Atlanta Daily World

Pentagon Censors Christian Art

Artwork can evoke various reactions. In general, artwork is created to inspire. Take a look at the photo posted. What do you think?

Recently, artist Ron DiCianni and Tapestry Productions became aware of a decision made by Mountain Home Air Force Base, in consultation with the Pentagon to remove a print of Ron DiCianni's Blessed Are the Peacemakers in response to an "anonymous email." Tapestry Productions is the publisher of this painting and the agent of record for Artist Ron DiCianni.

Tapestry Productions President, Grant DiCianni, responded by saying:

"First, we are deeply saddened as we receive more information about this incident, to see the apparent hostility of Pentagon leadership to a message, that is clearly in keeping with the foundation of this country & the Air Force and whose communication is clearly protected by the First Amendment. The painting that was removed based on this anonymous complaint is entitled Blessed are the Peacemakers. It features a modern day policeman standing in front of a medieval knight. The flag held in the hand of the knight morphs from a medieval coat of arms into the flag of the United States of America. In this edition of the painting, the word 'Integrity' is stenciled over the image and the verse referenced is 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be named sons of God' Matt 5:9."

"It is our belief" DiCianni continued "that this message is one that the modern day military should be proud to embody — the idea of integrity in the service of peace. Having known many military service members over the years, I have never encountered one that enjoyed the idea of war. Every war fought has been to pave the path back to peace. Hence, the military is an embodiment of the ultimate peacemaker, a pursuit blessed in Scripture. It would seem this is a message that the Air Force should be willing to foster, not censor."

Karew Records Teams Up With Entertainment One Music

Karew Records, the gospel music label owned by Bishop J. Drew Sheard, senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ in Detroit, and his wife, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, today announced the label’s new partnership with Entertainment One Music (eOne Music).

Beginning with a new album to be recorded “live” on September 9 by four-time GRAMMY Award-winner Clark Sheard, the label’s future recordings will be distributed by eOne Music, based out of Nashville, Tenn.

Karew’s roster includes multiple award-winning recording artists Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and Jonathan Nelson.  Sheard’s forthcoming album will be recorded in Chicago and produced by the multiple GRAMMY Award-winning producer Donald Lawrence.

Label General Manager Darrell Thompson stated, “On behalf of the Sheard Family, we are looking forward to working with the team at eOne to take the Karew brand to even higher levels of success as we have full access to a marketing and promotions staff that has a track record of delivering hits.  The family has a relationship with the company’s television arm, so it was a natural fit to extend the relationship into the area of music.” Assistant General Manager Cynthia Ellis said “After learning that eOne had recently entered into relationships with Warryn Campbell and Donald Lawrence, the decision was easy for management to choose this venerable company.”

“We are excited to extend the eOne relationship with the Sheard family beyond television into music as well through this new partnership with Karew Records,” said Phil Thornton, Vice President of Marketing and New Business Development at eOne Music, Nashville.  “Not only do the Sheards continue to have a great impact in furthering ministry and gospel music, but in their family, in faith and in business, they truly serve as a constant inspiration. It’s a blessing for eOne to embark on this partnership with Karew Records, and mark another thrilling venture working with one of gospel’s most beloved families, to continue supporting and discovering some of the nation’s best gospel music.”

Bishop and Clark Sheard, along with their daughter, Kierra, and son, J. Drew II, are the subjects of the hit docu-drama series, The Sheards, which premiered on BET in April and airs Sundays at 8 p.m., ET.

Karew Records will continue to distribute Jonathan Nelson’s latest project, Finish Strong, via Motown Gospel (formerly EMI Gospel). Finish Strong was released on April 23 and entered at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart.  Additionally, the next music offerings by Kierra Sheard and the Clark Sisters will also be handled by Motown Gospel.

In addition to Nelson’s #1 Karew debut album, Finish Strong, the family owned label celebrated a string of successes since its 2009 inception. The multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning Clark Sisters released the first recording on Karew Records (2009) with The Clark Sisters’ Family Christmas.  Clark Sheard’s Karew debut release followed with All in One (2010) and debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Clark Sheard also received the Stellar Gospel Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for All In One along with a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Traditional Gospel Album, and GMA Dove and BET nominations. The label has also released daughter Kierra’s, Free album (2011) to rave reviews and a #1 debut on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums charts. She also was named the winner of the 2013 Stellar Award’s Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year and received numerous other honors and nominations for the Free project.

Bishop Larry D. Trotter is Back and Better Than Ever

Bishop Larry D. Trotter, Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago, is back and better than ever, as a new photo shoot evidences.

Donning an array of chic threads and accessories, Trotter shines in the collection of colorful snaps – his first since publicly announcing his battle with prostate cancer.

With victory over the ailment in tow, the world renowned minister returns rearing and ready to conquer charts with a new forthcoming album christened 'PRAISE REVISITED' on Utopia Music Group due in July 2013.

The album serves as the inaugural release from the recently re-branded Utopia Music Group.

A vision set in motion by the mega-pastor himself, the imprint is the emanation of an expansive effort by Trotter to deliver the true gospel message via a variety of formats.

Its lead single "I Know A Man" has already impacted the Billboard Top Gospel Singles Chart's Top 40 and is still gaining momentum.

Affirmation: I am Strong

It sounds so simple but is really profound. We often sell ourselves short. Building up your emotional strength so that you can both control it and harness the strength it can give you, rather than being held sway by emotional outbursts.

Be positive, optimistic, think positively. Find something good in everything you have, you do, you hear. And find three good things about every person you meet. Meaning, do not hate people. Hatred is weakness. You don’t have to love, just don’t hate and always seek the goodness in others.

Only you can build your self-confidence. Believe deeply in yourself because that’s the first step. But even when you don’t feel so confident, at least do your best to portray confidence. This is a booster in itself and it is important that you keep it up.