(❁´◡`❁) GREEK HIGHLIGHT 411-MAY EDITION (❁´◡`❁)

 Eta Sigma Delta is proud to present, GREEK HIGHLIGHT 411. The Flawless Sapphires will pick 2 Greek organizations a month to interview. We will get to know a little about them, and any upcoming events so we can be more informed on upcoming Greek Events. Our sorority for the month we chose is Theta Delta Alpha. Big Sister Sweet and Sassy sat down with Founder Diva Emerald. Here's what she had to say.

Christy: First I wanna say thank you so much for sitting down with me and doing this interview God mama. I am so glad you chose to do this interview with me and its great to see you as always! How bout we get started with telling me a little about you?

Diva: My name is Diva Emerald and I have been on the grid 8 years almost 9. I started my own sorority in 2013. I love to travel, I love exploring when I have the time, because I am so involved in a lot of things. I am the owner of Lake Geneva Camp and Resort, also I help my mom with her beyou store. I am family oriented and love spending time with all of them.

Christy: I know for a fact you are family oriented, and all of us sapphires love our god mama! So tell me, what made you want to start a sorority, and when was it founded?

Diva: Theta Delta Alpha was founded Sept 1st 2013. My 2nd year on SL I was asked to be apart of a sorority, I ended up pledging, I crossed and it just didn't feel right to me. We were totally different. They didn't share the same values as I did, and no disrespect to them but they were very big into embarrassment. I didn't see anywhere where I could grow and learn from, and I didn't want to be involved with women of that nature. My Sl Mom then tried to throw me into a sorority, and I ended up being apart. I also didn't fit in there as well. After bonding with some of the ladies in the sorority but after having a confrontation with the founder. I decided to step away.  After 6 months of debating, researching, and talking to several people, I decided that I wanted to create a sorority with women who are like minded like me. I wanted a sorority that was classy, respectful, beautiful, and was truly about sisterhood instead of being popular. 

Christy: I have met most of the ladies in your sorority, and I respect them. They are gorgeous and strong queens and I love the fact you all are bonded the way you are. You all seem so close. What about Theta Delta Alpha Sorority makes you ladies stand out?

Diva: I feel like what stands out about us is that you will never ever see us involved in any face book drama or involved in any kind of drama. I hold my sisters to a very high caliber, and we are truly sisters. We have each others real life phone numbers and we are always there for one another. We do not hide anything from each other. Our bond is very tight, and that's very rare to find on SL. We pride ourselves in being classy, and not letting anyone in our business. 

Christy: That is the way it should be. A sister bond means everything, and its nice to know that you have each other. Switching gears, I wanted to talk a little about your philanthropies. Could you tell me a little more about them?

Diva: Yes ma'am! Our main charity is Trisomy 13. I had a cousin pass away from this horrible disease. Being on second life, I realized not a lot of people were aware of Trisomy 13, and it made us want to put more awareness out there. We also support the Me Too Movement, and currently we are looking into information about Lymphedema. We know someone personally who is suffering, and would like to offer a helping hand. 

Christy:  I personally love those charities and I had no idea about Trisomy 13 until I got acquainted with  TDA. Aside from the charities, what are some of your signature events? 

Diva: Our sisterhood banquet and our Trisomy Weekend.

Christy: I've personally been to your sisterhood banquet and for the past 2 years, I have been Eta Sigma Delta's Sister of the Month. What was your thought process behind creating the sisterhood banquet?

Diva:  When we first did our sisterhood banquet it was about bonding all sororities together in Greek SL. I was seeing a lot of bickering and drama, and Greek life is about unity. I thought we are all supposed to be here for the same goal, being unified and doing service for community. So I thought all these sororities coming together and participate and to just unify us by doing something such as a poem, dance, or a speech. We just had our 6th annual sisterhood banquet, and its something we are very proud of.

Christy: Well I love the unity and what the sisterhood banquet is about! Do you have any upcoming events?

