From Amazing Facts - Media Ministry All That Glitters Exodus 20:3 The lights dimmed, and for a moment the audience hushed in anticipation. I glanced at myself in the mirror and felt my favorite bracelet to make sure it was securely fastened on my wrist. The band was made of 24-karat gold embedded with 56 tiny square diamonds. I never went anywhere without it, and tonight of all nights I especially wanted to look my best. Tonight I would sing the opening for Peabo Bryson's concert. Bryson's famous hit "Tonight I'll Celebrate My Love For You" had topped the charts and given him instant fame. Neither of us knew it at the time, but two of his most popular recordings would be the title song for Disney's Beauty and the Beast and "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin. Both songs would win Oscars and give him worldwide recognition. "Places, everyone!" the producer called. I felt a slight flutter in my stomach, but there wasn't time to do anything about it except breathe deeply. I could hear the announcer's deep voice bellowing through the darkness, "And now ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Ullanda McCullough!" Suddenly the curtains lifted. An electric storm of colorful laser beams flashed through the air. They bounced off my bracelet and the sequins on my dress. My body swayed in rhythm with the beat. Thousands of people sat in front of me, clapping and cheering. They didn't know it, as most had never laid eyes on me, but I had been in each one of their homes via the television and radio. I influenced them to buy certain products and go certain places. When they purchased a Coca-Cola, they might have hummed a little song that I recorded: "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." Or maybe, as they soared in the wild blue skies, they might have chosen American Airlines because of the jingle I sang: "We're American Airlines, something special in the air." I even influenced their decision to buy certain brands of cat food. Later I would be dubbed by comedian and talk show host Joan Rivers as the "Queen of Jingles." But in the meantime, commercials weren't the only thing going for a jingle singer. Celebrities like Diana Ross, Ashford and Simpson, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston, Bill Cosby, and Ray Charles needed background vocalists as well as opening acts. Fortunately, I was recording as a solo artist on Atlantic Records. William Morris Booking Agency offered me the opportunity to open in concert with Peabo Bryson. It felt wonderful to rub shoulders with famous people and make an excellent salary doing what I enjoyed best. Opening for a famous entertainer like Bryson was a dream come true, second only to the time I sang in the Appollo Theater. The concert went great. Afterward some of the people who were responsible for my career plus executives from Atlantic Records honored me and the other musicians with red roses and champagne. We ate and celebrated our success until after midnight with 27 members of my family. Glitter and Gold The next day, after crawling out of bed around noon, I sat in front of the mirror staring idly at my reflection. "Who are you, Ullanda McCullough?" I wondered. "What makes you so special that you walk with the rich and famous?" Just then the phone rang. It was Luther Vandross, a well-known recording artist whose hits repeatedly topped the charts of pop music. "Ullanda, I was at your concert last night," he began. "You looked fabulous." "Why, thank you!" I was stunned and wondered what else to say. But I didn't need to worry. "Tell me," he continued, "where do you buy your clothes? Every time I see you in the studio you look so great. I need to do some shopping, and I've got the feeling that you know just where to go. I'm looking for some real nice jewelry, too. Exclusive pieces." "The showroom is right on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street," I told him. We chatted for awhile longer about clothes and jewelry. He ended the conversation with the promise that one day we would do a concert together. I cradled the phone long after he hung up. Mixed emotions surged through me. Elation. Awe. Unbelief. Cloud nine is short-lived. The lights fade, the audience leaves. You slowly float back down to planet Earth, wondering if you'll ever rise to such heights again. My thoughts drifted to childhood and family. Life had not always been so glamorous and kind. My parents separated when I started the first grade. Both drank heavily and couldn't manage five children plus a job. So I went to live in a large house with my grandparents and Aunt Helen. Since grandfather was a minister in the Church of God in Christ, I found myself attending church several times a week. Grandmother cooked three meals a day, and Aunt Helen insisted that I wear clean dresses and shoes. They gave me my first glimpse of a structured family life. Unfortunately, this arrangement lasted for only three years. By then Mother had remarried. My stepfather treated us well and worked two jobs to provide for his instant family. I appreciated his hard work, but at the same time I missed my father. No one could ever take Father's place. Because our stepfather was forced to work long