M'Bracing Beauty Christian 2015 Fall/Winter Edition by M'Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

International Online Publication

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

Christian Magazine

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

2015 Fall/Winter Edition

SPONSORS

~ Interactive Hair Studio ~ Ismm~ Ferrell’s Photography Mrs. Annie Price ~ Pamela Survillion Alfred Moody: Double Take Fashion C. David Harrison, Pastor/ Professor

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Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine |A Word from the Editor-in-Chief: Teesha Walker

In the essence of this issue’s dedication to health and wellness, I implore you to find a quiet place to administer an all-inclusive self examination. Be brutally honest with yourself; take an account of your daily thoughts. Be mindful of how you interact with others and yourself. Consciously watch how you distribute and spend your finances. Keep a log of what you eat including portion sizes and the times you eat. By all means, please include not only what you post on social media but what you read and respond to.

A major factor in obtaining exceptional health and wellness is controlling our thought process. The battle always begins in the mind. As the Christian body, it is time for us to be more selective and responsible for what captures our attention and warrants our response. I pray for the mindset of the church. I petition God for a mental revival. No longer will we be distracted. Our tolerance for the mundane will be cut short. I thank God that our focus has been sharpened. We will look pass color and social status and help those who are crying out for guidance. Our judgements for one another will be placed on a back burner so that we can spare the blood of our brother on our own hands. The church is often compared to the hospital because those that come are spiritually ill. My question to you is what hospital have you visited where there was no help available? The full responsibility of healing cannot rest on the back of the pastor alone. Even doctors have a team of nurses. My suggestion to you in your quest for greater health and wellness is that you become a part of the minority. Pay compliments to those who you know have a disdain for you. Offer a smile to the stranger standing next to you in the elevator. Attempt to understand the stress your superiors may be experiencing at work. The best start to obtaining exceptional health and wellness is to simply remember the golden rule…Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Stay blessed and highly favored!

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

Freedmen’s Town Documentary Project

Freedsmen’s Town Documentary Project

Through The Lens of Photographer Ferrell Phelps Jr. MBM: What was your inspiration for the Freedmen’s Town project? FP: The Freedmen’s Town documentary really means a lot to me because of its importance in history and the fact that so much of the community no longer exists. So many Houston natives have no idea that this area of Houston is where the very first African Americans came into the city who happened to be former slaves after the Emancipation Proclamation. My relatives including my great grandparents and grandmother lived in this area. My mom was also raised in this area for a period during her youth. Many years back I was asked to photograph the bricks of Freedmen’s Town due to the on going issue between the city and the community over the possibly of removing them. It was at that time I learned of this historical community that has been under the radar to so many Houstonians. Many natives have no idea that this area had been previously inhabited by former slaves. After realizing that so much of the history was no longer in existence, I was moved to create this project to keep history alive even after the physical elements are gone.

MBM: What was your greatest challenge in the process of this project? FP: I have invested so much over this past year to create this project using a multitude of actors, models, props, wardrobe, antique cars, several assistants, numerous phone calls, countless meetings and long days of shooting and coordinating scenes.

MBM: How has this project affected you personally?

Ferrell Phelps Jr.

FP: I feel like the city is receiving the project really well and in a major kind of way. The support has really been mind blowing. So many native Houstonians response to the history that was once hidden that is now educating the general pulic is at times jaw dropping.

MBM: What are your hopes for the public in regards to the Freedmen’s Town project? FP: There are many ways people can get on board. Please like the Ferrell Phelps Freedmen’s Town Documentary page on Facebook. This page will also have updates on all of the upcoming shows. Also, please visit www.ferrellphelps.com to see more developments of the project. We are also hosting an exhibit with an open forum for education so we ask that you support our upcoming exhibits. There will be limited edition prints and fine arts available at the exhibit.

