ANGELIC JESUS.
LEX, KY
MUSIC.
FASHION.
MARCH /APRIL 201 7
@ANGELICMAGAZINE
the black and
ANGELIC LEXINGTON, KY JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION.
d white issue
MARCH /APRIL 201 7
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ANGELIC
Dear Lexington, We launched this bi-monthly Lexington Community version ofAngelic in November of
2015. But we are strangers to Lexington. Our magazine team is scattered throughout the US, with one of our writers living in Canada. We've been strangers to Lexington since our inception to your community, but will no longer be as of this spring. It was July of 2015 that we visited Lexington for the first time to participate in Harvest, a night of worship under the Kentucky stars. And ever since that time Lexington has never left us. The people, the friendships, the memories made and the impact Lexington has had on us, has never left us. So, we created this separate community issue outside of our monthly coast to coast issue to keep in stride with how God is moving in Kentucky; hoping to be a part of the movement in some subtle way. The teeter-tottering of maybe God has more for us in your community has prolonged and persisted for nearly two years. Other cities have crossed our paths but Lexington has always remained in our hearts. It's been a waiting in limbo, waiting on God for answers type of seasons for these last two years. Waiting for doors to open and waiting for clarity in prayers. The teeter-tottering and waiting for clarity came to a halt this winter when the opportunity to permanently plant our roots in Southern California presented itself. SoCal is where Angelic began and it's where we could step outside of our magazine pages and step into a community for the foreseeable future of our ministry -- but something inside lingered, what about Lexington, Kentucky? If we chose SoCal we'd be forever strangers to Lexington. And there was a sadness within that didn't want to say yes to SoCal but an answer that it was Lexington, Kentucky where our hearts had stayed nearly two years ago. God spoke. This spring Angelic Magazine is permanently relocating to Lexington. For two years we have been planning, preparing, gathering our ideas to unleash and link our arms with a community in Jesus’ name, and the time is now. We are coming to Lexington to plant a church and are taking this step of faith. Visit www.angelicmag.com/thechurch
ANGELIC - LEXINGTON
EDITOR LETTER THE B LACK AND WHITE IS S UE
W e're people trying to take care of each other. At our core, we need each other. Life is black and white. We love, we hate. We cry, we rejoice.
We run from vulnerability. And crave acceptance. So, I write this letter to you Lexington as your brother, your friend, your adversary and as someone you don't fully know. In our indifferences, in our love for each other and in our fear, we all need each other. This Lexington Community Issue, this special black and white issue is not about any one person, but Jesus -- and in the black and whiteness, if there is any clarity to be found -- it is that Jesus hung on a cross so that we could find everlasting life through Him. This is what unites us. He sees us in black and white. We are either seeking Him or we are not. We are either surrending to Him or we are not. We are either running to Him or we are not. And in our black and white, He loves us through and through. In the black and white, our one way or the other, imagine if we layed down our colors and United as one -- a community in His name. Picture it. -- Jesse Anaya
WWW.ANGELICMAG.COM
JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION.
ANGELIC
PHOTOGRAPHY B Y MEGAN JONES @MEGAN_EILEEN_
PHOTOGRAPHY
CIARA LEROY
Ciara LeRoy is a transplant Kentuckian, originally from Dayton, Ohio. She is a faith-led creative confidant who is passionate about connecting art with the every day. She believes in creating healthy and diverse communities, the strength of the next generation, and in loving and leading from behind the scenes.
VAN MICHAEL KOMATSU
Van Michael is originally from Maui but currently lives in Kentucky where he just finished seminary. Lord willing, he hopes to be a pastor back home in Hawaii. His earnest desire is to see gospel-centered, disciple-making, and missionary-sending churches planted and raised up throughout the Pacific islands and beyond.
MEGAN JONES
PHOTOGRAPHER TESTIMONY
LEXINGTON, KY
"I WAS DESPERATE AND TIRED OF THINGS BEING THE WAY THEY WERE. HE WAS THE ONE I TURNED TO."