Diva: Apart of GIF Greek Row, and we have quarterly events, we have an event coming up. Its a game Show.. Who's at the door, May 28th pm SLT  Winner will get 5k for their origination. 

Christy: That is awesome! Eta Sigma Delta will be there to take that 5k home!!! One more question, inquiring minds want to know! Are you gonna be doing a pledge line soon? 

Diva: Actually we are gonna have another line this year, we will start recruiting in the fall. Please follow us on Facebook for further updates. https://www.facebook.com/ThetaDeltaAlphaSLSorority 

Christy: Thank you so much for sitting down with me today to do this interview Diva. It was great to see you again, and I look forward to supporting TDA in the years to come. Do you mind if I snap a picture of you?

Diva: Of course, It was my pleasure!

Mental Health Awareness - Esteemed SL

June is Mental Health Awareness Month and I wanted to do something different. I think we are all familiar with the importance of mental health and taking mental health day. I think a lot of issues stem from not knowing where to get those resources. Last summer I came across a program called Esteemed when a friend told me about it. I was working self care and figured, hey why not try it.

Hey Haylz it is good to see you again. I reached out to interview you because as you know June is Mental Health Awareness Month. I really enjoyed your Esteemed program you did last summer and I just wanted to sit down and chat about it. 

What do you think the biggest need for mental health is? 

Hi Melanie! It's nice to see you again too! Well... I think the biggest need for mental health is for it be normalized. If we accept that this is an illness and something out of our control that's the first step for people to recognize it's okay to ask for help. It's not then looked at as, "Oh you're just crazy, get it together." We are becoming educated on how mental health is about brain activity and knowing how to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. After that, we can then go find the adequate resources and simply ask for help without judgement.

Why is mental health awareness so important to you? 

Mental Health Awareness is so important to me as I suffer from Bi Polar Disorder 1. I am a very private person and never tell people due to the stigma. After living with it, learning how to cope, what medication works and what I need to do in regards to self care for 13 years I am finally happy to be in my shoes! =] Bringing awareness to mental health shows how much someone can prosper and succeed. On a daily basis I follow a medical care plan (drugs, shrink advice etc) and believe in a higher purpose. When I follow my personalized care plan this makes me be my best self. No one can do anything alone and we all need to see that it's okay to ask for help and to also not be okay. We all have to remember everyday isn't easy! Take the time to indulge in your down days, take to the bed but just know your life has one hell of a purpose. You are amazing! You are talented! No one is like you! Don't waste what's in the mirror! Affirmations! Affirmations! Affirmations! =]

What made you start Esteemed? 

A very near and dear friend on second life wanted to kill herself. It broke my heart because she is one of the sweetest people I know. She isn't dramatic and she never seeks the wrong attention. I could talk to her all day till I was blue in the face but that wasn't going to help her situation. So that's when I sat tirelessly for several days and worked off a self esteem workshop I completed in real life. We all know you have to be crafty with roleplay and equipment to emulate anything from real life into teleport it into second life. For the record, my friend did attend Esteemed, she utilized all the tools provided and is in a much better head space now. =]

In the first session we went over a wide variety of content. I still have my vision board and use it to this day. How did you decide on the content for Esteemed? How are you updating it and changing it as time goes along?

Oh to reiterate on the above, it was a combination of an all female "Three Day Self Esteem Workshop" (real life) and a friend in second life's need for it. I've been updating it a lot actually. I've found the need for one on one workshops, Greek Life workshops, Men only workshops, yoga only etc. I feel the update needed most was for men especially, as they tend to feel they don't need to speak up on their issues and get some help. I've catered things to not be as structured and allow people more personalized options.

Do you have any new or long term goals for Esteemed?

Consistency is key with any business, I feel as long as I keep the fb updated with Affirmations people will see Esteemed is there. I do post any new ideas I currently have and always welcome new ones. I'm focused on pop up workshops for sororities and fraternities at the moment. Which is basically Esteemed Workshop in a box, taken to a location of your choice for a 2 hour session. A long term goal I have is to take people under my wing and train them to be a lecturer and do the workshops with me by assisting. Anything we have that's innovative should never die with us. Always share enough of your ideas to a protégée to keep the goodness going.

