the Become Magazine Spring 2021 by Sharon Holliday

Spring 2021

BECOME STRENGTHENING THE WHOLE WOMAN SPIRIT SOUL AND BODY IN THE ROLES SHE IS CALLED

Featuring:

HOPE EVANGELIST MAUDE BELL

YOUR DESTINY IS DIVINE

Dean of Wisdom Academy Rev. Debbie Howard

Sell What You Have

JANICE J GIBBONS

BODY FOCUS INTRODUCTING GET FIT NANCY BROWN-WHEELER

PARENTING IN THE PANDEMIC ADRIENNE GRANT TAYLOR

~WOMEN WRITERS~ NEW RELEASES NEW AUTHORS

EXHORTATION PATRICIA RAY ~ STORIES FROM YOUNG WRITERS AMIRIAH RAY ~ SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS

May 9, 2020 New Book Release

Spring Meditations

Song of Soloman 2:11-13 For now, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. ‘The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!’”

Zechariah10:1

Ask the LORD for rain In the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.

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Contributors

p15 Janice J Gibbons

p21 Debbie Howard

p8 Maude Bell

p11 Nancy Brown-Wheeler

p31 Lucinda Blue p30Amiriah Ray

p25 Patricia Ray

p17 Adrienne Grant Taylor

p40 Tammy B Hooks www.theBecomeMagazine.com

WOMEN OF GODLY CHARACTER

SPEAKS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Keeps inner beauty 1 PETER 3:4

editor's note

We had a big historic start here in 2021. The Manifestation of the people's choice after exercising our right to vote in the 2020's election. We would like to say, thank you to all for doing your part in honoring the ones that gave their lives for liberty to elect our government authorities. As Christians leaders, our position is that of spiritual authority exercised in prayer allowing God to lead us by His Spirit in all we do. We must be devoted to Him, in that we will always be the prevailing authority wherever we are positioned. This is what we must understand. Our spiritual seats are not in this realm. I personally thank God for you. I thank him for your commitment to Him to pray. We grow in all areas as we yield spiritually to Him. May your hunger and thirst be as a deer pants for water. Say, " O'God, I thirst for you daily. In this issue, we celebrate Woman in March recognizing Women's History Month (celebrating women and on May 9th Mother’s Day, we honor you. Ultimately, we honor the Women of Spiritual authority who have taken their place in Him and fill their places in the earth. No matter what role He is being revealed in you, " Let Him be Glorified" Blessings. Sharon Holliday

Founder and Editor

Join our online presence Instagram @become.magazine Meet our Contributors Get Submissions Guidelines Website: www.thebecomemagazine.com Facebook The Become Magazine

Hope Evangelist Maude Bell Hope deferred makes the heart sick Proverbs 13:12 The spirit of hope is alive in most people when the environment in which their lives are filled with positive energy and when an exuberant stable economy is present. They lend to prosperous and peaceful living. The bills are paid, and the children are fed, and their family is otherwise provided for, which leads to the family’s hope and expectation to enjoy life, good health, and share great life experiences with both family, friends, and community. For the believing person whose expectation is in the LORD, sudden changes, or unexpected situations are an opportunity to look upward to God for guidance. God is forever speaking, to the ear that can hear Him. If we are walking by sight and not by faith. Then hope deferred can feel like hopelessness, Especially, the thing anticipated, after a long season of waiting has not manifested and appears to no longer be attainable. (continues)

HOPE Evangelist Maude Bell Whilst engagement parties are characterised by their sense of humming excitement and guaranteed fun, they are a little more involved than throwing some cocktail weiners on toothpicks and calling it a day.

