"Eb and Flo here and we're at it again...
You know how we do, always gettin it in!
Got a question, need advice, then give us a call
Text or gmail us, we won't let you fall!
God gave us a gift, now we give it to you
So pick up that phone, He's waiting on you!!"
EBONY AND FLORENCE'S INTRODUCTION JINGLE JUST FINISHED AS THEY WERE PREPARING FOR THEIR WEEKLY CHRISTIAN BROADCAST ON HIS_POWER 92.3. HIS_POWER 92.3 WAS AN UP AND COMING, CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL STATION OWNED BY THE CHURCH EBONY AND FLORENCE ATTENDED. HIGHLAND TRINITY CHURCH WAS FAIRLY TRADITIONAL; HOWEVER, THE LEADERSHIP THERE WAS COMMITTED TO SPREADING GOD'S WORD IN NEW AND INNOVATIVE WAYS. THUS EBONY AND FLORENCE WERE GIVEN A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO USE THEIR TALENTS ON THEIR OWN RADIO SHOW CALLED, 'HIS EB AND FLO.'
EBONY AND FLORENCE, ALSO KNOW AS EB AND FLO, HAVE BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS SINCE THEIR COLLEGE YEARS. THEY HAVE BEEN TRHOUGH SOME CRAZY TIMES TOGETHER, SOME GOOD, OTHERS BAD, BUT ALL IN ALL, THE ONE THING THAT BINDS THEM EVER SO TIGHTLY IS THEIR LOVE AND DESIRE FOR GOD. BEFORE WE GO BACK TO THE RADIO SHOW, LET'S GET TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT EB AND FLO..OKAY, SO YOU MAY HAVE BEEN WONDERING HOW MANY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES 'THE ADVENTURES OF EB AND FLO' WOULD BE TOLD FROM, HUH? DON'T WORRY. WHILE I DO PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART IN THEIR JOURNEY, I WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS FOR THE TIME BEING. WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, MY IDENTITY WILL BE REVEALED, BUT FOR NOW LET'S HEAR FROM EB AND FLOW.
Do I really have to do this...? (SMH) I guess I do (as if I don't already have enough to do seeing as how I work like a HEBRREW slave!). Anyway, well allow me to introduce myself as the virtuous diva that I am! My name is Ebony Denisha Harris and you will soon find that I am a true character! I guess this first entry will just be about how Flo and I met and became so close. So...let's see...actually, I met Florence (lol, I love calling her by her government name) the first day of freshmen orientation at Vanderbilt University. Florence, though extremely beautiful inside and out, was painfully shy. I was on my way back to Alumni Lawn for all the freshmen activities, when I saw this thin-framed, mocha colored, long brown haired girl sitting on her bed with the door wide open. Her back was facing me as I glanced into her room. "Who leaves the door wide-open for no reason? My Momma woulda beat the black off me for letting the good air out of the house! ," I thought to myself.
"Gurl, aren't you going to Alumni Lawn?" I said abruptly.
She didnt answer. Okay, so at this point I'm thinking she either fell asleep or she could be one of the hearing challenged students my R.A. told me we would have on our hall. So, I knocked loudly on the door like I was the police and proceeded to step into her room. When our eyes met, I repeated what I had asked with hand gestures to accompany an exaggeration of each syllable.
"A-R-E-N-T YOU GO-ING TO A-LUM-NI LAWN?" I said slowly while pointing at her, then gesturing her walking to the field directly outside her window.
"Um...I heard you the first time. I was just praying. Hi, I'm Florence," she said.
Befuddled, I stood there with a beyond crazy look on my face, not knowing what to say. Finally, we both burst into laughter until we both had tears in our eyes!! Lol!!
"Well, now that I looked a fool, I may as well introduce myself too. My name is Ebony. Ebony Denisha Harris," I said still chuckling slightly.
"It's nice to meet you Florence. So, you wanna come with me down to the lawn? Gurl, it is a must that I get some of those famous wings and sweet biscuits I keep hearing about!" I asked Florence.
Florence sighed, "well, I don't know. I'm so far from home, and I'm a little homesick already. AND on top of that, I'm not good in crowds or with new people. That's why I was praying because this is kind of hard for me...I know I sound like a social failure, dont I?" said Florence with sort of a helpless look on her face.
"No honey, not at all! How 'bout this? Let's pray together, and if you feel better after that, then you can tag along with me, cuz baybe I aint never been shy!" I explained.
As she agreed, she stood to her feet and we grabbed hands. Even though I didn't know this girl from Sue, there was an instant and understood kindredness between us, as if we had been knowing eachother since birth. I paused for a moment so I could center my mind and heart on the Lord. When I felt ready, I parted my lips and began to speak as the Spirit led.
