Jo-Carolyn Goode
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The Road to Oscar Gold
March 12th, 2010
When “Gone with the Wind” debuted in Atlanta, GA at the Loew’s Grand Theater on December 15, 1939, Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and all of the actors who starred in the movie prepared to attend the premiere; all except Ms. Hattie McDaniel, who played the role of Mammy, and those who looked like her. Strict segregation laws that barred African Americans from attending were in effect in Georgia. At this premiere, African Americans could not even be pictured in the souvenir book. In addition, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was not too impressed with the roles African Americans were given to play and was engaged in a vigorous campaign for more positive roles in motion pictures. In the midst of this controversy, however, Ms. McDaniel would prevail. On December 28, 1939, at the Hollywood premiere African Americans were pictured in the souvenir book and Ms. McDaniel did attend. The magic happened at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1940 when Ms. Hattie McDaniel became the first African American ever to win an Oscar. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Gardenias accented her lovely blue dress she wore and illuminated her cherubic face as she accepted the Oscar saying”…I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race….”
This remarkable African American Filmmaker endured the injustices of an industry that did not fully appreciate her with grace, class and pure elegance. Remembering Hattie McDaniel’s legacy seventy years later is 2010 Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner Mo’Nique for her portrayal of Mary Jones in the film “Precious.” She not only wore a blue gown the same color of Ms. McDaniel’s gown in 1940, to the Oscars on Sunday, March 7, 2010, she also wore a gardenia in her hair. As she was having her hair and make-up done in preparation for the red carpet as well as the Osars, a friend of a family member of Hattie McDaniel sent a gardenia to Mo’Nique. With this arrival she started thinking her Academy Award win was destined. Mo’Nique is reported to have said, “I can hear Hattie McDaniel whispering in my ear,” and she strategically placed the beautiful flowere in her hair.
In her Oscars acceptance speech, Mo’Nique, acutely aware of the elite company she had joined, conscientiously paid homage to Hattie McDaniel. “I feel you all over me and it’s about time the world feels you all over them.” Ms. McDaniel emerged from the back of the room to accept her Best Supporting Actress Oscar, but the three other African American women – Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Hudson, and Mo’Nique – made a shorter walk to the stage because of the strides of Hattie McDaniel.
March is national Women’s History Month. What better way to honor African American women than to pay tribute to Ms. Hattie McDaniel.
Make the Network and Support a Great Cause at the HABJ Awards Dinner
March 12th, 2010
A journalist’s job is to collect, write, edit, publish and report the news through media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, radio and television. Day in and day out, three hundred sixty five days a year, when people want to know what is happening they turn to a journalist. Oftentimes journalists utilize their journalism skills in the wee hours of the morning, in turbulent weather and in other deplorable conditions to get a story they deem important. There are too few times when journalists are honored for their work, but Houston journalists set aside time every year to pay homage to those among them who have excelled in the field of reporting the news. The Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) will honor the media elite at their 24th Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, March 26, 2010, at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
“This is the way that we wanted to recognize some of the best and the brightest in the media industry,” said Mary Benton, KPRC-TV reporter and HABJ President. At this year’s gala HABJ will be honoring four journalists for their professionalism, accuracy, and outstanding contributions to the field of journalism. Roland Martin will make his way to his Houston roots when he returns home to accept the HABJ Pinnacle Award. Martin, who can be seen on television screens everywhere, is the host of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” a commentator for TV One Cable Network, and an analyst for CNN. He is also a newspaper columnist and senior analyst for the “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” Longtime sportscaster Ralph Cooper will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. As sports director for KCOH Radio and commentator for KTRK-TV Channel 13’s Extra Points, Cooper has been giving the play-by-play in sports for over 35 years. Tony Wyllie may be a surprise for some as an honoree since he is not ordinarily thought of as a journalist, but he is, in fact, a journalist. As the vice president of communications for the Houston Texans, Wyllie is at the core of molding the image of the team and maintaining the team’s contact with the community. He will receive the HABJ Spirit Award. The fourth honoree, Richelle Carey, may be known nationally, but we here in Houston remember when she started her career. She not only is a native of the bayou city but she is a former associate producer for KPRC-TV Local 2. Presently she is a weekday anchor for HLN and a correspondent for its Prime News broadcast each weeknight. She will receive the HABJ Emerging Journalist of the Year award.
