gospel socialite magazine----houston, tx edition

In Proverbs 29:18 The Bible states that without vision that the people perish. Let it be stated that Calvin is a visionary. As such, it is no wonder that Calvin would envision GOSPEL SOCIALITE MAGAZINE, a publication and concept that’s ripe for the Houston marketplace in this season.Calvin has long seen the need to bring the Gospel, Business, and Social communities together for Urban Houston.

In fact, his mother and father will confirm the he LOVED going to church. Calvin loved going to church so much that wearing suits and dress shoes to school were the norm for him.

Armed with a Bachelor of Theology degree, support from his Pastor Charles Allen Jr. of Greater Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and as an active Minister of the Gospel, Calvin has worked diligently to create thriving relationships with many churches in the area.

His passion however is being a driving motivation and a Godly role model to young boys and men while he continues to study the word of God in order to bring solid content to The Gospel Socialite Magazine. This vision is more than just a publication; it is a ministry that can and WILL make a difference in communities around the globe! For we know that with GOD all the things are POSSIBLE!

The All things do truly work together for good. As business partners and spiritual mates Dre'Chelle and Calvin work it all out. Dre'Chelle is a PK or Preacher’s Kid. As such, she has always put God first and her family insured her next top priority was academics.A native of Austin, TX Dre'Chelle worked with The Villager Newspaper for over five years where her passion for journalism flourished. While attending Prairie View A&M University, where Dre'Chelle completed a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Sociology, she inked a number of articles published in The Panther Newspaper relating to Health & Wellness.

Currently, Dre'Chelle is an award winning Sociology Faculty member at Prairie View A&M University and Lone Star College where she shares her love for writing with her students. All while she completes her Doctorate degree.

Articulate, creative and socially conscious Dre'Chelle immediately shared her husband Calvin’s vision regarding a Gospel Magazine. United in marriage and in business the William’s are elated to be on the launching pad bringing their strengths and talents together. Houston, look out for the blast off of The Gospel Socialite Magazine! S

GSM VIP ACCESSFeature StoriesHow FREE is She? ｠Cover Story with Ms. Kierra "Kiki" SheardFather Daughter ｠Wedding Dance Sensation GONE WILD!

NEWS FROM THE PEWSCurrent EventsBreak Up to Make Up: Pastor Eddie Long Update

GOSPEL SOCIALITE VIBE LOUNGESpotlight Gospel TalentWelcome to the stage: HARMON WEST

HAPPY HOUR WITH GOSPEL SOCIALITE ｠MAGWords of Inspiration2012. Destination: SUCCESS

ONE BODY. ONE SOUL.Health & WellnessThe Daniel Fast ON THE GO! The FREE GSM Daniel Fast Restaurant Guide

HIS. & HERS.Words to Encourage Men & Women BelieversHIS: Who REALLY has my ｠back?HERS: Single, Satisfied, and......Sanctified!

YOUNG GSM CORNERA little something for the young believersGSM BIBLE TRIVIA

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&Meet the Publisher

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Dre'Chelle "Lady Dre" Edwards-‐WilliamsEditor in Chief

Calvin Williams, IIIPublisher

I’ll Feel My Way Through It How free is she? Cover Story with Ms. Kierra"Kiki" SheardBy Matt Jones - GSM Freelance Writer

“Don’t allow yourself to live a life where people are creating your world with their words.” According to Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, this powerful creed is the driving force behind the music she creates. Perhaps, this idea is more relevant now than ever with the release of her new album, “Free.”

The first album released under the title of her family’s gospel label, Karew Records, Kierra explores freedom in a way that we can all understand. A sort of urban gospel rock star for the gospel music scene, Kierra uses her rhythms and powerful vocals to not only spread the message of Christ, but spread it in such a versatile way that it is readily accessible and relatable to all walks of life. This is what the “Free” album is all about.

When speaking about religion, Sheard says that “it is never a cult for me; it is just the way I was raised—the foundation of my beliefs.” As the daughter of a bishop and a new voice to urban youth and older generations alike, it can be challenging to spread a message that appeals to young and old ears, let alone the right message. With the “Free” album, Sheard rises above denominations and niche styles. Instead, she makes music that inspires a relationship with God, one that is universal in belief, but completely unique in feel to every ear that the song passes through.