hours, Mother turned more often to alcohol for comfort. It seemed that she could never find complete happiness. Maybe that's why singing became such an important part of my life. Aunt Helen had encouraged me to sing in the choir while I lived with her. My two sisters, Sonja and Verbena, sang with me. In fact, we daydreamed about being the new Supremes. My dream shattered, though, when Sonja married. Then two of my friends joined me, and we harmonized together quite well. Singing provided companionship and lifted my spirits. It helped me to forget my loneliness and pain. It seems that secular music and dancing go hand in hand, kind of like cereal and milk. Before long I became a regular on a TV program called Swinging Time (somewhat like American Bandstand with Dick Clark). All I had to do was dance to Motown music. The show was filmed not far from my hometown, Detroit. I didn't know it at the time, but at age 13 I steadily began building my talents for a career in the music business. I met Pam Vincent during my senior year, in the fall of 1967. "I used to watch you dance on Swinging Time," she told me. "You were great." Pam and I became instant friends. She was so thoughtful and caring. She drove a bright red Ford and always seemed to have plenty of money. I thought her parents were wealthy. Then one day we were driving along in her car, listening to the radio. Suddenly she reached over and turned up the volume. "Listen, Ullanda. That's me singing." "What do you mean?" I asked. "I mean, that's me singing." "No, it's not." I countered. "That's Freda Payne singing 'Bring the Boys Home.'" "But I'm singing the backup. Listen." Pam then began singing the background harmony. "Are you serious?" I wondered aloud. "You're always wondering where I get my money," she explained. "Well, this is how. I sing backup for various artists." "That's incredible." I told her. "You have the best job in the world." "I enjoy my work," she told me. "But I'm quitting so I can go to college. I've been looking for someone to take my place while I'm gone. Are you interested?" Interested! It was a dream come true. To do the thing I most enjoyed, meet famous people, and get paid a fantastic salary. I couldn't believe my luck. Pam was kind enough to introduce me to the right people and schedule an audition. To my surprise and relief, they invited me to sing with two other girls. I had embarked on a new career. My life would be forever changed. Big Break It wasn't long before I became a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, making almost $30 an hour. One day Jackie Hicks, the leader of a female backup group called The Andantes, phoned and asked if I would consider singing with them. "One of our girls is dropping out," she explained. "I'd love to become an Andante!" I answered. They had backed Smokey Robinson, the Four Tops, the Temptations, and the Supremes. Maybe this would be my big break into the music business. I hung up the phone and realized that I'd been holding my breath. I gasped for air and fell back on the chair laughing. "Motown, ready or not, here I come!" Success Singing with the Andantes opened the door to even greater opportunities. Andy Williams came to the Detroit Amphitheater and opened for Quincy Jones. He paid me $1,500 to sing on stage with him for one week. That was big money for a young female with no college education in the '70s, and I spent it as fast as I earned it. For some reason I liked, no craved, expensive things. I spent thousands of dollars on rings, bracelets, necklaces, furs, and classy clothes so I could hear people I worked with, like Whitney Houston or Michael Bolton, tell me how great I looked. I knew my hard work had paid off when I saw Elizabeth Taylor in an outfit identical to one I bought in London. At first I was really upset, but then it dawned on me that it proved I had good taste. Yet it seemed as though I never had enough. My gold bracelet embedded with 56 square diamonds was my favorite, and I never took it off except to shower or swim. At times I felt guilty. I knew that my grandfather would be disappointed in my appearance. I remember going to visit him once as a young teenager. I had just painted my nails a bright red. Grandfather looked at my hands and said, "Oh, Ullanda! Your nails are bleeding." His gentle reproof cut me to the heart. I hated to disappoint him. Yet I reasoned that this was show business, and appearances meant everything. People paid to see glitter and gold. The Invitation From the world's perspective I should have been completely happy. I wasn't. I felt elated with each new accomplishment, but each one became more short-lived and less satisfying. Relationships failed and left me empty. Sometimes I felt God calling to me, beckoning me to reach out and touch Him. I felt His warm presence like sunshine on my shoulder. I thirsted for something better, but in my short-sightedness something better meant a nicer apartment, expensive clothes, another piece of jewelry, or a higher paying assignment. I jetted back and forth across the States. One night I would be on TV singing with Smokey Robinson, and the next night I would be in New York taping a commercial. Then God whispered a little louder. After