"Lord, God, we just come humbly before you right now Father, thanking you for this very moment in time God. As we are about to experience this college journey together, Lord, we just thank you for your provision in bringing us to this prestigious university. Lord, I come now asking that you would touch my Sister in Christ, Florence, right now God. God, let her know that by the very fact of her existence and her being here at this school means that she has already been approved Father. It says in your Word, God that you know the plans you have for us, God. Plans for a future and a hope, God. So, let Florence rest in that promise Lord. That you brought her here, not to harm her God, but to strengthen her for her bright future in you, God. So, touch and strengthen God. Dispell any and all fear, anxiety, and doubt right now God. And we will be careful to honor you God and give you all the glory. We just thank you and we love you with all of our heart God,..."
Before I could finish, Florence broke in and began to add to the prayer in a fluent stride.
"...and God, I just thank you so much that you thought enough of me to bring Ebony to my door God. I know it was no on else but you who is letting your Comforter, the Holy Spirit, work through her right now God. So. Lord I thank you. Lord, I ask that in our time here God, that you be a fence around us God. Keep us from any snares that may try to withold us from the glory to be revealed in us. And, lastly, Lord, I pray that the same way Ebony has blessed me that I can bless her as well. You've said that iron sharpens iron, Lord God and I want to help sharpen the iron that Ebony already is God. These things we ask in your darling Son, Jesus' Name. Amen"
As she finished the prayer and we both opened our eyes, I could see tears in her eyes just as my eyes were welling up at the same time. We immediately embraced, and as she hugged me she said thank you. I guess it wasn't in what she said, more than the way that she said it. I just knew that this girl was touched by God himself.
"Guhl, I'm from Memphis honey! You can't be having me crying like that now! You'll ruin the cred I have in my neighborhood!" I said trying to get Florence to ease up and relax with a laugh.
"Well, I'm from Colorado..Denver originally. My 'hood is Montbello and I have NO cred there!" Florence said smiling.
"Stick with me, you'll have some street cred in no time! So, whats good? You coming?" I asked.
Taking a deep breath, Florence put on her shoes in compliance.
"I guess there's no time better than the present," she proclaimed.
While we took the stairs down to the lawn, I can remember silently thanking God for this wonderfuly shy friend He had just brought to me. As Florence followed me out the door, I could have no idea that she (and our friendship) would grow to follow me for the rest of my life.
-Ebony D. Harris, 3.26.10
EVEN FROM THE BEGINNING, YOU CAN SEE THE AWESOME AND UNCANNY REPOIRE THESE TWO HAD. WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING WHERE EACH OTHER WAS FROM, THE SPIRIT MOVED BETWEEN AND THROUGH THEM SEAMLESSLY. IT'S ALMOST SUPERNATURAL THE WAY THE HOLY SPIRIT COULD MOVE WHEN THIS DYNAMIC DUO CAME TOGETHER TO CREATE THE PERFECT CONDUIT FOR EFFECTING SPIRITUAL CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITY...AH, BUT I DIGRESS. LET'S GO BACK TO THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RADIO SHOW, WHERE EB AND FLO ARE ON GCHAT BANTERING ABOUTTHE HAPPENINGS IN EACH OTHER'S LIVES.
EBONY: Don't forget we gotta plug the Four Church Fellowship tmw on the show
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FLORENCE: Oh, ok yeah, I hadn't forgotten. I just hate to advertise for something I KNOW I'm not going to be able to make it to, lol.
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EBONY: Yeah, I know right lol. Wait...what? Where you gone be maam? You gotta date and didn't tell me! Heffa, who is he?!
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FLORENCE: (Blink blink & blank stare) Lil' girl, you know I don't have a date! Nah, you forgot I need to finish unpacking from moving last wknd.
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EBONY: Oh yeh, see I knew that! (Not really but go on!)
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FLORENCE: Yeah rite! So anyway, I'm gona finish organizing my cabinets and closet and stuff on Saturday, so I'll miss the Four Church Fellowship because CLEARLY that'll be an all day affair!
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EBONY: Oh ok girl. Well, shoot, I'm coming over there to help you then! I mean..I could go to Fellowship, but Greater St. Paul is going to be there..and well, you know how Bishop Williams is...he's so meticulous and detail oriented!
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FLORENCE: You know you mean LONG-WINDED! LOL!
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EBONY: Well, I mean..I was slick tryna be Godly in the way I worded it, but yeah that too! Clearly, I've started to rub off on you!!
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FLORENCE: Well gosh, it is the truth though! But anway, girl I gladly welcome your help on Saturday! Just let me know what time you're coming so I can look out for you because it's some crazies that come around this complex!!
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EBONY: Huh? I thought the whole point of you moving was so that you could feel safer?
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FLORENCE: It was, and I do! Lol! But, girl let me tell you about this 'special' woman that came by my door yesterday!
