October 2015 Issue by That Riverz Gurl Brand

F.U.S.E. Fire

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Uniting

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Strength ● of Empowerment

October 2015 Issue 9 Volume I

Leaving the Past Behind and

Changing Seasons!

Embracing the Future!

First Time Author Jerre Jakee Talks about Her First Book!

Halloween Beauty Nails and Makeup

Change Is the Key To Your Harvest!

Celebrating Breast Cancer and

Exclusive Interview For Kesha StoweSpence on pgs. 36-43

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Kesha Stowe-Spence Talks about being a Domestic Violence Survivor

Inspirational Quote

Domestic Violence Survivor shares story!

Let The Past Go and Embrace YOUR Future! Halloween Nails, Beauty and Make-up!

Theme for this Issue: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Changing Seasonsâ&#x20AC;? Meet First-Time Author, Jerre Jackee!

Motivational

Word

Poem

Scrambler

Your Mind!

Inspirational ttt

Relax

Quote

Letter From the CEO The Year is almost over and there are only three months left in the year. Time has truly flown by! Rewind the months starting from January until September. Have you achieved anything? How about making your dreams come true? If you haven’t, don’t worry because you still have the rest of the year. And even if you haven’t achieved any goals or if none of your dreams came true yet, it just only means that God is preparing your heart, mind and soul for what is about to come in the following year! So be prepared and get ready! This issue is the “Changing Seasons” Issue which means turning over a new leaf and embracing the future! A new month means new opportunities and new beginnings. It’s still never too late so don’t give up. This month is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month! On the cover is Domestic Awareness survivor and author, Kesha Stowe-Spence who shares her story and an interview by Jerre Jakee who is a new author. I hope you enjoy October’s Issue!

Changing Seasons The wind blows in a new direction To change lives like God’s Resurrection Which direction will you go? To the South away from all the bitterness and evilness? To become neutral in all of your daily mess? You must confess I’m only telling you it’s for the best! Or will you go to the West where the Devil still wants to kill you and destroy you in the middle of all your mess? You are stronger than that! Maybe the East will set you free! Broken chains of destruction to get you back on the right path God’s path of forgiving souls Look no further, your blessings starts to unfold

Stories of keeping your faith and purity are told It’s a new season! A new season with bright beginnings A new change within you God’s mercy will always continue to seek you through Have you knocked on the door of opportunities? Keep knocking for you will only see! Don’t let your distractions get the best of you or me Turn around in the new comings of life Continue to fight your battles Continue to wear the shield of faith and goodness As your season changes, get rid of your dirty hearts Tell yourself that you can get through this! You feel the change? The wind blows your direction Just like God rose up He’s heading your way to lift you up out of the darkness Get ready for a revived Resurrection! You are healed from the past People that have said that you wouldn’t last But look at you now; a brand new and refreshed you God punished the enemies and a spell he already cast Alas and celebrating the changing seasons Count your many blessings and the joyful reasons

Negative Seeds May Block Your Blessings! By Brian Taylor Whether you are 16 or 60 you've no doubt experienced what it is to come face to face with things that are negative. Those negative things have a way of impacting every aspect of your life. All throughout the bible we see evidence that seeds of negativity can come between us and who we are called to be, where we are called to go, and even who we are called to impact. The tasks of recognizing those seed that may be blocking your blessings are critical. Allow me for just a moment to illustrate with five key seeds that can creep in and choke out the blessings that God desires for us to enjoy. Seeds of a Negative Attitude -You've heard the phrase that your attitude determines your altitude. This is such a true statement. When you live from a place of a negative attitude, you not only bring yourself down, you affect others around you. Often, other people, unless they are as miserable as you, will want nothing to do with you. Your negative attitude impacts your associations. If you have a negative attitude at work, what is the likelihood of you getting a promotion? It's probably going to be nonexistent. Seeds of a Negative Choices - If you happen to be a person who is constantly making negative choices in life, those choices you will ultimately limit progress in life, and even create greater burdens for you. Choosing to have a physical relationship may feel like a positive in the moment, but at the risk of becoming a parent before you're ready or contracting a life threatening disease will greatly impact you and those around you. The Bible clearly illustrates the choice given to the people of Israel when he told them that He placed before them the choice of life and death, blessings, and curses (Deuteronomy 30:19). The interesting thing about this is that He made it real easy for them by telling them that the best choice was life and blessing. Seeds of a Negative History - Some people love their past. However, some peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past keep them in a holding pattern like an airplane waiting to land. How many times have you seen a veteran come home from war after a tour of duty, only to be plagued with the haunting memories of what he or she may have had to do while deployed? That history for them prevents them from enjoying the present moments of a loving family and moving forward to see the blessings that lie ahead. Scripture tells us that the person who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom (Luke 9:62).