facing major surgery alone, my sister pleaded with me to follow Jesus Christ. I thought of my lifestyle and what accepting Christ would mean. No one told me that I had to give up my career, but I sensed that the lowly Carpenter wouldn't be found decked in gold and singing about sex, love, and beer. I listened to her pleas, heard the Spirit's invitation, and backed away. Then God spoke louder. This time in an airplane. Suddenly, I felt like Jonah tossed about in the storm, except land seemed farther away. The plane shook through turbulent clouds, rattled when thunder roared and lightening flashed. It felt like an insect trying to fly against the force of a hurricane. And while the flight attendants staggered up and down the aisles preparing for the worst, I squeezed my eyes shut and battled the storm inside. "Come to me, Ullanda," the Holy Spirit pleaded. "But I've worked so hard," I argued back. "I'm afraid of what You might ask me to do. What You might ask me to give up." "But if you gain the world and lose your soul, what would it profit you?" I'm not sure how long this went on, but as the storm worsened, my heart cried out in fear. "Okay, God, I'm ready. Forgive me of my sins. Spare my life, and I will follow you." I now have no doubt there is a God. I sensed His presence that night. I felt His peace. The plane leveled out in a smooth flight as the storm quickly retreated. It was as if He stood in that plane as He stood so many years ago in a boat tossed by mountainous waves, lifted His hands, and commanded the elements of nature, "Peace, be still." I walked off that plane a different person. I wasn't totally sure where I stood with the Lord, but I knew He was for real. He spoke to me, and my heart heard His voice. I acknowledged Him. I didn't know it at the time, but God gently woos His children step by step. He planted my feet in the right direction, and I would never forget that encounter with Him. From then on my eyes opened to His leading. Without realizing it, I saw people in a different light, became a little kinder, and began to see the ugliness of sin. Others noticed the change in me, which always sparked an interest in God. His name seemed to pop up in every conversation. One of the other jingle singers, Yvonne Lewis, told me that she used to be strong in the church but had wandered away. "I'm coming back to God," she confided in me, "so I've been attending church again." Spurred on by a bond in Christ, we began meeting in her Manhattan apartment just to talk about God and study the Bible. Others eventually joined us until we had a fairly good-size group. We sang songs, read the Bible, and prayed. Then Yvonne invited me to attend church with her. That encounter with Yvonne and her church would forever change the course of my life. Follow Me Week by week, I attended worship services, prayer meetings, and choir practice. Most important of all, I learned to communicate with God on a moment-by-moment basis. My frightening experience in the airplane convinced me that prayer really worked. I discovered that it is the Christian's lifeline. During one witnessing program, a lady made a comment about Christians representing Christ inside and out. She used the expression "modestly attired." "What do you mean?" I asked her. "I've never heard of that before." For the first time I noticed that this lovely woman wore very little, if any, colorful cosmetics and that the only jewelry on her was a simple watch. "I believe that we can represent Christ better if we are temperate in all things. You know, not extravagant." Her eyes fell on my bracelet and rings. At the wholesale price my bracelet cost $5,000. We were interrupted, so I didn't get to question her more. But I couldn't shake the thought. I knew that Paul spoke of being "temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25-27. It never occurred to me that dress fit in that category. It seemed natural to ask God about it. "Show me if my jewelry is offensive to you," I prayed. I picked up my Bible and it fell open to the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," I read. Well that doesn't say anything about jewelry, I thought to myself. I began sifting through the pages trying to find the words "jewelry" and "makeup." I couldn't find anything. Maybe that's just her opinion, I reasoned. But I couldn't shake it off easily. I kept seeing her face and hearing the word "extravagant." I looked at the bracelet on my wrist and the rings on my fingers. Then I pulled down the car mirror and studied my reflection. Bright eyeshadow, dark eyeliner, red lipstick. What did others think of when they saw me? A show girl? God sees the heart, I argued. But wasn't I supposed to be His witness? The salt of the earth? Was I transmitting my Christianity to others? All of a sudden my whole appearance seemed fake and shallow. Would the real Ullanda McCullough please stand up? True Beauty I heard God's Spirit speaking to my heart. This is it, Ullanda. Jewelry is a god to you. You spend thousands of dollars on this stuff. Worse still, you love how it makes you look. You love how it glitters. You won't go anywhere without it. Take Me with you, Ullanda. Let My love shine in your heart and give you