Ironically, Burger King was one of the first phrases that I could spell. There was a location near the house where I was living when I was 3 or 4 years old and I would practice on my way to preschool.

When I became a little older, I got excited about the BK Club for Kids. They had a portion of the tray place mat to fill and turn in, after the mazes were played and the characters were colored in. I don’t even remember what the benefits of being a BK Club Kid were, but I was cool and I knew it.

Have you been to Burger King lately? I went today while on a road trip. I ordered a Kid’s Meal with 4 chicken nuggets, apple fries, apple juice and some awkward Playdo fossil maker. Apple fries, were one of the few healthy alternatives to the fast food joint’s grease and calories. I’m glad I cut a couple of calories by passing on the french fries. My diet is haphazard, it’s something I need to work on.

How’s your diet? It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life and to set aside our health. Even though we make it through the day, bad habits always catch up with us!

Remember, our bodies are the temples of God and we can all use some building maintenance. Grab a piece of fruit. Take a walk. Pass on the church fundraiser, fried chicken dinner (don’t forget the donation though) and call the name of Jesus when you’re gobbling down that salad with low fat dressing instead of the buttermilk ranch dressing w/ a side of lettuce.

Vajaah E. Parker
VCYC President 2006-2010

Guess who’s all natural now….I am! lol! Usually my sorors and I are associated with long, dark, silky hair but not I…NO MORE FRESH PERMS FOR ME!!! Lol. I’m joking now but it really is a serious matter. I never realized the much the chemicals associated with perms damages not only my hair but negatively impacts my body.

I thought I would miss it but I actually feel liberated! If you have ever contemplated going natural, I would encourage you to do so…it’s worth it! However you must realize, going natural is a journey but it’s worth it! I will keep you informed of my personal journey with going natural.

Also, Chris Rock has a movie scheduled to be released in October called “Good Hair.” Check it out…it’s informative with a comical twist.

Tiffany C. Evans
Corresponding Secretary 2006-2010

Hey All!!! I’m so blessed to be in the land of the living. As my first post I would like to thank you all for your prayers, emails, facebook messages and wall post expressing well wishes and concern for me during my time of recovery. I am ever grateful for you all. I pray God continues to bless you in all you do.

For those who may not know, on December 20, 2008 I was involved in a fatal head on collision accident. I sustained several major fractures in my right leg, shattered knee cap, broken arm, and lung damage. I underwent three surgeries to repair broken bones along with my knee cap. I was hospitalized for 14 days then released to go home and rest. This situation was roller coaster for lack of a better word, there are some aspects that I am still processing and dealing with. During my time of recovery, many people tried to discouraged me from living my life. It was suggested by doctors and therapists that I shouldn’t stay in school during the spring semester (my LAST semester of undergraduate). When people spoke to me about the difficulties which faced me they were so somber…admittedly, there were times my spirit was low but I know without a doubt the God that covered me during that FATAL accident would continue to protect and provide. Ok…(trying to regain some composure here)…the God that opened blinded eyes, raised Lazarus from the dead, and provided for the multitudes is STILL in the blessing business. On May 09, 2009, I graduated from the University of Louisville…not only did I graduate but I received honors within my department and was accepted into my graduate program! To God be the glory!

I also would like to offer some encouragement. As a result of my car accident, my personal relationship God has grown immensely. In life we are hit by so tasks and situations that seem unbearable but regardless of that feelings, you must remember the promises of God. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. If you’ve ever doubted of the power of God, I’m your living proof…God will pull you through! Just trust Him!!!

Tiffany C. Evans
Corresponding Secretary 2006-2010

So this is just a little list of things I felt many of the youth in Zion could identify with.  So let’s get started!

You know you’re a Zionite when:

1. You had close friends in more than 2 states as a teenager because of the Winter Meeting
2. You had close friends you only saw once or twice a year because of the Winter Meeting
3. Even as a teenager, you had a favorite hymn (“It is Well”, “God of Our Fathers”, “Blessed Assurance”, “What a Fellowship”)
4. Every time you see a biblical or musical reference to Zion, you think about the denomination
5. You’ve had several pastors in your lifetime at the same church…and you’re still just a teenager.
6. If you’re a PK, your life is similar to that of an Army Brat.
7. You wished all your friends were members of the AME Zion Church so you wouldn’t have to explain so many things.
8. Your male friends refer to their significant others as Missionary Supervisors or First Ladies
9. You visited more cities than all your friends by the age of 15 because of the various Christian Education meetings you have attended.
10. You pretend like you don’t know if you’re going to the Winter Meeting even though you’ve already purchased clothes for every event of everyday.
11. You look forward to the Winter Meeting as much as Christmas, if not more.
12. You wonder why Bishop McCoy doesn’t wear purple
13. You know Rev. George McKain’s nickname
14. Imitating the Board of Bishops is a regular form of entertainment
15. You and your friends know the exact year you will be eligible to run for Bishop
16. You rock or have rocked Winter Meeting t-shirts in public
17. You have several totes, bags, & backpacks with The AME Zion Church logo on it
18. Your heart started pounding when you found out a resolution about discontinuing the Winter Meeting was going to be heard on the floor of the General Conference
19. You have arguments about why your bishop is cooler than someone else’s
20. You have sung the Wesleyan Grace in public (with harmony)
21. You jazz up the traditional worship songs found in every AME Zion Church service (All things come of thee, The Gloria Patri, The Threefold Amen, etc…)
22. You randomly quote snippets of the Communion Ritual (“Therefore with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven…lol”)
23. You wonder why Rev. George Maize IV hits his stomach when he sings.

If I missed anything or you think of something that should be included, add your ideas to the list by commenting below.

Ruth D. LaToison

Executive Vice President, VCYC