Seeds of a Negative People - You are in part a culmination of the people you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself with negative people, you are more likely to be just like them. Those negative people make poor decisions, which have a negative impact. If you want to change your results, you have to change your circle of influence. Scripture tells us that two cannot walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3). If you want to have a positive outcome in life, you have to surround yourself with positive people. Seeds of a Negative Vision - If your visions is negative, you can no more have a positive outcome in life than you could breathe underwater. You have to have a vision or perspective of a great life if you hope to have a great life. That is why it is so important that if you live in a place that is full of negativity, you have to relocate or surround yourself with things that will foster the positive visions for you. Things such as with a vision board. The people of Israel were told to write the vision and make it plain upon tablets. This was so that they could not only see it but also be enabled to move in a positive direction (Habakkuk 2:2). Wiping out these and many other negative seeds will pave the way for a fruitful life and unclog the pathway to the blessings that God so desires to pour out to you. As I said earlier, you have a choice. The choice is simple. Choose the road of positivity which will lead to life and blessings. Whatever seeds you sow ultimately produces the associated harvest. So root out seeds of negativity everywhere and every chance you happen upon them and see those blessings come your way.

Connect with Brian! apreachaskid.wordpress.com www.linkedin.com/in/brianktaylor www.facebook.com/APreachasKid

Let F.U.S.E. Be Your Motivational Guide to Weekly Inspirational, Motivating and Empowering Articles for the Mind, Body and Soul! Go to www.fusemovement.org today and get your dose of encouragement!

TAKE BACK YOUR JOY, PEACE AND HAPPINESS AND DIVE INTO THIS GREAT READING! GET MOTIVATED!

Change is the Key to Your Harvest By Donielle Pace

In this journey, everyone wants to continue to grow in many areas of their lives— spiritually, mentally, financially, love, and so forth. With change, we have to understand, as well as others, that as we grow we may lose some things and some people. The question is…are you prepared to reap the new season of your harvest if it means losing some things or people that mean a lot to you at the moment, especially if you don’t know exactly what’s awaiting for you on the next level? Change is scary. Many of us are hesitant to make the changes we need because change involves just what it is—change. We never expect change to involve so many huge sacrifices. However, embracing change will open doors for you that you didn’t even know could exist. Sometimes change can come to you at an instant, and you are stuck between moving in the path of change or remaining stagnant where you are. Most of the time when it’s time for you to make a change, no matter how much you try to resist it, you will not be able to ignore it. Like a restless ghost, it will haunt you until you start making steps in its direction.