It began in darkness. Not literally, but I felt like I was in
the dark. That’s what depression feels like. For some reason, I felt really alone in my early years of high school after transferring schools. Feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and fear of what others thought persisted. My lens was pointed on things of earth and everything looked foggy. In that place of darkness, the light became clearer than it had ever been before. In my loneliest times, when I didn’t feel like I had anyone around me, I found myself in my room for hours at a time praying to God to help the light shine through. I spent time journaling, praying and reading books because I was desperate and tired of things being the way they were. He was the one I turned to. It was in this emotionally dark time that I read a book that described relationship with God as a two way street and not me just sending up prayers to heaven. I started changing the way I wrote in my journal. I started with “Dear Jesus,…” and then when I was done talking I waited for a response. At first I wondered what I was waiting for, but then I started sensing God’s still small voice reminding me of truth, of scripture, of who I was in Him. I began seeing myself differently. I started replacing the old thoughts that told me I wasn’t worth anything, that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t belong, and that I was too messed up to be helped with the words of the one who stood beside the tax collector, the adulterer, the demon possessed man offering a message that saves. Because Jesus took all of the darkness on the cross, we can now live in light. Because of His sacrifice, His worth is now my worth, His righteousness my righteousness, and His peace my peace. He took my darkness and gave me light. Because he died, now I can truly live. As the constant voice in my head of condemnation and accusation changed to match my Father’s voice, I began to see myself change as well. I moved from rules to relationship realizing I didn’t have to earn anything. Jesus already paid it all. I opened my heart to Him,
accepted His free gift, decided to follow Him and realized He is the only one who has never left me or forsaken me. When it gets hard, I hear that still small voice and see His miracles, big or small, that are like the wind touching my face. During that time in high school, I was re-baptized and I told God I wanted Him to be Lord of my life. This does not mean that my life has been easy – really it’s been just the opposite. Life is hard, I struggle to remember to listen to God’s voice rather than others, and bad things happen. But even with these realities, two things have been true. 1) I still fall on my knees with every blow and I see that He has been faithful every time. 2) He has shown me that even in adversity that I can have joy because of Him. In fact, most people comment on my joy and are truly shocked that I have a story of depression. That is how I know it was God who saved me. I know what it is like to be in the darkness, but it has made me so much more thankful to be in His wonderful light. Now I am a photographer, a teacher, and am pursuing higher education in hopes that others will find this same freedom. On my own, I can do nothing, but with God all things are possible. He cleaned the “lens” that I looked through and pointed my gaze to Him so that I could see grace and see myself like He does. Special Thanks: Also, I must say thank you to my high school photography students for assisting in many of my shoots! Thanks Alexx Williams, Kolbee Squire, Yousef Alsdudi, Natalee Calloway and Karina Parker. Also, thanks to all of my models. You all are fantastic!
PAUL AND MORGAN OLLIGES
Paul and Morgan are a creative couple working on children's book writing and singing careers. Their channel can be found on YouTube entitled: "Paul and Morgan" and it provides young adults with encouragement and clean entertainment. They are a powerful couple in the Lord hoping to influence kids and adolescents positively.
KEGAN WESLEY
Kegan has the honor of traveling the world preaching the gospel. When he isn't traveling, he pastors a church in the city of Louisville, KY called The Refuge. This "church" is really a movement that reaches Louisville in an influential way. Though they have incredible services on Sunday nights they are faithful to constantly serve those in the surrounding area. www.therefugeky.com
FARAH DELSHAD
Farah is an aspiring fashion designer and has spent time in New York City. She has a heart for style and wants to bring her faith into the clothing industry. She is temporarily back in Lexington and is hoping to return to NY to continue her creative pursuits.
ANDREA AND MARLON
Andrea and Marlon have a passion for creativity and for the nations. Andrea is a creative writer for Angelic Magazine and is pursuing a degree at Asbury seminary. Marlon is currently working on creative ideas in the area of filmmaking and business. They both have a heart for Haiti.
LORIE HOURIGAN
Lorie Hourigan is a dental hygienist with dreams and aspirations of taking her hygiene skills to other countries lacking proper access to care and educate. One of her biggest daily goals is to try to change someone's fear of the dental office into a positive experience. The biggest drive in her life is to travel. She plans to travel internationally every year to a new place.