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

Freedmen’s Town Documentary Project

Lastly, I would like to share these three words with the white house, Support Black History! We can start by bringing it back to schools. Black history was not something that I learned in my predominately white junior high and high school while growing up. When we know the shoulders of whom we stand on we stand stronger, wiser and walk with pride and dignity. Once I learned of the rich history right here in Freedmen’s Town including the fight, struggle and perseverance of freed slaves to build a community that would educate, prosper and motivate future business owners, teachers, lawyers, haberdashers, masons, preachers, brick layers and home builders that would eventually make their own bricks to pave the roads in the community when the city would not assist at all spoke volumes to me. As I learned of this, it helped me to understand that if they, through the trying times of new found freedom from slavery could accomplish all of this then why can’t I reach and achieve goals of my life in a less trying time. I am also well pleased with the cast involved in the documentary. This list would include but is not limited to Deneen Tyler from Oscar winning film 12 Years A Slave, Former Houston Astro Eric Anthony, Legendary songstress Jewel Brown who was the last female to perform with Louie Armstrong, members of the Joe Sample Band, New Age Krusaders, Dr Thomas Freedman the debate coach for the Denzel Washington film The Great Debaters and a host of actors and models. I am also aspiring to have a traveling Freedmen’s Town Documentary exhibit that tours locally to schools in an attempt to educate the students on the rich culture, history and legacy of our people. I’d like the world to see this amazing one of a kind exhibit where history is recreated through the medium of photogphy and brought into modern day, including elements of the twentieth century.

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

A Word From the Publisher

Run to God Inspired Simon Opoku Afreh

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 “It’s wonderful to know you’ve been set free from the law of sin and death. It’s glorious to know you never again have to submit to the slavery of sin. But what do you do when, in spite of those wonderful and glorious truths, you still miss the mark? What do you do when you stumble and fall into sin? Run to your Father and repent! That sounds simple. But oddly enough we often do just the opposite. Instead of running to God, we let fear and guilt drive us further and further from Him. We start thinking things like, “Well, I’ve missed it now. I might as ell forget the rest of it and live like the devil.” Don’t make that mistake. Don’t let Satan talk you into sinning in one area of your life just because you missed it in another. When you get off track with God, just confess it and get right back on.

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

When you make a mistake, when you miss the mark, remember, you have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John2:1). Run to Him! He knows what you are going through. You don’t need to be afraid. He didn’t tear you apart for the sins you committed before you made Him Lord of your life, did He? Then how much more merciful and loving do you think He’ll be now that you’re His own? Now that you’re reaching out for Him and have a heart for Him? Don’t run from God. Run to Him. Receive His forgiveness. Receive His cleansing. No matter how badly you’ve sinned, He’s eager to forgive and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.”

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

Inspirational Message | Anna Kennedy, Minister | M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

WHAT IS THEYOUR OBJECT OF FAITH? Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ASV)

of using one’s faith. Whatever you may be going through, use your faith to believe in the One who will never leave you or forsake you. Use your faith to move the mountains in your life that strip you Minister Anna Kennedy of your hope. Use your faith to believe and know that your faith objective must be Christ focused in Faith is the revenue of heaven. There are so order to receive anything from God.

many people using their faith for houses, cars and many other things. This in itself isn’t wrong to believe God for but it should not be the total object of their faith. Faith must be implemented with its total focus being on the object of its affection, Jesus. However, these same people when the storms of life are raging seem to lose that faith in the winds and waves. They lose focus on the One who not only makes promises but who keeps them. It’s fascinating how people can be so dogmatic about possessions rather than being dogmatic about the One who provides the possessions. When was the last time you used your faith believing God for who He is? When was the last time you used your faith believing God for souls to be saved?

