Whew, now that the excitement of The Birthing Place conference in Charleston, WV is over, I’m not sure where to start. Even thinking about it now brings flashbacks of my journey from childhood to adulthood.

The conference started on Thursday, August 13, but I arrived at the beginning of the week, which allowed me time to reacquaint myself with the surroundings that were once second nature. As I drove through town, the buildings, bridges, and winding roads had a nostalgic and familiar feel to them; however I sensed something had changed, but it wasn’t West Virginia that had changed. I believe that “something” was me.

I called the conference The Birthing Place because I was going back to the place where I grew up with my family, went to school, got my first job, heard from the Lord, received Christ, was married, started raising my children, practiced my preaching deep in the woods, and started my first church. This was, in many respects, my birthing place and I wanted to share that experience. There I was driving down the road with this kaleidoscope of memories flashing through my mind when I realized something - this birthing place experience was not for me, but for you. Yes, for you.

God has given us all a birthing place of experiences and nestled within this place you will find your salvation experience with God. This experience often becomes the bridge between your then and your now, and every so often God will allow us to stand on this bridge to see how all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

What I want you to realize is that it is important for us to revisit our birthing place because it stands as a testimony of what God has done and is still doing in your life. Even as most of the nation struggles through these tough economic times, where families are making tough decisions, it is important for you to remember that your birthing place allows you to see that God has not left you, nor forsaken you. If God has given you a vision or a dream, I want you to know that He will fulfill His promises to you. Despite where you are in your life, despite any challenges you’re facing, God can grow your vision and birth your dreams! Don’t be surprised when you face adversity in the birthing of your dream, for adversity acts as the contractions that push your dreams into reality. When I looked into the multicultural, sea of people worshipping and praising God at The Birthing Place, I saw burdens being lifted and yokes being broken, as dreams were awakened and confidence was restored. I want you to know that God is an awesome God. If you’re not where you want to be, don’t get discouraged. I urge you to stay focused on your dreams and let God lead you to your purpose so that you can walk into your destiny!

I am truly thankful for what God has done in my life, and I know He will do the same for you!

I am also thankful for the encouragement and support that I received from pastors, friends, ministry partners, relatives, and of course, my Potter’s House family - many of whom traveled great distances to attend The Birthing Place conference. It was truly comforting to have my special guests there with me to visit the place where my ministry began. And, I must say, we had such a GOOD time worshipping in the Lord. The singing was incredible and the preaching was amazing! Thousands of attendees of all ages and backgrounds were blessed by this experience.

I am especially grateful for the hospitality that we received from the local community including, businesses, volunteers, residents, and city and state officials. The local pastors outdid themselves as well. Not only did they make available outstanding volunteers throughout the entire event, some of the local pastors provided refreshments for the guests. I can’t tell you what a joy it was for me to host a conference in my home state after 15 years and receive such invaluable support. The hard work, dedication and generosity displayed by everyone were unmatched. We were welcomed with much love and warmth, so kudos to the people of Charleston and the state of West Virginia for helping to make the return to my “Birthing Place,” a more memorable occasion.

P.S. Ladies, I want you to join me in Dallas on October 15, 16 &17 for the return of Woman, Thou Art Loosed. The theme of the conference is “Thankful Women.” Some of you may not realize this, but Woman, Thou Art Loosed was also birthed during my days in West Virginia and I believe that the same anointing that flowed at The Birthing Place conference will continue to flow to this meeting!

I am also calling for 50,000 sold out Thankful Women of God to follow me on my Twitter account. I want you to share expressions of thanks for what God has done in your life through “Thankful Tweets.” (Make sure you include #50K in your Tweets so that we can make it into the top Trending Topics!) I will also be sharing tweets of encouragement leading up to and culminating at the conference. I can’t wait to hear from you.

All the best,

Bishop Jakes

As long as I live, I will never forget the events of this summer! I’ve had some extraordinary experiences, beginning with the explosion at my home. Although it took a while to start the recovery process of the damages that resulted from the blast, and it may take months to completely restore our home, the important thing is that I still have my family - both spiritual and natural - and that means more to me than anything.

After such an eventful June, I welcomed in July with my Potter’s House family. We celebrated 13 years of being in Dallas, Texas. I couldn’t imagine us in any other city. I think I have the best church family around!

