WSSN Stories

By Lou Yeboah

As believers we’ve all been there. We pray, and we pray, and we pray some more, but in return our prayers are not answered, atleast when we want them. And this silence can be difficult, frustrating even excruciating. Well I want you to know that you are not the only one where, whom have experience, “The Silent Treatment,” so to speak. The Bible tells the story of a man named Job, who was well acquainted with God’s silence. In his pain and suffering, he cried out to God. He asked for answers. And he kept asking. But for the first 37 chapters of the Book of Job, his cries for God’s help and relief were met only by God’s deafening silence.

I want you to know that as Christians, we are not always going to hear God’s voice, but from Job we can learn a few practical things to do when God seems silent. Examine our lives. Begin by asking ourself the question, is there any unconfessed sin in my life? And make sure nothing is blocking you from being able to hear God’s voice. [Psalm 66:18] Accept God’s Sovereignty. Recognize that God can be silent. There is no obligation for God to answer you, inform you or let you know anything. He is able to do as He pleases always, everywhere, forever.

 You know the Gospel of John tells a story about Jesus’ friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. When Jesus found out that Lazarus was ill, he didn’t rush to Lazarus’ house to heal him. Instead, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days [John 11:6]. And before Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus died. To Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus’ silence could have been interpreted as neglect — that Jesus didn’t care or didn’t want to help them. This mirrors many of the emotions we feel when God doesn’t immediately answer our cries for help.

Listen, just because God seems silent doesn’t mean you should doubt Him or stop praying. God’s silence isn’t a license for you to turn your back on Him. Instead, it’s an invitation to press forward and seek Him even more diligently. The psalmists modeled crying out to God. David said, “Oh my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:2). Job also continually cries out to God, asking Him to answer. For pages of the Book of Job, God is silent. But in chapter 38, God answers — and questions Job. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” asks God. “Tell Me, if you have understanding” (38:4). Job was reminded….God answers prayer in His time and not our….. on that note, I encourage you to “Keep Hope Alive!”

SACRAMENTO, CA—- The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has announced it will administer a $378,000 grant involving Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California. The grant will boost community outreach efforts by MADD to help reduce impaired driving and lower the number of Californians killed or injured in DUI crashes.

The grant was awarded to ABC by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Through this grant, ABC and MADD California will partner together to reduce impaired driving in California. Additionally, MADD will educate the public about impaired driving in the effort to reduce driving deaths and injuries.

“MADD California is happy to work in collaboration with ABC and OTS to help end impaired driving, prevent underage drinking, and educate California communities about the perils of drunk and drugged driving says Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director.  We appreciate the confidence ABC and OTS bestows upon MADD California to carry out its vision.”

MADD California brings awareness to students and DUI offenders about the consequences and impact of impaired driving through collaboration with educational leaders and institutions, public forums for students, and parents. MADD California also facilitates volunteer speakers who share their personal stories to a variety of audiences. They also use other tools to enhance educational efforts such as distributing educational materials to the community at public venues, and providing information to the public. 

“ABC is committed to this educational effort by MADD to make the highways, roads, and streets safer in California,’ said ABC Director Jacob Appelsmith.

MADD California works closely with safety groups whose mission can assist in the battle to eliminate impaired driving. The grant program activities will run through September 30, 2020. 

ABC’s mission is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach

OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Eve Symonett, a native of Loma Linda, California, joined the Navy to be able to travel and be a part of a community that’s bigger than a single person.

Now, 10 years later, Symonett serves as a yeoman with the “The Grey Knights” of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 46, working with the Navy’s cutting-edge maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

“This command has a high tempo and alleviates complacency when there is always something going on,” said Symonett.

Symonett, a 1998 graduate of Monterey Bay Academy, with VP-46, a high-tech maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron, is tasked with monitoring the world’s oceans in the state-of-the-art P-8A “Poseidon.”

Symonett is also currently enrolled at Brandman University seeking a degree in applied studies.