Faith must be practiced on every trial, temptation and battle in life. Faith must go forth like a javelin thrown in the wind to hit the target set before it. You cannot move mountains with faith that is not connected to Christ, this is certain failure. Romans 10:17 in the ESV says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Not only must you hear, but your hearing must be focused on the Word of God. Only God’s Word will not return to your life void. Matthew 21:22 says, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Finally, make the object of your faith the God of all creation. Know that Jesus is the one who is praying that our faith does not fail us. Do not put your faith in the things of this world for it will fail every time. Let your faith be focused totally on the Savior and His Father who loves us is impossible to please him, for whoever would so much that He gave His Son so we can have life draw near to God must believe that he exists and more abundantly. that he rewards those who seek him.” Certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. Those basics include the importance When we look at those whom Jesus healed and delivered from tragedies in scripture, they all had one common thread that bound them together in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews that we can glean from, Faith. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it

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\\ PRAYER OF SALVATION// A SINNER’S PRAYER Romans 10:9,10

You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now by Faith - Through Prayer:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus, for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life! Amen. Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ? “As soon as you can find a Bible believing and Bible teaching Church so that you can begin to hear and study the Word of God. Remember, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Paul D. Landrew Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

AFTER YOU PRAYED THE PRAYER OF SALVATION BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTED CHURCHES YOU MAY CONSIDER GOING TO FOR MORE BIBLE BASED TEACHING AND GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD. Dr. Paul D. Landrew, Senior Pastor/Teacher Loving Word Fellowship Church 170 Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076

Pastor Henry Thomas True Fellowship Baptist Church 3115 N. Fry Katy, TX 77449

Pastor Bennett T. Cortez Greater Faith Baptist Church 9235 West Montgomery rd. Houston, TX 77088

Pastor Raynard Hillis Double Rock Baptist Church 1595 Shafter Ave San Francisco, California 94124

Pastor John Adolph Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 3920 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont, TX 77705

Pastor Demetrius Moffett First Church of God 911 Main Street Orange, TX 77630

Pastor Roland Booker Just Church Ministry 13547 Bammel North Houston Houston, TX 77066

Pastor Ralph Douglas West The Church Without Walls 5725 Queenston Houston, TX 77084

Pastor Andy Woods Sugar Land Bible Church 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land TX, 77478

Pastor Charles Tompkins New Prairie View Baptist Church 4303 Sealy Rd. San Felipe, TX 77473

Pastor Charles Carter Jr. First St. Mark Baptist Church 2934 Brackenridge Houston, TX 77016

David Harrison, Exe. Administrative Pastor First Baptist Church Heights 201 East 9th Street Houston, TX 77007

What The Bible Says About Our Greatest Salvation “Christ took our punishment and died in our place. Since our attempts at righteousness will not satisfy God, Christ clothed us in His righteousness in such away that when God, the Father, looks upon us, He does not see our sin; He sees only the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ.” L. Moyer Hebrews 2:1-4 -“What has been the greatest moment of your life? For some people, the answer might be their wedding day, the birth of a child, or an important promotion. But for believers, the best experience is salvation, when their eternal destiny was changed. New Christians often have a fervor to share their faith. In time, however, many find their hearts cooling as they focus less on their relationship with Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 2:1 instructs, “Therefore we must give the most earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Salvation is God’s amazing solution to man’s sinful condition: it is His gift of rescue - through the death of Jesus- from the penalty of our transgressions.” Charles Stanley

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PTSD: Turning the Tide of Suicide among Veterians

Written by Darshell McAlpine

“You remember me? My baby took his life Saturday.” That is how Valerie Hobson started her phone conversation with the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) psychologist who dismissed her concerns regarding her son’s mental health and ignored her pleas for help just two weeks earlier.

