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OUR STORY MAGAZINE IS A MONTHLY PRINT AND DIGITAL PUBLICATION THAT BLENDS MUSIC, FASHION AND THE STORIES OF REAL PEOPLE SEEKING TO LIVE FOR JESUS. WE BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 FEATURING CONTENT SOLEY FROM THE SOUTHWEST OF THE UNITED STATES AND IN 2 YEARS WE'VE SPREAD TO NOW FEATURE EDITORIAL CONTENT FROM EVERYWHERE AND HAVE READERS COMING FROM 6 CONTINENTS. ANGELIC HAS A MAGAZINE NAME BUT WE ARE A MINISTRY FOCUSED ON FEARLESSLY PROCLAIMING JESUS. EVERYONE HAS A STORY FOR WHY THEY BELIEVE. WE SHARE THOSE STORIES. WE FEATURE MUSICIANS AND BANDS WHO HEARTS BELONG TO JESUS. WE DO FASHION PHOTO-SHOOTS WITH PHOTOGRAPHER'S, STYLISTS AND MODELS WHO DESIRE TO MAKE JESUS KNOWN. OUR ARTICLES OF FAITH ARE GUIDED BY THE BIBLE. WE SPOTLIGHT ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES WHO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. THE TESTIMONIES WRITTEN ARE FILLED WITH WORDS OF REDEMPTION. WE ARE NOT A RELIGIOUS MAGAZINE. WE STAND FOR JESUS.
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K Y A L
EDITOR LETTER THANKSGIVING
I
t’s November and that means amazing fall weather. And it means if you’re into fashion, you can wear all your amazing fall outfits. But it also means coming together. The weather is brisk, pumpkin lattes are being gulped and we get to remember why we’re thankful for each other. I don’t know most of you who read the magazine, but every issue that’s put together, we do it for you. And I’m thankful that you’re reading this letter and that you’re reading this issue. Thanksgiving. I’m a dark meat turkey kind of person and every year I’m thankful I have a place to eat my dark meat, carbs and calories with my family. But let’s make our families bigger this year. Invite someone to your Thanksgiving dinner. Open your doors to someone new this year. Embrace someone new into your family. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. A legendary one, and one where you remember to be thankful for Jesus and His love.
Jesse Anaya
ever after BY SARAH KATHLEEN
Sarah Kathleen TEMPLETON
,
CA
//
AGE
: 27
MY HOPE IS ALWAYS FOR A SLIVER OF GOD'S LOVE TO BLEED THROUGH MY OWN WORK AND SHOW ITSELF TO THOSE WHO MAY NEED IT MOST.
T
here is so much more to what I do than just take pictures at weddings. My job isn't merely to document what's happening around me; my job is to capture the love story in front of me in a way that makes that love real to whomever may be looking at the photo later—whether it is the subject of the photo or a perfect stranger. Love is powerful in a way unlike any other force—it has the ability to transcend through time and language. I'm not big on the idea of religion and labels because those things don't rightly represent the faith and belief system I stand on. But love? Love does. God's love is the fiercest and most unconditional of all, so that is what I believe in. That is what inspires me every day. Having grown up in a Christian home, I was no stranger to that love. My parents love me in a way I can only hope to show my own children someday. They were and are an aspiring example of God's love to everyone they meet. My childhood home has been a haven for many a lost soul and wandering heart. It was growing up in such a love-soaked atmosphere that formed me into the love-obsessed storyteller that I am. No two love stories are the same, and I live to document them. I not only strive to capture the fleeting moments and stolen glances that represent who these humans really are, but I also hope to create a space for these people to let go of life's chaos for just a moment to remember why they fell in love in the first place. My hope is always for a sliver of God's love to bleed through my own work and show itself to those who may need it most.
CEDAR + SOIL AUBURN, AL CEDARANDSOIL.NET
madison + terri "We hope to encourage you to step out in faith with confidence and fearlessness."
1. What is Cedar & Soil? We are a community of women expressing ourselves through words and pictures. We long to encourage each other in faith, creativity, and hospitality, believing that we are called to a courageous life far greater than our dreams. We are built on the pillars of the Gospel with creativity and love swelling deep inside our hearts. Though our hearts beat for creativity, humanitarianism, and philanthropy, we believe that we’re more deeply characterized by exploring the depths of something far beyond what any words or pictures could express. 2. How is Jesus reflected in your ministry? Jesus—our Friend, our Instructor, the One who sparks every creative thought. Behind the pictures and words of Cedar & Soil is the sweet Voice of Truth confirming every move, every email, and every post. The fact that we have fingers to type with, hands to paint with, brains to compose written words—they are all because of the grace that Jesus lavished upon us so freely. Through Cedar & Soil, we are learning that it is not only when our hands are clasped in prayer that we hear from our Father. Often, it is when our hands are creating, writing, photographing, cooking, and traveling, that we feel the joy of the Lord inside of us and reflected through us. He is the root of our creativity. That joy stems from His heart and is reflected through the content of the webpages and through the incredible women writing and photographing for us. Jesus is the flame; we are simply the wick. 3. We're launching our "World Changer Workshop" this fall. How are you being a World Changer? There’s a story behind everything—how a picture came to be on a wall or how a scar left its mark on a knee. Sometimes, the stories are simple, and, sometimes, they are hard and pierce through the heart, but every single one of them is worth hearing, worth
worth telling. It is those stories, those testimonies, and those hearts that change the way we view the world. We are simply the recorder of those magnificent stories and the listener of the hearts that have the courage to keep beating. 4. What is your direct message to women? Our dear reader, Remember that there is only one version of you. Jesus gave you a uniqueness, a talent, and a skill that is yours alone in which to honor Him. Remember that He chose you specifically before the foundation of this world. Remember that our enemy is crafty and he loves tempting us with fear. Ezekiel 28 paraphrases that, before Satan was Satan, he was the model of perfection—full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. But his heart became proud because of his beauty, and the Good Lord put him in his place. Notice that it’s Eve—the woman—that Satan goes after in the Garden. He sees the God-given beauty in her, the beauty that he once had, and he wants it back. He engulfs her in a wave of doubt, unbelief, inadequacy, and fear—anything he can to prevent her from radiating. Remember that you are an asset to the Kingdom and a threat to the enemy. Don’t let lies come and shadow the Light within you. You were made to shine. We hope to encourage you to live life abundantly, to say yes to the ordinary, to say yes to the mundane and unexpected, crazy, spontaneous moments that make your life beautiful, to say yes to your passions. We hope to encourage you to step out in faith with confidence and fearlessness. We hope to see you set free from perfectionism—that we have both been tied to—and propelled into a life of authenticity and transparency. We hope to see you come alive as you discover the beauty that is inside of you and breathing all around you.