“I’m responsible for administration procedures, office management and customer service,” said Symonett.

Symonett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Loma Linda.

“Growing up in my hometown taught me the love of life and appreciation of everything,” said Symonett. “It’s all about balance and if you don’t have that you can’t be successful.”

VP-46’s primary mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence gathering missions. They deploy around the world to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, is a replacement aircraft for the legacy P-3C “Orion”. According to Navy officials, leveraging the experience and technology of the successful P-3C “Orion” with the needs of the fleet, the P-8A is designed to be combat-capable, and to improve an operator’s ability to efficiently conduct anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

As the Navy transitions to the full capacity with the P-8A “Poseidon”, the aircraft continues the work- horse tradition established by the P-3C “Orion”. The P-8A has a planned state-of-the-art open architecture mission system and next-generation sensors. These capabilities give warfighters added protection. The aircraft empowers the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A “Poseidon” has significant growth potential, with planned, phased-in technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity and higher-operating altitude.

“The mission overall for the Navy is to bring peace and allow free movement in the sea, so what we do is vital to the mission,” said Symonett.

Serving in the Navy means Symonett is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Symonett is most proud of earning a volunteer achievement medal.

“The community I was raised in was very outreach oriented,” said Symonett. “We were service oriented and we all learned to love others well.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Symonett and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a sub-culture that aims to push the bar higher,” said Symonett.

By Lou Yeboah

Ain’t that ’bout a pickle! The point being that a dog is no more revolted by its own vomit than a fool by his own folly; they both go back to that which is vile and disgusting.  Why? Because the dog doesn’t have any sense and neither does the fool. The point Solomon makes is simple: Fools keep on returning to their dirty old habits, no matter how disgusting they are. [Proverbs 26:11].  I urge you though, to hear the warning of the Lord to a lame man that He healed, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” [John 5:14]. I tell you, it’s time to stop going around and around the “mountain” in your life and be the “overcomer” God has created you to be. Choose to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God …” [Ephesians 4:22, 24].

Granted, so many times people, not knowing any better, just live the way they have always lived…  suffering from the outcome of broken lives and wounded souls.  Overwhelmed by the sins of their past and the sins committed against them. The truth is though, you do not have to be broken anymore!  You don’t have to be overcome by those sins that have so easily ensnared you. Instead you can be the overcomer God wants you to be.  I assure you: If you would say to your mountain that continue to ensare you, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you. Can you believe today?  Are you ready to be an overcomer?

I’m telling you, you don’t have to go around that mountain anymore. You don’t have to continue in sin.   Whatever the mountain is today is your day to cast it into the sea.  If only you would face your mountain by faith in the name of Jesus and declare, “Get behind me, Satan!” It is finish! No more, in the name of Jesus! For there is absolutely nothing that the power and grace of God cannot set you completely free from. So declare and decree that, “sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace.”

For “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [[Matthew 6:14-15]

 “What shall you say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” [Romans 6:14-15]. Don’t let the power of sin hold you hostage. Realize sin’s power is broken and you are free in Jesus Name. No more bondage. Amen and Amen.

By Corey Jackson

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- Our Society Is Sick. It’s infected with Hate. This is the reality I came to after the death of Diego at Landmark Middle School and while watching the DC movie JOKER (I should get paid for the plug), it broke my heart to see adults pushing and threatening for the incarceration of the students involved. It was disappointing to see the tragedy being laid at the feet of their parents. What was even more disgusting to see adults using hate and violence to deal with this issue.

This is but a reflection of our society as a whole. You see, violence and hate is taught. It is modeled so perfectly by the actions and words of you and me. No one is innocent.

We saw the sickness again when Brandt Jean hugged his brother’s killer Amber Guyger. Throughout this nation, we saw our friends, family, and self-proclaimed Christians attack a young man in mourning, for showing LOVE to a fellow human being who will receive consequences for her crime. Yes, she is a murderer.  Yes, racism was probably involved. However, true LOVE has nothing to do with the actions of the other person. It is not based on how we feel about someone else. Instead of responding with hate, he chose to respond with love. Love doesn’t mean no consequences. Love doesn’t mean support injustice. Love means challenging you to be your better self. Love means a commitment to social justice in the face of hate and oppression.  Love means, leave hate and join me. That is BEAUTIFUL.