While with the USS Juno, he was part of a board search and seizure in which the Navy boarded a vessel suspected of pirating. The Navy officers attempted to secure the ship and to bring all the suspected pirates to the ship’s deck. After being advised by the would-be Valerie and Bubba Hobson pirates that no one else was raised three children, each smart present, Iwayne and another with strong family values and an sailor were charged with inbred respect for human life. double-checking the vessel. Iwayne was their oldest born July 6, During the search, Iwayne 1988. The overarching characteristic and the other sailor were that family members ascribe to met with gunfire. Iwayne Iwayne was his selflessness. By fired back mortally wounding all accounts, he was a giver prone Iwayne Hobsoni one of the pirates. The other to help the underdog and to show compassion to those in need. Extremely bright and well- sailor was shot, but both he and Iwayne survived. read, he was innately intelligent and sure to ace any exam Iwayne was nineteen at the time, not old enough to since he understood the material without even doing his buy a drink in the United States, but he had taken a life. homework. Iwayne joined the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) as a high school freshmen where he developed a deep respect for the military. He also attended the Devil Pups program hosted on the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego, California, which focuses on promoting self-confidence and a sense of responsibility in 14 to 17 year olds. He expressed a desire to turn his passion for helping people into a career as a law enforcement officer, even attending college briefly as a criminal justice major. But his respect for the military and his sense of responsibility compelled him to join the Navy. His family prepared for his enlistment as though he were going away for a vacation, buying toiletries and clothing. When Navy personnel picked him up to transport him to boot camp, they informed the family that he was no longer their son, but that “he belonged to the Navy”. While he was still in boot camp, the Hobsons received a box from the Navy containing all the things they had purchased for Iwayne. The Navy was clear that they were now his mother and father and from then on he would be under their authority. True to form, Iwayne met all the criteria to become a Navy Seal and was accepted to the program, but his family, anxious about the safety of their son as the country was in the midst of the Iraq war, talked him out of it. He instead became part of the Navy’s shore patrol responsible for maintaining order among Navy personnel while ashore.

According to his parents, this incident marked a turning point in Iwayne’s behavior. He was heralded as a hero and received commendations as well as financial compensation for having saved his comrades life. Despite the legitimacy of what he had done, he struggled with the reality of it. He later confided to his dad that pulling the trigger was an impulse as a result of the fear he experienced from being shot at. It was not his bravery that caused him to shoot but self-preservation. Having been raised to respect even the smallest of life, he had difficulty reconciling what he had done. Shortly thereafter, Iwayne was assigned to the USS Lincoln naval carrier, he was dispatched along with a team to locate a fellow sailor and personal friend who had gone missing and was considered absent without leave (AWOL). The missing soldier was found on a barge having killed himself. Iwayne was ordered to stay with the body for an extended period of time while the rest of the team notified investigators. This was his friend whose wife had recently had twins and he was greatly distressed at being forced to stay with the decomposing body. He asked to be relieved but that request was denied. His generous nature caused him to later send money to the soldier’s widow, but the impact of having watched over the body was lasting.

