Listen: Do You Struggle with FOBO? As a Believer, do you struggle with FOBO? No, not “Final Or Best Offer,” but “Fear Of a Better Option”? When God transitions us into new seasons or new spaces, doubt and uncertainty will likely follow. The unfamiliar spaces stretch us, bring discomfort and we may ask, “Lord, is this where I’m supposed to be?” If the process seems too long, we may seek other options to bring about our own resolution rather than trusting in God’s perfect plan for us. We may struggle with “Fear Of a Better Option.” If this is you, you are not alone. We’ll share our experience in this to help you shake this off and endure in God’s perfect purposes uniquely created for you. Supporting scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 43:19, Mark 9:24, Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 6:10-17, & Joshua 1:9.

 

Listen: Interesting or Interested?  When it comes to people, do you strive to be interesting or interested? What is the difference between? During Jesus’ time on earth, do you think He was interesting, interested or both? We invite you to share your responses on our Voices Against the Grain Facebook page  or via our Twitter handle @VATG4Him.  

 

 

Listen: “Consequently.” The allure of society’s shiny objects of fame, counterfeit freedoms, influence, pleasure and power has driven many to refute and suppress God’s truth to “pursue their own imaginations” (Isaiah 65:2), causing deception. Consequently, deception’s misery has broken and imprisoned many with the enemy’s tool of shame—and they’re looking a mess. But consequently, there is a special opportunity for the Body of Christ to receive the broken. They’re being released from their literal and/or spiritual prisons as new creations in Christ Jesus through the sharing of the Gospel. How will we receive them? With joy? Or like they have the cooties? Consequently, we have problems AND opportunities. Which will you be part of? Join us! U2’s video “Song for Someone,” featuring actor Woody Harrelson, gives insight on this topic. We’ll also play new song “Water,” by our brother in Christ and My Light Ministry addiction interventionist, Selepri Amachree.

 

Listen-Paula McDade: Equipping, Empowering and Energizing Women and Girls.  Advocate. Mentor. Connector. Visionary change agent. An encourager to women and girls. We’re delighted to catch up with our amazing sister in Christ and founder of Captured and Crowned ministries, Paula McDade. Since Paula guested on our show in July 2015, God has blessed her ministry to share more widely the hope, redeeming love, strength and restoration found only through Christ Jesus to encourage women and girls who have experienced abuse, trauma, or other life-altering events.

A survivor of abuse and trauma, Paula passionately uses her voice to help others begin the recovery process. We’ll hear what Paula’s been up to since our last conversation. We’ll also discuss a recent CDC report announcing a troubling increase in suicide rates, particularly among women and girls. The increase is at epidemic levels not seen in the last 30 years. What are the causes? How can the Body of Christ help? Praise God for the hope, healing and help in Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer! Please listen in. For more information, visit http://www.paulamcdade.com/.

 

Listen- The Temple of Baal and America: A Critical Time to Be a Christian.  This is a critical time to be a Christian. Last week’s victory of the canceled Temple of Baal arches (replicas) to be installed in NYC’s Times Square this week was an answer to prayers and a defeat to the enemy. But as Christians, we shouldn’t get comfortable nor rest on our laurels. The evil and catastrophic events of our day are like none witnessed before. Unprecedented. Many people provide their own explanations as to why this is happening but don’t identify the events as God’s judgment. America has lessened its need for God. Furthermore, the comfortable Christian has allowed the intellectual elite to drive the narrative in education, government and politics, blindly sending people into “group think” ditches.  As a Christian, are you making your life and voice heard for Christ so others may see and turn from their wicked ways? Or is your “Chinese menu” of faith and fear of telling others God’s truth aiding in others’ blindness? Join our important conversation, and please invite others. (Scriptures: John 8:47, Deuteronomy 28:20, Jeremiah 19:4-9, & Isaiah 65:1-2)

 

