Praxis, No Filter

What happens when the host of Praxis, No Filter gets ambushed by Verna Patryce Best, episode two's guest? Well, let's just say an intersection of holy and hood! On the eve of Dr. Stephanie's 51st birthday, her sister in Christ turns the table and nothing is off limits. This episode is one for the books.

The United States of America is experiencing a pandemic amidst a pandemic. Over the last week, the reality of the devaluing of black bodies set in in a way that we are still attempting to reconcile. On this episode of Praxis, No Filter, we speak with Dr. Shae Grays, Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, as we discuss diversity, equity and inclusion and its application along the backdrop of faith. Trust me when I say the enemy did not desire that we share this episode, but God. Also, there may be a cameo appearance by last week's guest, my mother, Altoria Helms. This episode is as raw as the topic.

Be sure to check out more of Dr. Grays by visiting this link: https://youtu.be/X_et3EeI1f0

This week's. blog, entitled. “The Siri God," explored how often we are more willing to put our faith and trust in technology, than in God. As a scientist, coupled with being a believer, listen as Dr. Katherine Jordan unfolds both her challenges and triumphs experienced along this dichotomy. She also provides sage advice in relation to honing your skills as you navigate employment, under employment and unemployment.  This episode is packed with nuggets. Be sure to catch em!

Psalms 46:5 reads, "“God is within her, she will not fail; God will help her at the break of day.” But what happens when you feel like God is far from you, has failed you and that your break of day shall never come? Join Rev. Melcina White as she provides a breakthrough to all things "She." Through trouble and triumph, she walks us through the ultimate desire for us concerning the Creator. This is the fifth episode of Praxis, No Filter, and in Biblical understanding, five is the number that represents grace of God. Listen and be reminded of God's covering over us through it all.

"The reality is, my prayers don't change God.  But, I am convinced prayer changes me.  Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself." - Lysa TerKeurst

Today's episode is summed up in reference to the aforementioned quote. Listen to Shaniece Gamble unfold the power and transformation of prayer in her life and tidbits of how to make it a daily part of yours. Shaniece further unfolds a ministry that she birthed, shortly after giving birth to her third son. It is called, "Let Us Pray," and you may find it on Facebook. If you've ever considered becoming serious about prayer as a lifestyle, this episode is for you.

There are times in life when the prayers you've prayed for others become necessary for yourself. In this episode, I'm joined by my cousins, who reside in New Orleans and have been on the battlefield warring against COVID-19. Hear my cousin Cassandra, who just returned home after a month in the hospital share her experience and her daughter, Kyra, who is a nurse, who deepened her faith by depending upon God to strengthen her to take care of her then 94 (now 95) year old grandmother who tested positive and navigating her mother's health journey by telephone. The enemy attempted to mess with the technical aspects here, but press through it and be encouraged today!