January-February 2017
HEELS GOSPEL MAGAZINE
ANNIVERSARY
Prophetess Kelly Crews THE COST OF THE ANOINTING
The Editor's Notes
It is hard to believe that we have reached our first year milestone of Heels Gospel Magazine! To see something that began as an idea come to manifestation is amazing. This magazine has grown in ways that I never thought were possible and yet I have learned that when the Lord is in a thing, He does all things well! I had a desire nearly ten years ago, to do a magazine, but I could not make it come to pass. I understand now that God's timing is impeccable. I needed to grow into being able to make a quality magazine and I needed each and every contributor to help me make this magazine as great as it is. No man is an island, I have learned that for certain and I am thankful for all those that the Lord has placed in my sphere to influence me to take this magazine higher. In this year, I have had the privilege to meet some amazing women who are now contributors to Heels Gospel Magazine. Women who in their own right are accomplished authors and professionals in their respective roles. I have had the opportunity to interview some high profile people and speak with them as if though I was talking to a dear friend, as well as, everyday people who are quietly doing great things in in the background their communities and personal lives. I don't count any of these connections as small, but as jewels to be added to the value of doing what is in ones heart to do. I want to thank everyone who has supported us through sales, views, sharing our information and so many more areas that I can't even call. Without your support we would not be such an influencial magazine. We promise to make this next year even greater, with more heart-felt stories of triumph and encouragment, articles that will help you to be successful in every area of your life and even some more fashion tips to help you to enhance your very essence. We look forward to the growth and expansion of Heels Gospel Magazine and honor all who continue to help us to go to new heights!
Cheryl Jones-Ross Editor in Chief
SCRIPTURE READING:
He answered and said, Lo, I see f!r men loose, walking in " mid# of " fire, and $ey have no hu%; and " form of " f!%h & like " Son of God.
Daniel 3:25
HEELS ON THE COVER Prophetess Kelly Crews
Editor in Chief Cheryl Jones-Ross
Style Editor Tyonna Singleton
Contributing Writers Rev. Denise Wade
Satin Boykinds
Sharvette Mitchell
Contents January-February 2017 Edition
8 12 14
Matthew Singleton SICQOGRAPHY
Apostle Trena Stephenson At the Heart of International Ministry
20
When He Call My Name Rev. Denise Wade
25
The Year of Implementation Dr. Stacie Grant
28
No Longer My Representative Robin Sample
33 38
Staff Photographer
Meagan Farrare Artist Spotlight
Kelly Crews The Cost of the Anointing
31
Robin Sample
Sharvette Mitchell
16
Connie Birth
Dr. Stacie N. Grant
3 Tips for Facebook Etiquette
Kingdom Health 4 Life With Satin Boykinds The Year in Review Through Pictures
Anita O Willaims Taking it to the Streets
‘The Year of Implemenation" Page 8 Page 25
Meagan Farrare
No Longer My Respresentative
Artist Spotlight
Page 28
Page 12
KINGDOM HEALTH 4 LIFE with SATIN B. Page 31
Apotle Trena Stepenson Page 14
The Year in Review Page 33
Prophetess Kelly Crews Page 16
Anita O Williams Page 38
What's in a Name Rev. Denise Wade Page 20
I have worked on this book for almost four years. I had to go back, rewrite and edit it over and over again as the Lord continued to transform me in my thinking process during that time period. I had to rest for months at a time because of the heaviness of writing this book. I had to pray and ask God for forgiveness as I began to recognize all of the times that I had made a mess of things thinking that I was doing His will. I also had to decide if I really wanted to expose all of my weaknesses and my faults stemming from failing to really overcome the residue of my past. I certainly laid it all on the line in this book. But I needed to be transparent about my own life, so that I could tell why it took the Fire of God to come into my life to transform me. The Lord will send fire in our lives so that He can give us beauty for ashes. But we will not be beautiful until we first, shake off those ashes, and secondly let Him examine us and determine that there is no more residue on us from our past before we can arise out of the ashes into position and with the favor of God.
Cheryl Jones-Ross
Three Tips For Facebook Etiquette Per Wikipedia– Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. Ok so that may be a little wordy, but I think there are some “codes of behavior” that should be observed on Facebook. Here are MY 3 tips: 1) Don’t tag friends/people in posts, notes, videos, pictures, flyers & links in which it does not pertain to that person. This is specifically critical if you don’t personally know or interact with the person. In essence, you are using their exposure for your benefit. You are also saying that this person endorses your post, event or blog or whatever. Ladies and gentlemen, this is called advertising which you should pay for… 2) Be cautious about posting a link (i.e. video link or link to your blog) on someone’s page and then requesting their feedback on the post. Most people think they are going to only receive good comments. That is not guaranteed…
You open yourself up to getting negative feedback that you did not anticipate… In addition, this negative feedback may be posted in the open for all to see. Facebook Etiquette Suggestion: Send an inbox request or email request if you would like someone to review your link, blog, book, video, etc. This will allow them to give you private comments and feedback. 3) Be cautious about asking people to promote your event, book, business, ministry etc., on their Facebook page AND you don’t offer anything in return. As a reminder, that is called advertising and you should pay the person or compensate them. Facebook Etiquette Suggestion: Offer to promote something they are working on, offer to list them as a sponsor on your event program, website or as a patron. This makes for a win win situation!
