Kierra
FREE AND LIBERATED DON’T JUDGE ME
THE
CLARK
SISTERS
FIRST LADIES OF GOSPEL
THE LAST
BIOPOC
SEVEN WORDS
CHRONICLES
TIPS & TRENDS FROM OUR BEAUTY FASHION EDITOR
ELEV8MAGAZINE.COM APRIL/MAY 2020
Quarantine
CONTENTS APRIL | MAY 2020
52
KIERRA
NEW MUSIC,
NEW MOVIE, SISTHER,
AND ELEVEN60
CONTENTS
BEAUTY & THE BEAT
With love from ELEV8’s beauty / fashion crew... we’re serving you some of the hottest fashion on this side of Heaven with new comer Darius Alexander, and the amazing duo creators Derrell & Chaka West of Lavish Swag showcased throughout this issue.
EXALT There’s so many ministry moments
shared in this edition of ELEV8 that
demonstrate the love of Christ for us ALL, and the power behind the HIS
blood shed for us on Calvary riveting the sacrifice made for us in those Last Seven Words.
UPLIFT
Our dynamic editor-in-chief had a sitdown with beloved gospel singer/writer Kierra Sheard to chat about new music, The Clark Sister’s: First Ladies of Gospel movie, her clothing line, mentoring program and how she’s slaying it all.
PROMOTE Undoubtedly these pieces from On and Off the Runway Boutique command our attention and are sure to make a splash this season.
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LET’S CHAT: A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hello...
It seems like a lifetime has passed and in certain instances it kinda has; in that we’ve grown, matured, expanded our families and our endeavors, we’ve seen what seemed to be the impossible and yet we’re still here. The GOD we serve is mighty. I have to stay in all of the maturation I’ve come to know and love HIM even more. I found HIM to be a friend when it ALL got to be overwhelming HE stepped in and recalibrated, renewed, and restored my faith in, and love for this publication. So, again I say Hello!
Our cover star Kierra Sheard has become just that, embarking on an amazing journey in her life. With a new album, a role in the hit movie The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, a clothing line eleven60, and a mentorship program for young women called SISTHER, Kierra shares how she’s juggling it all and why the time is right for this amazing adventure (page 52). Speaking of sharing, insight and understanding let’s talk “Quarantine Chronicles,” (page 24) our brillant beauty editor curated products that will keep your complexion popping and your pockets happy. We also feature shoe-game tight designer Darius Alexander and our favorite style couple creators of Lavish Swag Derrell and Chaka West. Finally, the “Seven Last Words” message from our Publisher expounds on the ministry of mercy, reminding us that the love GOD has is REAL.
xoxo
Nae’ Thompson
PUBLISHER: COREY THOMPSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: ENAYSHA THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR: JEVAUGHN MARTIN SENIOR BEAUTY DIRECTOR: JASMINE BLAKLEY FASHION DIRECTOR: TONI MURPHY PUBLIC RELATIONS : NTPR AGENCY
MORE WAYS TO ENJOY ELEV8 MAGAZINE
We too have married two things we love: podcasts and interviews
Meet Joyce Sheffield, owner of On & Off the Runway Boutique. The beautiful pieces showcased throughout this edition of ELEV8 can be found on the store website:
with some of today’s amazingly talented creatives, and bold ministry gifts. ELEV8 LIVE Podcast hosted by many of your favorite ELEV8 personalities is an audio gabfest with celebs and influencers such as Kierra Sheard, Todd Dulaney, Jonathan McReynolds, and Maranda Curtis. Coming soon to all digital platforms.
onandofftherunwayboutique.com
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|BEAUTY & THE BEAT By Toni Murphy
Quarantine Chronicles
The reality of the pandemic we’re
Let’s talk hydration, I’ve
still need my length so by
certain. The constant pull and strain
distancing, staying in the
ites Ardell double up lash
facing has been nothing short of unto remain safe, grasp clarity and gain some normalcy have been nothing short of time-consuming.
Like many of us, searching the web I’ve located affordable products
that help me create cost-effective, self-serving beauty regimens.
been practicing social
house as much as I can.
