Praying in the Moment shares celebrity spotlight at NABJ convention

The list of authors read like "Who's Who" among prominent public figures often seen on American television. Soledad O'Brien and Don Lemon from CNN; Gwen Ifill from PBS; Gospel singer Yolanda Adams from the syndicated radio show; former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin; UPN 9 news anchor Brenda Blackmon; Essence bestselling novelist Karen Q. Miller, and many more. Among them—reppin' (representing) Christ all the way from Second Baptist Church in Roselle, New Jersey—was Shauna Jamieson Carty, author of Praying in the Moment: Reflections on the Election of President Barack Obama.

Praying in the Moment is a non-fiction book which features the stories of senior citizens, many of whom lived through some of the worst race relations in American history, and never thought they would live to see a black president. They leave their stories as a legacy to encourage younger generations to appreciate and build on the opportunities they have today.

Mrs. Josephine Taylor Evans is now 95 years old, and she is the oldest senior citizen featured in the book. When she held the book for the first time, she said, "It's a miracle." Never in her youth in segregated South Carolina did she imagine that she would live to see a part of her story recorded in a book. She didn't fulfill her dream of graduating from college, but instead returned home as a young adult to help her parents who were then sharecroppers. Today, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren attain higher education to advance socially while holding fast, just as she did, to their faith in God through Jesus Christ.

               The book launch for Praying in the Moment took place during Sunday morning service at Second Baptist Church in Roselle. During the service, the congregation paid honor to the senior citizens, citing the commandment, "Honor your mother and father that your days may be long upon the land..." (Exodus 20:12) Among them was Mrs. Dinah White, now 90, who as a child witnessed her uncle being lynched in the front yard of her Big Momma's house in South Carolina. Although, her grandmother told her to forget it, she said she still awakens in the wee hours of the night with flashbacks. "I have so many stories to tell," she told the congregation. Praying in the Moment captures a part of her story.

               As the younger generation honored the older, Rev. Barbara Turner gave tribute to her mother and aunt, the two ladies whose picture appears on the cover of the book. The elder Mrs. Barbara Turner and her sister Mrs. Marian Williams grew up in Roselle where they attended integrated schools. Like the Braggs, the McIntyres, and Mr. G. G. Woody, who grew up in the north, they were optimistic about the election and felt the time had come for the nation to inaugurate President Barack Obama. During the service, Rev. Turner told her mother that the greatest gift she gave her was to teach her to love Jesus.

That legacy of faith in God, trust in the Bible, and prayer is handed down through Praying in the Moment. The book captures a portion of American history through personal stories, from Mrs. Marguerite White's childhood in the north to Mr. Joseph Williams' childhood in the south.

Although hurdles remain today, and these senior citizens maintain that the president needs our prayers, the country has come a long way. The presence of this book—with its humble origin—among books by celebrities in the Author Showcase and Bookstore at the 2011 National Association of Black Journalist Convention and Career Fair symbolizes this journey. "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Praying in the Moment: Reflections on the Elections of President Barack Obama is available on request at any bookstore. Click BUY THE BOOK to purchase it online. All proceeds benefit Second Baptist Church.