6 Letter from Editor-In-Chief - New Direction Christian Church

PUBLISHER
Dr. Stacy L. Spencer
Chief Apostolic Officer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Laschandra M. Brooks
Communications Director
ADVISORY BOARD
New Direction Executive Team
COMPASS STAFF
Managing Editor - Joyce E. McKinney
Supervising Editor - Daralene Jones
Entertainment Editor - Tasha Palmer
Medical Editor - Dr. Patricia Adams-Graves
Parenting Principles - Keisha Gross
Advertising / Business Services Director Jennifer Mays
Business Services Manager - Victor Bailey
Operations Manager - Stacey Jimmerson
Advertising Coordinator - Gail Richardson
Promotions Coordinator - Cristal Powell
Creative Director - Shabrenda Mitchell-Davis
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Entice Advertising & Graphic Design, LLC
A PUBLICATION OF
New Direction Christian Church
6120 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN 38115
PHONE: (901) 433-3871 • FAX: (901) 433-3872
www.N2NewDirection.org
For advertising information, email
mays.jennifer@n2newdirection.org
COMPASS Magazine
6120 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN 38115
COMPASS Information: (901) 333-6890
Fax: (901) 433-3872
COMPASS@n2newdirection.org.
© 2006 New Direction Christian Church.
All rights reserved.
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY:
B. E. Studios, Houston, Texas
june 2006
Volume 2 Issue 2
contents
19
27
9
LIVING WELL
9 Parenting Principles
16 Women Don’t Get It
8
PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS
7 You Had to Be There
COMPASS Salutes
CULTURAL HAPPENINGS
19 NDCC Super Heroes Fathers’
11 Read it, See it, Hear it, Play it
INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
SPECIAL FEATURES
24 Dating Deals & Discounts
14 From Rent to HOME
27 Straight Talk to Teens
3 A Message From Pastor:
Pastor Stacy Spencer
6 Letter from Editor-In-Chief,
Spring into a New Attitude!
2
A message from our Pastor
Thank you for the overwhelming response to February’s issue. The
new size and editorial content really seemed to resonate with our readers.
Our goal is to deliver news you can use to make healthy decisions beyond
the pulpit. In order to do that, we need to hear from you. Continue to
send your letters, thoughts, and even your constructive critiques to
compass@n2newdirection.org.
Can you believe we are half way through 2006? This has been an incredible
year for New Direction proving that God will open the floodgates of heaven
and pour out so much blessing that we will not have room enough for it
(from Malachi 3:10). This month we are making a down payment on our
future with our First Fruits Capital Campaign gifts. As we step out on faith
and give sacrificially above our tithes and offerings, watch God do amazing
things in our personal lives.
In a matter of a few months we will celebrate the grand opening of Soul
Café and our 5th Anniversary. Until then let’s celebrate the summer! Take
time from your daily stressful routines of life to enjoy your family.
Best regards,
Dr. Stacy L. Spencer
Publisher
Kirk Franklin
3
Dr. Spencer and Rhonda meet Grammy winner,
Kirk Franklin, after his Memphis concert.
COMPASS Magazine is a product of New Direction’s Public Relations Ministry.
It is produced by a group of passionate Christians who love God and New Direction.
Spring into a new attitude this summer!
By Laschandra M. Brooks, Editor-In-Chief
We often think of New Year’s as the only
time we can make resolutions to do something new … something different … something better!
“Well,” I’ve resolved to do something different this
summer. Why should I wait until January? Who said
June couldn’t be a time for renewal? After watching
Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah, I began to get this
nagging feeling I wanted something more. Don’t get
me wrong. I love my life! I’m growing spiritually. I have
a thriving career, family, and friends who adore me.
Jennifer Mays,
Director of Sales
Gail Richardson,
Advertising Coordinator
Shabrenda M. Davis,
Creative Director
Joyce E. McKinney, Stacey Jimmerson,
Operations Manager
Managing Editor
*(not pictured) Dr. Patricia Graves, “Health Matters”
However, like Queen Latifah’s character, many of us
find ourselves locking our dreams and desires away
until sometime in the future. We think, “one day I will
or when I find some time or some extra money I will
do xyz.” Let’s not wait until we are facing a life altering
or threatening situation before we do something.
The reality is I didn’t need a movie to tell me that. In
May, I stood among four phenomenal New Direction
sisters during the Lady You Are Tribute Reception.
