Happily Divorced And After

 Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Going around doing things you know you have no business doing; all because you want to fit in! Ye adulterers and adulteresses know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God [James 4:4]. You need to have a realization in your heart, that you are now a child of God, and you don’t have any business fooling with the things of the world. As Christians, we have to be ever so careful who we associate ourselves with. We have to be careful who we allow to be in our space. Fools cannot be real friends to a child of God. It is impossible, for they are incompatible by nature. They have nothing of value to offer. Avoid the company of fools and you will save yourself harm! Walk with the wise and you will become wise!

[Romans 12:2] says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [Ephesians 5:15-16] says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” So come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning … I say this to your shame” [1 Corinthians 15:33-34]. Listen, [Psalm 1:1] says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. What a simple rule for wisdom and life! Get rid of foolish friends, and choose the wise for friends. You will grow in wisdom and avoid much trouble in life.  

The Bible declares, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” [I Corinthians 15:33]. The warning about deception is to save you. I ask you, How did Lot, Abraham’s nephew, end up in a cave with nothing but his two daughters pregnant by his incest? He moved toward Sodom and made friends in that wicked city [Genesis 13:12]. What a disaster it turned out to be for him, his wife, and five daughters. Be not deceived!  Fools cannot be real friends to a child of God. It is impossible, for they are incompatible by nature. They have nothing of value to offer. I tell you, if you lie down with the dogs, you will rise up with fleas. Do not go in their direction [Psalms 1:1; Proverbs 1:10, 15; 4:15; 9:6), and have no fellowship with them [Proverbs 14:7; Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:11-12]. The clincher of Jehoshaphat’s story in [2 Chronicles] is the devastating effect that his compromise with the world had on his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and on the whole southern kingdom. In [Chapters 21 and 22] we read that after Jehoshaphat’s death, his son Jehoram [married to Athaliah] slaughtered all his brothers and then turned the nation to idolatry [see 21:6]. God struck him with a terrible disease of the bowels and he died after eight years in office. His son Ahaziah became king and lasted one year before he was murdered [see 22:3-4]. Ahaziah’s wicked mother Athaliah then slew all his sons [her own grandsons] except for Joash [a one-year-old] who was rescued and hidden from her. The Davidic kingly line from which Christ was descended came that close to being snuffed out! And then the wicked Athaliah ruled the land for six years. All this was the result of Jehoshaphat’s compromise with the wicked Ahab! Do not be deceived. He who lie down with dogs, will rise up with fleas!

My aim is to walk with God, to follow His Word of truth, and to help you do the same.

By Naomi K. Bonman 

Summer time is the time for good food, good company, and good music. This is the experience that many are hopeful for when attending the LA Soul Fest. After a successful year, last year during the 1st annual LA Soul Fest, concert goers were amped for this year’s show and line-up. Despite Sunday’s cancellation, many still made the most of the first two-days.

This year the festival was held at a new location closer to Downtown Los Angeles at Exposition Park, and with a new location came several changes. The first change was within the staffing. There seemed to be miscommunication between event staff, the public relations crew, and the promotion company, Airborne Tickets. For press, checking-in was a bit confusing on Friday where some of us kept getting the run around prior to picking up credentials. Guests also said stated that they had difficulties when claiming their VIP, The passes at the “box office”. 

“Friday and Saturday for us Florida tourist was nice,” Tanya Hurt explains. “I’m very disappointed they canceled Sunday’s show…well I guess seeing how they were disorganized with VIP tickets on Friday should have been a foreshadow of what was to come.” 

Despite the confusion with check-in everything seemed to run smoothly on Friday, even regarding some of the talent skipping the red carpet due to not getting their full pay. Each artist performed and put on a great show in order not to disappoint fans.

Saturday night was a different story. The evening was more hectic with artists not showing up due to no payment. Tyrese went on a rampage via social media about his pay. He was supposed to close out Saturday night’s show as the main headliner. BJ the Chicago Kid was due to open the show, but he dropped as well. However, Anthony Hamilton and Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh saved the show by doing extended sets. 

After Saturday night’s disappointments, it was excepted that Sunday would run much smoother, but due to unforeseen circumstances the show was pulled. The news came at the last minute when guests was already lined up waiting for the gates to open. Several traveled distances and booked hotel fares for the festival, and felt as if they wasted money and that their vacation turned into a disaster. Guests were told via email that they would receive full refunds for Sunday’s show, although some also believed that they should also receive a partial refund for Saturday night since some of the artists did not perform as hoped for.

“Thank you for your support and patronage over the last two years,” Mark Douglas, CEO of Airborne Tickets/Director of LA Soul Fest, explained. “We apologize for your experience regarding Sunday’s event cancellation. We did everything in our power to make this show a success, but fell short financially. We ask for your patience in this matter, as we work to deliver the best possible service to all our customers during these circumstances.”

