The Art of Connectivity: A Call for Unity Within a Diverse Society

The Art of Connectivity - A Call to Unity Within a Diverse Society "The Art of Connectivity" is an attempt to unite the disconnected! If we are connected holistically and know what we have been called or created to do, then we may map out our lives and take the appropriate detours when obstacles are placed in our paths. If we are living with undefined directions and focus, we may become lost, unstable or unable to move ahead when a detour or obstacle is placed in our paths. Individually, we must see and embrace positive visions. We must avert negativity and recover holistically from obstacles in our paths and together we can/will make a difference. Connectivity is mapping your life backward and securing direction and re-direction throughout your life journeys. Connectivity is staying in your lane at times or crossing and eradicating negative and chaotic lines. Connectivity is helping others after you have helped yourself or found help from the hands of another. It is helping oneself and opening doors so others may be helped. An essential focus of this writing is connecting and evangelizing the local community through Christian educational methodologies to eradicate/minimize negativity and embrace unity. This enlightenment will be accomplished through active participation in the learning experiences that causes one to delve within the teachings of those who have lived and died so all people can live together in unity, while embracing theirs and other's cultural values. The positive counteractions are primarily the responsibility of the individual to accept and implement, but it is also a shared responsibility. This shared responsibility must be conveyed and put into action by any positive or holistic means necessary to assist the self-negated to be connected and productive members of society. Just as so many pull together and work together during a major disaster for the good for all concerned, we must see the signs of destruction in others, and we must help rescue those who desire to be rescued. African-Americans and all ethnicities must delve into the educational process and search for biblical and secular educational truth. In finding truth, we will know without a doubt, who we are and whence we came according to not only stories and fables, which have been handed down from generation to generation but according to biblical and secular education as well. That which leads one to disconnect one's self, one's heritage and one's faith practices manifests itself amidst a psychological enslavement of one's mental factors. Negative behavior is associated with a negative self-identity. Every dark and chaotic circumstance needs a torch bearer to give light to their dark situations if they are to make it successful in life. We must move forward to unveil positive countermeasures to deter negative behaviors and actions. Western psychologists are concerned with how each of us differs from the other. The Ancients, on the other hand, looked at the "essence of sameness." When we realize it is in our sameness, as children of God, we are given a royal positioning as joint heirs with Christ. We will love our Creator, ourselves, and others. M. M. McPhearson June 2011

The Reverend Doctor Melvin M. McPhearson is the middle child of the late Charles Sr. and Pearlean McPhearson/McPherson (Minniefield / Manyfield). He was Born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Morgan Park High School before entering the military. He is married to the former Antoinette Jorden whereas they have five children; Monique Jasmine, Brodrick Deandre, Ashley Nicole, Jozef Markell and Malika Michelle. Academically, The Reverend Doctor McPhearson has secured a Bachelor's degree in business administration, from Columbia College, a Master of Divinity degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor, School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg. He has over 35 years of invaluable business knowledge, counseling skills, project management experiences, Christian education experience, managerial and leadership skills. Dr. McPhearson served 23.5 years in the U.S. Army in such positions as U.S. Army Recruiting, Company First Sergeant, Master Fitness Instructor and as a Construction Engineer Supervisor. He has also served in positions after serving in the military; as Mental Health Qualified Professional, Hospice Chaplain, Pastor, Youth Pastor, Director of Church Ministries, as a facilitator for the Christian education department at The School of Theology at Virginia Union University, as a Doctoral Advisor in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Virginia University of Lynchburg; and as a Doctoral Advisor /Site coordinator at Virginia University of Lynchburg. Dr. McPhearson has proclaimed the Gospel message ecumenically through worldwide missions. He served in ministries across the United States and in foreign countries such as South Korea, Germany, Central America and in Ghana, West Africa. While in Ghana, West Africa, Dr. McPhearson was instrumentally involved in building churches and training centers. He led several missionary teams to Ghana and taught