Hope for Women Spring 2015

BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT MAKE YOU

WAITING FOR LOVE one couple proves it’s worth it

SPRING FORWARD GET A JUMP ON THE NEW TRENDS

O Y LIVE

FEEL FRESH & LOVELY ALL DAY LONG

DORINDA CLARK COLE #LIVING IT: LIKE NEVER BEFORE

M A E E R D I U D G U R W-TO A HO

VISIT HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM

FOLLOW US! Twitter: @hopemag Facebook:.com/hope4women Facebook:.com/hopeforwomenTV www.hopeforwomenmag.com pintrest.com/hopeforwomenmag instagram.com/hopemag

Receive exclusive info about us! subscribe at: HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM You will receive select celebrity interviews, fashion tips, beauty secrets, advice on finance, love and relationships, education, spirituality and most of all, we will be providing you with HOPE, INSPIRATION and EMPOWERMENT!

IN THIS ISSUE VOL. 7 NO. 5

16

BEAUTY PROFILE: Sharon Hackney

By TaShae Hedgespeth

20 FASHION NOTE: Spring into the Trend of Things

Spring 2015 fashion trends for the fashionista in you

By Tabaitha “Tab K.” Keels

22 HER STYLE: Ciara: Fashionable Mama

SCHUTZ GILBERTA HIGH HEELS 6pm.com $100

24

LIVING IT: LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE Dorinda Clark Cole uses struggles she’s

By Carralyce Buford

faced to help inspire others

BY TONYA DIXON

FEATURES 8

Your Fresh Start Can Start NOW There is no wrong or right time to offer yourself a new beginning

By Natalie Merrill

the Wait 36 Worth Waiting for love—then waiting with love—helped one

couple grow together on their journey toward marriage

By Natalie Merrill

5

Editor’s Page

Live Your Dream: A Season of Newness for YOU Angelia White

10 What Matters Most…

An Interview with SHUN STRICKLAND

By Tonya Dixon

Ciara

IN EVERY ISSUE

Q1 2015 | HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 1

in this issue | VOL 7

INSPIRE 50 10 years of Jesus Calling

By Angelia White

BEAUTY 16

Feeling Fresh & Lovely

Keep your skin hydrated and beautiful throughout the entire winter season

By Brandie Gilliam

LIFE 27 College Funding

Scholarship mentor and author Kristina Ellis provides insight into earning opportunities for college funds

By Vetta Cash

FINANCE

29 Bookkeeping tips for solo-preneurs and freelancers

By Danetha Doe

CAREER 28 Finding Your Dream Job and What You Love to Do

By Vetta Cash

HOME 46 When real life—and real living —is better than you dreamed

By Sophie Hudson

ENTERTAINMENT 34 Tricia Goyer

RELATIONSHIPS

35 Dr. Monica (Moe) Anderson

38 I Love Me Some Him:

By eva headley

dispenses wisdom for the unheralded woma in leadership

By Hope Magazine

FOOD 36 Glazed Citrus Shortbread Cookies Add some zest to your dessert menu with these citrus favorites

By LeAnn Rice

OUT N’ ABOUT 12

Hope for Women’s executive team has been showing up in style at various events around town

2 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM | Q1 2015

Celebrating the Men in Your Life

By Eva Headley

HEALTH 44 Fit & Fab Moms

By Maria James

45 Keeping a Healthy Diet amidst the Chaos and Stress in Life

By Kumba Sennaar

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Receive exclusive info about us! subscribe at: HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM You will receive select celebrity interviews, fashion tips, beauty secrets, advice on finance, love and relationships, education, spirituality and most of all, we will be providing you with HOPE, INSPIRATION and EMPOWERMENT!

EDITOR IN CHIEF Angelia L. White

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Angelia L. White

MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Merrill

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Leah Hunt

FEATURES EDITOR Tonya Dixon

MARKETING Jamila Guyton

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Tenita Johnson

CONFERENCE DIRECTOR LeAnn Rice

SENIOR ART DESIGNER Joanne Caines

EVENT COORDINATORS Brittany Pickett, Natalie Sanders CONTRIBUTORS

Carralyce Buford, Vetta Cash, Rachel Cruze, Tonya Dixon, Danetha Doe, Brandie Gilliam, Eva Headley, TaShae Hedgespeth, Sophie Hudson, Maria James, Tabaitha “Tab K.” Keels, Natalie Merrill, LeAnn Rice, Kumba Sennaar, Laurie Wallin

HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC P.O. BOX 3241, MUNCIE, INDIANA 47307 WWW.HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM HOPE FOR WOMEN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED

BY HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC COPYRIGHT 2015

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4 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM | Q1 2015

visit:hop eforwom enmag.com fall 2014

editor’s page | LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE

A SEASON OF NEWNESS FOR YOU Spring is an amazing transition, and it is a transition that is sheer genius. Who else but God could design and coordinate a respite from winter’s sometimes brutish ways? This past winter in the United States was one that affected almost every part of the country harshly, which leads me to believe that not only is spring necessary, but it is also most appreciated. It is a new beginning that requires us to shed layers of clothing and change our habits according to the season.

Isn’t life like the transition between winter and spring? If you live long enough, you live with the expectation that life’s storms will ultimately pass, darkness gives way to light, and we will be able to move more spryly without trudging through obstacles. Moreover, we can take off the heavy garments of winter and replace them with attire that makes us feel new, alive and refreshed.

Winter isn’t totally without its benefits, though. The season of cold weather, darkness and immobility enables us to be more reflective, and the lessons learned can be easily applied with the return of the sunshine, singing birds and blooming flowers.

Are you ready for your new beginning this spring? I am, and I am ready to put winter’s reflections into action starting with this issue of Hope for Women. The information and women featured all represent that refreshment we all require to make it through the rest of year—and the rest of our lives.

I am grateful to begin a celebration of 10 years as a publisher by showcasing an amazing woman, Dorinda Clark Cole, on the cover and within the magazine. We have all benefited from her illustrious career as a singer and songwriter, and it is my expectation that her personal story will be a blessing, as well. Like you and me, Clark Cole has weathered many storms and is still standing to embrace a new season in her life.

My HOPE is that you know you’re not alone in winter or any season. My HOPE is that you know that we at HOPE appreciate you and love you. My HOPE is that you use this season of newness to enjoy some very good things for yourself.

Q1 2015 | HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5

quote | ERICA CAMBELL DORINDA CLARK COLE

“ ”

‘AS YOU GO THROUGH TRIALS, EACH TRIAL GETS HARDER. YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TEST TO HAVE A TESTIMONY; YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE MESS TO HAVE A MESSAGE.’ IF I NEVER KNEW THIS TO BE TRUE FOR MYSELF, I ABSOLUTELY KNOW IT NOW.

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Q2 2014 | HOPE.COM 7

feature | BETHANY HAMILTON

YOUR FRESH START... by n ata l i e m er r i l l

8 HOPE | Q1 2015

NOW

THERE IS NO WRONG OR RIGHT TIME TO OFFER YOURSELF A NEW BEGINNING There are many instances in life that you probably wish you could erase but cannot; though your past helps make up the person you are, it’s never too late to change for the better.

Each day—each moment—is a new opportunity for a fresh start. There’s no timeline that says you can or cannot begin anew, and there’s nothing from your past that’s too big to allow you to undergo a healthy transformation.

