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“Choose this day who you will serve . . .But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”    Joshua 24:15

Now more than ever it is time to choose the Lord’s way over the will of man. With each day, the news brings word of more ungodly decisions that seek to remove or dilute the rights of parents, educators, and Christians.  One of our major platforms is to encourage Christians to work their “sphere of influence” – the workplace, ball field, grocery store, or gym – and urge others to stand for God’s way and take this country back for Him. As we spoke to many people at the CHAPS Home School convention in PA recently, we repeatedly exclaimed to many that the legacy we are currently leaving our children is unacceptable! If we are indecisive about current issues affecting them, the world they inherit will not be a positive one. None of us want that, but few people realize that they can be an individual part of the solution.

This situation reminded us of part of the commencement speech we heard at Larry’s recent graduation from the University of Mount Union. Dr. Richard Drake spoke on several topics, encouraging the about-to-be graduates on their next steps after college. However, the most memorable one for Deidre and me was the statement he made about driving the interstate and noticing the “highway of flattened squirrels” along the way. He told the audience he felt their demise was directly related to the fact that they could not make a decision about which way to run in order to avoid the approaching car. Their indecision led to their death which resulted into a really ugly “SPLAT!” on the highway of life.

We feel that indecision is prohibiting many people from making changes that could positively affect our country, our culture, and our children. Some would say, “It’s too late.” We disagree – it’s never too late as long as we’re still here. Reflect on our title for this blog and make a resolution – even in June! Joshua’s example to stand for God’s ways regardless of any hardship enabled him to lead  well and be blessed. Our choice to do likewise will also allow us to live a life that results in positive change and blessings from our Father as well. May God bless you as you DECIDE to stand for Him and His ways.

The Voices- Deidre and Sue

Check out our Youtube channel and new book entitled “One God -Two Voices.” Purchase your copy today at  https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

Regarding the new law which forces public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, we emphatically say, “NO!” So do many other people with whom we have spoken in the past few days as we ministered with our book in OH, WV, and PA.

We are a part of this “last day remnant” who will continue to take a stand based on God’s word. As educators, we fear that impressionable children are given no time to think through this gender identification situation and consider who they really are in God, before being accepted and manipulated by misguided adults.

Now even President Obama’s administration has become involved in the gender identity bathroom controversy. A joint letter from the Departments of Education and Justice have been sent to schools last week with guidelines to ensure that transgender students have a supportive school environment without discrimination. All this does is encourage mass chaos with bullying, ridicule, and division instead of the protection the Federal government envisioned. Unbelievably, anyone can choose which bathroom to enter in any school. It seems emotion has taken over. It promotes “how I feel” over “who I am.” Gentlemen, you remember middle school and high school – which bathroom do you think teenage males would choose to enter?

In the public arena, you could have adult males entering restrooms where women and children would definitely feel unsafe. They would not even have to be dressed as a female! All this for what is estimated to be .03% – .05% of the population, based on a 2011 survey by the Williams Institute.

More importantly, how does a Holy God feel about this? It’s time for those of us who still know right from wrong, and have a shred of common sense,to begin speaking out loudly and consistently. Let your “voices” be heard!

We want to hear your voice too! Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

The Voices – Deidre and Sue

Check out our Youtube channel and new book entitled “One God -Two Voices.” Purchase your copy today at  https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

The Voices are tired, but happy – we had a great weekend:  TOGETHER!

Deidre’s son and our Godson, Larry D. Hester, Jr., graduated Saturday, May 7, from the University of Mount Union and the entire family (Deidre, Larry, Sr., Shamona, and Saniyah) was here to enjoy the ceremony. The Voices appreciated both the baccalaureate and commencement services and gleaned some ideas we wanted to share. Rev. Joyce Lawson’s baccalaureate address to the graduates presented the idea of being ready to move when and where God calls. She also told these young people that sometimes patience is required so that we don’t get ahead of God’s leading, timing, or His provision. The crux of her message about moving in God’s timing led Deidre and me to reflect afterwards that the Old Testament story of Abraham’s first son, Ishmael, was the perfect example. Had Abraham and his wife Sarah waited on God to provide the child that was promised instead of taking charge and allowing Hagar to bear a child as a surrogate, a lot of history would be changed. This child, Ishmael, is regarded by the entire Arab nation as an ancestor to the prophet Mohammed. This nation continues to war against the Jewish people who descended from Isaac, Abraham’s legitimate heir. Christians are also paying the price as additional heirs to the promise of God.

We would like to encourage our readers as we were reminded, to not get ahead of God’s perfect timing. In this age of instant gratification, waiting for anything can become extremely difficult. Almost daily we hear, ” Have it Your Way,” “It’s My Money and I want it now!” and “Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary.” These advertisements and more daily experiences have made the reality of waiting a lost art.

Getting ahead of God because we do not trust in Him to do what He promised can lead to death, pain, or injury that you will deal with for the rest of your life. Think about it – do we really need to “revisit Ishmael?”

To that we say, “Wait on the Lord: and be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14). Are you willing to wait? Let us hear from you.

Sue and Deidre – The Voices

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OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST: COLORLESS LOVE

How do I begin this post?

Is it for a specific group like teachers, students, pastors, beauticians, or is it written for everyone? I choose the latter because today we are all reaping the effects of people choosing to represent themselves through an identity that divides instead of unites. Whether we choose to see ourselves as our RACE (black, white, Hispanic, etc), our GENDER (male, female, transgender), or some other quality, all other choices tend to follow that decision. Men can see their identity in the strength of their body, and women choose control over their bodies rather than protecting the life that is growing within them. Growing numbers of confused young people are choosing to change the gender of their birth and switch to the “other side,” because they feel led to do so by the society or culture around them. Racial tensions are escalating at an alarming rate because many people identify with their color, culture, and ethnic background, without trying to understand or accept others who don’t share those characteristics. When looking at people, many of us refuse to see the PERSON instead of the PACKAGE.

