Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (March 30, 1994)
M arch 30, 1994 • T he P ortland O bserver P age B6 What Are You Wearing by M attie A nn C allier -S pears HILE I WAS WATCHING A MOVIE ON THE MOVIE CHANNEL, A SCIENTIST CREATED A P R O T O -T Y P E G A R M E N T T H A T A PER SO N COULD PUT ON OVER HIS OWN B O D Y AND T H IS G A R M E N T W O U L D G IV E T H IS PE R SO N IN C R E D IB L E STR EN G TH AND ABILITIES. The scientist had developed this garment by watching his friend, o f many years, play the game o f hockey. He had designed the garment, in such a way, so each facet, o f the suit, would m irror the power and skills o f his frie n d -trip le d in strength. On this suit, there was padding (that had been specially treated), flashing and tw in k lin g lights and electronic circu itry which transferred energy to the physi cal body. There was a helmet, a jacket, sleeves, and leggings. They were all detachable and independent o f one another. Secretly - the scientist had en vied his frie n d ’s abilities and skills. So - i f he couldn ’ t do w ithout help, he would create a way through scientific ingenuity: computers, lasers, circuits, electronic and electric configurations. A ll joined together to duplicate real ity; but, there were unseen weak nesses. As I sat watching this, it occurred to me that this is exactly the same way man gets caught in the w o rld ’ s trap pings. Instead o f keeping his eyes on Jesus and wearing the equipment fo r spiritual warfare, he puts on the gar ments o f the w orld which gives him a false sense o f strength. This strength, that the w orld gives, is short lived and fu ll o f empty promises. It is possible fo r us to over come i f we would just have on the right equipment. When w ill man realize that Christians are the strongest and the most powerful liv in g creatures in the universe. Why? Because, as a Christian, we know that we have the power o f the L iv in g God stored w ithin us. We know that we fig h t spiritual battles and in the fig ht, the physical body may become tattered and tom but these tents, we call our bodies, are not forever. In our souls, we have strength that is beyond compare. The life that we live, upon this earth, is engaged in a warfare. We not only have flesh and blood foes - but, also spiritual enemies. It is possible for us to overcome i f we would just have on the rig ht equipment. Just as that scientist created that suit to de feat his foes, our Heavenly Father has created a suit for us to wear that we may be able to stand against the wiles (stratagems tricks, schemes, deceiv ing plans) o f the devil. Yea! Even in this day and time, the garment w hich C hrist designed, in Ephesians 6:11- 17, is s till fashionable and it really, really works. “ W e are not fig h tin g against people made o f flesh and blood but against persons w ithout bodies - the e vil rulers o f the unseen w orld, those m ighty satanic beings and great e vil prices o f darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers o f wicked Current Events From A Christian’s Perspective spirits in the sp irit w o rld .” [Eph. 6:12 w °rid - For God made this w orld lo r TLB] a ll to enjoy. He told man to “ ...be “ We have to use every piece o f the fru itfu l and m u ltip ly , and replenish by M attie A nn C alijer -S pears HERE SEEMS TO BE A armor, that God has designed fo r us, t»ie cart»1' and subdue it: and have w p [ TURN IN THE TIDES OF to resist the enemy whenever he at- dom inion over the lish o f the sea and I LIFE - TODAY. EVERY tacks. That word “ whenever” signi- die fo w l o f the air, and over every fies that we must wear this arm or constantly. N ot just when we feel like wearing it — but, at all times. And when the Battle is all over, you w ill s till be standing up. Praise the Lord! How can we adorn ourselves w ith this armor and make it work? “ O ut — to do this, you w ill need the strong belt o f truth and the breast- plate o f G od’ s approval. Wear shoes (preparation o f the Gospel o f Peace) that arc able to speed you on as you preach the 'G ood News’ o f peace. In every battle, you w ill need the shield o f faith to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you w ill need the helmet o f salvation and the sword o f the Spirit — which is the W ord o f G od’ [Eph. 6:14-17 T L B ] As you have read, there are six components - all serving as indi- vidual parts o f the whole suit o f ar- mor, each having it ’ s own distinct function. But -- how should this ar- m or be used? How can we adorn ourselves w ith this armor and make it work? By — praying a ll the time. W ith o ut ceasing. Having a rig h t rela- tionship w ith God. Ask God anything dving thing that moveth upon the earth. [Gen. 1:28 K JV ] Satan, however, tells us subtly to disregard, misuse, abuse. Satan says, Everybody else is doing it. W hy don t y ° u try *0 you m ight like it. And if you do, no problem, I 11 be right there to show you the ropes. This is nothing hut “ Hog-wash . Don t you feel slu- P*d and foolish when you allow your- se' f t o 8ct sucked into some feeble minded situation. B ut — i f you re prepared, it you vc got on the whole armor of God, i