Beginning again is an integral teaching in the Bible—in fact, it’s one of the key components to Christianity. You throw off your “old self ” and start anew with your “new self,” protected with the armor of God. When you make the decision to live for Christ, your life changes. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (New Living Translation).

When you make such a drastic change, you will notice extreme behavioral changes, as well, that make the people around you notice the new you in the various actions you take: the way you treat people, the way you treat yourself, the way you react to certain situations, and the general manner in which you conduct yourself. You are no longer living for you; you are living for Someone greater, and the fresh start you’ve been given simply can’t be hidden.

There are also new beginnings that don’t necessarily seem as immense, such as a change in diet and how you take care of your body. You don’t have to wait until a new year begins—if you want to start eating healthy and exercising regularly, you can start now. Sure, you are more likely to see the gym a bit more packed in January as people make resolutions to be more physically active and drop a few pounds, but there is no rule that says that is what’s required of you. Don’t be afraid to be different from the crowd—get your start now rather than at the beginning of the next year.

Any personal trainer can tell you that people are often seeking to improve their fitness levels and diets. This form of fresh

start can begin with simple steps, such as exercising more and making sure to make more conscious health choices in terms of what you put into your body. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this change in lifestyle doesn’t have to be just a “diet” or “program” but is a critical component to a healthy way of living. In making a choice to start now, you can increase your chances for a longer life and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases.

Starting fresh can also mean an improvement in not just physical well-being but in your emotional state, as well.

You’ve already been given a chance to start anew by God, but sometimes people fail to allow themselves the opportunities for clean slates. Often past mistakes are not forgotten, and individuals dwell on them, not allowing themselves to receive their own grace for those things they wish they could erase.

It can be easy to focus on such missteps you’ve made and not realize that you have the ability to be the one to give yourself a brand new beginning—a chance to start over and remind yourself that you are bigger than your mistakes, and you are more valuable than any regret you may cling onto too tightly.

Dr. Rick Hanson, neuropsychologist and New York Times bestselling author, says that you have to be the one to overcome those inner-battles telling you that you are not worthy of your own forgiveness. “Therefore, you really need your inner protector to stick up for you: to put your weaknesses and misdeeds in perspective, to highlight your many good qualities surrounding your lapses, to encourage you to keep getting back on the high road even if you’ve gone down the low one, and frankly, to tell that inner critic to quiet down,” Hanson says.

In doing so, you will be able to provide yourself that fresh start you’ve been seeking—it’s been right in your power all along.

Many people look at each new year as chance to start over, and it’s true that resolutions can be very beneficial and push people to make much-needed life changes. But a new start doesn’t have to wait—let each morning you wake up be another chance for you to impact the world in a positive way. And that often starts in your own heart.

Q1 2015 HOPE 9

what matters most

N U SH ST ya by ton

D N A L RICK

dixon

10  HOPE.COM | Q1 2015

strickland uses her gifts to help others make their dreams realities Most women spend the majority of their time, efforts, and resources enhancing the lives of everyone except themselves, but according to Shun Strickland, the most important thing a woman can do is develop herself before tackling the world.

T h i s y e a r, c e r t i f i e d c o a c h , b r a n d c o n s u l t a nt , businesswoman, and pastor (along with at least four other titles) Shun Strickland is telling herself and her clients, “Greater impact, greater income.” The mantra is not so much about the latter or amassing more money; rather it’s supremely about having the ability to affect more people and situations positively.

According to Strickland, the increased income fits the bill for the impact, but it should also reflect the legitimate value of a woman. Instead, it is often suppressed by most women and thereby perpetuated by everyone around them.

“I believe that if women will identif y and develop their skills, charge what they are worth, and sell with confidence, they can change the game,” she says. “So as a woman, I’m doing it, and as a coach I’m encouraging women to do it, as well. Women must empower women!”

she has the ability to psychoanalyze (she has a degree in psychology), she practices what she preaches and uses her gifts to help, not tell, women how to achieve their dreams.

Moreover, Strickland knows what it’s like to feel stuck and miserable. “My first dream was to be a lawyer,” she says. “Can you imagine my disappointment when I didn’t love law school or any of my law clerking jobs? I was lost.

I think being lost and having to walk through learning what I loved helped me to be better at being a dream coach.

I know how to dream again after a dream [turns into] a nightmare and how to work through the confusion to get clarity.”

The soul-searching and deep self-analysis that Strickland encourages—or, rather, requires—of her clients is indeed best accomplished through one-on-one, face-to-face interaction, but she recognized the need and demand to be able to impact more than she could physically accommodate. It’s why she developed the 28-Day Quick Start Coaching Program. For those on tight budgets who possibly can’t afford to hire personal coaches or who simply don’t have the time to dedicate, the program provides a jumpstart on planning and implementing dreams.

Strick land has spent more than 10 years teaching individuals—women in particular—how to use their faith to activate their God-given gifts and live their dreams.

The problem she often incurs with women is that they don’t value themselves and what they offer enough to give priority in their own lives or command respect from others. “[Women] don’t have $200 for coaching, but they don’t blink about spending that on their kids,” Strickland says. “Most women treat themselves poorly and teach everyone around them to do the same. They are constantly pushing their own dreams down instead of saying, ‘How can I do what I was created to do?’”

One thing she encourages women to understand is that living their dreams doesn’t mean they should develop a superwoman mentality. Instead, women need to embrace the abilities of others around them, enlist, and solicit their help. “The superwoman mentality is a sure way to have a breakdown,” Strickland says. “I see so many women wearing that cape. I retired my cape. I ask for help often!

I think we have to stop thinking that powerful women do it all alone, because, in truth, powerful women build powerful teams.”

Through the CBAs of Dream Manifestation, Strickland helps women sort through the clutter in their lives, recognize and replace hindrances, and take action to make dreams happen. The system stands on the pillars of Clarity, Belief, and Action. Although Strickland is well educated and qualified to execute plans of action and think critically to frame an argument (she has a law degree), and although

As a co-pastor alongside her husband Edwin, Strickland knows that all success principles are from God, and whether other personal development teachers and coaches choose to acknowledge the wisdom of God is completely Biblical. “Living your dreams is all about having the courage to be who God called you to be and accomplishing what He called you to accomplish,” she says.

Q1 2015 | HOPE.COM 11

lifestyle | OUT N ABOUT

T OU T U O B A N’

HOPE FOR WOMEN’S EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBERS STEP OUT IN STYLE! FROM ALL-STAR BASKETBALL COURTS AND BREAKFASTS TO ANGELIA PUTTING ON HER STILETTOS FOR THE 30TH STELLAR AWARDS, SPRING HAS SPRUNG, AND SO HAS HOPE! HOPE IS SPREADING HER WINGS AND FLYING ACROSS THE NATION (COMPLIMENTS OF SOUTHWEST, OF COURSE) TO LIVE, DREAM AND INSPIRE. LOOK OUT FOR TEAM HOPE COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU!

2 1. Hope for Women marketing director Jamila Guyton lives life out loud at the L.I.V.E. Conference with JaNean Stubbs Taylor, founder of Fruits of Finance.

2. Forget waking up to Folgers in your cup— the Chevy Media Breakfast with the Stellar Award executive team and media guest was just the shot of adrenaline Angelia needed to start her day!

1

3. Hope for Women’s spring cover girl, Dorinda Clark Cole, graced the Red Carpet of the 30th Annual Stellar Awards in Las Vegas.

4

4. What happens in Vegas…was captured

by Daniel Wallace and Michelle Matthews-Alexander of GM Diversity Communications, our stellar hosts for the weekend!