Listen: “Crucial Talk: A Conversation w/Christian Rap Artist, Crucial.”  He’s released more than nine albums and has performed for thousands at concerts, prison ministry and urban outreach events. He’s produced music for other Christian artists and his music has played on radio stations across the country. Christian rap artist Crucial uses his talents to share God’s Truth to a deceived and dying world. No stranger to the so-called “freedoms” offered by this world before his relationship with Christ Jesus, Crucial’s hard-truth lyrics dispel the world’s lies and invite us to seek true freedom found only Christ. We love his music! We hosted Crucial on our show in January 2014, and have been delighted to fellowship and serve with him since. He returns to share with us the latest on his music, ministry and how we can live in peace with everyone as asked of us in Romans 12:18, as the enemy seeks to divide us. Please join us for the truth w/Crucial!

 

Listen: “What Is Going On: A Conversation.” Though we’ve steadily produced written content to equip you in God’s Word, Voices Against the Grain is excited to return to you on the radio after a year’s hiatus from our show. We needed the time to refresh. This Wednesday, our ministry founder and show host, Nicole D. Hayes, will share with you a “What’s Going On” conversation as she reviews select national and world events from 2015 to present day. Though evil abounds, so do opportunities to share Christ’s Love. She will share God’s Word to help us remain steady in unsteady times; how to be light in darkness, to engage and not retreat. Please join us!

 

Listen: “James Oyola: Get Out of Your Own Way.” What are your gifts? What are your talents? Have you fully surrendered your life, gifts and talents to God’s will or are you getting in your own way? Excited to host our guest James Oyola, sports journalist for the Miami Heat, speaker, youth mentor, Chaplain with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and author of new book, Get Out of Your Own Way. In his book, James shares his testimony of brokenness of having a lived outside of God’s will. His previous lifestyle was getting in the way of God’s greater plans for him. Now living fully in relationship with Christ Jesus, God has opened great doors for James to reach people. James shares how God can and will powerfully work through you if you are wiling to get out of your own way. James first guested on our show on September 18, 2013. Hosted by: Nicole D. Hayes

Listen: “Captured and Crowned: Paula McDade.” We were delighted to host Paula McDade, founder and creator of Captured and Crowned. Captured and Crowned is a Christian lifestyle ministry dedicated to promoting and empowering women and girls in finding their Christ-centered value after experiencing abuse, trauma or other life-altering events. A survivor of abuse and trauma, Paula passionately uses her voice to encourage girls and women across the country to offer strength and hope. Paula also has daily devotionals available on YouVersion written specifically for young women who seek emotional healing from trauma, abuse and grief. Join us and invite others for this important and healing conversation. Hosted by Nicole D. Hayes.

May 8, 2015- “Bring Godliness to DC and Society!” Voices Against the Grain has been invited to host a weekly 30-minute radio show w/a D.C.-based station. The station also streams online. God has blessed us to move His message from our current online show to reach a captive, mainstream audience.

We are excited that God has opened this door to share His Truth! We stand at the door, but request funds to walk through the door to host the weekly show for this year and into next. As we seek local and national sponsors, we request your partnership to help us expand our reach, extending to our nation’s capital and beyond. Learn how you can help us “Bring Godliness to DC and Society!” 

Listen: Are You Producing Sexual Justice—Or Fueling Sexual Injustice?   Porn. Prostitution. Sex trafficking. Exploitation. Hookups. These lifestyles contradict God’s compelling story of sex. They also drive today’s sexualized culture that leads to untold brokenness, deception, enslavement, and destruction in a person’s life. Since being kicked out of Heaven, Satan continues to assail, counterfeit, disparage and distort God’s character and the things of God in hopes to deceive and destroy many. He’ll even use unwitting Christians to do it.

