Did the Orlando Shooting Victims Make it to Heaven? Mali says NO Anger Erupts

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Gospel Singer Catches Heat for Implying Orlando Mass Shooting Victims Didn’t Make it Into Heaven!

Gospel singer Mali Music sparked controversy Tuesday when he implied that the Orlando mass shooting victims didn’t make it into Heaven.

During a concert at Howard Theater in Washington DC on Tuesday, the 28-year-old Arizona native asked the crowd, “Anybody want to make it into Heaven?”

As the audience applauded, he continued, “There was about, um, thirty couple of people who went to a place a couple of nights ago, and they wasn’t expecting to be thinking about Heaven too soon. So it’s important that you really do be trying to go.”

Reading between the lines, the implication is the victims didn’t make it into Heaven because they weren’t trying to go. In other words, they weren’t thinking about getting into Heaven since they were at a gay bar.

The cavalier manner in which he stated the number of victims as “thirty couple” (instead of 49) and the dismissive hand wave seemed condescending and judgmental.

Outraged Twitter users took the singer to task:

But Mali’s supporters were quick to jump to his defense, saying earwitnesses misinterpreted what he said.

Mali’s first album Mali Is… was nominated for a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. He is set to headline the Essence Music Festival in July.

Click here to watch the video and judge for yourself. He makes the statement around the 3:42 mark.

Thoughts?

Sacramento pastor, Defends sermon praising Orlando Gay Club killings

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UGH! Sacramento pastor, amid backlash, defends sermon praising Orlando killings  

A YouTube video in which a Sacramento Baptist church pastor praised the massacre of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida and called the victims pedophiles and predators was removed Tuesday for violating the website’s policy on hate speech.
The pastor, however, defended his comments Tuesday in response to the expressions of outrage. 

The videotaped sermon by Pastor Roger Jimenez of Verity Baptist Church  touched off a firestorm of controversy shortly after it was posted on Sunday. In it, Jimenez said that when he learned the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history had occurred at a gay club, he wasn’t sad. In fact, he felt quite the contrary. 

“I think Orlando, Fla., is a little safer tonight,” he told his congregation, equating members of the LGBT community to sexual predators. “The tragedy is more of them didn’t die…. I’m kind of upset he didn’t finish the job!” 

Jimenez also said if it were up to him, gays and lesbians would be lined up against a wall so a firing squad could “blow their brains out.” 

The reaction to the sermon has been swift and fierce. 

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson condemned Jimenez’s words. 

“The hateful comments made by a preacher in Sacramento do not reflect Christian values and have no place in our society. #standwithorlando,” he tweeted. 

But in an interview outside his home Tuesday, Jimenez told a Sacramento Bee reporter that his sermon was not meant to incite violence against LGBT people. 

“All I’m saying is that when people die who deserve to die, it’s not a tragedy,” he told the Bee. 

A group of 700 area pastors known as the Sacramento City Pastors Fellowship issued a statement responding to Jimenez’s sermon, the Bee reported. The statement said: 

"These comments, applauding the death of innocent people, are completely contrary to the Bible's teaching and God's heart…. His statements do not represent Jesus nor hundreds of Sacramento pastors whose hearts have been broken and are praying for the loved ones so tragically affected by this cowardly act." 

Meanwhile, a change.org petition was started to have Jimenez removed as the head of his own church. And by Tuesday morning, YouTube had removed the sermon altogether, calling it hate speech. The church regularly posts sermons by Jimenez on its YouTube page. 

YouTube users have responded angrily to many of the church’s videos in the last 24 hours, calling Jimenez a racist and a bigot. 

A new video that features an excerpt from the banned sermon was posted Tuesday morning. 

His church did not immediately return a request for comment. 

I guess he’s a Man after God’s own heart?

This Texas Youth Pastor was Caught molesting Kids & got ATTACKED!

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TEXAS YOUTH PASTOR GETS CAUGHT MOLESTING A CHILD AND GETS A BEAT DOWN!

A Texas youth pastor who has been accused of sexually assaulting at least three kids was beaten up by good Samaritans as he molested a child last week.

Willie Bell, 29, was caught in the act attacking a 6-year-old kindergarten student behind an apartment building in Dallas on March 31.

"If it wasn't for them, he probably would have done more to my child,” the child's mother told Fox 4. "It's painful. It's devastating. It's a nightmare."