What is next for Esteemed?

I would say next up for Esteemed is yoga! People tend to love when I do it because of my 'accent' lol and I am quite good at it. I use soothing music incorporated with my voice added in sporadically encouraging you to breathe and be mindfully focused in the moment. These are for anyone but I'd like to get them out there in large groups and Greek Life is just that! It's a wonderful way to combine something which benefits your mental health and increases your bonding.

Please make sure to follow Esteemed on Facebook. For more information, message Halz on Facebook. I hope some of you sign up for her program, it is really good. 

(❁´◡`❁) GREEK HIGHLIGHT 411-MAY EDITION (❁´◡`❁)

 Eta Sigma Delta is proud to present, GREEK HIGHLIGHT 411. The Flawless Sapphires will pick 2 Greek organizations a month to interview. We will get to know a little about them, and any upcoming events so we can be more informed on upcoming Greek Events. Our fraternity for the month we chose is Beta Omega Iota. Big Sister Sweet and Sassy sat down with Co-Founder Neroli Portofino Sr. Here's what he had to say.

Christy: First I wanna say thank you so much for sitting down with me and doing this interview. Its great to see you as always! How bout we get started with telling me a little about you and your background, and about BOI?

Neroli: Its a pleasure.  My name is Neroli Portofino Sr. I am a Co-Founder of Beta Omega Iota (BOI). BOI was something that Mars and I felt the grid needed. When BOI was conceived, there weren’t any fraternities where “studs” or “masculine-identified” women could be themselves. Most women who fit into that category had to lie about their gender to pledge a fraternity. Before us, there was a co-ed group called GAME. Studs were welcomed there but still not able to be “Greek.” The community wasn’t welcoming, but we believe that was surrounding the ignorance of what a fraternity meant. Kappa Alpha Theta was the first female fraternity, which was over a century before what most of us have been privileged to know. The Greek life mainly was parties, and we did not want to add to Greek life in SL by partying. We believe a fraternity is more than a social group; it’s more than a family; it’s a conduit to change the world and have a great fucking time while you do it!

Christy: Im loving that answer! One of the reasons I wanted to do this interview with you is because you have always kept it real and honest. So tell me when was BOI established?

Neroli: November 18th 2010

Christy: I see you have been on the grid for a long time. That is something to celebrate! What is your vision for BOI, Do you feel like your vision is being seen through after all this time?  

Neroli: The vision and purpose of BOI has and will continually be satisfied. Ultimately, we wanted to do immaculate things rooted in fertile ground for the community and our brothers. I would say we’ve accomplished that consistently for ten years now. So many people got more into charity work. Now, others see the importance of leadership, and finally, masculine-identified women don’t have to lie about who they are to be Greek. 

Christy: That is very true, speaking of community, what are some of the charities that BOI supports?

Neroli: We don't support one charity. We believe that if you can offer a helping hand it shouldn't be isolated. Some of those we have given a helping hand to is as followed. Ball or Bucks in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness; Lost Ones candlelight vigil honoring those souls who have moved to another plain in this world;  National Red Nose Day for those without food and shelter;Toys for Tots to bring joy to the hearts of underprivileged children;The I’m Tired Project to support being comfortable in your shell; Stand up for Autism to promote autism awareness; Speakout poetry event in support of the National Center for Gender Equality; Annual Charity Explosion to support Greek missions and migration to service; Knock Out to promote fellowship among Greeks; Stop the Violence Campaign to promote psychological and physiological safety; Lupus Speaks to promote Lupus awareness; The Montrose Center LGBTQ Community & Outreach Efforts; No Kid Hungry; Reading is Fundamental; St. Jude's Research Center; Scholarship of America; Camp Dead End; HeLa “Henrietta Lacks” Memorial Museum; The Barack Hussein Obama Museum; PreventChildAbuse.org; Beta Omega Iota National Aquatic Discovery (Aquarium); First Book Interactive Book Factory (FirstBook.org); Negro Leagues Baseball Interactive Event;  International Women’s Day Event: Breaking The Glass Ceiling; BOITalknWalk for The Movement for Black Lives; United Way Nashville; Relay for Life; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; The Trevor Project; Wounded Warrior Project; WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.); Tools2Thrive; True Colors United; Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Christy:  That's a lot of charities you support, and I personally wanna say I am impressed with the impact BOI has made on the grid. Keep up the wonderful work and positive change you have been doing. Aside from the charities, what are some of your signature events? 