Do I need a Facebook page for my CHURCH? Let me make this easy for you…the answer is YES! Your church absolutely needs its on page on Facebook to interact with members, visitors and future members! A few benefits of having a Facebook “Like” page or “Fan” page for your church/ministry: • • • • •
You can schedule posts to appear on your page some time in the future ( i.e. weekly service times, upcoming events, meetings and rehearsals & etc.) Your church website link is listed very clearly on the main profile page (Don’t have a website for your church yet? Click here) Visitors & members can give you ratings (i.e. testimonials) that appear on your main profile page Facebook gives you Insights and information into your posts and followers ( i.e. audience summary, best time to post & etc) You can use Facebook Ads as a marketing tool to target zip codes near your church. This will allow you to create Facebook posts that are seen by people that live near your church!
About Sharvette Mitchell
As Creative Director of Mitchell Productions, LLC (Web Design & Social Media Coaching), Sharvette seeks to bring your BRAND alive and build something AMAZING! Contact her at hello@mitchell-productions.com and visit her website at www.Mitchell-Productions.com
BASED ON THE UNTOLD TRUE STORY MEET THE WOMEN YOU DON'T KNOW BEHIND THE MISSION YOU DO
Janelle Monae
Taraji P. Henson
HIDDEN
FIGURES
In Theatres Now
Octavia Spencer
Congratulations to Viola Davis on her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!
Meagan Farrare Ministries According to industry professionals, Evangelist Meagan Farrare is 29 years old and the proud spiritual daughter of Overseer Hayward R Hamilton. She is currently serving under Dr. Hamilton’s leadership at Conquering Power Church of Deliverance in New Castle, DE. Meagan received her formal education from Delaware Public School System. Upon graduating she attended Valley Forge Christian College majoring in Pastoral Ministry. During her first year in college, Meagan started traveling to various place to preach to include Arkansas, Arizona, New York and the DMV area. At the age of 19 while still in college, Meagan enlisted into the Delaware Air National Guard. She proudly continues to serve her nation to this day. In the year of 2015 God directed Meagan to start Women of Purpose. This ministry empowers women through the principles of Sisterhood, Prayer, and Community Outreach. Women of Purpose launched a mentoring program for girl’s ages 12-17 named God’s Purposed Girls (GPG). GPG is a program that deals with goal planning, self-esteem, and abstaining until marriage. Meagan also self-published her first book “Her Little Black Book of Prayers” in March of 2016. This is a topical prayer book that encourages women to change the way they pray in order for them to live the abundant life God desires for them! Meagan is blessed to be the wife of Terrance Farrare and the mother of an amazing six year old named Autumn La’Ren. Meagan is greatly honored that God would use her as a vessel to stir up the gifts inside of those she encounters. She is honored to be used as God’s vessel to stir up the gifts inside of those she encounters to fulfill every bit of purpose God has called them to. Her foundational scripture is Romans 8:15~ “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father
Meagan Farrare Ministries Phone: 302-300-8599 Email: Bookingmfarrare@gmail.com
Connie Birth, Contributor
At The Heart of International Ministry
Apostle Trena Stephenson
According to her bio on her Women of God Ministries website, Apostle Trena Stephenson is a woman of Excellency, Inspiration, and Compassion. She believes in empowering others by speaking truth that comes from the unadulterated Word of God. Born and reared in the church, the Lord entered and influenced her life early, under the ministry of her parents, Pastor (Chaplain) Charles Jackson and First Lady Nina Jackson. Trena answered the call of ministry in 1993, which was followed by many years of servitude in ministry. She was later ordained as a Prophetess at Radical Apostolic Power International Ministries, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Apostle Antonio Briggs. Apostle Stephenson was ordained as an Elder through Bible-way Churches of America Worldwide, under the Presiding Prelate and Chief Apostle Cornelius Showell. And in December 2010, Apostle Stephenson was elevated to the office of Overseer of Woman of God, Inc. After hearing the call of God and being found suitable for a greater responsibility, Apostle Stephenson accepted the appointment to serve God´s people as an Apostle in the Lord´s Church. And in October 2013, she was Affirmed and Consecrated by the hand of Chief Apostle Dr. William Billups and Manifest Kingdom Global College of Bishops and Apostles to the position and vocation of Apostle of Protocol and Northern Region Prelate where she served faithfully for 2 years. In October 2015, under the leading of the Lord, Apostle Stephenson united with Rhema International Ministries Inc., Chief Apostle Timothy and Apostle Kimberly Weathers as her spiritual covering. Apostle Stephenson serves as a mentor to diverse groups of women from various denominations and backgrounds. She also serves as Founder and Presiding Prelate of Bridge of Hope Deliverance Ministries & Fellowship of Churches, which currently provides oversight to several ministries nationally/internationally. Apostle Stephenson has been afforded many ministry opportunities/speaking engagements to travel throughout the United States, as well as overseas, in locations such as: Africa, Poland, Paris, Israel and various cities in Germany. "God has totally turned my attention to the international waters. There are so many countries that have reached out for me to come until I can't keep up with the demand. When I was in Paris, the Lord put in my spirit to develop Bridge Missions International Ministrial Alliance just for the international missions. God put in my heart to develop missions teams to go with me consisting of pastors and preachers. These leaders have totally given over their churches and have allowed us to bring who we want. Everyone that goes with me works, there are no sitting ducks. I didn't understand what the Lord was doing until those pastors in Africa sat me down and said that American preachers had a bad reputation in Africa. They said you are just different. This is because, I did not put demands on them because many of those ministries did not have a lot of money. When we go, we cover our own airfare and our accommodations. They just provide transporation for us and give a love offering. I never put that pressure on them to do more.
