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Gospel message 'roars' on stage |
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Monday, 02 November 2009 |
By Jeannetta Edwards
To look at the diminutive, soft-spoken Pastor Linda Walker, one may not readily see her as a mighty warrior. In fact, she is just that — a strong and well-equipped messenger for God.
Walker exercises one of her many talents in writing and producing gospel plays. Last November, she presented “There's a Blessing in the Storm,” to a full house at the Civic. The dynamic play followed the lives of the Henson family as they experienced problems associated with being upwardly mobile and disconnected from God. Walker's new play, “The Battle is Not Yours,” is a sequel to last year's production.
Saturday night, “The Battle is Not Yours,” will be performed at the Civic as the climax to a day-long conference and vendor event.
“This is part 2 of 'There's a Blessing in the Storm,' The Henson family is back together and again doing very well,” said Walker, pastor of Jehovah Jirah in Okolona. “For Brad Henson this is a comeback. He is practicing law again. He has regained his health. It is his comeback.”
There is one major difference in Henson's life, however.
“This time he's coming back with God,” Walker is quick to add. “This time he is power-packed.”
Walker, who is wife, daughter, mother, play-write, poet and grandmother in addition to pastor, believes strongly in family unity and uses that unity as an underlying theme in her plays. Her 94-year-old father will be in the audience Saturday night, just as he always is at her productions.
“This play is absolutely awesome,” said Walker. “If you don't see it, you will cry for two weeks. There is a message for everyone in it.”
The message is illustrated by the powerful roaring lion used in the plays advertising. The lion symbolizes courage, strength and power. Walker emphasizes the importance of allowing God to fight your battles.
“Sometimes we try to fight a Godly battle, but it is not ours to fight. God is all powerful,” said Walker. “No matter what enemies may have in store for you, God is the source of power you can rely on for your victory.”
Returning in the role of Brad Henson will be the Rev. Clarence Parks, Walker's son and former pastor of Davidson Chapel CME Church. Another familiar character, Mother Bird, returns to reveal some startling news. Of course, Group2Praise will be performing as well as a choir from local churches. A new addition to the cast is Pastor Orlando Parnell, who plays Judge Givens.
“This play demonstrates the fact that God knows all about us,” said Walker. “We have to move out of the way and let God handle our battles in life.”
Walker sees her plays as a big part of her ministry, touching souls with the message of redemption and God's amazing grace.
“My ministry is bringing clarity to people about God's grace,” said Walker. “We disarm ourselves of the power of God by ignorance of the Word and its power. We have to make sure we haven't done anything to disconnect from God.”
The play will be proceeded by a conference and networking event, which includes local vendors and many from other states, according to Dortha Conley, production sponsor.
“This is a day-long event,” said Conley. “We will have beauticians will be on hand to cut and style your hair. We have vendors coming from Atlanta, Tennessee and Texas, with everything from hats to jewelry to shoes.”
Conley, a fashion designer based in Starkville, specializes in plus-size and church attire. Her “Woman of Virtue” clothing line is her ministry.
“Although I cater to plus-size women, I also work with the unsaved and it has given me an opportunity to minister to them,” she said. “Many think they are drawn to me because I sew, but it is my ministry.”
Vendors participating include: Womack Gift Shop offering Smell Like Heaven fragrance, Sherry Taggart offering rhinestone jewelry, Bonita Brown of Premiere Jewelry, Katie Chandler and Shannon Coker of Arbonne International, Shonna G. Walker with Avon, Marvilous Clemons with Mary Kay, R&T Flowers, White's Catering offering dinner plates and snacks, Trisha Marshall of Trisha's Jewelry and accessories, Tia Mills offering purses and oriental sheets, Lillie's Purses, Betty Green offering pastries, Selena Samuel offering shoes.
Walker will be speaking from noon until 2 p.m. The conference is free and open to the public. Tickets for the play are $20 in advance and available at a variety of local outlets. AT the door, tickets will be $23. Door prizes will be given away, which will include a $100 door prize to be given away.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 November 2009 )
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