By Cheryl Smith
It was Women’s Day at Dallas’ New Hope Baptist Church, last Sunday, October 13, 2024.
What a wonderful service and it wasn’t my first visit. New Hope happens to be one of the oldest Black churches in Dallas, Texas, and was at the top of the list of churches to visit as a new arrival.
Interestingly the significance of me being at that historic church at this celebration of women had a double meaning. My mother was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ where Cissy Houston was the longtime choir director and just this past week Ms. Houston joined our ancestors.
I was filled with so many emotions and then New Hope’s choir started to sing.
Let me tell you, I’ve heard Sondra Johnson sing before but the way she sang that day had me thinking something I have never thought — that I could sing.
The more she got into the song, the more I thought I could join in and sound just as good or better!
Fortunately for me and those in attendance, my rendition was drowned out by much better singers, and the accompanist.
Among the many thanks I gave on that day, standing in that sanctuary, I gave thanks for the wonderful spirit of those gathered under the leadership of Pastor Damien Williams and the awesomely inspiring and challenging message from Pastor Anna J. Lyons.
A Dallas native, who resides in Durham, North Carolina; Pastor Lyons is not for play play. Acknowledging her role as a PK – or Preacher’s Child-in case you didn’t know, the Bishop College and Prairie View A&M University graduate candidly addressed the theme, “The Many Hats We Wear.”
She didn’t mince her words as she talked about the role of women and the many ways some have deviated from what is right and respectful.
She talked about manners, decorum, and how sometimes you have to call out, or address improper behavior. Every man, woman, and child needs to hear her message, and take heed.
It was also great to hear all the accolades as the New Hope Baptist Church Woman of the Year was introduced. Yes, Veronica Scallion is the type of member every church, organization, business, or family would love to have. She serves with a smile, is always polite, kind and humble, and to top things off, she can also cook!
What a wonderful way to celebrate women especially as we prepare to vote at record numbers to put a woman in the White House.
Spending the morning with New Hope and feeling the love bestowed upon women was time well spent.
Stop by for a visit at 5002 S. Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75215.
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