After our church anniversary commemoration, we arranged a “church family” trip to the Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA. I tell you that Essence Music Festival was amazing! Yes, it is a secular event but it also offered many spiritual elements, so there was an amalgamation of ALL types of events for ALL types of people. Certainly, there were some events that wouldn’t fit everyone, but there were many aspects of the festival that were family oriented and, most of all, there was good food and fun for all! I hadn’t seen anything like this since MegaFest, and I must say, I so enjoyed being able to attend this event without running the show!

The attendees seemed upbeat and courteous. Maybe they were eager to get away from recession issues and day-to-day pressures and enjoy one another in a city full of culture. My wife and all my children traveled down for the special tribute to me for the philanthropic work we have done over the 30 years of my pastoring. I have been preaching nearly 33 years but pastoring only 30. On Sunday, July 5, I was joined by many of my Potter’s House family members and Essence participants as I was humbled to be the guest of honor for an all-star tribute! With the help of The Potter’s House and Essence staff, I was able to sit back and enjoy presentations from some of my favorite musical artists and special friends! The day was something I will treasure for years to come. The best guests of all, though, were those who came out to show their support and appreciation for the ministry that began over three decades ago! Because the venue was so packed, people were turned away. It was an amazing day. My hat’s off to Essence for taking us to church in grand style.

Many of you know I am going back home to West Virginia where it all began for me. When I started ministering, I never thought so many amazing things would happen in my life. The Bible says, “Despise not the day of small beginnings.” When God starts something, one never knows where it might take you. In this season in which people are starting new careers and new businesses, I felt led to invite the nation back to the birthing place of my ministry as I know that God can grow your vision and I am praying for thousands of people, pastors and friends who are coming from everywhere!

I first entered into ministry at the tender age of 19. It really doesn’t seem like it has been that long, but since then, God has really blessed me to grow and touch the lives of many. The Essence tribute only increased my enthusiasm for what God is going to do in Charleston, WV on August 13-15! This conference is important to me personally as it brings my time in ministry full circle. I will return to the same place that allowed me to blossom into who I am today. So much has changed since those days. I remember times when the struggle was so intense that I thought the destination wasn’t worth the journey. But with God by my side, I pushed through the obstacles that were set before me and set out on a mission. To those of you who are building, birthing, repositioning or just need a chance to get away, and be inspired in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia where life is simple and people are warm and welcoming, come home with me and let’s see what happens when we do like Jesus did and go to the mountains to pray!

If you can’t come, that’s OK. Just pray that we will have a productive time and an inspirational experience as we leave our cares behind and gain enrichment. I will bring you back pictures from the tours we are taking, which includes the locations where I was saved, my first churches, and many other significant landmarks that impacted my life. There will be many things that I think will help you understand that nothing just happens. If you can come, write your vision down and bring it with you. We are going to the hills where birth happens for the lambs in the mountain tops!

For more information visit The Birthing Place 2009 Conference Page.

P.S. Speaking of birthing places, my youngest daughter, Sarah, is expecting and she and her husband Robert will soon have a new daughter, due August 19th - which just happens to be my wife, Serita’s, birthday as well! Now that is birthing for you! I am hoping to go from being Pop Pop to being called Big Daddy!! Grandpa is out of the question!!! … What do you think?

Sunday, June 7, 2009. It was a day that could have been like any other, but for me it was a day that I stood on the brink of eternity and dangled on the cliff of destruction.

By now, it has been well documented and reported that a gas explosion in the sun room of my home occurred early that morning and completely devastated that entire portion of my house. The damage went beyond the room and included many other areas of my house. The ironic part for some, but providential aspect to those of us who are believers, is the fact that God led me to cancel a meeting that morning that would have placed me in that room at exactly the time of the explosion.

Whew!

God is so faithful!

The damage was so severe that I opted not to preach that Sunday and stay home with my family and the multitude of investigators, insurance reps and others who had come to my home to help evaluate the damage.

Yesterday, I returned to service and the outpouring of support and love from my congregation was like nothing I had ever seen in all of my years of serving as a pastor.
I shared with a friend that it was like attending your own funeral, but that you were still alive. The open display of love and affirmation from our church was amazing.