I haven’t been applying
adding one of my favorstrips my face
feels complete.
foundation but that doesn’t Maintaining hymean I don’t hydrate my
dration all over
water but I also use Elf
tremely important
skin. I drink plenty of
hydration moisturizer to
maintain my natural glow.
your body is ex-
so we can’t forget
about our lips. I use
Vaseline cocoa butter lip
balm which gives my lips
Let’s talk clay masks... Que Bella’s my choice. Daily for 15 minutes, I
nourish my skin with avocado goodness. I’ve been cleaning my face
day and night with the Aveeno clear
complexion foam cleanser as well. I switch it up occasionally depending
on how I feel between the foam and
I’m a lash addict and since the perfect finish of
work miracles!
professionally extended
the cream cleanser, but trust me both
I apply the Ambi fade cream under
my eyes and on any appearing dark
I can’t go to get them
softness/gloss need-
I have gone back to the
ready face.
basics. Yes, lash strips. I
ed to capture a selfie
spots located on my face. This product is a God sent and has been used
in my family for years. Use the Ambi
fade cream and watch those annoying dark spots disappear.
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Stay hydrated, Stay beautiful, Stay safe!
|PROMOTE Mixed Business Sometimes Success Comes at a Price It’s the ‘90s, and hardworking Nora has always dreamed of making her way up the corporate ladder and reaping the benefits-Bigger paycheck, expensive corporate car, personal secretary, and a corner office with a view of the city.
AVAILABLE NOW
Great at her job, but awkward at life, Nora never thought that her success would encompass a menacing car, nosey family and friends, and a dangerous job. And, the biggest danger of all-her new boss. Kirkus Review has this to say about Mixed Business: “An interracial attraction complicates an alluring romance in a book with a likable, grounded heroine.” Kirkus goes on to say, “... Impressively, Zoe gives potency to a steamy scene and occasional violence in simple prose, sans coarse or explicit language…”
LivZoe.com
|FAITH & FASHION
the start THE NEWS IN STYLE
PUMP
IT UP
Welcome Spring season with Alexanders by Darius. A powerful play in the shoe game. Created with a woman’s stance in mind, “I love women in heals, it’s beautiful!” - Darius Alexander
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|FAITH & FASHION
The LOOK The perfect cure for the quaran-
tine blues! Darius’ love red shoe of
course. This beauty available now,
features the all time favorite hue of
Cherry Blossom
red:
DATE Night As far as longrunning trends go,
Shiny... Metallics are so persisent, they’re worth a second helping.
A BAG YOU DON’T NEED (But Want
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FASHION SAYS ME TOO
STYLE SAYS ME ONLY
|CHURCH GIRL SWAG Our faith made us believers and our testimonies gave us inspiration. Lavish evolved in the midst of a personal illness, in 2011, Derrell was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease. His eyesight was greatly affected. Unable to see where God was taking him, Derrell was encouraged to walk by Faith. During this traumatic time in his life, Derrell was blessed with the gift to use his hands to create one of a kind pieces. SpiritedSwagg had endured, public humiliation and major loses. As a result depression set in and thoughts of suicide. After spending time in the presence of God, Chaka made up her mind to LIVE! In 2013, She accepted her call Derrell into ministry. After praying for modest skirts for Christian women, “Divinely Inspired” skirts were birthed.
In 2014, Lavish met SpiritedSwagg and there was an Explosion. An instant “Spiritual” connection took place. LavishSwagg is a mix of trendy and modest garments for the entire family.
and Chaka West
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|FIRST LADIES OF GOSPEL
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST TIME HEARING THE CLARK SISTERS? I do... I was about eight years old singing “You Brought the Sunshine!” and that’s exactly what they did, the Clark Sisters shared the love of Jesus in a way my little heart had never experienced. I felt the infectious joy that gospel music ensures and their biopic story shares a nostalgia solidifying a few things for me. First, these women have amazing strength, fortitude, and resilience, every one of them. To remain faithful amidst the tests and trials showcased throughout their biopic movie, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, is nothing short of commendable, that’s my opinion. Second, so often we overlook, or maybe I should say bypass the necessary stories of triumph because of the guilt and shame associated with the stigmas attached to what we’ve been through: divorce, unwed pregnancy, abuse, thoughts of suicide, really the list could go on and on. The enemy desires to guilt us into shame but I’m grateful for the Word of God that declares there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (NIV, Rom. 8:1)!