Bell did not live at the apartment complex and did not know the child or the mother.

“When I heard he is a student pastor, I'm like really?” the mom told the station. “Who can you trust? Who can you believe?”

The youth pastor has also been accused of molesting two young boys in Cedar Hill in February while wearing "church shoes," according to the station.

United Methodist Church of North Texas says it is cooperating with authorities and has no knowledge of criminal acts at the church, Fox 4 reported.

Bell had actually been at Bray Elementary School in Cedar Hill to confer with the principal about launching a mentorship program, according to the station, but it never came to pass. Bell was never left alone with a student, Fox 4 reported.

In addition, Bell has been accused of showing porn videos to a child in Tennessee, the station reported.

This is just SICK! Maybe the Christian community need to stop worry about Target and Bathrooms and focus more on their congregates!

Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell Speaks out On LGBTQ’s In the Church!

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Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell On LGBTQ’s In the Church: Sin Is Sin & God FORGIVES!

The controversial topic of LGBTQ folks in the church doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Just last week, gospel artist Kirk Franklin apologized to the gay community, on behalf of the church, saying he feels like oftentimes they were negatively judged. And now gospel artist Erica Campbell is addressing the issue. In a recent press conference, she was asked by Team Curtains how she felt about transsexuals and gays within gospel and the church. To this she responded:

"I believe sin is sin and it exists and God forgives it just like everything else. I think our responsibility is to keep singing about Jesus. Keep telling the world he loves, saves, transforms and heals. I know there’s a lot of different conversations about the origins and the why’s and the how’s and I wish I had the answers to it, but I do not. But what I do know is that the Bible says that God so loved the world — it didn’t say the heterosexual or the homosexual; it didn’t say the Christian, the saved or the unsaved. It said for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever should believe in him, should not parish but have everlasting life. So that’s the only thing I can stay confident in. I rest on the word of God. I stand on the word of God. And we will all stand before him. And God won’t ask me my opinion. He won’t ask the people their opinion. We’ll have a one-on-one with the father."

She continues: eep sharing, keep loving, keep opening the doors of our churches, keep embracing and let God do the changing. I think a lot of times we try to be God. We try to make the change. Everybody has an issue. Sometimes peoples [issue] is a little more flamboyant than others. Maybe yours is lying and we can’t see your issue. We all have something to work on…My job is to love, not to judge.

WATCH:

I totally agree! Your Thoughts?

Bishop T.D. Jakes says The Church is changing stance on LGBT community!

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Bishop T.D. Jakes says The Church changing stance on LGBT community!

There’s long been a negative and tense history between the black church and the LGBT communities in America. And even though the LGBT rights movement has grown tremendously over the past few years and same-sex marriage has been legalized nationwide, there’s still a common thought that Black Christians are hostile and homophobic towards the LGBT community. However, Bishop T.D. Jakes recently sat down for an interview with “HuffPost Live,” and argued that the Black church is slowly progressing on the idea of sexuality.

While chatting with host Marc Lamont-Hill, Jakes explained that he thinks the relationship between the Black church and the LGBT community is improving.

“I think that it’s going to be diverse from church to church, every church has a different opinion on the issue and every gay person is different. And I think that to speak that the church, the Black church, the White church — or any kind of church you wanna call it — are all the same, is totally not true, ” Jakes said.

Jakes then explained that he believes that churches, although they shouldn’t be turning away people, have the right to worship as they see fit. And on the other hand, LGBT people have the right to find churches that embrace them and fit their beliefs.

“LGBTs of different types and sorts have to find a place of worship that reflects what your views are and what you believe like anyone else,” he said. “And the church should have its own convictions and values.”

Jakes then shared his own thinking on the matter and shared that it’s “evolved and evolving.”

“I think that where I am is to better understand we, the church, bought into the myth that this is a Christian nation,” Jakes said. And once you get past that …once you begin to understand that democracy, that a republic actually, is designed to be an overarching system to protect our unique nuances, then we no longer look to public policy to reflect biblical ethics.

“If we can divide, or what you would call separation of church and state, then we can dwell together more effectively because atheists, agnostics, Jews, all types of people, Muslims, pay into the government, the government then cannot reflect one particular view over another just because we’re the dominant group of religious people in [this] country because those numbers are changing every day. We need a neutralized government that protects our right to disagree with one another and agree with one another.” 

