There are two things that make Chef John Wright uniquely qualified to help people with diabetes eat better. His love of gourmet cooking and the fact that he's had "Type One" diabetes since age thirteen. “Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition", John says, "In New Orleans, flavor is what it’s all about." And he should know. A native New Orleanian, Wright holds a degree in the culinary arts from Delgado College and has worked at some of the best restaurants in town including Emeril's, Bella Luna and Smith & Wollenski's. His practical, home style approach to gourmet cooking with just the right amount of nutritional information and easy instruction thrown in is helping people with diabetes live a fuller life. "Having diabetes, I understand how hard it can be", says John, adding, "I just want to get the message out that you can eat right and still enjoy a very good meal."

And under Bemiss' instruction, Shades of Praise became a bit of a phenomenon in New Orleans. The choir became known for its joyous, high-energy, contemporary gospel sound. And audiences were visibly moved by the choir members' obvious closeness … by this glimpse of what New Orleans could be.

In post-Katrina New Orleans continues to be a struggle. The vastness of the disaster means that it is not physically possible to fix all that has been damaged in short order, no matter how hard we work, no matter how many resources are provided. Our city … the city we love … is broken into countless pieces. And we ourselves struggle with the trauma and grief associated with the tremendous losses we have experienced.

But, in the tradition of African American praise and worship music, we focus on gratitude for all that God provides. We focus on the progress we see continually around us. And we are constantly amazed by the miracles in our midst.

When we are in trouble, God comes to our rescue through our love for one another -- elbows, hearts and voices together - a truly integrated community effort that surely makes Dr. King smile. And in turn, we work to inspire New Orleans … with a glimpse of what New Orleans can be. A truly integrated community, filled with gratitude, love, praise and … as always … song.

No matter what … Shades of Praise will continue to join hearts, minds and voices in rebirth, renewal and celebration.

Thank you for supporting Shades of Praise.

Co-Host of dLifeTV, published author, veteran of television and radio talk shows, film actress, advice columnist, motivational speaker, and stand-up comic. Mother Love's career began in 1977 with a $50 bet from a friend that she couldn't do stand up comedy. She won that bet, and made another $25 from the club owner. Her big break, however, came in 1984, when she was discovered by the radio station WGCL-FM while attending their bridal fair in Cleveland.

WGCL-FM hired Mother Love and she began soothing audiences with her hilarious Mother Wit, as the morning and afternoon drive-time Queen of Advice. She became a star in her hometown. In 1989, Mother Love was summoned to California to shake up L.A. talk radio in KFI-AM 640. Her sound and often humorous advice was well received by audiences, and as spirits soared, Mother Love's ratings did accordingly.

Mother Love has had numerous other accomplishments in addition to her radio work. She has been the host of two television talk shows, Mother Love on Fox, and the syndicated Forgive or Forget. She is also a regular guest on such shows as The Other Half, Ricki Lake, and Montel Williams, and was the "secret square" on Hollywood Squares. Her film credits include Mr. Nanny, Amore!, The Surgeon, Volcano, and Kazaam! Mother Love is also an accomplished author with two books to her credit: Listen Up, Girlfriends (St. Martin's press) and Forgive or Forget (HarperCollins). Her first CD, "Naturally You," was released in 2001. Mother Love is active in a variety of charities and annual events. She vigorously promotes the yearly "Regal Empress Showcase & Pageant" for plus-size women and she becomes "The Christmas Fair, Santa's Helper in the Hood" every year by collecting clothes, food and toys for needy families.

She is also active with The American Diabetes Association, The American Red Cross, and many youth groups around the country. Currently, Mother Love travels across America sharing her message of inspiration, motivation, love, laughter and forgiveness. In this day and age, we could all use a little Mother Love.