Press On! Special Edition 2008 Election Webzine Dreams Come True One Dreams Another Fulfills The Myth is Dead Negative Stereotypes Dispelled 2008 Special Edition
Table of Contents Editor s Note 3 Dreams Come True 4 The Myth is Dead 5 6 Founder, Design Director and Writer Phenola Moore Executive Editor E. Marilyn Stackhouse Press On! Webzine is published quarterly: March, June, September and December. Contact Information Address: Phenola Moore PO Box 341571 Bethesda, MD 20827 E-Mail: Website: Myspace: pmoore@pressonwebzine.com www.pressonwebzine.com Visit for devotionals and to download a copy of the webzine. www.myspace.com/phenolamoore 2 Press On! 2008 Special Edition
Editor s Note God impressed on me to publish a special election issue of Press On! Webzine because this election reflects a culmination of centuries of prayers, sweat and tears from a people who desired a better life for themselves and future generations. They continued to push and didn t allow negative circumstances to stop them because they knew they had a destiny to fulfill. The many months of campaigning for the highest office in the country climaxed when Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44 th President of the United States on Tuesday, November 4. God gave me the inspiration for an article after the Democratic National Convention in August and I did not include it in the fall issue because it didn t quite fit. I now know why. Read about the shift that is taking place in the mindset of many Americans in the article, The Myth is Dead. You may not agree, but watch and listen. Also, in the article, Dreams Come True, you will read how God will bring your dream to pass whether you are here to see it or not. Just believe. This special issue is short, but I had to share what God gave me. Please forward a copy to your friends and family. If you have any questions and/or comments, e-mail me at pmoore@pressonwebzine.com. Phenola Moore Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is King James Version I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 We want to hear from you! E-mail your comments to pmoore@pressonwebzine.com, or write to Phenola Moore, PO Box 341571, Bethesda, MD 20827, including your full name, address and telephone number. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Makeup and photograph by Sadé Dennis for Style Solutions. 3 Press On! 2008 Special Edition
Dreams Come True On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, the world watched as Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44 th President of the United States. This event was historical because he will be the first African-American president. As I turned on the television to listen to the results that night, I resigned myself to what I thought was going to be a long night. Actually, I thought we wouldn t get the final results for a few days, weeks or even months, because of possible legalities regarding the count. A little before 11 pm, the newscaster said there would be a special announcement. I thought they would report that Obama had won the electoral votes from the state of Florida or North Carolina because he and Senator John McCain s percentages were close for both of these states. Instead, they flashed Obama s picture on the screen as the 44 th President of the United States. My mouth flew open and I began to weep as I fell to the floor in praise. While I didn t live through slavery, Jim Crow issues or segregation, I ve read slave journals, heard horrific stories from my southern relatives and watched documentaries regarding the African- American experience. Thoughts about how my ancestors were beaten, raped, killed, humiliated, and hung so that I could have a better life all hit me at that moment. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dream alive. As I reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr s I Have a Dream speech, Obama s win is testimony that if God gives you a dream, it will come to pass whether you are here to see it or not. Dr. King s dream was the day when we would not be judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character. As we look to the future, only prayer, grace and humility will keep the My desire is to press forward while taking others with me. How about you? Meditation: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 4 Press On! 2008 Special Edition
The Myth is Dead Two deaths occurred when Barack and Michelle Obama delivered their speeches at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in August. One was the death of the myth that African- American men aren t committed to marriage, affectionate to their wives and children, or hard working and skilled leaders. The other was the myth that African American women aren t good mothers or wives and are overbearing, aggressive and mouthy. Instead of mourning these deaths, I am rejoicing because these myths that slavery and years of segregation have seared into the minds of some people were toppled that week. President-Elect Barack and Michelle Obama These myths didn t just circulate among other people, but in our community, too. The presentation from the Obamas challenged the negative stereotypes that are oftentimes portrayed in the media concerning African-American men and women. If viewers didn t know there was a God, they should realize it after Senator Obama was elected as the 44 th President of the United States on Tuesday, November 4. Imagine, a descendent of slaves will be the first lady of the United States. African-Americans have survived and now we are looking at a man and woman who will not only represent African-Americans in the White House, but all Americans. This is historical. As the lyrics to the old song affirm, Lord, You Brought [Us] From a Mighty Long Way. To view the Church of God in Christ s rendition of this song, copy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozzv7dfh0ow onto your browser and press enter. 5 Press On! 2008 Special Edition
God doesn t work like man He sent the children of Israel, Moses From their own but groomed as a prince Jesus came as a servant man They thought He would be king Instead, He suffered and died for our sins Non-violence was the solution Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on it Because violence wouldn t change an old institution Take the high road is his stand Barack Obama ignored and moved on In the end he won because he was the predestined man Don t try to figure out God His ways are not our ways And what is right to Him will sometimes seem odd God works in mysterious ways What we think are not His thoughts But His choice is the perfect plan Meditation: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8 6 Press On! 2008 Special Edition
Press On! Meditation I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14