Thoughts?

C.O.G.I.C "Delivered" Man Andrew Caldwell STANDS BY his Deliverance!

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"Delivered" Man Andrew Caldwell SPEAKS OUT -- Says Viral Clip Was Not Planned...Stands By "Not Being Gay Anymore"...And Wants A Sponsor

By now, many folks have seen Andrew Caldwell at the COGIC 107th Holy Convocation where he steps before the church as asks for "more" deliverance.  He goes on to reveal that he is no longer attracted to men, he's now into women and the church erupts into a thunderous celebration. Admit it- you laughed.  Most of us did.  And made a meme or two.  But is there more to this story?

Andrew posted a statement about the video on Facebook, revealing that he was molested as a child, believes he actually enjoyed it at the time, and has "struggled" with his sexuality for many years.

My name is Andrew Caldwell. I appeared on a video at the recent Church of God In Christ International Convocation in St Louis. On that video I gave a testimony of deliverance from homosexuality. As a child, I was raped by a member of my own family. At that time I did not think of it as abuse. I kind of enjoyed it. I kept it to myself, not realizing how it had changed me. Growing up wasn't a pleasant experience. I was harassed, heckled, and ridiculed by classmates. Many told me that I would never amount to anything. This gave me the motivation to try to prove them wrong. Being fairly attractive as a young man, it was not difficult for me to get involved with other men. I have dated athletes, ministers, and celebrities. As time passed I got tired of this way of living. I always attended church. But I always found the same things in church that I found in the world. After joining my present church, it came to me that this lifestyle was not right. It seemed that the more I tried to quit on my own, the more intense was the temptation. All last week I fasted and prayed. On this past Saturday at the Convocation, there was an alter call. I came forward and offered my testimony. It was unscripted. Not only do I hope for my own deliverance but for the deliverance of others who may be struggling with their own issues. To my doubting detractors, I pray for you. To my supporters, I am grateful for your support and prayers

While some cynics would question whether this incident was staged, or wonder why the official COGIC logo is on the otherwise "spontaneous" video, this we did some browsing and learned this Andrew Caldwel cast is interesting, to say the least.  He recently sat for a Blog Radio interview that raised more questions than answers.

Here's a brief rundown:

He revealed that he’s been “gay” since the age of 7, but now, “I am truly delivered. I was delivered for a year. The Lord gave me a vision that if you continue to walk in this (homosexuality)…I was gonna die in a heart attack. I said LORD, I’m not ready to die.“

On his former lifestyle:

"I have not lied, I have not fornicated I have not slept with a man in a year since I have been delivered. I have no taste for a man. I have a taste for woman."

His advice to gays:

“God can deliver…but you have to want to be delivered. And then, it’s gonna take process.”

On his change from being a gay man to "liking women"

"I don’t hang out the places I used to go, I don’t do the things I used to do, I don’t say the things I used to say. I don’t buy the things I used to buy."

His hopes for the future

"I hope this video does get out…it can change a lives."

On the viral video:

It was not planned. He says he does not know who taped the video.

On response to the video:

He says he’s getting inbox messages from people who want to be delivered from homosexuality, and they're reaching out for help.

On people who criticize:

“Everybody has a past, but my future is my present. I don’t look back on my past,

Plans for the future:

"One day…I believe one day someone is gonna sponsor me so I can have a conference and fill that place up and hear everyone's story."

SIDEBAR:  Since the clip went viral, Andrew's ALLEGE mugshot (allegedly arrested for insurance fraud) has emerged.  We've also learned that he has a "few" books that he's written and is more than happy to promote with his newfound fame.

During another interview below, at the (1:21:16) mark, the radio host comments on the fact that Andrew could potentially make a lot of money from his "story" and the conferences that could be marketed around homosexuality conversion and deliverance.  This makes us wonder, is this a big scheme?  We don't have the answers. 

LISTEN: 

Check Out Religion Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with churchfolk on BlogTalkRadio with Church Folk Revolution Radio on BlogTalkRadio

You decide....

Florida Church Refused To Hold Man's Funeral because he was GAY!

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Florida Church Refused To Hold Man's Funeral because he was GAY!