I like to listen to Myleik Tele’s podcasts quite frequently. She’s the founder and owner of the famous online subscription hair product company, Curlbox, who ships the latest natural hair products for customers to try. Myleik’s journey did not begin on the entrepreneur path. Through many of her podcasts, she explains how she ended up where she is today. Starting off as someone who sold herself into a PR position working with many celebrities as well as being the assistant to the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kim Zolciak, Myleik took a drastic change from living a life that many would kill for to living an even better life that many only dream about. All she did was decide to take that leap of faith. As she mentioned in many interviews and podcasts, the death of her friend was an eye opener for her. Not knowing exactly what she wanted to do or how she was going to do it, Myleik quit her high-end job, and set her sights on doing something that would bring her true happiness and peace. Her story, along with others has been an inspiration to me to step out of the familiarity that is so comfortable and get uncomfortable. Performing poetry was never something that I saw myself doing, but once I started, doors have opened for me that I never imagined. In order for us to reap our true harvest, we have to make sure that we are sowing our seeds in good ground. We can’t keep sowing into a place that is not reaping us any harvest. I know that things don’t always happen quickly, but without making some effort towards change, you won’t ever experience the limitless possibilities and opportunities that await you.

Connect with Donielle Pace! Instagram @pacepoetry Facebook: Donielle Pace Twitter @pacepoetry

Author Spotlight

About the Author Jerre Jakee I did not always like myself. I probably had the lowest of self-esteem of the people I knew. You know those fake friends or haters who try to doubt every little thing you want to achieve--from smiling pretty for a picture, to passing a class? Well, that's who I was to myself; I was my own worst enemy... my toxic friend. As far as I was concerned, absolutely everybody was prettier than me, smarter than me, better than me; and I had been that way for as long as I could remember. I am a living example of transformation and I am currently resting in the palms of my Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand. I am a freelance writer and published author of Beautiful Liar--the debut novel of my Sisterly Relations Series, blogger, and motivator. I worship at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Twin Oaks, PA , I am a faithful Partner in Hope for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and a member of the first Black Greek letter sorority,. Right now, I'm a mother to an adorable 2-year-old prince, and I currently reside in Wilmington, DE. My personal journey is what inspires my craft and my passion to write. My struggles with self-doubt and low self-esteem were secrets that I am no longer afraid to share. I have come to realize that although my path differs from others, it is designed specifically for me and my overall story is relatable to many. I want to talk about it. I want to inspire and encourage. Today I am my own cheerleader, encourager and most importantly best friend. I have learned to love and respect myself, the same as I would, anyone I consider a good friend... if not better. I am good to me and if I ever slip and put myself down, I have made it a habit to apologize to myself immediately. Thank God I can speak of my story in the past tense; it was a long journey to get where I am in my 29th year of life. It has taken some tearing down in order to build myself up stronger, and I give all Glory to God for that .

First Time Author Tells it All! Exclusive Interview! How long have you been writing? JJ: My mother started buying me journals at around age 13, this was after I created my own magazine and poem book at around age 10 or 11. The magazine and book were simply printed pages stapled together, nothing spectacular or anything but my mom saw something within me. Something I haven't yet seen within myself. When she bought me my first journal I hated writing in it. Needless to say she kept buying me journals, a few weeks before my 16th birthday I decided to pick up one of themâ&#x20AC;Ś And well I haven't stopped writing since. So the answer to the question is somewhere between the ages 10-16 lol.

When did you decided that you wanted to be a published author? JJ: I decided I wanted to write books and become a best selling author when I was in 10th grade.

I remember that clearly because my English teacher had us write “novels” as final project using our vocabulary words… Man that was the best final project ever! For the first time in my life I excited to do homework.

What motivated you to pen your first book? JJ: NANOWRIMO 2014 and my two-year-old boy motivated me work diligently on Beautiful Liar. I've actually started about 6 other novels from the year 2006. I never finished any of them because I would get distracted with college life and boys to be honest. I guess I wasn't hungry for it. My son makes hungry to pursue my dreams… Becoming a author has been a dream for well over 10 years. It was time. What genre is it? Beautiful Liar and all of the other novels to be apart of my Sisterly Relations series, are Urban Christian Fiction.