5. Wow! Kevin from GM was waiting for me! Is this VIP or what? Angelia’s daddy and the General Motors men in her family would be so proud! Just a blessing! #Stellars30 #Favor

3

6. Natasha T. Brown and Angelia pause for a beauty photo op on their way to the Stellar Gospel Music Awards! #Stellarawards30 #GMDiversity

6

7. To wake up to this view this morning was amazing. One of the many wonders of the world Angelia has desired to see. All she can say is, “God, you’re so incredible!”

Good morning, and hello Vegas! Had a beautiful and smooth flight! #Southwest

5

8. Tyson, Jamila’s son, becomes a mini all-star at the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend when he meets Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams.

12 HOPE.COM | Q3 2014

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9. So much to share! Angelia met some amazing and fabulous individuals and enjoyed a stellar weekend for sure with a wonderful stay at the Mandalay. Love and hugs to the General Motåors Diversity team for being extraordinary hosts and so professional. Thank you SO much, Jocelyn K. Allen. Can’t wait until next year!

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instagram.com/hopemag Q3 2014 | HOPE.COM   13

beauty profile | SHARON HACKNEY

PROVIDING INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN THROUGH BEAUTY

Sharon Hackney interview with

by ta s h a é h ed g e s pe t h

Me & the Girls provides organic beauty products for women, while also fostering education and social justice for women as a staple of its brand.

HOPE FOR WOMEN had the chance to talk with Sharon Hackney, the company’s founder.

HOPE: What was the inspiration behind starting Me & the Girls?

SH: I wanted to launch a company that produced healthy, effective skin care products for all types of skin that would also benefit the needs of vulnerable women and girls. The name of my company embodies all of the women who inspire me to be the best person I can possibly be and to run my company with integrity and transparency.

HOPE: Name a few of your favorite things.

SH: My most favorite thing to do is to travel. My husband is the ultimate travel companion and makes every adventure super fun and interesting, whether it’s a trip to a local beach or a trip around the world. I also love pearls, fabulous pumps, and pretty dresses, but I spend most of my time in the lab or the office, which requires a more casual look, like a T-shirt and drawstring sweatpants ensemble.

HOPE: Who inspires you to be the best woman you can be?

SH: A few heroes come to mind, but I am the woman that I am because of my mother. I learned what I lived, and I am still learning how to be the best person that I can be through her example. She will be 83 years old, and she still writes, works for multiple charities, chairs major committees in her church and community, and continues to travel the world with her 98-year-old beau. She is amazing!

Madeline Albright and Hilary Clinton, two of the most powerful women in the world inspire me to educate and support women in an ongoing campaign against forces that threaten the human rights and dignity of women and children. Ms. Albright made a most profound statement at a seminar that I attended last year. “There is a place in hell for women who don’t support other women.” That statement changed the course of my vision of how I was going to build the infrastructure of my company. A social enterprise business benefitting women and girls evolved.

16 HOPE.COM | Q1 2015

The last two guests at my ultimate imaginary tea party are Oprah Winfrey and Liz Lang. Most people are aware of the struggles and hardships that Oprah overcame to be one of the most successful entrepreneurs and powerful women in television. But not many women know that Liz Lange, famous for her hugely successful high-end maternity wear, battled cervical cancer while raising a toddler, an infant, and embarking upon her biggest break in the fashion industry.

When I find myself balled up into the fetal position in the corner of my closet, I draw on the strength of my “power idles,” and I get up, suck it up, and I go to work.

HOPE: What message do you want people to take from your brand?

SH: I want people to know that I am not some rich chick who spends all of [her] money on purses and shoes. I have worked very hard to build a brand that produces amazing beauty products with truth and integrity. Our resources support the brand and the mission. It’s a very simple, life-altering concept.

HOPE: What are your favorite beauty items?

SH: My Bar Beleza is with me at all times. I love red lipstick and vibrant red nail polish.

HOPE: What do you envision for Me & the Girls in the future?

SH: I see Me & The Girls as the premier social enterprise in beauty. We are so excited about moving to a new website and publically merging the business with the Hope Bag Mission. We are the “Tom’s Shoes” of organic beauty products. MATG is on course to grow the online boutique as well as to establish a physical presence in trendy shops and boutiques in the US and Canada over the next two years.

We are also planning one of the most exciting events for the Hope Bag Mission since its debut last year: “Celebrity Handbags for Hope,” which will be launched at our 2015 fall fundraiser. Gently used handbags from celebrities are being donated now and will be used for silent auctions during the event. The proceeds will be used to fund the Hope Bag Mission and to purchase gift cards for new clothes for women and girls newly rescued from human trafficking.

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“Everywoman womanand andgirl girldeserves deservestotofeel feelsafe, safe,valuable valuableand andbeautiful.” beautiful.”

“Every SharonHackney-Robinson, Hackney-Robinson,CEO CEO&&Founder Founder Sharon Me&&The TheGirls GirlsAlternative AlternativeSkin SkinCare, Care,LLC LLC Me Hope, Heart and Beauty / Hope Bag Mission, Director Hope, Heart and Beauty / Hope Bag Mission, Director www.meandthegirls.com www.meandthegirls.com

Q1 2015 | HOPE 17

beauty | SPRING

BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT MAKE YOU

FEEL FRESH & LOVELY

by b r a n d i e g i l l i a m

ALL DAY LONG ORGANIC BATH JAVA JOLT SUGAR & COFFEE BODY SCRUB The coffee and mint will enliven your senses while leaving your skin silky smooth. Almond, apricot, and sunflower oils also combine to hydrate your skin. organicbath.co $27

The chilly winter air of the past doesn’t have to be something to ruin your flawless look for the sunny days ahead, as many beauty products can help protect your precious skin.

With spring here and the cold weather behind us, fresh floral scents, along with fruity fragrances, fill the air. And, when it comes to beauty, women want products that will make their skin feel just as fresh and inviting as the aromas and scenery all around them—a fresh and lovely feeling that lasts the entire day.

The following products are sure to meet your skin’s needs and help provide that sense of beauty that shouldn’t fade away with the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

TATA HARPER NOURISHING OIL CLEANSER This gentle new formula removes makeup and softens skin, while also keeping it moisturized and hydrated. It easily rinses off and leaves a non-greasy feeling. The perfect base for Tata’s new Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint, too. tataharperskincare.com $57.64

18 @HOPEMAG | Q1 2015

BURT’S BEES PEPPERMINT FOOT LOTION Revives and provides smoothness to tired feet with peppermint and menthol, leaving them soft and smooth. Vegetable-based glycerin and coconut oil also help soften calluses.

Walmart $8.97

OSMIA ORGANICS FOREST BODY OIL Precious ambrette seed oil and evergreen oils hydrate skin with an invigorating and soothing pine scent.

Osmia Organics $25

JUICE BEAUTY STEM CELLULAR CC CREAM Beyond a BB cream, this new 12-in-1 multi-tasking moisturizer firms, tones, and perfects for all-day facial freshness.

It works on all skin types but is particularly helpful for aging, wrinkled, or sun-damaged skin.

Ulta $39

JOSIE MARAN ARGAN INFINITY CREAM This versatile little tube works wonders on everything from eyebrows and eyelids to lips and elbows. It’s full of natural fruit and nut extracts, oils, and butters to help moisturize and balance your skin.

