T. D. Jakes explores what he calls “the art of forgiveness,” in which he goes beyond the typical meaning of the word. Rather,he takes if apart, examines every facet of what it means to forgive and to be forgiven, offers examples as to what may have caused the crisis, and provides solutions on how to work through betrayal and  accept true forgiveness. So why an entire book on the topic of forgiveness? Becaus ...

By Gwendolyn L. Baines - NNPA Columnist Dear Gwendolyn: I have been working for a company for 22 years.  For the past 15 years, I have been promised a promotion.  Two months ago they promoted a lady who has only been working there for one year.  The position is executive vice president and should have been given to me.  I am most hurt about it.  The lady came with a Ph.D degree.  But since I have been doing ...

By Akeya Dickson Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Sometimes you can’t make it to the doctor. You don’t have a way to get there, you’re bedridden, or you may have simply forgotten. Cueing up a Skype session with your physician might be the most efficacious solution to getting immediate care, avoiding a missed appointment (and $40 co-pay), and to skipping the marathon waiting room sessions and  fl ...

ARIES This week make your spiritual interest pay off in cash. Enough of goodness for goodness sake. You’ve got bills to pay. People expect generosity from a big hearted person like you. Ask them for something in return or they’ll drain you. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 8 TAURUS Compromise to get what you want this week. You’ll want to meet others half-way, and in the long run, you’ll get what you want anyway. You c ...

By Dwight Brown NNPA Film Critic He said. She said. We’re the same species, but two different genders. It’s fun to be reminded occasionally that our distinct approaches to life and love make for great agitation, misunderstandings and reconciliations. A group of guys who play basketball together are having female trouble: Dominic (Michael Ealy) a wannabe chef pursues a snooty, aloof lawyer (Taraji P. Henson) ...

By Charlene Crowell NNPA Columnist   The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) convened a series of forums last year that explored abusive auto lending practices. The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a participant in those roundtables, has issued a new research report on deceitful practices that take advantage of unsuspecting customers. The report, Deal or No Deal: How Yo-Yo Scams Rig the Game against Ca ...

ARIES A happy week is in store for sociable you. Lots of friends and a party or two or three will keep your energy bright. Use caution while driving and watch for a pleasant surprise or two this week. Soul Affirmation: Trust gives me a deep sense of peace and joy. Lucky Numbers: 18, 21, 37 TAURUS Lots of creative energy available this week, and you can use this in many creative ways. Whatever your heart tel ...

Dear Gwendolyn: I have been married for 14 years. We have two children, age eight and six. I have always had my older child in a school in rich suburbia. My wife does not seem to have good reasoning. If I had known that, I never would have married her. This is the problem: She thinks that schools in wealthy neighborhoods are better schools. I have been attending the town hall meetings held by the school boa ...

As a kid on the Westside of Chicago learning bass guitar in church, Tony Russell wasn’t focused on growing up to work with some of the biggest artists in popular music. ‘When I was coming up, I just wanted to play. I wasn’t thinking about having a career, I just wanted to be good enough to play in church’, he explained. Tony grew up in neighborhoods at Cicero and Polk, Avers and Lake, and Augusta and Lake. ...

My boyfriend wants me to help him buy our house! Dear Gwendolyn: I have been going with a man for eight years. He has not yet proposed, but wants me to help him buy ‘our’ house. He says that because he is not divorced, it would not be wise for him to put my name on the deed. Gwendolyn, since I have put eight years into this relationship, do you think I should stay in it – or dissolve the relationship 100%? ...