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EBONY: OH, this should be good! Let me get my popcorn and juju-bees! Go ahead girl!
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FLORENCE: Girl, so why has this random lady been sliding notes under my door since last week!? Now, mind you, I have NO idea who this lady is...but she has slid at least 5 notes under my door and I've only been here for 6 days!
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EBONY: OH WOW! What kinda notes you talkin bout?
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FLORENCE: Girl, this woman been looking for some dude named Mario. From what I can gather from these chicken-scratched notes, he must be the father of her children.
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EBONY: Yeah, that is just real random! LMBO!
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FLORENCE: I know rite! So, yesterday (after receiving TWO notes already) I head a knocking on the door. And I'm like who is it? And she states 'my name is Destiny, is Mario derre?'...So, I'm like Destiny I don't know any Mario and no, he doesn't live here.
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EBONY: RITE!!
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FLORENCE: So, she proceeds and says smacking her lips, "Well, Mario used to live there. He was there a week ago!"....So, I'm like Lord, please give me the patience. And I say, "well, like I said He just don't live here anymore, so maybe you should go to the main office and ask about him."
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EBONY: Okay! She better get on somewhere!!
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FLORENCE: So, THEN!! She keeps going on and asks me "Well, how long you been staying there?" And I just had to go ahead and let her know, "Look, that's not important! What matters now is that I'm here now and that Mario person is long gone! So, maam, I say Good Day! Because I will call the police otherwise!"
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EBONY: You better let her know! Goodness lol!
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FLORENCE: I know rite! So, finally after threatening her with the authorities, she got the picture and left. But I was just like, fa real Destiny? Lol.
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EBONY: Yeh, Destiny played herself. Standing there, talking through a wall, and trying to find her baby's dad! I mean, I guess desperate times call for desperate measures, regardless of the epic fail in the very nature of the situation!
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FLORENCE: I will agree with that, but I still did shoot up a prayer for her and this Mario dude. But mainly, for the children they have together...cuz honey they gone need all the prayer they can get!
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EBONY: Well, I will be bringing my blade with me on Saturday then! Just in case Destiny is trying to meet her match! LOL j/k!
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FLORENCE: Lol, whatever girl!
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EBONY: Ok, I gotta run but I'll see you tmw @ the station tho! Ttys!
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FLORENCE: Alrightey then Sis, see you then. Pce!
[THE NEXT DAY AT THE STATION]
"Before we kick-off the call-in portion of this segment of Eb and Flo, we have a few crucial announcements for all yall listeners out there," said Ebony.
"That's right everyone! We hope your calendars have been marked, because this weekend is the Four Church Fellowshop featuring Greater St. Paul, Holy Cross, Bethlehem Community, and Exodus Christian Church, " Florence remarked.
"The Four Church Fellowship is this Saturday, March 27th, 2010 at 6 p.m. The Fellowship will be held in the family life center here at our own Highland Trinity. Make sure you get your praise on as the theme this year is Your Season of Miracles," said Ebony. She continued, "Now that we've got that out of the way, yall know what time it is!"
"WHAT TIME IS IT?!" asked Florence.
"JESUS IS ON THE MAIN LINE, TELL HIM WHAT YOU WANT! Eb and Flo are waiting for you to pick up that phone!"
THE VOICEOVER OF EBONY AND FLORENCE'S SONG SNIPPET PLAYED URGING LISTENERS TO CALL IN. NO SOONER THAN THEY COULD ASK WHAT TIME IT IS, EBONY AND FLORENCE SAW THEIR LINE LIGHT UP.
"Okay, it looks like we've got our 1st caller this evening! And who might we be speaking to today?" asked Florence.
"Good evening Ms. Eb and Flo! I want to remain anoymous, so let's just say my name is Sleepless in the City," the caller explained.
"Well, alright Sleepless in the City, what can we do for you on this wonderful day that the Lord has made?" asked Eb.
"Okay. Keeping it real with you, I have a problem with the flesh. And the guy I've been kinda dating doesn't make it any better," explained Sleepless n the City.
"How so?" asked Florence.
"So, basically, before I really started trying to go to Church and do right by God, I was dating this guy. I guess we can call him Hanks. Well, Hanks and I were very intimate with one another. Really, come to think of it, I feel that the very basis of our relationship was founded on the physical aspect more than anything," said Sleepless in the City.
"MMM, those Hanks' are running rampid around here nowadays!" exclaimed Eb.
"Okay! So, now I've really been trying to consecrate myself and be more about the Lord's business. I had been telling Hanks that we needed to do better. Since he is a Christian, he gladly agreed initially. But, I mean maybe times are just hard on a brother because now he keeps pressing the issue! I mean he's always like 'where is my boo? The one I knew a few months ago!' or 'man, I miss my pookie, how long is this gonna last?' And, its really just getting to be too much. I mean I love him, and I don't want to hurt God or him but I just don't know what to do anymore."
