to illustrate this, then it has failed miserably and will present itself as a show full of lukewarm women celebrating a placebo Christianity. Without making Him known, The Sisterhood will display to the world that genuine Christianity can no longer be found in the United States and is unable to carry anyone through a stormy relationship.

Today, Wiccan is the fastest growing religion in America. If The Sisterhood does not improve dramatically we may be watching, “Wives in the Coven” next January 2014 on TLC.

Episode 5 continues to unravel the quirkiness of Tara and Brian as they prepare to celebrate their son’s Christian bar mitzvah with their friends, complete with caviar as one of the dishes.

Shouldn’t the show display balance as well? They are talking about ministry but all I see is a lot of folks wanting the microphone and center stage.

We are called to be servant martyrs for the cause of Christ. I wish to see that touched on in the course of the show.

About the Author

Kimberley N. Yancy aka Mikasenoja is author of 2008 bestseller “Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife”.  She currently resides in Houston, TX and serves as Director of Ministries at New Vision Baptist Church in Dickinson, TX. where her husband serves as Senior Pastor. Share your comments below or email her at Mikasenoja@aol.com

But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two others with you so that every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

If, however, he ignores them, tell it to the congregation. If he also ignores the congregation regard him as an unbeliever and a tax collector.”

If you’re online, there’s a chance you might lose your cool but here are some ways to handle social media beef:

1.      Pray about it and stay offline.  Take everything to God in prayer first before acting or saying anything you may regret later. As Jude 1:21 says, “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

2.      Read Scripture.  Here is a short list of scriptures to help you get your mind right when you’re about to make a post you might regret:

• Psalm 17:6 – I call upon you, for you will answer me, God. Listen closely to me and hear my prayer.
• Psalm 31:2 – Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.
• Psalm 29:11 - The LORD will give strength to his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace) etc. This also will serve as your cool down time.

3.     Pray again. Ask God for peace and guidance in the matter. There’s no such thing as too much prayer. (1 Thess. 5:17).

4.     Confront the person alone. Matthew 18:15a - If your brother sins against you go and confront him while the two of you are alone…

5.     Forgive and let go. Matthew 6:14 - For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.

Have you ever had to deal with online conflict? How did you react?  What has helped you stay calm in a moment of anger?

About the Author

Ariel Jones is a budding journalist who enjoys writing about the truth. Her aim is to help people gain a better understanding of the world around them. Email your comments and questions to her here.