To stem the adverse impact of today’s sexualized culture until Christ’s return, EACH of us are CALLED to be PURE as Christ is pure and to not be contaminated by this world. By your actions, living and your thinking, Are You Producing Sexual Justice—or Fueling Sexual Injustice? To equip our discussion, we’ll speak with Aszia Walker, Discipleship and Outreach Director for pureHOPE. Voices Against the Grain and pureHOPE became ministry partners in February 2014 to combat our sexualized culture by equipping the Body of Christ to walk in love, purity and justice. To do this, our HOPE must be in Christ Jesus, and Him only. Parents, mentors, faith leaders, youth and others we invite you to listen and learn how you can stem the tide of sexual injustice. Host: Nicole D. Hayes

Listen: “Freedom from Addiction and No Condemnation.” Before Chris McArdle, 28, founded Absolutely No Condemnation Ministries, he was facing death’s door with terrifying trips to the hospital ER. Chris struggled with alcoholism which nearly killed him. Not long ago, his father who became saved and sober, passed away. Chris’s consumption of alcohol progressed from recreational use to a dangerous “euphoric-like” escape. Soon alcohol became necessary for daily function in his successful sports radio career. Sober today, Chris is overjoyed by how Jesus Christ’s love rescued and restored him from the deadly grip of alcoholism. Based in Anoka, Minnesota, Chris travels the country candidly and passionately telling others struggling with substance abuse: there is freedom from addiction and absolutely no condemnation in Christ Jesus. What was his turning point? Join us and invite others for a powerful conversation. Host: Nicole D. Hayes.

Listen: “Being a Public Christian in Your Business.” While out shopping for chocolate and furniture, you meet Jesus Christ. What? You should expect to meet Jesus in church, a Christian bookstore or gift shop. Then there are businesses whose products and services draw various customers through its doors, and serve as an opportunity for the lost to encounter Jesus Christ through a Christian business owner who’s dispersing salt, light, love and truth. How does this mesh in a politically correct, secular, “anything goes society”? Meet Father Stan Smith, a former quality assurance engineer turned founder of Mar Toma Enterprises, offering overtly Christian products such as Holy Chocolate and Burnt Sacrifice BBQ sauces and spices. Also meet Ana Martinez, our beloved Voices Against the Grain devotional writer, who’s a chef for celebrity athletes and co-owner of full-service interior design studio, Dulce Designs. Father Stan and Ana are public Christians in their respective businesses. Hear their amazing stories of how Christ is working through them in their businesses to reach the lost. Their experiences may encourage you to be more of a public Christian in your business.

Listen: “An Addict’s Prescription: God’s ‘Undercover Angel’.” It’s a lender. An oppressor. A tyrant. The oppressor wants you dead rather than freed. The oppressor: addiction. From drugged driving to overmedicating, substance abuse is a slippery slope and wide gate to destruction. The battle requires a warrior fit to rescue those from addiction’s deadly grip. Meet Selepri Amachree: man of God, interventionist, musician, “undercover angel,” and founder of the Xtreme Intervention Project. Jail time and a former cocaine addict, Selepri knows this demon well. For eight years, God has helped him rescue young and older people from addiction. Listen and learn why addiction is called a “lender,” how Selepri was freed, and how he is breaking the chains off of addiction’s indebtors. Learn also about his video project “Undercover Angel.” Joining the discussion is our ministry partner Dawn Bauer, founder of The Family Hope Line, a cost-free service that helps families with their struggling teens. We invite you to listen to this informative and uplifting conversation. Hosted by Nicole D. Hayes.

Listen: “2015 Ferguson, Youth, God’s People: Don’t Get Weary.” A fast and furious year, many challenging events of 2014 submerged us into deeper prayer, stretching and exercising our faith in the Lord like never before. The Body of Christ felt this stretching and rewarding of our faith, while experiencing longer periods of waiting on God to answer, then seeing Him move mightily. Listen as Voices Against the Grain ministry team members Jason M. Alexandre, Destiney Bishop, Herbert G. Bowen, Jr., Nicole D. Hayes and Ana Martinez share what we’ve learned in journeying with the Lord this year. Also hear our responses on Ferguson, Mo., and other world chaos. Hear also how God is rescuing and restoring our youth from Satan’s grip to empower them for a mighty work. In all the mess there’s a message for 2015: Don’t get weary. Keep praying, keep serving, keep sowing and keep your faith. God is faithful. You will reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9). (Episode recorded December 13, 2014)