It is because of emerging journalists like Carey that HABJ holds this dinner. The organization raises money for scholarships with proceeds from the dinner. “We want to make sure that we can do what we can to give future journalists and even current journalists the resources they need to succeed in the news industry,” said Benton. Hence, the theme of this year’s dinner is “Empowering Journalists for the Future.” HABJ has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships in the 23 years of the dinner’s existence to help Houston area college students pursue their educational dreams.
Benton, along with dinner chairs Katishia Cosley, KIAH-TV Channel 39 anchor; Sherea Cary, HABJ’s Special Events co-coordinator and author; Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle Fashion and Beauty Editor; and all members of HABJ are working hard to reach their goal of $100,000. “We will use that money wisely by selecting some of the best and brightest students to award scholarships so they can continue their education,” said Benton who admits fundraising is a bit challenging in these hard economic times. In the light of these circumstances, HABJ really appreciates every cent that is donated.
This dinner will not only benefit college students who are continuing on their education journey but it could also be helpful to non-media professionals through the beauty of networking. Benton says HABJ members as well as other media professionals will attend the dinner. “It would be a perfect place to network and meet first hand people who are seen on TV, whose bylines are read in the paper, whose voices are heard on the radio or whose names are seen at the end of a press release. By forging those relationships a lead to the next big story could be given. It’s good to have someone on whom to call when ‘I want to get attention for my business or my cause is said,’” expressed Benton.
Tickets are available for the HABJ’s 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner. Just log on to www.habj.org or contact dinner chairs Katishia Cosley, 713-435-2895; Joy Sewing, 713-363-7371; or Sherea Cary, 713-249-2765. Another HABJ event will be held this summer where the member of HABJ will teach public relations professionals how to access the media by making the media work for them. Get details online at www.habj.org.
Leon Stars in New Web Series
March 12th, 2010
Leon
Being a mom in any light is hard but the women in “Diary of a Single Mom” seem to have it really hard. The series follows the day-to-day lives of Ocean Jackson, played by Monica Calhoun; Lupe, played by Valery Oritz; and Peggy, played by Janice Lynde. They are three single mothers of various backgrounds trying to get a hand up versus a hand out as they face trial after trial. Dealing with issues of childcare, healthcare, education, and finances, the mothers face the daily struggles of most mothers in America, only they are facing them alone.
Trying to help one of the mothers is the baby’s father. The father of Lupe’s daughter Sophie is Mike played by Leon. He drops in to check on his daughter and to provide essentials. “Mike represents that good man who actually wants to raise his kids the proper way in a family situation,” said Leon about his character. This role was not a real stretch for Leon since it so closely reflects his own life as he is the father of a 10-year-old girl. “This was actually not like a lot of roles that I have been seen in. I didn’t have to actually transform myself. I actually had to just draw upon some of my own skills and how I would be in a situation,” said Leon. Read the rest of this entry “
Mary J. Blige Returns to Rodeo Houston
March 5th, 2010
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has grown to a point that it stands for a number of exciting events. To begin with, it has the largest livestock exhibition of all. The big crowds that constant break attendance records help to make it the world’s richest regular-season rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls of every ilk and from almost all states across the country and many nations flock to the rodeo to get a taste of the delicious Texas cuisine. The amazing shows that feature A-List performers cannot be forgotten. Yes, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for all of the above and more.
The 2010 HLSR entertainers have established the reputation of wowing their audiences. The HLSR Entertainment Committee has put together the most diverse lineup featuring 23 different stars who have combined musical honors that include 24 GRAMMY awards and 78 County Music Association and 59 Academy of Country Music awards. Nine of the GRAMMY awards belong to the Queen of Hip Hop Mary J. Blige (MJB) who just recently acquired two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Album and Outstanding Female Artist.
It has been eight long years since Mary J. Blige made her debut at the HLSR in 2002 where she performed in the last rodeo held in the Astrodome. Thanks to the generosity of the Kroger Company, she returns on March 5, 2010, to Black Heritage Day at HLSR to perform in Reliant Stadium. She is part of the recording industry royalty and is guaranteed to “rock the house.”