Hate is on the rise all over the world. After a study by the European Union, they concluded that “Racist and intolerant hate speech in public discourse is escalating; the main targets are asylum-seekers and Muslims,” the council’s Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) said in the report.

We are witnessing a global sickness that possesses a greater threat than Ebola, AIDS, or the Bird Flu. And we all have it. What is the cure? We must reach down deep in our soul to see what is causing it. Is this who we want to be? We must stop being silent when racism and hate is around us. We must call it out.

We must turn hate into love. It is easier to hate. It is easier to blame. It is harder to love. Let us choose the harder road.

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Corey Jackson is the Director of the Center Against Racism & Trama (CART) and Chairman/CEO of SBX Youth & Family Services

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Two African-American women, both Democrats, are among Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 11 new appointees to California superior court judgeships in seven counties. 

Newsom announced the appointments last Friday, his first batch of Superior Court nominations since becoming governor in January.

Eight of the 11 appointees are women. All of them are filling vacancies left open by retired justices.

Black women only make up around 5 percent of California’s more than 1,500 trial court judges. And only 19 out of the state’s 58 counties have ever had Black women superior court justices. 

“Thus in 39 counties, no African-American woman’s experiences have brought life to the law,” writes Alameda County Judge Brenda F. Harbin-Forte in the Daily Journal. Harbin-Forte, who is Black, researches and writes about the history of African Americans in the state’s judiciary.

“Gov. Gavin Newsom follows the hard act of Gov. Jerry Brown,” she added. Former Gov. Brown, Harbin-Forte says, “made many historic appointments and created the most diverse court system in the history of our great state.”

One of the two new African-American judges, Terrie E. Roberts, 54, lives in Chula Vista. She will now serve as a San Diego County Superior Court Judge. 

The other, Tricia J. Taylor, 39, who lives in the city of Los Angeles, is joining two others the governor appointed to serve as Los Angeles County Superior Court judges. 

“Roberts and Taylor’s appointments are significant, said Dezie Woods-Jones, state president of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).  “These appointments speak volumes. I am extremely pleased and excited that there are two new highly professional and qualified African-American Women judges appointed to the California Superior Court.” 

Roberts, a former prosecutor and public defender, and Taylor, a former deputy district attorney, both bring broad experience in private law – as well as public law – to their new roles as justices.  

Since 2008, Roberts served as a commissioner at the San Diego County Superior Court. Before that, she was deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Roberts has also worked in private practice and served as a deputy public defender in San Diego County.

Before becoming deputy D.A. in Los Angeles County, Taylor also worked in private practice and at the Children’s Law Center, a public interest law firm and advocacy group. 

In California, all of the state’s 58 counties have now voted to have a single superior court in each of their jurisdictions. That county superior court serves as the main trial court for each county. In June 1998, California voters approved Proposition 220, a constitutional ammendment that allowed the counties to fold their municipal and superior courts into one unified county superior court.  Annually, county superior court justices earn $213,833 and they serve nearly 34 million people across the state, according to the Judicial Council of California. 

This week two different celebrations take place, with shared themes of recognizing and celebrating otherwise taboo topics surrounding death and dying. USC experts explore the origins of the traditions, dig into death rituals and explain why we love all things scary.

Day of the Dead celebration has indigenous roots

“Given the timing, it may be tempting to equate Day of the Dead with Halloween, a ghost-themed U.S. holiday. But the two holidays express fundamentally different beliefs.

“Spanish conquerors faced difficulty in convincing native peoples to give up their rituals honoring death goddess Mictecacihuatl. The compromise was to move these indigenous festivities from late July to early November to correspond with Allhallowtide – the three-day Christian observance of All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“With this move, the holiday was nominally connected to Catholicism. But many practices and beliefs associated with the worship of the dead remained deeply indigenous.”