I know the process of writing a manuscript can be stressful as times. Were there times whre you procrastinated writing it or put it off for awhile? JJ: I'm raising a toddler and working a full time job so a lot of times I would blame it on lack or sleep. And then there were times when I was just Fear and self-doubt. I would go 2-3 weeks without even thinking about my book because I was afraid that I couldn't do it, that I didn't have enough creativity or skill. If it wasn't for God’s unrelenting push, I wouldn't have finished this book. I give all glory to God because the battle with fear and self-doubt was real!!!

Do you have any book signings or upcoming events lined up for your first book? JJ: I plan to set up a signing with my church home in February 2016. With it being my first project, and me self-publishing (doing all of the work and funding) most of my events will take place in the beginning of 2016. I can't wait.

Does this book include some similar situations you have gone through with selfesteem? JJ: Oh yes. One thing that Nola--my main character--and I have/had in common is the need for validation and to be accepted… I can't give too much away so once it releases I'll be able to go more in depth.

What type of books do you enjoy reading? JJ: I Love everything except for sci-fi and fantasy… Do you have a favorite author? A plethora!! But I love Eric Jerome Dickey, Vanessa Murray, and Reshonda Tate Billingsley the most.

Has reading helped your writing and creativity when writing your manuscript? JJ: Definitely. It's best for any author to read while they are writing or write as they read. For me, I sometimes read just to challenge myself creatively. I guess you can call it unofficial competition lol. I would read a best sellers’ work and think “ hmmm I can do better this.”

Who are your greatest motivators or motivator if any? JJ: Other than my son and his future, I will say my mother. She is awesome. She motivates me even when I don't feel like being motivated and would much rather curl up on a couch and sulk… She's been the one to yank me out of my funk, and nudge me towards my destiny when I was at times feeling defeated and doubtful, and I love her for that. My mother is my cheerleader and she's been rooting for me way before I realized that I wanted to do this.

How do you plan to market your book? JJ: Social media, conferences, concerts (I was friends budding into the Christian music industry) , signings, speaking engagements, and of course word of mouth Are you planning on writing more books in the near future? Yes. I'm going to complete the Sisterly Relations series, I plan to publish a devotional, and also a children's book series.

How can your readers get connected with you? JJ: Right now the best way is through my website www.authorjjakee.com and my IG: @jerrewrites

When will your book be released and where can we find it at? JJ: End of October, Amazon.com

How did you come up with the title “Beautiful Liar? JJ: It definitely ties into the plot so you'll have to read and find that out

Thank You Author Jerree Jakee For Interviewing with F.U.S.E. Magazine!

Author Jerre Jakee

“Beautiful Liar” Available End of October! Author Jerre Jakee Www.authorjerrejakee.co m

@jerrewrites

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Relax Your Mind! Every day when I get off from work, I had the tendency to always hop on my lap top to do some work like writing a new post for my blogs, writing a new article for a magazine or even work on this magazine. I never allowed my body to relax and transition after work, so I got tired quicker. Then recently my mom told me that I should at least relax for least an hour then do my work. I never listened until a week ago. And trust me when I say that it works! I change out of my work clothes into something comfortable and watch TV for about an hour or two or maybe even take a nap then get work done. It’s like a new breath of fresh air waving over my head. Even on the days that I don’t work, I relax my mind before doing work on the computer. How many of you jump right into your second job at home without allowing your body to digest your first job? This is a common factor and our bodies can’t handle but so much so it starts to shut down a little bit. That’s why it is very important to relax when you do get off of work so that your mind can re-focus again and cooperate correctly when you are doing other work-related things. I always watch TV because it just relaxes my mind and helps me to unwind. Sometimes if I am in the mood, I polish my nails if I feel up to it just to take my mind off of work and other stressors that tries to hack into my brain. We just have to learn that our bodies can’t always catch up to what we are thinking all the time so that is why it is important to P.A.U.S.E. and chill out for a bit just to enjoy yourself for about an hour or two. I promise you that you will feel much better and refreshed in the end! Also don’t do too much work! Break it down by the days so that you won’t feel stressed or beat from doing too much. Enjoy!