A church in Tampa, Fla. canceled a man’s funeral after learning that he was gay. The day before his funeral, the family of Julion Evans learned that the ceremony at the New Hope Baptist Missionary Church wasn’t happening.

The Tampa Bay Times reports:

Pastor T.W. Jenkins, who heads the Tampa church, canceled the Aug. 2 service after several members complained, according to Evans’ partner, Kendall Capers. They had seen his obituary in newspapers, which listed Capers as his husband.

Capers said the pastor told the family that to conduct a funeral for a gay man would be “blasphemous.”

“We can’t even have a dignified service like the next person could?” Capers said. “This is 2014, and we’re still going through this.”

Jenkins did not respond to several calls and visits from the Tampa Bay Times. No one answered the door at his Brandon home. A woman at the church business office said he was busy in meetings. Other church leaders listed in public records also declined to talk about the incident.

“Based on our preaching of the Scripture, we would have been in error to allow the service in our church,” Jenkins said in an interview, according to WFLA-TV. “I’m not trying to condemn anyone’s lifestyle, but at the same time I am a man of God, and I have to stand up for my principles.”

Jenkins has been the head pastor of the Tampa church since 1995, according to the church website. In March, he delivered the opening invocation at Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s annual state of the city address.

The church is described on its website as a “Christ centered” and “biblically based” place of worship. It offers ministries “open to visitors searching for a spirit-filled place to call home.”

Jenkins expressed regret giving them such short notice. The family held the ceremony at the funeral home that hosted Evans’ wake.

The 42-year-old was a native of Tampa. He died from amyloidosis, an incurable and rare disease that affects the organs. 

Capers, was Evans’ partner for over 15 years. 

WATCH:

I have only one question. Will the Pastor do this for every member in the church is isn't living a saved life, Drug dealers, Members who children are criminals and get killed?

The Daily Buzz For July 3

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Halle Berry lands on EW Cover for her new TV series 'Extant'

Cop shows, doctor shows, courtroom-based dramas–for years, Halle Berry had heard pitches for just about every iteration of what’s already on TV. Nothing seemed invigorating enough for her to briefly abandon a still-thriving film career. Then, in the fall of 2013, a spec script called Extant started a feeding frenzy in Hollywood, with just about every major TV player–ABC, FX, Netflix, you name it–trying to buy the sci-fi thriller. As soon as CBS prevailed, CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tasser knew exactly who she wanted to play Molly Woods, an astronaut who returns from a year-long solo mission in space with a baby (possibly alien in origin) in her belly.

Related

Spielberg/Halle Berry series 'Extant' gets mysterious trailer Berry, who spoke to EW in an exclusive interview for this week’s cover story on Extant (airing July 9 on CBS). “I thought, ‘Wow. This is different.’ It’s innovative. Molly is a strong female character, which I really love to play. Molly is a complicated woman with a complicated family.  Who is a woman who goes away to space for a year and leaves her husband, first of all? Who is a woman who comes back pregnant and tries to handle it somehow on her own? That just felt like a complication that I wanted to be a part of.”

Extant has all the elements of an exciting new sci-fi series: spaceships, futuristic toys, aliens–even Steven Spielberg, who is an executive producer through his company Amblin TV, which is also responsible for CBS’ summer hit Under the Dome. “I remember walking on the stage and someone going, ‘Oh, Steven is here by the way,’” says Goran Visnjic, who plays Molly’s husband John. “I was like, ‘Really? Is my hair okay?’”

For more on Extant, including an interview with Steven Spielberg, pick up the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands this Friday

Beyoncé Changes Lyrics to song to Address Jay Z Cheating Allegations

During her stop in Ohio Beyonce switched the lyrics of her B’day track sparking speculation that she was referencing infidelity on the part of husband Jay Z.

According to Ebengregory

The song, which appeared on Beyonce’s album after released and unreleased versions from Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Hudson respectively, references a six-year relationship. Performing the song in a white wedding dress on Saturday (June 28), Beyonce changed the lyrics to reportedly correspond with the amount of time her and Jay Z have been together.

“I know she was attractive, but I was here first,” she sang. “Been riding with you for 12 years / Why did I deserve to be treated this way by you?”

The Daily News reports that the lyric didn’t apply to Beyonce’s then four-year relationship with Jay Z upon its release in 2006. Using their 2002 hit “Bonnie & Clyde” as a reference point, the couple’s relationship seems to have started around the same time.