We wept like babies as we reflected on what could have been had God not done what He did. SO many statements of love and concern for my well-being and the well-being of my family left an indelible impression on my soul.

It was surreal and it left me completely emotionally spent.

I did not preach a word yesterday because sometimes there is a moment where the presence of our Lord and Savior takes over our service and you have to stand back and embrace it and let it run its course. Fred Hammond, who is a faithful member of our church, sang “No Weapon” and it reminded all of us of how good God has been to us by protecting and providing for our every need.

So many times members of the media tell my story, and interpret my thoughts and my words, but I wanted to share with you, my readers, members of my congregation and my friends from around the world, that I am very much alive, my family is well and that I am very thankful and grateful to you for your outpouring of compassion, wishes of well-being and prayers of protection for my family and me.

Often I am taken aback by the amount of love my congregation and those who know me have for my ministry. It is not that I don’t appreciate it. It’s just that I look at it as doing what I do, because I love it so. It’s not for fame, glory, money or praise, but just because it is what I am called to do. My heart was deeply touched on that Sunday of the incident when I realized that there are many people who love me for more than what I do. God has blessed me with many people who genuinely love who I am and not just what I do. They love me for who I am. I cannot tell you how that ministered to my soul and encouraged my heart.

As we prepare for Manpower next week in Dallas, I can’t help but think of the many men and women, too, for that matter, who feel unloved or under appreciated. I think of the many pastors who feel as though they are not loved for who they are but what they do. Many of you could be wrong.

Just think, had my family and I died in that explosion, I would have died not knowing the existence, the degree or the intensity of the love that I witnessed Sunday.

To all who feel or have in any way expressed that love for my family and me, I want to say this,

I love you right back…

Bishop Jakes

According to a recent report, the recession overall has hit men much harder than women, with four out of every five jobs lost being held by a male worker.

African-American men lead the unemployment surge, with an unemployment rate of 15.4 percent. More than one-third of young black men ages 16 to 19 in the labor market are unemployed. In fact, a recent report found that 8 percent of black men have lost their jobs since November 2007.

With so many men of all cultures—African American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian—losing their jobs, many have also lost their sense of self.

For generations, men have been judged on how well they provide for their families, and how well they take care of them. Their identities have been intricately woven into and forever linked with the job they perform from 8 to 5 each day. Their value, their place as the head of the household, and the king of the castle, are all connected to the paycheck they bring home each week.

Now, for many, that paycheck is gone and employment opportunities are scarce. Men are fighting for a sense of belonging, a sense of feeling needed, and a sense of, “I am still a man.”

The recession, while brutal on those who have gone months, some years, without a job, is equally as challenging on those who remain gainfully employed in the workplace.

For those who still have a job, the ever present fear of losing that job and the anxiety that comes from constantly wondering, “Is today the day?” can be overbearing and too much to handle.

For others, it is the guilt of watching their good friends lose everything—their homes, their cars, their families—due to the loss of employment, while they themselves are somehow still maintaining and still surviving.

Thomas Paine once wrote, “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” Never before in our history has that saying been put to the test on such a regular basis. The answer, my brothers, is simple—faith.

Faith to know that the sun will rise, the rain will stop, the pain will go away, and God, our God, has not left you or forsaken you. He is here for you, and He will uplift you.

You are not your job or your paycheck, you are so much more. You are a strong, resourceful, resilient man, and like those who have struggled before you, you will not only survive, but you will flourish!

As a matter of fact, from June 25 – 27, right here at The Potter’s House church in Dallas, Texas, I will be hosting Manpower, our men’s conference.

We will delve into many of the areas that I touched on in the above text, and many other topics as well. My hope and prayer for this conference is that it will be a safe place for warriors to heal and get back on the battle field no matter what your fight might be.
Space will be limited to first-come, first-served and there is no registration fee required so that men who lack the resources can still have the opportunity to participate in this life-changing event. Of course I would love for the men reading this to come. It is a men’s event. But what I really want from you today is for you to share tips on subjects you think men need help sorting through, such as tips for success. When responding, if you could share your gender as well, that would be great so that I can get a better understanding of your perspective. In other words, I want to hear from the sisters as well!

Maybe I can share some clips after the event for those who can’t come.