GOD IS BLACK AND WHITE
"I FIND MYSELF IN THE VALLEYS AND THE TRENCHES SOMETIMES CALLING OUT TO GOD IN A QUIVERING VOICE ‘ PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME HERE ALONE. I BEG OF YOU. D O NOT LEAVE ME." I
B Y ANDREA MARLOWE
wrestle constantly within the grey space of fighting my humanity and doubt alongside knowing the truth about my God. The truth about God is He is black and white. He either is, or is His not. There is never a maybe or perhaps. God is definitive. Whatever He is, He is fully. Whatever He is not, He is completely without. God does not naturally exist in the grey space with me, in the midst of sin and greed and human desires. He is beyond it, outside it, above it. God is black and white. There are many times I find myself sitting in awe of God. My trust in Him seemingly unwavering; my faith in Him revealing much about my dedication to Him. My trust in Him takes me into depths I would never venture on my own. It leads me into challenging dilemmas and avenues of perseverance I would never consider. I tread paths and accept adventures I would never be convinced to solo. My trust in God is based within the truth of His consistent, constant drive towards me. He wants to be my first love. He wants to be my rock. He wants to be my dependable force, pushing me forward into a life He has set out for me, and me alone. His statements are without question. He has no space within Him to bring concern or doubt. He has proven Himself faithful always. He exists without uncertainty, and without fear, and does not produce either of these things. He does not come to me wanting anything but that which is already His. My life is all He asks for. God is black and white, steadfast and permanent. There are many times I find myself questioning God. My lacking trust in Him reveals much about me. It limits my scope and openness to potential possibilities and my own capacity to dream and live out those dreams. It keeps me considering what I alone am capable of, and fearing what I do not believe I can do. It reduces my thoughts to only consider my strength, forgetting what He offers. It places on me the burden of everything I see around me, keeping me from considering all that I do not see.
"Constant One. Endless is Your love. Like a river can't be stopped. You're faithful Constant One. Who is like You, God? Your mercy's like the sun. Always rising over us." - S TEFFANY FRIZZELL-GRETZINGER, CONSTANT ONE My paths are cut short as I anxiously analyze the steps ahead. Are they meant for me? Am I strong enough to continue? The challenge seems too big, and too hard. My lacking trust discredits His desires to be my Father, my Friend, my Creator, my Rock. It calls Him a liar. My distrust says He is not who He says He is, and He has not kept His promises. It places Him under an assumption of fraud, weakness, humanity and temperance. So I exist in this grey space that bids me to rock back and forth between the trusting and untrusting waves. I find myself in the valleys and the trenches sometimes calling out to God in a quivering voice ‘please do not leave me here alone. I beg of you. Do not leave me.’ In my trusting, I know I should rather pray ‘God I know you will not forsake me now. I know you will not leave me.’ But that’s where things become interesting. It’s in this very grey space where God’s nature does not dwell, that He reaches down to meet us. God, even in His perfection and innocence, reaches down to take my hand as I reside in the midst of the trenches. The grey space does not change God, who He is or what He is capable of. His presence there strengthens me, but does not weaken Him. He is constant. So even in the trenches, especially in the trenches, look upward beyond yourself. There is a God reaching out of His own nature, by His own love, and into the grey space where we reside. He reaches down to claim you. He reaches down to save you. He reaches down because He knows we cannot reach Him on our own.