Listen: “Starting and Doing Business God’s Way.” Do you desire to start a business? Already operate a business? If you answered “yes” to either question, how does God desire that Christians construct and conduct business? We live in a culture that doesn’t necessarily factor God into its business plans.  Join us for a conversation with Amos Johnson Jr., PhD, founder of the God Idea Lab and his ministry, Church for Entrepreneurs. The God Idea Lab helps Christians prepare their God-given ideas for business, or gives a fresh restart for those in business. Through his ministry, Amos and his team train entrepreneurs in God’s Word to help them operate in faith to conquer the mountain of their God-given calling. We’ll discuss God’s way of starting and doing business and why faith is essential on this joyful yet conceivably trepidatious journey.

Listen: “Fire Starter International: Women on Fire for Christ.”  They’re starting fires in churches, in buildings and on the road. They’re starting fires in your soul, starting fires across the globe. They are not in a gang. They are Fire Starter International, a Miami-based women’s ministry, a branch of One Body in Christ in Love Ministries. As God’s Word became a match in their hearts that started the flame, these ladies inspire and tear down the enemy’s territory with God’s love. Listen to Fire Starter leader Michelle Shirley and members Barbara Boliere and Gospel rap artist Testamoni, share their testimonies on how God’s love can restore the broken and free the shamed and shackled. You can be a Fire Starter too! View their hot “Fire Starter” music video.

Listen: “Why Hookups Are No Hook Up.” Hookups. Sex with no attachments. “Test drive” theory. Many seek the authentic in the inauthentic. But there are no shortcuts to obtaining the authentic relationship. In a “do what makes you feel good” society, how do we help our young people live in sexual faithfulness (purity)? What components led to the ‘hookup culture’? Some view sex as a casual act, but it has greater implications than you may understand—because God made it that way—and His purpose in doing so, wasn’t casual, as our society leads many to believe. We speak with Bryan A. Sands, campus pastor at Hope International University (Fullerton, CA) and founder of the blog Everyone Loves Sex: So Why Wait? . We will educate, equip and bring truth to deceptions perpetuated by our society regarding sex and hookups. We’ll also discuss the science of sex and why bonding (whether we know it or not) occurs between sexual partners. Parents, young people, faith-based mentors, and all, we invite you to listen to this truthful conversation. Hosted by Nicole D. Hayes and Herbert G. Bowen, Jr. 

Listen: “Way of the Well Woman.” Ladies, do you repeatedly enter abusive or unhealthy relationships? Seek love in the wrong places? Unsure how to break the cycle? There are answers. There is hope. Join us for an honest and transformative conversation with author and inspirational speaker, Catherine Fendig, to learn the way of the “well woman.” Catherine authored Becoming a Well Woman, and will share why she went from one bad relationship to another, married and divorced five times. Addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex and food stemming from childhood sexual abuse, left her empty—until she was filled through her encounter with Jesus Christ. Today, she walks in true love, joy, freedom and peace secured by her relationship with God. She’s also happily married to a godly man. Catherine’s story parallels that of the Samaritan woman at the well 2,000 years ago who had been married five times and was made a “well woman” upon her encounter with Jesus (John 4). We’ll also be joined by Dawn Bauer, returning guest, certified parent coach and founder of The Family Hope Line. The Family Hope Line is an advocacy, educational and consulting service which provides family advocates and resources that help struggling teens overcome challenges by making decisions that positively impact their lives emotionally, personally, relationally, academically, physically and spiritually. This past July, we were invited by The Family Hope Line to be a ministry partner, which we are delighted. Show hosts: Nicole D. Hayes and Ana Martinez. Listen and invite others for this important conversation to begin your path to healing and true freedom.