Sharon Clark, Shabrenda Davis, Iris Jackson and
Carolyn Spencer have overcome some insurmountable
odds, yet they stand strong and faithful. They are my
muses and my inspiration for a new attitude.
Victor Bailey,
Business Services Manager
5
Keisha Gross,
Parenting Principles
Brenda Jones,
Editorial Assistant
Cristal Powell,
Promotions Coordinator
Tasha Palmer,
Entertainment Editor
Daralene Jones,
Supervising Editor
This summer, let’s commit to do something adventurous, fun or new. For me, I’m going to learn how to
play a sport (I don’t know which one) and start making
plans to pursue my MBA. No matter how silly or
trivial others may think your dreams are, God gave
them to you. They are what makes you different.
Start your summer with new attitude and commitment
to live your life today.
Thank you so much for sharing all of
the positive comments, warm smiles,
and supportive emails for my story, I’m
Still Here! Keep your Comments, Ideas
and Suggestions coming!
Join our COMPASS team, contact
Victor Bailey via e-mail at
bailey.victor@n2newdirection.org or via
the COMPASS Info Line at 333-6890”
Laschandra M. Brooks
Editor-in-Chief
Email: COMPASS@N2NewDirection.org
Mail: COMPASS, New Direction Christian Church,
6120 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38115.
PEOPLE, places &EVENTS
You Had to BE THERE!
Nora Johnson, Brenda Simpson and Ernestine Dunigan
Mother’s Day 2006
Dr. Spencer speaks to thousands while Pastor Greg Diaz interprets during
the Latino March on Memphis at the Civil Rights Museum, April 10, 2006
Easter Service at NDCC Collierville
U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. & Dr. Spencer Pastors’ Legislative Forum - Feb. 20, 2006
7
2006
Otelia Hudson & Ashley Arnold
Rochelle & Eric Blakely
By Christopher Evans &
Photography by Shabrenda Davis.
U.S. Senator Barack Obama & Dr. Spencer
Pastors’ Legislative Forum - Feb. 20, 2006
Jon Reddick, NDCC Asst.
Minister of Music & Christian
Alvavez, Nueva Minister of
Music, March 19
2006
NDCC Phenomenal Women - May 7, 2006
(left to right) Carolyn Spencer, Sharon Clarke, Iris Jackson & Shabrenda Davis
Dear Parenting Principles:
Dear Parenting Principles,
Dear Parenting Principles,
I am a single mom of a 7 and 9 year old
with limited funds. I love my children and
I want them to have a great summer. Many
of their friends are going to places like Disney
World. Not only are trips like that out of my
price range I can’t afford taking a week off
work to go anywhere right now. I need
advice on how to help my children have a
Disney type summer on a Libertyland budget.
I am a father of four. My wife and I decided
to drive to my family reunion this summer in
Atlanta. Although it wasn’t the popular
choice, we will save money not purchasing six
airline tickets. The flip side is that we could
lose our minds in the process trying to keep the
kids entertained during this 6-hour trip.
Dear Parent,
While it would be ideal to take our children
to huge theme parks, the cost can break the
bank. Therefore, we have to be creative!
After all, the reward is spending time
together so making time with them is what
counts. When a week off is not possible,
plan some local, low-budget day trips.
Get the family involved in how you all will
spend the time together. Create a fun
theme for the day (Mommy & Me Movie
Day or Family Fun Game Challenge).
Make it uninterrupted time with your
children. Here are a few local suggestions:
• Paradiso Theatre for Movie Day
Send your parenting questions to Parenting
Principles expert, Keisha Gross, New
Direction’s Children’s Coordinator at compass@n2newdirection.org or mail to New
Direction, Attention: COMPASS, 6120
Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38115.
Keisha is married to Marcus and they happily parent two sons, Kameron and Mason.
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• Bogey’s
• Winchester Bowl
• Laser Tag for Family Fun Challenge Day
• Memphis Zoo for Lunch & Learn Day
• The Commercial Appeal Playbook has
weekly tips for summer fun with the kids.
– Let me know how it turns out.
Help!
Dear Dad,
Don’t look at this 6-hour trip as a sanity
test; take it as an opportunity to connect
with your children. Here is a quick checklist
of items to help you all survive:
• A first-aid kit
• A cooler with water, juice,
sandwiches, etc.
• Individual snack bags labeled with
each child’s name and filled with their
personal favorites
• Crafts like coloring books and crayons
for smaller kids. Books, journals, pens
and pencils for older kids.