f you re studied-up and prayed-up, there is no power on this earth that can knock you down, Hallelujah! Suit UP- Stand last! Be assured that God w ill have the last W ord. M y Pastor, Dr. James E. M artin, in one o f his sermons, said I f you want to know w ho ’s going to w in, go to the end o f the book, yes! Be assured that you are the victors. Jesus claimed the victory when he went to the cross, was buried and arose on the third day. Oh, by the way, the scientist s friend was his brother whom he en- v >ed. But - that s a whole nother that is in line w ith the H oly s p irit’ s story. Praise God! wishes. Plead w ith him, remind him He who goes through life o f your needs, and keep praying ear unprepared nestly fo r all Christians - everywhere. Shall find him self undone N otju st in your city, or in your church, when C hrist returns. or in your state, but in the entire I Remember Momma This is dedicated in m emory o f m y late grandmother, M rs. Heneritta M itch e ll because w itho ut her pres ence on this earth I w ould not be here today for she was my mother’s mother. When I remember Momma words such as courageous, daring, th rifty , carin g, kind , lo v in g , dedicated, a hard worker, a good singer and many, many more come to mind. M om ma was very courageous that M em orial day in 1948 as she put on her shield o f courage and w ith her faith in God stood in fron t o f that us as the raging water was destroying the c ity o f . .«5 J Vanport and made the d river stop so we could get on board. She did n ’ t know at that tim e but that bus was the last one to get out. I remember so clearly as the flood water slammed against the back o f that bus. M om m a was very th rifty. She could make anything. She was very creative in her cooking. She used every part o f the pig, the ears, feet, nose, tail, intestines, parts that most people didn’t use she used. She also did a lot o f canning, beets, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, greens, je l lies, jams, syrups, beans, strawber ries, anything that could be canned ’ é»z she canned. She even made soap, lye soap. I remember eating a lo t o f chicken feet < ■. .. > r*. / • A • • • • • •-- , .V *• * - j. / • /., ;. r ‘ * that first year that we moved into our house that year fo llo w in g the flood. M om m a could sew. She had a sewing machine that she had to use her feet on the pedals in order for it to work. Many people thought that my sister Eleanor and I were twins be cause M om m a made all o f our dresses alike. She also put big bows and rib bons in our hair and i f she had enough material left, she would make my cousin laws a shirt. Boy could she se w . As M om ma grew older and didn ’ t feel like sewing and you asked her to make you something she never said no. The finished product was such that you would w ait until she sewed fo r you voluntarily. M om m a was very kind, caring and loving. She always greeted her grands, great grands and great, great grandchildren w ith a hugh and a kiss. She had to be a caring and loving person because as a child growing up in that house on NE Lawrence, I thought that every fam ily that came from Louisiana had to live w ith us for awhile. M om m a even had a trailer on the side o f the house where people lived. We also had many fun times w ith Mom ma. Once a month w e’d pack a big picnic lunch and drive to Seaside. W e also went to many Port land Beavers baseball games. One o f Mrs. Heneritta Mitchell the favorite things that I enjoyed was when we w ould board the train which was then called the S.P.S. and ride from Portland to Spokane and Se attle. Those were good times, good, good, good times. M om m a worked real hard. Day w ork and jan itorial work was about the only kin o f w ork that was avail able fo r Mom ma then. Momma taught me the value o f work. I remember going w ith her in the summer on her day w ork jobs and in the evenings at her jan itorial job. Boy, Mom ma was a hard worker. M om m a was a real good singer. She loved to go to church and sing in church. When M om m a moved from Vanport to Portland after the flood, she went to and sang in every black church in the city. N ot only did she sing but we (my sister and cousin) and I had to sing. W e didn ’ t just stand s till and sing, Momma taught us gestures to go along w ith the songs. I also had to memorize long, long speeches that I recited at various church events. N ot only did we have to bless the food when we ate but we also had to recite bible verses. I would always try to be the firs t one to rec ite the shortest bible verse, “ Jesus Wept.” Mom ma would always make me recite another verse w ith that one. M om ma was M om m a to all o f m y friends and to everyone who knew her.l As “ Womens H istory M onth” draws to a close, 1 th ink about a ll the black women and how they struggled down through the years and what great contributions that they made to the making o f this United States O f Am erica. (I call them the old soldiers) I add the name, M rs. H eneritta M itch e ll, a solider who also fought the battles o f racism and discrim ina tion u ntil one day she stepped on that “ O id Ship O f Z ion .” M om m a’ s name