This is one of those unfortunate situations where you just scratch your head and ask, “Now how do we recover from this?” Hopefully in the future the promoters can rethink and re-manage things to have a successful event like the first year. They may have to go back to the original venue and layout plan, and invest in acquiring sponsors because vendors alone can’t cover all the expenses and payouts of an event that is this massive with A-list talent. 

Photos by Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals 

LOMA LINDA, CA- Members from the Orange County Inland Empire Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Palm Springs Subaru dealership stopped by the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) Hematology/Oncology Clinic Friday, July 7 to brighten the kids’ day. They delivered blankets and craft kits to the clinic.

Although over 100 degrees outside, kids could find comfort in the blankets and use them while receiving treatment.

Gaven Hamrick, 9, of San Bernardino, was just one patient at the LLUCH clinic to receive a blanket and craft kit from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Subaru San Bernardino. 

“I can definitely use this stuff with my sister,” the fourth grader said of the crayons, markers and clay found in the craft kit. Hamrick was extremely appreciative of his new blanket saying he likes it cold in his room so he can get cozy under blankets.

The blanket donation is part of the LLS of Orange County Inland Empire Chapter and Palm Springs Subaru participation in the national Subaru Loves to Care Campaign. Through the campaign, LLS and Subaru intend to spread hope, love and warmth to cancer patients through small gestures by donating over 38,000 blankets across the country.

The LLUCH Hematology/Oncology clinic cares for patients with childhood cancers and blood disorders such as aplastic anemia.

By Manny Otiko, California Black Media

People getting busted for hosting parties based on racial stereotypes is nothing new. But it’s not something that you expect from a legal organization that’s supposed to stand for impartiality in the law. But that’s what happened when photos leaked of a Halloween party thrown by the Judicial Council of California. The Judicial Council is the policymaking arm of the California courts. Its goal is to be an independent and impartial administration of justice.

According to a report from the San Francisco ABC affiliate, the party featured stereotypical images of people of color depicted as prisoners. Some of the male staff members dressed as a transgender character from the TV show, “Orange is the New Black.”

News of the Judicial Council’s party has sparked a political uproar from Black organizations and legislators.

“I am deeply disturbed by the reprehensible, racist and poor judgment the Judicial Council displayed at a Halloween party last year,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D- Carson), a member of Legislative Black Caucus and Chair of Democratic Caucus.  “For a public policymaking body that is equipped with the responsibility of fair access to the courts, it is highly disappointing that a group of judicial staff members would put down a race simply to win a contest. It is never okay to engage in stereotypical behavior or homophobic mockery, all while distributing offensive photos over a public server for ridicule.”

“I stand with the NAACP and am calling on the Judicial Council for a sincere public apology and an immediate reprimand of these senseless actions.  This is demeaning, discriminatory, and sends the negative message that black people and members of the LGBTQ community are bad people.Although the damage is done and the seed is planted, and quite possibly for years to come, we will not tolerate bias from a department whose responsibility is that of justice for all. This action will not go unchallenged,” said Gipson.

The California Capitol Black Staff Association released a statement condemning the images.

“As public servants who work for a public body created to provide equitable access to California’s courts, it is shameful that these individuals chose to engage, on state time, in a type of hate speech that depicts dangerous stereotypes that have haunted the Black population in America since slavery,” said the California Capitol Black Staff Association.

According to the ABC report, Michael Roosevelt, an employee of the Judicial Council, said the images make a mockery of the organization’s goals.

“Here you’ve got the image of people who work for and support the courts who are dressed in prison garb, darkening their faces, depicting a prison setting where disproportionately those people who are incarcerated are people of color,” said Roosevelt.

The Alliance of California Judges said the incident proves the Judicial Council needs to be reformed.

“If the Chief Justice won’t restructure the Judicial Council, so its judicial members are elected by their peers, then it’s high time for the Legislature to take control of the judicial branch funds away from the Judicial Council and place those funds in the hands of a trial budget commission consisting of trial judges elected by their peers,” said the Alliance of California Judges in a press statement.

The pictures were also condemned by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena,) chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

“The racist actions of those associated with the Judicial Council are shameful!” said Holden.

Dr. Amos Brown, national board member and president of San Francisco NAACP, who first learned about the incident from a Bay Area reporter said, “This should be a wake-up call for Blacks in this state. Blacks make up 6 percent of the California’s population but 45 to 50 percent of the inmate population.”  Brown suggested an “ignorance of Black history” was the reason these employees could host a party in such poor taste.

Brown said he credited the executive director for the written apology discipline actions that have not been announced, but still feels like the damage has been done.