God told me that He made me a bridge. He said "I am using you to bring America and abroad together. Your job is to restore this relationship so that the perception that has been tainted of American preachers can be done away with". So I take this ministry very personally. Ministry abroad is oxygen to me! I am addicted. I am an addict to their worship, I am an addict to their expectancy, I am an addict to their drive. I tell the team all of the time, "don't get it twisted", God may be using us to minister to these people, but you also have to remember that they have an oil too". They are the ones who have people being raised from the dead. If you had any type of sense you would be one to not only deliver the word, but be one to receive impartation from the oil that is on their life. The worship is intoxicating. When you first get into the atmosphere of their worship for the very first time, if you are an adamant worshipper, you will find yourself on your face, right on the floor. It hits your spirit so hard, and you don't know what to do with it. because it is such a pure worship. And then it gets your heart because you are looking at it like, they don't have the luxuries like we do, and the way they worship God is like they have everything. It blows your mind! I was in Nigeria and I had to minister at three different ministries literally back to back. The traffic in Nigeria can be really bad. What may normally take 30 minutes to get to can take hours because of the amount of people there and their roads are not developed. So you are dealing with dirt roads along with the animals and the people on the roads. There are no stop lights or anything and all you have is your horn. However, the people of God waited for hours and didn't leave. But the thing that blew me away was that they were not sitting when I arrived, they were in high worship the entire time until I was able to take the platform. It does something to you when you see the intensity of their relationship and their worship. I always say, don't try to come from them, when we have alot of stuff going on here. Alot of people will highlight witchcraft and all of that exists, but it exists here too. But when I leave out, I leave empty. In the states, I don't always leave empty. That is because you can't determine the climate of the expectation. Everything that happens in an atmosphere requires expectation. Their's is through the roof! When you have expectation through the roof, anything is bound to happen in that atmosphere because the drive, the passion and the longing is so off the charts. Now have I done things there that I have not been able to do here? Absolutely, but it has been because of the atmosphere. In order to achieve balance, all of the conferences that I would normally do stateside this year will be in Africa because sometimes the Lord will shift you year to year. In the years prior to this I was more focused on stateside and I had international travel blended in. But I don't overload myself and I plan a year ahead and I know when to take a breather. I still have fun, I still minister at home in the states. I always say, my balance is grace.'
THE COST OF THE ANOINTING Prophetess Kelly Crews is the CEO and founder of Kelly Crews Ministries (KCM). The vision and passion of this ministry is to proclaim the saving, healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ worldwide. KCM empowers people globally to walk fully and freely in God's purpose for their lives. God has truly anointed and appointed Prophetess Crews to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ with grace and love, dividing asunder the spirits of mediocrity and complacency in order for people to experience the extraordinary manifestation of God's glory. She truly walks in an Isaiah 61 anointing, "to bind up the broken-hearted and set the captives free." Kelly Crews Ministries was established in 2003. She knew she was given a great mandate to boldly speak the Word of the Lord and it could not be ignored. Kelly has overcome devastating adversity, in her life, from the time she was a child. She never let the challenges obstruct her from God's calling. Through this ministry, God allows her to travel all over the world preaching, teaching, singing and prophesying the Word of the Lord. Prophetess Kelly has authored and published six books, including “Maximize Your Life.” Some words to describe the ministry of Prophetess Kelly would be impacting, revelatory, relational and real. God uses her voice as an instrument to shift atmospheres and bring permanent change to people.
"I started my own publishing company a couple of years ago because I have written 7 of my own books and released them, and people just started coming and asking for help. Now it keeps growing and growing every day. It is really amazing. I also have a website branding/marketing company. We do local clients and I have a couple of very high profile clients right now that I am working with. I do that outside of ministry and really love it. Ministry is my first passion and I love traveling however, in the last 6 months I have felt a little bit of a shift. I believe that God is doing some realignment. It's not necessarily about me re-launching anything, He was saying "I need you to chill-out a little bit and focus on your business for a minute". But now it is picking up again. I have always been different even as a little girl. My father was a pastor so I grew up in a church that was very traditional Free Methodist church in Beaver County, Pa. I have always been in church, but God sort of broke the barriers off of me in the late 1990s into 2000. I don't even know how to explain it, all I can say is that God has done it because it wasn't man or promoting and nobody can take the credit from Him. I always knew there was more in me, I just didn't know that it was ministry. I got pregnant before I got married. I dropped out of college and there were just different things that I had done. It wasn't necessarily that I was super wild or anything, I just made some bad choices at the time even though I thank God for my son from that. I always knew there was something more me and now after all of these years, I am starting to see the fruition and I am just thankful. The cost was very great. I have been divorced for 13 years. Before the divorce I was married for 10 1/2 years to my son's father and it was a very tumultuous marriage. Towards the end he was having multiple affairs and I really was almost losing my mind. I ended up clinically depressed, in the hospital down to about 85-90 lbs. on Zoloft and God was dealing with me. I said "God do you see that I am almost dying" and I ended up filing for divorce because I couldn't take anymore. He ended up marrying the woman that he was with while we were married and that took a whole lot of emotions for me to even deal with that. I ended up getting the short end of the stick and lost everything behind the divorce. I lost my house to foreclosure and I took a very big financial hit with my credit. It was really bad and it seemed like he was flourishing. They had a nice house and all of those things, but it really took me years to rebuild before I heard God say "Get back on your feet". My daughter and I lived in a one room apartment for years. Even while I was preaching and traveling, I was shopping at thrift stores but God has done a complete 180 and brought me full-circle with everything being restored. And now I can even deal with my ex-husband and his wife. But it was a really huge cost and people don't know that when they see you in a cute suit and nice shoes.