The Religious Gray Area
"IF BLACK IS DARKNESS,
SIN, AND WRONG. A ND WHITE IS LIGHT, HEAVEN, AND RIGHT. I VIEW THE GREY AREA IN BETWEEN AS THE WORK WE DO TO GET FROM BLACK TO WHITE. "
Awrong,s Christians, we are often seen as people who view things in black and white terms. This is this is right. This is how you die, this is how you have eternal life. If everything is so B Y LAUREN PRATHER
black and white, why then, isn’t it simple? I have come to realize, unpopular as it may be, that I do see things in black and white terms. When it comes to fundamental issues, there is a wrong, and there is a right. However, there is no denying the grey area. If black is darkness, sin, and wrong. And white is light, heaven, and right. I view the grey area in between as the work we do to get from black to white. That we are born sinners and over time the world can darken your heart. But also believing that we can be a light in this world. By walking with Christ daily, we can shine light to each other’s darkness through Him. By our own perseverance, we can bring light to our own lives by always pursuing His ways. I believe the grey area covers everything we do that either leads us to darkness or leads us to light. We are faced with different, complex issues every day. Things don’t always present themselves as simply black or white. The work that we do for God’s kingdom is a difficult, but beautiful process. The grey area. Our work, our persistence in the grey area to constantly be moving towards the light of God’s kingdom is what will bring light. Working towards light can be as simple as reading your bible and praying. It can be as complex as dedicating your life in a foreign country to spread the gospel. No matter how much we pursue light, the pull of darkness always finds a way to creep in. We will undeniably be faced with difficult decisions, tough situations, that can seem to put a damper on our light. What do we do in this grey area? Do we give up, become stagnant, grow dull or weary? Scripture has plenty to say about darkness and light. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 During your pursuits in the grey area, do not grow weary in respect of darkness. In my experience, darkness often presents itself as the easiest option. The only way light can be cast upon any situation is through the promise of scripture and having complete faith that Jesus is the only light. That the possibility of righteousness will be only through Him. We are all working in our grey area. Day by day, we can either move lightness in to us and those around us, or more darkness. Ultimately, do not to be stagnant in our shade of grey. To not see darkness and not try to drown it out with light. Constantly allowing Jesus to turn your darkness white as snow.
ZACH HETMAN RAPPER
//
LEX
,
KY
ANGELIC: Who/What are your musical influences? HETMAN: In the past I listened to Eminem because of his raw unfiltered emotion. I’ve since stopped because of the content he chooses for his songs. My current favorite artist is Andy Mineo. I enjoy listening to any type of music that has depth lyrically. ANGELIC: What can people expect to see you perform live? HETMAN: My live performances consist of songs on previous albums as well as never before heard or recorded songs. I also like sharing my story behind songs and my testimony along with current successes and failures from stage. ANGELIC: What inspires you lyrically? HETMAN: Life in general. Music is a form of expression. Its a journal that makes a beautiful noise. My experiences and feelings shape my music and allow me to vent in a constructive way that potentially helps others. ANGELIC: How can the music scene in Lexington be improved? HETMAN: The music scene can be improved by more people with different gifts and talents working together. Photography, videography, management, promotion, artist, etc. Creating things take time and resources that may not be returned monetarily overnight. Building a team that understands sacrificing individual gain and that realizes money may not flow right away will improve the Lexington music scene. ANGELIC: How does Jesus play a role in your music? HETMAN: Jesus is everything. My redeemer, my strength, my foundation. He saved me from death. Without that my music wouldn’t be what it is today. Our talents and dreams aren’t just for ourselves they are meant to be used to progress the Kingdom of God, point people to Christ and encourage others.