As Sleepless in the City finished, it was if Ebony and Florence were reading each other's minds while simultaneously interpreting what the Spirit was leading them to say. Florence decided to speak first.
"You know Sleepless in the City, this reminds me of a little story that I was just telling Eb about the other day. And I believe that we are going to be able to help you by sharing this with you." explained Flo. She continued, "Earlier this week, this woman came to my door looking for a previous occupant of my apartment. Though I told her several times, that the person that formerly resided there had moved away, it was like she didn't understand the words coming outta of my mouth! She persisted in reminding me that whoever lived there before was there not that long ago," explained Flo further.
"That's right, Sleepless in the City," began Eb. "This woman, could not even fathom the fact that someone new could be living in the place because she was so used to the old person that lived there. She ignored the fact that the voice coming from inside the apartment was totally different. She ignored the fact that the voice told her that there was someone new living there. She ignored all the obvious signs that the former was no longer available at this residence because she simply did not want to accept the fact that he was gone," continued Eb.
"You see Sleepless in the City, in order for me to get through to this young woman I had to stand my ground. I had to remain consistent in the fact that her ex was no longer present at this place of residence. I had to continue to tell her that He just don't live here anymore," finished Flo.
"As Flo said, she had to make it clear that the old person had gone away, and the new person was here to stay. And that is precisely what you are going to have to do with Hanks. He need not remind you of who you USED to be! In 1st Corinthians 13, God tells us that love is not selfish, jealous or boastful nor does it keep records of wrong. If this guy is really into you and loves you, he shouldn't be reminding me of your past and momentary blunders. He should helping you to step into your future and permanent blessings!" exclaimed Eb.
"Rite!" Flo tagged on. "When we accept the challenge of living for God more willingly and more wholeheartedly, we must take up the cross and die daily so that we can become stronger in Him. Why do you think the word 'die' is smack-dab in the middle of the word Obedience?" asked Flo.
"I guess because its means we have to deny ourselves in order to be successful at obeying the Lord," answered Sleepless in the City.
"Precisely," Flo responded. "You just stand on 1 Corinthians 15:58, 'be steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..knowing that your labor is not in vain...," recited Flo.
Eb cut in, "Amen and add to that Galatians 6:9, 'let us not grow weary in doing good, for we shall reap the harvest if we do not lose heart!' Then you got yourself the fuel you need to stand strong in the face of temptation, even if it comes from the man you love," explained Eb.
"Sleepless in the City, are you getting all of this?" asked Flo.
"Yes maam! I am so overwhelmed because you all have given me so much to think about and pray on! I knew that engaging in sexual activity before marriage would inevitably lead to spiritual conviction, but I thought that making concessions for Hanks wasn't as bad because of our history and the fact that we love one another. Now, I see that that I'm not wrong in wanting to do as God asked and keep my body as a living sacrifice, but I am wrong in allowing any other man to cause me to stumble in that effort to stay pure," poured Sleepless in the City.
"And it's okay. God wants you to know that He understands, but He still needs you to do better. And because He sees your hearts desire to do right, he knows that there is still more you can do to get it right. Don't let any one or anything come between you and the plans the Father has for you," explained Flo.
"The enemy comes to do nothing but kill, steal, and destroy so recognize it and rebuke it in the name of Jesus! Even if that means you tell Satan to get behind when Hanks comes around," laughed Eb.
"Okay! Because clearly Tyler Perry had the right idea with the phrase 'I can do bad all by myself'!" Flo joined in. "But seriously, Sleepless in the City, just remember at the end of the day, you won't be able to ever convince Hanks of the changes you've made until you've totally convinced yourself. Make certain, and I do mean certain, that you know in your heart that the old you that used to give into the flesh...she just don't live there anymore," concluded Flo.
"Can you do that for us?" asked Eb.
"Yes. With the Lord's help, I believe I can," answered Sleepless in the City tearfully. "Thank you all so much for letting the Lord use you to minister into my life. I needed this. More than you know," finished Sleepless in the City.
"Well, as we finish every show, we say this, Sleepless in the City. You pray for us, and we'll pray for you. God wants us to work together to make it through. In times of laughter, tears, loss, and hope, we are glad to be of service as His Eb and Flo," said Ebony with the usual closing statment to end the show.
"Signing off now, but lifting you up always. Good afternoon, peace, and blessings," Flo ended while pressing the off air button.
As the song 'I Need You to Survive' by Hezekiah Walker played, Ebony and Florence said a prayer together thanking God for using them to help their caller and asking His provision over her and her situation with Hanks. Who knew that delusional Destiny and missing-in-action Mario would be able to help Sleepless in the City through a pretty serious issue in her life? Thank God that Flo moved in and Mario just don't live here anymore...
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Monday, May 17, 2010
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