With deep and celestial tracks like “Desire,” Sheard does not preach what she believes, but instead bellows out what, and how, and why she feels the way she does. It is this free expression of emotion and experience

that gives the album a raw and honest sound that conveys its message beyond the medium of words, and moves straight into feeling. Every listener is encouraged to use the tool of interpretation to discover inspiration.

Being free means more than being uninhibited. Kiki Sheard explains that this much is true with the way her words melt into melodies that ooze into effortless meaning for both old timers and new schoolers. Yes, being free is feeling free, free from “generational curses,” free from your own negative thoughts, and free to build a relationship with God that doesn’t start with morning service and end with nighttime prayers. “Free” is a lifestyle.

“Don’t allow yourself to live a life where people are creating your world with their words.”


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As much as we can find and feel God’s presence in a church or at the altar of a wedding, we can also find him in ourselves, particularly when we do the Stanky Legg and teach a crowd of 200 friends and family how to Dougie. David Sparks and Ashley Richmond are a testament to this and much more.

On August 5th of this year at the Signature Manor in Houston, Texas, Kimberly Sparks became Kimberly Richmond when she tied the knot with her new husband, Nicholas Richmond. While the wedding ended quite some time ago, a viral video of Ashley and her father has continued to circulate the internet with well over two million views.

The father-daughter wedding dance is a magical, but too often, short-lived moment tied to traditionalism and a slow swaying motion in the middle of the floor—this was not the case with Mr. Sparks and his daughter. He broke it down and she backed it up. The middle-aged head usher at the Word of Restoration Christian Fellowship Church in Rosharon, Texas, David Sparks let loose to Jackson 5’s “I want You Back” like he was a young Michael. And the newly pronounced Mrs. Richmond said hello to married life by getting down to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

The mash-up medley was entertaining and fun to watch, but more than that, it was and still is, a true tribute to father-daughter bonds. In the face of an increasingly urban community like Houston, one that is sprawling and growing and colliding with ideas of the future and memories of the past, it is a wonderful thing to see: a father and daughter sharing a moment that can be shared with millions of others out there. Love does not only still exist, but it prevails.

As much as the wedding DJ mixed the songs, David Sparks was sure that, “God was in the mix of this.” He must have been, for the moves that David Sparks and Ashley Richmond created and choreographed in their own 10x15 ft living room have managed to inspire a revival of family ties and appreciation. As Ashley said, “when we got there and he did that crisscross, turnaround move…we never expected it to get this big.” Well, it is this big, and it’s only getting bigger.

“The mash-up medley was entertaining and fun to watch, but more than that, it was and still is, a true tribute to father-daughter bonds.”

Busting Moves,Generation to GenerationFather Daughter Wedding Dance Sensation GONE WILDBy Matt Jones - GSM Freelance Writer

“As much as we can find and feel God’s presence in a church or at the altar of a wedding, we can also find him in ourselves”


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Break Up to Make Up:Pastor Eddie Long UpdateBy Matt Jones - GSM Frelance Writer

In the latest update of the Eddie Long scandal, Mrs. Long has finally decided to no longer continue life as Mrs. Long—the divorce is happening and the marriage is over. As some of us may know, Eddie Long, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church just outside of Lithonia, was accused of sexual coercion on four separate accounts by four different young men. Each young man that came forward made a case that Mr. Long had used his role as their pastor to sexually entice them with money, gifts, and the word. Naturally, this did not sit well with Mrs. Long. Due to the increasing number of accusations against, Vanessa Long, the pastor’s wife, has filed for divorce. After a “great deal of deliberation and prayer,” Mrs. Long determined that their marriage was “irretrievably broken” with “no hope of reconciliation” in an official statement to the press. While Mrs. Long had released a statement that suggested her appeal for divorce

would be withdrawn only six hours earlier in the day, she eventually came out saying that she would follow through with plans for a divorce.Even though the couple has decided to part ways in their marriage, Vanessa assured the faithful congregates of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church that they have “mutually agreed to find healing.” Eddie Long also informed his followers of the following: “I'm still your pastor. You'll still receive my direction.”