the "iris" is symbolic for hope

God was glorified in keeping this promise of a Yet there is hope beyond disappointment: son to Abraham since Sarah was well past the If we can embrace the hope that confidence God’s child-bearing age. Her situation seemed to be WORDS BY SARAH SANCHEZ promises gives, we will never despair and become impossible, but we know that nothing is hopeless in our seemingly hopeless encounters. impossible; or too hard for God. (Genesis God’s ability to change things and situations is 18:14, Matthew 19:26, and Mark10:27). never exhausted. There may be times that our Our seemingly, hopeless times can become expectations or hopes end with disappointment, realities with God’s divine intervention however; many times, it is God working the according to his will for the existing situation. situation out for our good. Mark 9:23 tells us that all things are possible (with God) to them that believe. I believe it is important to understand that hope is Believing is also a tremendous asset to different from a promise. receiving. Hope is an expectation. God is glorified when we persist in holding fast God’s Promises are unfailing. to His promises to us. His promises oftentimes A good example of God’s surety in a promise is differ from our desires, hopes, and found in Romans 5:17-21 concerning God’s promise expectations. Even so, it remains sure that of a what he has promised He is also able to son to Abraham and Sarah. In Abraham's situation, perform (Romans 4:21) regardless of what our he had both a promise and an expectation or hope, despair or hopeless feelings may dictate. because the one who made the promise (God) was Isaiah 55:11 says His word (God’s word) shall able to bring it to fulfillment. not return unto Him void but will accomplish Sarah, on the other hand, upon hearing that she what He pleases and prosper in the thing was going to have a child and knowing that she was whereunto He sent it. past the child-bearing age. She laughed at what In this hour of the Covid19 pandemic, many seemed to be unbelief when she heard it. She had people may feel that there is no hope for them desired a child, but now she must have been feeling because of having tested positive for this virus. hopeless concerning having a child. God, on the My encouragement is that in addition to other hand, is the author of performing in our lives seeking treatment, seek God in prayer for the seemingly impossible and hopeless things that healing mercy also. He has planned for His people.

Spring|2021

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Hope (con't) Evangelist Maude Bell Make your request known to God and allow His peace that passes all understanding to keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7). If you are reading this and happen not to be a Believer on the Lord Jesus Christ yet, I encourage you to pause for a moment and think about anything that may be discouraging to you presently, or anything that you may think is even hinging on the prospect of hopelessness or despair. Jesus came to bring hope to your hopeless situation. He desires that all of us be seated with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6) far above the hopeless feelings of the things that are attached to this world’s system. I offer you this prayer: Lord, please fill us with your hope and help us build confidence in your faithfulness. Help us keep your promises and your ability to work out the seemingly, impossible and helpless situations in our lives. As we place our faith in You, let your glorious light shine in our hearts in the darkest hour and bring us your peace to calm our spirit man. Help us to wait on You with expectation and assurance that our hope in You will never be misplaced, nor will it leave us desolate for You have promised to abundantly supply our every need. Please override our fears with the knowledge of Your love and faithfulness, and make us strong in our trust in You. Amen! But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me: my glory, and the lifter up of my head. (Psalm 3:3). "Why art thou cast down O, my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? “Hope thou in God!” (Psalm 42:5) Amen!

Introducing Tell us about how your fitness journey started. I'm from Dunn North Carolina and have been

Get Fit Zumba Dance Instructor Nancy Brown-Wheeler

residing in Fayetteville for most of my adult life. I have a Degree from Hagerstown Junior College. I served in the United States Army. Later became employed as McDonald Restaurant General Manager for 22 years. I retried at the Age of 62. Staying Fit must have been easy after being in the military. On the contrary, being in the Military it was MANDATORY to stay "Fit and Healthily," but after leaving the Military,

I found it o be difficult to stay fit and eat healthily. Why? There was no one telling you what to eat and how much you HAD to weigh. I had no discipline so, I could eat what I wanted. I had NO more Physical Training. After I became a General Manager at McDonald's, I found it to be a challenge to stand on my feet all day and keeping up with the employees. One day my daughter (Zaneta) said to me, Mom you should come to Zumba with me as my guest. At first, I was hesitant. I felt that it was no way I could do what that young lady was doing. The next day I went to TruFit Gym. I spoke with the General Manager. He informed me, "Getting Healthy was not a choice, it is life or death". Your health is not negotiable. You must change your lifestyle. From there, I started attending Zumba classes. I loved it! Once I found myself in the fitness world, I felt like I had found a new home. That's Amazing, Nancy! Zumba has been a part of my life for the past 5 years, and I have seen and felt first-hand the effects of regulars practice. (continues next page)

STRENGTHENING THE WHOLE WOMAN SPIRIT SOUL AND BODY IN THE ROLES SHE IS CALLED 11

(Cont) Nancy tell us, how did you become a Zumba instructor? I enjoyed Zumba so much, I decided to get licensed. I obtained the following certifications: Zumba Basic I Zumba Basic 2 Zumba Pro Skills Zomba Toning MixxedFit CPR Certified every 2 years I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share this beloved practice with others. Are you planning more with this beyond teaching at venues? And may Become Magazine follow-up with you with your future goals as an entrepreneur, motivator, and Zumba Dance Instructor? Yes, I've started a group with a few ladies and I believe it is that next level that God has for me to help others get fit but also grow in their personal goals, and enhance their lives to accomplish what He has already destined for them because they are making movements to care for their body, His temple. You are changing lives one dance at a time, we are proud of you. I perceive there is so much more to be shared, Thank you, Nancy Brown-Wheeler. So, we will be following up in an upcoming issue of the Become Magazine on https://issuu.com/gwinc You are Amazing!

