This past Sunday was Father’s Day and for those of us still fortunate enough to have our dads, it was a day of good food, funny gifts, and just good times. However life goes on, and in the midst of marketing our book and living our busy lives, the “Voices” have had several reasons to celebrate lately and we are so thankful! Let me share my (Sue’s) blessings first:

Richard and I experienced a busy week of VBS – “Submerged” – at our church and saw many children learn about Jesus’ love for them. The Bible stories, songs, and crafts were wonderful, as was their mission-giving, which topped $1,500 for our Preschool Scholarship fund. I, the director, had to submit to a pie in the face as a reward for their generosity . . . but it was well worth it!

Then, our son married his beautiful fiancé last week and we became instant grandparents! Now we are vacationing at the beach, recharging for my next book appearance in Wytheville, VA, at the Chautauqua Bazaar, June 24-25. Life is good as my heavenly Father has shown His love in many ways recently. He is always with me, in good times and bad. It’s easy to understand His closeness in the good times, but we have to hold onto the reality that when we hurt, grieve, or simply don’t understand during the hard times, He is just as close.

Sue – Voice II

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When it comes to celebrating the blessings in our lives, I think about how there is still so much to be grateful for even in the midst of worldwide pain, agony, and degradation. Life itself can be the greatest form of a paradox to me.  Right in the thick  of brutal murders, natural death, and disasters, there is also a simultaneous steady flow of celebrations such as  births, graduations, and marriage.

Thus, my mind  ponders on, “How do we look beyond our pain in order to enjoy and appreciate the happy moments that life brings to us on a daily basis whether they belong directly to us or not?” That is why Sue and I wanted  to use our voices on this particular blog to offer God another public “shout-out” for all He continues to do with us and through us.

Monday was my mother-in-law’s 88th birthday. Over the weekend, our family had the opportunity to surround her with good food, lots of laughter, praise, and fun. I reflected on how “our” mother is still so full of glee, and the sheer glow of life still reveals itself as she ages.  I couldn’t help but also reflect on how so many others didn’t make it to see such a milestone including the many youth that I have had to witness being buried at such a tender age (One God, Two Voices – Ch.VI; p.80). Even  after such a thought, I still had to lift up my hands in praise each time I looked at the circle of love encompassing my mother-in- law.

The previous weekend was also full of love, laughter, and fun as we watched our niece exchange her wedding vows at the beautiful Butler Chapel located on the campus of Campbell University in Dunn, NC. The atmosphere was full of God’s glory, peace, and joy as we all recalled how His presence was felt during this sacred ceremony that God has  defined and ordained from the beginning of time between one man and one woman. Amen! Afterwards, taking pictures, eating dinner, and dancing at the reception were also enjoyed by many there, including my husband who had the honor of dancing with the bride after giving her away at the ceremony. I was also privileged to light the candle representing the Hester’s side which symbolically joins the bride and groom together as one united family.

One of the  greatest moments I experienced  was when  I  watched my husband during  the “father-daughter dance.” He first danced with our niece and then he danced with our own daughter. I felt lots of warm tears rolling down both cheeks on my face, but I felt so much joy and peace. How beautiful our niece looked as she rested her head on her uncle – a picture of peace and security. I also felt a sense of serenity and confidence believing that I would also live to see the day when our own daughter would be able to favor her dad in a similar way at her own wedding.

What a time we had during both occasions! Whether it was laughter over how good the wedding and birthday cakes tasted, the smiling faces of our children and grandchildren jumping up and down on the trampoline while we talked between bites of hotdogs, baked beans, and grilled meats during the birthday cook-out, or tears of joy during the wedding ceremony, it all reflected God’s powerful unfailing love.

Just knowing and acknowledging that God is always there with us makes all the difference in every situation whether it is happy or sad.

We cannot forget that in both the  good times and bad, God is on the throne and He still reigns.

Deidre- Voice I

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

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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