Kirby Farah is an anthropological archaeologist and lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Her research and teaching interests intersect archaeology, ethnohistory and critical cultural heritage. This commentary originally appeared in The Conversation.

Contact: kirbyfar@usc.edu

Are human wired to enjoy being terrified?

“Some of the attraction of being scared comes from the deviation of having a new experience that we know is safe. We like novelty, something that departs from our everyday experience.

“Your amygdala will give you a fear response, an avoidance response to stay away from something that is legitimately frightful.”

Irving Biederman is a specialist in cognitive neuroscience and the Harold W. Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the brain’s role in vision, investigating the brain processes underlying humans’ ability to quickly recognize and interpret what they see.

Contact: bieder@usc.edu or (310) 614-3903

What’s at the core of a good horror movie?

“Horror as a genre is an expression of the collective anxieties of a society at the time in which these films are made. They allow us to collectively get a sense of catharsis by the vanquishing of these fears.

“Conquering the fear of death is at the core of all horror films. It’s the way in which that problem is presented by the film that speaks to the specifics of the society at any given time.”

Alex Ago is a horror movie buff and director of programming and special projects at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Contact: aago@cinema.usc.edu or (213) 740-2330

With burials on the decline, is the cemetery dead?

“Today, we’re in a very extraordinary moment. For over a hundred years, Americans have taken care of their dead in very specific ways, and each of these is being challenged. Each of these is being a little pushed by what’s happening in our world.

“If everyone can scatter their ashes or have them in their home, then you don’t need a cemetery.”

David Sloane is a professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy and an expert in urban history, health disparities and community development, and public and private commemoration. He comes from a long line of cemetery superintendents and is the author of Is the Cemetery Dead?

Contact: dsloane@price.usc.edu or 213-740-5768

Photos via Pixabay.

Photos by John Coleman, Community Photographer

Family,  faculty and friends from the CSUSB community,  co-workers, students, and others,  from far and near,  whose professional and academic careers  Dr. Rosemary McCaslin had helped to facilitate attended the Saturday,  beautiful  ‘Indian Summer’  afternoon  Memorial Ceremony,  held October 19, 2019,  on the campus of  the California State University,   San Bernardino.

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As text-obsessed as we’ve become as a society, there’s still an argument to be made for making a human connection. Here, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile’s digital etiquette expert offers 12 tips on how to perfect the art of mobile communication.

With more ways to communicate on our phones than ever before, it’s no surprise that the etiquette around choosing a method to deliver your message is far from clear. A text often seems exceedingly more convenient than a phone call, but, as digital etiquette expert, Elaine Swann, explains, texting is not always appropriate.

When should I text?

1. Logistics CoordinationAccording to Swann, daily situations involving logistics — directions, arrival times, departure times, etc. — are always better suited to a text message, as the recipient will have the information easily at hand on their mobile device should they need to review it.

2. Requests / FavorsSwann notes that it’s perfectly fine to send a “Running late, could you pick me up something?” request that involves daily routines like procuring food or running errands.

3. NewsSwann’s rules here are simple: “If it’s big news you’re texting, it should only be good news like I got the job, we got the house, etc.”

It’s also okay to text when the news isn’t so good, but only if you aren’t able to talk or if people are awaiting an update. An example would be, “We’re at the hospital, keep us in your thoughts — can’t talk.” Or, if someone is having surgery, texting an update to loved ones is acceptable.

4. LengthThis has less to do with the content of the text, and more to do with how long your message may be. Swann says that if your note is short, a text is fine, but if it goes beyond a few short sentences or becomes complex in nature, then that would be your indication to pick up the phone.

5. If you can’t talk, don’t answerThis is a perfectly acceptable — and common — situation to send a text that you’ll call the person back when you’re free.