I
Sarah Deegan
never knew how broken I was until I tasted the goodness of Jesus. I grew up with my mom, dad, and sister. There were plenty of seasons that were great and then other seasons that had been filled with sickness, hospital visits, and even the possibility of my parents getting a divorce. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, but my parents loved me in every way possible. They taught me how to always be kind, have fun, and to stand up for what I believe in. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I was missing something. My heart felt empty. I constantly looked to dating, partying, or drinking to help suffocate the loneliness I felt. I got swept up into relationship after relationship. I never wanted to get attached, but I thought that, if I had a boyfriend, it would fix all of my problems. During my senior year of high school, a good friend of mine invited me to YoungLife. I knew that all of the “popular” kids went and that it was the Christian club, but, for some reason, I wanted to go. I went and heard the Gospel for the first time. I was in awe. I couldn’t believe that a man named Jesus walked this earth, lived a perfect life, and then died for me. After that night, I was so captivated—I couldn’t get enough of hearing about God. All was well until I met a boy who flipped my world upside down. I thought I was getting into a relationship with someone who liked Jesus, did the right thing, and would never hurt me. Oh, was I wrong. After a few weeks into the relationship, I wasn’t allowed back at YoungLife. I lost most of my friends, and, worst of all, I lost myself. I would go to church every Sunday with my boyfriend and feel so out of place. I was doing everything they said not to do. I was drowning in a toxic relationship, and I didn’t see a way out. I thought that was the best it would ever get and I would just have to get over it. After a while of dating, the relationship finally ended. I was devastated; I spent almost every single day with a guy that manipulated, lied to, and hurt me, but I still thought that I was in love. I truly thought that’s what love was supposed to look like. I slowly was able to go back to reality, and, thankfully, my friends were waiting.
ATLANTA, GA
My first thought of the church and Christians was that they all act perfect on Sundays, but they do whatever they want throughout the week. Yet, for some reason, I knew there was more to it. Leading up to graduation, my mom and I started attending church every Sunday, learning and healing together. I started dating an old friend who, once again, I thought he had it all together, but he didn’t. I remember sitting in my car, processing the fact that, if I wouldn’t sleep with him or be sexually intimate, he would end things. I sat there with a worship song playing that I didn’t know and said, “I don’t know how this works, but, Jesus, I need You to save me right now.” I had no idea who Jesus really was, but I was done trying to do life on my own. I was done trying to make relationships work my way, and I was done thinking that my worth only came from men. In that moment, I decided to follow Jesus, and I never knew I would be where I am now two years later. I prayed for community, and God gave me a family. I have been discipled, challenged, and loved. Earlier this year, I was able to become a YoungLife leader for a high school in Atlanta, Georgia, and now I have the ability to love and pour into kids and be a part of their journey and walk with Christ. My story doesn’t end here, but I know this is just the start to a beautiful life as the hands and feet of Christ.
MASON RUNYON LEXINGTON, KY - AGE: 24
Imycould hear the words echoing over and over inside head. One of my favorite Hillsong lyrics played on
repeat echoing louder and louder within me; breaking me down more and more with each syllable. Let me tell you, I have always been a ‘windows down kind of guy’ when I’m driving around, even on the hottest days. But more than that, I’m a ‘don’t let the people beside you in traffic see you crying your eyes out’ kind of guy. I could barely hold myself together in the middle of UK campus traffic. “Break my heart for what breaks Yours...” These seven words had been my prayer in the weeks prior to this meltdown. I was told that it was a dangerous prayer, but I didn’t really listen. And at the time I had no idea it would be something He would take me up on. There I stood with a couple of close friends on a beautiful Sunday morning, wondering just what I had signed up for. They had asked me to help them drive some kids to church the night before, and for some reason I said yes. So many doubts and fears were weighing down on me as I found myself right where I didn’t want to be. Then like the light chases away the dark, every persecuting thought subsided when I saw them. 5 kids have played a larger role in changing my life than I ever thought possible. 5 kids that have taught me more about love in just a few months than most church congregations will in a lifetime. God is sneaky like that though. We may sometimes find ourselves saying “God please send me and use me according to your will!” Just as long as your will correlates with the ideas and aspirations I have for myself. I know I’m guilty of this, even when I’m not aware of it. Yet, God loves to use our fears and insecurities to carry out His will for our lives. Before I had a chance to realize it, I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough of them and the neighborhood full of God’s children unaware of how desperate for love they are. But what I very quickly realized was that it was a two-way street filled with need.
