What comes to mind when one thinks of Wellness? One might say it's the absence of illness or disease, but true Wellness is more than that. Wellness is better defined as optimal health and vitality, encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, interpersonal, social, and environmental well-being (Western Connecticut State University).

“What is it?!”, they said to each other as a bright light from Heaven pierced through the clouds overhead. Confused and afraid, they wondered at the magnificent splendor of the great light.

It was the summer of 1992 when my wife and I attended our first Building the Bridge Conference. The conference was being held in Tampa, Florida, and was at that time referred to as “The Conference on Evangelism Into The Black Community.” It was the first time within the parameters of the United Pentecostal Church International that we witnessed the full cultural expression of the Black/African American community put on display in one of our organization’s officially endorsed conferences.

Loving Yourself as God Loves You: The Foundation for True Love

What if the key to understanding true love lies in learning to love ourselves the way God loves us?

In my 20 years of practice in the mental health field, I often encounter individuals with a distorted view of love. Many express sentiments like, “I love you more than I love myself,” which, though seemingly romantic, highlights an imbalance. True love, as Alan Cohen suggests, starts with recognizing our inherent worth. He writes, “If you knew you were fully loved…your anxiety would disappear.”

In a world filled with distractions and conflicting ideologies, living in alignment with Apostolic values can often feel like navigating a complex maze. "Your Values, Your Choices: A Guide to Apostolic Living" is a beacon of clarity, offering practical wisdom for individuals seeking to weave their faith into the fabric of their daily lives. This article isn't merely a collection of rules; it's an invitation to embrace a lifestyle that resonates with your deepest beliefs, leading to a life filled with purpose, joy, and spiritual fulfillment.

The phrase “shall offend” (Matthew 18:6) is derived from the Greek word skandalizo (Strong’s G4625) from which we derive the word “scandal.” It means to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way; to entice to sin; to cause one to fall away.

If I were to write a letter to my younger self, I’d remind him that despite the many different cultures and walks of life that abound on this Earth, humanity has shared experiences and emotions that bind us together. Furthermore, when approached with an open mind, exposure to cultural differences can create rich opportunities for hope and resiliency to bloom even in tragic loss.