During my time on "Preach" alot of scenes were cut because they said that I didn't give them enough "drama". I told the producer, when we were about half way through the production of the show, that I have worked too hard to build what I have built with God and I am not going to compromise and be something that you want me to be and come out of character because that is not who I am. So I had to take a stand and really be who God called me to be. It was a great experience, it was really amazing to be chosen for that. Alot of people didn't like it and alot of people hated it but I didn't really feel backlash from it. There were some things that were really challenging for me, I'm not a drama queen, I don't fight and argue or fuss. That's not even looking like what the kingdom should look like. I didn't go into it with the mind to look for opportunities from it to make me famous because God is really in control. It was really "experience" and I believe that God will open more doors for television. I don't know about reality TV but I still think it was a great experience. I think that "Preach" could have been very productive and it could have been significant, but when it comes to reality shows I think that people need to maintain who they really are and not get pulled into something that is making them look not Godly. I think some people are still looking for stardom, not understanding that God has platformed them in the earth. When your motive is wrong you are going to conform. Sometimes they may not be coming of our character when they do those things, they may actually be operating in reality and nobody saw them because they were hidden. I think that as far as the one dream that I have that I have not done, would be to release a music project and that is one of my other dreams. I really love singing and writing music and I that is one of my hidden dreams that God has called me to do that I believe will happen. I believe I am coming into season now where I will have the right people in the right place and the right connections. In ministry or anything in life you have to remain outside of the place of being impressed by personalities or people and really keep your eyes on God. Not that I am perfect or anything, but I am disappointed by the way people have gotten consumed by their own self and have really kind of dismissed God in the midst of it. The double standard for men and women in ministry has also been a disappointment to me." As she is continually giving God glory, the sentiments of her heart are simply this: "Lord, please don't ever take your Spirit from me, for I am nothing without you. She has committed her life to glorifying God. Accordingly, her personal life and ministry truly exemplifies the saying, "Lord, I'm available to you!"
Revelation 3:5, The one who conquerors will be clothed in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.
"When He Calls My Name." Msg: The conquerors will march in the victory parade, their names indelible in The Book of Life. I'll lead them up and present them by name to my Father and His Angels. There was a time when a name meant something. People found favor because of their name. Their name made it possible for them to live in certain neighborhoods. Their name determined their financial status, their educational status and at times it determined whether or not they went to jail. Black Expecting mothers and fathers who were avid number players would look in the Dream Books to find a name that was listed next to their favorite number or they would read the meaning of that name and would choose the name that would possibly describe their hope and expect ions for their child's destiny. In the 70’s, Immediately after the movie Roots, black people began naming their children African names based on the meaning. For example, Zane – Noble, Omari – God of the highest, Kellan, - powerful, Jamila- beautiful, Kali – energetic, Nailah – successful. These names that were given to the new born predetermined the child’s destiny and gave the parent hope and a sense of pride. This child would live better, have more, be respected among their peers and some day with the help of the Lord, a legacy would be born and would carry the family name on from generation to generation. However, you never heard anyone naming their sons Kunta Kinte, because Kunta means “man over no other man and Kinte simply means slave. In short this name simply Indicated that the black man would never be more than a slave in society. This name told our black men that they would never have authority over anyone or anything . Kunta Kinte had no future beyond the cotton fields and he would never own a thing. He would always be a Masta’s boy. Someone else would always determine his destiny. He would just be a black uneducated male stud used by the white man to produce more black studs to be born and raised for another generation of slavery. We never heard of any mothers naming their daughters Kizzy either, but contrary to the role played in Roots, Kizzy is a Hebrew name Cassia Cinnamon, from the name of the spice tree. In the OT, she was the daughter of Job. She was one of three girls and seven brothers that God blessed Job with upon restoring all that he had lost. These girls were known as the most beautiful girls in the land and shared an equal inheritance with their brothers. They were blessed and the generations after them.