"5 KIDS HAVE
PLAYED A LARGER ROLE IN CHANGING MY LIFE THAN I EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. "
I needed them just as much if not more than they needed me. And I couldn’t figure it out; just what had I done with my life that had earned me the right to be there with them? And the the words of my prayer flashed through my mind: “Break my heart for what breaks Yours...” Queue the waterworks. I was suddenly and completely overwhelmed. It made no sense yet perfect sense all at once. He was opening my eyes to so much; what true grace was, just who He really was, and a powerful glimpse of just how much He intensely loves us. For years I was convinced because my story lacked any real tragedy or constant turmoil that it wasn’t worth telling. The truth about my story is that to the world it may not be filled extravagance, but to Jesus it is one worthy of extravagant love. The world says it isn’t one capable of inspiring, but Jesus says it’s a story worth dying for. The world says I haven’t overcome anything so I’m not worth being heard. But my Jesus says that my story and life were worth overcoming death for. I challenged God to send me and He did. He sent me somewhere I never expected nor wanted to go. And it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. He never intended for us all to experience the same things. Each of our individual journeys are chosen specifically for us to trek, because we are the only ones who can. As a follower of Christ, we have to take faith in the path laid before us, no matter what it entails, because it is intended for us. Against my own will, my path brought me to these kids and this neighborhood. They are absolutely wrecking my life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
MARQUE MODEST APPAREL
MARQUE MODEST APPAREL BY ALLIE ATLANTA, GA // AGE: 24
MARQUEMODESTAPPAREL.COM
SHIRLEY
MARQUE'S MISSION IS TO REBRAND MODESTY IN JESUS' NAME. “FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE. ” JEREMIAH 29:11
Jesus knows the plans He has for us even when we can't see them. We are not able to see our futures, which places us in a state of full dependence and trust in Him daily. It’s exactly where He wants us to be, and, sometimes, that place hurts. Sometimes, that place shakes us up and causes us to revert to doubt and fear. I know because this is the place God has had me this past year. I’ve wrestled with the unknown of what’s next for my life and Marque, yet all I have to do is remember all He has done and the wrestling ceases. This year Marque tops and dresses are represented in 30+ states. Marque blogs have been read by someone in almost every country, and we have had several requests for expanding to international shipping, which we hope to achieve in 2016. We relaunched our original MTAC T-shirt and launched our new You Matter tees. We released our “Who We Are” video, and another video production is already in the works. We’ve even gotten to participate in collaborations and a few giveaways. As amazing as this year has been watching God expand Marque, my favorite part of this whole process has been the messages and emails that connect me to a specific person. It makes this journey real for me. It reminds me of why I get up and do what I do every day. I have loved receiving emails from women sharing about their struggle of finding their worth, messages of thankfulness for a brand that stands boldly beside Christ in their mission, comments about how, since I took a leap of faith with Jesus, others are inspired to run hard after their dreams. Men have shared with me how thankful they are for a company that desires for women to respect themselves and the men around them. All of these things make the hard times worth it. How great is it that, in the midst of our pain and suffering, we can trust that God will birth something beautiful from it? If you are pursuing God and His plan for your life, don't be surprised by hardship. Know that, in our brokenness, Jesus is made strong in us. Remember this scripture as you pursue Christ and His plan for you: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 Stay in God's Word, develop a prayer life, surround yourself in community, serve those around you, and run your race with perseverance. In His Love, Allie
P H O T O G R A P H Y : A L L I E S H I R L E Y M O D E L : S H E L B Y H A M I L T O N L O C A T I O N : A C W O R T H , G A
DO LOOKS W
BY JESSE ANAYA hat’s your type? Do you have a check-list your potential date or spouse must meet? A height requirement? Brown eyes or blue? If you’re a girl are you into the bearded hipster type of guys? If you’re a guy do you prefer blondes or redheads? Or brunettes? What about hairy chests or backs? Do you have a preference for that? Does a girl’s natural bra size matter to you? Try to visualize what I look like. Think about it for a second. If you knew I was really handsome would that make you more inclined to want to read the rest of this article? If you knew I wasn’t very good looking, would that lower your expectations for what I write? The interesting thing about our looks is we have no control for what we come out looking like or the physical characteristics that make us, us. But it’s in our looks that people draw first impressions about us and it’s in our looks that we create an identity. How other people view us ultimately helps shape how we view ourselves. These identities are the genetic lottery. Chiseled features. A perfect shaped nose. A fast metabolism. Flawless full lips. The perfect hair texture. And so on and so on. I have no control over the color of my eyes and you have no control over the shape of your forehead. When we create our check-list for who we’ll date or who we’ll marry, we’ll include non-physical things too like kindness, must love dogs, must love kids, must love Jesus, must, must, must, but chances are, if you’re not physically attracted to your love interest, all of those other musts become secondary.
