Whitney Houston Tribute At 'Billboard Music Awards'
'Celebrity Apprentice' Finale: Who Got Hired?
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Pentecostal Prophetess Juanita Bynum has risen from the ashes like a phoenix rising.
Or at least it seems that way.
Just a little over a week after her alleged abuse spread like wildfire, the "beat up from the feet up" televangelist spoke publicly for the first time since the arrest of her husband -- and accused batterer -- Bishop Thomas W. Weeks, III.
The celebrated celebrity clergywoman addressed a throng of journalists Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta, saying it has been a difficult time for her but that she forgives Weeks and wishes him the best.
Just like the Christian doctrine states.
"I wouldn't say that I've been hiding," the popular gospel industry personality said. "I didn't feel the need that it be discussed publicly because some things you go through and you deal with it."
"Relationships are what they are. Relationships are difficult moments and until that night in the parking lot I realized it was more than just a difficult moment that this was a crisis and this was something that would be addressed."
To recap, Two days later he turned himself into authorities and now faces charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats following the near fatal confrontation.
Bynum, a former anorexic, welfare recipient, and Pan-Am flight attendant, maintained that she did not want to be seen as a "damsel in distress."
"I believe that I represent every woman all over this world," she said. "In Africa, in Italy, there are woman all over the world that have experienced what I've been through. And I've taken a position. Instead of a victim, I want to become an advocate."
She wouldn't comment on whether she would assist in the prosecution of her husband, who is free on bond.
Known to many of her faithful flock as "Mother," "Sister," "Minister" and "Prophetess," the Chicago native later appeared on the TBN's 'Praise The Lord' program, a Christian talk show -- and reigned supreme.
On the show, Bynum said she had no bitterness toward Weeks -- who is due back in court Friday -- and would not say anything negative about him.
Comments: (152)
Add a comment
By: CeCe on 9/06/2007 5:45PM
To Tamara...
The word of God states “In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths proverbs 3:6 amp also "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure" proverbs 16:9 amp.
Some may say that people were decieved but if they went there looking for Bishop Weeks or Prophetess Bynum they went for the wrong reason...This is a personal thing between God and man maybe God wanted to use Bishop or Prophetess to give them a word...we dont know but nothing happens by chance, God will use any one or anything to get His point across. I think that she is a beautiful person she just knows who she is and if God condem her why should anyone else.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Pastor Daryl McGirt on 9/18/2007 10:39AM
I do not feel no woman or man should beat or hit their
spouse , However This should be a wake up call to all
who have turned the institution of marriage into an
mockery of false hood concealing the dirty nasty
reality of obvious abandonment of what two people
promised God, Although I have long enjoyed Juanita Bynums
Ministry , I think she has to explain to her followers
how she allowed herself to stay in a fake marriage
that under neath the romance books /seminars etc
she stayed with a man who was exhibiting this type
of behavior in smaller blow ups and allowed him to push
and shove her , this is what she confessed to
the Fox Atlanta reporter on 09-05-07 that there were
blow ups pushing and shoving for 5 yrs of the marriage
and the Bishop Weeks was in Diar Financial Trouble. It looks like Juanita Bynum failed to do due Dilligence
on this man before marrying him. Also to any one
out there desiring to get married know this fact
the ceremony is for one day , Once the pagentry of the
wedding is over, reality hits and matrimony must begin
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: mrs. kelly on 9/07/2007 4:37PM
Prophetess, I believe it will do you good to take some time to reconnect with God. I believe over time you have gotten off the path. I took a look at your site and I went on the page that said "Juanita" Your promo only lifted you up even more. It reminded me of the monument that Saul had erected unto himself right before Samuel came to tell him God was no longer with him. Humble yourself woman of God!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Gloria on 9/07/2007 6:47AM
I saw Prophetess Bynum on "Praise the Lord" earlier this week. I am so heartbroken about this situation. There are very few battered women who receive the support she will recive, so I am glad that she will be addressing domestic abuse. There is an epidemic of abuse in this country; there are some battered men. The message is--GOD IS LOVE, LOVE IS NOT PAIN, EMOTIONAL OR PHYSICAL.
PROPHETESS BYNUM IS NOW THE POSTER CHILD FOR THE MOVEMENT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I HAVE BEEN A SUPPORTER OF THE PROPHETESS SINCE THE LATE 90'S WHEN I SAW HER WITH BISHOP TD JAKES AT WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED 98! I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST, PROPHETESS. I AM WITH YOU, GIRL!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tammy J on 9/07/2007 6:49AM
All have sinned and fallen short. I believe there was a spirit that used her husband to rise up against Prophetess Bynum, I had to hear comments made by a man about what happened. Not knowing the reason behind it, instantly my prayers went out for them both.
All have sinned and fallen short. Generally when a man or woman of God have messed up many people turn away from God. This however is the time when they need to come together and pray for each other. When caught in sin, to pray for deliverance.
I am sure she as prayed up as the Prophetess she is. She has encouraged many of us who are going through storms and battles. I also pray that her husband comes to realize the error of his ways and also is able to overcome the spirit that lead him to do what he did. Maybe he will see it as s spirit pray for forgiveness and be able to help the many men and women who have entertained the same spirit of violence, rage and whetever else there was.
I can't look down on him or her. I can say a prayer. Father I pray you help them and direct their paths, our paths, renewing our minds to the things of you. For you said in your word our ways are not your ways. You said keep your enemies close to you and I understand why as you also said we wrestle not against each other but spirits and principalities. Father help us to be more like you, more forgiving, more giving, more understanding and more quick to pray for one another instead of so quick to judge, in Jesus precious mighty name I pray. Amen
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Mr. Smiley on 9/07/2007 8:03AM
Well done statements. No one is right or wrong, goes to show that people have different opinions about situations. If the woman of God is getting and using the funds in the right way... to help others, then let it be. I really dont think she is stealing from the poor or anyone esle. People knows their pocketbook and wallets, if their poor or dont have it to give then that cant, you cant get blood from a turnip. If people give their light bill or rent money or retirement fund then they have faith that God will make away, and my Lord and savior is in that business.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: a dam shame! on 9/07/2007 8:31AM
Im gonna make alotta people mad but so Ill say it any way I think shes full of it, and there has been more things going on between her an her husband that we will ever know about.For instance how in the world your husband beat you like say yesterday,and your rushing on tv the next day or two showing your bruises to the world.and now you trying to be the poster child for batterd women,I bet here comes a book deal something else to make her more money!Im sorry to say she using this for more publicity for herself.Im not for men hitting women regardless of the circumstance.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Alpha on 9/07/2007 9:39AM
Juanita is no example for women nor does she represent black women as a whole. She has maniplated a situation in which she was a major contributer for her own benefit. I do not respect men who abuse their wives or disrespect women. I do not respect women who abuse their men emotionally, verbally, or physically either.
Juanita is a hot mess...i know personally that she is very controlling, very arrogant and has a LOT of mouth. This facade of false humility about forgiving her husband is nothing but an act to appeal to all those people who really are victims of habitual domestic abuse. This is the same woman who was seeinf Thomas Weeks while he STILL had a wife in Deleware..so again, for all of you Bible readers...there is always a reaping to the sowing..
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Charlotte on 9/07/2007 9:56AM
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Romans 2:21-23
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ava Ferguson on 9/07/2007 10:29AM
I think this is a tragedy and there are so many people in domestic situations. This is not the first time this has happened to her. I've learned from life experiences and others you have to stop domestic violence at the very beginning which is VERBAL.
Reply to this Comment | Report This