Follow her on Facebook Nancy Brown Wheeler

We are thankful for Mrs. Nancy for offering an online Get Fit Class and helping us become our best selves.

group get fit

It's Time For a Spiritual Spring Refreshing

When we are thirsty we seek something refreshing to drink like a cold glass of water, infused water, fresh sparkling water with fruit or some other refreshing drink. There are times we just have an appetite or a thirst that demands satisfaction in our natural being . Do you know we need a spiritual refreshing? My soul thirst for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God. Psalm 42:2 What do we do when we thirst spiritually? Go to the fountain. I have learned, the fountain is the "eye" of the water desert. It is the natural source for living water. Who is the Fountain? You are the fountain of life, in your light we see light. Ps. 36: 9 "Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost." You can come to God to be refreshed, you are not limited by who you are or what you have. Isaiah 55:1 Dear Lord, I desire that thirst for you. I invite you in to refresh me and show me how to drink from the Fountain and see your light in all that I do in the name of Jesus, Amen. Devotional by: Sharon Holliday

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YOUR DESTINY IS DIVINE FIRST LADY JANICE J. GIBBONS

Many times we do not acknowledge God’s sovereignty working in our lives. God knows how your story is going to end. Your destiny is before you. It is time to stop looking back at your past! God’s words tell us to forget the former things and not to dwell on the past. He said, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43: 1819). Have you ever noticed while driving a car that the front windshield is larger than the back? You must focus more on what is ahead instead of looking in the rearview. Whatever happened in your past, leave it there! There is nothing that you can do about it now.

Let the past bury the past. It is time you realize the footprints of your past are wiped out by your future. You cannot imagine the things that the Lord has prepared for you. You are the one to make the footprints for your future. Can you see your footprint ahead of you? No, because walking a step-by-step process. It takes walking in faith to get you to your destiny. God has already prepared your future. You have a part to play to reach your divine destiny. It reminds me of the story of Ruth the Moabites in the bible. Ruth left her family and journeyed with her mother-in-law Naomi to a place she had never been, to live in a country that she had never been to, and to live with a culture of people she had never met.

Ruth did not know what was ahead of her, but she took a step of faith. Timing is everything to God. You must be in the right place at the right time to hear divine instructions. Ruth was willing to leave all that she was familiar with to go to a place of unfamiliarity. God is trying to get us out of our comfort zone. Ruth trusted the God that Naomi, her mother-in-law, worshipped. Ruth said, to Naomi, that her God will be her God and her people will be her people. It took a step of faith for Ruth to follow Naomi. You see Ruth, ended up marrying Boaz, whom she found favor with while working in his field. Boaz was one of the richest men in their country. (continues)

S p r i n g 2 0 2 1 15

Your Destiny is Divine (cont) I say Ruth was in the right place at the right time! God had it all set up for Ruth. It was divine! Ruth did not allow fear to hinder her, neither did she allow any limitations. Rather than saying you cannot, start saying that you can. God will give you the strength to go through every circumstance that life throws at you. Do not allow negative thoughts to limit you. You can overcome those thoughts with the word of God. You can change the trajectory of your life by what you say and how you see yourself. God’s desire for us is to walk by faith. We must trust His word rather than by walking by what we see. If you find yourself in a time of despair, where everything looks gloom and doom, you are in that wasteland, that desert place, a barren place in life, you must trust and believe that God is there with you. God is always working all things out for our good. His word tells us, He will never leave us or forsake us as believers. We cannot perceive with a finite mind what our infinite God is doing right now in our lives. Each time the devil tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future! His destiny is the Eternal Fire of Hell. God has prepared it for him and all the fallen angels with him! First Lady Janice J Gibbons