A GUY' S
But something I’ve learned is, I’ve never dated a girls cheekbones or the size of her hands or her eye color. I’ve never dated the skin under her arms or the shape of her thighs. I’ve never dated the length of her toes or the curliness or straightness of her hair. I’ve dated her. Who I’ve spent time with, disagreed with, laughed with, argued with, been lied to with, been happy with or been confused with, isn’t her chin shape or the crease of her eyelids or the width of her nose. I’ve dated her, the girl on the inside, the person found within. A persons shell is just . . . their shell. So, we have our physical characteristic check-list and put great value on how tall he is or how pretty she is, but we fail to realize it’s not the look of someone that measures our happiness with them, it’s how our hearts and souls connect and that has nothing to do with the physical. Do you know what the halo-effect is? Our first impression for the attractiveness of an individual affects how we view that person. We tend to think of the pretty girl as sweet and kind, and the handsome guy as being a good leader and bold. When we view someone as physically attractive our human nature is more likely to think of that person positively and attribute qualities onto them that they may not have. We place a halo on them. A less attractive person isn’t viewed in the same light as the person with superior looks. As children we’re taught that the wicked-step mother and sisters are ugly to whereas the princess is beautiful. Prince charming is handsome. We pursue people we’re physically attracted to because
S MATTER? OPINION
subconsciously we assign positive personality traits onto them. Sex is an important factor for why people get married and it’s our physical attraction, our physical desire for that person that makes us want to have sex with them. But a marriage cannot last on sex. You have sex with the shell of a person but you’re in a relationship with the heart and soul of the person. Affairs happen. Divorce happens. Bitter marriages happen. Because eventually the halo-effect wears off and you now wake up to the reality of who that person is every day, not the illusioned qualities you placed on them because you were physically attracted to them. Next month I’ll turn 30 years old and I’m not yet married. The 20 year old version of me once thought marrying a super model was the pinnacle for a man. However, in these 10 years the bulk of my twenties were spent as a fashion photographer photographing models and my view as well as perception of beauty has changed significantly because of it. My definition of beautiful at 20 is much different than what it is today. In these years, I’ve discovered within myself that the pinnacle for a man isn’t dating a woman because of her facial features but finding a woman whose heart I treasure is the greatest treasure I’ll ever find. And a heart cannot be measured by a photograph or anything external. Exterior beauty in a woman used to intimidate me but when you’re a fashion photographer your job is to interact with and capture vanity, and eventually you begin to view beauty with a different lens. Eventually the allure of the physical surface goes away and what you want to see, what you want to experience isn’t
DO LOOKS MATTER TO YOU ? anything you’ve scanned with your eyes but something you can only can experience in your heart. And something felt from the heart will never become ordinary. Sentimental moments live forever because they were felt from the heart, not because you saw it or heard about it, but you experienced it from within and felt it. We live for those moments that never die. It’s the heart of gold, that treasure of deep waters from within that you seek to find that can only complete yours. And when you finally realize the significance for that treasure of deep waters, that heart of gold, you’ll understand what to call a woman beautiful means. A halo-effect won’t have any effect on you because you’re no longer blind to cheekbones or jaw structure or dress size but are awakened to peer into the heart of someone. I look forward to being an old man one day and growing old with my wife because she’ll still be as beautiful as ever to me. When I hold her hand as we dance in the kitchen, beneath her wrinkles, her white hair and maybe her dentures, her beauty will have not ever faded. Her soul captured mine and our hearts became one. Her beauty never grew old. 1 Peter 3:4 “let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Giovanni Alain MUSIC SPOTLIGHT // PHOENIX
Giovanni Alain
"I WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING THAT TRANSCENDS LANGUAGE, CULTURE, AND STEREOTYPES, BY WHATEVER MEANS I POSSIBLY CAN. "
BELIEFS,
www.GiovanniAlain.com
Man, September 2013. It feels so long ago, almost like it was in a different life. If there is anything that I’ve found out these past few years, it’s that art is ever-evolving and an artist is at the mercy of their creative soul to make what it is calling them to make. I’ve never found that more true than now, on my current journey through artistic discovery. I realize that sounds super existential and ambiguous, but it isn’t. It’s the journey from singer/songwriter to visual artist. Nowadays, I spend my time writing stories and playing with cameras as opposed to writing songs and playing shows. I feel like I’ve really found my home for a while, like this is the thing I’m supposed to be doing. I’ve never been more inspired or fulfilled as an artist; that’s how I know I’ve found my creative home. I wake up every morning dripping with ideas and desires to see those ideas come alive, more than ever before! I’ve been spending a lot of time reading philosophy text books from when I was in college and reading pieces about culture and the development of it and how we as people cultivate and influence it with everything we do. It’s really help put into perspective the weight of the things I spend my time doing and not doing. It’s a two way street. It’s made me take my art that much more seriously, just seeing how influential art and creativity really can be. I’ve strayed away from being opportunity and money-minded to being purely creativity and authenticity-minded. I’ve gotten to the point where I would rather die homeless knowing that I only spent my time making art that was truly something I believed in and was from my soul, than to live a life of luxury selling out to the next trend for the sake of gain. Getting to that point has taken a lot of time, rearranging priorities and pinpointing what is really worth it in life. To me, there is nothing more rewarding for me than to live a life expressing my true creative self, a self that is
GIOVANNI WAS THE FIRST MUSICIAN FEATURED IN OUR MAGAZINE IN OUR DEBUT S EPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE. 2 YEARS LATER, HE TELLS US WHAT HAS CHANGED IN HIS LIFE. 100% reflecting the Artist that painted me and the creative excellency that He established when He called creation “good.” He set the bar of excellency that I daily strive for. Art always reflects its artist, and I try my best to reflect the glory and beauty of my Artist. Although I have taken a step back from it for a season, I am still very much in love with music. In fact, I feel like music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I usually write stories or come up with concepts while being under the influence of music. It’s definitely the fuel to my creativity. There’s just something so special about it that activates parts of me that nothing else can, forming this well of possibilities and dreams and aspirations inside of me. To be honest, I feel a pressure around me to be one thing and to stay in my lane as a musician, but I feel like that’s very limiting to my soul. I try to no longer identify as any one particular thing, like a drummer or a guitar player or a filmmaker or a graphic designer. I simply identify myself as an artist, and I express my art in a handful of ways, that, like I mentioned earlier, are always changing and evolving. Ultimately, my mission is to make art that is authentic to our human experience; art that is unmistakably real and relatable; art that comes from a completely universal, innately human, and undeniably unifying place; art that springs to life and speaks to people in a way that nothing else can; art that removes the barriers we have set up with one another. I want to make something that transcends language, culture, beliefs, and stereotypes, by whatever means I possibly can. This is Giovanni Alain.