true beauty. Take Me with you wherever you go. I knew then that I had to let it go. After I arrived home, I fell on my knees and prayed for God's guidance. Once again I felt a strong sense of His presence. I knew that God had spoken to me. I felt like one of the "haughty women of Zion" Isaiah describes in Isaiah 3:16-24. "Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: ... the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornamments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness: ... and burning instead of beauty." I took off all of my jewelry, except the bracelet. Somehow I couldn't quite bring myself to part with it yet. But I continued to study. I wanted all the information that I could find in the Bible concerning adornment. Two stories spoke volumes. In Genesis 35:1-4, Jacob was instructed by God to return to Bethel (where he was converted) and make an altar. You might say that he had an appointment with God. He realized the sacredness of this occasion. His immediate response was to cleanse the whole household of anything that was defiling or sinful. "Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean," Jacob instructed them in verse 2. Then verse 4 tells what unholy objects they turned over to him: "And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears." Again it hit home to me that jewelry is so unlike Christ that God considers it offensive. The next story (Exodus 33:1-6) took place between God, Moses, and the children of Israel. They were preparing to enter the Promised Land. God told them to strip off their ornaments before they came into His presence. "I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee." Verse 5. "I want to live in your presence continually, Lord," I prayed. "I want to enter the heavenly promised land." 1 Timothy 2:9 spoke directly to me. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." The words of that woman in church came back to me, and one phrase kept repeating itself in my mind: "representing Christ," "representing Christ," "representing Christ." How could I possibly represent the King of the universe? If anyone ever had a reason to be extravagant, it was God. He deserved a crown of gold; yet when He came to this earth in the flesh, He wore a crown of thorns. As sinful as I was, how could I wear something that only He deserved to wear? Suddenly, it dawned on me that all jewelry worn on these sinful bodies is vanity. God wanted to adorn me as Peter describes in 1 Peter 3:3, 4-not with the wearing of gold, but with a meek and quiet spirit. Yet in spite of what I had read, I still didn't take off my bracelet. I continued to pray that God would show me what to do. The Bracelet Becomes a Witness It was about this time that a friend of mine mentioned that he wanted a Hebrew and Greek study Bible. I purchased one and wrapped it. The following week on my way home from church, I felt impressed to stop at Valerie Simpson's home. Valerie is part of the famous musical duo Ashford and Simpson. They recorded quite a few hits and wrote much of Diana Ross' music. I had done backup for this group. It was Valerie who introduced me to the jeweler where I bought my bracelet wholesale. As I drove toward her home, a strong impression came over me to give Valerie the Bible and my bracelet. Yet I argued with the Spirit's direction. Why should I give my bracelet to Valerie when she has more jewelry and money than I'd ever have? No, that didn't make any sense. And the Bible was for another friend. But I recognized the direction to be from the Lord, and I knew that His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, so I needed to trust and obey. I drove directly to Valerie's home in Manhattan, reached for the Bible, and placed it in my lap. My hands began to shake and my palms sweated. I could feel the sensation of tears swelling up in my eyes, but I couldn't cry. I knew that God in His mercy was doing this for my own good. I had no problem giving up my rings and necklaces, but the one piece that I loved most was the one God impressed me to give away. The nanny opened the door. "Valerie isn't here," she explained. "This is crazy," I remember thinking to myself. "Now what am I supposed to do?" Once again I felt impressed to leave the Bible and the bracelet. What an odd combination! The nanny looked puzzled as I slowly unhooked the safety latch and slid the diamond cuff bracelet from my arm. I handed it and the present to her with the request that she give them to Valerie. Then I turned and practically ran to the car. The tears flowed all the way home, but I felt joy because I knew the Lord was pleased. Now I was determined to get rid of anything that stood between me and God. Valerie called me the next week. "Ullanda, what are you doing?" she practically screamed on the phone. "I know you are a Christian, but you're going too far. I can't wear your bracelet. I've seen it on you for six years." I tried to explain, but I knew that she couldn't understand. "Alright," she finally conceded. "I'll keep your bracelet for the time being, but I won't wear it." It wasn't until later that I understood the reason for leaving the bracelet with Valerie. Evidently, that gold band was a constant reminder