ANGELICMUSIC "JESUS IS EVERYTHING. MY REDEEMER, MY STRENGTH, MY FOUNDATION. HE SAVED ME FROM DEATH. WITHOUT THAT MY MUSIC WOULDN’T BE WHAT IT IS TODAY." OHZEEMUSIC . COM
Modesty PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY BAILEY LOCATION: LEXINGTON, KY
I
t was th San Diego. released and fashion but a I still nee that I wasn’ press creden bloggers, m people and important in The first n Naval aircra began to set Designers models slick music for ea that you co construction for the photo The nigh planned whe A model with her rig rest of her eye. She wa opener of th I was caug On the one as a magazi fashion at fa it’s fashion, marry, there breast as she The next suit except piece and he leaving not m I diverted who was sit and saw th swimsuit de
guy opinion:
MODES TY IS B EAUTIFUL B Y JES S E ANAYA
he fall of 2013 and I had VIP seats for Fashion Week Angelic Magazine’s debut issue had just been d I sat in my front row seat not as a spectator of as a story teller of it. eded someone to pinch me and tell me it was real, ’t an imposter but a real a magazine editor with a ntial sitting front row with a who’s who of SoCal media publications, designers, wealthy and pretty whoever else had the inside track to be considered n the southern California fashion scene that day. night of fashion runway shows took place inside of a aft carrier docked in the San Diego bay. As the sun t over the Pacific, Fashion Week had begun. s began to unveil their collections one by one with ked and styled walking the runway. Hand selected ach collection drowned out the noise around you so ould focus on each piece, each model and the n of every design as the models posed for you and ographers flash at the end of the runway. ht had a buzzing excitement to it and was going as en something began to cut at my heart. for a certain designer walked out onto the runway ght breast fully exposed and painted the color of the garment, but the body paint left no illusion to the as baring her flesh for all to see. It was the first eye he night. ght by surprise. e hand I could say that this was a part of fashion and ine editor I was viewing a certain style of creative ashion week, but most of me was saying no matter if , as a man seeking God, if it’s not the woman I e’s no reason for me to be seeing a woman’s naked e stood a few feet in front of me. model came out in a sort of one-piece like bathing her bathing suit was a g-string attached to a oneer top very scantily covered the curves of her chest much to anyone's imagination. d my eyes as she walked past me and everyone else tting in the front row. I looked down at my program hat the next two designers of the night would be esigners.
My internal dialogue with myself began: Should I leave? Should I stay? The fashion show has only been going for an hour. It’s just a swimsuit? What if the swimsuits show even more flesh? What’s the big deal? I got up from my seat that night and left the fashion show before the next designer’s line would be introduced. Angelic Magazine was created on the heels of me being a fashion photographer. I photographed models and being around female models wasn’t unusual for me. But, I do not want to associate with fashion that will have to make a man divert his eyes, make a woman feel demeaned or make her feel she needs to reveal the private parts of her body in order to be fashionable. In my walk with God I have the choice to sit and stare like everyone else or be bold and do something about it. I choose boldness. Everyday life isn’t a fashion show and the garments I described on the runway aren’t everyday attire, but when I look on Instagram, Facebook and anywhere media can be seen, images of women posting photos of themselves provocatively clothed, revealing their bodies and trying to be seductive is everywhere. As a man I admire fashion, cool hair and makeup, sleek style and would not have created Angelic Magazine if I did not have an intrigue for these specific things but there is a huge difference between fashion and seduction. Fashion should not seduce. Modesty can be viewed as being outdated, Amish-like or unfashionable but modesty in fashion is simply being well dressed but not seductive. Modesty empowers women as well as men. Seduction tells women her fashion must be lustful, an object of sexual desire and none of this reflects the purity of God. As a magazine editor I desire to change the narrative of fashion and communicate that modesty is beautiful. I want men to view women as the daughter of God that she is. She is clothed with strength and dignity. I want women to know she does not need to bare her flesh or fit into a male or world gaze to be accepted. As Christians we need to be the trendsetters of fashion, not the copycatters. We should be bold, creative and modest -- and set the standard for what fashion is, not accept what the world tells us is fashionable. Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MODEL: GR HAIR AND MAKEUP LOCATION: LE
Y BRITTANY BAILEY ACE HAGER P: AVERY BENSON EXINGTON, KY
L
ANGELIC: How w KL: If I had to cho guitar on stage, but real and raw in my w
ANGELIC: What m KL: I would have to music quite often. I spiritual drought. Fo honesty will allow th
ANGELICMUSIC
"T HERE' S SO MANY THINGS HE HAS DONE FOR ME THAT I HAVE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE. HE' S SUCH A BIG PART OF WHO I AM AS A PERSON, THAT IT OVERFLOWS INTO MY MUSIC AS WELL, BECAUSE HE' S THE REASON I SING."
ANGELIC: How do KL: While writing melody comes first, how He has change
who I am as a pers
ANGELIC: What is KL: In today's worl they are. You don't h smile or holding the own backyards.
