WWRCD?

Occasionally in life we are all met with trials and tribulations, both large and small. (Where in the world did I put my keys? How on earth will I pay the mortgage this month? Should I put my mother in a home? I really like this guy. How long should I wait to tell him about my Herpes?) It is in these times that each of us tends to look for support in different places. Some of us ask for help from our friends. Others look to our families for advice. But me, I turn to my faith and my church… Glen Oak Community Church. My sister and I joined this church more than 10 years ago and, quite frankly, our spiritual cups overfloweth. Glen Oak Community Church, led by Reverend Eric Camden, has services almost every day of the week and I (we) invite you all to join. You can locate it in your local T.V. Guide under 7th Heaven.

I can only speak for myself, but Glen Oak’s congregation, as well as Reverend Camden and his family (He and his wife, Annie, have 7 adorable little moppets – Truthfully only 5 of them are adorable, 2 of them give me the creeps!), have seen me through "many a darkened day" with their love, kindness, and sage wisdom. I know that some of you are probably thinking, “7th Heaven is just a television show!” but to those people I say, “You are soooo wrong!” 7th Heaven is a way of life. Before I make any major life decisions, I ask myself WWRCD - What Would Reverend Camden Do? (I’m thinking of getting one of those bracelets made).

• Would Reverend Camden beat his children's asses for hiding a dog (for over a month) inside the broken-down van in the driveway? NO! He wouldn't! So, I didn't.



• Would Reverend Camden call the police on the crack head who came to the door at 11 o'clock at night trying to sell a bag full of partially used cleaning products? NO! He wouldn't! So, I didn't.



• Would Reverend Camden cuss out every single person who says "No offense, but you're not like most black people". No, of course not! (Not just because he isn't black but also because he has goodness in his heart). So, I don't.

Reverend Camden has guided me through almost all of my normal adolescent curiosities (except I was in my 30s and just very emotionally stunted). It was his sister, Julie Camden’s, struggle with alcohol that taught me that alcoholism is a disease best treated through love and support. Simon's brief but dangerous interest in smoking and his subsequent lesson learned erased every subliminal messaging that the Marlboro Man had implanted in my head. And Precocious little Ruthie... ahhh little Ruthie... she reminds me every single time I see her that it is o.k. to speak my mind, stand up for what’s right, and have Muslim friends. (Ruthie is positively a wealth of knowledge. She is just outstanding to know. I am so proud to call her my friend!) Also, for the record, if I had Mary and Lucy’s friendship when I was in high school I may very well have been a virgin when I got married because they set such a good examples for their peers (That's probably not true, if we had been friends back then Mary definitely would have partied a lot more. I was a bad influence and Mary is always right on the edge). But most importantly, if it wasn't for Annie Camden, I would have no idea that all you have to do to punk out a gang member who is harassing you is slap your own chest really hard and yell. (Seriously, the Reverend's wife is hard core!)

If after my testimonial, you are still on the fence about joining let me tell you who some of the other members of our congregation are. Ashlee Simpson used to go there (I mean before the whole lip syncing thing). Nick Zano, Bo Derek, Carlos Ponce, and Gabrielle Union have all attended. So obviously we don't have a lot of ugly people (Actually, we welcome everybody we just put the ugly people in the back). You should know, though, we always, always make room for more at Glen Oak Community Church and I would welcome any opportunity to come to your homes and share "the word" with you (Actually, I would just come over, turn your television to the ABC Family Channel, raid your refrigerator, and leave quietly, but believe me your life will never be the same).