PARENTING IN THE PANDEMIC

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child up in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Growing up on a farm, I had the pleasure of watching my parents and grandparents operate their homes. Picking vegetables from their gardens, canning, sewing, and farming gave me such a sense of a strong family. The men would come together and build houses and farm together. Most of the activities were done in love. The women would gather the families together baking cakes and pies. Families took care of the people in their neighborhood and some of the family members in the surrounding cities. My grandparents operated several businesses while continuously sowing back into the community and church. Looking back it was a system of working and parenting. The day consisted of waking up early, working, and reading. Also, watching the local and national news, bath and bedtime was a ritual. The lessons were consistent and passed on to my parents. The women stayed home to care for the home and children. The men worked, paid all the bills, and handled the expected and unexpected Lady Adrienne Taylor Grant circumstances. Education Currently, both parents are working and children are technology savvy creating new ways of doing homework and classwork. Since the pandemic, parents have been forced to work from home and conduct school in the comfort of their homes. Can you imagine the stress some families are experiencing? Parenting has always required prayer and patience. Parenting in the pandemic requires more skills and learning daily. Unfortunately, life has families super busy interrupting the communication between home and school. Teachers expect parents to reach out and parents expect teachers to reach out. Tools for communicating consist of emails and text messages. The pandemic has allowed parents to visualize what a day in school looks like from the comfort of their homes. How do we balance work and school at the same time? Here are some tips to help catapult your children during the pandemic: 1. Create an atmosphere for learning in your home. Make it personal. Write their names on places in the room. Hang pictures of the family and other children. Have great lighting. Make learning fun! 2. Teach by example. If you are not an avid reader now is the time to become one. Let them see you reading and engaging in educational conversations. Young children will model your words and movements. Older children will imitate your words, their peer’s words, your movements, and peer movements if we aren’t engaged with them. 3. Believe it or not, "Show and Tell," still exists. As you travel don’t forget to have conversations about the environment. Compare and Contrast the people, places, and buildings. Financial literacy would be rewarding to study during the pandemic. Take virtual tours online. 4. Visit your local school and district websites for extra resources to increase grade-level learning. Visit the Department of Education site for resources and expectations for End of the Grade (EOG) testing. Each state will vary by grade level. Look at the school report cards for the schools in your district to determine the next school move. 5. Partner with other families in your neighborhood or school district. (continues) 17

Parenting in the Pandemic (cont) Stay connected to the school via emails, Facebook, Instagram, or virtual school board meetings. Set a bedtime and wake-up time. Schedule your events. The most important of parenting in the pandemic is to continually show your children love and support. Love is patient and love is kind. God teaches us the power of love in his Word. Parents all over the world are under stress trying to maintain their mental health as well as their children. I send my first-year college son sweet, motivational text messages. Due to his busy schedule of football and academics, I wait for his calls. Normally, his calls are on Facetime, which I adore. Those calls provide me the opportunity to see his face, look into his eyes, and read his thoughts. Also listening to the voices in the background, to inquire about other sons, as well as my own. Growing up with a Marine father and mother as an educator, I didn’t realize what I considered strict rules would trickle down years later into my household; learning to carefully choose my words and choosing the right time to have conversations concerning important issues. Rewarding them for excellent grades and just simply staying connected. I am so thankful for my parents. Parenting requires time and effort regardless of the day experienced on the job. Take time to unwind and enjoy the blessing God has given. Be reminded of who and whose you are. Stay connected to God the Father. Pray for your households to be blessed and highly favored. Pray for the wisdom of God in your home.

Pray for the right people will be in place to provide resources and tools to help your children be successful. Pray for the school officials to support your students and provide quality education during and after the pandemic. Pray for your strength, your vibrant health, and wonderful thoughts will penetrate your homes. Pray Psalms 91 over everything and everyone connected to you. May the peace of God dwell mighty with you as you work with your children. May the love of God overflow in your life. Scriptures for Parenting Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children. Proverbs 1:8-9 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Psalms 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

Educationally Yours with Love, by Adrienne Grant Taylor Spring 2021

Introducing

Get your copy on Amazon!

Deborah Howard NATIONAL POETRY MONTH Dean of The Wisdom Academy

Bio:

BLESSED MAMA. THANKFUL CHILD Mama, I can't remember, When you held me for the first time After I came from your womb. Mama, I can't remember My first tooth, Mama, I can't remember When I took my first step Or riding the tricycle for the first time Mama, I can't remember My first word or the one which followed that All I know is you were there If I cried, fell or I just needed correction and a hug. Mama now that I am older I remember the special things you did While I was in my youth Like the little red dress you bought With your hard earned dollars. It was the dress I took my first school pictures in. You always make me look so pretty And my friends all thought I was rich. I remember no matter what we had It was always neat and clean.

Now, mama, I'm much older O'Lord, I am blessed to have you still You still act like you did when I was a child You check to see that I well And you Cover me with a prayer each day. O' I remember How you stayed with me when I was sick And you weren't feeling so will those days. And just imagine. A greater love than that exists in God Thank you, for reminding me. Mama, you are a blessed Mama and I'm a thankful child One thing I want you to know, It's my turn now, So when you needed anything, that's why I'm there It when seems out-of-the-way -or you just desire something I'll do what I know to see that you have it Like you did for me The way you did your best for me I feel that way today So mama, don't ever think that doing something for you or being there is a bother Remember it is an honor. When I read Proverbs 31, I say, "Lord, as a Woman of God Thank you, That's My Mama" (c)2006 SDH

SharonHolliday

Sell What You Have Deborah Howard Dean of The Wisdom Academy

Sell what you have. Lk 18:21-23 The words pierced me like a carefully targeted arrow hitting its mark. Yet, I was neither rich nor young. Neither was I a ruler. Or was I? There were some things he’d gotten right, this young man which stood questioning Jesus. Yet, there was more required of him. He ruled. But he lacked the ability to exercise dominion in the arena of marketing.