A disposable camera for them to capture
pictures of the trip
• Electronics – if you have access to a
portable DVD player with familyoriented movies it is great for trips
• Talk Time – you have a captive audi
ence. Use this time to talk and listen
to your children.
With this checklist you’re sure to arrive sane
and possibly more in tune with your family.
June 16-17, NDCC ALL-STAR Weekend
June 23-24, Man 2 Man Conference
Hosted by Michael Adrian Davis,
WHAL FM, Radio Personality
June 23 – 6 p.m., Dr. Stacy L. Spencer
“Recording Artists, Perfection to Minister”
June 24 – 9 a.m. Prayer Breakfast,
Pastor Monte Campbell
Friday, June 16, 6-9 p.m.
Skills Challenge – Boys, ages 7-14, No fees or registration required
Men, ages 16 and above
3 Point Shoot Out• Slam Dunk Contest
$15 per person per contest, Registration required
Saturday, June 17th, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
3 Divisions: Women, 14-17 years old, 18 and above,
$30 per team - Prizes awarded.
To register or learn more, email mensministry@n2newdirection.org or call (901) 433-3871
NDCC Mission Impossible T-Shirts Available – Only $15
Tasha Palmer,
Entertainment Editor
hear it
112 - June 23 (Canon Center)
Toni Braxton – June 30 (Memphis Botanic Garden)
India Arie - July 30 (Orpheum Theatre)
Fred Hammond - July 8 (Barton Coliseum)
watch it
Preaching to the Choir
Now on DVD
The Singletons,
Better Than That
Release: January 16th
Steve Harvey
Now on DVD
read it
appenings
Concerts
CULTURAL
H
Chris Brown - June 20 (Canon Center)
A Sin and A Shame
by Victoria
Christopher
Murray
Pursuit of Happyness,
Chris Gardner
read it
watch it
don’t miss it
Letters to a
YOUNGER
BROTHER
Hill Harper
Miami Vice
11
Release Date: July 28th
Sharp LC 15LI U-S Wireless
TV, sharpusa.com
From Rent to Home:
Getting Financially Fit to Purchase Your First Home
Part of Pastor Spencer’s vision for New Direction in the next two years is to
turn seven families into first-time homeowners. Deciding to buy a house is a
lot like deciding to get physically fit. If you are ready to shape up and make
the move from rent to home, here are a few tips.
Before starting any new plan, get a check up. Don’t be afraid to know
what is on your credit report, be afraid not to know. Most issues with proper
attention can be resolved in months. Tackle the small things and bring them
to “0”. Make arrangements to handle the rest in a timely manner. Do not
obtain any new debt. The ability to secure a home loan is based on a debt to
income ratio. This means the lender takes what you pay out monthly (debt)
and divides it by what you bring in monthly (income). You cannot win the
battle if you are paying out more than you are taking in.
Recognize the excess financial fat then draw the line. According to the
Homebuyers Information Center (www.ourfamilyplace.com), most people
spend 10% more than they make! Once you get over the initial shock of that
“scale” moment, change it. Start with a list of fixed monthly expenses
(rent, tithes, loans, childcare, etc.). Add variable expenses (utilities, phone, gas,
offerings, etc.). Next, add in personal expenses (movies, drive-thru, shopping
etc.). For one month keep a list of everything you spend including gum at the
gas station. It all adds up! At month’s end, if you are financially overweight,
admit it, accept it, and then make the commitment to draw the line between
what you need and what you just want. For example, you need transportation.
You don’t need a brand new BMW 330si.
Avoid the fads of common mistakes. Buying a home is not a quick fix, it’s a
life change. Don’t purchase on a whim. Compare rates. GET PRE-APPROVED!
Pay for a professional inspection. Pass on the relative who “knows houses”
unless that knowledge is backed by professional accreditation.
Once you get there, stay there! Too often we put all of our energy into getting
house when this is only the beginning. Make sure that after the bills and tithes
are paid, there is something left for savings, proper home maintenance and
possibly money for increasing the value of the property. Maintaining your new
found happiness is what makes for a successful move from rent to home.
14
Health Matters
Women Don’t Get It
By Dr. Patricia Graves
There are some things
women get. Then there
are things women just don’t
get. One of those things is
prostate cancer. Women
don’t get it but the lifetime
risk of men being diagnosed
with prostate cancer is 1 in 6.