to her that I had become a Christian. But she resolved that she would never wear it. When a magazine asked to photograph her for a cover, Valerie called the jeweler to send over enough jewelry to wear during the shoot. He promptly sent over a gold bracelet embedded with 56 tiny diamonds. It was identical to mine. "Ullanda," she begged, "please come get your bracelet. Every time I see it, I think of you and your conversion. I know how far I strayed from God. So I've made up my mind that I'm going back to church. I've got to get my life back in tune with God. Please pray for me." I took the bracelet back, knowing that by giving it away, I had broken its power over me. Go and Sell All That You Have I decided to give my life totally over to the Lord and be baptized into a new life with Christ. But every time I looked in my closet or drawers, I was reminded of my old life. I needed to get rid of the stuff that had held me in chains for so long. I decided to hold a sale. Valerie said it would be fine to hold it in her home. It just so happened that Bill Cosby's home was in the same neighborhood as Valerie's. I couldn't help but wonder what he must have thought when I drove up and dragged boxes and boxes of furs, clothes, and jewelry to their door in the hot August sun. With Cosby's fun-loving personality, I could just imagine him with a silly grin on his face as he watched through his French windowpane, wondering what in the world that crazy girl was doing in front of his home with all those clothes. I suppose he must have heard that the home of Ashford and Simpson was about to have its first grand opening. All of our well-to-do friends in show business, some famous and some not so famous, were invited. I categorized the fur coats together, then designer suits, shoes, and bags. I wanted to show my jewelry to a select few before I opened it up for everyone else. The first customer rang the doorbell exactly at noon. From then on it was like a circus. Some said they couldn't believe their eyes. No one had any idea that I had that much stuff. A girl named Tee told me that she'd had her eye on my bracelet for years but could never afford one. "Are you sure you want to sell it?" she asked. "I know what it's meant to you." I used the opportunity to tell her what the Lord had done for me. Then I gave free books to all who made purchases. A part of me was also up for sale that day. The old man of sin was about to trade in all my stuff for a much greater gift. I never shed a tear as I handed over the bracelet to a satisfied customer. Although I had paid only $5,000 at wholesale price, it had increased in value. I think Tiffany and Company sold one like it for approximately $26,000 dollars. I sold mine for $3,500. The New Ullanda For a time, I continued singing jingles. But the thrill of working with the rich and famous left me. Ashford and Simpson asked me to do another concert with them at Radio City Music Hall. The concert, a charity event for AIDS research, would be attended by popular movie stars such as Shirley MacLaine. It would be my first secular concert since I had totally given my heart to the Lord. I arrived with no makeup or jewelry. I worried about what they would think or say. They didn't seem to mind. We laughed and talked as usual. I felt accepted by them. We prayed before we went out on stage. And I felt great. It occurred to me that I didn't have to wear all that stuff to feel good about myself. But others thought I had gone crazy. "You look terrible without makeup and jewelry," they argued. "Does Christ really demand that of you? We're Christians, but we don't feel impressed to give up ours." It was sometimes difficult as a new babe in Christ to answer their questions. I tried to explain to them that we are all saved by the blood of Christ. His sacrifice on the cross paid for our salvation. He took our place, and there was nothing we could do or give up that could earn that gift. But at the same time, nothing should stand between us and God. God has to be first. That's why the first commandment states, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3. He wants us as His children to walk in truth and love, humbleness and humility. Proverbs 6:16 and 17 states that there are seven things God hates. The first one is a proud look. And what makes us proud? Isn't it our money and accomplishments? Or anything that makes you seem better than the person beside you. What did Christ tell the rich young ruler? "Go and sell what you have." I'm not suggesting that you can't be rich and be a Christian at the same time. It's a matter of priorities and what you're doing with your wealth. I do know that God warned us against living for the world. And the closer I walked with Christ, the less attractive gold and glitter became to me. There is only one superstar in my life, and that is Jesus. New Directions I wanted to learn more about Christ and His plan for me. After abusing my body for so long, staying up late, jetting across the world and going from one relationship to another, I needed time to absorb the Bible. I didn't want to be a casual Christian. It was all or nothing with me. It was then that I heard about a small, self-supporting health institution