Third Baptist Church in San Francisco will be meeting with judges from the San Francisco Superior Court area on August 23 to discuss how to work together so the criminal justice systems can embody justice and restorative justice for the African American community and the greater community.

Anaheim Ducks Mascot, Wild Wing, met with patients and offered some healing encouragement during a visit to Loma Linda University Cancer Center on Thursday, June 29.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Patients at Loma Linda University Cancer Center recently received a spirited visit from the Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing, and two of their Power Players. The hockey enthusiasts delivered Ducks paraphernalia and visited with patients undergoing treatment. This was the Ducks’ fourth visit to the Cancer Center since 2013.

The Anaheim Ducks have supported the Cancer Center since October 2013 after they hosted the first Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the Honda Center, their home arena in Anaheim. They’ve since hosted two such events at the arena in 2014 and 2015 and have raised nearly $57,000 for the Cancer Center.

By Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragements of my people…

I don’t like to speak on subjects of my own thoughts and word opinions. I feel for us, we need the voice of the Word of YAH, so let YAH answer WHY we should return in this day in time, especially since everything has changed so much, since Ancient Days. YAH spoke to Jeremiah and the people were queried why? and He said, through the inspiration of God, [Jer. 3:14-15] “For I am married unto you.” Hebrews, we understand the true meaning of marriage, so I don’t have to go in to that, we all have a spiritual sense about us, because we are Hebrews, that’s what makes us Peculiar and Special! Another reason: YAH will give us leaders which will feed us with knowledge and wisdom, we sure do need that for us as a people and for our little ones’ future so that we can possess those things we need for ourselves; when we produce them, they are ready at hand for us when someone else produces them then we are under their hand. So, we have found the way-out ourselves, that we can escape. YAH has made possible through His Word. Since we are new to this path, not new, but re-introduce we must take it piece meal at a time, until we can look back in our DNA and feel the times of HEBREW YSRAEL AFRICA; this is the only way, through the Spirit. We need cohesiveness together!! In our history, we have this guy name Balak he sent messengers to Balaam, that he might curse the Children of Ysrael. Balaam went to YAH, and YAH said that the people are BLESSED PEOPLE! This passage is valuable to us because it helps us identify ourselves. YAH said we are blessed people, then in Chapter 23 Numbers verses 8-9 this prophet person, a long time ago spoke these words concerning us as a people [Nation State]: “How shall I curse, whom YAH has not cursed…” then in verse 9, the prophet person stands upon one of the hills in Africa and he sees Ysrael; for from the top of the rocks, I see him, and from the hills, I behold him: Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall NOT be reckoned among the Nations.” As we are separated this day, that’s a good thing. We are a people like no other, we look different, we smell different, everybody else has the same strain of hair, we are one in alike, there is not another people, that has any in that we have, we are separated and set apart, sanctified, and made holy by the Father of all Lights. We are the HEBREW PEOPLE, let us step up, and be role models to the rest of our people…Shalom! May YAH bless you and keep you.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University is a great college to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education, a top trade publication for colleges and universities. 

The results, released July 17 in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 10th annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 45,000 people from 232 colleges and universities. Of that number, 79 institutions made the list as one of the “Great Colleges to Work For.” Results are categorized by small, medium and large institutions, and LLU was included among the medium-sized schools with 3,000 to 9,999 students.

LLU won honors in five categories this year: confidence in senior leadership; job satisfaction; professional/career development programs; supervisor/department chair relationship; and work/life Balance.

In acknowledging the honor, Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, said the faculty and staff offer outstanding teaching and dedicated service to the approximately 4,500 students in the university’s eight schools.

“Our entire university team shares a strong commitment to extending the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” Hart said. “I am so grateful for the passion, excellence and the commitment to our values each of them exhibits. Their devotion to sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students inspires me.”

In addition to attractive medical and dental benefits, retirement plan, paid leave and sick leave, educational and adoption benefits, an onsite free gym and a variety of services through the Living Whole wellness program. This program fosters an environment of health and well-being by providing free services and resources to aid employees and their families in the journey of health and wellness. This includes health screening and programs for weight loss, smoking cessation, nutrition support, exercise, personal health coaching and financial wellness. Free counseling services are also available through the employee assistance program.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics, benefits, communication, and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and support staff. A primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. 

Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most comprehensive workplace studies in higher education. 

Ronald L. Carter, PhD, provost of Loma Linda University, said “We appreciate the dedication of each and every one of our more than 3,200 employees. Visitors, particularly the many accreditation teams that visit our campus, remark on the palpable sense of unity – a family of faculty, staff, and students who are glued together by whole person care, academic excellence, and service to the world. We are small enough to know each other, and large enough to impact our community – both regionally and globally.”