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

The Navy documented Iwayne’s trauma, the fact that he asked for help and diagnosed him with PTSD, but did not provide him with treatment. The PTSD caused him to be difficult and potentially dangerous. He began displaying defiant behavior towards authority and began getting into fights when challenged. Although he was only 5’10” and 175lbs, he was formidable, trained to disable his enemy, and he could take a beating. The military celebrated him at one point, but when he needed mental help, they refused him and appeared to turn on him. Instead of receiving the help that he desperately needed, he was jailed, had his pay docked more than once and had his GI Bill revoked. Rather than assist him, his beloved military sought to dishonorably discharge him before his parents intervened. At the age of twenty-three, he was given a general discharge which indicates that a servicemen did not meet all military requirements and has exhibited some behavior considered inappropriate by the military. The Hobsons say they sent their happy, non-violent, well-rounded son to the Navy, and the Navy returned a broken, deeply troubled man to them. Iwayne did not show aggression or violence towards his family but continued to have fights, including with the police, if he was tested. At home he was this loving person who adored his family and friends and showed them the utmost respect, but if provoked by authorities, he became a machine exacting punishment on those who challenged him. The Navy had Iwayne’s full record, including a previously attempted suicide, his PTSD diagnosis and his attempts to get help, but none of this information was given to his parents when he was discharged. The family rallied around Iwayne doing everything a loving family would do: giving him a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to live; bailing him out when he got into trouble; picking him up from the VA when he had an altercation with law enforcement; attempting to monitor his court ordered medications when the VA failed to do so; making his favorite meals when he begin to lose weight as a result of the medications; paying attention to his sleep patterns; and calling the VA to beg for help when nothing else seemed to work. The family suspected PTSD but had no idea of how much or how long Iwayne had been suffering until after his suicide when they received his military file. In late July 2015, the Hobsons planned a vacation but were hesitant due to their concern for Iwayne. Iwayne had been jailed after refusing to check in and abide by the curfew, violating the terms of his probation. The Hobsons were anxious but felt some relief knowing that their son was not able to get into more trouble while incarcerated. Still, he was at the forefront of their minds while they were on vacation, and they made numerous phone calls to his lawyer to check on him. They were expecting him to remain in jail until after their return but to their surprise, Iwayne was released at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2015. They tried reaching him most of the day by phone but he did not answer until around 5:30 p.m. There is currently no record of what Iwayne did from the time he was released until his parents were able to speak with him, but it is known that later that evening he hooked up with a friend. He and the friend began drinking and arrived home intoxicated. Iwayne’s younger brother was home at the time and upset seeing the condition the two men were in. The family just had a new pool installed, and Iwayne invited his friend to take a swim. While his friend and his brother were in the pool, Iwayne went upstairs to get towels. In what appears to be a spontaneous act, he locked himself in his parent’s bedroom where he used his father’s weapon to take his life. Understanding Veteran’s with PTSD PTSD is a trauma and/or stress disorder, which can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or learning of a traumatic event involving a close family member or friend. Some people experiencing PTSD may be so impaired that they are unable to maintain relationships, be employed or otherwise function. In addition, they may have flashbacks of the traumatic event reliving the experience repeatedly or vehemently avoid situations or circumstances believed to invoke traumatic feelings. They may also become forgetful, be abnormally moody, exhibit symptoms of paranoia and behave in an aggressive or self-destructive manner. For veterans, loud noises like fireworks and being handled aggressively might provoke a PTSD related episode. According to the VA approximately 11- 20% of Iraq and Afghan war veterans suffer from PTSD. Twelve percent of Gulf War veterans are diagnosed with PTSD. Even after forty years15% of Vietnam veter-

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ans have PTSD. The Rand Corporation study disputes these numbers indicating that at a minimum 20% of Iraq and Afghan war veterans have PTSD and closer to 31% for Vietnam veterans. It is estimated that 50% of those known to have PTSD do not seek treatment. And getting treatment can be harrowing. Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD may have to wait months for the VA to receive a copy of their military record before the VA can assist and even longer to obtain a counseling appointment. Add to that the VA’s lackluster customer service reputation and veterans seeking help can expect a long drawn-out tedious process handled by individuals who appear loathed to work with them. Alternately, veterans may avoid treatment for PTSD is the stigma associated with mental impairment in the military. Soldiers needing mental health services are often punished and may suffer irreparable career losses. This code of silence prevents those who need assistance from asking for it and may be directly linked to the increased number of suicides we see among veterans. Veterans who receive treatment for PTSD are less likely to commit suicide. PTSD Related Suicide among Veterans by the Numbers In 2007 there were a total of 18 veteran suicides. Between 2007 and 2013 that number increased to one every 65 minutes. To put that in perspective, in the five to seven minutes it may take you to read this article, six soldiers will have committed suicide. This translates to roughly twenty-two soldiers a day. In the six weeks, it has taken me to write this article 1,035 people who committed their lives to protect the freedoms this country enjoys, found themselves in a state where the agony of what they experienced in the military while protecting those freedoms became more than they could continue to live with. These were not cowards, but brave, selfless individuals whose torment was unbearable. Equally concerning is that the number of veteran suicide may be much higher. The VA extrapolates the data from twenty-one states that report suicides based on review of death certificates. Iwayne Hobsoni’s parents learned that their son’s death would not be counted in the number of veteran suicides unless his death certificate was amended to clearly indicate his suicide was a result of PTSD. Many states, like California, Texas and Illinois with high veteran populations, do not report veteran suicides at all. To account for this the VA uses an algorithm to estimate suicide numbers for non-reporting states based on those states that do report. Even the VA recognizes “22” a day may be a lowball number. Questionable Treatment of Veterans with PTSD Iwayne’s family pointed out that he was prescribed a cocktail of drugs that may have contributed to his mental state at the time of his death. These are designed to curb the symptoms of PTSD like depression, anxiety and mood swings, but do not address the source of the trauma. Iwayne was ordered by a Harris county judge to take medication for PTSD and was tested by the courts routinely to be sure he was compliant. He did not have a physical or a consultation with a physician but was prescribed Prozac and Citalopram, both which are used to treat depression and both which may interact adversely when taken with other antidepressants. Antidepressants, particularly when taken together, have to be heavily monitored because of a host of problems they can cause, not the least of which is suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Iwayne was also prescribed Prazosin, generally used to control high blood pressure. He was never tested