On Sunday (June 29), a prerecorded performance of Jay Z and Beyonce on their On The Run tour aired as a part of this year’s 2014 BET Awards. The couple also took home an award for Best Collaboration for “Drunk In Love.” Their currently running tour is scheduled to include more than 20 dates in both North America and Europe.

Lord, Beyoncé once again will have the kids talking…

Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett: Headed For Divorce Court?

It’s been a dicey time for the marriage of Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett and if things don’t get better they may become another celebrity divorce statistic.

Per an Us Weekly report, the 29-year-old former “Girls Next Door” gal (who gave birth to daughter Alijah in May) was furious when her hubby didn’t publicly deny rumors that he’d had an affair with transsexual YouTube star Ava Sabrina London.

From there, Kendra began investigating Hank’s personal effects and wound up finding a suspicious charge on his credit card.

Wilkinson "flipped out, punched walls in their Calabasas, Calif. home, threw their wedding photos into the pool, and even pulled off her wedding ring, flushing it down the toilet."

At this point, Hank has been kicked out of the family home and Kendra is said to be seriously considering divorce.

August Alsina – “Benediction” (Ft. Rick Ross)

August Alsina, who shared the stage with Chris Brown and Trey Songz at the BET Awards on Sunday, unveils the visuals for his song, “Benediction” – featuring Rick Ross. In the clip, the R&B sensation puffs on a cigar while sitting poolside, reflecting on how far he’s come – and joins Rozay as he delivers his verse. There’s also an appearance from DJ Khaled.

Fans will soon find the singer on his “Testimony Live” tour, which kicks off August 14th Seattle.

Watch August’s “Benediction” HERE!

Deion Sanders Refuses to Pay Ex-Wife’s Lawyers 250k, Despite Court Order

Deion Sanders refuses to pay his ex-wife’s lawyer bills she racked up during their divorce, despite being ordered to hand over 250k. And now the lawyer has filed documents after waiting over two years.

[On September 22, 2011, Deion served Pilar Biggers-Sanders with divorce papers. Deion then backed away from the story and denied he and Pilar would be divorcing. By December 17, 2011, Sanders again admitted he was, in fact, getting divorced. On March 12, 2013, Sanders was awarded primary custody of his two sons, Shilo and Shedeur, and Pilar was awarded primary custody of their daughter, Shelomi. However, one week later, a judge awarded custody of Shelomi to Deion, as well.]

Back in May 2012, the 46-year-old legendary NFL’er was ordered to pay his ex-wife Pilar Sanders’ 250k legal bill for her divorce lawyer Larry Friedman. The Collin County, Texas judge came to the decision after days of testimony and Pilar taking the stand.

Then on June 3rd, Pilar’s lawyer filed documents to start the process of placing a lien on Deion’s property and assets. An abstract of judgement was filed in Collin County records which states Deion hasn’t paid, despite the court ordering him to do so.

Friedman (Pilar’s lawyer) filing the court documents means he is coming after Sanders. If payment arrangements are not made, the next step will result in lien, which most likely will be placed on his mega mansion in Prosper, Texas (which also happens to be the home of the the many alleged domestic disputes between him and his ex-wife).

To see the court Documents TheJasmineBrand has them RIGHT HERE!

From The Fashion Files: Skylar Diggins DEBUTS The Nike Pro 360 Fit System Bra Collection  

Skylar Diggins is a spokeswoman for the Nike Pro 360 Fit System.  See stills from the ad campaign inside and check out Kanye West's new collection for A.P.C.

After more than two years of research, Nike is ready to debut a revolutionary new bra collection and Nike Pro 360 Fit System and they've tapped WNBA star Skylar Diggins as a spokesmodel.

Since signing with Roc Nation Sports, we seen Skylar turn up in several ad campaigns.  She told the South Bend Tribune, “It was funny, because people were asking me, after seeing all the stuff I did, ‘Do you play basketball anymore?’”

Kanye West REVEALS New A.P.C. Collection And Release Date

Kanye West has revealed that he'll release a second collection for A.P.C. (Fall/Winter 2014) on July 17th. It will be 'Ye's second time teaming up with A.P.C. founder Jean Touitou. You'll recall that their 1st collection sold out in minutes! 