Those of you who are believers, please pray for its success.

In the meantime, stay strong my brothers, stay strong.

Blessings,

Bishop Jakes

It’s been quite some time since we last spoke, and I have much to update you on. First of all, I hope that you all had a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. At the Potter’s House, we celebrated with our first ever Good Friday service that included Bishop Noel Jones, along with Vocalists Ann Nesby and LaShun Pace. We concluded our Easter celebration with a presentation given by The Potter’s House Drama Department. If you weren’t there, you truly missed a treat! (I hear there’s video on YouTube, sshh…). Following Easter Sunday, I had the opportunity to celebrate Easter on the other side of the world in Kiev, Ukraine. For those of you who are not familiar with the Ukraine, it was once a part of the USSR, and is bordered by Russia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Joined with pastors from around the country, our trip to Kiev, Ukraine was historical for many reasons. Until about 1986, it was almost impossible to spread the Gospel throughout the country without some type of persecution. Over time, the Iron Curtain was brought down and slowly but surely the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to spread throughout.

For me, the trip was most enlightening as it is always special to see how others worship Christ around the world. To view the obvious differences in culture, yet the unmistakable power of His name, touched me deeply. Officials who had organized the event briefed me upon my arrival. They wanted me to know that they didn’t quite understand why DVDs of me preaching often shows the congregation standing up, shouting, or speaking while I’m speaking. Amused by their interpretation of our worship service, I let them know that I don’t ask or require that parishioners participate in the service in such an excitable manner, but sometimes you just can’t help it! They went on to inform me that Ukrainians tend to be more reserved in their worship and warned me not to expect much interaction between myself and the Ukrainians. I was fine with this. Having been blessed throughout the years to speak to audiences of different backgrounds, I just asked that the Lord give me a Word they needed to hear.

Well let me tell you, God moved in a mighty way in that place! I tried to find the words to explain my experience, but instead, I wanted to share this video clip with you. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Blessings,

Bishop Jakes

Several months ago I had the privilege of appearing again on “Larry King Live.” He asked me a very poignant question, “Is this a Christian nation?” I immediately replied, “No. This is a nation with a lot of Christians in it.” Many times majority groups think that their views control the country, which for me as a Christian is a great idea. But what happens when and if the numbers switch and we aren’t the majority? The founding fathers created a democratic system that separated church from state so that, as a country, we could avoid the slippery slope of getting into the business of telling people what to believe. That is a job they left to be determined by the individual, the synagogue, the mosque and the church!

A country that has one national religion as its only compass is much more of a theocracy than a democracy. That kind of tyranny leads to witch burning, spiritual genocide, forced and fraudulent expressions of faith, and God knows what else. As wonderful as faith is, faith out of control can be lethal.

I love democracy because it is designed to keep the government from telling me when and how to serve communion, and it allows room for debate without dominance. Religious people will never agree on everything within or outside of the bounds of the church. Democracy allows that debate without polluting it further with political intervention as long as that debate doesn’t infringe on another human’s rights. Lately, it is my view that religion has become increasingly a servant to politics, and whenever a flame is needed to move a candidate or party closer to power, they ignite the flame of the faith community by playing on controversial issues and fear. This isn’t new religious jargon; it’s the same lingo that moved the civil rights movement forward. It disannulled the religious language that slave owners used to justify their hideous abuse of African men and women in our history. Communism enforced an atheistic view that denied its citizens the pursuit of an open practice of faith.

More wars have been fought over the name of God, the will of God and through the people of God than any other issue confronting mankind. Holy wars dominated the dark ages and filled the trenches of battle fields with the blood of young, hopeful men breaking the hearts of their parents - all for God

Recently, a very interesting article pointed to the decline of people of faith in this country. Aside from independent churches and Pentecostal groups, there is an alarmingly growing disinterest in faith. Why do you think these groups have seemingly escaped faith? According to recent statistics, faith in general has declined amongst Americans, and our citizens seem more and more disillusioned with it in any form. Only a few groups of faith seemed to be holding their own. Denominationalism seemed to be hemorrhaging, and this was beyond Christian groups, but also incorporated other forms of faith in general. In Luke 22:31 Jesus tells Simon that Satan has desired to sift him as wheat but that He prayed for him that his faith fail him not. There are many possibilities as to why the numbers looked so bleak. Here are a few for consideration. They aren’t all congruent; pick the ones that reflect your view or add your own:

• Religious people and their self-righteous piety have lost the respect of the secular world.
• We only show up to fight other people in the press, but never to love anyone or help anyone. We appear angry and militant.
• Or is it the opposite, we aren’t radical enough?
• We have not remained relevant in a society that is ever evolving.
• We have allowed our message to become contaminated with politics and self-interest.
• We are too focused on capitalism and greed.
• The numbers are lessening because the country is growing and constantly taking in new people and groups from other parts of the world.
• The coming generation isn’t raised with the faith views that we were as children.
• Historically, the more economically secure a society becomes, the less faith centered it is.
• Faith groups are locked behind stained glass windows while other groups and ideas have taken their messages to Hollywood and elsewhere, reaching people where they are, rather than asking people to come to them.
• The growing emphasis on education, which includes a more evolutionism approach to creation and a scientific view of the world, moves people from the ambiguous explanations of faith.
• America needs revival.
• Faith is leaving organized religion and becoming a matter of personal relationships that are seemingly more meaningful than associations incubated behind hallowed walls.

Now I am not saying that these are the reasons for the decline in faith, but rather possibilities. I want you to weigh in on it and share what you think contributes to the decline. Or do you think there isn’t a decline at all? Is it more aptly stated that our country has more diversity and with it comes the infusion of more and more people whose views are less traditional? Are we as people of faith losing our majority rule in this country? Has faith failed America as it threatened to do with Simon? Has it failed you? Are you less or more committed to your faith? If you are committed, are you less vocal about that faith? Do you witness more or less nowadays than people did when you were young? I would love to hear from non-Christians, agnostics, Christians, Jews, Muslims and any others who may be lurking in the shadows of my database. Thanks for thinking, writing and sharing. Ignorance is a curse to any people.

On a closing note, I wanted to let everyone know that my latest movie, Not Easily Broken, is being released on DVD today. You can pick it up anywhere movies are sold, or buy it online.

All my best,

Bishop T. D. Jakes

It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a chance to speak with you! The month of January proved to be quite busy for my family and me. “Not Easily Broken” hit theaters and was warmly received among moviegoers of all backgrounds. Thank you for all the comments about the movie! It is my prayer that we are able to open the lines of communication to deal with issues that are often swept under the rug. From the letters and comments we receive, I feel like we have been able to accomplish this mission.

On January 20th, I participated in the Inauguration Celebration for President Obama. It was an honor to be a part of the ceremony and to view history as it took place in the beautiful city of Washington, D. C. I was able to attend with my youngest son and I watched as he took in the scene, the people and the pure excitement in the air. I knew that the memory of this historic moment would forever be branded in his mind.

My wife underwent surgery at the beginning of the year. Thanks to the prayers and support of many, she is recovering and regaining her strength. Since she’s been down I’ve been able to sharpen my culinary skills. I’ve been told my grilled cheese sandwiches are unrivaled. I have also become the master of the grocery store. Now I must admit, my grocery shopping skills were a little rusty, as my schedule does not permit me to cook or shop as often as I would like. I was in disbelief as I went from aisle to aisle looking at the items on the shelf that once cost half as much as they do now. Though some of the price increases can be attributed to inflation, much of it is evidence of an economy crying out for help. I want to talk a little bit about being financially smart during these times.

There are some decisions that can be made long-term to eliminate financial stress like limiting credit card debt and avoiding pay-day loans. Look into renegotiating your mortgage, and making emergency interest payments during short term cash crunches.

I also want to focus more on everyday things that can be done to save money. You would be surprised to know how the smallest things can add up. My children are fast-food junkies. They have kept our immediate fast food restaurants in business by eating fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well, when they began to branch out into the world and create financial goals and budgets, they learned immediately how much those French fries really added up! Take a look at my tips for surviving through this recession:

• Limit how much you eat out.