Listen: “ISIS Crisis and America: What You Need to Know.” ISIS. National security. America’s involvement and subsequent vulnerability. What does it all mean for us? It’s caused many to be scared but YOU can be prepared. Hear from dear friend, author and national security expert Hakim Hazim whose shared insight is critical to your understanding of this crisis. You’ll learn how “adversarial intention,” “bandwagon effect,” “mutual vulnerability” and other elements shape such situations. YOU NEED TO KNOW. Please also invite others to listen. Hakim is the founder of Relevant Now, a Christian-based national security consultancy, and co-founder of Freedom Squared, a web-based Christian think tank. We welcome back Hakim who was our first show guest on September 4, 2013 (discussed if God is sovereign in world chaos). He also talked with us on October 30, 2013 about the flawed prosperity gospel.

Listen: “Trading the Streets for Godly Beats: Octavia Harris.”  Freedom from homosexuality. How does God rescue and use a prostitute, lesbian, braggadocious Portland, Oregon-bred secular rapper for His purposes? Ask redeemed, restored and well-respected Gospel rap artist, Octavia Harris. Street life and a 10-year homosexual lifestyle had stolen Octavia’s identity. In 2005, she surrendered all to Jesus Christ, whereupon He revealed her true identity in Him.  He also turned her pain into her passion. With several successful albums released, Octavia is producing catchy beats wrapped in God’s truth, infused with clever lyrics and her life experiences to help others overcome this world’s dark influences. Hear her powerful testimony and tracks from her latest album, Be Myself (free download).  Joining the discussion is Christian rap artist and returning guest, Crucial. His track “Homosexuals”  exposes the deceptions of this societal (and church)-embraced lifestyle. How does God want the Body of Christ and the Church to address?

Listen: “Meeting Needs with an Atypical God: Frank S. Henderson, Sr.” Have a need? Meet anonymous donors with big checks. Helping hands. Influence. God is moving upon hearts and breaking through barriers in unusual ways to accomplish His purposes outside of the typical church walls. In my hometown community of Topeka, Kansas, the obedient service of Topekan Frank S. Henderson, Jr., and others has enabled God to display Himself in mighty ways. This is exciting! Frank Henderson is Deputy Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission and NET Reach, two Christian social services formed to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men, women and children. Our obedience in Christ Jesus is our greatest success. If God will move through Frank in Topeka, God can use you in your community too. Hear Frank’s testimony and success stories of how God will exceed our expectations when we are willing to be used by Him. Won’t He do it?!

Listen:  “Still Punchin’: Voices Against the Grain 1-Year Anniversary.” Joy! Wednesday, May 28, 2014 marked the one-year anniversary of the Voices Against the Grain media ministry. For one year together, we’ve been punchin’ the enemy as we are “Advancing God’s Kingdom in a ‘do your own thing’ society” and empowering others in Christ Jesus. Satan hates an empowered Saint! In this episode, VATG devotional writers Ana Martinez, Herbert Bowen, Jr., and Jason Alexandre along with VATG creator and show host, Nicole D. Hayes discuss: how to operate in a world that says “yes” when God says “no” or “wait,” bending toward God’s will in a world that says “make your OWN plans,” how God restores what’s been broken or stolen, and God’s design for relationships in a world that counterfeits the gift of marriage and sex. Listen to this fruitful and reflective conversation! 

Listen: Celebrating Faith and Family. The joy of celebrating God and family!  Many of us have stood upon the shoulders of others who helped our faith journey. On Wednesday, March 26, I hosted great women of God in my family to celebrate the legacy of faith provided to our family for many generations. From my hometown of Topeka, Kansas, you will hear inspiring messages from: Alyce Brown (aunt), Cheri Brown (cousin), Lilly Hayes (aunt), and Thelma Hayes (Cheri’s and my 98-year-old grandma and mother of Alyce and Lilly). Be ready for a real and joyful conversation! We discuss the foundation of faith in our family, how worship has changed over the decades, and how to equip the next generation in Christ to navigate in a challenging world. The episode wraps up our “March with Us, March with Her” series in March as we’ve hosted great women equipping other ladies to live out their God-given purposes.