SHEAMOISTURE MANUKA HONEY & MAFURA OIL INTENSIVE HYDRATION BODY WASH Gently cleanse and restore with organic shea butter, manuka honey, and mafura and baobab oils. Manuka honey will help the skin rehydrate itself by creating a moisturizing barrier, leaving your skin fresh and soothed.

Target $9.99

Sephora $28

MAY LINDSTOM: THE JASMINE GARDEN Refresh, cool, calm and heal your skin with this facial mist. It provides antioxidant protection and removes redness and inflammation from sensitive complexions.

Use anytime you want to feel lovely. spiritbeautylounge.com $60

Q1 2015 | @HOPEMAG 19

fashion | FALL

CIARA Fashionable Mama by c a r r a lyce b u fo r d

BECOMING A MOTHER DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO LOSE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE, AS ONE FAMOUS FASHIONABLE DIVA RECENTLY PROVED. Singer, dancer, actress, model, fashionista, and now mother Ciara welcomed her first son into the world on May 19, 2014.

Less than five months later, Ciara stepped out at Paris Fashion Week looking absolutely stunning. She picked up right where she left off. Not that her fashion sense was ever off to begin with—even while pregnant, she still made carrying a beautiful round belly fashionable.

Glowing in her metallic sequin-embroidered Emillo Pucci gown at the 2014 Grammy Awards, Ciara showed that fashion, taste, and beauty only intensify with pregnancy, and she dazzled her onlookers with her radiant glow. From a beautiful glittering gown to rocking Lanvin at the 2014 Muiscares, Ciara channeled her inner masculine chic and fabulous side, sporting a suit from the menswear collection. This navy stretch pantsuit with pinstripes and matching tunic proved that, even pregnant, you can take a fashion risk and hit a homerun.

CIARA

Valentino at Valentino’s Paris Fashion Week.

Wearing an army green leather trench coat paired with burgundy pumps, Ciara made her post-pregnancy debut back on the fashion scene in style wearing Lanvin at the Spring 2015 show at Paris Fashion Week. And, if that wasn’t enough, she then arrived to Valentino’s Paris Fashion Week show wearing none other than Valentino, of course. Ciara donned a stunning red lace dress, showing off an appropriate amount of mommy leg.

Who says that being a mother takes away your sexiness? Ciara has proven that moms definitely have what it takes to do it better!

Keep it fabulous, ladies.

20 @HOPEMAG | Q1 2015

GET CIARA’S LOOK:

GHD CURVE CLASSIC WAVE ghdhair.com $245

MIXED BRACELET PACK topshop.com $22

Lanvin at the Spring 2015 show at Paris Fashion Week.

SCHUTZ GILBERTA HIGH HEELS 6pm.com $100

Q1 2015 | @HOPEMAG 21

| SPRING what matters most fashion

SPRING FORWARD GET A JUMP ON THE NEW TRENDS by ta b a i t h a “ ta b k .” k eel s

AS MOTHER NATURE HAS HER WAY, AND WE SHIFT INTO SPRING, IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT THOSE STRAPPY SANDALS AND SUNDRESSES THAT YOU ALL LOVE! Sunshine and blossoming flowers call for pastels, floral, and fun, colorful prints that give definition to the spring season. Through rejuvenation, springtime is often referred to as a time to start over in a new way; to start afresh. So with fresh ideas and fresh faces, you can start anew—spring into the trend of things with a fresh, up-to-date look for the fashionista in you!

Trending worldwide, Michael Kors, Oscar De La Renta, and Altuzarra all agree that gingham is the print for spring, as this gridlocked pattern took over the runways for spring 2015. Denim, suede, and fringe also made their ways to the runway this season, showing no boundaries when it comes to fashion.

As these latest modes continue to pop up around the fashion realm, there are without a doubt a few universal styles that never seem to fade—wouldn’t you agree? Proving trend immortality, floral prints, pastels, and color blocking continue to spark interest and dominate the industry year after year.

22 HOPE.COM | Q1 2015

pastels Pastels continue to be on-trend for the spring months, as well. Soft pinks, mint greens, and lavender all scream spring! Show off your girly side with a dainty pastel dress or a tasteful skirt. If you want to try something new for the season, try a pastel moto jacket or pastel pants—dare to be different!

CREDITS: The XFactor Agency www.thexfa.com Director/Creative Chama St. Louis Allen Johnson P. AL Productions Glam Squad: Lyrah Hernandez Hairstylist & Makeup Artist Chamere Alexander Photographer Tracey Frugoli www.traceyfrugoli.com Lily Scalf Lily V Designs www.lilyvdesigns.com Model Besserat Habtes

Q1 2015 | HOPE.COM   23

| SPRING what matters most fashion

floral prints Floral print is a trend that will never grow old and looks great on women of all skin tones, ages, and sizes. As the seasons change, botanical fashions continue to prevail the runways year-round, bringing a sense of femininity to the scene. “Florals are also making its way in 2015 like never before,” Indian designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh says in an article for Indianexpress.com. “From large and loud to minute, it’s all about going floral this year.” With spring fever in the air, always remember: a lady can never go wrong with her high heels and floral prints!

24 HOPE.COM | Q1 2015

color blocking Don’t be afraid to play around with colors this season! Have fun, and let your true colors shine by incorporating color blocking into your look. Color blocking is a fun way to express your style by using different colors from the opposite side of the color wheel to bring together a bold look. If you are new to color blocking, start off with pairing two colors together, and then work your way up to three or four colors at a time. Use the color wheel to help if needed, and have fun. Be creative, and be you!

Q1 2015 | HOPE.COM   25

| SPRING what matters most fashion

pastels

Whether you are all about pastels and floral prints, or you’re really feeling the latest gingham trend, spring has a way of bringing out the inner chic in each of you.

As you put away your boots and scarves and reach for those skirts and sunglasses, don’t be afraid to express some of your favorite 2015 spring trends.

26 HOPE.COM | Q1 2015

FUNDING | education

YOU DON’T HAVE

TO STRUGGLE

TO PAY FOR SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP MENTOR AND AUTHOR KRISTINA ELLIS PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO HOW STUDENTS CAN EARN OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE FUNDING by v e t ta c a s h

“Impressively inspiring” is the phrase I’ll use to describe the conversation I had with Kristina Ellis. In her book Confessions of a Scholarship Winner, Ellis details how she earned upwards of $500,000 in scholarship money and how other students can win scholarship money, as well. In addition to strategies, timelines, and useful tips for winning scholarships, the book includes how she found her motivation for pursuing scholarship dollars and why she is sharing her story. Here are a few highlights from her talk with HOPE: When you were a little girl, what did you dream of being when you grew up? Did it include earning a PhD from one of the top universities in the US? When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a lot of things. My dreams varied from year to year, but I always dreamed big.

Everything I dreamed of being required a college degree, even though I did not realize it at the time.

How was your dream altered when your family’s financial situation shifted because of the death of your dad? My dad passed away when I was 7 years old, and although it had a noticeable impact on our family, the financial impact was not obvious to me at that time. When I was entering high school, my mom had a very transparent conversation with me about our financial status. She really laid it out for me and encouraged me to position myself to win scholarship money for college.

How did you develop the drive to pursue and earn more than $500,000 in scholarship money? I had a drive for life that was not exclusive for scholarship dollars. In high school, I purposefully shifted my drive and began to focus on scholarships. I was the driving force, and my mom supported me.

What prompted you to share your story? I didn’t think about sharing my story until I was in college and realized that so many of my peers had tons of student loan debt. That was a real motivator for me to encourage kids to believe in themselves and go for it.

