KEEPING THE FAITH | Be comfortable with who you are
As a student at Adams Junior and Woodrow Wilson high schools, I was known for my eccentric tendency of wearing business attire daily. Folks who knew me back in the day remember as a teen and young adult, I wore dress shoes, a long-sleeve shirt with cuff links and a tie, carried an attaché case and accented my appearance with Aramis.
That said, now that I am older, despite my profession as a minister and bereavement specialist, unless a suit is an absolute necessity, I will always opt for casual dress for its functionality. Invitations with the caveat “Dress to Impress” are often declined. I simply refuse to let articles of clothing make or define me.
As it would happen, I once dressed casually for a breakfast meeting. As I quickly scribbled my name to sign in, a professionally dressed woman was standing behind me. Although I spoke to her, she cast an annoyed glance at me and hugged her portfolio to be seated. It was clear by the exchange I was a pion in her eyes. I am so glad God has His own vision of each of us!
As the meeting began, we were asked to introduce ourselves. I am not hung up on titles and simply said, “Lewis Macklin,” my given name, as I often do. Not a big deal at all. The meeting continued and, eventually, we all needed a moment to refresh ourselves.
During a quick break, the immaculately dressed woman rushed toward me, extending her hand and now smiling at me as if I was Idris Elba or Denzel Washington! Her statement was telling and distracting, “Oh, you’re Pastor Macklin. I was told by many people since I arrived to the city that I need to know you for professional career opportunities and networking.”
We should never disregard someone or assume that unless they have something to offer, they are nonexistent. It was the Lord who said to Samuel while on assignment to anoint a king among Jessie’s sons: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Then we should never dismiss sincere or genuine actions. There was a widow who put her last pennies in the temple’s treasury. For that radical act, the Lord proclaimed that she gave more than all the rich people who were putting in far more. The difference: There was no sacrifice when the wealthy gave out of their abundance, “but she out of her poverty gave all she had.”
Moreover, we are admonished to “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” I am going to share a tidbit that God dropped in my spirit years ago: “Whoever counted you out clearly didn’t excel in math!”
Do not let the dismissive thoughts or actions of others discourage or distract you from your purpose. Never give someone unauthorized agency over your life via their opinions. The truth is, if we allow outside influences to disrupt our inner selves, we will never be fulfilled; we will never find our calling and, even if we do, we will never even stay the course. So the takeaway in this week’s missive: Be comfortable with who you are and who you are in God’s eyes!
Elders speak
Pope John Paul II: “To reach peace, teach peace.”
Pope Paul VI: “If you want peace, work for justice.”
The late Rev. Dr. E.F.E. Rheins, pastor emeritus of Holy Trinity, on leadership: “Anything with two heads is a monster!”
Leila Pickett Boyd Johnson, our sainted grandmother: “God don’t like ugly, and He ain’t too fond of cute either.”
Apostle Michael Scott: “Those that won’t support you until they see fruit aren’t the same as those that supported you when you only had seed.”
Bishop Roderick Hennings: “Weeping may endure for a night, but the question is, can you dance in the dark?”
It is well
We offer prayers and expressions of sympathy to several ministerial families experiencing tremendous losses at this time. My prayer is that these families will find peace and comfort in the precious words of our Savior who said, “Cast all your burdens on Him.” We commend these families into God’s hand; that is able to comfort and dry all tears and heal broken hearts.
Laraine Cole, the sister of Apostle Michael Scott Sr., now enjoys the ultimate healing. Her life will be celebrated Tuesday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Campbell. There is a human tie that has been broken, which bleeds the heart in agony and pain. Therefore, we encourage you to lift your heads and be strong. God sees, and He knows.
George “Ralph” Rheins, son of the late Rev. Dr. E.F.E. and Lady Johnnie R. Rheins fought a good fight. A gifted musician, at age 12 he became the organist at Holy Trinity where his father served. Over his lifetime, he had been choir director and/or musician for several churches in Youngstown, Warren and Ashtabula. Yet his greatest passion in life was being a sponsor and mentor to help other people overcome their chemical dependency. He was a chemical dependency survivor who proudly celebrated 28 years of sobriety. We extend prayerful hands toward his wife, Jeanette, his mother, daughter Cherron and the Rheins family. Ralph’s homegoing celebration will be held at noon Friday at the Greater Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 319 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula.
Pastor Arnold Smith, founding pastor of Bread of Life, obtained his ultimate healing. In addition to his funeral services, there will be a musical to celebrate his life and legacy at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mill Creek Community Center, 496 Glenwood Ave. Quartet and other singing aggregations from the Valley and tri-state area will give vocal tributes.
Godspeed
Since I have started the journey as a contributing writer of Mahoning Matters via “Keeping the Faith,” I have been blessed to work with some talented professionals — among them was Justin Dennis, who served as the editor. He patiently yet skillfully introduced concepts that have honed my ability to take abstract thoughts and produce a column that I hope is inspirational. I am honored to consider Justin a friend and pray for continued success in his future endeavors. Justin, best wishes and Keep the Faith!
Good Finding
Congratulations to Youngstown native Dr. Tejai Beulah Howard, who has been named a senior editor of “Black Perspectives,” the award-winning blog of the African American Intellectual History Society. Howard serves as an assistant professor of history, ethics and Black church and African diaspora studies at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Read more here.
Stop the Violence
The United Pastors, Clergy and Community Leaders of Greater Youngstown Against the Violence will hold the next “Stop the Violence” prayer walk at 2 p.m. Aug. 7. We will gather at Northside’s Crandall Park.
Freedom to Vote rally
A bus will leave from Youngstown to attend the Freedom to Vote rally at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on Saturday.
The bus is free and will leave from Union Baptist Church, 528 Lincoln Avenue, Youngstown, at 7:30 a.m. Call 330-746-1217 to reserve your seat. COVID protocols will be in place on the bus, and wearing a mask is required.
Save the date
The Rev. Dr. Quentin White and the Grace African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1137 Main St., SW, Warren, are hosting an upcoming fall revival Sept. 7-9, beginning at 6 p.m. each night. The Rev. Dr. Otis J. Gordon, former pastor of Grace, is returning as the guest preacher.