Because when this masquerade is finally over I want to be remembered for who I am Not who I was or who I wanted to be… Even though I’ve never called it perfect When I die, I want to know it all was worth it I want to know that I tried my best. Embracing every moment that I was blessed with Every life, every death, every time that I wept. Every moment, every person, every line that I said. Every night, every day, every time every place. Every side de of the maze. Every cut, every bruise, every love that I’d lose. Every time that I broke and the times that I grew rain that these clouds would spew To help form the man that I amounted to. And I’m thankful, that I am who I am. And I’ve been where I’ve been and I came out grateful. When it’s finally time to make an exit Just know, that I don’t regret a single second… 12 Iwayne Hobsoni

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for high blood pressure but according to his parents, he was advised by a VA nurse that the antidepressants might raise his blood pressure and as precaution they were giving him a prescription to treat it. He was never monitored by the VA to determine how the medication was working and it was over a month before he was able to get an appointment, where he only received a prescription for a different drug cocktail. At best, this was a gross error on the part of the VA. Where Do We Go From Here As I interviewed Iwayne’s family the heartache was palpable. It was sheer force of will that kept them going and the consistently reiterated goal of preventing another family from having to walk the path they now take. They allowed me to scratch the surface of their suffering in exchange for a promise that I would do something to make a difference. There are a host of confounding errors and a thousand “what-ifs” that had they been addressed Iwayne might still be here today. We cannot say for sure. However, his family shared some things they believe could have helped them to be preemptive. • Increased awareness of the volume of veteran suicides and acknowledgement that any number is TOO MANY. • A decompression program for veterans preparing them for the return to civilian life. • A work-around, congruent with HIPAA laws, that notifies veteran’s loved ones of the symptoms of PTSD and provides accessible options for families to get help. Not knowing what they were dealing with handicapped these families. • Easy access to education and information about veteran’s with PTSD and increased accessibility to treatment options in addition to medications. • VA personnel’s compassion and kindness as well as active monitoring of prescribed PTSD medications. Bubba Hobson had said repeatedly “I am being reactive so that someone else can have the chance to be proactive”. The family is developing non-profits, writing books, arranging campaigns to raise public awareness, creating support groups and compiling resources in order to provide options for those veterans facing PTSD and their families. They are proud of their son and the sacrifices he made for this country and through their loss they are provoking others to action. Below are some resources if you or someone you know is a veteran or the family member of a veteran coping with PTSD. Veteran’s Crisis Line – 800-273-8255 and Press 1 http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ - Wounded Warrior Project https://www.afsp.org/ - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention http://ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/ - PTSD Foundation of America https://www.jointservicessupport.org/ - Joint Services Support

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Opia Photography

Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

Opia Photography

Photos by Kenneth Grissom

Ferrell’s Photography | M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

Fashion At Its Best

Model: Lady Raychell Bush Photographer: Ferrell Phelps Jr. Read Previous Online Publications @ www.issuu.com/elizabethjackson9