ANGELICMUSIC
Unfading B Y
M A C L O P H L
K I L L I A N
M O D E L : K E U P & H T H I N G : O T O G R A P O C A T I O N
K A F H
R O S E
R I S T A M C I R : S A R A O X H O U S E Y : K I L L I : L E X I N G T
N H V A O
A B B D R U R Y I N T A G E N R O S E N , K Y
KRISTA MCNABB
I
M O D E L
T E S T I M O N Y
L E X I N G T O N
have never lost anyone I love in my life to
death. For nearly six months I have become very familiar with anger, hopelessness, abandonment, depression, confusion, shock and grief (to name a few). Denial was my closest friend for a few months, my emotional anesthesia. Then the grief I held in accumulated and I could no longer mentally numb myself to the fact that my young, healthy dad passed away, with no warning. I have watched my close knit family grieve the loss of a son, a brother, and an uncle. We have comforted each other at the expense of ourselves, hid our pain, and cried out in protest and anguish together. Denial served as my mental cushion for months, but it lost its padding. Unimaginable grief came rolling in like a wave and I could not hold it back any more than I could hold back a wave in the ocean. My life was split into two categories: before and after his death. Everything after, felt like one excruciating day after another. Death paralyzed my life, although I am still very much alive, expected to keep on living. Every minute of every day is a battle for me. I hear a song, I see a picture, I have a thought. The devil is constantly throwing jabs at me to spiral me back into depression and self-pity. Our savior did, and still does hear my cry and He says “You don’t live by bread alone.” God knows I don’t. If I did, I would have died from the combination of my own heartache and that of my family. Over the past six months, I have seen God in a new, life changing light. Just as Job said, “my ears have heard you before, but now my eyes have seen you.” I thought I experienced hope and love from the Lord before. Never before, have I understood the yearning pain to see my dad although it is physically impossible. Never before have I known the importance of the promises from Jesus himself, that I will see my dad again. He loves me enough to tell me the story of Jesus
,
K Y
I HAVE THE HONOR OF SAYING “I
HAVE NEVER LOST ANYONE IN MY LIFE I LOVE TO DEATH” ONLY SEPARATED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME DETERMINED BY THE L ORD.
He loves me enough to tell me the story of Jesus taking his friends on a mountain, and conversing with the “dead” Moses and Elijah. Now I see, this is in the bible to comfort and illustrate to his followers that those who believe in him do live after death. He loves his people so passionately, that he doesn’t want us to be hopeless. Now I see, He used Paul to remind His people in anguish “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord” . The words the Holy Spirit gave Paul remind me that if I presently have the capacity to recognize my dad, that ability will be magnified, not lessened, in the immortal state someday. Today, the hopeless would say “It has been 175 days since I have seen my dad.” His promises give me the ability to say “Today, I am 175 days closer to seeing my dad.” Our savior gave us John 11:33, to show us that when Jesus saw Lazarus had died, he groaned in the spirit. This hellish experience has given me something new to love about my savior. He hates death. What I love about my God is that He doesn’t expect me to be okay with it, and he understands that hurting with hope still hurts. He knows the pain of death and was so infuriated by it that he done something about it. He gave his own life to defeat death forever; So that His people will have the promises to see their dads, sons, brothers again, in eternal peace with Him. Because of Jesus, I have the honor of saying “I have never lost anyone in my life I love to death” only separated for a period of time determined by the Lord.
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Daydreamer BY ELIZABETH LAUREN
PHOTO OF ELIZABETH
Elizabeth Lauren ImElizabethLauren.com Temecula, CA "I'M CHASING MY DREAMS WITH GOD AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. "
1. Why photography? Photography has always been a part of who I am. When I was little, I loved pictures, and, when I got older, I would always find a spare camera at a family event and just snap away. Since then, I've developed a true passion for what I do. I can't walk through a day without looking at life through a frame or think of how I'd photograph my surroundings. I love the connection and emotion I can literally capture and keep forever. Nothing inspires me more than passionate people, whether they are in love or just talking about something they love to do and they get that sparkle in their eye. That's what inspires me most, and that's why I chose photography—I want to keep moments like that around forever. 2. How has Jesus influenced your life? This question could go in so many ways because, without Jesus, I truly don't know where I'd be. I couldn't help but think of this C.S. Lewis quote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” I don't think I would see the world the way I do without Jesus in me—I'm so thankful for His living presence in my life! Life with Him has taken me on the greatest adventure. 3. We're launching our 'World Changer Workshop' this fall. How are you a World Changer? I think I'm a world changer because, unlike what can sometimes seem like most of my generation, I'm chasing my dreams with God and encouraging others to do the same. I firmly believe that if everyone followed their passion in life, we would live in such an amazing society. I want to help bring light to people and show them that it is possible! 4. What type of camera equipment do you use? I am a Nikon shooter, so I shoot with a d810, d700, Sigma Art 35mm 1.4, 85mm, and 50mm! 5. What are 3 random facts about you? I love Disney, and I have a wide collection of Disney coffee mugs, as well as mugs from places I've traveled. -I'm also a worship leader; I play guitar! -When I find a song I like, I play it on repeat until I know it word for word—over and over and over.
A Beautifully Unified People "WE LONG FOR COMMUNITY,
BUT PUSH EVERYTHING THAT’S REAL AWAY. "
B Y KELSEY ACH - COUTURE31. ORG
The coming together never makes sense until you’ve been
broken apart. The coming together never even becomes a reality until you’ve been the one shattered and isolated. And the mirage of the unity continues to inch its way closer, until we find ourselves right in the middle. I’ve lived in the same city my entire life. Born, raised, and now an adult, I’ve never seen a need quite like the one I walk in every day. School days, business days, and game days are false reflections of what really happens here. Because what is the norm here is the norm everywhere and we’re all just coasting through our days like we have it all together.
We don’t admit the mess because to admit the mess would be to deny perfection.
So here we are, a bunch of isolated human beings living together. And the world spins ironic as we long for community, but push everything that’s real away. The reality that the perfect family is struggling with their marriage. The reality that the beautiful friend secretly cuts at her skin each night. The reality that the president of the company has contemplated suicide on multiple occasions. The reality that people are broken and alone and we aren’t the only ones struggling. But in a world offalse perfection, we’re convinced we are the only ones.