Neroli:  I would say we are humble trendsetters and always inspire others. A few events that may come to mind that is only BOIs,

1. Dragon Awards

2. The Charity Explosion 

3. The Community Appreciation Themed Event. We were very excited when the aquarium got featured on the SL Destination Guide. 

However, if I had to say we were known for anything, it wouldn’t be a signature event. We take no pride in that—instead, it would be embodying the spirit of the dragon. We are leaders, innovationists, and evolutionary. 

Christy: That is amazing being featured on the SL destination guide! I'm sure you all were very proud! Does BOI have any events coming up they would like to announce?

Neroli: BOI is teaming up with ASO, Stevie, and other community members to host a massive event for the HOPEFEST. These funds go to the American Cancer Society. We here donated a Summer Fun event by D. Tox, and that kicked off on May 10th. Follow this event group to get in on the fun https://www.facebook.com/events/142950174431782/, or help us out by donating to the in-world “diversity community” kiosk here: https://bit.ly/2PWMcKu

Christy: Well now you have peaked my interest. I am all for a great event! I have just one more question. Will BOI be doing a pledge line soon? And if so, when?

Neroli: Great question! BOI doesn't recruit or solicit membership until there are persons on the grid that show interest in the organization. Once we see BOI potential in those interested, We then have a line. So, the short answer is, when we see a potential dragon and they identify a potential home. Stay locked in, support Our events and get to know us! https://www.facebook.com/OmegaPrettyBois

Christy: That is awesome! Eta Sigma Delta will be on the look out to show support your way!  Thank you so much for sitting down with me today to do this interview Neroli, It was great to see you again, and I look forward to supporting BOI in the years to come. Do you mind if I snap a picture of you?

Neroli: Sounds Amazing, and it was my pleasure. Thank you for considering us.

Eta Sigma Delta's Sapphire of The Month (April) ~ Ms. Uqqn Caxton Kennedy Huntress ~ Take a look into her life

  Eta Sigma Delta's Sapphire of the Month

Eta Sigma Delta’s Sapphire (Sister) of the Month for April goes to Uqqn aka Big Sister Dedicated and her name speaks so true to her. Not only is it a honor for me to have the privilege to interview her as a sister but, she is also my granddaughter. Uqqn have dedicated herself to ESD for 7 years and each year she grows more and more. 

On May 13, 2021 Uqqn and I sat down at the Sorority Penthouse and had a nice and fun chat. Check it out...

Cassie: Hello, Hello, Hello, Ms. Uqqn! Thank you for coming to have a chat with me today.

Uqqn: Hey sis Cassie, my pleasure, happy to be here.

Cassie: Let's start off with why did you decide to pledge Eta Sigma Delta?

Uqqn: I wanted to be apart of a real sisterhood, one that valued me as a person and Eta Sigma has proven that this is where I need too be.

Cassie: How have your experience been so far?

Uqqn: Eta sigma Delta has made me hold myself accountable for my actions. It has been a very rewarding experience.

Cassie: That's great. What is your current rank in ESD? Do you enjoy your new rank?

Uqqn: I am a Countess/Liaison and Pledge Master. I do....I love it but I love ESD so my ranking no matter what it is, is awesome.

Cassie: Me personally, I am very proud of you.  We strive for all of our sisters to reach their goals and higher points in their second lives. What motivates you to give all that you give into the sorority?

