The Good Word with Tisha Lewis: Reverend Dr. Sandra K. James shares her “calling” to preach while serving in the military
“It was a calling,” says Reverend Dr. Sandra K. James, the newly appointed and first female Pastor of First Mount Zion Baptist Church. Pastor James joins us this week on The Good Word series and shares her vision, calling and message moving forward while making history as the first female Pastor of the 158 year old church. Pastor James is also a veteran and tells FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis she received her “calling” to preach while serving in the military in the deserts of Arizona. Pastor James official installation ceremony takes place Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00pm at First Mount Zion Baptist Church on Dumfries Road in Dumfries, Virginia.
Oklahoma pastor faces human trafficking, sexual battery charges
An Oklahoma City-area pastor is facing new charges after investigators say he exploited and trafficked members of his congregation.
Monica Gary discusses domestic violence charge against her, stemming from argument with her husband
“I apologized to them.” Former stripper turned pastor turned politician Monica Gary returns to The Good Word series this week for an exclusive interview with FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis, discussing a domestic violence charge against her, stemming from an argument she had with her husband two weeks ago. Gary says one of her children called police. She says she apologized to her children and says there was no physical violence. Gary says she is now in therapy and raising awareness about mental health, unresolved trauma and transparency and vulnerability in politics. Gary is planning to run for Senate in 2027. She currently sits on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. She is married with 7 children. Her husband was present off camera during our interview. The full episode goes on demand this Sunday on Fox Local. New episodes Sundays at 10am!
The Good Word: Edwina Findley
Actress and Author Edwina Findley joins us on The Good Word series this week! Edwina is a Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts graduate and got her start on BET's Teen Summit and The Wire before going on to act in hit shows including The Residence based in Washington, DC, Fear of The Walking Dead and movies. She most recently wrote her newest book THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU! She discussed the book with Oprah and shares with FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis how her faith fueled and manifested her dreams. Edwina will receive the President’s Award at the 24th Annual Power of A Dream Gala at the Duke Ellington School of The Performing Arts. She will receive the award for her creative excellence and faith-driven mission to inspire purpose and personal growth worldwide.
Man hauled away by security after urinating on main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica: report
The latest in a series of disturbances at St. Peter’s Basilica prompted swift intervention by plainclothes police when a man was accused of urinating on the main altar.
The Good Word with Tisha Lewis: September 28, 2025
“God plus faith plus work equals success” says military veteran and Community Love Hub founder and owner Prynce Hall who joins us on The Good Word! He shares how is faith fueled his success and his journey from Union Market to the National Harbor and how he’s teaching young people across the DMV about commerce, design, fashion and retail! Plus his chance encounter with actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg!
Russell M. Nelson, oldest LDS president, dies at 101
Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the oldest leader in the faith’s history, died Saturday at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 101.
The Good Word: Lovership Apparel Creators Sophia Williams and Nikki Mills
11-year-old Sophia Williams joins us on The Good Word Series this week alongside her mother Nikki and sister Jayla! They’re building a kindness brand called Lovership Apparel. Williams says the clothing brand reflects kindness and confidence. Her family says she chose to attend Virginia Virtual Academy so she could pursue her passion for business and art. 11-year-old Sophia Williams alongside her mother Nikki and sister Jayla says, “Faith is everything,” and says her faith inspired her faith-based kindness brand.
New Orleans Archdiocese agrees to $230M settlement for clergy sex abuse survivors
The archdiocese's bankruptcy case, filed in May 2020, is one of the longest-running cases related to church abuse.
Pope Leo XIV announces two new saints, including first canonized millennial
Carlo Acutis created a multilingual website documenting Eucharistic miracles before dying of leukemia at 15.
Grammy nominated gospel singer and pastor JJ Hairston on The Good Word
Grammy award nominated gospel singer, Youthful Praise director and The Gathering Place pastor JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise joins us on The Good Word Series! We talk the importance of men affirming and uplifting women, navigating uncertainty and the church’s role in the federal takeover in DC.
Sandra Mason, owner of Silky Smooth Dance Studio | The Good Word
Sandra Mason joins us on The Good Word Series! She is known across northern Virginia for her hand dancing and teaching hand dancing classes. Sandra is the owner of Silky Smooth Dance Studio and will soon receive the 2026 Black Hand Dance Excellence Perseverance Award. “The Good Word is perseverance,” said Sandra Mason in an interview with FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis. Mason has channeled her grief after her husband's passing a couple years ago by learning into her faith, hand dancing and inspiring others including young people across the DMV to learn this new skill and do something positive with their time.
The Good Word | Sandra Mason
Sandra Mason joins us on The Good Word Series! She is known across northern Virginia for her hand dancing and teaching hand dancing classes. Sandra is the owner of Silky Smooth Dance Studio and will soon receive the 2026 Black Hand Dance Excellence Perseverance Award. Mason has channeled her grief after her husband's passing a couple years ago by learning into her faith, hand dancing and inspiring others including young people across the DMV to learn this new skill and do something positive with their time.
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder, dead at 89
Dr. James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family Christian ministry and former advisor to five U.S. presidents, has died at 89.
Dawn Cazedessus | The Good Word with Tisha Lewis
Tisha Lewis chats with Dawn Cazedessus for this week's episode of The Good Word. Cazedessus shares the cornerstones on how she transitioned from a life of poverty to the "C-Suite."
Tisha Lewis chats with Jayson Tyler
Tisha Lewis sits down with Jayson Tyler for this week's episode of The Good Word.
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dies at 90
Family members of the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart say the famed 1980s televangelist has passed away at the age of 90.
Reality Star turn Professor Al Reynolds | The Good Word
Al Reynolds says “Faith outlasts fear,” and he’s joining us on this week’s episode of The Good Word series! June is Men's Mental Health Month and the reality TV star turned Bowie State University professor shares how teaching saved him, says he’s spoken with former wife Star Jones after the passing of several family members and a dog the two shared. He also weighs in on Jones' new marriage. Reynolds also shares what faith looks like to him.