The lifetime risk of dying
from it is 1 in every 32 men. Forty-five percent of men will
develop this disease in their 50’s and 80 % of men in their 70’s.
Prostate cancer is an important health problem in men and is
estimated to be nearly twice as common for African-American
men. In fact, black men in the US have the world’s highest incidence of prostate cancer and are the most likely to present with
advanced stage resulting in poorest survival rate once the cancer
is diagnosed. The fact is more African American men delay
getting tested. The reason for the delay may include poor access
to quality health care and insurance, fear, mistrust of “the system”
or the idea of loss of control or privacy.
“Fear can be fatal”
Regardless of the reason for hesitation, the reality is that prostate
cancer can be cured or at least prevented with early detection.
Other preventative steps include regular check-ups by a medical
doctor, regular yearly PSA testing for all men by age 50 and
starting by age 40 for African American men.
A PSA or prostatic specific antigen is a protein made by the
prostate gland. A small amount of PSA continuously leaks into
the blood and can be measured. That amount in the blood can
increase with certain conditions such as infection and cancer of
the prostate. Sometimes the PSA is not high when there is
prostate cancer. Therefore, the combination of a PSA blood
test with a rectal examination will more accurately detect a
problem with the prostate.
Common symptoms of prostate cancer are increased frequency
of urination, hesitancy, urgency, and weak urinary stream.
These symptoms typically appear slowly and progress gradually
over a period of years. Although these symptoms may be caused
by problems other than cancer associated with the prostate, it is
safer not to ignore these symptoms by going for a medical
check-up. Early detection can save lives.
Ignoring symptoms is not a likely way to make prostate cancer
disappear. Prostate cancer is a very serious health concern
among men and particularly for African-American men.
Fear can be fatal.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of
power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version
Dr. Patricia Graves is board certified by the American Board of
Internal Medicine, Subspecialty Board of Hematology and the
American Board of Medical Oncology. If you have questions
concerning prostate cancer or any of the topics we cover in our
health matters segments please submit them to
COMPASS@n2newdirection.org .
16
Offer expires August 1, 2006
FA t h e r
Taking the first two letters in the title “Father”, please share your views on
how FAith plays a significant role in being a good father.
Faith has allowed me to continually grow in my role as a father. While I do not
always make the best decisions, as I grow closer to Christ, I do better. By faith, I
see the fruit of my life’s labor in my children and the blessings manifest as they
continue to exceed my every wish for them.
^
SUPER HEROES
Often, good fathers are overlooked and under appreciated.
Their positive influences on the lives of their families and
children are seldom recognized. Their roles as leaders, although
dutiful are rarely rewarded beyond the traditional tie, socks or
undergarments. This omission may lead some to believe that
the heroes at home are on the verge of extinction.
19
Pastor Spencer sent COMPASS in search of some everyday
fathers who deserved recognition and we found many unsung
heroes. In honor of Father’s Day we introduce you to four of
our finest fathers and heroes at New Direction Christian Church.
Most importantly, I honor my wife who has co-parented with me for 17 years.
I now know that God is my true father. It is through faith in Him that I am
able to gain wisdom and understanding of the genuine blueprint for being a
good father.
Todd A. Walsh, PHR
Age: 39
Wife: Deborah
Children: Monét Casey, Paige Davis, Brittany
Walsh, Tahj (TJ) Walsh
Profession: Human Resources
Job Title: Vice President of Human Resources
Ministry: Men of God, HR and Equipping
Ministry, Capital Campaign Lay Leader
Taking the third letter in the title “Father”, please share your views on how
Time plays a significant role in being a good father.
FaTher
NDCC
F ath er
My father was not part of my life, but I purposely sought positive male role
models. I found them in my uncles, Bill and Jim, and in my mentor Robert.
These men helped me become a truly blessed and faith-filled man ready and willing
to become a good father. Strong women like my mom and grandmother continue
to help me beat the odds of failure the world set statistically as my fate.
As a father and a provider, it is so easy to fall into the trap of substituting being a
provider for the definition of being a father. However, the two equally important
roles are quite different.
When I speak of time I mean in quality and not so much time as in quantity.
Spending quality time with my children creates a bond that they can fall back on as
they get older. When questions arise in their lives that may mean the difference in
choosing right over wrong, I believe they will come to me. Time together means they
Marcus Gross
won’t be afraid to ask me for advice nor will they disrespect my opinion as their
Age: 32
father. How can I teach them anything if I don’t spend time with them? How will
Wife: Keisha
they learn to value and respect life if they don’t spend time with me?