The average cost of a value meal is $6, and for a family of four, that adds up to $24 a day, which could go into a savings account. For the price of eating out every day, you could make a trip to the grocery store, pack a lunch and take it to work instead of spending your money. This is also a great way to use leftovers that may otherwise get tossed. I have found several tips on the internet on how to turn last night’s leftovers into today’s gourmet meal. Find recipes that are simple, yet cost effective. I know for my house you can NEVER go wrong with a pot of spaghetti.

• Feel like shopping?

Before you decide to buy a new article of clothing, go through your closet first. You would be surprised at some of the clothes you have that you may not wear as often as you should. Try adding different accessories to create a new look. Discount stores are always a good alternative for finding excellent bargains

• Have a Garage Sale!

There has been a revitalization of garage sales. They work well to give you extra cash without adding extra expense. Plus, they serve as a perfect avenue to rid your home of unused items.

• Grow a Garden!

Many people are starting to grow gardens again. It is a stress reliever and this is the season to plant! Get outside, spend some time with friends or family, and grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Move Your Money Around.

With low interests rates that we are seeing today, don’t be afraid to consider refinancing your home, or consolidating your debts in the process. You’d be surprised at how much money you would save.

Now that I’ve shared some money-saving tips, I want to convey to you that our economy will eventually improve. Case in point, I was driving through downtown Dallas recently and was astonished at the number of cranes and construction workers that were busy working. My initial thoughts were, “Why do they continue to build when the economy is so weak?” I instantly realized that the developers were not planning for now, they were looking to the future. In spite of the constant news reports about the failing economy, they knew that no matter how difficult times may get, things will get better.

I leave you with the same message. I realize how difficult it can be to occupy your mind with dreams of creating your own business, going back to school, owning a home, or buying a new car when you have to focus on making ends meet. This year I beseech you NOT to give up on your tomorrow! In the midst of the storms waging around you, know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Be careful not to allow your hopes and dreams to be squandered. During these times, remember to be faithful to God and he will be faithful to you. I have never seen the righteous forsaken! Take a moment to tell me about your dreams, and how you are going to accomplish them. And in the interim, share some tips on how you are saving pennies during these times.

Finally, I’ve asked a couple of my good friends to share some of their knowledge and advice to help you get through these challenging times. Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedules to read these great articles by Glinda Bridgforth and Dr. Ronn Elmore.

If I chose to follow the traditional salutation then it would be appropriate for me to greet you with the phrase “Happy New Year.” I would rather pose a question for you to answer: “What Should I Do With Another Year?”

This is the same question I asked my church members on the first Sunday of this New Year. The very fact that it’s called a New Year requires us to take a different approach to the challenges that follow us from the previous year and the opportunities that lay before us this year. When it comes to a new year, people of faith generally talk about what God is going to do. This year, however, I challenge you to put the onus on what you, as an individual, are going to do? God already has His part worked out; He is faithful. Understand that this is a year of transition, decision and restoration, and I want to make sure you are properly focused on what you need to do and think for this year.

In the Gospel of St. Luke 13: 6-9, Jesus tells the parable of “a certain man that had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said, unto him, Lord let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shall cut it down.” (KJV)

Given the economic climate in our nation and around the world, more will be required of us as the Scripture suggests: more digging, more dunging (meaning more plan development), more caution before purchasing, more prayer development, more family development, simply put more everything! However, the year is a gift of grace, a chance to finish the repositioning that we ultimately need to be more productive.

As I shared with you before, my new movie Not Easily Broken will be released nationwide on January 9, 2009. I have been busy running to screenings of the movie in different cities (digging and dunging) and I have had an opportunity to receive great feedback on the film during Q&A sessions. I have been encouraged by the many churches, sororities, and fraternities taking over movie theaters across the country to support the film and send a message to Hollywood that there is strength in our numbers.

One of my goals for this film was to produce a work that would show African Americans in a positive light, which is still a rare occurrence even in the 21st century. I also show an interracial friendship because I believe that it is time to desegregate our theaters. We simply need to know and understand more about each other’s cultures. I find that most people are going through similar struggles. It appears that this movie will have universal appeal. Help me ignite a flame in Hollywood of inspirational material at a time when our nation so desperately needs inspiration. I have hidden in the body of the film many contemporary themes that should provide for some interesting dialogue between us. Some of it is subtle and some is not so subtle. I want to know what you think the many underlying messages are in the film. With that in mind, I would like to hear your feedback on the movie. After you see the movie this weekend, I would like for you to come back here and tell me what you thought about the movie, its theme, the characters and the underlying messages that affect everyone, regardless of their background.

