Practical Virtues: Readings, Sermons, Prayers, and Hymns for the African American Family – An Indispensable Collection for Spiritual and Ethical($11.99Value)

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As pastors of one of New York City's largest churches, Reverend Floyd Flake and his wife, Reverend M. Elaine McCollins Flake, are frequently sought after by those in need of guidance. Throughout their ministry, the Flakes have drawn from a distinguished array of stories, letters, hymns, narratives, and poems -- from James Baldwin and Maya Angelou to Arthur Ashe and Colin Powell -- to inspire families to live ethically in an often unethical world. Now, with Practical Virtues, they've gathered their favorites into a single, indispensable collection, paired with spiritual exercises for the soul. “I was certainly inspired.” - USA Today on The Way of the Bootstrapper “Tremendously written.” - Chicago Defender on The Way of the Bootstrapper “Motivational and spiritual.” - Black Issues Book Review on The Way of the Bootstrapper “An expansive anthology of words to guide souls to a place of inner strength.” - Daily News “An inspiring collection.” - Essence Thoughtful....This collection...will inspire. - Library Journal “Powerful....A way for parents to engage their children in virtuous living habits.” - Dallas Morning News “A powerful collection.” - Dallas Morning News “Well written...rings with sincerity....Families will find this book helpful.” - Cleveland Plain Dealer “Practical Virtues will inspire, inform, and ignite those who read it.” - Bishop T.D. Jakes, Sr., bestselling author of The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord “[An] enlightening and spiritual experience.” - Congresswoman Maxine Waters on The Way of the Bootstrapper “Read his words and lessons. Study them carefully...[and] take the next step by incorporating them into your everyday life.” - William J. Bennett, author of The Book of Virtues As pastors of one of New York City's largest churches, Reverend Floyd Flake and his wife, Reverend M. Elaine McCollins Flake, are frequently sought after by those in need of guidance. Throughout their ministry, the Flakes have drawn from a distinguished array of stories, letters, hymns, narratives, and poems -- from James Baldwin and Maya Angelou to Arthur Ashe and Colin Powell -- to inspire families to live ethically in an often unethical world. Now, with Practical Virtues, they've gathered their favorites into a single, indispensable collection, paired with spiritual exercises for the soul. Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake is the senior pastor of the more than 15,000-member Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica, Queens, and is also the president of Wilberforce Univeristy in Ohio. Flake is also the founder of the Allen Christian School, which he established with his wife, Rev. Elaine Flake. From 1986-1997, Flake served in the U.S. Congress, and is currently a commissioner on the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education and a member of the NYC 2012 Olympic Committee. A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Flake holds a B.A. from Wilberforce University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Author of the best-selling The Way of the Bootstrapper: Nine Action Steps for Achieving Your Dreams (HarperSanFrancisco), Rev. Flake lives in Old Westbury, NY with his wife and four children. Rev. Dr. Elaine Flake is the co-pastor of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral with her husband, Rev. Floyd Flake. Born in Memphis, Reverend Elaine, as her church knows her, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Fisk University in Nashville, a Master of Arts in English from Boston University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She was also awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She has contributed articles to the book, Soul of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, and recently authored her own book, God in Her Midst: Preaching Healing to Hurting Women. Rev. Flake is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and hosts yearly ministry retreats that attact over 1000 women from across the country. She and her husband live in Old Westbury, NY and are the parents of four children. Practical Virtues Readings, Sermons, Prayers, and Hymns for the African American Family By Flake, Floyd H. Amistad Press ISBN: 0060090618 Chapter One Courage A firmness of spirit and strength of the soul, Courage is the state of mind that enables you to face difficulty ordanger with confidence in spite of fear. Every day we live, we exercise courage. From the moment we wake in the morning to the minute we lie down to sleep at night, we must be courageous. Courage is a spirit within that compels us to face dangerous and difficult situations rather than withdrawing into ourselves. It is knowing that we are capable of achieving successes in spite of the odds against us. Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is acting or speaking despite our fear. On Sunday mornings, when I stand before my congregation, it can be daunting to think that thousands of men, women