As a young writer, aspiring to see my articles in print, the revelation flooded my understanding jolting my little world of I-don’t like-to-do-marketing. The words bathed me with a new understanding. “Sell what you have.” It only takes a moment for the higher thoughts of the Lord to penetrate and shatter the hidden secrets of the heart. I, like the rich, young ruler, was holding on to my writing as he did his possessions. With a change of thinking, I pondered the words. “Sell what you have.” What you have…not what they want. Sell it! Don’t give it away. Sell what you have. You’ve got it, something others need to survive, overcome, endure…succeed. What have you already written? What have you written that has value? What are you storing up in barns, even building new barns to hold, instead of getting it out into the arena of the valued product? Writers, rich with ideas, must accept the challenge Jesus presented to the young ruler. It requires a change of focus from possessor to promoter. From marks to market. From my possession to my responsibility to get the message out. What could the rich young ruler have done? What can we, rich young writers do? Accept the challenge and obey the command. Hear the affirmation in the command. Ponder this for a moment. Jesus told the man, “Sell what you have.” He obviously knew what the man had. According to the young ruler’s response to the Lord, he kept five of the ten commandments. Jesus did not discount the accomplishment. He could just as well have said, “Don’t keep the secret to your success, the ability to keep these commandments, stored away in your own barn. Make this available for public consumption. Feed those who are struggling with that which you have mastered.” DEBORAH HOWARD DEAN OF THE WISDOM ACADEMY T

Jesus’ words of command were also words of encouragement. It was an affirmation of the young man’s wealth. I know what you have. Sell it. Get people to make an exchange. At the same time, He was also saying, “There are people out there who are willing to pay for what you are storing.” Think about this for a moment. This is Jesus speaking. He knows who you are and what you have to offer. He knows the needs of the people and he’s standing before you with one simple command. “Sell what you have.” Package what you have for public consumption. Someone needs it. Someone will buy it….and you will experience new life. Isn’t that the essence of what Jesus said to the man? Let’s take this a step further. Let’s brainstorm together. What unmerited thinking shackled the rich young ruler? Could it be summed up by saying, “I don’t know how? I don't have the time. I've never done that before.” After all, those are some of the excuses we’ve been using, isn’t it? I don’t know how to find out who needs this information. I don’t know how to query an editor. I don’t know how to edit the article. I don’t know how….? Fill in the blank yourself. I’m sure you, like myself, have said it enough times to know the refrain by heart.

Sell What You Have (con't)

Here’s a thought to ponder. This ruler was being challenged by the Lord to expand his knowledge base. Yet, he was content to just “possess”. Many in the body of Christ stand at the same threshold. We possess knowledge of the Christian life. We have overcome in several, if not many, arenas. We have some trophies and we sometimes recall the moments of triumph. But have we recorded those victories, the lessons learned, and the encouragement for others? I want to leave you with this thought today. Are you a rich young ruler? Are you secure in your level of accomplishment? Take this challenge today. What truths have you mastered? What area of your life has been transformed. What "food for thought" do you have that others will be nourished by? Write them. Record them and pass them on. They’re valuable and someone will make an exchange (buy) in order to reach the level of success you are basking in today. Deborah Howard Dean of The Wisdom Academy

Spring 2021

A FRESH START WITH SPRING CLEANING

WORDS OF EXHOTATION BY ELDER PATIRCIA RAY Spring up with a fresh start like flowers and trees beginning to bloom! When you physically spring clean you take out all the junk and clutter. Spiritually God wants us to do the same. Do you realize,e spiritually, we've been given instructions to examine ourselves? Therefore, examination helps us spring clean our houses (spiritual lives) helping us to see we must get all the junk and clutter out. I want to share with you five nuggets to help you get started. 1.Note: A real cleansing can only start when you involve God, clearing your mindset to "Put God first." Clean your heart Over the years we can clutter our minds and hearts with some old done me wrong unforgiveness, get backs, and just some set in your ways things that may be blocking spiritual breakthroughs and victories. So here's your first nugget. Ask the Lord to help you clean your heart. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." Psalms 51:10-12 NLV Remember this: Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