And so today, sadly enough, many of us are still judged by the names we are given/called. And many of us allow the titles we have been given to determine our future, our destiny, our legacy. A prostitute - a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money; whore; harlot A crackhead - a person who cannot stop using crack; a habitual user of cocaine in the form of crack. An alcoholic - dipsomaniac, drunk,drunkard, heavy hard serious drinker, problem drinker, binge drinker alcohol abuser, a person with a serious drinking problem. A thief – person who steals another person's property, especially by stealth and without using force or violence. But God said not so. He had a different plan for his sons and daughters. Jesus said that his children shall be called the righteousness of God. He said that his children would be known as peculiar people, they would be known as the salt of the earth, they would be rich in glory for we are labeled the heirs, more specifically the heirs of salvation. I'm so glad that what man calls me will never determine who I am, where I can go and what I shall have. I get excited knowing that there may be thousands, millions, trillions and even zillions of DENISE’s in this world, but when Jesus calls this DENISE, I am the only DENISE who will hear and answer, because I'll be somewhere listening for my name. When the roll is called up yonder, I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in. We pray and ask the Lord to let His will be done on earth as it is in heaven and that's why we need to carry ourselves on earth worthy enough to be called by name in Heaven. If we are living ratchet, unworthy, sinful, lustful, mean, unforgiving, vengeful, and a distasteful life down here, our pleas, prayers and praises aren't going past the ceiling, much less our names. Whenever we live a life of disobedience, and ignore His commandments, we are saying to the Lord I don't know you in the pardoning of my sins. Or I know you, but with a reprobate mind, I don't want to do the right thing. Jesus said if you deny Him down here on earth, I will deny you to my Father in Heaven. When judgement day comes, the Lord will say, I never knew you; and /or I know you not.
But this should not be our story, because in Verse 5 it does not say these persons were without sin, it proclaims a people who are victorious, overcomers and conquerors. These are the names that we strive to wear in our Christian walk. We want to be known as joy, peace, persevering, kind, good, faithful, gentle, meek, humble, pure. We want to be called the peacemakers, known as the ones who speak life and not death, we want to be known as witnesses for Christ, we want to be known as Holy, Sanctified, Chosen. God says that we are a child of God, a true vine, a friend, justified and redeemed, crucified with Christ, called a Saint, a new creation, set free, blessed, favored, blameless, forgiven, sealed with a promise, His workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made, a partaker of His promise. Ray Boltz wrote: In a land far away, a little boy lay, asleep in his bed, then He heard a voice call, there was no doubt at all, He knew just what it said, he had heard it before, and he could not ignore, what he thought was too good to be true, for the words of a wise man, had opened his eyes. And so he knew what he needed to do. Just be ready to obey, for there’s no greater joy, than hearing Him call your name. And if God spoke back then, He can do it again. So, whenHe calls your name, you need to be listening, when he calls your name, you need to knowHis voice, when He calls your name, you can't ignore, when He calls your name, you need to be obedient, when He calls your name, you need to be ready. When he calls my name, I want to hear him say, “Well done my Good and faithful servant. When my name is called, Let it be He who is able to keep me falling, to present me faultless before the throne, with exceeding joy. There are some things I may not know, there are some places I may not go, there are some things I'm not able to say, but one thing I know, my God is real, I know that Jesus loves me, cause the Bible tells me so…I know where He leads me, I will follow and I know when he calls my name, I will answer, cause I'm gonna be somewhere listening for my name.
When He calls my name…I will answer. Rev. Denise Wade
Orleans Arena Las Vegas Nevada
Set to take the stage this year with powerful worship performances are: Tamela Mann, Shirley Caesar, Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Bizzle, Canton Jones, Da’ Truth, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, VaShawn Mitchell, Tasha Cobbs, Doug Williams, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson & Da Chozen Brothaz. The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 - $200 at www.ticketmaster.com.
THE YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION!
Happy New Year Amazing Women of God!!!! I pray you are enjoying the start of a Healthy, Happy & Prosperous New Year!! Every year we hear the same saying, “New Year, New You.” This theme seems to be quite common in today’s society. However, I wonder how many people make it successfully through at least the first quarter of the New Year as the “New You”? Today, I want to challenge you to dig deep down inside yourself and make a very specific, written declaration of just what this “New You” includes. What area are you ready to transform into the New You? What does the “Spiritual New You” Look like? In this year of IMPLEMENTATION, do you desire to develop more discipline in your spiritual growth? Do you want to spend more time getting in the word of God? Do you want to increase your prayer time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, make the commitment to schedule 5 minute a day to work on these areas. Then at the beginning of each month increase the time you spend by another 5 minutes. In 12 months you would have a solid 60 minutes that you dedicate to the “Spiritual New You”. What does the “Mental New You” Look like? In this year of IMPLEMENTATION, do you desire to transform your mindset and expand your skill set? Do you want to acquire a new skill? Do you want to read one of the many book sitting on your bookshelf? Do you want to invest more in your personal growth & development? If you answered yes to any of these questions, make the commitment to read one new book each quarter or invest in one conference or program at least twice this year. What does the “Financial New You” Look like? In this year of IMPLEMENTATION, do you desire to be financially healthy, wealthy & wise? Do you want to eliminate your debt? Do you want to create an investment portfolio? ? If you answered yes to any of these questions, make the commitment to create a budget for 2017 and reduce your spending and increase your savings. Your financial picture won’t change over night but it will improve with consistent action.