When should I talk?
1. Big [Happy] AnnouncementsThe rule here, according to Swann, is that huge life-changing news, like a new baby, wedding, engagement, etc., should be delivered over the phone, especially to a close loved one. Although joyful in nature, its more respectful to deliver these kinds of big announcements over the phone.

2. Not-So-Good NewsWhen news is life-changing and not in a good way, Swann says this should always be a phone call.

3. When You’re Concerned About Someone“If you kind of get the feeling that a person is taking a little mental break, it’s fine to text to touch base letting them know you’re thinking of them,” Swann says. “But, if you’re gravely concerned about their wellbeing, then a phone call is more appropriate.”

4. When There’s Lots to SayTypically, Swann says, you should try to respond in the same manner that you were contacted. However, if you receive a text and have a lengthy response, it would be more appropriate to call the person instead of text back.

5. When You’re DrivingOne instance where you should not text, even in response to someone, is of course when you’re driving. If you’re able to use your device hands-free, call the person and tell them you’re on the road and can’t text back.

6. To Clarify an Increasingly Difficult Thread“We all know that technology doesn’t always translate everything well,” Swann says. “Instead of sending three or four text messages to clarify something — a location to meet, understanding directions, etc. — it’s a good idea to call someone and shore up those details.”

7. Asking Someone out on a Date“This should always be a phone call,” Swann says. “The same goes for breaking up with someone.”

Want to get even more out of your device? Check out ourZen Guide to Using Your Device!

By Tim Rhatigan, UnitedHealthcare of California

Earthquakes are unfortunately a common occurrence, especially in places with high seismicity, such as California. Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s important to take steps to prepare.

The Red Cross and FEMA offer tips for a safety checklist to know what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Here are additional reminders of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before an Earthquake

• Create an earthquake readiness plan with your household. Everyone in your family should know what to do and where to go as soon as they feel the vibrations of an earthquake, as well as a common place to reunite after an earthquake in case there is limited or no means of communication.
• Be prepared with an earthquake kit comprised of water, food, medications, a first-aid kit, bandages for injuries, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, blankets, a pair of sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and other personal items. Because you don’t know where you will be when an earthquake occurs, prepare a kit for your home, workplace and your car.
• In your emergency kit, include copies of important documents – such as insurance policies, financial records, credit card numbers, medical insurance cards, a list of medications and prescriptions, plus phone numbers and addresses for key contacts. Also include a small amount of cash, as ATMs, banks, and credit card systems may not be operating.
• Be sure you know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home. A multi-function tool may be needed. 
• Choose an “earthquake safe location” to take cover in every room of your house, office, school or any place that you go to on a regular basis. This location should be away from windows and any furniture that could fall on you.

What to Do During an Earthquake  

• Drop down to your knees and cover your head and neck with your arms or an object so that you are protected from any debris or furniture falling during the earthquake.
• Stay away from windows and furniture that can fall on you, such as book cases and televisions. 
• If possible, go to your identified “safe location” or find a wall near the center of the building or house you are in, take cover in a doorway, or crawl under a heavy piece of furniture, such as a desk or table. 
• If you are outside, get away from anything that could fall on you, such as trees, powerlines, buildings and houses. 
• If you are in a car, pull over to a spot that is away from trees, powerlines and buildings. Wait in the car until the shaking stops. 

After an Earthquake

• Once the shaking has stopped, if you are in an unsafe area (ceiling has collapsed, exposed electrical wires, broken glass, gas or smoke odor), find the safest way to evacuate to an open space or take shelter in another area of the building.
• Check your water, gas and electric lines for any damage. If they are damaged, shut off the valves. If you can smell gas, open all your doors and windows and leave your home immediately. Report a broken gas line to the authorities as soon as possible.
• Do not use candles, matches or any open flames as a source of light. Earthquakes often result in broken gas lines, which should not be mixed with open flames.
• Only use your phone for emergencies. You will want to save your battery for as long as possible. 

Be prepared to repeat everything in the likely event of aftershocks, which usually happen within the first few days following an earthquake.