Listen: “Empowered Women Empowering Others.”  “Your obedience to your purpose is tied to someone else’s destiny.” “God has created each of us with unique giftings and skillsets.” “I want women and girls to know they can do anything they put their minds to.” These and other powerful messages spoken by three amazing women we were honored to host on the show. The ladies are: Dawn Bauer, founder of The Family Hope Line, Carrie B. Cook, founder of empowHERment, and Kareen Riviere, PhD, an FDA scientist and founder of The Empower Foundation. PREPARE for an EMPOWERING conversation! The episode continues this month’s series “March with Us, March with Her,” as we host great women who are empowering other women to walk in their God-given purposes. (Episode previously recorded) Read these ladies’ full bios on our “Bold Voices” page. 

Listen- Ladies: Are You Living Your Purpose?” Do you know your purpose? Are you living it? We spoke with Pastor and Prophetess Ruth L. Miranda of Ruth Miranda Ministries and Women with Divine Purpose. Based in Hollywood, Fla., she believes everyone has a purpose and helps other women walk in their God-given callings. This episode continues our series “March with Us, March with Her,” as we showcase great women every Wednesday in March (Women’s History Month) who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes. Learn more about Prophetess Ruth Miranda on our “Bold Voices” page.

Listen: “What Is a Proverbs 31 Woman?” “A wife of noble character who can find?” Obviously this is not “Real Housewives of Atlanta” or L.A., where biting words pepper the unlady-like behaviors viewed. We’ve heard the term ‘Proverbs 31 Woman’ but what does she look like? Talk like? Her ethics? How can you live as a woman of noble character, whether married or single and waiting? We answer this with our guests Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier of Conquering Hell in High Heels ministry who tells it like it is, and Ana Martinez, our courageous and committed woman of God and Voices Against the Grain devotional writer. This episode kicks off our month-long series “March with Us, March with Her,” as we showcase great women every Wednesday in March (Women’s History Month) who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.  Read more about Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier on our “Bold Voices” page. A powerful conversation!

Listen: “Christ: Your True Heart Healer, Soul Lover.”   Valentine’s Day can joyfully remind us of someone we love dearly or resurface painful memories of hurts inflicted by loved ones.  Mother, chef and Voices Against the Grain blogger Ana Martinez shares a courageous and powerful testimony of how Christ’s love healed her from years of sexual abuse, rape, promiscuity, and self-hatred. Many women and men are carrying similar hurts or worse. This Valentine’s Day, meet Jesus Christ who is your true heart healer and lover of your soul. Joined also by Noel Bouché, President of pureHOPE, whose mission is to provide Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. Join us for this powerful and restoring conversation. Read more about Ana and Noel on our “Bold Voices” page. pureHOPE and Voices Against the Grain became ministry partners in January 2014.

This is it. The last days. Stemming from the Mayan calendar, many have incorrectly suggested dates for the world’s end. However, “no man knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36). But Christian rap artist “Crucial” shares his album “The End of the World” which speaks to ending the world in YOU.  As new creations in Christ, we no longer conform to the patterns of this world and we are now spirit-led.

Matthew “Crucial” Slyman, 34, is no stranger to the so-called “freedoms” offered by this world. He spent years addicted to drugs, alcohol, sexing, and couldn’t keep a job. He eventually became so sick of his sin-filled living that he arrogantly called out to God and said, “If you’re really there, I’m sick of this life. I want it to change. Let’s see what you got.” Boy did God answer! He was even more encouraged when his father said, “There are people praying for you who you don’t even know.” These words triggered his turn toward God. We’ll hear from Crucial how God saved, rescued and restored him. Now he is sharing God’s truth through powerful lyrics to help set free those who will listen.  Today, he has produced nine albums, rapped and spoken at more than 200 events and serves in the college ministry at his Charlotte, N.C. church. Listen to our interview, “The End of the World: A Crucial Message.”

Are you ready for truth? Ready to help someone else experience the truth? Join us for this “crucial” message for these crucial times and hear his powerful testimony. Click here to download the free album!