Remember, this is our year to take action. Take what God has given you, dig around it, put dung on it and produce your fruit! If you have the passion, the faith and the tenacity, hang in there this year. Remember real love, like real people, are not easily broken!

All the best,

Bishop Jakes

I have watched with great respect and admiration as President-elect Obama begins the arduous task of putting together his Presidential Cabinet.

A challenging task to construct an administration in “normal” times, no doubt, but a task that becomes even more daunting when one looks at the current economic crisis and uncertainty of our financial future and ranking in the world that we currently face.

President-elect Obama’s selections for the key posts in his administration that will hopefully help guide this country into a brighter future, have been surprising to many. Obama has selected individuals who would not normally work together, and those whose viewpoints and perspectives on the most effective way to run the government would seemingly be diametrically opposed.

However that is the view to the untrained eye. As in my book, “Before You Do,” where I discuss the importance of knowing who you are working with: comrades – those who are against what you are against; constituents – those that are for your cause; and confidants – those that are 100% for you, Obama has put together an unlikely, yet a potentially effective collection of individuals who do not bring the same perspective to the fight, but all have the same desired end result.

The key to successful leadership is to not surround yourself with a group of people who look exactly like you, think exactly like you, or act exactly like you. In order to be successful, you have to have a diverse group, with varied perspectives, beliefs and opinions.

President Abraham Lincoln used the same approach to his presidency, mixing and matching people who would never work together and bringing them in to focus on one common goal. With this broad range and collection of perspectives, Lincoln was able to gain a much more realistic perspective of the country he was governing and what he needed to do to successfully manage it.

Some are opposed to this idea as it puts them and those on their team in sometimes uncomfortable surroundings. I actually thrive in it and view myself as the center and the calm of the storm. As staff members are furiously debating a topic or idea, I can sit back from a centrist perspective and pick and select the good ideas from one, then from the other and put together a plan that has looked at the situation from all angles as opposed to just one.

If I were not in the middle, those two sides, with both something very valuable to give to the solutions, would never have come together to collaborate and their much needed input would have never made it to the table.

As you move into 2009, look around you. How are you assembling your team? Is it made up individuals who act and think alike, or are you bringing in varied and diverse opinions that help you to balance the scales of thought and present a plan that is both detailed and well researched?

The decision is up to you.

I wish you and yours a very peaceful, very happy, and very joyous holiday season!

Bishop Jakes

The other night I had the chance to attend the Dallas premiere of Will Smith’s latest movie, “Seven Pounds.” I don’t want to risk giving too much away, so I will only say that Will Smith and his co-star, Rosario Dawson – who I had the pleasure of meeting at last years CNN Heroes Awards ceremony – gave incredible performances and it is a must see movie.

As I prepare for the release of my new movie, “Not Easily Broken” - in theaters on Jan 9th and starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson - I find that I look at everything in entertainment not so much from a viewer’s or a consumer’s perspective, but as someone who has a vested interest in the success of the film.

I was so impressed with the fact that Will used the premiere not only as a chance to tout and show off his new movie, but also as a chance to help a very deserving charity. Will made a generous donation to the Texas Food Bank, a charity that in today’s difficult economic times has no doubt been stretched to its limits of support.

I had a chance to meet privately with Will and we discussed the potential of working together on future projects that I hope to be able to share with you at a later date.

In the meantime, I have attached some pictures from that very enjoyable night and hope you enjoy them as much as I loved participating in them!

Bishop Jakes, Tom Joyner, and Donna Richardson-Joyner arrive at the Dallas screening of “Seven Pounds”

Will Smith greets Bishop Jakes at the Dallas screening of “Seven Pounds”

Will Smith, Bishop Jakes, Tom Joyner, and Donna Richardson-Joyner at the Dallas screening of “Seven Pounds”

Bishop Jakes greets fans at the Dallas screening of “Seven Pounds”

Bishop Jakes talks with media at the Dallas screening of “Seven Pounds”

Bishop Jakes and Will Smith

Bishop Jakes and Will Smith

All photos courtesy of Rance Elgin