I have so many questions; an endless list with more being added by the hour. I think of the pain, injustice and uncertainty of so many. Many of us sit in the safety of our home with comfort but we are consumed nonetheless with the visuals of anguish. We pray. Lifetime struggles are well articulated in Bible passages. We read, we discuss, we analyze, and then we get in our air-conditioned cars and drive to comfy homes to deal with life and the challenges that affect tomorrow. We sometimes feel there must be a better, easier way and sometimes, why me? God, why me? In a moment of clarity, I reflect that I didn’t personally wander the desert for 40 years. I wasn’t enslaved in chains. Physical pain and suffering is just as debilitating as mental torture. What were they going through? Seriously not to be ambivalent; what were they going through? God only knows. I am equally consumed by the effect of modern-day story tellers that take a thought and weave a story many times from life’s joy or struggles, similar to the hymn's sung in church services. I ponder the lyrics and default most times to why? I am influenced by greatness and groundbreaking accomplishments as well as simple inspiring acts of perseverance. Whether it’s the words of acknowledged and often quoted visionaries or equally respected luminaries, I pay respect. Music has been a driving force in my life, and I’m inspired by how many incredible songs have been written and recorded that I never before associated with how they moved the lyricist, and that GOD has embedded those lyrics and rhythms into our subconscious and only when He winked them into the conversation, like now? The biggest selling song in recorded history with over 50 million copies is the Irving Berlin (who was born Israel Blaine) the son of a Jewish Cantor “White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby and covered over 500 times by other artists for an additional 50 million in sales. I’m moved by the Academy Award song from the iconic movie “Wizard of Oz”; “Somewhere over the Rainbow” was written, not about the mythical Land of Oz, but the homeland of the Jews-Israel. The song's music was written by Harold Arlen, also a Jewish Cantor’s son. The song was voted the 20th century’s number #1 song by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. I am often reminded that God knows, and His time is the ruling to all of my “Why’s.” So, I’m particularly alert when some of the all-time greats; Paul McCartney among the many, say “it’s the greatest song ever written,” and we’ve all no doubt hummed along with this catchy tune a zillion times…. “God Only Knows” The Beach Boys Songwriters: Brian Douglas Wilson / Tony Asher “I may not always love you But long as there are stars above you You never need to doubt it I'll make you so sure about it God only knows what I'd be without you If you should ever leave me Though life would still go on believe me The world could show nothing to me So what good would living do me God only knows what I'd be without you God only knows what I'd be without you If you should ever leave me Well life would still go on believe me The world could show nothing to me So what good would living do me God only knows what I'd be without you God only knows what I'd be without you God only knows” Hope. We have hope. Thank God. -Les PUBLISHER 6 May 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition South Florida Edition • Good News • May 2024 • Volume 26, Issue 2 Advertising: We reach over 110,000 readers each month. 80,000 in print and 30,000 via our online digital edition. Placing an ad in our publication is affordable and effective to help grow your business. Call us today! Distribution: Available in more than 800 locations throughout South Florida. To become a free distribution point for the newspaper, please contact Shelly. The Good News is published by Good News Media Group, LLC, Reproduction in whole or part strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Good News Media Group, LLC. PO Box 670368, Coral Springs, FL 33067 954-564-5378 • www.goodnewsfl.org Publisher: Leslie J. Feldman [email protected] Editor: Shelly Pond [email protected] Advertising & Marketing: Robert “Buddy” Helland Jr. V.P. Sr. Marketing Manager [email protected] Art Director: Milton McPherson [email protected] Associate Art Director: Joseph Sammaritano [email protected] Social Media Manager: Ariel Feldman [email protected] Editorial Assistant: Eric Solomon [email protected] Cover Photography: Justus Martin [email protected] Leslie J. Feldman PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Gates – by Stephan N. Tchividjian IN THE WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Franklin Graham: Repentance Brings Revival – by Franklin Graham PARENTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Learning How to Make the Right Decisions – by Dr. Bob Barnes and Torrey Roberts MARRIAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 What’s Your Balance? – by Lisa May YOU ASK WHY? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 No Blind Faith For Believers – by Dr. Tommy Boland HEART AND SOUL . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Commissioning the Next Generation of Believers– by Dr. Debra Schwinn FOSTER CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Homes Needed for Busloads of Children Entering Foster Care Each Week – by Kevin Enders THE CODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Rebuilders Finish Strong – by Dr. O.S. Hawkins COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . .24 - 27 Good News Celebrates Women of Distinction 2024 – by Shelly Pond ENCOURAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . .28 Heaven Can Wait - by Omar Aleman GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW . . . . . . . . .30-32 What decision or opportunity did you have in the past that you passed, but now would choose differently? PHOTO RECAP South Florida Easter Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35 LEGAL Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Own A Small Business? You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act – by William “Bill” C. Davell and Marianna Seiler DeJager FROM THE PULPIT . . . . . . . . . . .38 Right Bible – Wrong Gospel? – by Larry Lacy INSIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Perfectly Imperfect – by Rob Hoskins WE GET LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 COMMUNITY NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 – 50 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 - 55 God Only Knows On The Cover Good News Celebrates Women of Distinction 2024 with a front cover photo shoot at the prestigious Coral Ridge Country Club, located on Bayview Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Pictured from Top Left to Right: Brigitte Sylvestre, Christine Auker, Melissa Elswick, Sue Trombino, Kathy Ireland Mitchell and Dr. Jessica Vera; Front Left to Right: Margaret Whiddon, Stephanie Chen and Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh. A special thanks to our host, Coral Ridge Country Club Managing Partner JJ Sehlke and his gracious and accommodating team. Photo Credit: Justus Martin, www.justusmartinphoto.com CONTENTS Good News • May • Volume 26 Issue 2
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