Did you see anything you liked?

Cam’ron & A$AP Mob Appear and Others In GQ‘s “Harlem Reshuffled” Spread

From Dame Dash’s #HarlemSticksTogether campaign to the pages of GQ, The Diplomats own Cam’ron and Uptown’s new clique on the block, A$AP Mob, consistently put on for the neighborhood that bred them.

The renowned magazine created a spread called “Harlem Reshuffled,” featuring numerous creatives that breathe life into one of the more historical sections of New York City. Representing Hip-Hop are the aforementioned rappers and Killa’s significant other JuJu. All dressed to the nines, separate photos show both parties garbed in fine haberdashery by Brunello Cucinelli, John Varvatos, Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga and more.

Proven to be jacks of all trades, the respective rappers can throw on fresh digs and release quality music to boot. Cam’ron debuted his First Of The Month Vol. 1 EP today (July 1) and A$AP Mob are readying their upcoming L.O.R.D. compilation album, due to release soon.

Check out all of them HERE

NICE!

Moguldom Films’ Black Church Inc. Creates Thought-Provoking Questions At BET Experience Film Festival

Politics and religion. The two topics of discussion you’re taught to steer clear of as youth. Where as the former usually draws its allegiance from a particular social standing, the latter is based on faith principles that are usually instilled during upbringing. To go against one’s religious beliefs is the equivalent of badmouthing their mother. The discussion never ends well.

Moguldom Films latest documentary, Black Church Inc. challenges the sacred union between church members and one very distinct hub of organized religion: the Black church.

Christianity knows many colors, credos and sects but since the apex of slavery in America, there have been African-Americans who decided to worship Jesus by the custom design of their choosing. Like the Catholic churches in the centuries past, the Black congregation has grown into a business, and in some instances, using the cloth to mask its corruption.

Members of Moguldom Media Group including President of Entertainment Brett Dismuke and Bossip’s Deputy Editor Janeé Bolden were in attendance for the BET Experience Film Festival, which ran adjacent to the 2014 BET Awards. The hour-long film was screened at Regal Cinemas LA Live for dozens of curious viewers, whose interest piqued even more during the Q&A portion of the event.

As previously stated, actively questioning financial matters (or overall intent) of a church is grounds for opening a holy can of worms, but Dismuke explained the idea for the film came about from what MMG’s readers were saying in the comments on the site.

“We are not trying to take a stance,” he clarified to the audience. “We do not have an opinion. By taking that data and putting it on film, we allow the debate to continue. This one in particular it was hard to present both sides of the argument because the debates online are one-sided. There are not a lot of people defending the mega churches. Not saying those people don’t exist but they really aren’t present on sites like Madame Noire or Mommy Noire.”

Giving truth to the base Dismuke said the film was rooted in, members of the audience conveyed various reactions. One woman inadvertently went on a tangent about her futile experiences in her church home and another admitted to seeing her church in the film, vowing to return on Sunday to ask more questions. But there was no outrage to the tidbits of information that had witnessed like preachers such as Creflo Dollar and Bishop Eddie Long showing their keen understanding of the IRS laws which shields them from having to account for the cash they take in.

Even members of the audience who refrained from asking any questions nodded in silent approval to themselves as the exited the theater. The film offered up a unabiased platform from experts such as CNN’s John Blake to display their educated opinions and gave viewers manna food for thought.

Black Church Inc. is available for purchase/rent on iTunes, Google Play and more

Nike Air Foamposite “Concord” 

Air Jordan’s cannon of sneakers have too many classics to count, and have inspired the design of products using different silhouettes. In fact, a Nike Air Foamposite coined the “Concord” released on (June 28).

Modeled after the 11th iteration of the Air Jordan, the kicks are inverted in a way. While the upper on the original is mostly white, the majority of this shoe is black with white trimming. Subtle blue accents on the tongue, heel, and Nike sign add an interesting detail, as does the icy blue sole.

The Nike Air Foamposite “Concord” will be available at select retailers for $230, but your safest bet is to check Nike.com

Michelle J. Howard Becomes First Female 4-Star Admiral In U.S. Navy History

Michelle J. Howard has had a lot of historical firsts in her storied Navy career. She was the first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship. She was the first African-American and the first female Vice Chief for Naval Operations.