Shut the Back Door! Embrace your Future! As we have entered the fourth quarter of a new season, it’s still not too late to change some things in your life! 2015 is still the year of advancement so continue advancing in your life! Whether you had issues or disappointments or maybe even setbacks earlier in the year, don’t worry because you still have time to make things happen! And as far as those setbacks, it’s God’s saying for a full-blown comeback! There are a lot of garbage in trash in our lives that we seem to can’t get rid of, but we must and I mean we must keep that door shut, keep throwing away the garbage and prepare ourselves for the future! When you have lots of thoughts and ideas running through your mind, you don’t want anything or anyone blocking your blessings or getting in the way of happy visions and dreams. After creating this magazine a few months ago, I still feel like it needs to continue to grow. I have started a movement called “A FUSE Movement” where I will empower, inspire, encourage and motivate people all over. It’s really hard sometimes to get the right audience and the right amount of supporters to really share my movement and magazine among their peers, family and friends. But we just can’t give up and throw in the towel or allow the past to drag us in the mud still; we just have to wear our full armor and fight every day. Fight the negativity, the negative comments, the flashbacks of the past and the negative energy that tries to come and invade your space! You are warriors who still fights in the race; in the race to win and achieve all of your goals and

5 Ways to Keeping the Back Door Shut and Still Focus on Your Future! Tune out all negativity! Not even allowing it in your

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social media space or anywhere else! Turn it all off! 

Don’t think about it! The more you think about it, the more stressed and depressed you will become. So focus on the positive thoughts and keep pressing on!

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Continue to write down all of your creative thoughts and ideas so that you will keep pumped up in your positive space!

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Listen to empowerment messages that will lift up your spirit and keep your mind on the right path! 

Stop worrying! It never helps! Keep going!

Halloween Special 

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Halloween Recipes

Halloween Nails and Make up

Top Ten Halloween Movies You Must Watch! 

Halloween Scrambler Special

Halloween Nails

What better way to start October off right than to plan for your Halloween look for your nails?! Check out this awesome candy corn creation using a popular nail polish brand, China Glaze! Www.omghow.com

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Halloween Make Up

I love the combination of the eyes as the cat eyes from the liquid eyeliner is quite spectacular! The Smokey grey lid and dark grey on the top above the eye brows really stands out! A simple Halloween eye look!

Let your lips make a spooky statement with these great colors for Halloween! Www.londonbeautyqueen.com

Halloween Recipes

My favorite type of cookie! Reese's pieces! Ingredients Cookies: 1 cup white sugar 2/3 cup butter, softened 1/3 cup milk 1 egg 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup candy-coated peanut butter pieces (such as Reese's Pieces速)

Frosting 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup candy-coated peanut butter pieces (such as Reese's Pieces速), or to taste Add all ingredients to list

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat white sugar and 2/3 cup softened butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; mix in 1/3 cup milk, egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into creamed butter mixture until dough is just combined; fold in 1 cup candy-coated peanut butter pieces. Drop dough, 1 to 2 tablespoons per cookie, onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until edges of cookies are crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on pans for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Beat 3 tablespoons melted butter and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; beat in confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until frosting is fluffy and smooth. Frost cookies and decorate with more candy-coated peanut butter pieces.

You can find more Halloween Recipes at Www.allrecipes.com

Halloween Word Scrambler

ADUTHNE SHEUO UOECMTS LHRILTRE KNLTESOE NOERGA NAD CBKLA MCESARS ELWHEALON YCNAD CBKAL ATC HWFTCITRCA GTFHRI ITNHG ***Answers found on page 36***

TOP 10 HALLOWEEN MOVIES TO WATCH! 1)Hocus Pocus (1993) 2) Halloween (1978) 3) Evil Dead (2003) 4) Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play (1988) 5) Carrie (2013) 6) Paranormal Activity (2007) 7) Friday the 13th (1980) 8) Halloween Town (1998) 9) IT (1990) 10) The Conjuring (2013)