named Uchee Pines in Alabama. This Christian organization was founded by medical missionaries who had a desire to teach people how to live in harmony with God and nature. After corresponding with them for some time, I sold all that I had in the big city of New York and moved there. Uchee Pines proved to be just what I needed-a quiet retreat where I could be restored physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed a sense of direction in my life. Eventually word spread around that I had become a Christian. I began receiving invitations to sing God's praise in music and share my testimony at various events. An evangelistic meeting here or a charity event there. After a few concerts, the invitations poured in. Today I am just as busy as before, jetting around the world, but this time I'm using my talents for the Lord. I've sung in Japan, South America, and all over the United States. And, of course, I've recorded albums. I met a Christian man named Patrick Innocent. We fell in love and married on July 14, 1991. I am so thankful for his dedication. We travel the world together, spreading the gospel with testimony and song. In Brazil we ministered to 125,000 people. Patrick always makes an appeal to our listening audience after my music and testimony. We want others to experience the same peace and happiness that we've experienced. It seems natural to talk about Christ to all my friends. Some shy away, but others open up and become genuinely interested. Just recently we had the privilege of studying with a lovely couple named Eunice and Raymond. We took the Amazing Facts Bible Study Guides to their home each week. Eunice had the same struggles with jewelry as I did. But after hearing my testimony and looking up the Bible texts, she and her husband gladly went into the watery grave of baptism to begin a new life with Christ. There is no way to describe to people the freedom that I find in Christ. Human language isn't adequate. I don't spend hours in front of the mirror worrying about how I measure up to other people. I don't feel the competitive spirit of trying to dress better or sing better than the person beside me. This is not to say that I don't care about how I look or perform and the impression that I make on other people. But the reason and the methods are different. I take care of my body now because Christ died for this body. I can glorify His name through my body. I appeal to anyone who is reading my testimony to take a look at your own life. Have you given your heart to God? Does He mean more to you than gold and glitter? To some of you, that ring on your finger is a symbol of a special event-perhaps a graduation, birth, or wedding. Or maybe your jewelry has been handed down in your family from generation to generation. "It's not a god to me," you might say. Friend, God's Word is clear and simple. According to the Scriptures, there is no doubt as to the attitude of God concerning jewelry. His command for the children of Israel to remove their ornaments before going into the land of Canaan applies also to us before going into the heavenly Canaan. It is often repeated, "God won't keep me out of heaven because of a little piece of jewelry." This trend of thinking displays a negative attitude. Instead, we should be asking what we can do to please our Lord, who gave up everything for us. He knows that the general trend of humanity is to glorify self and bow to the gods of this world. He wants His children to be far removed from anything that would turn their hearts from Him. He wore a crown of thorns so that I might wear a crown of jewels one day. But until the day arrives when He places them on my head, I shall try to walk in harmony with the lowly Carpenter. An Update Along with their travels around the world, Patrick and Ullanda Innocent co-host a one-hour TV variety program for the Three Angels Broadcasting Network entitled It's All About Love with Ullanda Innocent. They interview guests who have an inspiring story and provide special music. The program includes a kids health segment hosted by Patrick. If you are interested in contacting Ullanda and Patrick for a concert, you may contact them at: Second Advent Ministries P.O. Box 448 Cedar Mountain, North Carolina 28718 1 (800) 539-7790 or phone & fax (407) 299-9751 About the Authors Called the "Coca-Cola girl," Ullanda McCullough Innocent sang the famous commercial "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I'd like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company. It's the real thing!" Now Ullanda knows for certain that Jesus Christ is the real thing. All the money, fame, and male attention she received while in the world just didn't bring her true happiness. At one time she spent most of her earnings on her addiction to fine jewelry, clothes, and furs-until she realized that they were becoming gods to her. Now she declares, "You may have all this world, but give me Jesus!" Crystal Earnhardt has authored three books and written numerous articles for various magazines and publications. She and her husband live in Fair Play, S.C. with their youngest daughter, Carrie Ann. Send this link to a friend. 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