And she was the first admiral selected from the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1982, making her the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (selected for flag rank).

Now she can add another notch to her decorated uniform. She was just promoted as the first four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy history. Her previous rank of three-star was also a first.

Reports Washington Post:

Surrounded by friends, family and peers, Adm. Michelle J. Howard was promoted to her new rank at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. She’ll take over as the vice chief of naval operations, the No. 2 officer in the service. She is not only the first woman to hold the job, but the first African-American.

It’s the latest achievement for Howard, who previously was the first African-American woman to serve as a three-star officer in the U.S. military and command a U.S. Navy ship. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said her promotion is a “representation of how far we have come, and how far she has helped bring us.”

“She is also a great example of how much we as a nation and a Navy lose if we put artificial barriers in,” Mabus told a crowd of about 150 people. “If we don’t judge people based on their ability, based on their capability. I hope I have always been passionate about that, but I know the intensity has increased since I am the father of three daughters, and I refuse to believe that there are any ceilings for them, glass or otherwise. That they can get to wherever their abilities can take them. And with that, they and countless others in the Navy now have a wonderful role model in Michelle Howard.”

With that said, Mabus added that “there is no news here today,” because the Navy picked the best officer, Howard, for her new job.

Howard is perhaps best known for leading Task Force 151, which oversaw counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. After Somali pirates attacked the cargo ship MV Maersk Alabama and captured its top officer, Capt. Richard Phillips, in April 2009, she devised a plan with others to get him back, dispatching the USS Bainbridge, a destroyer, to help. Navy SEAL snipers eventually opened fire on a small lifeboat carrying Phillips and three pirates, killing the bandits and freeing him.

The story of Captain Phillips was turned into an Oscar-nominated, box-office thriller last year.

#FelonCrushFriday Star Jeremy Meeks Lands Modeling Contract

Never underestimate the power of the thirst.

After woman from all over the country swooned over Jeremy Meeks’ mug shot, the 30-year-old criminal–with a rap sheet longer than Manute Bol–has earned himself a modeling contract.

Via Gawker:

TMZ reports that Meeks has been signed by L.A.-based Blaze Models. The deal was apparently negotiated by his new agent, Gina Rodriguez, a former porn star who represents a D-list circus of oddities including Farrah Abraham, Octomom, Tan Mom and V. Stiviano.

Blaze previously told TMZ that because the gangster look is so hot right now, Meeks could rake in $15,000-30,000 a month as a model.

That’s if he gets out of jail any time soon. Meeks’ bail is currently set at $1.1 million.

“I’m not exactly sure why it’s so much money. That’s what we’re trying to figure now,” Rodriguez told Fox 411. “We’re trying to secure him some of these deals so that when he gets out, it can change his life, literally.”

Rodriguez is also looking at reality show options for Meeks.

Meanwhile, Meeks’ attorney has requested that he be measured for well-fitting civilian clothes to wear during his court appearances, as befits his client’s new status as a modeling-industry professional.

Meeks became an instant Internet celebrity on June 18 when the Stockton Police Department posted his mugshot on their Facebook page. It has since been liked more than 100,000 times.

Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone: Dynamic Comedy Duo for GQ

They’re a match made in Heaven, and Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone had a blast during their recent photo shoot for the July 2014 issue of GQ magazine.

In the feature, the “Tammy” costars/real-life spouses play with lipstick and get all gussied up in country western wear, complete with toy guns.

Meanwhile, Ben commented on that strange bonus scene after the credits in “Bridesmaids” in which their characters get freaky with a footlong sub.

According to Falcone, "Melissa was like, ‘Hurry, take your shirt off and put on this lunch meat.’ I'm like, ‘I guess this is what we do on Thursdays?’”

LHHATL’s Own Karlie Redd Spotted Getting Cozy With Chief Keef During BET Weekend

The desperation for Karlie Redd to stay relevant is real… I guess she is no longer with Young Joc ? Anyway  during a party held by Interscope Records, Chief Keef partied with his label mates including Keyshia Cole and Machine Gun Kelly..

I thought Machine Gun Kelly was still with Diddy?  He was also spotted with Karlie Redd getting cozy trying to sneak holla at her

HMMMMMM Chick is thirsty It maybe innocent, she could of been just passing by him and he decided to sneak a little whisper, but I doubt it.. !