“Your mind and your abilities can take you as far as you want to go. But it is your CHARACTER that will have to sustain you while you are there.”- Michelle Shirley, CEO of Abstinence Between Strong Teens International (ABSTI).  

 Sexual abstinence for the unmarried (certainly among young people) is challenging when society’s push is “operate by how you feel.” Yet, society rarely protects against the consequences of sex outside of marriage. For good reason, God says, “Wait.” How do we guide young people toward a healthy understanding of relationships, sex and valued view of self? We’ll speak with Michelle Shirley, CEO of Abstinence Between Strong Teens International, a Miami-based ministry founded in 1992, on developing good character, understanding identity/value, and self-protection through good decision-making. A must-listen for teens, parents, churches and others to learn the blessings of sexual purity and right relationships. When a person recognizes their worth, and sets standards, they begin to make better decisions concerning their future. Learn more about Michelle on our “Bold Voices” page. Listen to our radio interview,  “Sexual Abstinence: Understanding Who You Are and Whose You Are.”

“Before you pray, put on your spiritual clothes (Ephesians 6:10-18), so when the devil shoots those fiery arrows the armor of God deflects and drops the darts to the ground.”- Charles Holmes. Prayer meets us in varied situations. To seek a loved one’s recovery from illness. Guidance in our personal lives. Asking God to comfort those impacted by natural disasters or acts of violence. Is there a best approach to prayer? How does God ask us to pray? Why is prayer considered our highest form of worship? We’ll talk with Charles Holmes, writer and contributor to Christian think tank FreedomSquared.org, to answer these and other questions as we equip ourselves for enhanced commune with God. Listen here to “Prayer: The Highest Form of Worship.” 

Helicopters. Private jets. Rolexes. Bling-bling mega churches. As the new hit reality show “Preachers of L.A.” portrays believers in bling, we’ll talk candidly about the false “health and wealth” gospel, known as the ‘prosperity gospel.’  Listen to: “How to Prosper in Jesus Without the Flawed Prosperity Gospel.” Unfortunately many have repeatedly misconstrued 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” We’ll clarify the true meaning of 3 John 1:2  and share how your relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and study of God’s Word will serve as a buffer against such deceptions. We’ll be joined by  Livingstone College Campus Pastor and Religious Studies Instructor, Troy Russell, along with Hakim Hazim, theorist and co-founder of the essential Christian think tank, FreedomSquared.org. A leadership formula created by Hakim called the “4Cs”, indicates that Character + Competence + Critical Thinking = Credibility and ties to Proverbs 22:1 which states these timeless words: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Listen to Monique’s candid and powerful testimony. Drug and alcohol addicted. Prostitution. Stripping. High school dropout. Organized gang activities. Jailed.  Homeless. A Mother. A Daughter. Enter our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ who reaches into the mire and mud and able to save to the uttermost, to those who call on His name.  Monique Singh, 47, of Kansas City, Kan., gives the glory, honor and praise daily to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who rescued her from the deadly grip of a 34-year lifestyle that should have killed her.  It is a story of addiction, rebellion, selfishness and redemption. She is quick to share the goodness and power of Jesus Christ with others to encourage them in their struggles.  Born in Topeka, Kan., she says, “I was raised better than this.” Today, Monique conducts street outreach to homeless persons, gang members in Kansas City, works in adult addiction counseling and helps parolees transition productively into society.  Read her bio on our “Bold Voices” page.  Listen to our conversation with Monique here. 

 “Sin will take you further than you want to go.” This sober and true message comes from High Point, N.C., elementary music teacher, Myranda Dorsey, 26, who shares bold messages with young people to steer them away from the world’s trappings and direct them toward Jesus Christ through her living.  Through Christ,  Myranda overcame issues of low self-esteem and identity confusion, which she’ll discuss. She is passionate about spreading the gospel through music and loves to see young people discover their God-given identity.  In her interview she is joined by Herbert Bowen, Jr., 24, of Charlotte, N.C., a business developer and Voices Against the Grain blogger who is saving sex for marriage. Herbert shares Christ and devotionals with 18-30 year-olds who he calls the “transition gap” age group, as they go through life’s changes of school, work and starting a family by sometimes placing Christ on the back burner or shut Him out of their lives completely.