Who is the target audience for your book, and why? The target audience is high school students and eighth graders. I began looking for scholarships when I was in ninth grade.

How can students better position themselves to earn scholarships?

I encourage students to discover what they love to do and learn to excel at what they love. Begin to build an academic resume, and look for scholarships in ninth grade. Student must know that rejection will be a part of the process—they will not win every scholarship, but they should not give up. Always keep going.

What words of wisdom would you share with students who want to earn scholarship money? What would you share with their parents? One way parents can help their students is by having real conversation with them about the cost of a college education and how that fits into their family financial plan. Empower students to take an ownership role (related to their college education) by encouraging them to apply for scholarships.

Ellis’ story is an example of how drive and determination can outweigh what appears to be a bleak situation. She has earned degrees in education and business and is currently completing work toward a PhD in education. Ellis is also the co-founder of an online college preparation service (which will launch in the near future) that helps high school student navigate all aspects of the college application process.

Confessions of a Scholarship Winner is an excellent resource for collegebound students and their parents.

Q1 2015 | HOPE.COM 27

finance | IDEAS

Fi n

W

& k r o

r: e e r a C

o Y u g r n i d e a r m D

Jo b by v e t ta cash

Make the decision today to go after the career you’ve always wanted

Personal fulfillment and splendid salaries are at the top of most women’s wish lists for the career positions they’ve always hoped to have.

A good job has one or the other, but a dream job delivers the perfect combination of both salary and fulfillment. A dream job provides a platform for you to share your expertise and be the best expression of yourself. A dream job also generously compensates you for the value of your work and your contribution to the success of the company.

Although your dream job may sound like, well, a dream, you can have it. The journey to the job you really want begins with a decision. You must decide that you really want your dream job and that you are worth the required effort to obtain it. Yes, you are worth it—it’s not the job that has to be worth it. Your journey to the finding your dream job starts right now!

You must begin with a question, and a really big one at that: What

26 HOPE | Q2 2014

do you need to be fulfilled? Many women have neither taken the time nor developed the courage to answer this question—and the unasked question always goes unanswered. Consequently, many individuals are consumed by careers that deliver neither joy nor fulfillment. Again, what do you need to be fulfilled? Do you know? Your dream job provides a platform for you to be really good at being you. Therefore, it is impossible to identify and pursue your dream job without a solid knowledge of what you need to be happy and fulfilled. Your compass for finding your dream job includes knowing what fulfills you.

Your dream job must also handsomely compensate you for your skill, expertise, and work ethic. A fulfilling job that does not pay enough will eventually become less fulfilling and, in some cases, burdensome.

Consider the value of what you bring to the table, industry standards, and what salary your skills can command. If your skills do not support your salary requirements, then increase your skill level. Take a course, shadow a mentor, or read a book. Be willing to do whatever it takes to obtain your dream job. This is not a pie-in-the-sky approach but rather a realistic assessment of the financial compensation you deserve. Once you’ve established your salary needs, eliminate jobs that do not pay what you require.

You deserve to have your dream job, and you are worth the effort to find it. Make the decision today to continue your journey to the job you really want. Take 15 minutes a day over the next week to determine what you need to be fulfilled as well as your salary requirements. Use these standards to establish the rubric for finding the job of your dreams—the one that will be fulfilling and generously pay you to be good at being you. Go get your job!

IDEAS | finance

HOW DO YOU MANAGE

by da n e t h a d o e

YOUR BUSINESS FINANCES? how to stay on top of your books when you can’t hire a bookkeeper

outstanding bills. If you are current, make note of any upcoming payments due this week. If you can, go ahead and pay them during your bookkeeping date so you don’t have to think about it later in the week. If you’ve been entering your bills into your bookkeeping program, then this report will capture all of your bills.

Many people consider it a necessary evil only for the sake of filing taxes.

You may even be confused by what it actually entails. While it does seem intimidating, as a new business owner you can absolutely handle the bookkeeping tasks for your company. Unlike accounting, bookkeeping can be done without formal training, and technology has made it incredibly easy for those who consider themselves numbers-challenged.

4. Am I profitable? Review how much money you’ve made so far this month versus how much you’ve spent. Make a note of how close you are to your monthly goal. This report is called your Profit and Loss Statement and will quickly show you if you are keeping your hard-earned money.

One of the misconceptions about bookkeeping is that it is only needed in order to file taxes. However, this form of accounting is absolutely essential for you to run and grow your business. If you want to make sure you always have enough cash in the bank to pay bills, know when you can hire a team member, or you want to take a vacation and make sure you still have money coming in, you have to have accurate books in order to make those decisions.

The first step is to sign up for a bookkeeping program, and there are plenty of options available. A simple, affordable, and popular choice for business owners is Xero, which was designed to be user-friendly for the business owner as opposed to only the accountant. Whatever program you decide to choose, make sure it is online-based and allows you to connect your bank information.

5. Enter invoices and bills. This is best when completed throughout the week. If you have any invoices or bills that need to be entered, definitely make sure it’s completed during your bookkeeping date.

6. Set an intention for the week. Do you need to secure two more clients to reach your goal? Think about what you want to accomplish financially, and write it down in a place where you’ll see it every day for the next seven days.

7. Drink a glass of champagne! Or green tea—whatever suits your fancy. But, make sure you reward yourself for doing your bookkeeping.

But what are you actually supposed to do during this bookkeeping date?

Below are seven tasks you should complete every week.

1. Reconcile. This is a fancy term for “categorizing.” It means to go lineby-line and categorize your transactions. For example, your monthly $30 payment to AT&T for Internet service could be categorized to the account called “Internet,” “Computer,” or whatever you choose to name it. When reconciling, the most important thing is to remain consistent.

It doesn’t matter what you name the accounts as long as you use the same account for the same transaction each time.

2. Who owes you? Review who owes you money. This report is called your Aging Accounts Receivable. Make a note of upcoming due dates or anyone who is past due. If someone is overdue, send him or her a friendly reminder immediately. If you’ve been entering your invoices into your bookkeeping program, then this report will capture everyone who owes you for your services.

3. Whom do you owe? This report is called your Aging Accounts Payable.

Hopefully, you’re up-to-date with your expenses. If not, pay your Q2 2014 | HOPE 27

cover | DORINDA CLARK COLE

DORINDA CLARK COLE USES STRUGGLES SHE’S FACED TO HELP INSPIRE OTHERS

#LIVING IT LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFORE by to n ya d. d i xo n

FA M ED GOSPEL RECO RD IN G A RTIS T DORINDA CLARK COLE’S LIFE IS REPLETE WITH EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCO M PLISH M ENT S A S WELL A S STRUGGLES AND UNCERTAINTY, BUT IT’S ALL COMPLETELY UNDERGIRDED WITH AN ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE THAT GOD WILL HANDLE EVERY GOOD OR BAD SITUATION THAT COMES HER WAY. On Feb. 17, Clark ramps it up with the much-anticipated release of #LIVING IT. The album is sure to wow with powerful vocal acrobatics that Clark Cole is known for, but the bigger story is the testimony behind the music.

“God came through for me,” she says. “Every song you hear [on #LIVING IT] is definitely about this journey. For over 25 years, I’ve said, ‘As you go through trials, each trial gets harder. You have to go through the test to have a testimony; you have to go through the mess to have a message.’ If I never knew this to be true for myself, I absolutely know it now.”