No doubt that MJB will give a stellar performance that will reflect on her past 9 albums including her latest release “Stronger with Each Tear.” Throughout her career Mary’s fans has kept her fans on a roller coaster ride of her life all the while she steadily produced quality music. Mary encountered obstacles that might have caused the average person to turn around, but she is made tough and in hard times the tough just get stronger. She might have shed tears in the past but that was then and this is now. There will definitely be no crying when Mary is on the stage at Reliant Stadium but what can be expected is that everyone will be out of their seats rocking to her hip-shaking music and electrifying performance.
For over 15 years Mary has evolved into the superstar that we know today. Her latest album debuted in the number two spot on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Just as big as her voice and talent is Mary’s heart. Her philanthropic efforts have increased with each passing year. She has been the spokesperson for the M-A-C AIDS Fund and has sung on numerous songs for charitable causes. Her most recent efforts have gone to help the earthquake damage Haiti. In 2008, she established the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. with the purpose of encouraging women to develop to their full potential by offering scholarships and programs aimed at promoting self-esteem and career development. That is why her selection as an HLSR entertainer is significant. HLSR mainly exists to provide educational scholarships to many deserving youth in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Mary J. Blige performance at the HLSR starts at 6:45 pm on Friday, March 5, 2010 and tickets are still available. Tickets start as low as $16 and can be purchased online at Ticket Master. Other entertainers for the 2010 Rodeo Houston include Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Toby Keith, Black Eyed Peas, and Brooks and Dunn. Get a full list of the entertainers and more information about other activities and events at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by logging on to www.rodeohouston.com.
Congresswoman Lee Prevails Primary Election
March 4th, 2010
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
When Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee entered the race for her re-election to the 18th Congressional District in Congress, she said she would not tell her story but instead would allow her constituents to tell the “real story” of how she works and delivers for them. On March 2, 2010, during the primary election it seemed as if the people of the 18th Congressional District did, in fact, tell her story because the Congresswoman won the democratic nomination beating her challengers Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson and attorney Sean Roberts by a landslide of 76 percent.
“Our Primary Election victory represents a whole new chapter in the history of the 18th Congressional District. It is a time for us to be able to expand on our record and enhance the resources brought into the District. We’ll continue to work with President Obama in order to bring about health care reform, build on job opportunities for constituents, continue to work on stabilizing the economy and offer better educational resources for our children,” said Congresswoman Lee in a statement regarding her victory in the primary election. “I am deeply grateful to the constituents for their faith in me which was exercised with their vote for my re-election. I will continue to work hard to both empower them and improve the quality of life for all residents of the 18th Congressional District.”
With 21,454 votes, Congresswoman Lee is heading in the right direction to serve her ninth term in office. Now standing in her way is republican nominee John Faulk. The two will go head to head in the general election in November 2010.
Tough and Rough: The Toyota FJ Cruiser
February 26th, 2010
2003 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV
My test drive of the Toyota FJ Cruiser was extra tough since it was not the ordinary FJ Cruiser. It was a Toyota Racing Development Special Edition FJ Cruiser or TRD. My FJ Cruiser had TRD performance exhaust, TRD air filter, upgraded suspension components, and rockrails. It stood tall on TDR 16” inch alloy wheels. When I first saw it, my attention fixated on the tires because unlike most that are reasonable in size and slightly groovy, the tires on this FJ Cruiser were huge with deep tracks. They reminded me of the tires seen on monster trucks. The front end was massive with oversized headlights, bumper, and grille. The Toyota logo was even larger on this bad boy. Not too much of the back end of the vehicle can be seen because of the big spare tire that covers it. If I owned an FJ Cruiser I would prefer it being in a louder color like yellow, blue or red instead of the cool white that I had. I think he color of the lower part of the body vehicle should accentuate off the white top. That doesn’t happen with white-on-white.