w on ’t make the history books, but I ’ ll always remember Momma. t "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them: for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34" Mt Olivet Baptist Church Has moved Sunday services to Family Life Center, 8725 N. Chautauqua Blvd., at Willis Blvd. C ox F u n e r a l H o m e I n e (503)281-4891 O u r A. Cox, Sr. Jerome Tanner S *• '•** - * * r«‘ A Teaching Church With A Reaching Ministry Dr. James E. Martin, Senior Pastor ». SPiM/v /taf el ( f /r/urneb Í *■ t .S' .J •■****. •'■ tfenwfoiy - Lombard Chapel 3018 N. Lombard Portland, Oregon 97217 503-283-0525 « ’R Worship Services 8:00am & 11:00am, Church School 9:30 to 10:30 am, Bible Study, Wednesdays, 116 NE Schuyler, 10:30am & 7:00pm Radio Ministry each Sunday, 8:00am on KBMS t a f f A. Cox, Jr. G. Quarker We wish to thank our valued clients for their support in the past. We ask for your pa tience during our remodeling. When you need wisdom, understanding and ». - ♦ • ' • 2736 NE Rodney Salden Killingsworth Chapel 430 N. Killingsworth Portland, Oregon 97217 503-283-1976 C h u rc h O ff ic e 1 16 N E S c h u y le r S t. • (5 0 3 ) 2 8 4 -1 9 5 4 i —- M a llo ry A venue Christian Church "Come to me o il yo u w ho o re w e o ry a n d h e a v y la d e n a n d 1 w ill g iv e yo u re s t.” stop him now. This incident w ith the President and his w ife is ju s t another one o f Satan’ s ploys. We are not to profess a b elief in the President. We are not to worship President C linton. He is a man just like everyone else. So--that means he and his w ife arc prone to sin just like any other. “ ....How much more meaner and partisan and much more negative the national arena is.” — President C linton (3/10/94) Folks! This country did n o tju s t yesterday get into the condition that we presently find ourselves. It took a lo t o f time across the centuries and m illennium s. It took a lot o f people com m itting a lot o f sins — over and over and over again. One o f the newscasters said. y a i . “ »• • ’ «s • ? I f I was going to w orry about any thing, I ’d w orry about what God thought. N ot the people. There is trouble in israel, Pales tine, South A fric a , Russia, England, Cuba, the United States and all over the w orld. We look w ith distress at the news when we see the carnage and the g rie f and the mayhem each and every day. However, the scripture tells us not to be overwhelmed or amazed by these happenings fo r it is the signs o f the end o f time. Everything that we see is hap pening for a specific reason. Just rem em ber-no matter what man th in k s -G o d is in charge. d\Z[cuik ÛÎucicii 103 NE Morris St., Portland, OR 97212 Sunday School -9:30am Sunday Morning Wor ship Service - 11:00am Sunday School Teacher's Meeting Tues - 6:30pm Bible Study Wednesday - 6:00pm Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 7:00pm Church Phone Number 287-7457 Dr. Joe S. Hardie, Pastor \Ne Invite You To Come And Worship With Us. The Church Where Everybody is Somebody And Christ Is All. We W elcom e You to The (greater JBaitit j^tepljcn ¿¡Missionary ^Baptist (Cl;urcl; Serving The Lord With Gladness” Psalm 100:2 Sunday School 10am M orning W orship 11:05 Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 7pm Rev. G.L. Black I Pastor 3605 N.E. M allo ry Ave. (503) 281-8117 Portland, OR 97212 Rev. and Mrs. G.L. Black I ^ lau l ¿M tssttm aru JBaplíst (líí]urct¡ 8 1 0 1 N. Fiske Avenue Church Phone: 289-0147 Sunday Service P ortland Oregon 9 / 2 0 3 Study Phone: 2 i 9-1911 « P IT 1 0 :4 5 9 :3 0 Bible Study 6 :0 0 Evening Service 7:00pm Pastor. Re. J.imesC I raulknci Denise Bell 126 N€ fìlberto Portland, O fl 97211 (503) 288-5173 <-rz . advertently involved others. N c x t-th e media has decided to poll the public to determine the de gree o f gui It or the degree o f involve ment o f M r. & Mrs. C linton (because that’s who they were before the W hite House). What difference does it make how the people think? B ill and H illa ry know what they did and so does God. "...The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. Luke 24:34" «•I W » '* Ac»;*» <•" vir», there was evidence o f many, many other worms by the presence o f the hundreds o f holes and trails. W e ll -- that is the same way it is in any situation. A person may feel that he or she is in this thing all by themselves; however, their wrong-doing has in Sunday School 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Morning Worship 7:30pm Tuesday Bible Study and Prayer In te r-ra c ia l C o n g re g a tio n WHERE YOU TURN, YOU HEAR INDIVIDUALS EXCLAIMING THE SAME, IDENTICAL STATEMENT, “I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!” AND - THESE WORDS ARE UTTERED WITH SUCH AN AIR OF AMAZEMENT. Sin is w hat’ s happening in the world. M ankind has become obsessed and fascinated by sin. It is not hidden. Satan has waged and out and out campaign. He has pulled out all o f the stops. He feels that there is nothing to “ There are more people to be subpoe naed than the six o rigin ally listed.” Have you ever gone fishing and you needed bait? When you dug for the worms, you found that there were maybe one or tw o worms seen but that -, »