What does the “Physical New You” Look like? In this year of IMPLEMENTATION, do you desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle transformation? Do you want to get in shape? Do you want to improve your diet? Do you want find ways to decrease stress and increase productivity? ? If you answered yes to any of these questions, make the commitment to get a fitness buddy. Hold each other accountable to make small consistent changes every week to create massive results. I believe many people aren’t successful at their “New Year, New You” mentality because they don’t go after it with TOTAL COMMITMENT. Last month I challenged you to commit to ONE of your major 2016 goals. I urged you to take ACTION ACTION DESPITE THE DISTRACTION. With only a few weeks left in 2016, one could’ve easily said, “I’ll just push my deadline back until the top of next year. It’s too late. There’s no need to rush.” But many of you didn’t! Many of you accepted the challenge and went full-force in prioritizing and accomplishing your goals. CONGRATULATIONS to you. Let’s continue the momentum and lay the groundwork to finish 2017 even stronger than 2016!! Join me in declaring 2017 as the year of IMPLEMENTATION. Implementation is the process of putting a decision or plan into effect; execution; fulfillment. In order to fulfill and IMPLEMENT our 2017 goals, we must start early. START IMPLEMENTING TODAY!! ACTION ACTION DESPITE THE DISTRACTION is not only a war cry, it’s a way of life, and in 2017 that’s exactly what we are going to do! Live a life of ACTION through IMPLEMENTATION! I want to hear from you! Write in and let me know what you are IMPLEMENTING and what areas you would like to receive support in. Email your questions to "mailto:Support@DestinyDesignersUniversity.com "Support@DestinyDesignersUniversity.com Please note, all questions, comments, suggestions, and stories submitted will possibly be used in future articles. All personal information (name, gender, race, etc.) will remain confidential and will not be disclosed. I can’t wait to hear from YOU! Remember, I am counting on your success!!! Yours in service, Dr. Stacie NC Grant Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Periscope @StacieNCGrant Join me in our FB Group Community @DestinyDesignU/
Www.ActionActionBook.com
Wisdom Seeds is my debut novel. It was a three year project that has blessed me to share with many women's ministry groups, book clubs and friendship circles.
Danielle began to discern the perfect family facade when she was a little girl. Joy, love, happiness and peace became mere words that were mentioned in her father's sermons and in her grandmother's stories of the wisdom seeds. After Danielle is left heart-broken, single and pregnant, life begins to water the spiritual truths planted in her heart by her grandmother. Sometimes it really is the smallest things that mean so much - like words planted in a little girl's heart. Initially, they have no meaning. It is when they bloom that we understand and appreciate their significance.
No Lon)r My Representative “You don’t even know who you are!” Those words cut me like a knife when they were said to me several years ago. I may have been in my mid-twenties at the time and I thought I had it all together, but obviously, I did not and it was evident to others, at least to the person who made that comment to me.
It is amazing how others can see us more clearly than we can see ourselves when we, especially women, spend so much time looking at ourselves in the mirror. However, it is not solely what is reflected in our mirror image that makes us who we are, a portion of who we are is also that part of us that is not reflected in the mirror. That inner part of us is what others can see so clearly in the way we walk, the way we talk and the way we carry ourselves. What is not seen is our ‘why’ behind our ‘who’.
At the time those cutting words were said to me several years ago, I was dealing with a lot, a lot that no one was aware of other than me. I was in a horrible domestic violence (DV) relationship and I was running scared every day of my life; however, I had learned how to put on a great show on a daily basis in hopes of keeping my dark secret hidden. I was filled with so much fear, yet I was so angry. I was angry with myself for being in that situation, I was angry with my abuser for placing me in that situation and I was angry with the world because I felt abandoned by everyone. I felt as though my friends and family should have been able to tell what I was going through, although I had not shared it with them. I was waiting to be rescued; however, no one knew I needed to be rescued. That went on for three and a half years and with each punch, kick, slap and strangulation, my fear and anger grew more intense. As my anger intensified, unbeknownst to me, my representative was developing and taking on its own identity within me. I was working full time, I was a part-time college student and I was actively involved in my children’s school and community-based activities. In other words, I had enough going on by day to keep my mind off of the horrific beatings that I endured by night. I kept that part of my life a secret and I showed the world the person I wished I was by way of my representative. DV is one of the most difficult topics to discuss, especially for victims. There is a lot of shame, embarrassment and guilt associated with being a victim of DV. This is largely because of the mixed opinions from the general public about this topic. There is a huge amount of stigma attached to DV, which often times prevents victims from coming forward to seek help. ‘Why didn’t they just leave?’, ‘How did they end up in that situation anyway?’, ‘What do they expect me to do?’ Questions like those keep victims from seeking help. It is difficult enough living in fear from day to day, not knowing when the next fist, foot or object would land, all the while having your every move controlled by someone who proclaimed to love, cherish and respect you. To seek help only to be faced with rejection or blame is like being victimized all over again. Unfortunately, this is the life of many DV victims.