The Game Explains Identify Of New, 9-Year-Old Daughter

On Father’s Day, rapper The Game (real name Jayceon Taylor) had some fans puzzled, after introducing his new daughter, Madison, on Instagram. Prior to Madison, the public had only been familiar with three of his children, all of which had been shown on his VH1 show, Marrying The Game. After he posted a photo of Madison, there was much speculation as to when she was born and who her mother was. On Wednesday, The Game set the record straight, formally introducing the public to his new 9-year-old daughter. He writes:

"So let’s get one thing clear for ALL & EVERYONE that has questions about MY DAUGHTER  @daddyslilworld  !!!!!!!  She is my daughter !!!  I am her FATHER !!!  Doesn’t matter if I am "

"biologically her father or if I adopted her or if a father figure was absent in her life the last 9 years of it or not…… What matters is from the moment I laid eyes on her I knew that WE BOTH we’re put into each other’s lives for a reason. Her birth father, whomever he might be has been absent from her life since her birth & once I found that out, after already falling in love with her for the months prior to me accepting the role of her FATHER, I immediately had several conversations with her mother (who works very hard for all of her children & doesn’t NEED a thing) we agreed that I would take the place as Madison’s FATHER. "

"I take the role of FATHER very seriously with my 3 already prior to adding Madison to MY FAMILY so 1 more is nothing more than an easy task & I’m just as excited to have her as she is to have me !!!! She is not the daughter of one of my friends that died as the internet says, nor is her mother struggling or in need of any help raising her children…. The thing is, there was a beautiful sweet girl who was in need of a father & who more perfect than ME ? So with that being said….. @daddyslilworld is MY DAUGHTER & I AM HER FATHER…….NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT !!!!! I will be here for her, @littlemisscali@kingjusticetaylor & @harlemtaylor as long as I breathe & my 4 children will never have to worry about ANYTHING as long as I’m breathing God’s good air !!!! & for those haters I see in my & her comments….. Worry bout your OWN kids !!!!! Sh*t 1/2 y’all need to be worried bout trying to get ya own dead beat as baby daddy’s to step up & be 1 tenth of the father I am to my kids….. One thing is fasho, your opinion is NOT going to change the fact that I will be Madison’s father FOREVER !!!!! That’s my baby girl…. Get used to seeing her….. Sincerely, her FATHER !!!!!"

There ya have it. Check out The Game’s bambino’s taking over Disney Land.

Cute!

LaLa Anthony Nabs 4th Latina Magazine Cover, Talks Having Another Child

For her fourth Latina cover, LaLa Anthony kept it white hot for the cover of Latina Magazine’s latest issue. The TLAM2 star celebrated her 35th birthday recently (June 25th) and she has plenty to celebrate.

TLAM2 landed the #1 spot at the box office it’s opening weekend (raking in $33M) and she’s also starring in 50 Cent’s new STARZ series, "Power." As she pursues her acting career, she has become everyone’s favorite BFF.

In the cover story, the mother/mogul talked about adding a new addition to her family, her new role as a relationship guru and how she and her husband, NBA baller Carmelo Anthony, keep their marriage hot.  And yes, there's talk of having another kiddie.

Here are the highlights:

On being ready to have another child: “I do start feeling bad because [my son, Kiyan, 7, will] ask about a baby [sibling] and I feel a little selfish. If I did have another child, the reason would be that I wouldn’t want my son to be alone in the world as an only child. But we’ll see.”

On the reaction to her first book, The Love Playbook: “Almost every day I get handfuls of people coming up to me and telling me, ‘Your book changed my life. You gave me confidence to leave an abusive relationship and believe in myself.’ To me that’s the true success, not necessarily being number one.”

On her perfect night with her family: “My husband, my son and I have the best time when it’s just the three of us. It’s nice to all be together, put a movie on, lie in the bed and laugh. That’s my idea of a perfect, fun time.”

Latina's August issue hits newsstands and Nook Newsstand on July 8th.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

‘Baby You’re A Firework’

Normally I’d say that hairstyle is ridiculous, but that puff reminds me of a firework going off and that gets me excited for the 4th of July! What up short work week?! ‘Murrica!

HAVE A GREAT INDEPENDENCE DAY ALL!!!

EFREM