Both the exterior and interior of the Toyota FJ Cruiser are stand-outs at first glance. I automatically assumed that it is a two door vehicle but it actually has four doors. This to me is a “stand-out” feature. The door openings are sort of like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon meaning that both doors open from the center. Running boards are a must-have. It would almost be impossible for most ladies to get in and out of the FJ Cruiser since it sits so high off the ground. In the comfortable 8 way adjustable driver’s seat, I had easy access to all controls. What I didn’t really have was storage. Well, maybe I should say a lot of storage. The glove box was small and the box in front of the driver is even smaller. Maybe the box in front of the driver is a map box. There are also a few more storage compartments in the center console but unlike most, they are uncovered. Another thing that could be improved on the inside is the vanity mirror. I know this vehicle is tough, but everyone needs to be able to see what they look like every once in a while. The vanity mirror seems farther away making a closer look difficult. What would be cool is if a second mirror were added on the sun visor that is on the side, something that has not been presented in other vehicles I’ve previewed
Driving the FJ Cruiser was well controlled. I didn’t feel as if I were in an all terrain vehicle which the TRD FJ Cruiser is. Something to watch out for is the smooth, almost unnoticeable acceleration. No the pedal did not stick or anything like that, but if the driver has a heavy foot, a speeding ticket might be in her future. Just a tap on the pedal is all that is needed to get the FJ Cruiser going. While driving the vehicle I found the backup camera in the rearview mirror very helpful and I highly recommend this piece of equipment in all FJ Cruisers. Since the FJ Cruiser is so boxy looking out of the side mirrors or looking in the rearview mirror can be a little challenging. The backup camera helps a lot in that regard. EPA fuel ratings are 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway which is not too bad.
I don’t look tough, act tough, or sound tough but with the Toyota FJ Cruiser I got a little dose of toughness. Increase the toughness level on your meter by driving the Toyota FJ Cruiser that is base priced at $23,680.00. Visit your local Toyota dealership or log on to www.toyota.com.
Books Make Great Movies
February 26th, 2010
Books are travel agents. They grant the reader passage to another time, another place, another __________________. This may be why they also make the best movies. Celebrate good books and Black History Month with two books that have made great movies. Check out “Blood Done Sign My Name” and “Sins of the Mother” on film and in the pages the books.
The film “Blood Done Sign My Name” is written and directed by Jeb Stuart and is based on the book of the same name by Tim Tyson, whose father is Pastor Vernon Tyson, a Caucasian minister who tries to integrate his North Carolina community. It takes the audience back to Oxford, North Carolina where Henry Marrow, Jr. was violently beaten and murdered on May 11, 1970 when he was just 23 years old. His murder was dubbed a hate crime. After allegedly flirting with a white man’s wife three Caucasian men allegedly beat and shot Marrow. Marrow died in the ambulance on his way to the hospital. The aftermath of Marrow’s murder spun the first major civil rights movement in Granville County, North Carolina. After boycotts started by Benjamin Chavis, local civil rights leader, the town was racially integrated. “Blood Done Sign My Name” tells the true story from the perspective of Pastor Tyson.
Portraying Pastor Tyson is Rick Schroder who gives a compelling performance as the pastor standing strong in the face of rising racial tension. Schroder is joined by Nate Parker as Ben Chavis, a friend of the family with whom Marrow lived with when he was a teenager. As Chavis, Parker exhibits emotions that enhances the audience’s appreciation of his commitment to the role. The movie was difficult for me to watch because of the scenes of a burning cross and other powerful scenes that depict injustices done against the black citizens.
Moving from nonfiction to fiction, Lifetime Movie Network’s “Sins of the Mother” is a tale of deicing cold hearts with love and forgiveness. Jill Scott and Nicole Beharie star in this film that looks at the relationship of a mother and her daughter. Jill Scott is Nona, an alcoholic mother who has turned her life around. Nicole Beharie is Nona’s daughter Shay, who can’t forget or forgive her mom for being an alcoholic which prevents her from moving on with her own life. The film is based on the book “Orange Mint and Honey” by Carleen Brice.
Shay’s childhood is filled with awful memories of abandonment and pure hatred towards a mother who didn’t care enough to protect her daughter. Running as far away as she possible could from Nona, Shay is forced to return home. Nona, knowing that she messed up when Shay was younger, tries to make amends with Shay by letting her get to know the new alcohol-free Nona.
This story shows how alcoholism can affect more than the person that is drinking. Emotionally scars have haunted Shay’s life and have affected all relationships whether personal or professional. Throughout the movie Shay faces her problems and learns to love and forgive in the process.
“Blood Done Sign My Name” opened on Friday, February 19, 2010 in select cities while “Sins of the Mother” premiered on the Lifetime Movie Network on Sunday, February 21, 2010.