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Beauty

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Answers to the Halloween Word Scrambler from Pg. 33 HAUNTED HOUSE COSTUME THRILLER SKELETON ORANGE AND BLACK SCREAMS HALLOWEEN CANDY BLACK CAT WITCH CRAFT FRIGHT NIGHT

Getting Cozy With Kesha Stowe-Spence

My Story On June 10, 1951, the man she loved stole Elizabeth Mae Eaddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life; a knife to her heart was all it took. A mom of three, two daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one 18 months, a 5 year old, and a soon to be 7 year old son. Elizabeth was twentyfive. Who would have known that the cycle of abuse would continue from that point on? The 5-year-old daughter was given to stranger as the grandmother kept the 18-month-old daughter as well as the son. Carolyn was the five-year-old name. With the devastation of Carolyn losing her mom as well as the rest of her family, Carolyn lived the next 16 years in a not so loving foster home.

At the age of 21 Carolyn set off to start a new life in New Jersey in hopes to finally find happiness. Six months after starting her new life in New Jersey she met a man that would become her husband. Carolyn endured thirteen years of domestic abuse. The abuse of her then husband’s choice was as followed, daily beatings (physical), verbal abuse, emotional abuse, isolation, rape, as well as financial abuse. The abuse did not stop during Carolyn’s pregnancies as a result of the abuse she has a child who is mentally challenged and one who only survived five days after birth who happen to be my twin. After 13 years of abuse the last and final altercation, which was her husband, fleeing to the place where his handgun was stored only to learn that it was thrown out by accident. That was the day that it clicked in Carolyn’s mind if she doesn’t leave he WILL kill her! From the age of three I can remember all the beatings and all the hell that had gone on in that apartment in which we lived up until the night my mom fled for our lives with just a few clothes in black trash bags. Only to find myself at the age of 28 living a similar life as my Mom once lived. A life that I promised myself would never be my life. My husband’s choice of abuse, emotional, mental and verbal abuse, which were the one’s that was used frequently in our marriage. We had a total of 3 physical altercations the first when I was with child, another when I was arrested because he had a visible scratch on his cheek, which was caused by myself as I was defending myself . Last but not least May of 2008 my husband attempted to take my life through strangulation. If it had not been for quick thinking in pretending to be dead I would not be here today. He was arrested and spent 14 days in jail until I bailed him out. I stayed another year before I got up the courage to leave. Leaving in the same way as my Mom left my Dad, with trash bags of my children and my clothes. Depression became my best friend after this point for almost a year. From 1951 to 2009 there was a curse in my family that needed to be broken if my children would have any chance on not continuing the cycle of abuse. How am I doing this?

It is by Gods grace and my faith. It began with me sharing my own story in a book. A book that revealed so many personal moments that most would never share because of the embarrassment and humiliation it would bring to one self. Followed by starting an organization in honor of my late grandmother Elizabeth Mae Eaddy. Visiting schools sharing my story with todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth as I have learned they to are experiencing dating abuse. We are living in times where the mind set has been condition to accept that unhealthy relationship are the new norm in what love is. The healing has begun as I walk in my newfound purpose in life. I hope that I am one who is considered to do this much-needed interview with Mary Kay. The key to defeating this epidemic known as domestic violence is to open more door to allow victims to see that they are not alone. To know that you can make it once you free yourself from being a victim of domestic abuse.

Sincerely,

Kesha

UP Close AND PERSONAL WITH MS. KESHA

I have read that you are a domestic violence survivor. Tell me briefly about four years ago. How old were you? K.S. Four years ago I was forty years of age. I have transition from victim to victor as of June of 2009. Four years ago I decided to share my story with others by self publishing my story of being a victim of domestic abuse in my tell "ALL" book, Healing My Soul, A 3rd Generation Survivor of Domestic Abuse. Which lead to speaking engagements at a few local schools, Passaic County Community College, Churches and The United Way Celebration of Womanhood Conference for the past two years. How has that changed your life? Did this make you look at life differently?