And lastly, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark offered a resilience that should be bottled. What a vessel! She was the epitome of grace under fire. We can see the
What a beautiful way to honor their mother’s plight by sharing the intense measure of tenacity needed to walk in her shoes. Sure, there’s two sides to every story, but I’m so glad they
strength needed to walk in the details of her life, her story, her dreams and aspirations, her love and most importantly, her call.
decided to let us briefly experience a few days in the lives of the Clark Sisters, #grateful
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Kierra Sheard FREE AND LIBERATED
Gospel music sweetheart Kierra Sheard affectionately known as KeKe has lived under the guise of the industry standard and perception of what “she should be doing” until know... Kierra caught our attention in 1997 at the tender age of 9 performing live with her mother Karen Clark-Sheard. Since then, the Missy Elliott-approved artist’s unmatched vocal ability has made her one of Gospel-Pop music’s top female artists and she’s even outpacing Kanye West at the moment, topping Billboard as #1 on the Top Gospel Albums Chart. Here, we break down the journey to her newfound freedom and liberation. Kierra shares, “I’m living under my moral compass now, aligning myself and my life with what God’s Word shares, that’s the difference. Discovering who I am, growing up in the public eye, applied a bit of pressure but now I’m in another place. I don’ allow the pressure to negatively impact me.”
Known for her soultry singing and signature vibrato, Kierra ventured out, writing and contributing on every song on her sixth album KIERRA (Karew Entertainment / RCA Inspiration) undergirding the lead single and currently, her mantra “Don’t Judge Me” featuring Hip-Hop icon Missy Elliot, solidifies Kierra’s desire to eradicate society’s rush to judgment. The destructive nature of fault-finding in others runs throughout the entire list of transparent songs. “I wrote songs that translate honesty, that truthfully resonates with who I am, for example, ‘Human’ asks listeners to not put me on pedestals, or align me with their expectations. Especially those which they find hard to obtain themselves. You might not agree with everything I do, but please don’t judge me.” The album, a tribute to the Bad Boy Era exudes the sound and feel of KeKe’s influence of the HipHop culture, swinging her pendulum into another space and time. She’s slaying every area of her life and confidently resounds trust in God’s direction, explaining “It Keeps Happening For ME!”
Invoking the spirit of Matthew 7:5, calling out those who make unqualified and often cruel assumptions about others, Kierra declares, “How she lives is between her and God!” She retorts, but lest her rebuke be mistaken as arrogance, she owns every mistake by lyricizing her consistent desire to please God, ‘trying to do the right thing.” Overcoming judgment and self-doubt offer the precursor to Kierra’s mentorship program for women called SistHER. Aligning with her pursuit of a “faith reach” counseling practice, Kierra’s pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. “It’s all about balance between faith, real life, and who we are.” Today Kierra’s free from the opinions of men. “I think that’s what happens when we walk in the Word of God. I have standards, advisors, and I take heed of the counsel around me. At the same time, I just want to live my life. I’m not worried about anybody else. I’m going to do me... but that wasn’t always the case. I was so consumed by the thoughts of others.
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“... reading the comment section seeing the judgement, and offense of what seemed like the world” “Please Don’t Judge Me!” It got to the point of me thinking and overthinking everything... everything I did, I didn’t do, what I posted, where I went, the conversations I had. I was living in my mind, instead of out loud enjoying life. My life was happening inward, instead of me living outward. Over some time I decided I’d rather live and do what I enjoy because I
know what my limits are...I know what I can and can’t do because of my relationship with the Lord; so why not live my life OUTSIDE the judgment and approval of people. Even though these are my supporters, some people will take issue no matter WHAT I do, so I’ve decided to be free and DO ME in the liberty JESUS gave to me.
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SEVEN LAST WORDS THE MINISTRY OF MERCY
most aren’t moved because mercy is not
gerous phrase in Scripture just might be
is if I could suggest, an underrated theo-
to do at this moment? He shows us with
generally considered nor celebrated. It
logical construct, literally second fiddle,
taking a backseat to its twin sibling grace. Mercy is important... we all need it.
