Say Yes Now!

One week to go! The Longevity Conference, a highlight of the year, is starting in just 7 days. In today's episode, Dr. Hilliard shares the 10 reasons you absolutely do not want to miss this year's conference. At the top of the list is the speaker line-up. Some of the best and the brightest will be in attendance, including Bryan Stevenson, the author of Just Mercy (which was recently made into a hit movie with Michael B. Jordan). Also esteemed pastors such as Buster Soaries and Jamal Bryant and many more will be covering all the nuances and issues of the current tri-fold pandemic. If you are determined to soar and survive through the remainder of 2020, then this is for YOU! If you know that there is a calling for you in the midst of this crisis, then this is for YOU! After listening in to today's episode, be sure to head over to donaldhilliardjr.org to register for this virtual conference! Don't miss out on what's going to be an anointed powerful gathering. See you there!

On this episode, special guest, Geneva Evans, shares a powerful story with Dr. Hillard of how she overcame a 15-yrs drug addiction. Geneva's young life was deeply scarred by molestation at age nine, and a tumultuous upbringing, with no father in the home, and a mother who often drank and could not care well for Geneva and her many siblings. However after 15 years of crack addiction, Geneva had an encounter with God! Dr. Hillard's ministry, The Cathedral, played a pivotal role in turning Geneva's life around. Geneva Evans now holds a Masters degree and is a certified substance abuse counselor! Geneva went from Agony to Grace, and said YES to God's call in her life. This powerful testimony is a MUST listen. It will certainly inspire you to trust God and say YES, even now, even in the midst of these difficult times. Visit www.donaldhilliardjr.org/blog for more of inspiring stories.

On August 28th the world was shocked by the news of Chadwick Boseman's passing. He had touched the lives of so many, both as a impressive legend on the screen and an amazing man off camera. The life of Chadwick Boseman was marked by dedication, sincerity, an excellence in his craft as a writer, actor and producer. Dr. Hilliard and special guest, Sean Isaacs, draw out examples from Chadwick Boseman's life that demonstrate inspiration and innovation. Dr. Hilliard directs listeners to follow suit and SAY YES to a life of impact. Boseman's work and his character have left an indelible mark on this generation. His example is one that we can all continue to stand upon. Listen in to this podcast to join in fond remembrance of an innovator, an inspiration, and a life well-lived!

Audio Clip Credit: Chadwick Boseman's 2018 Commencement Speech at Howard University. Property of Howard University. Used under FAIR USE provision of the US Copyright Laws.

In the midst of this tri-pandemic, there is another unspoken tragedy happening. The number of cases of depression and suicides is on the rise. Clinicians are seeing more cases of trauma and stress-related disorders, as people are now feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected, as well as overwhelmed and anxious about the future. Dr. Micah McCreary-- renowned administrator and CEO of new Brunswick theological Seminary, clinician, orator, writer, and social activist-- discusses the rise in suicide, and the implications of PTSD and depression in our society and the times we are in. If you have loved ones that you are concerned about, be sure to listen in to Drs. Hilliard and McCreary in this insightful, informative discussion.

In this time of incredible darkness in our world, Dr. Hilliard gives a special message of encouragement to his listeners. The mission of "Say Yes Now" is a call to action, to inspiration, impartation, and to ignite your mission to be a world-changer,. In this special podcast, Dr. Hilliard's call-to-action is one that requires us shed light where there is darkness. Our light has never been more needed. Even as we face the tri-pandemic of COVID spread, lack of police accountability, and an economic tailspin, we must be a beacon of hope for a fearful world. Our confidence is not in ourselves, but in God who is with us and will see us through. Turn the light on!

"I shouldn't have to bracket out who God has designed me to be in order to follow Jesus. I ought to be able to follow Him as an African American young man." These stirring words from Rev. Andre Price, a pastor of a church in Philly, highlight the historical and present-day tensions between blackness and Christianity. Dr. Hilliard, along with another guest, Pastor Phyllis Hilliard, his wife, discuss with Rev. Price the false dichotomy and pressure to choose between being black and being Christian. Philadelphia continues to see unrest, intermittent violence, and curfews. How does a Gospel-consciousness of justice direct the flow of ministry in a context like Philly? Listen in for insights from these three esteemed speakers. Like this content? Visit DonaldHilliardJr.org for more.

In this special episode of Say Yes Now, Rev. Dr. Hilliard encourages his listeners to have hope even during these difficult times. Times of crisis can cause us to fall back and be discouraged. How can we respond with YES, even in the midst of uncertain times? We must have the confidence that God is with us. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Dr. Hilliard encourages the listeners of Say Yes Now to hold on, keep their faith, and press through with hope and courage! If you are in need of encouragement today, be sure to listen to this special episode.

Dr. Hilliard's special guest today is Bishop H. Curtis Douglas, his successor as the presiding bishop over the Covenant Fellowship Alliance. Dr. Hilliard discusses with Bishop Douglas the struggle for policing reforms and police accountability. Bishop Douglas encouraged everyone to "find their lane" in this struggle and to do their part. Whether you can protest, march, pray, sign petitions, join community groups, make phone calls, advance legislation, have conversations, etc. it's all important! Dr. Hilliard expressed the needed collaboration between different industries, faiths, and all sectors of society. Truly, policing reform is an issue that should bring everyone together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone desirous to do their part in the world today!

In the midst of the protests, riots, and racial division in America in 2020, Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. discusses with Dr. Danielle Brown how we can bridge the gap between the zealous younger generation and the experienced older generation. How can the energy and strength of the young be added to the experience and wisdom of the elders? Dr. Hilliard explores with Dr. Brown strategies to engage and connect the generations so that the goals of social change can be achieved. The key is understanding that the answer to our problems doesn't lie one hundred percent with one generation. There is so much to learn from each generation and we must be willing to learn from each other. If you have concerns about where we are headed as a society and you have a burden to see change, then you don't want to miss this episode! Find out more at: donaldhilliardjr.org.

Dr. Buster Soaries brings a unique perspective on the civil unrest of 2020, as someone who lived through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. He discusses the similarities and parallels of the strategies of the 60s, along with differences and the weaknesses of the current approach to achieving justice. In the wake of the George Floyd incident, and the current Black Lives Matter movement, Dr. Hilliard questions Dr. Soaries on what can be done to effectively achieve justice and what effective strategies of social engagement might look like. Dr. Soaries addresses the concerns of leadership, vision, as well as goals in our current social climate. For anyone who wants to see change today, this can't be missed! Listen in to this insightful and balanced discussion from a wise and experienced social justice advocate.