Salvation, redemption, and judgement are themes we as the body of Christ are familiar with. However, God's grace is a topic that is overlooked. God's grace is a major key for our everyday life's. Without God's grace we don't wake up in our right minds (being mentally, physically, and spiritually functional). The separation of day and night is another example of God's grace. Whether we believe it or not God's grace must be acknowledged (one way or the other).
Lap dances, blowjobs, and brothels. Whatever your cravings desire you can get your money's worth at The Spot. A number of juicy bottoms have come and gone through the doors of The Spot, but the hips of Jas are a national treasure for the ages (past, present, and future). Wearing her orange and green outfit Jas strides along the way to The Spot. As she is on her way to provide for herself and her twin daughters Nina and Natalie, Jas mutters, "Lord keep me. Just for another day." A place that used to brighten her eyes and fill her with so much joy now fills her up with rage and makes her feel like the true definition of a female dog. Working the poles Jas looks up at the ceiling mirror and into her reflection. "Jas, Babygirl what were you thinking at eighteen?" she said to herself. Instead of tearing up Jas puts that sadness into her routine. Collecting eight grand Jas is done with her shift. On her way back home it's as though she has sung this song far too many times. The strings of the violins are false. The horns of the brass section have gone out of tune. One may suggest that The Ballad of Jasime Hamilton should be brought to a close.
On Sunday morning Jasime, Nina, and Natalie attend Epiphany Fellowship Church (simply called Epiphany). An orange blazer and skirt topped off with green heels and a green dress hat is Jasime's choice of wardrobe. Banging on a green tambourine Jasime (often called Lady J by members of the congregation) hopes to sing a new song in Christ. Her future endeavor is to help young women build up their self-esteem and self-worth. Jasime has sworn to become more active and protective as it pertains to being a mother to her daughters. Thinking of the goodness of the Lord Jasmine jumps out her seat and praise dances until her shoes and hat hit the ground.
From Edenwald's Southside to Wall Street. If there is a person who understands the concept of starting from the bottom it would be Robin "Gladiator" Davis. Both Davis and her co-workers walk into their station like outlaws in the desert. The second her purple and black Porsche appears people clear the way. A power suit, Stacy Adams, and an open collar shirt is Robin's wardrobe of choice. The blonde buzz cut that sits on her head makes all the men at work envy her (not to mention that it blends well with her sand-colored skin tone). Pache (Patricia) is Robin's second-in-command. She is also the love of Robin's complicated life. Growing up Robin developed an innate hatred for men. It started when one of her uncles molested her when she was seven. Robin and Pache express their love for one another in private. Anywhere they go in the public they play the role of co-workers. Behind every successful person is always trauma and wounds. Robin is no different to this equation. Growing up in an Apostolic household and family Robin was forced to hop the fence between a feminine female and an aggressive butch. The only place that can provide for her internal needs was the alter.
On Sunday morning Robin is an usher at Epiphany. A burgundy blazer and slacks topped off with matching Stacy Adams and a dress shirt is Robin's typical church attire. Members of the congregation talk about Robin's wardrobe and butch mannerisms, but she pays them no mind. She is also called "the crying usher" due to the fact that she cries out to the Lord in between the rows during offering. Robin faithfully prays for the ability to deny her fleshly desires. Receiving revelation from the Lord, Robin has to face the reality that forgiveness is a lonely road taken only by few.
A Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Columbia University. A Master's degree in Accounting from NYU. And a PhD in Business Administration from Howard University. These are just some of the accomplishments on the resume of London Pattison. Once a real estate agent London is now a self-made businesswoman specializing in merchandise such as t-shirts and self-care products. On the outside looking in London may present herself as Ms. Independent but behind closed doors there is a sin that plagues her. Since she was sixteen London has had a history with experimenting with Lean. At first it helped her with her panic attacks. Introduced to her by one of her exes lean became her go to device. Her mother took notice of this and confronted London about it. Being the typical teenager London was determined to get her way. That wasn't until her Aunt Rachelle step in and started bringing her to Epiphany. At Epiphany London would join the choir and would become a liturgical dancer. Between motherhood and marriage that on the rope's times are tough. The person London can go to is not her Aunt Rachelle (now deceased), not her mother (who she barely speaks to), but a good old cup of lean. Codeine mixed with Sprint may cause your pain and stress to be numb, but it doesn't make it go away.
On Sunday morning London sits in the seats that are only a few feet away from the pulpit. Members of the congregation know her as First Lady Pattison not London. As the First Lady of Epiphany London always wears the sharpest of outfits with matching colors. Sitting quietly in submission London sits and listens to the head of the congregation and her husband Bishop Daniel Pattison preach his sermon. The title of the sermon was God's Grace. Bishop Pattison has preached this sermon a number of times but this time around the message hit home for a lot of people. London knows deep down in her spirit that she needs help. The help she needs is not in a substance or in material things, but in the Lord.
Bishop Pattison is finished preaching and the Word has settled into the people's hearts and souls. While alter call is taking place the Holy Ghost is moving rapidly. Lady J and her twin daughters Nina and Natalie walk to the alter. Robin being an usher was at the alter first. First Lady Pattison led by example by going to the alter bowing her knees and head in prayer. Epiphany may be known as "the big house that sits on the hill" located at 1014 East 227th Street, Bronx, NY 10466. But if you ask anybody who has attended Epiphany, they will tell you that it's a church that takes the Word of God serious and prays for the community around them. Voices are lifted. Bodies are being healed. Members of the congregation are receiving the Holy Ghost for the first time. During this alter call there are so many things being displayed. God's love is being displayed. God's kingdom is being displayed. The ultimate display is God's grace.
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