Often times, we cannot tell by looking at someone that they are a victim of DV unless they have visible bruises, scratches and other markings on their body. That is, unless we are trained to know the other signs that are not so visible, such as isolation from family and friends, withdrawal from usual activities or routine, sad or depressed mood, anger, irritability, inability to make eye contact during conversations or nervous or anxious behavior when in the presence of their abuser. There may be other signs and indications as well, as no two victims present the same; however, the more common signs are usually present across the board. My main characteristics were anger and irritability and the truth was, I was angry because during that time, I did not know who I really was because I had lost myself, lost my identity, within that abusive relationship. I was completely controlled by another person, much like the relationship between a puppet and a puppeteer. Everything I did was driven by the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing, going the wrong place, talking to the wrong person/people, wearing the wrong clothes or accessories, just plain doing something wrong. I tried desperately to hide the daily fear I lived with by forcing a smile on my face but that was often times difficult to do. I was trying to protect the ‘why’ behind my ‘who’. The person that the general public met upon making contact with me was my representative. That was the person who put forth the persona that all was well, all the while serving as a mask for the real me who was hiding out, afraid to ask for help, afraid to say that I was afraid, afraid of being rejected or laughed at. That was the story of my life throughout my childhood and I could not make sense of saying or doing something that would place me back in a situation that would cause me to feel that kind of pain again. I guess what I had done was chosen the lesser of the two evils, or so I had thought. Life for me was pure misery, nothing short of a nightmare. The only difference between my life and a nightmare was the fact that I was wide awake. Sadly, there are many people currently living the same nightmare that I lived and even more sadly, there are many who did not make it out of their nightmare. I was one of the fortunate ones who is able to share my experience of being a victim of DV and how I struggled to maintain my dignity and my sanity throughout each ordeal. I only shared of one of my three experiences, each one having been more heinous than the one before. But, thanks be to God, I survived each one of them, which gave me the desire and passion to become a victim advocate.
Early on during my tenure as a victim advocate, I experienced triggers on a regular basis, causing me to have flashbacks of my own experiences. I felt my skin get warm, my palms sweat, my heart race and my jawbones tighten every time a victim shared the details of their abuse with me. I wanted to rescue every one of them because I cringed at the thought of anyone having to deal with what I dealt with. It wasn’t until months later and a lot of training that I realized that I wasn’t in a position to save victims, I was in a position to advocate for them, help them regain their voice and their courage. I had to accept and understand the truth about myself and my own experiences in order to understand the same about the victims I would serve. It is a very frightening position to be in, being a victim of DV, and every single decision a victim makes determines their fate from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute, second to second. That is why a lot of decisions victims make do not make much sense to someone who has never been a victim or does not understand the cycle of violence. My representative kept me safe for many years, going before me, presenting an image of a woman who had it all together. A working mother who was taking care of her children and who was in college, trying to earn a degree to make a better life for herself and her children. Had I not had the protection of my representative, I may have acted out of fear in public, raising suspicions and possibly resulting in my death. Thank God I no longer need my representative. However, there are countless victims whom we encounter every day and we have no idea they are victims because we are entertaining their representatives. So, be aware of the signs of a DV victim, the ones that are not so easy to detect. Your awareness just might save a victim’s life. Robin M. Sample, CSC-AD Victim Advocate MSW Candidate
KINGDOM HEALTH 4 LIFE with
SATIN B.
I recently went to the doctor and to my horror, I discovered through my blood test that my cholesterol level was very high at 164. The normal and should be 111. I thought that I was doing all the right things concerning my diet, but after I looked at some of things I was consuming, I realized why my cholesterol was so high. It is very important to keep your cholesterol down. I would advise anyone to keep a watch on your cholesterol level. The foods that cause high cholesterol in the body are meats, diary products, baked goods, and fast foods I certainly have been eating the baked goods, and truthfully recently started eating diary cheese again, not good.
Time to totally re-vamp what I eat. The dangers of high cholesterol are heart diseases, stroke, heart attack, build up of calcium, also plaque build up in the arteries, which affect the blood flow, cells and organs in the body.
KINGDOM HEALTH 4 LIFE with
SATIN B.
DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! I think Quaker has the motto that says, "take care of your heart", and what a great motto that is even greater when we follow the method. After researching the best way to go to reduce my Cholesterol, I have chosen a low fat, low- carb, high fiber diet to lower my cholesterol and to lose weight great bonus for me. Although I am a vegan some vegan foods are just not good at least the process foods of the vegan world. Below I have listed tips on what to avoid and in helping to reduce your cholesterol.
High- Cholesterol Foods to avoid
Foods To Lower Cholesterol
1. Margarine
1. Oats
2. Microwave Popcorn
2. Barley
3. Store Baked Goods
3. Beans
4. Shellfish
4. Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds no salt)
5. Macaroni and Cheese
5. Apples, Grapes, Strawberries, Citrus Fruits
6. Hamburgers
6. Plant Base Foods
7. Fried Chicken
7. Eggplant
8. French Fries
8. Soy
9. Cream Cheese
9. Fish ( Salmon if you're a meat eater)
10. Ice Cream
10. Fiber Supplement ( Metamucil, Benefiber)
11. Red Meat
11. Okra 12. Weight loss and Exercise 13. Oat Bran 14. Plant Base Milk ( Almond, Soy, Coconut, Cashew) I hope this list and information has help someone as it has help me.
