Destanee Clark, a young woman from Toledo, Ohio, passed on today. Normally when I see stories like this they pass by me because the world is full of news. But this one did not because I took a Nursing Assistant course with her in September-October of this year 2009. She made mention several times of her lifelong heart condition but I did not realize it was this serious.

I pray many blessings on the family. This should show us that tomorrow is not promised unto us. Every day is a precious gift from God. An example I learned a while back comes to mind. What if I gave you a check for 30 million dollars? What would you do with it? But there’s the catch … you will only have five more years to live from the date of the check. What would you change? I’m sure you will change everything!

Why not make that change today? Why not come to the realization that you may only have five years left? Don’t get to your last night on earth and have a heart full of regret. Destanee did not come off or carry herself as a person facing death. She lived a normal life still getting her education and making plans for an unsure future. God bless your spirit Destanee! May you live on and on!

Your obedient servant—December 7, 2009

Mother Hurley, Happy Birthday!

Today is the 118th birthday of our Spiritual Mother, the Rev. Mother Cassie Bell Hurley (b. October 28, 1890). She was the devoted wife of Father Hurley. After his death, she carried on the Universal Hagar’s Spiritual Church hand-in-hand with his adopted brother in Christ, Prince Thomas Surbadger of Chicago.

Mother Hurley was a multifaceted woman. She was a master seamstress, created the pattern for the Hagar robes and caps, served as Treasurer of U.H.S. Church, Successor to Father Hurley, Supreme Mother, Pastor of Headquarters Temple, and active in the community. The church still has several of the plagues she received from various community leaders.

Mother Hurley was a teacher and believed in education. She even went to Wayne State University, later in life, to take public speaking courses to enhance her leadership. She was already a dynamic speaker and the courses only made her better. The University even invited her back from time to time to give lectures.

We thank God for Mother Hurley’s peaceful, claim, and helpful spirit. She lives on in every true, loving, and caring mother. She is personified by all who uplift the fallen humanity. A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF GOD!

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Rev. George H. Latimer-Knight
Written October 28, 2008 at age 26

It was today, 40 years ago, that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. In his final speech he eluded to his own death. Rev. Jesse Jackson receives more than his fair share of criticism, but I was particularly moved by him in an interview with the Associated Press on yesterday (40 Years Later: Jackson remembers MLK—Thu Apr 3, 2008 10:35 AM EST).

Rev. Jackson gave me great pause when he spoke about Rev. King processing his own death. “We had no idea how much pain and death consideration he was internalizing. How much more he knew than we knew about the threats.” King received death threats in a continuous stream. In his first interview after President Kennedy’s assassination he said he accepted that he too may meet the same fate. Even a person given a dire medical report at least knows what is going to cause their demise. Dr. King knew death was coming, but had no idea when or by what violent method.

What a Godly courage—to live each moment expecting someone to kill you. Most of us could not function under the pressure, much less lead a movement. Dr. King ended his final speech with, “I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the coming of the glory of the Lord.” King decided not to live in fear.

At the end of yesterday’s spot, Rev. Jackson broke down, as he and Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles were standing on the balcony where King was assassinated. Jackson ended with these powerful words, “You try to remember but not to think because the trauma, the suddenness, the impact.” As the tears began to flow he continued, “He was only 39 years old and they killed him. I mean, he, he was trying to create peace. They blew him away. 39 years old and they didn’t have to kill him. Its not right. They didn’t have to kill him. I don’t come back much. Its hard to take, it’s a lot to take. It’s a lot to take.”

Saints and friends let us remember Rev. Jackson’s words. Let us not forget that Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. A young man on the forefront of a national movement with international renown. Oh glory! We should take pause today. In fact we should take pause for the next week or two to really reflect on King’s legacy. If you don’t have any books on or by King, go purchase them or at least go to the library. Listen to, read, and view some of his speeches and sermons. Think on him and what we can do to KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE. But even more so TO BRING IT TO PASS. May God bless his spirit. May God bless us all.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Reverend George Hubert Latimer-Knight
Written April 4, 2008 at age 26

Three powerful Hagar women. Thank you for supporting FatherHurley.com. While going through my prayer and meditation this morning three powerful Hagar women came to me in the spirit.

The first to come was Reverend Gussie E. Collier, past Supreme Mother of the Universal Hagar’s Spiritual Church, and pastor of Temple #9 Springfield, Ohio. When she came I could hear her saying, “Glory hallelujah! Glory hallelujah! Glory hallelujah!” She was a women of great wisdom. She knew how to remain silent, though she knew what was right. Every once and a while she would go ahead and speak her mind to the assembly. She was one that always tried to show me and teach me the right way. She encouraged me to live the right kind of life and to stay strong in the faith. Whatever success I do have, some of it has to be attributed to Supreme Mother Collier.

After that I could hear, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”; that was Reverend Ruby Robbins, past Princess of Illinois and pastor of Temple #1 Chicago. I could see her at the Supreme Temple, during the conventions, being overshadowed by the spirit. Sometimes she would be so high in the spirit, even after everyone else had taken their seat, she would remain on her feet saying, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”

Finally, Princess Ida Lee Childs came in forcefully. She came saying, “What’s yours is yours and no one can take it from you.” She said these words to me back in April 1995, seven months after the passing of my grandmother, Princess Georgia Latimer. The Wisemen Board was in the midst of a recess, and I had come in for something (I can’t remember for what now). She beaconed for me. I sat next to her and she said, “George. What’s yours is yours and no one can take it from you.” Today, I could hear those words over and over in my mind. A smile came upon my face as I heard her voice (and I feel good about it).

As I was coming out of meditation, I heard the mantra Princess Childs gave after all the Blessing Services she conducted, “Thank you Hurley. Thank you Hurley. Thank you Hurley….” However, I did not hear it her way, I heard it the way Professor John Wiley (my godfather) arranged it. When Princess Aquart conducted the Blessing in the April 2006 convention, she said the mantra. Professor Wiley put a jazzy-gospel organ feel behind it. The whole convention sang to it as if it were an old classic. (As soon as I can, I will learn the chords, and make a quick video to let you hear it.) May God bless you all.

Remember the words of Princess Childs, “What’s yours is yours and no one can take it from you.” Oh, people can take things. They can take your car. They can take your clothes. They can take houses and land. But no one can take the gifts that God has given you. No one can take your talents. No one can take your drive. No one can take your determination. No one can take your will. No one can take your spirit. No one can take your life. Even if someone were to kill your mortal body, your spirit would live on and on.

What’s yours is yours and no one can take it from you. Three powerful Hagar women. Thank you Father Hurley. Amen. Amen. Amen.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Reverend George H. Latimer-Knight
Written November 24, 2007 at age 26

Related Posts:
Father Bernard Lucas Playing Intensely – Morning Message #6
Reverend Janie Lowe, In Memoriam
Princess Ida Lee Childs, In Memoriam

A special thanks to all those who have served in the military. Whether we, the citizens, agree with any particular war or military action, the soldiers are doing their duty. We are free today because of the sacrifices of the military.

I am free to proclaim and preach the Gospel of Christ because our sons and daughters gave their time, service, and many their very lives. I feel like holy dancing right now. Hallelujah! God bless you vetrans. We love you! Amen. Amen. Amen.