ANGELIC: What d KL: This year I'm b record all these new year, but if not, I am
KA R I
AUREN SINGER-SONGWRITER
//
LEXINGTON, KY
would you explain your style of music? ose a genre for my music, I would have to say it is Christian pop/worship. When I perform, it's just me and my acoustic when I record, I love having a full band to back me up. Worship is really important to me, but I also love that I can just be writing. For me, music is my outlet for dealing with whatever life throws my way.
makes you different from other singer/songwriters? o say it's probably my honesty in song writing that sets me apart. I struggle a lot with anxiety, so that comes through in my I am usually not afraid to write about how I feel, whether it's about an unhealthy relationship, my anxiety or a time of or me, it just makes sense to write songs about it. I want to write music that people are able to relate to, so I hope that my hem to do that.
oes Jesus influence you as a musician? new music, I pray for Him to show me exactly what He wants me to say in that particular song. Sometimes the music or and sometimes the lyrics are what come first. While performing live, no matter where I am, I have to talk about God and ed my life. There's so many things He has done for me that I have to share with people. He's such a big part of
son, that it overflows into my music as well, because He's the reason I sing.
s your vision for seeing Lexington United as a community? ld, there's so much hatred and judgement going around. I want to see people come together and accept one another for who have to agree with everything they do, but love is what changes people, not hate. Sometimes, it's a simple gesture, like a e door for someone. You just have to be willing to start somewhere. It would be a wonderful thing to see that happen in our
do you hope to achieve musically in 2017? back in the studio! I released a three song EP in 2015, but this will be my first full length album. I am so excited to finally w songs and share what I've been working on the past two years. I'm hoping the album will be released sometime later this m just looking forward to putting it together and preparing for the release.
Joy BY CARA DEE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION: LEXINGTON, KY
PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW
ca ra d ee L E X I N G T O N
,
K Y
"I REALLY DESIRE TO SEE AN UPRISING OF ARTISTS
UNITING FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF REACHING A NEW GENERATION THROUGH ARTWORK AND CREATIVE MEDIUMS . I BELIEVE WE ARE IN A UNIQUE SEASON TO SEE G OD MOVE IN A MIGHTY WAY"
HOW
DOES JESUS INFLUENCE PHOTOGRAPHER?
YOU AS A
As a Christian, my prayer is that Christ influences every part of my work. Whether it’s the attitude in which I photograph, my kindness with a client, or my craft that hopefully flows out of a heart made for creativity, my hope is that God would be the overflow in each interaction along the way. From a practical standpoint, I make it an effort to pray prior to going into each session/event, that I would allow God to be creative through me and that I would be using my talents and giftings in a way that would be a blessing to Him and to those I’m working with. I feel so many artists struggle with feeling inadequate in their craft and for years I hated how nervous I would be before each photo session. This was until one day someone told me that it’s better for me to continue being nervous, so that I might continue to lean on God for my work and not shoot from my own strength. IF YOU COULD PHOTOGRAPH ONE LIVING PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I love documenting artists and Makoto Fujimara would be an amazing individual to photograph. He’s an an incredibly talented painter with work that took on further (inter)national fame and depth once he became a Christian. I love documenting artists of different mediums, noting the little details in their studio space and movements they make as they work. It would be fascinating to watch and photograph him painting…and it would be a travel perk if he were in Japan working at that time too!
HOW
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE BECOME MORE UNITED FOR JESUS?
LEXINGTON
For years, my desire for Lexington has been to see artists and creatives unite for Christ. My husband I are passionate about the arts and have been gathering with and working alongside Christian artists for years to encourage and support one another. As we continue to embrace a highly visual culture (be it instagram or advertising), I really desire to see an uprising of artists uniting for the sole purpose of reaching a new generation through artwork and creative mediums. I believe we are in a unique season to see God move in a mighty way with artistic craft. WHAT
DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
Memoir sessions, like the one seen here on these pages, have fueled a lot of passion for my craft in the last several months. Going into the year, I’d love to document more of these kinds of sessions, which highlight the closure of a season for a family or individual (moving homes, saying goodbye to family members, etc). With these types of sessions I’m able to photograph real emotions and also freeze frame specific ways that people have been changed and have grown with the closure of these doors. God continually asked the Israelites to “remember” all that He had done for them and these types of photography sessions (shot in black and white and on medium format film) really allow me to document that and it makes me so excited to do more of them for others in 2017.