Uqqn: Thank you so much sis. Well I ♡ my founder & cofounder and I love what ESD stands for so I always try and do my best.

Cassie: Awww and we love you too! And you don't try, you ARE doing a great job. What would you say is the most rewarding for being one of the heads of the whole pledge process?

Uqqn: Being able to to let whom ever pledge that they are not just a pledge but that they are family and that we genuinely care about them.

Cassie nods

Cassie: That is so true we don't leave you to go it alone.  You are the sister of the month, how exactly did you feel when you learned that you were named sister of the month?

Uqqn: I was actually surprised and shocked because my role in ESD to me is easy because I love what I do.

Cassie: awwwww that is sweet. Keep up the great work. 

Uqqn smiles

Cassie: Do you do other things outside of ESD, for instance do you have a family or work elsewhere?

Uqqn: I host from time to time for Club Ebony Nights and I do have a family that is very active.

Cassie: That is wonderful. I just learned something new about you because I didn't know that you were still hosting. I love it. Thank you for your time to come and sit with me for this interview. I had a great time with you as I always do. 

And there you have it! Congrats again I hope you enjoyed looking in the life of one of our sisters.

Signing off
Cassie Shaw M.D.

            aka

                 Big Sister On Point

ESD April Charity Event For Autism

 

Christy Sparrowhawk Aka Big Sister Sweet N Sassy had an amazing idea for a charity event. A Battle of the Decades Party! It was held on April 26. Shout out to DJ Spice for holding us down!! We raised 18400L or just about $80USD for Autism Speaks.

Here is a little interview I did before and after the event. 

Before the event: 

Q: What inspired you to do the event?

A: I used to have an autistic patients, and I grew to love them like my own children. One of them even called me mama. Ever since then I've had a passion for helping Autistic children and adults.

Q: How did you decide on the theme of the party?

A: I wanted something different...and I loveeeee music...from all decades..so I thought of Sister Act...and dancing in the street..then the idea just hit me!

Q: Why is raising money for charity important for you?

A: Its important to me because I want to give back, regardless of the charity.  In a world where all you hear is bad, I want to be apart of something good.

After the event: 

Q: How do you feel your event went?

A: I felt we had a very good turn out. Just for having one event we raised 18,400L.

Q: What impact do you think your event could have on autism?

A: I think with the money that is donated it could help families who are in need, provide resources, and raise awareness. ESD will also be looking into different Autism charities to benefit more families.

Q: Will we be seeing another decades party from ESD?

A: We possibly could use that next year since our turn out was so great!

We also had a costume for best in Decades. Each winner won 1k. 

Female Winner: Shannise Lombardi

Male Winner: Carlito Praga 

Brought to you by Big Sister Visionary

🌺 α мoтнer'ѕ dαy ѕpecιαl мeѕѕαɢe 🌺

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. Even if the woman is not your mother but has had a motherly influence on your life, celebrate her today and everyday.

Some awesome people put their feelings about Mother's Day this year to paper, let's take a peek... 👀

SnowAngel Monroe Emerald

A true Angel 

A mother is special; 

she's more than a friend. 

Whenever you need her, she'll give you a hand. 

She'll lead you and guide you in all that you do, 

Try all that she can just to see you get through. 

Good times and bad times, she's there for it all. 

Say head up, be proud, and always stand tall. 

She'll love you through quarrels and even big fights, 

or heart-to-heart chats on cold lonely nights. 

My mother's the greatest that I've ever known. 

I think God made my mother like He'd make his own. 

A praiser, a helper, an encourager too, nothing in this world that she wouldn't do. 

To help us succeed, she does all that she can, raised a young girl now into a woman. 

I want to say thank you for all that you do. 

Please always know, Mom, 

that I love you. 

Happy Mothers Day to the best momma ever Ms. Diva Emerald. My SL mom is like my best friend. Thank you for the laughs, advice and just loving me for me. I’m so blest to have an sl momma like you. 