S p r i n g 2 0 2 1 25

2. Note: The mind is like a closet, what you have in it you can pull it out and wear it whether it fits the occasion or not. So you must have clear thoughts to select the right choice. Therefore, renewing the mind will always keep you going in the right direction. Renewing your mind cleans out your spirit closet. Romans 12:2NLT Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Isaiah 40:31NTL But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. 3.Note: Prayer is your "Essential Personel" Pray every day, put Jesus in your life every day must become a lifestyle. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1John 5:14 Prayer builds you up. Build your faith. Don't fear. Jesus is with you always So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 KJV Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

4. Prayer Builds You up. Note: If you haven't yet: Repent repenting from all sin (known and unknown) ask for forgiveness. Look these scriptures up. Acts 3:19 Isaiah 44:22 Matthew 3:2-3 Lord, in Jesus' Name, Help us to keep you first in our lives. Help us to cast down every thought that tries to exalt itself over you in our lives. Help us to live a lifestyle in your likeness. Help us to do daily things that will increase our faith and help us desire even more to do your will. Remember to repent daily, do not cease to pray daily.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

A CHILD'S

LOVE

Mom, you are a gentle strength. Many women who serve in the role of a Mother, we are honored to call you Mother because you carried us in your womb, to the woman that could not carry us but cherished us from their arms. and cared for our every need thank you, so Mom, though you maybe Grandma, Aunt, Sister or Friend and Spiritual Mother that stepped in because I needed you to fill those shoes, Whatever category that woman you fit, Know this, Every child needed Mother to carry them, to get them here for their purpose no matter what your choice had to be after that. A child's love and honor are what that child owes you in return Both Mother and Mom I'm Here, every child can say that they have a Mother to thank and a Mom for helping them on the course to where God purpose them so Remember your Mother's Day is special because every child knows whether Mother or Mom or if you were both that a child will never forget your role and love you no matter what life's circumstances delt us. Happy Mother's Day

the Become Magazine Spring 2021

New Book Release Spring 2021 29

AMARIAH'S STORIES

THE LOCK-UP Part two: The day is May 12th and Jasmine was sitting in her room on her laptop zoned out as she heard her teacher calling for her.“Jazz what are you doing?” Mr. Jackson asked her. As Jasmine was about to unmute her teacher moved oncharacterised to the next Whilstherself engagement parties are by their sense of humming excitement and guaranteed they a little more involved than question. It had been two months since schoolfun, let out andare they throwing some cocktail weiners on toothpicks haven’t been back since. Jazz couldn’t take it anymore. She felt and calling it a day. like she would go crazy if she had to stay inside the house for another month. Her mom, Jada loved doing things with her WORDS BY SARAH SANCHEZ daughter but ever since quarantine started she felt Jasmine drifting away even though they were in the same home. Jasmine got a notification from her phone while she was getting ready for bed. She read the text from her boyfriend,’Heyy..Uhmm I don’t think things will work out between us two anymore. We don’t really see each other anymore and I don’t feel the same.’ Jazz could literally feel her heartbeat fall to the ground. She didn’t understand, She felt like they were doing okay. Just to find out he didn’t feel the same way that she did anymore. All she could do was brush the feeling off because her mom had called her to the living room.“Hey sweetheart, I want to talk about your grades.” Her mom said, Jasmine knew where this was headed so she responded “Okay what about them.”“You're failing a class with a 68 Jazz” She said shaking her head. “I’m sorry mom..I’ll get it together” said Jasmine.“I know you will. Hand me the phone until it’s sorted out”Jasmine saw no point in defending herself so she handed her mom the phone and walked out the room. She went straight to her bed with all types of thoughts running in her head. Who would she talk to about her break up since she didn’t have her phone? Who would she talk to in general. She loves talking to her family but she feels like they shouldn’t feel entitled to talk to her all day as if she has no control in her life. After all Jasmine was 16 and had a mind of her own. So She opened her bible and read a scripture.‘My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever’As she read that she felt as if the only person with her now was God and that he would always be with her, but everyone knows people go through things in their life that make them feel alone and doubt the lord is with them. Will Jasmine go through this during her hard times? Let's find out....

Spring 2021

Oh How We Need You! EVERY AND TO

ROLE

GOD

SHOW

WILL

THE

BODY

TAKE

YOU

CHRIST

ACROSS

THE

NEEDED

WORLD

YOU.

EVANGELIST LUCINDA BLUE

Wow! The things God will do when we place our lives in His hands. Blessings to all God’s children who will take the time to read this article. I hope you find it thoughtful and engaging. It’s just a brief glimpse into one of the highlights of the journey of life. Thank you for reading it.