So depression and addiction have the run of a place where everyone is secretly crying out for someone else to just be with them. We just need another to climb down in the rubble with us. But no one does, so we keep burying ourselves deeper until eventually, we will all fade away. And I just can’t let the story end that way. You see, we aren’t alone and that is the true reality. And it’s time we started acting that way. We weren’t created in eternal hands to keep to ourselves. We were created in eternal hands to reach out to those around us. We see pain? We reach . We see heartache? We reach . We seek depression? We reach. We reach because Someone reached for us. The simplicity of a walk with Jesus is plain: we reach in love because He reached in love. Caught in the rubble of addiction, He didn’t hesitate to search for us. Buried in a pile of hopelessness, He was the one to find us. Succumbed to the immoral
ANGELIC FAITH pressures of the world, He still came.
Jesus was the voice that finally called isolation a lie and to say we’re alone now would be to deny His very Presence.
And it’s this journey of isolation and then being found that drives our minds crazy. We can’t understand what it means to hear another speak the words, Me too. It’s been such a rare thing for another to reach out that we’ve gotten used to the breaking; we are comfortable in our pain. But we just can’t talk back to a Man Who left Heaven to break this lie and give us a place to belong. He literally vacated a throne to put on human flesh, walk dusty streets, and then die a criminal’s death. . . all for us. Because He believed in us and loved us and wouldn’t take separation for an answer. So my hope for this world is simple and straightforward: that we would reach and be just like Him. That we would look to Heaven and realize that we are truly never alone. Relationship with Jesus has changed all of that now. And so we can reach out and love others and be with them in their rubble. We can allow others to see our breaks and sit with us in our own rubble, too. It’s not perfection, but imperfection that brings us together. It’s a jumble of vulnerability and honesty that unites and creates wholeness. It’s hearts reaching up as Heaven reaches down to love, heal, and forgive. It’s admitting we’re sin stained and broken and suddenly falling into the two nailscarred hands that saved us. It’s crying and letting Him piece us back together. It’s receiving the comfort, peace, and love we’ve always needed. It’s us allowing Him to look us in the eyes, hands cupping our face as He whispers, You’ve never been alone. I’ve always been with you. I love you.
It’s our hearts resting for the first time in forever as we actually believe His Presence changes everything and responding to His love that binds and heals. And then? We watch streets, cities, states, and countries shift in response to the coming together. Children finding Father and then finding each other, we are now a force to be reckoned with. No longer a mirage, the unity is real, tangible, felt. We are a beautifully unified people. . . the body of Christ.
the holidays
B Y MAEGAN DOCKERY RUNNINGWITHRANDOM. COM y favorite time of year is in full swing, and I honestly couldn't be happier. The holidays are a time of reflection, of looking back on what the year held, of being thankful and feeling content. This has been a crazy year for me. As someone who isn't very comfortable with change, I've had to deal with a lot of it in 2015. Some of it has been good, some of it has been scary, but it has all been orchestrated by God, and that puts me at ease. In 2015, I celebrated one year of being on a dedicated weight loss journey, losing over fifty pounds and gaining so much confidence. I got even more involved in my church, growing close to youth members that looked up to me and for me for guidance. I continued loving my job, feeling like I was definitely in the right field. I became the proud aunt of the sweetest niece in history, attended weddings of several friends, and grew closer to my husband. There were so many wonderful things going on, but I knew they couldn't last forever. We moved in August so my husband could attend seminary, a calling he'd felt on his life for quite a while. We were only moving a few hours away, but I was terrified. I had grown incredibly comfortable where we were. I loved our daily routines, knowing what was to come, knowing where everything was and all the people around me. I was scared of giving all that up. I'm all for spurts of spontaneity, but I learned that I was a lover of routine. My routine was thoroughly shaken up. We left a church I considered my family. We moved further away from our parents and siblings. We left stable jobs and our first home together. God said, “Go,” and we went. It's important that you understand that when God says, “Go,” we are supposed to go joyfully and willingly. I was not joyful or willing. I had accepted the fact that we were moving, but I was sad to leave my life in Georgia behind. I was reluctant. I was
M
"THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, I AM SO THANKFUL FOR ALL GOD HAS GIVEN AND TAKEN AWAY IN MY LIFE. "
frightened. Thank goodness our God is a merciful and gracious God and loves me, even though I went begrudgingly. And now we're here in Alabama. We're settling in and making a new life here. We've made amazing friends, visited incredible churches, and continued to grow in our marriage. We're learning our way around, each day feeling more like residents and less like visitors. God has some incredible plans for each of our lives. Everything He does is good. It might not be easy and it might scare us, but His plans are good, beautiful, amazing plans. As I look back on this year, I can only thank God for all He's done in my life. He has shown me so much this year. He's shown me that I am strong, that I am capable, and that I need Him so much more than I realized. He's shown me that waiting does not make me a failure. He's shown me that He will always, always, always follow through, even if it's in the most unexpected ways. This holiday season, I am so thankful for all God has given and taken away in my life. I am thankful for the routine and the spontaneity. I'm thankful for the hard and the easy. I'm thankful for the comforting and the terrifying. I'm thankful for a faith that won't give up and a God that won't, either. No matter what you might be dealing with this holiday season—waiting on your dream job or your dream spouse or your dream child or your dream home—have faith that God has your best interests at heart. God is with you, in the good times, the bad times, the scary times, the uncomfortable times. And if that's not something to be thankful for, I don't know what is.