30 HOPE | Q1 2015

Clark Cole has been extremely vocal and forthright about the various issues she has dealt with over the years, including almost losing her home to foreclosure and a massive fire, deep depression, and even near suicide. She never shied away from her struggles, and even though she was going through her own turmoil, she kept singing, kept traveling, and kept preaching to others as well as to herself.

When she and her team of writers were collaborating and penning the new album, the sentiments of her heart poured out with every song. Through tears and thanksgiving she recalls how she never gave up on God in spite of dealing with issues she couldn’t even share with her husband. God was the singular fixture she could cling to. #LIVING IT isn’t just about what Clark Cole went through; rather, it’s about what she’s going through and—perhaps even more importantly—how she’s going through it. Every step is completely by faith. “It has been difficult, but I just know that by going through the [near] suicide…God is going to bring me out every time,” she says.

“For everything that I’ve gone through, I’ve been able to really live through it to the point where I’m still preaching across the country, invitation letters are still coming in, and all the while I’m saying ‘God, you’re going to have to give me strength to go through.’ I’m actually living this thing out. I’m living this faith walk.

MICHAEL COSTELLO COUTURE AND MTCOSTELLO

Mya reveals her ambitions for life and success in the entertainment business CREATIVE DIRECTOR– CHANDIA BRENNEN PHOTOGRAPHER– ASHLEY NGUYEN MAKEUP– MAKEUPBYSHAYLA HAIR– GABRIEL “GQ” QUINONES STYLING– KIM SHEREE GOWNS PROVIDED BY: MICHAEL COSTELLO COUTURE AND MTCOSTELLO

Q2 Q12014 2015 || HOPE HOPE 31

cover | DORINDA CLARK COLE

“GOD CAME THROUGH FOR ME,” “There is a scripture that simply says God won’t put more on you than you can bear.

I really believe that God has allowed us to gain enough faith and strength to hold on to Him until we get through this thing that we call a struggle.”

Having a storied and amazing musical career all but cemented in stone, the aptly dubbed “Rose of Gospel” is gracefully spreading her inspirational message beyond the pulpit, album recordings, and concert halls. From her syndicated radio show, two television (the first woman for one network) shows, fitness DVD, fashion line, and annual music conference to pioneering as the first woman to stand in a pulpit and preach in South Africa, Clark Cole is proof that a life lived by faith is definitely a life well-lived.

32 HOPE | Q1 2015

Pioneering pathways for women in ministry has always been her hallmark and vitally important, but the faith journey she travels is not without controversy or misunderstanding. Premiering Feb. 20, just three days following the #LIVING IT release, Clark Cole will be one of the featured cast members of the “Preachers of Detroit,” a spin-off of the popular, but immensely controversial “Preachers of LA” series on the Oxygen Network. “I wanted to be a part [of the show] as a representation of preachers that have a passion for ministry,” she says. “We’ve connected, and I know these people. Detroit has gone through so much. During the recession, people were walking away from homes and losing their homes, and I was one of them. I have actually been there. When I was asked to do it I was elated, because we need gatekeepers who can look out for Detroit—people who have a passion for the city. I really feel God is bringing Detroit back in a whole new way, and I believe He will send a revival. That’s the main message that we are sending.

“I’m just hoping that women will catch on to faith in this season of their lives. This is the year in which women are going to be moving in areas of ministry that they never thought—not just in ministry but even on a corporate level and in the political realm. We are starting to sit in some heavyweight seats now. I believe we are about to make some changes.”

The changes that Clark Cole endured certainly were not comfortable, but they were absolutely profitable. It’s something that every Christian goes through, but she says, “God is leveling me off, and I can definitely live it.

Q1 2015 | HOPE 33

entertainment | BOOKS

STRENGTH &SUPPORT FOR THE YOUNG MOM by e va h e a d l e y

author tricia goyer’s new book seeks to help encourage teenage mothers Tricia Goyer knows what it’s like to be a teenage mother, and she’s using her wisdom to share with women facing the challenges she once overcame.

Goyer is an award-winning author who has published more than 30 books, fiction and non-fiction. She has chosen to use her literary gifts to inspire and encourage families and women by opening up her own life to reach out to others. Goyer’s newest release, Teen Mom: You’re Stronger Than You Think, is a book of encouragement to young teen mothers who need guidance and wisdom in parenthood. Through Goyer’s personal experience of being a teen mom, she presents inspirational but practical advice that can extend to mothers of all ages. Hope for Women celebrates Goyer’s new release and finds out more about this gift to the literary industry.

When did you realize you had the gift to write?

When I was 22 years old and pregnant with my third baby, a friend told me that she was writing a novel—this made something spark inside of me.

Even though the desire was there, the “gift” took a long time to develop. I attended writers’ conferences and started writing for magazines. I worked on various novels that didn’t really go anywhere, but in 2001 I received my first contract with a publisher.

Tell us about your new title , Teen Mom: You ’re Stronger Than You Think.

There aren’t many resources out there for teenage mothers, and I wanted to offer one from a Biblical perspective. Personally, my life was changed as a teen mom when a group of women reached out to help and encourage me, and I wanted to do this through the pages of a book. In it, I remind young moms that their love will mold their child’s tomorrows, and they can overcome many challenges when they strive to better themselves, seek support and turn to God. As a former teen mom and mentor to teenage mothers, I’m passionate about this book. I took the nine needs of every teen mom and wrote practical and spiritual advice on how to have their needs met. The needs are Importance, Identity, Growth, Intimacy, Instruction, Help, Recreation, Perspective and Hope. All moms need these things, and often teen moms don’t know how to get them.

34 HOPE | Q1 2015

What is your message to women, (single women, mothers, wives)?

Teen Mom: You’re Stronger Than You Think is written specifically for teenage mothers, and I highly recommend it for youth pastors, pregnancy care centers and teenage mother support groups who will find this a great resource. I also encourage women to pick up a copy for the young mothers they know. I guarantee if you have this book on hand, God will bring a young mom into your life to give it to.

SCHEDULE YOUR MENTAL BREAKDOWNS AND OTHER SECRETS TO BEING FIERCE by h o pe m ag a zi n e When you look at Dr. Monica (Moe) Anderson, you may notice that she is petite and somewhat frail. She has just recovered from surgery related to the chronic, rare form of sarcoma she lives with known as GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors).

Yet the minute she opens her mouth with a wide grin or to speak wise words, you know Dr. Moe is a very strong woman. And she earned every bit of it.

In her own words, “Today, I’m a grandmother, a member of management at a national company, a journalist, a multipublished author, a real estate investor, a serial entrepreneur and a motivational speaker. I feel very good about these accomplishments. I also lost money investing in a can’t-miss restaurant venture, was divorced after 17 years of marriage, struggled through a crippling episode of depression and parted ways with dear friends a few times. Those difficult experiences temporarily shattered my spirit.”

Dr. Moe has a specific area of interest: the woman in leadership who is seldom rewarded. She speaks to the church ministry head, the sorority worker bee, the single mother heading a household, the caretaker and everyone in between. In her book, Success Is A Side Effect: Leadership, Relationships, and Selective Amnesia, she provides a blueprint for happiness to women who are harried, tired and just plain worn out from a flurry of activity that seems to be never-ending.

Do you have a shattered spirit, too? Are you struggling with finding your value in your work or at home? Is it time for a change in what you do, how you do it and even why? Read these bon mots written as only Dr. Moe could write them.

