Tuesday, March 25, 2014

"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness" Summit

Greetings!

My, it has been a while since my last post . . .  And boy, I have been busy! 

When I initially prepared this latest blog, there were definitely signs of spring . . .
Warm weather, red robins, buds on the tree limbs, crocus blades . .   And yet again winter just will not let loose! Once again, the D.C. region has snow and cold temperatures. . . Oh how I would love to be in a warm climate right now. However, here I sit typing notes to my family, friends and colleagues . . . Staying connected!


Every morning I begin my day first honoring God by studying His word . . . A few days ago, I studied several verses that instruct readers about forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Then my eyes landed on the word, "commitment."  Here's what I read in my study Bible:


"Commitment is in jeopardy these days. Some even call it the "C" word, as if to shame it as something we won't even acknowledge. After all, the demands and costs are too great. Today, convenience usually wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone or something."  (The Word is Life Study Bible, NKJV) If you'd like, read Matthew 19:1-15.

For those of you who 'kick it' with me, first, you know that I usually don't speak like that, but from time to time pop culture finds it way into my psyche!  And you have probably realized that I am also some what flexible; the challenges I have faced in life have taught me to be patience and understanding. But I am steadfast when I believe in a cause and the truth!  


Some may be reading this communication for the first time, while others have received it at least three times!  If the latter, hopefully, you have had the opportunity to review the request for support for our Summit. 

Google Images
"A Voice: The 'Color' of Mental Illness

Each day we encounter words and images depicting a host of societal ills – from animal cruelty, lost and abducted children, homelessness, domestic abuse, debilitating diseases, unemployment and business failure, among others. The list grows exponentially with no end in sight.

But there is another issue that needs our attention – mental illness in communities of color. This health problem usually remains hidden until exposed through some dramatic event like the Navy Yard shooting. 

Did you know . . .

Dailymail.com Google Images
According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 10 adults experience depression. A study found the following groups to be more likely to meet criteria for major depression: persons 45-64 years of age; women; blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races. And . . . More than 5.7 million American adults or 2.6 percent of the population age 18 or older in any given year have bipolar disorder. The condition typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can show up in children and in older adults. (Brain & Behavior Research Foundation)

We realize that there are myriad causes to support; church and missions are included on top of the list.  Recent occurrences inform us that citizens are very troubled and life's challenges  and behaviors have the potential of triggering a mental illness. Without a doubt, mental illness is one of the top concerns in our society.

As we wind down, everyone knows that God loves a cheerful giver! One of the creative artisans that I work with at the Capital Jazz Fest has accomplished a mission in his hometown (New Jersey) . . . Take a look -- http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/02/acts_of_kindness_from_jersey_city_man_shocks_strangers.html



Endorsements . . .

Folks are speaking up and lending their names and support! (As of March 2014)

We are deeply grateful!

“Yes I will endorse. I think this (Summit) is necessary, well timed and potentially brilliant.”
Barbara Davis Blum
President
BDB Investment Partnership

Julie Rogers
President and CEO
The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation                                               
“Yes! I support this worthwhile project!”

Michael Willett Newheart, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament Language and Literature
Howard University School of Divinity

Anna C. Peoples, Pharm.D.
Chief Executive Officer
The Truth Foundation, Inc.


We need your help . . . Join us and lend your Support!

Vikki and I, the co-conveners of this important Summit have initiated the fund raising campaign to realize our mission. We are receiving endorsements from prominent community, corporate and church leaders and financial support is arriving via Hannah's Grace, Inc. 501(c)3 non-proft.  We pray you will support this worthwhile and critical project to help us illuminate ways to educate and inform the community about this cause.  


Remember, a little adds up! Go to www.hannahsgrace.org and make a donation today!

Coming to your e-box soon . . . A PSA to help promote the Summit. So, please share this opportunity with your connections . . . You never know who may be experiencing a mental challenge.

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause!



Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div. 
http://www.hannahsgrace.org
Connect@hannahsgrace.org

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