Deidre and I have always taught and demonstrated by our relationship that we are more alike than different, despite obvious differences in our age, race, and background. However that unity came from within . . . from the God that is within. We have chosen to identify with Christ. Wouldn’t our world be far better if more of us would choose to do the same? We could come together instead of choosing to isolate in our individual chosen identities. I pray you think about it, because today we need unity more than ever.

Sue- Voice I

Are you still using phrases like, “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud,” ” Heritage not hate,” Black lives matter”, or “Proud to be an American” to define yourself? If so, shame on you.

In our book, One God, Two Voices (Ch. VI), Sue and I talk about joining the efforts of Pastor Donearl  Johnson who began the, “My Color Is Love” movement which has been fully endorsed and incorporated at our ministry by my pastor, Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin.  “My Color Is Love” is used as the top motivational slogan at our church to remind us that whether we are black, white, Hispanic, Asian, or any other race, we are all connected by love.   After all, when it comes to race what you see is not necessarily what you get. Many of us may look like a specific race but we can actually possess the genes of ancestors who may be of a race we consider inferior to our own. For instance, even though I look black, DNA evidence supports the fact that I have white and Native-American running through my veins. Racial tension will not easily go away because of the foundations are hate, bigotry, and division that were laid early on due to ignorance and skewed perception.

Now don’t get me wrong … Yes, as a black woman, I do believe strongly that African-American lives do matter. But if I go by what resides within my genes, shouldn’t white and Native-American lives count too? It is such a fallacy and hardship to consistently remain in racial, verbal, and physical brawls defending a race we identify with only on the surface. Christians are supposed to represent the largest percentage of Americans, but we remain so divided due to racial tension that non-Christians fail to see our unity and strength. We are such a global society now because of the advancement of technology and social media. Therefore, all lives must matter and count just as much as black ones or white ones, etc. It really is not just about blacks and whites anymore. That tune is so worn-out. Reality and scientific fact  declares that none of us are who we actually  appear to be physically on the surface.

The real TRUTH, that we all have to face eventually, declares that we must love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Who is my neighbor? My neighbor can be the person who lives next door to me, or an individual who may sit next to me at church, work or ride beside me on a city, school or cross-country bus. Jesus also spoke about the good Samaritan which ultimately teaches us that our neighbor is anyone who has a need that we are equipped to meet.

Heaven is certainly not going to be segregated, and we all need to practice how to walk in love now. So, what grade would you give yourself in the area of supporting your race or color and solely boasting it as all you plan to ever own? We challenge you to look at this from a different perspective: Through the eyes of colorless LOVE.

Deidre- Voice I

Jesus is often referred to as the “Light of the world.” His followers are encouraged to be as important to their world as salt and light was to His ancient one. Without salt, meat would spoil and be useless; darkness kept people indoors where it could only be overcome by the use of candles or lampstands.

(randalrauser.com)

I have been reminded lately of my role as His ambassador in the unique opportunity of attending many craft and vendor fairs to exhibit our book. I am meeting so many people who can benefit from a encouraging word, a personable smile, or a sincere handshake. However, since one of the missions of our book ministry is to try and encourage the teaching profession, whether from home or in the classroom, how does this message transfer to those involved in educating our young people? Teachers, youth leaders, coaches, Sunday school workers, and many others are all involved in training our children in one way or another. Unknowingly, they may be the only positive adult “light” that some of their students see, hear, and experience on a daily/weekly basis. They can truly be the “light” in a dark and dismal world for these needy children. Understanding this concept is so important as you plan and interact with the young people in your lives. As someone once told me, “If you look hard enough, you’ll always find a light.” I hope they “find” you – so let your light shine and impact the world around you!

Sue – Voice II

A few weeks back my niece, Latrice, came to our house for a visit. The excitement of our being together led us into continuous conversation, allowing us to catch up with things, stuff, and life in general. As she talked away, seemingly without any reserve, I listened intently. Suddenly, she paused and said, “Aunt Dee, I forgot to be the light, even though I know I have to be the light in my situation.” I paused and looked directly at her as I allowed her words to resonate in my spirit.

Feeling as though I had no choice in the matter, I began to reflect on times past when  I had likewise forgotten to be the light. I specifically remembered when I was on the phone with a cable representative, requesting a refund after experiencing a  three day disconnect of our phone, internet, and cable service. I became so frustrated that consequently, “Brooklyn” came out of me. That is what I call myself whenever I revert back to my BC(Before Christ) days. It is also when I become  extremely bold, uncaring, and highly attitudinal because I intend to make my point and have my way regardless of who is listening or watching. My husband reminded me with a soft scold and and said,  “Sister Hester, you didn’t sound saved right then.” I then had to repent and focus on what, “sounding and acting saved” should look like.

Jesus said, “You will know my disciples by their love.” God’s Love illuminates as light that cannot fail. We reveal that Christ really does abide within us by sharing the Fruit of the Spirit with others as needed.   Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control all come from the spirit of Christ that abides within us as Christians. We must be ready to reflect that light or respond with taste to any messed up situation, whether we feel like it or not.

We should not use the fact that we are on the phone (as I did), or in a car, or even in the midst of total strangers as an occasion to go on a spiritual hiatus because God is always watching us. Christians truly are Salt and Light, and must therefore, release  flavor and sunshine wherever we go – regardless. Indeed, it is our time to gleam – to glow and be the spice of life.

Deidre- Voice I