Both Herbert and Myranda were speakers at the February 2013 youth conference “Going Against the Grain” in Charlotte, N.C. You can read more about them on our “Bold Voices” page. Listen to their interview here. 

Single ladies, single men, listen up! Looking or waiting for “the right person”? Your Boaz? Your Ruth? Many of us are! What character traits identify who is a potential mate? For Christians, the desire is to be yoked with someone you can grow with spiritually and they embody the attributes of Christ. We spoke with Shannon Howey, professional matchmaker with the Oprah Winfrey-endorsed Paul C. Brunson Agency, as we discuss how to date as a Christian, sex before marriage, God’s design for relationships, waiting on God and everything in between.  A provocative discussion you don’t want to miss! Shannon who resides in Charlotte, N.C., uses her God-given gifts and talents to dig deep into the nuances of love and relationships and enjoys helping people to find happy and healthy relationships. Shannon lives her life by 1 Corinthians 15:58- “Therefore, my brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Read more about Shannon on our “Bold Voices” page. Listen here. 

 

Jewelry is truly beautiful when it helps others. Meet Michele Dudley and Celeste Bundy, co-founders of the nonprofit, Fashion & Compassion. Founded in 2012, you will learn how these amazing women and their volunteers connect caring consumers with vulnerable women artisans to bring dignity through economic opportunity. They will share how their work empowers women to heal, hope and overcome injustices in some of the world’s most impoverished and war-torn communities. We spoke with these two amazing women whose work is faith in action. Listen here to their interview. Read their bios on our “Bold Voices” page.

Are you getting in the way of what God has for you? Listen to Miami Heat freelance journalist, author and Christian Hip Hop spoken word artist, James Oyola, as he discusses his book Get Out of Your Own Way, designed to help you build and strengthen your relationship with God. James is the founder of writing company, Imago Dei Productions, LLC (Imago Dei is Greek for “In His Image”). The father to his 9-year-old son Adrian, James shares messages on the role of a single man in a relationship and the role of the church in that it should be non-compromising in the world. James attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla., and is currently enrolled in the Biblical Institute through the Tabernacle of Christian Faith Church, where he is pursuing his call to perhaps pastor or teach. Click here to listen, download and share the podcast of this young man’s message!

On September 11, we spoke with Rev.  Célestin Musekura, Ph.D., who is the President and Founder of the African Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM, Inc.) . He is also the co-author of Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven.  An ordained Baptist minister born and raised in Rwanda, Rev. Musekura equips church leaders, government and civic leaders to address ethnic violence and tribalism in Africa to reconcile communities ravaged by genocide and violence. Rev. Musekura was challenged to put forgiveness in action when on December 28, 1997, men in uniform armed with guns, grenades, swords and clubs, went into his family’s Rwandan village and killed 70 people including six members of his family.  It was here, that God challenged him to practice forgiveness as he preaches. He will share with us how we can reach and extend forgiveness as Christ asks of us, especially when we want our offenders to pay for what they have done. Listen to his interview “Forgiving As We’ve Been Forgiven” here. A timely topic as we remember the 9/11 attacks on our people and soil 12 years later.

Hakim was our first guest on the “Voices Against the Grain” radio show (aired September 4, 2013).  An author and founder of Christian-based national security consultancy Relevant Now, Hakim shared why God is still in control even amidst today’s politically and spiritually polarizing times and how Christians should respond in, “Is God Sovereign in World Chaos?”  Hakim is solid in his expertise of national security and understanding the operations of world and kingdom systems. Read Hakim’s bio on our “Bold Voices” page. Click here to listen to what he shared, particularly about the U.S.’ impending military response to the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons on its citizens. You may also read the blog Hakim co-founded, Freedom Squared.