Educator at Harnett County Schools Studied at Fayetteville State University

In August 2011, my husband and I joined our friends’ church. They were new pastors. We figured it had been about four years since we had withdrawn our membership from our former church, perhaps God was leading us to join this ministry and become strong founding members. Right away the Pastor wanted to utilize my husband’s strength of character and straightforwardness in the capacity of deacon. He and his wife saw that I had good communication skills and wanted me to take on secretarial duties. I was very happy that we both had valuable skills to help build the ministry. I had always visualized my husband serving in the role of a deacon. He had always considered himself a sage and an orator of wisdom and was never slow about sharing advice. He was certainly serious and had the type of demeanor that most people come to respect. Everything seemed to fall in line quite nicely.

Oh, How We Need You (cont.) After a few weeks of soaking in the reality of the responsibilities of being a deacon, my husband had this great revelation. He was thoroughly convinced if he was a deacon then his wife, being me of course, should be a mother of the church. “Let some young lady serve as the secretary,” he says. He backs up his argument by saying, “That's what is wrong with the church today, a lack of leadership from the middle-aged. There’s a generation missing. You have the young people, kids 20 and under then you got old people, 60 and over but where are the people in between”... and on he goes. I agreed with his observation that there was a lack of leadership in the church but I squarely defended the Pastor’s decision to use me as the secretary. That's where my skills were needed. Besides, I said to myself, “what I look like, a young woman such as I am sitting up on some ole ‘Mother’s Board’." I could just picture myself sitting among the wide-brimmed white hats with fluttering feathers, ballerina shoes, and pale stockings, “rockin’ and reelin” on the first pew on the left-hand side, close to the pulpit, at the front of the church. No way. Not me.

Oh, How We Need You cont Besides, agreeing to that proposal would put an official end to the comeback I was staging. I had plans to take back what the devil had stolen. My youthfulness was on the top of that list. No deal. My husband was adamant about this Motherboard thing but before he could persuade the Pastor to see things his way, I was on my way to Kandahar, Afghanistan. After applying for over a year to get a job with a company that offered overseas jobs, I was blessed to get hired as a contractor with an International company supporting the military. Perfect timing. I felt relieved having left with my youthfulness still intact…or so it would seem. It took a few months for me to get settled on the military base that I was working. Many days I sat in the DFAC (dining facility). There I ate and watched the parade of faces. I took note that the American military was very young. I have a son and daughter that was the same age as most of these soldiers. I wondered how many of them had killed an insurgent. How many had seen their friends and comrades shredded into pieces by Improvised Explosive Devices? Which ones of them had met face to face with the Grim Reaper themselves but by God’s Grace had spared them to fight another day? They were all here fighting in defense of freedom. I wondered if they had anyone fighting for them spiritually. Surely they all had mothers or fathers who were proud of them that were standing in the gap praying and interceding for their safety. Surely they had Pastors, Preachers, Deacons, and Mothers back at their home churches asking God to protect them, shield them, save them. Or could it be that they were of the lost generation, products of godless homes and an increasingly immoral society, spiritually abandoned by those who should be shining a light in the darkness ahead? After a few more weeks holding down a seat on the pew of the church on base, I prayed and wondered what could I offer to God? How could I be of service to God here in Afghanistan? As I sat in the 13:00 Gospel Service hearing testimonies of triumphs and defeats from so many young Christians, I could see what was needed, a voice of encouragement, words of wisdom, and surprisingly, a motherly touch. The chickens I thought I had left at home had come to roost right on my doorstep and they were all baby chicks.

Oh, How We Need You (con't)

Church mothers are needed. I was needed. I could tell of times when I got wounded and maybe lost a conflict or two, as so many of us have done. We are living epistles that young men and women can read and see the clear message that God is a very present help in our times of need and that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Psalms 46, Deuteronomy 31:6) So there I was representing Jesus Christ to a new generation. God calls the young because of their strength and the old because of their grey hair which represents wisdom. (Proverbs 20:29). I’m not that young but I still have strength. I’m not that old but each grey hair I have has a story. I took the opportunity to share my testimony of God’s saving and redeeming power with people of all ages and nationalities while working abroad. Each time I thank God for preparing me and sending me to various places to serve Him. I have worn many hats in my spiritual walk: wife, mother, parent, servant, counselor, evangelist, prayer warrior, all for the Glory of God. I think my husband still has that big white hat with the feathers on it waiting for me. I’ll gladly wear that one too.