In such tumultuous times, such as the ones experienced by Eddie Long and Vanessa Long, it can be hard to identify the roots of ones faith and limits of one’s determination. In the public eye, the event of the Long’s divorce has come as an upsetting shock to the 25,000+ congregation; however, both Vanessa and Eddie have ensured that they will use this time to heal their family and reconcile their issues through the will of God.

“I'm still your pastor. You'll still receive my direction.”Eddie Long


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“It might take him an hour to get dressed for church, but Harmon West still finds plenty of time to make breakthroughs and beautiful melodies in the world of gospel music”

It might take him an hour to get dressed for church, but Harmon West still finds plenty of time to make breakthroughs and beautiful melodies in the world of gospel music. Since he started beating the drums at the age of three and watching his mother perform in the church choir, Harmon West has been on his way to finding the perfect harmony between music and ministry. Since their formation in 2002, Harmon West and Perfect Praise have made gospel music make “perfect sense.” Straight out of Houston, Harmon West & Perfect Praise is surely a group to pay close attention to in the year 2012. A rising star in the world of gospel, Harmon and his group produce sensational sounds that are every bit as celestial as they are seminal. Drawing influence

from the gospel greats and a history of musical upbringing, Harmon has found a way to both reach and restore the drive and good glory that is so often associated with gospel jams. Because “we praise a perfect God,” naturally the way we praise him should be perfect in and of itself. This personal philosophy of Harmon’s might be one of the many reasons that his sound resonates so comfortable with the familiarity of the old and the innovative of the new. Be sure to keep an eye out for Harmon West & Perfect Praise in the near future. He mastered the drums a long time ago and is working on conquering the piano now, so you can be sure to expect a great album.

Talking to Harmon WestWelcome to the StageBy Matt Jones- GSM Freelance writter


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When we think of a New Year we often associate this to a New Year’s Resolution. Apparently, this age-old trend has become somewhat redundant to some. Many on social networking sites are vocal about being a “Anti-Resolutionist” a term we created to describe the population who believes that a new year should not mark the beginning of a “new “you. While this may be ideal for some, we believe that for the believer there is no harm in setting New Year Resolutions and setting goals in the beginning of the New Year.

In fact the New Year for some may be therapeutic in that they let go of things from the past year and gain a new attitude. How can we move forward if we are living in the past? Having a fresh start allows us to focus on new endeavors and goals for the New Year. By the grace of God, we are blessed to see a new year, and we should not it take for granted. The bible speaks of new beginnings ( 1Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Ezekiel 36: 25-27) forgetting the past and learning from our mistakes (Phillipians 3:13-14 and Hebrews 12: 10-11). What a blessing it is to be able to write out our visions for the New Year (Hebekkah 2:2) and have hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11).

To you “Anti-Resolutionist”, we hope you reconsider and use this day to write a resolution, it is not too late.

The Anti-ResolutionistWord of InspirationBy Calvin and Dre’Chelle Williams


My New Year Resolution:

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Many are familiar with The Daniel Fast, a 21 day partial fast that is based on the diet of Daniel The Prophet. In essence, the fast permits fruits, vegetables and water as a beverage. In addition, many refrain from meat, food of pleasure, sweeteners and breads.

In today’s culture of quick eating, many are stuck wondering how to abide by the fast while on the go. We have compiled a quick list of Daniel Fast-Friendly Eateries for those who may have to dine out with on the Daniel Fast. Check it Out!

Gospel Socialite Magazine -Daniel Fast Food Guide 2012

•Luby’s

Try a colorful and refreshing salad from the salad bar—skip the cheese and eggs and opt for vinegar and oil for dressing, salt and pepper to taste. Also their vegetable plate is an option, but remember to skip the sides that are prepared with dairy.

•Chipotle

Grab a delicious veggie wrap with corn tortilla and grilled veggies, pile on the black or pinto beans and even throw

in a scoop of brown rice. Refrain from the sour cream and cheese, but the guacamole will be great as a substitute.