By Lue Dowdy

Calling all youth with a talent! Come compete in our upcoming showcase for a chance to win a $500 cash prize. Get on our audition list, all others will be auditioned on a first come first serve basis.

This event is all about our talented Inland Empire youth! We are looking for young entrepreneurs to showcase their product, a youth co-host, a youth DJ, and a designer that specializes in youth apparel. You could be our featured designer with the opportunity to showcase your clothing in a mini fashion show during the event.

The event will be held at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino from 1 p.m. to 4 pm. in Kellog Room B. The winners will receive the following: 1st place $500 cash and trophy, 2nd place cash prize and trophy, and 3rd place cash prize and trophy

Participants must be 19 years old and under and must reside in the Inland Empire. For more information, please text (909) 567-1000.

Last year, U.N.C provided backpacks and school supplies to 400 students and introduced each of them to S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning and careers, through engaging activities and workshops. Because of last years’ event success, demand has increased and U.N.C is committed to turning no child away. San Bernardino youth are often overlooked, U.N.C is dedicated to standing in that gap. Their goal is to serve 1,000 students with much-needed tools to support their confidence and success into the school year.

Participants of this year’s Extravaganza will engage with S.T.E.A.M experts and volunteers through various workshops including Crypto math, Builders Space, Chemical Composition, and Science Experiments. This free community event will inspire youth and give them hands-on exposure to careers within S.T.E.A.M fields.

“We are so excited to be able to expand our capacity to help the many families in need, while also planting seeds into the youths’ future,” explains founder La’Nae Norwood. “The event could not be as impactful without the support of the community, the U.N.C Team, our partners, and volunteers.”

She continues, “I am overjoyed by the amount of support exhibited and how far resources go when we are united. When nonprofits work together with local government, elected officials, organizations, businesses and the community, the possibilities for improvement are endless. That is one of the most responsive and ideal forms of unity.”

United Nations of Consciousness welcomes community members and partners to support San Bernardino youth in this event. Any size monetary donations, backpacks, and school supplies such as pencils/pens, paper, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, glue sticks and folders are welcomed to help make this event a success. All contributions are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate, volunteer, or be a vendor please email info@unclife.org or call U.N.C office at (909) 575-8862, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more details or to RSVP, please visit www.unclfie.org.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

You see they say, “Like Father, like son.” They say, “The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” So tell me, “Who’s your daddy?” Who are you submitting to? Who is the, “Simon says” in your life; and don’t act like you don’t know who “Simon says,” is. You remember the rhyme. “Simon says to shake your arms. Simon says to jump up and down. Simon says to clap your hands. Simon says to stomp your feet. Simon says to touch your knees. Simon says to stick out your tongue. Simon says to wiggle your nose. Simon says to grab your ears. Simon says listen to what I say, and do what I tell you to…but only when Simon says.” Come on; tell me, “Who’s your daddy? Who has authority over you? Tell me the truth. Is God your father or are you a son of the devil? Now before you answer that, keep in mind what they say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” Now be honest and tell me, whose your daddy?

Because I want you to know that Jesus makes His thesis statement three times in [John 8: 37-47]: He says, We have different fathers. You are of your father the devil.  You are not of God.  If God were your Father, you would love Me. If God were your Father, you would want to do His will.  If God were your Father, you would love the truth. If God were your Father, you would hear His words. But you can’t even bear to listen to what I’m saying to you. I am God’s love letter to the world. Don’t you want to open up your mail? Don’t you want to read what God would say to you? Don’t you want to hear the message? I’m it! But you’re not interested in Me because you’re not interested in God. Your will is set against Me because your will is set against God. Now, let me tell you plainly who your father is. Let me tell you plainly whose footsteps you are walking in…whose will it is that you are pursuing. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. You’re cut out of the same cloth. You have set your heart to do your father’s bidding: You seek to murder me. You speak lies. You seek to do his will, not the will of God. If God were your father, you would want to do His will. You would listen intently to Me. You would believe My words, meditate on them and seek to live in accordance with them. That’s what happens when you are a child of God. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Because God is not your father [John 14:6]. You have itching ears. But you rather hear a lie. Child of Satan!

I want you to know that life under the devil’s fatherhood is dark, oppressive, hopeless, and inevitably sinful [John 8:44]. And I want you to know that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth [Romans 1: 18-25]. The Good News however, is that Jesus has provided for you the way into the family of God. [2 Peter 3:9] says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Jesus said, “My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son [Jesus] and believes in him shall have eternal life” [John 6:40]. God wants to become the Father of each of us, and in order for us to come into His family; His will is that we “look to” Jesus His Son. Therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day Whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:14-15].

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19]