• Schedule your mental breakdowns. Why randomly fall apart when you can take a vacation, take a nap or retreat to the bathroom for 10 minutes and relax your mind?

Refreshed bodies are more creative and productive.

• Eat lunch with strangers. Plants follow the same sun every day. You are not a plant. Spend time conversing with people in other age groups, of other ethnicities and of the opposite gender if you truly strive to reach new heights.

Avoid cliques, and broaden your knowledge of human nature by broadening your network.

• Change your mind often. Change is part of growth, and stubborn pride is worthless in the store of life. Try new things, and test new ideas. “You haven’t changed a bit in 20 years” is not a compliment. You should be better than you were 20 years ago.

• Sometimes the difference between success and failure is not whom you know or what you know—it is simply what you fear. Millions of women are treading deep water in a pool of their melted dreams. No, it is not friends or family stopping most people from reaching their full potential; it is their fears of failure.

• Be bold. Be cutting edge. Be a candle in the darkness.

Be anything but ordinary! Ordinary is boring. It’s like caressing your own arm. It does not leave a lasting impression. Strive to leave an impression as unique as your fingerprints on everyone you encounter.

• Life is complicated, and self-care is not an option.

Nurture your mind, body, soul and spirit to live a happy and fierce life. After all, the first note of instruction on an airplane to mothers is to save yourself first.

Q1 2015 | HOPE 35

feature | LOVE

by n ata l i e m er r i l l

Waiting for love ...then waiting with love helped one couple grow together on their journey toward marriage

Sometimes love finds people when they least expect it—but that love can end up being life-changing and leading those people to true happiness that filled their hearts.

Tanika and Maurice Fitzgerald are two individuals who were led to each other not only with the help of friends and family but also with the perfect timing of the Lord. Maurice had planned to meet up with some college friends one night but remembered he had already committed to attend a wedding—a wedding that ultimately changed his life. He began speaking with a woman and talked about many different things: life, family, how important Christ is in his life. Before the night was over, the woman with whom he shared all of these truths told him she had someone she wanted Maurice to meet—and that’s when Tanika’s cousin sent her a text message telling Tanika she had found the perfect man for her.

When Tanika, 33, and Maurice, 29, went on their first date, Maurice knew he had found the woman he would spend the rest of his life loving. Tanika said that, from that point, he tried to see her every day.

“I had to see her as much as I could,” Maurice says.

And it wasn’t long until that persistence won both Tanika and her family over. In fact, Tankia says that Maurice is the first man she’s dated whom her dad has loved. “As soon as we walked in the house, he gave Maurice a hug,” she says. “That was part of my confirmation that he was my husband.”

Since the beginning of their relationship, Maurice and Tanika have made sure that Christ was at the very center—that included saving sex for marriage and focusing on what God wanted for them both 36 HOPE | Q1 2015

separately and together. And that bond they’ve formed with the Lord as the most important component has been critical to the duration of their relationship. “If we weren’t on the same page spiritually, we wouldn’t have come this far,” Maurice says.

Another thing that strengthened their connection with one another was the premarital counseling they took in preparation for their union. Maurice says he learned about barriers he had put up that he never even knew he had, and Tanika added that the experience took their relationship to a new level. Essentially, it taught them both lasting lessons in communicating with one another. “It taught me the art of being submissive and how I talk to my husband,” Tanika says.

“It seems so minor, but it makes a huge difference in your marriage.”

Additionally, the couple feels the premarital counseling allowed them to learn more not only about each other but also about their own personalities and tendencies. Maurice says many people forget that marriage requires individuals to be selfless rather than only thinking about themselves. “It’s not all about you anymore—it’s about us,” he says. “I can’t just look after myself. I have my wife, and when I make decisions I can’t just base them on me.”

These counseling sessions, which the couple highly recommends to any couple approaching marriage, also reminded them that love is an action word—saying it is one thing, but showing it is completely different. And sometimes showing that love comes in the form of ensuring you know the needs of your spouse. “A lot of marriages break up or are not happy because the other person is not meeting their needs,” Tanika says. “But if I don’t know what they are, I can’t meet them. That’s where communication comes into play.”

Communication is something that both Tanika and Maurice stress as a key to a successful and healthy relationship. In fact, it’s that

Photography: TStudio 41 Photography

increase in solid communication that makes Maurice even more excited to spend the rest of his life with Tanika.

“I’m ready to really have no reservations when it comes to communication and everything,” he says. “You hear about people having no boundaries, no reservations in their relationships, and I’m ready to experience that.”

The Fitzgeralds married at the end of October of 2014 and feel extremely grateful and blessed for what God has done throughout the course of their relationship. Their story is one not only of love but also of patience and waiting on the Lord’s timing. Maurice didn’t go to a wedding hoping to find his future bride; Tanika didn’t sit around and think constantly about finding Mr. Right. But he found her; and she found him. And a beautiful relationship blossomed— one that is built on the firm foundation of the One who brought them together. Life won’t always give you what you want or expect, but love will change your heart to make your wants and expectations different than what you ever could have imagined. The Fitzgeralds are living proof that true love waits, true love hopes, true love endures, and true love lasts.

Q1 2015 | HOPE 37

relationship | LOVE

I LOVE ME SOME HIM

CELEBRATING THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE by e va h e a d l e y

38 HOPE | Q4 2014

WHETHER YOU ARE MARRIED OR SINGLE, YOU OFTEN STILL WANT STRONG MEN IN YOUR LIFE TO HELP YOU IN BOTH THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES. Women often forget how much the men around them help them.

Whether it’s taking care of your family, raising you, or killing that spider for you, they continuously show small acts of love regardless of whether or not they are recognized.

But perhaps it’s time they receive the appreciation they deserve.

Men—what would we do without them? Whether you are married or single, you often still want strong men in your life to help you in both the good and bad times. As much as you hate to admit it, you can’t always do everything by yourself. There comes a time when a man’s muscle power or logical thinking can cure a problem in a minute, and you don’t have to be ashamed to admit it. When you look at how God made women, you can see they are emotional beings—that does not imply weakness but, rather, very much the opposite. Women are able to care, support, and provide unconditional love to those we cherish and in many circumstances play both mother and father to our children.

Women can value the presence of male role models in their lives— this could be in the form of fathers, stepfathers, uncles, husbands, or pastors. Any man who has made a positive impact in your life should be celebrated. Oftentimes women who haven’t had fathers around as young women have their trust and view of men distorted.

They can carry baggage into relationships and even into their marriages. In celebrating men who have been there for you, it is a good opportunity to forgive those who weren’t. The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins—it also allows the individual to be free

by letting go of the past.

Some women have been blessed with fathers who have always been there for them. Men like these are special jewels on this earth, as are men who take the place of fathers and become protective figures for those who need them. Often men of this caliber have gone through hell and back to work hard to provide for their families. It is so easy in this society for men to walk away from their children and responsibilities.

However, men who have stayed through the thick and thin need to be celebrated. Sometimes the simplest way to celebrate someone is to tell him how much he has impacted your life. This could be over dinner at a venue of his choice.

You don’t have to wait until Father’s Day or a birthday to surprise your husband or make him feel valued and appreciated in his own home.

You can do something as simple as making his special meal, giving him a romantic massage, or (if he is into sports) buying him a ticket for his favorite team. Another idea is to get or make a thank-you card and let all of the children say how much their father means to them to go along with your special message.