•Subway

Sink your teeth into a tasty green salad, pile on the unlimited selection of bite size veggie selections, add pickles for a bit of a twist and remember to skip the pre-made dressing and opt for oil with a squeeze of fresh lemon , salt and pepper to taste.

•Taco Bell

If a drive-thru is what you need, order the bowl of pinto beans, while skipping the shredded cheese topping. Add the green onions and shredded lettuce and tomatoes for a quick “taco salad” on the go.

•Wendy’s

In the mood for a baked ‘tater? Order their baked potato, plain, and add a side salad with strawberries and mandarin oranges and nuts for flavor.

The Daniel Fast on the Go!The FREE GSM Daniel Fast Restaurant Guide

In today’s culture of quick eating, many are stuck wondering how to abide by the fast while on the go.


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There is one thing from my childhood that I vividly remember among brothers and it was how they encouraged one another. Just that simple impromptu act can really go a long way. It seems that we live in a vacuum that draws all of our time and energy. We have the church life, family life, and our careers. Each one of these entities can be demanding and sometimes stressful. Consequently, this is why the power of encouragement can really go a long way. In the scriptures there is a man by the name of Barnabas and strangely enough his name literally means “son of encouragement”.

The Apostles of the early church noticed this remarkable trait in Barnabas. In Acts 9 we meet Barnabas for the second time in his dealings with Paul. Before Paul’s conversion he was a notorious persecutor of the church. However, after Paul meets Christ on the Damascus road and his life has now changed, Paul comes to Jerusalem to meet with the church leaders. It is the encourager Barnabas who convinces the church leaders to accept Paul. Again in Acts 11, we see Barnabas in action. When the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem hear the report of the Gentiles coming to Christ, they become suspicious of this unapproved activity. Barnabas goes up to Antioch, and he witnesses the grace of God working among the Gentiles. He rejoices and encourages the Gentiles to remain faithful to the Lord. Brothers let us find someone that we can encourage so that no one is stuck wondering “Who has my back?”


Who Has My Back?Words to Encourage Men & Women BelieversBy Charles L. Allen, Jr.

Charles Allen, Jr. is the Pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo Bap9st Church in Houston, TX.

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We all have seasons in life that we find challenging and difficult to cope with. It becomes especially apparent when it’s a season that you didn’t necessarily choose for yourself; Singleness. Although scripture advises us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In all things give thanks, for this is God will for you in Christ Jesus,” many singles, like myself, struggle with giving thanks for our “single” season.

Giving thanks is a continual process and one that I was reminded of as I rediscovered the joy of being able to help and relate to others who are enduring their season, as I am. After meeting an older friend of mine who found themselves in the season of singleness and seeing the struggle they were having with it, I immediately knew that my assignment was not to judge them, but rather help them to live up to the standard and expectation given to us all during our single season. The peace that came from yielding to help, shockingly, helped me realize that I cannot help them if I have not experienced my season as well.

We will often encounter unwelcome reminders of our singleness that at times will appear to snatch the “Thank You” right out of our mouths. However, gratitude can be found in unexpected circumstance as we change our perspective. There are times that a “thank you”, when things seem unfavorable to us, is the beginning step to being thankful for the actual experience. As we give thanks through our seasons, God will continually show us the reasons that He sustained us through them.


Single. Saved. And……Satisfied!Words to Encourage Men & Women BelieversBy Natalie Alexander

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PublisherCalvin W. Williams, III (Founder)

Editor –in-‐ChiefDre’Chelle Edwards-‐ Williams (Founder)

PublicistZPR Media

Freelance Writers and ContributorsMaN JonesCharles Allen, Jr.Nico MaNhewsNatalie Alexander

Photography CreditsEmperial ThomasDreamsTime

Layout & Graphic DesignPamela Lagos


Gospel Social MagazineContributors

©2012 The Gospel Socialite All Rights ReservedGospel Socialite Magazine is published Bi-Monthly, every two months, by The Gospel Socialite. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher.

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gospel socialite magazine----houston, tx edition

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