TheSTYLE Closet
ANITA O WILLIAMS TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Dr. Anita Williams received the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the National School of Theology in 2009; and is the pastor of God’s Ministry of Deliverance. She was re-ordained by the National Fellowship of Christian Churches by Dr. Orlando Short in 2013. Her educational and academic training is from Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing; she also holds a Bachelor degree from the University of Buffalo in Nursing and has training from the Army Nurse Course. She is a licensed Registered Nurse at Buffalo General Hospital (Kaleida Health System) and has been an intensive care RN for over 30 years. She is a Notary Public for the community. Pastor Anita Williams is s the wife of Dillard Williams, Jr. She is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Pastor Williams is a licensed and ordained Minister and has served as the pastor of God’s Ministry of Deliverance since 1981. She has been conducting revivals, conferences, and seminars both locally and nationally for many years. Additionally, as part of her community work she has developed long standing collaborative partnerships with community leaders, faith leaders, political leaders and more. "Taking it to the streets is 29 years old, but it is really 30 years old. 30 years ago I was sitting in Martin Luther King Park with my children. At the time Buffalo was a part of the NBA so everyone was playing basketball in the park at that time. The park was so full until you could not see the grass. At that time, I belonged to a very beautiful church. It was a small church, but even as a small church it was not full. So when I came out to the park, all of a sudden my spirit got aggravated. I said, God, we are watching the game and everything is good, but God, the people are out here. I was talking to God in my mind, but not according to knowledge as the power of God sits high and looks low. As I was complaining to God, He said to me "Take it To the Streets". I know what I went through that day. I spoke back to the Lord in my mind and said, take what to the streets? He said, take me to the streets. Here, I have three children and I am as single as I can be. I had one job and I had the RN license and sometimes I was working one and a half jobs to make that thing work for me and my babies. For a whole year I didn't do anything. but because of conviction, I had to stop going by the park. Everytime I went past the park I felt like I was in some big time sin like you are premeditating sin and you don't even care. But I didn't realize that it was conviction. I didn't recognize it as the hand of God. All I know is that February came around and I sat in my living room and said "I can't live like this no more and I have to get up and do something". I very nervously called city hall and spoke to this woman and said, "I have to have church in the park!" She said, all you do, little lady, is come down him and get your permit. I came back with this piece of paper and I looked at it. I started talking to the paper and said, "now what do we do"? I had nothing and was forced on my knees and this is where the Holy Spirit began to deal with me. I said, "God I have to have church in the park and I don't know what to do."
There was a man by the name of Tommy Reed who was well known in this areas. At the time he was on stations, two, four and seven, and the Lord instructed me to make an appointment with him. When I met with him all I could say was, "I have to have church in the park and I don't have anything to have church in the park with". He said, "I have been planning on evangelizing in the East Side of the city, but I did not want to make my brothers of color angry with me. He said, I just bought a brand new entire PA system at my church and the old one we are using for outside services. I will send you with that and somebody to work it, you just tell me where to bring it. I left there so encouraged! Then I started to say, "God he has the PA system, but I don't have an organ, what are we going to do". When I was laying on my face, the Lord brought a pastor to me and I met with this man in the name of Jesus and said "Pastor, I have to have church in the park. I don't have anything to make any music with." He said, "I have a Hammond B3 with a Leslie speaker" and he pointed to it. He said, "You can go ahead and use it, but you have to get somebody to help you get it, just don't tear it up". I went back on my knees and said, "Lord we need some drums" and the Lord brought before me an individual who was an avid drummer, but had stopped drumming because he had started preaching. So I went to him and repeated my story and everyone started giving me stuff, but I didn't have a truck to pick it up. But people started to give and the park was full. As I was walking through the park, the same God who said, "take it to the streets" said, "you will do this every year." This year we are flanked by the business and ministry of Marketing Ministry headed up by Wanda Adams, who has spoken to us about bringing in a reunion of her artist that have come through. Everything that she touches turns to gold! There are more names to follow but were are still in the planning and confirmation stages. Buffalo is full of national talent who will be joining us on that day. We also have our Spanish and African connections that will be coming through. Many will go directly into revival right after "Taking it to the Streets". We will also be joined by at least 30 health entities that will be bringing lots of "give-aways". We also have great plans for "Kids Zone" with a group called "Black Educators Rock". The Kids Zone is such an interesting place and has taken on its own identity as it relates to the various entities that come there just for the children. We are combating childhood obesity as well as enhancing hand eye coordination and positive health habits. We also have the vendor alley with a cross section of international foods and various wares. We have at least 50-75 vendors both near and far including up into Canada. We are praying that there will be no problem with them crossing back and forth into our borders. We have letters out to our churches for financial support. We are a 501c3 organization with attorneys that maintain our position of intergrity. Our politicians in the city of Buffalo also support us so kindly however we could use much more support for this event. For more information on how you can give support to this amazing event, please contact Anita O Williams at 716-891-4760 or email her at gmodstreets@yahoo.com
HEELS HEALING ENCOURAGEMENT ELEVATION LOVE SOUNDNESS FOR THE TOTAL WOMAN
For information on advertising your business, ministry or event in HEELS Gospel Magazine: visit our website at www.heels-magazine.com or call us at 216-200-6347