When defined mercy is compassion
or forgiveness shown toward someone
whom it is within one’s power to punish
or harm. Here we have a picture of what God does for us so often by covering us with mercy. It’s also important to note
Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
the state-sanctioned execution included
And perhaps it’s within
sider God’s ministry
mercy is directly under-
I’d like you to con-
this exact moment that
of mercy and ex-
stood. Jesus starts His
amine Luke 23:43.
public ministry giving
Imagine, the darkness
part of the beatitudes
of the night, and three
that said: “Blessed are
cross silhouettes. In-
the merciful, for they
terestingly, that God
shall receive mercy.”
uses this moment as
a backdrop to expose the brilliance of His
And here, at the end Dr. Corey Thompson
of His public life, He
utters these words, “I
nature. Like a master jeweler, showing
say to you; Today you shall be with me in
that illuminates perfection... that’s what
literally, the second word is the practical
a prize diamond, against a background
God showed us with Jesus on the cross.
paradise. I push further this way because
application of the first word, yet I see why
three crosses-- the Redeemed, the Unredeemed, and the Redeemer.
I’d like to raise this question, which
side of the cross are you living? Are you on the side of the redeemed, those who accept their plight but understand who
Christ is; or the unredeemed which means
you willingly live continually absent from the presence of God? Continuing on we
find the redeemed simply had one request;
One that was sinless, One that did nothing to be remembered but the one that was wrong hanging upon a cross. Luke gave
unredeemed wanted to be rescued, shar-
His left, and to His right, He is accom-
and us.” Here at this moment, he could
insight He’s not hanging by himself, to For a few moments,
“whosoever will.” What does Jesus decide
panied by criminals. Not much infor-
mation is shared about them, but I think it’s appropriate to note Jesus dies in the
midst of those who the world thinks are
miscreants, those who are considered less than. Our Jesus who was born between a donkey and an ox now dies between two
criminals. Luke shares it’s not by happenstance that Jesus is here, amongst people the world looks at as outcasts.
I don’t know about you but I’m grate-
ful that I serve a savior that doesn’t mind
ing “if thou be the Christ save yourself have found redemption. I wonder how
many of you have had moments of regret? How many times do you wish you could take back some periods and situations?
How many wish you could have one last
conversation? and that’s why today is significant. We don’t know what tomorrow
brings. Part of the challenge is examining the opportunity, but not allowing your
current situation and or circumstance to dictate the response of your heart.
As we look at that unredeemed man on
coming in the midst of my mess. That’s
the cross; it reminds us that you can show
ing those who the world looks at as out-
You can be close to Jesus and still not
why we have to do a better job of embrac- up to the church and miss your moment. casts. I’m here to tell you the most dan-
recognize Him as your Redeemer.
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On the other side, the unredeemed tried
yond it speaks of an es·chat·o·log·i·cal (Es-
to be rescued, but the redeemed had a
chatological Perspective) the same reality
simple request, “I want to be remem-
holds true, that redemption is still avail-
bered.” What gives him the audacity to ask able TODAY. I don’t know about you but this question? Perhaps it was him hearing
I love the fact that Jesus responded to him
the first words uttered by Jesus, “Father
while he was still going through his situ-
forgive them...” Maybe he could see the
ation. He’s not concerned with accolades,
aura of the anointing that was on the
or even your pedigree, He just wants you
mantle of Jesus at that moment. And be-
to respond today with a submitted heart.
fore you try to judge and dismiss him, all
The Lord desires a relationship with you
of us have some stuff we’re not too proud
every day. Start today, redemption is pos-
of if we’re honest. We don’t know much
sible. The Bible assures us that God can
about the man, other than he deserved to
speak in our situation and I know there’s
be there, yet he looks at his friend in verse
some, who perhaps would take better with
42 and says we have done everything,
this text if you could see this criminal get
and He has done nothing... yet, he asks
down from the cross, but sometimes as a
Jesus to remember him, even though He’s
child of God, circumstances may
gasping for air He responds “Surely, TODAY, you’ll be with me in paradise.” The Lord’s response blesses me even now for the word offers a sense of hope regardless of our theological ideas, whether you put a comma in front of today or after it, in front speaks of an
not change but God is available, walking
ex·is·ten·tial (Existential Reality) and be-
right beside you, TODAY.
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