Love Snow ❤

Christy Jae Sparrowhawk

SL Mom- Miko, Thank you for all you do for me and our family. I appreciate you more than you know, and I hope you have the best Mothers Day yet! Love you! SL 

2nd Mom- Divi, What can I truly say about you over the past 2 years. You have always loved me like im your own, supported me, and made sure to call me out on my bs lol. 

I love you my Divi, Happy Mothers Day !

To my RL Queen -  You gave me life, you gave me purpose and you gave me everything I needed to succeed in this life. I am so very thankful to have a Mom so loving and so supportive. You would literally go to the ends of the earth for me and your grandson and trust me your sacrifices haven't went unnoticed. I love you Mama, and you're the true queen of my heart. Happy Mothers Day!

-Christy

                               

Cassie D. Shaw M.D.

Dear God, 

Mother's day is here but I cannot see her face, can you do me a quick favor at your own will and pace? Can you please pick some Roses in that perfect garden of yours? Give them to my lovely mother and tell her it comes from all her fours? Myself, my sisters and brother, for we miss her very much, but especially on this day we miss her tender touch. 

Oh and God one more thing, if it's not too much trouble, pick another set of Roses just to make it a double? Oh and please tell her that we love her from the bottom and tops of our hearts. God thank you for this favor because it's very hard to be a part. 

Love

    Us 💓💗💞

~♡ S.I.H. Mommy for we will meet again I love you!

This day is always rough because I miss being able to shower my mother with love and show her just how much she is appreciated and loved. But today is not the only day I miss doing these things, I miss doing them every single day. I miss the phone calls and the hugs and being able to go to her for any and everything. I miss having my mom, my best friend. 

I miss my mother so much and envy those that still have their mothers to celebrate this day with. I thank God that I had a mom that showed me love, devotion, guidance and all that a mother should be, because of her, I am a good example for my son. With time the blow of the pain lessens but the feel and need of a mom doesn't. Today as I will cry and remember I will also rejoice and be happy that although I want her here, I know she is in a better place and she is rejoicing with my father right now. 

I am a mother and I couldn't have been blessed with a better child than mine in real life. I celebrate this day for him and for my real life mother. I love her and I know we will meet again. Mommy I love you more and more everyday, you are truly my hero... ❤❤

                             **************************************

Second Life - I appreciate my Godmom Diva Emerald more than she knows. She didn't have to take me in but she did. I'm not the most talkative and many times I can be standoffish and it's not because I mean to it's just the way I'm built but she took me in. If I call on her she will answer and she will be there. I truly, truly appreciate the love you show me and letting me into your world. Love you Godmommy and Happy Mother's Day!

Second Life, I have the best children ever. No relationship is perfect but each day they teach me the real meaning of love and motherhood. I love them and my real life son to life. Nothing is more rewarding then being a mother. Every year I miss my children that can not be around. There is nothing more rewarding then the love of your children. They love you unconditionally as you love them. They are not only my second life children but they are mine in real life too. I love them as if I birthed them in real life and I will always have the strongest love for them. 

S.I.H. Mir (My sweet baby boy) 💓

Brooklyn (Mini Me) & Div (Choco Drop) 💓

Diamond Princess 💓

Andres (Honey Bunch) 💓

- Cassie

We hope all the mothers have a awesome and blessed Mother's Day!

Signing out
Dr. Cassie D. Shaw
                    aka Big Sister On Point

✝👏 National Day of Prayer 👏✝

The John 13:34 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." 

John 13:34 (NIV)

Today is, May 6, 2021 National Day of Prayer!  The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Many people are unaware that they live in a nation that has a law in place requiring our President proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year on the first Thursday in May. It is Public Law 105-225 that the President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.

Prayer brings people together. Prayer builds bridges between opposing persons and even political parties. Prayer reminds us that we are created in God's image and He desires for us to represent Him everywhere we go.