ANGELICMUSIC
CHRIS SEVERE
EDM DJ/PRODUCER
1. Why Jesus? The short answer to "Why Jesus?" is because there is no other answer. There is no other name. There is no other source that can take away the pain and not leave me wrecked, addicted, and suffering withdrawals. 2. How did you get into house/EDM music? As a rock producer, I discovered that there were all of these amazingly produced EDM instrumental tracks, which made me ask, "Where are the vocals?" Writing melodies, lyrics, and singing developed into one of my strengths, so I decided to start reaching out to DJs/producers seeking vocals on their instrumental tracks. Artistic expression is the main focus, not selfish ambition. In working in EDM, I feel and know that I am part of a global community, one that transcends borders. It is incredibly enriching to work with artists from all over the globe. Despite cultural differences, music is a universal language that binds us together. It is incredibly powerful. 3. What type of equipment do you use? For format, I like Protools and logic; for mics, I like U87, C12, and 251. I’m a fan of any gear made from Pioneer, and I started with the DDJSX2. I like working at 96k 24 or 32 bit, and I love it when tracks are still mixed on an SSL. 4. How are you being a light in the electronic music world? I have a value system with a Man on the cross dying and loving His enemies. Jesus considered others who thought differently than Himself to be better than Himself. That does not mean that I am judgmental of individuals in the scene, but it also does not mean that I am an advocate for unbridled savagery and sin. I am not. I am mindful of the Great Commission, but my main way of being a light is to literally be a
PARIS, FRANCE
I OFTEN WISH THAT PASTORS OF CHURCHES WOULD ATTEND AN EDM FESTIVAL TO GET A
GLIMPSE INTO THIS INCREDIBLY COMPELLING MUSICAL FORCE OF INFLUENCE.
typical member of this community—at least on the surface. Internally, I am an alien in a foreign land. I think it is important for me to remember Paul's words when he said to the Jews be a Jew, to the Romans, a Roman, and to the Gentiles, a Gentile. I think Paul might say in modern times to the ravers be a raver, to the Drum and Bass DJs, be Drum and Bass DJs, etc. There is a distinction with a difference to be in the world but not of the world. 5. Do you have a vision for how Jesus can be proclaimed in the EDM scene? Not too long ago, Hillsong released the "White Album," which was a good faith attempt at creating Christian EDM. I won't say that the record could be competitive with any of the tracks produced by DJs in the top 100, but the attempt wasn't terrible. Hillsong was onto something. EDM is incredibly spiritual music. What is really being worshiped through the music, and what is at the center of this music substantially? Every time I am at a major EDM festival, like Ultra, EDC, ADE, Electric Zoo, etc., I always feel that the EDM concert is what praise and worship is supposed to look like. I often wish that pastors of churches would attend an EDM festival to get a glimpse into this incredibly compelling musical force of influence. The church is supposed to be a hospital for the sick and not a museum for the righteous. The church is supposed to be a family. The EDM scene has many parallels to a church, but it is only when Jesus is the center can real unity, real love, and a real life-giving community be found.
visit ghostwarsmusic.com to listen to chris' music
Love B Y
J O S H U A
D A R P I N O
"I LOVE THE IDEA OF
GETTING TO BECOME PART OF A GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE A MYSTIQUE ABOUT THEM ."
JOSHUA DARPINO MEDFORD
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NJ
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AGE:24
1. Why do you choose Jesus? You could say I didn’t really have a choice, having two pastors as grandfathers and a dad that runs a Christian music festival, although, as I got older, the Bible continued to make more and more sense in its truth. I eventually delved further into the apologetics of Christianity, and this only strengthened my belief that, logically, God is the only one true God. 2. How did you get into photography? My grandmother really got me into it young. She had me work with a Pentax Learner Camera that she had when she was young. At that point, I didn’t take it as seriously, but that changed in college. There, I delved further into it and found the invigorating challenge of documenting stories with one frame. This excites me every day to continue with my passion. 3. What type of equipment do you use? Currently, I have the Canon 6D with Canon lenses being a 20mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8. I also borrow my grandmother’s 24-70mmL f2.8 and her 70-200mmL f2.8 (she really is the best grandmother ever!). 4. What do you aspire to achieve through photography? I would love to become a tour photographer. I love the idea of getting to become part of a group of people that have a mystique about them. Everyone knows the band’s persona on stage or in the press, but what are they really like in person? It would be fun to possibly make a documentary or two along with those photos. This is what I hope to achieve one day. 5. One day, when your legacy is fully written, what would you like the last sentence in your legacy to say? God endowed us with numerous amounts of creativity that stemmed from His own, and Josh made sure to use all of it.
AGAPE HOUSE "LAST YEAR, 3 OF OUR GIRLS AND 5 PARENTS ACCEPTED CHRIST AS THEIR L ORD AND SAVIOR, AND ONE OF OUR GIRLS, WHO, AT 16 HAD NOT YET BEEN BAPTIZED, ASKED TO BE BAPTIZED TO SIGNIFY HER NEW LIFE IN CHRIST. "
What is Agape House? Since it began, Agape House has been a place of hope and healing not only for girls 12-18, but also for their families who carry struggles as well. Along with the girls, we bring a whole family approach to the counseling we do, offering parents’ groups, siblings’ groups, and Bible study so the girls and their families can all find their way. Agape House also has an on-campus home for the girls and house parents who offer the girls a home-like setting in which to live. Additionally, our girls attend school on-campus, as we offer individualized academic instruction to meet the girls where they are academically rather than where they are by age. Finally, we have in place a transitional living home for women 18 and older who are looking for a bridge between the life they are trying to leave behind and the life they know awaits them. How can someone get involved or contribute? Since its inception, Agape House has instituted a sliding fee scale: if a family cannot afford the monthly tuition (which is significantly less than both state and national averages), the family pays what they can based on their responsibilities and needs. We want all families who need help to be able to have it, however, this open-heart policy can often mean that we depend a great deal of God’s grace to provide. We have also been blessed by wonderful friends and community members around us who have offered their abiding love, prayers, and support. We are a nonprofit that relies very heavily on private donations to meet the needs of the girls and families who seek our help. Those wishing to learn more about donating or to help in anyway, can visit our website at www.AgapeHouseHeals.org or call our Agape House offices at 262.275.6466. How is Jesus reflected through your organization?
