Editor's Note: Shayne Lee, Ph.D, is an associate professor of sociology at Tulane University. He is the author of "T.D. Jakes: America's New Preacher," which analyzes major changes in the black church culture and contemporary American religion, and co-author of "Holy Mavericks:

Evangelical Innovators and the Spiritual Marketplace," which looks at the appeal of celebrity preachers. His recent book, "Erotic Revolutionaries," explores the topic of black women, sex and pop culture. Next week: The Rev. Al Sharpton writes about his personal faith and finance. CNN's "Almighty Debt: A Black in America Special" premieres October 21.(CNN) -- As a sociologist who studies black churches, my research allows for compelling conversations with some of our nation's most powerful religious leaders. But my most memorable interview to date was not with a celebrity preacher, but a lesser known young gay Christian I'll call David. [Read the full article]

(RealSimple.com) -- Recently several dear friends have written to tell me of their number twos on the way. Each note registers as a tiny shock to my system.I saw these children coming; I expected them in the natural course of things. But I always thought I would respond with my own exclamation, my little bit of thrilling news.Not long ago, these joyous announcements would have laid me out flat with envy; I craved another baby and couldn't imagine my life would be complete otherwise. The dream of two (or even more) children, of spending years at a time with those small, warm bodies and soft, shiny faces, wouldn't let me go. Even now I struggle to be at peace with my decision to remain a mother of one.I came late to motherhood. Like many of my peers, I spent most of my 20s and 30s traveling to faraway places, working hard, and falling in love over and over again. [Read the full article]

(CNN) -- His father's death certificate, long-lost relatives and a town possibly named after an ancestor are just a few of the details John William Harris found as he researched his family tree.Harris, 62, a sales executive and consultant from Atlanta, Georgia, had always hoped to learn more about his family, including his father, John Henry Harris, whom he said was murdered by another man when he was 5 years old."The man who killed my father was never tried in a court of law. In small-town Gainesville, Georgia, in 1953, such a crime -- black on black -- was not considered important and often went unpunished," said Harris.Lt. Stephanie Gilbert of Hall County Sheriff's Department said there's no file telling exactly what happened, because records from that period were burned by a former sheriff. Gainesville police said they did not have records from that time, either."I had long put the lack of knowledge of his murder behind me," said Harris. [Read the full article]

(InStyle) -- If your 9-to-5 style is starting to feel a little stale, read on! This fall, designers have dreamt up gorgeous trends that are also 100 percent office-appropriate.Button-down shirts will always be a workplace basic, but why not test a soft, sleek turtleneck instead? Tommy Hilfiger paired his with a matching coat for a stylishly monochromatic look, while Keira Knightley proved that a black, belted, high-neck dress can be both sophisticated and a little bit sexy.Rich, buttery skins turn a simple silhouette into something extraordinary. Try a suede wrap with a close-fitted, cream-colored sweater, as seen on the runway at Michael Kors, or opt for a pencil skirt in a rich, shiny finish with a simple white blouse: As Kate Bosworth demonstrates, it's a perfectly professional look, with just the tiniest bit of edge.A leopard-spotted sheath is surprisingly versatile, taking you from desk-side to dinner date with only minimal adjustments. [Read the full article]