For me, as a citizen and resident of the United States and as a believer in Christ Jesus, I not only have a spiritual responsibility according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray, but a civic duty as well to heed our President’s call to stand in the gap for our nation. Who but God’s people have the ability to enter into the very throne room of Heaven with prayers and petitions!

The theme for this year as per national day of prayer website is  “LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.”

Live Broadcast at 7:45 pm tonight

History of the National Day of Prayer
Fasting and prayer are religious exercises; the enjoining them an act of discipline. Every religious society has a right to determine for itself the time for these exercises, and the objects proper for them, according to their own particular tenets; and right can never be safer than in their hands, where the Constitution has deposited it.
—Thomas Jefferson, 1808

"There is no great movement of God that has ever occurred that does not begin with the extraordinary prayer of God's people." Dr. Ronnie Floyd

WHAT IS PRAYER?

In a society riddled with hate and division, the word "love" almost seems like a foreign concept. In years past, our nation has faced some daunting issues, yet the one thing that still seems to unify the American people is prayer.

Depending on the denomination you identify with, prayer can hold countless meanings. In its simplest form, prayer is communicating with God. Prayer is a powerful force that, when coupled with love, can produce great outcomes. When it comes to prayer, love is key.

At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray. The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation as it enables us to recall and to teach the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call for us to humbly come before God, seeking his guidance for our leaders and his grace upon us as a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the National Day of Prayer as an annual event, signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this day has become a national observance placed on all Hallmark calendars and observed annually across the nation and in Washington, D.C. Every year, local, state, and federal observances were held from sunrise in Maine to sunset in Hawaii, uniting Americans from all socio-economic, political and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. It is estimated that over two million people attended more than 30,000 observances – organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. At state capitols, county court houses, on the steps of city halls, and in schools, businesses, churches and homes, people stopped their activities and gathered for prayer.(http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about)

• Historical Summary
  • 1775 – The first Continental Congress calls for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting.
  • 1863 – Abraham Lincoln calls for a National Day of Prayer.
  • 1952 – Harry S. Truman declares a National Day of Prayer and signs into law an annual observance there of – United States Congress passed Joint Resolution 382 on April 17, 1952/ President Truman signs Public Law 82-324 (Public Law 82-324; 66 Stat. 64—April 17, 1952).
  • 1988 – Ronald Reagan signs into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer – President Reagan signs Public Law 100-307 January 25, 1988, in the Second Session of the One Hundredth Congress (Public Law 100-307—May 5, 1988).
  • 1998 – Pub. L. 105-225, August 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1258: The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals. This law was signed by President Clinton.

2021 NATIONAL PRAYER FOR AMERICA

Lord, we look up and see the billions of stars

You created, and we praise You. We look

around and see the billions of people You

created in Your image; uniquely, fearfully,

wonderfully, and we thank You. Wrap us in Your

Spirit and unite us in Your family, Lord.

Thank You for loving us first. In Your love for the

whole world, You sent Your Son to save us.

Jesus, in You alone we have abundant and

everlasting life. Thank you for teaching and

leading us to love and live, fruitful, and faithful.

In Your life, death, resurrection, and ascension

You are our Lord, our love, our life, and our

liberty. You came to “bind up the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to captives and

freedom to prisoners.” You have freed us from

the penalty and shame of our sin; free to live

life as You designed and Your destiny

for our Nation.

Spirit search us, convict us, as we repent for

our sin and the sins of America. Please cleanse,

fill, and send us. We rejoice, knowing that Your

forgiveness makes us acceptable and effective

vessels for Your love, life and liberty in our

family, church, education, workplace, military,

government, art, entertainment, and media.

We pray that America will be united in love to

serve You with all our hearts, all our ways, and

all of our days. Unite us to pray, love; to live and

walk by the Spirit. Conform and transform us

as we pray and proclaim, “Now the Lord is the

Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty.”

We pray this is the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Kathy Branzell

President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Signing Out
Dr. Cassie Shaw 

       aka Big Sister On Point