Daily, we know we walk with the Holy Spirit beside us, because there is truly no way that we would see the healing that happens and the hope that springs forth without the abiding love our Lord and Savior provides. The girls and families who come through our doors do not have to have a relationship with Christ to be accepted; all are welcome. We are nondenominational and not affiliated with any one church, and so some who come to us have been practicing Protestants or lapsed Catholics or devoted Evangelicals or faith free. We welcome all and ask only that grace be at the heart of all we do. Through the work they did and through God’s everlasting love, last year, 3 of our girls and 5 parents accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and one of our girls, who, at 16 had not yet been baptized, asked to be baptized to signify her new life in Christ.
Tell Your Truth
WHEN I DID EVERYTHING TO MAKE MYSELF USELESS, ME GOOD AND NOBLE.
I
HE DECLARED
B Y CLARE TUCKER - PRODIGALDAUGHTER. ORG t doesn't feel good to tell them. People. They won't all understand. Clarify the view to the pedestal of normality. Let them know the clean exterior still has roaring waters beneath and that you are a mess set in motion to advance the kingdom in spite of it all. Clarify the perceptions by revealing your true self. Break their hearts. Break the ties you still have to that facade you always fall back to... Tell them who you really are. Change the world. You want to follow Me and lead more people to know Me. You want to chase after that purpose I graced you with. Now, go where you will be most effective. This will not be where you are most comfortable, and it isn’t going to be what is most pleasing to your flesh. But, it will be where I need you. You're My only plan, daughter. And they can all do what you did…they’re longing for it. Go tell them that I want to rescue them, too. Jesus, here I am. Unworthy addict, filled with faith. One thing's true, You made a way. You picked the loser. I win with You. They don't see me because of Truth. I’ll shout Your name and make them see, how You washed my sins and now I’m clean. Rock their world and drive their faith. I’ll show them how I got away. A world of lies and enemy fangs will stand no more in Your sweet name. I cry out, Jesus, so good and true. When it all falls down, there’s always You. “We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” {Romans 5:6-8 MSG} That's the story he gave me to repeat to a world that needs saving. When I did everything to make myself useless, he declared me good and noble.
ANGELIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Mallory Johnson MODEL
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COURTNEY JONES
LOCATION
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LEXINGTON
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MALLORY JOHNSON
"HE GIVES ME THE UNWAVERING HOPE THAT SOME OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE HAVE YET TO BE LIVED. "
GEORGETOWN - A GE: 24
Hope is frightening. It is by far one of the most
frightening things we are asked to hold on to as Christians. It is often met by pain and disappointment and it is one of the biggest risks we are asked to consistently take. Hoping for love when you feel unlovable. Hoping for financial provision that seems all too impossible. Hoping for the salvation of a family member who wants nothing to do with God. Hoping for your dreams to one day finally become reality. Soon after graduating college I found myself lost with no idea what direction I was going. I stopped believing for the best. I numbed myself to dreaming. To hoping. There was pain that came from having expectations, only to see them shattered or unmet. So I retreated back to my own personal limits, my own well-kept yard of not risking. And my heart began to wither. I could feel it slowly losing heart beats. I let go of dreams, desires, expectations and the vibrant life in my heart began to dull. I couldn’t feel God and I couldn’t hear Him clearly. I felt abandoned and dry, like I would die of hunger for Him. Hope seemed all too risky. And keeping my heart safe within its walls was surely the way to keep it unharmed. Right? Why love? Why hope for the impossible best? Why hold on to dreams that are so far out of reach? My heart continued to fight back to Him. But God, always concerned for the health of my heart, never stopped pursing it. I felt everything I wanted to feel as He drew my heart to hope again. As he found me at my breaking point, weary, anxious, desperate. He breathed life into my heart and it began to beat like never before… Faith sees, and hope feels. Faith sees where there is nothing to see yet (Hebrews 11:1). It sees the invisible and looks past impossibility. Whereas hope, hope feels it coming. It’s that lurch in your soul. I don’t know what it is, and I don’t know when, but I feel it coming. Something amazing is coming. I feel the provision. I feel the longing in my soul and I will not numb it with doubt. I will let the longing deepen. When I choose not to hope that there is the best in store for me, my heart becomes sick. And hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). That must mean choosing to hope gives my heart life.
That day it hit me. That day I will never forget. I felt God faithfully wrap His arms around me. And I gasped for air. Alive. I felt so alive. My heart began pumping again. Undone by my sudden lightness, I became aware of the necessity of hope. Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of how many times I had been disappointed, regardless of the impossibilities that stood before me or the lack of visible breakthrough, I had decided to choose hope. Even when it hurt. That’s the thing about hope; t’s painful more times than it’s not. And many times we are tempted to block out the thing that hurts, insisting that our life would be better without the pain. The reality is that yes, hope is painful, but it keeps us alive. We can’t numb the hunger pains and the desires for the best to come our way. So I will keep hoping. I will no longer numb the hunger pain. I will continue to let hope grow, creating a light that shines of God and His promises. I will forever choose hope that is founded on the truth and goodness of The Most Holy One. Not all our stories will always turn out exactly how we dreamed them to be, and there are no promises that our lives will always be happy and without pain in this world. One thing we can be sure of is that our God will eternally be faithful. Our Father gives hope to the hopeless, and that is exactly what He has done for me. He gives me the unwavering hope that some of the best days of my life have yet to be lived.
MAY JESUS BE GLORIFIED