Celebrating African American Professionals Who are “Doing Good by Doing Wellness”
February 19th, 2010
Being first means being a trailblazer. Dr. Bernard Harris became the first African American astronaut to walk in space so that Winston Scott and Robert Curbeam could follow in his footsteps. Dr. Zeb Poindexter, Jr. blazed the trail in the field of dentistry for other African Americans to follow when he became the first African American graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch. The first African American chiropractor in the state of Texas, Dr. Romanuel Washington, Jr. pioneered in alleviating pain that was the result of neural and spinal column malfunctions. These remarkable leaders in their respective fields of endeavor are but a few of the honorees that the Houston Wellness Association (HWA) will celebrate this month at the annual Salute to Black History Month Luncheon on February 23, 2010 at the Power Center from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Joining Drs. Harris, Poindexter, and Washington are Karen Jackson, founder of the nation’s only African American breast cancer survivorship organization, Sisters Network, Inc.; Dr. Melba Swafford, retired Anesthesiologist, and the late Congressman, the Honorable Mickey Leland.
For the third year in a row, the Houston Wellness Association will host the affair that will celebrate African American Professionals who are “doing good by doing wellness.” The event will recognize these professionals for their years of dedication to making our community healthier, for bringing awareness about health and wellness to the African American community, and nurturing partnerships with like minded professionals across the city to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in health and wellness. Established in 2006, the HWA is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to advance the health and well-being of our community and the economic vitality of our wellness sector with the vision to transform Houston into a widely-modeled, innovative city of healthy living. It was created with legal support from Baker-Hostetler and was the brainchild of the Mayor’s Wellness Council.
Past honorees of the Salute to Black History Luncheon are Drs. Robert J. Austin; Judith Craven, MPH; Glover O. Johnson, Jr.; Ronald Johnson; Edith Jones; Lovell A. Jones; Edward Lord; Lois J. Moore, BSN, M. Ed; Harold Mullins; James Phillips; Matthew Plummer; and Institutional Honoree, Texas Children’s Project Medical Home.
The event will begin with networking with vender sponsors. The luncheon program will being at 11:45 am and end at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $35 for non HWA members and $25 for HWA members and can be purchased online at www.HoustonWellness.org. For table sponsorship and/or Exhibit Sponsorship call, Jonathan H. Lack, HWA-Executive Director at (713) 357-9516.
No Issues with the Toyota 4Runner
February 19th, 2010
2010 Toyota 4Runner
No faulty floor mats. No bad brakes. No problematic steering. No insane gas pedals. No needless worries. Although there has been recall after recall by the major car retailer, I had no issues when driving the Read the rest of this entry “
Ceasar F. Barajas: Living Life on His Terms
February 19th, 2010
Ceasar F. Barajas
College is a sort of melting pot for the future. The “huddled masses” yearn for a better life. Students discover who they are, find partners in life, connect with forever friends, and discover their Read the rest of this entry “
Billy Briscoe Hopes to Redefine the Office of Harris County Treasurer
February 12th, 2010
Billy Briscoe
If the assessment renders the office necessary, Briscoe would also like to automate the internal processes with other county elected officials, make the process by which the county collects and dispenses funds ubiquitous, make cuts in an efficient manner, and figure out a way to better leverage county deposits. He is confident that he can execute these tasks because of his background. From a business perspective it is impressive. After graduating from Hampton University with his bachelor degree, he came home to the University of Houston to earn his Juris Doctorate. With several years of real world experience under his belt he decided to go back to school to matriculate at the University of Michigan to obtain his Masters in Business Administration in corporate finance and strategy. His background is also what he believes separates him from his republican opponent and the current Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez. “I believe my background is a little more extensive when it comes to business matters.” He also sites his entrepreneurial experience and the many partnerships he has formed as a result of him advocating on behalf of the county and the treasurer’s office in Austin with state legislators. “I will be more than willing to match my credentials in that regard with those of Orlando Sanchez, and I think that I will fair pretty nicely,” said Briscoe. “Not only do I believe my credentials are pretty competitive, I think that they are also pretty compelling.”