Lupus Awareness | M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

Lupus Awareness With so many causes out there, it’s hard to determine which one you should support. Should I give to the one with the purple ribbon? The yellow ribbon? The blue ribbon? The red ribbon? So many different colors and causes, but at this moment I would like to focus on a purple ribbon organization -The Lupus foundation. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). It is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed; overlooked and under supported. Although Lupus awareness month concluded in May, awareness and activism should continue. I don’t remember the exact day, month or year when my mother was diagnosed with lupus. It was the early 80s and I was a child around 6 or 7 years old with a mother who was ill and no one could tell her why. After being misdiagnosed, hospitalized and told she only had so long to live; my mother finally received a diagnosis. The lupus affected her skin, scalp, joints and her over all quality-of-life. Over the years the lupus began to affect her nervous system and in 1994, she lost her battle with Lupus. As a testament and in honor of my mother and all others that I know that have and do suffer from lupus I started team NaRose and for the last six years team NaRose has participated in the Walk/Run to End Lupus Now event held every year on the first Sunday in May. The walk/run is an opportunity for people to join together in support of someone that they know suffering from the disease as well as fundraising to help find a cure for this disease. NaRose is not just a team, but also a company - NaRose Designs. NaRose Designs is the combination of a mother’s dream and a daughter’s reality. It produces quality, one-of-akind, handmade jewelry and accessories. To support the fundraising efforts, NaRose Designs created the “Purple 4a Cause” line where a portion of all sales are donated to the Lupus Foundation.

To find out more about Lupus, the foundation and to support, please visit http://www. lupus.org/. POP - Put On Purple! Awareness is key! Support is essential!

Naana Danquah Jefferson Owner / Designer NaRose Designs

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

The Life of a Doula | M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

The Life of a Doula “It takes a village…”

The word doula is a word of Greek origin meaning woman who serves. A doula is a person who is a trained professional who provides continual physical and emotional support to a mother before, during and just after birth. A doula also supports a mother in obtaining accurate information regarding her birthing options. Doulas know that the birth of a child is a life defining experience that a mother will carry with her for the rest of her life. Doulas also help to ensure that the mother will have the best experience possible. While laboring to give birth a mother has emotional needs that her medical staff may not be able to attend to, as their primary focus is on her medical needs. It is important to note that a doula is not a medical professional and will not provide any type of medical services such as blood pressure monitoring, fetal monitoring etc.; however the doula will facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her medical providers. A doula does not speak on behalf of the mother but instead help the mother feel empowered to express her desires for her birth by equipping her with the necessary information to make the best decision for her and her baby. Studies have shown that having a doula present reduces the length of labor, labors have fewer complications, babies are healthier and the babies breastfeed more easily (Cochran Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth). Doulas use touch and massage to reduce anxiety and stress during labor by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete a natural oxytocin into the bloodstream. This oxytocin causes the uterus to contract as well as causes the brain to have a sense of well being and a higher pain tolerance. The partner’s role during labor is one that is very important and a doula recognizes that and will never attempt to take his/her place. The doula’s role is to compliment and enhance the partner’s experience and allow them to participate at their comfort level and someone will always be by the laboring mother’s side. It is very common for partners to take an active role during labor and having a doula present will allow the partner to participate without having to act as a labor coach. Ultimately, a doula perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience. If you are considering hiring a doula here are a few questions to ask: • What training have you had? • What services do you provide? • What are your fees? • Are you available for my due date? • What made you decide to become a doula? • What is your philosophy regarding childbirth? • What happens if for some reason you are not available at the time I give birth? For consultations or more information please contact Eboni Barnes at 832-617-0654 or on Facebook at Facebook.com/houstonsbestdoula. 17

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Jesus is The Reason for The Season

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www.prettiestpearls.com Sharon Baker is the founder and Executive Director of Prettiest Pearls organization. Prettiest Pearls is an organization designed to assist young ladies to enhance and enrich their lives. The primary goal is to achieve positive results from any challenges or situations that may arise in their lives. We strongly believe that 90% of how you react to adversity will determine the success of the outcome. Prettiest Pearls implements the fact, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, in every area of their existence. Girls are taught skills that are used with practical application with a faith-based empowerment.