Children: Kameron and Mason
Profession: Information Technology
Someone once said that time is a non-renewable resource; once it’s gone it’s gone.
Job Title: Sr. Systems Analyst
You can never get back their first steps, their first time at bat, their first trophy or
Ministry: IT, Media, Website and
award, the “goodnight daddys”, the math homework, or the man-to-man talks that
Photography
come through time spent with your children. I can thank God that I have been
blessed with those memories and I look forward to even greater ones with my
beautiful wife, Keisha, as we grow old together spending time with our children.
FatHEr
Taking the fourth and fifth letters in the title “Father”, please share your views
on how the HEart plays a significant role in being a good father.
FatheR
Larry Smith
Age: 41
Wife: Deborah
Children: Staci Minkins and George Minkins
Profession: Clinical Engineering
Job Title: Bio-medical Engineer
Ministry: Usher, Men of God, Music,
Elder in Training
Richard Kinley
Age: 37
Wife: Candace
Children: Jonathan, Nia, Cameron, Richard II
Profession: Roadway Express Operations
Job Title: Operations Manager
Ministry: Sports
21
We have often heard the saying “what comes from the heart reaches the heart”.
This saying really reflects the true character of being a good father. I love both my
son and daughter and I would lay down my life if necessary to make theirs better.
No sacrifice is too great.
They are a part of me even though they didn’t come from me. I have a blended
family. I married my wife when the children were very young. Through trial and
error I had to learn quickly what it meant to be a good father. Confession: I
made some parenting mistakes along the way. I learned that those were just
teaching tools to help me become a better father. As a father you have to connect
with your children. The cost of being a good father is everything that you have to
give. And the best giving comes from the heart.
Taking the last letter in the title “Father”, please share your views on how
Responsibility plays a significant role in being a good father.
The responsibility of fatherhood goes beyond what I can provide materially.
Taking responsibility means my kids will remember and appreciate my words, my
actions and my presence more than my paycheck. I am their biggest fan.
I volunteer at school, coach, attend competitions and recitals. For my children, I
want to demonstrate how a real man welcomes responsibility, is accountable to
God, takes care of his family and appreciates and cherishes his wife!
I teach them that “you are responsible for you” and no one and nothing should
compromise their character, drive or dampen their spirit. One day they will be
responsible for a family and their community. The view they have of themselves,
because of the example I set and the words they hear from me, will be vital in
determining who and what they become.
When my wife tells me she loves and appreciates me and my kids call “Daddy,
daddy, daddy”, with smiles on their faces, I know that I am being the husband and
father God created me to be.
When is the last time your significant other took you on a date?
Men take notes. Women, grab an extra copy of COMPASS to pass
on to your girlfriends! I’m not talking about the last time he picked
you up at 7:00, forgot to open your door and rushed you to the 7:20 movie.
A real date takes creativity, thought and effort. Since most of us are on a budget,
I went looking for Dating Deals and Discounts all UNDER $40!
Yes, it can still be done! Below are some ideas that I tested. I also challenge you to do the same.
Email me with your tips then tune in to the next edition of COMPASS to see the results.
Picnic In The Park
Premium Poorboy (Whole turkey/ham) - $10.58 (2)*
Tuna Salad Wrap - $4.99 (2)*
Strawberries - $2.99 (16 oz.)*
Grapes - $1.99 lb*
Fresh Express Salad - $2.69*
Lipton Iced Tea (6pk) - $3.29*
Summer Plate (Italian Design) - 4.98 (2)*
$31.51
Dinner & A Movie
Stouffers Skillets (Grilled Chicken & Veg.) - $5.29 (serves 2)*
Pillsbury French Rolls - $3.29*
Sara Lee French Cheesecake - $6.19*
Welch’s Sparkling Cocktail (non-alcoholic) - $2.28**
Candles - $1.00 (2)***
Blockbuster Movie - $4.50 (new release)
$22.55
Golf & Games Family Park
Putt-Putt Golf - $13.00 (2)
Driving Range - $10.75 (large bucket)
Slice of Pizza - $5.00 (2)
Large Soda - $4.00 (2)
(Summer Ave.)