Briscoe, a native of Houston, Texas, believes that he is the best man for the job for his public sector and private sector experience. “I have been in and around government for a decade,” said Briscoe. In the public sector he is a legislative staffer, lawyer, and issues advocate, and in the private sector he is a business consultant and business owner. He is a business owner and attorney for his law firm, The Briscoe Law Firm. He practices public law representing individuals, government organizations and private enterprises on a variety issues. The married father of three girls is a member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Briscoe also serves on the boards of the American Red Cross – Southeast Branch, Making It Better, Inc., Harris County Improvement District 12 and Have Haven, Inc. His list of supporters is extensive and includes such individuals as State Senator Rodney Ellis, State Representative Garnet Coleman, State Representative Kristi Thibaut, former Congressman Chris Bell, HCBE Trustee Debra Kerner, former City Council Member Carroll Robinson and former Houston City Councilwoman Ada Edwards who also serves as his campaign treasurer.
Find out more information about Billy Briscoe and his campaign on www.billybriscoe.com.
Yolanda Adams: Giving Power to the People
February 5th, 2010
Known throughout the world for her incredible voice, Grammy awarding winning singer Yolanda Adams is becoming known for something else these days. As the dynamic host of “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” on KROI 92.1 FM she lets her audience know more about her personal life and her walk with Jesus Christ through her show’s staple, the points of power and they love her even more for being so transparent. These power filled points are based on biblical scriptures and principles that she and sidekick Anthony Valary deliver help believers walk with Christ a little easier. Nonbelievers want to know more about Jesus Christ as demonstrated by the influx of listeners who have literally demanded more. To answer that call and win more souls to Christ, Adams along with Lavaille Lavette wrote her first book, “Points of Power: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose.”
“My points of power are meant to encourage, uplift, and provide comfort,” writes Adams in her book. The points are just as helpful to her as they are to others. She writes to radio fans, “You pushed me to the greatest level of study. I have such joy delivering these quick studies every morning to help you understand the great love God has for you.” Using the themes of faith, love, forgiveness, confession, praise, confidence, prayer, peace, protection, and victory, Adams gives practical applications on how to live a life of purpose. Her points are so effective because she lets the readers know this is what God did for her and that He can do the same for them. “I think it is important to put a personal label or a personal handle on someone that folks see in the limelight,” Adams told me at her book signing this past week at a local Kroger grocery store. “You know they see me as a star. They see me as a person who is probably doing what they would like to do, but they don’t really get a chance to see the personal side of me. The points of power and my personal story make it often easier for folks to understand where I get my mom instinct from or how I deal with certain things.” She uses her daughter Taylor in her revelations. “I think that is the best way to show folks that ‘Wait a minute, she is just like me.’”
Adams understands that trying to really understand God’s grace may be a bit too much for some because they can’t grasp the concept of being given so much for nothing. Her book eases that apprehension for some to understand God’s power and grace and His omnipotence. She writes that everything was made clear to her through her own meditation. “As I studied God’s Word, I began to gather different points that helped me understand how I could live my life based on God’s power and grace. “ The ten points of power were revealed to her through this study and now she shares her understanding with others. At the end of each message about a point, Adams adds more helpful tidbits for readers with powerful sections. The first section after a point is called power passage that gives a scripture that relates to the message; the point of practice gives more biblical principles showing how a principle has worked in her life; point of prayer is a prayer to help readers develop this power point in their lives; pensive points help readers apply the point to their own lives.
The book has the kind of layout that is good for both the believer and nonbeliever. It lends itself to both uplifting and encouraging the reader. There are two strategies from which to choose when reading the book. Read in the order that is printed or read the point that is needed most at that particular moment. “Read according to what is needed. Sometimes you may need more power. Sometimes you may need more prayer. Sometimes you may need to go to the section on forgiveness and that is exactly why it is what it is,” said Adams. “I want the readers to keep referring back to the book as a reference or a resource because what it tends to do is give hope in hopeless situations or encouragement when you are like ‘Wow, that sure is right. I can do that.’ And the good thing about good books is that you can keep reading them over and over and find some new insight from different chapters each time you read.”
Yolanda Adams’ “Points of Power: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose” with Lavaille Lavette can be found wherever books are sold. Listen to KROI 92.1 “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” for more points on how to live on purpose.
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