Sharon Baker, Founder

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A Prettiest Pearls has Potential A Prettiest Pearls has Endurance A Prettiest Pearls are Available for growth in all areas A Prettiest Pearls promotes Reliability because her word is her bond A Prettiest Pearls shows Love because it is the greatest gift A Prettiest Pearls displays her Self-worth because she was created by the original maker

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LaShanna Leonard | M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

A Call to the Masses

MBM: Who is LaShanna Leonard and LDLeonard Enterprises? LDL: LaShanna Leonard is a woman who has a huge appetite for life. She is both introspective and demonstrative; a God believer and passionate about purpose and Destiny fulfillment. LDLeonard Enterprise is a professional support network for women and teens. We maximize lives by fostering growth & advancement through Health & Wellness, The Arts, Ministry & Outreach. MBM: What inspired your focus on health and wellness? LDL: As a dancer I was always active but my full attention toward health and wellness came following a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2009. It changed the dynamic of my life. Through that healing process came another platform for business and ministry; fitness and nutrition and caring for the overall health of people. MBM: One of your platforms is the current state of health and wellness in the Christian community. Can you please elaborate? LDL: Yes I would love to. In addition to educating the masses the one sector that falls behind drastically is the church. Christianity is ranked the #1 “organized religion” in obesity. It shows a lack of discipline and a failure to either seek knowledge or apply knowledge. This lack of discipline not only causes the church to lose credibility but also forfeits many in living long and healthy lives. When you take a deeper look you can see how Christians have made food a subculture to fellowship. While the popular slogan “food for the soul” still reigns as a favorite it is also necessary that we began to take conscious thought of how we are feeding our temple. Many have died prematurely never fulfilling their God given purpose due to health issues that stemmed from an unhealthy lifestyle. Insurance premiums have increased; clergy spend a great deal of time visiting the sick and many of the prayer requests are rooted from poor health. All of this is not generational or circumstantial but rather a failure to make wise decisions. It is time for the body of Christ to regard their health and live prosperously mind, body, soul and spirit. MBM: What would you suggest as a great starting point for the Christian community to change their outlook on the importance of becoming a healthier church? LDL: As with any community model it begins with leadership and education. It would be great to see all church leadership invest in a health and wellness program within their ministry. To make fitness and nutrition a segment of ministry would demonstrate to the congregation that it is as important as their spiritual nourishment. It doesn’t have to begin as a massive effort but it should demonstrate steps being taken toward a better life. I have started health and wellness clinics within many ministries demonstrating how this lifestyle is fulfilling, refreshing and beneficial to the total man. I cover everything from physical activities for every level to nutrition and cooking without sacrificing taste. A special portion of this for me is dealing with ailments, generational curses and medication. It is powerful to see people walk in total newness. MBM: What advice would you give to the Christian who states they are too busy to exercise daily? LDL: I would say that it is time to sit down and think about the state of your health and well. Consider the hours of the day that are demanding of your time, physical abilities, mental strength and overall capacity. You are a great but limited resource and you have to handle and manage your body accordingly. Therefore, you cannot afford to skip physical activity in your life. MBM: Are there any other organizations you are involved with? LDL: I am a Team Support Member of the International Sports Science Association. I am also a writer and FitBlogger for several organizations. LaShanna Leonard is a certified Health & Wellness Specialist in Fitness and Nutri-

tion. She has become a highly sought after Motivational Speaker and FitBlogger.

info: Office: 281-836-3255 www.lashannaleonard.com www.seatfor1.blogspot.com www.instagram.com/lashanna_bodyfiercehttp://www.youtube.com/BodyFierceTV

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