$32.75
A Day of Poetry at Barnes & Noble
Cappuccino - $6.90 (2)
Coffee - $3.94 (2)
Books can be read in house without purchasing
$10.84
* Schnuck’s Grocery Store
** Wal-Mart
*** Dollar Store
Be sure to e-mail compass@n2newdirection.org with your results
and suggestions for Dating Deals and Discounts that we can share
with other New Direction members.
24
COMPASS: Labels attract us to products. However, often the label
doesn’t represent what’s inside positive or negative. With this in mind,
what one word would be on your label and what one word would
describe what one would get if they looked inside?
S.E.T.: (After a brief silence, that I later learned was a sign of respect
given to each other rather than nerves)When people look at me all they
see is short because I am short and happy about it. But when they get to
know me and see what’s inside they realize that I may be short but I’m
full! So you are actually getting a lot more out of my bag than you would
from a larger bag that appears taller but is filled with air.
COMPASS: What world issues do you think your generation should be
most concerned with?
S.E.T.: AIDS. It seems to affect the African-American community more
than any other. It could potentially limit our future as a people.
War and news from wars. Everyday so many people are dying and we
are just becoming insensitive to it. I personally don’t even watch the
news anymore.
Gas Prices. I like to go places and I need gas to get there.
Down Low Same Sex Relationships. It’s wrong and I know that lying
is just as wrong, but if I lie I am not necessarily putting someone else’s
life at risk. It’s scary.
Joyce E. McKinlney
“Models used in photo”
So much of what we hear about teens in the news today is negative (pregnancy, suicide, violence and drug
abuse). What we may not realize is that there are so many positive stories we never hear. Granted sometimes it’s not reported in the
news but sometimes we just don’t look. At New Direction, we don’t have to go far to find positive teens because less than 500 feet from
the main sanctuary is a group of encouraging story-makers that meet every Wednesday night for GAME (God And Me Eternally) called
the S.E.T. or Student Executive Team. The S.E.T. is made up of youth leaders who promote a sense of self-responsibility to increase
positive social behaviors.
I sat down with a few of the S.E.T. members recently to at least open the doors of communication between our generations. I walked
away with a new found appreciation, a spirit of hope and a desire to make the distance between us a lot shorter and the connection a lot
stronger. Because names were not necessary, anonymity was offered and accepted by the group. All of the teens answered each of the
questions I posed. Below is an excerpt from that conversation.
27
COMPASS: If you could say one thing to your parents without
repercussion right now what would it be?
S.E.T.: Mom, trust me more. Think about how you raised me and I
listened to everything you said. Mom, when I’m on the phone talking
please don’t keep interrupting. I know you worry that some girl may try
and hurt me but I’ll be okay. Dad, every since you received your ministry
calling, you stopped calling me. Come and get me more often because I
want to be a part of your life too. Mom, I love you but please stop using
your missteps in life to limit my independence.
COMPASS: What if you could take your conversation to a higher level
and talk with God. If you could ask one thing, what would it be?
S.E.T.: Why can’t everyone be saved? I know what it takes to be saved
but in Your creation why couldn’t we all have been made to just worship
you and believe that Jesus is the son of God and be saved?
How much time do I have left to get my life together and be saved?
What is my purpose...why am I here?
Am I going to hell?
Why is there poverty and why is it so unbalanced? Like, why is there so
much poverty in the African-American community and in Africa while
America has so much and shows so little reverence and thanks for it?
COMPASS: What would your list look like if you could change the world?
S.E.T.: (group) If there was no hatred, the world would be better.
(Individuals) If everyone were Christians, if all world leaders were knowledgable and wise in their decision-making, if there was no discrimination,
and if there was no hunger this world would definitely be better.
COMPASS: What ios more affective in your opinion - corporal
punishment or restrictions?
S.E.T.: Restrictions! A whipping lasts just for a little while but the
disappointment and the “talks” that come with restrictions seem to go on
forever. I’m a daddy’s girl so when he speaks to me in a corrective way, it
hurts! I cry even when he does it to my sister! (Everyone laughs).
Just for the record, each of these up and coming young
dream builders plan to attend college and earn a degree.
One wants to specifically major in Psychology and Law
because she wants to understand why so many young
people feel the need to get caught up in the system then
she wants to have the power to change the system
itself!
Their final word to me was profound. They said,
“We will have the power to change the world. That is a
huge responsibility that we take seriously. We don’t need
as many restrictions as we need guidance. We will leave
this world in a better shape than we found it or we will
die trying and if we die trying at least the next generation
will be headed in the right direction when they pick up
the fight.”
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