New Author

ONE DAY AT A TIME is a thirty-day devotional book that encourages Christians to schedule time each day for an appointment with God. In this devotional, you will discover: *Thirty Character Traits of the God of the Universe *Motivation and Examples from the Old and the New Testament *Poetical Interpretation of the Word *Opportunity to Self-Reflect About the Author Sheila B. Graham is a retired English teacher. During her thirty-plus years of service in the North Carolina Public School System, she has taught middle and high school students. She also served several years as a Literacy Coordinator, Academic Coach, and Testing Coordinator for Durham Public Schools. She attributes her success in her career and her ministry to her strong faith and belief in God. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 45:1 which states, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” She hopes to motivate others to cultivate their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 35

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Amplified Bible “So let us know and become personally acquainted with Him; let us press on to know and understand fully the [greatness of the] LORD [to honor, heed, and deeply cherish Him]. His appearing is prepared and is as certain as the dawn, And He will come to us [in salvation] like the [heavy] rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

Hosea 6:3

Smart Financial Decisions for Women Chemist/ Financial Expert

Tammy B Hooks

When it comes to supporting a house, women have to make many decisions that affect their family’s future. Oftentimes, women are busy juggling several priorities to include putting their focus on their career, relationships, family, and others before they think about themselves and their own livelihood. In today’s society, women are the primary decision-makers in the home due to divorce, being a widow, single parent, and or a caretaker. At some point in their lives, 80-90% of women will be solely responsible for their finances. You don’t have to be an expert, but you do have to take steps to at least learn the fundamentals of how money works and how you can get money to work for you. No matter what your income level, know that you have the power to accumulate wealth. You have the power to change your life forever. You don’t have to make a six-figure income, have a high-level job with making a big salary, have a large sum of money from an inheritance, or winning the lottery. All you need to achieve financial security is to understand a few basic principles about how money works. First, make a decision that you can become debt-free. You can build savings. Believe that you can become financially independent. The first thing you must do is to take control of the things YOU CAN control. Below are some tips you can use to help ensure your financial future is secure. Keep God ultimately first. Following the principles of the word of God first in giving you can begin using these tips. 1. Pay Yourself First- Before other things make a demand on your money, pay yourself and your family. Deposit a set amount every month into an investment program, no matter what other bills you have. You will be surprised how quickly your money will grow if you regularly put money aside at a good rate of return. Put yourself at the beginning of the line instead of at the end. Treat your savings like a recurring bill that you MUST pay every month. 2. Adjust your priorities-Don’t spend more than you make. It’s not what you make, but it’s what you keep. Change your mindset. If you think you don’t deserve to be financially secure, then you probably never will be. You’ll have a better chance of reaching your financial goals if you upgrade the mental selfimage that you deserve to have the freedom and peace of mind that financial security provides. You can’t buy everything you see. You have to set priorities and understand the concept of need versus want. You need food and shelter. You want to eat ice cream, pricey meals, and get a bigger home. It‘s very important to your financial health to decide to make sacrifices for a period of time and go without some of those wants so that later on you can accomplish your dreams and goals.

3. Earn Additional Income-Get a part-time job or find a way to earn additional income. This extra money can be used to fund your savings program. 4. Realign your assets – Many times you are not getting your money’s worth if you have it in lowinterest savings accounts or accumulations with banks. Take your low-interest savings plans and put them in an area that has the potential for higher returns. Most families are over-premium and underinsured. Also, you can replace your high-cost life insurance, like outdated, expensive cash value insurance policies with term insurance. By making this simple adjustment may save thousands of dollars in premiums over time. 5. Avoid the credit trap and the pitfalls of plastic money. Although credit cards are good for convenience, cash is better. By using cash, you will keep your monthly expenses from spiraling out of control and you will probably spend less money. If you do have a credit card, pay your balance in full to avoid the interest charges that could eventually escalate out of control. Don’t use your debt as an excuse not to save. 6. Set goals and have a plan. If you don’t have a plan, then you plan to fail. To reach your destination, you must first know what your goal is, then take steps to get there. Setting goals gives you an incentive to make the necessary sacrifices and serves as a benchmark to gauge your progress. To get to your destination, you need a roadmap that acts as a financial GPS. As a woman, you have to allow the wisdom of God to guide us through finances although some say it differently, think like the woman God created, in all things. Decide to make changes to your everyday habits and consistently implement the tips I just mentioned. Don’t procrastinate. Learn how to master your money and not be a slave to it. These tips are great steps in creating a solid foundation for your family’s financial future. Division Leader, Primerica For more information: Call Toll-Free at 1-866-262-9366 or 919-332-9209 www.primerica.com/tammy.hooks

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways. Isaiah 55:8-9

The greatest wisdom on finances comes from God, but many overlook it because it has been greatly misused by man. ~GWInC~

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