K.S. Sharing my story has changed my life in a way that I wasn't prepared for. I've always known that many adults dealt with domestic abuse, however I had no ideal that it had also made its way in the relationships of our youth. This made me look at life differently. Being an adult and understanding that by me being exposed to domestic abuse at such a young age and living the life within my marriage I found it extremely difficult to leave. It became what I thought normal relationships were made of. I had to begin spreading more awareness to the youth I need them to know the longer you stay the harder it is to walk away. Your first book, Healing my Soul, what was your motivation behind this title? What was your purpose when writing it for other women as well? K.S. Healing my soul was just therapy writing suggested by a family member. The antidepression meds were no longer helping. Therapy was not helping. The fact of me being a Mom of two amazing sons wasn’t helping. I no longer wanted to live. So I started to write. It wasn’t till the end I decided to share it. I hesitated because it was so much personal and embarrassing moments that most would not tell a soul. When it came to me, this isn’t about you and your shame. It’s about the next victim that read it and knows she is not alone and there is a way out. My soul was broken and I understood that it was time to put the healing in motion. That was the perfect title for my story. What has being a domestic violence survivor story taught you? K.S. Being a domestic violence survivor has taught me that I am stronger then what my mind once told me. I never thought I could make it on my own as a single parent let alone beat the emotional stronghold that kept me captive for so many years. Who is Elizabeth Mae Eady and why did you name your organization after her? K.S. Elizabeth Mae Eaddy was my mother’s Mom and my Grandmother. My Grandmother was murder at the age of 25. Her husband stabbed her in the heart with a knife, leaving behind her 3 children ages 18 months 5 and 7. How did you come up with the idea for your organization? K.S. I came up with the ideal of starting the organization as a way of breaking the cycle of my family curse. My grandmother’s murder, my mom enduring 13 years of unspeakable abuse at the hands of my dad, then myself accepting the same life style for 10 years.

It was something that was needed many years before I myself became a victim. I had to do whatever it took to make sure my children would not be apart of the 4th generational curse. This is what I felt was needed. Generations before me kept the family secret and endured, the silence had to broken publicly so that people can understand that this is real. Do you take your organization on the road such as talking about your story and sharing information about domestic violence in other states? K.S. No unfortunately I only spread my awareness locally as this is all my health will allow me to do. I am also battling an invisible disease known as Lupus. So because of that there is only so much my body will let me do before it shuts down for a long period of time. What message do you want to deliver to women who are dealing with domestic violence? K.S. To the women who are dealing with domestic violence I see to you be encourage. Dig deep and find yourself worth, love you better then anyone can. Once you wrap your mind around that... “THAT” will be when you will find the strength you need to take the first step into a new journey that you are so deserving of. Understand, by no means is it going to be easy but it is definitely doable. Now for your second book, “My soul is well,” what is that about? What is the message you are trying to deliver in this book? K.S. My Soul Is Well is a continuation of Healing My Soul. It is the next phase of my journey. My soul is well; I am still moving forward through all the obstacles and appreciating the joy within loving myself. You will read how things got rough but I never looked back and things are getting better each and everyday. Are you planning on writing any other books? K.S. I have a third book entitled, The Basic, “What we need to know about TEEN DATING ABUSE”. This book is a short read explaining the ends and outs of teen dating violence. How can your readers connect with you? K.S. The readers can follow our organization on FB and we can be contacted by email, temeo4dv@gmail.com Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers about your organization?

K.S. Our organization collects donations in the form of everyday essentials that can be used by the women and their children of a domestic violence shelters that our organization has adopted. All who have purchased or was given a copy of Healing My Soul has told me that they could not put it down until the end. There is a lot of stuff that you may add to your article that I believe will encourage any victim that reads your article within my first book. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so much that went on in the 10 years I would be typing all day.

Thank you for the opportunity,

Kesha

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