There are likely also other men in your life who have passed on and gained their angel wings. You can still celebrate them in your memories. This could be playing their favorite songs or even placing fresh flowers at their graves. All in all, don’t forget to give thanks and celebrate the men in your life, because without them you might not be the beautiful woman with strength, vision, and hope that you are today.

Q4 2014 | HOPE 39

food | RECIPES

GLAZED CITRUS

SHORTBREAD COOKIES

ADD SOME ZEST TO YOUR DESSERT MENU WITH THESE CITRUS FAVORITES.

by l e a n n r i ce

I love the scent and the flavor of citrus.

It’s fresh and light and adds brightness to any dish, so I am always looking for ways to incorporate citrus into different recipes—both the sweet and the savory.

Sometimes I simply add zest to a green vegetable or over grilled seafood or chicken. A little zest goes a long way, so you don’t need much—usually.

Glazed Citrus Shortbread Cookies

For this recipe, I’ve really packed in lots of citrus. It’s in the cookies and glaze and sprinkled on top as a pretty garnish.

Shortbread cookies are typically delicate and buttery. Adding citrus really offsets the richness of the butter and adds a bright note. You’ll get the burst of citrus then the soft, buttery goodness. These little morsels will melt in your mouth!

FOR THE GLAZE:

40 HOPE | Q1 2015

I have a thing about rice and brown gravy. Something special happens when you spoon rich beef gravy over rice—it’s like happiness on a fork. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods.

Makes 60 cookies INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar The zest of 2 oranges, 3 lemons, and 3 limes 2 cups butter (4 sticks), room temperature 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 2 tablespoons orange juice Extra sugar for baking (about 1/4 cup)

3 tablespoons butter, melted The juice and zest of 2 lemons 1 tablespoon orange juice 2 teaspoons lime zest 3 cups powdered sugar Additional zest for garnish

PREPARATION For the cookies, combine the sugar with the citrus zests. Add the butter and flour, and stir with a fork until the dough starts to come together.

Add the orange juice, and continue stirring until the dough holds together when you try to squeeze it into a ball. (It will look dry, but it will come together when you form it.) Gather the dough into a disk, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for an hour.

PRODUCT REVIEW GLAZED CITRUS SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick baking sheets (see product note at bottom).

Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them two inches apart on the baking sheets. Dip a fork in the sugar, and then press down in one direction on each cookie, then turn and press down in the other direction, dipping the fork each time. Not much sugar will stick to the cookie, but using the sugar keeps the fork from sticking to the dough when you press down on the cookies.

After making the crisscross patterns on the cookies, place in preheated oven, and bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Remove from the oven, and place the pan on a cooling rack for 3 minutes before removing cookies to another cooling rack to cool completely.

Once all of the cookies are baked and completely cooled, prepare the glaze.

TO MAKE THE GLAZE Combine the melted butter with the juice and zests. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth.

If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add a little more juice. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

When IMUSA asked if Hope for Women would be interested in testing some of its products, I selected two items I knew I could use: the lemon squeezer and the reusable cooking sheet.

The easiest way to glaze the cookies is to keep them on the cooling rack and place the rack over waxed paper. Use a small spoon to drizzle the glaze cookies decoratively over the cookies, then sprinkle them with extra zest to garnish.

If there is extra glaze, you have permission to eat it with a spoon. You know you want to—we promise not to tell.

Note: This is a basic shortbread cookie recipe I use for different occasions. I’ve just added the citrus to change the flavor. If you want to play with the recipe, the basic shortbread dough is just the 1 cup sugar, 2 cups butter, and 4 cups flour. That’s it. You combine and bake the same way as directed in the above recipe. To make them for a holiday or an event, add colored sugar or sprinkles to the tops of the cookies after making the crisscross, then bake. Use red, pink, or purple for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter, green for Saint Patty’s Day, red and green for Christmas and pink or blue for baby showers. Same recipe—just switch up the topping. One more variation: skip the colored sugar or sprinkles, and drizzle baked cookies with melted chocolate. Oh, yeah!

I used both products while making this recipe. I’m going to be honest—I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. I am happy to report, I was very wrong!

The reusable cooking sheet is twice as large as any I’ve seen. That, in itself, makes it superior in my book. I cut the sheet in half, so I now have two sheets each the size of a large baking sheet. In addition to the large size, my cookies baked perfectly. What was most exciting to me is the ease of cleanup and the timesavings. The sugar I used to keep the fork from sticking to the cookie dough didn’t burn while the cookies baked, and cleanup was a breeze. The sheets easily wiped clean.

Because they are reusable, I won’t need to purchase and repurchase so much parchment paper. These are going to save me tons of time and money. That’s a win-win for me.

OK, now the lemon squeezer. Oh my goodness! This is the best lemon squeezer I have ever used. This thing is solid. You place half a lemon (or other citrus fruit) inside the squeezer before gripping the handle and squeezing. No force is necessary. The gadget does all of the work and faster than any similar tool I’ve ever used. With one squeeze it actually squeezes out every drop of juice as it flips the lemon inside out. Not kidding! When you take the lemon out of the squeezer, it’s just a flat little circle with the flesh on the outside.

I’m sold. This is the only lemon squeezer I will be using from now on.

Q1 2015 | HOPE 41

health | FITNESS

Fit & Fab

MOM’S CAN BE

HEALTHY & FABULOUS,

TOO

by m a r i a d. ja m e s

more and more in today’s healthconscious wor ld, moms a r e looking for ways to juggle the responsibilities of motherhood with staying fit. hope for women got to know three moms who have learned how to balance it all while keeping their health first.

Lea h Eg wuatu is a mother of t wo young boys and, a long with her husband, is the co-owner of a health and fitness company, 6 Pack USA. Through her business, she provides customized plans for clients who desire to reach their own personal fitness goals. Egwuatu shares her love of healthy eating, exercise, and motherhood on her blog www.fitfoodiele.com.

42 @HOPEMAG | Q1 2015

The former fitness competitor now works to help others take control of their own health. “Health and fitness are important to me, because it keeps me at my very best in order to serve my family,” Egwuatu says.

“Some days it’s not about health, being lean, or building muscle. Some days it’s just plain ol’ therapy.”

On days when she can’t make it to the gym, Egwuatu utilizes her neighborhood to walk and jog while pushing her 6-month-old in the jogging stroller. She also uses 10-pound dumbbells and a yoga mat to practice yoga or incorporate core work on the floor while watching TV with the boys, while they are sleeping, or after they have gone to bed.

Egwuatu says one common misconception is that eating fewer calories is the best way to get your pre-pregnant body back. She adds that most women aren’t eating enough for fear of gaining weight, and in turn their bodies hold onto the nutrients to feed the baby and make sure the moms can function normally.

She believes that to keep your balance you must keep moving. “I’m constantly on the hunt for balance juggling my career, motherhood, and being a wife,” she says. “Accepting that perfection and ‘the perfect woman’ doesn’t exist makes life a whole lot easier!”

Egwuatu’s advice: Stop waiting for a specific date, time, or event in your life—start NOW. Take care of the caretaker. Being your best to function and hold down your family starts and begins with taking care of yourself, inside and out.

LEAH EGWUATU ADVICE A DAY IN HER LIFE: Stop waiting for a specific date, time, or event in your life—start NOW. Take care of the caretaker. Being your best to function and hold down your family starts and begins with taking care of yourself, inside and out.

• 4:15 a.m. – Devotion and prayer, hit the gym to teach a class, workout solo, or train with a client or a friend • 8:00 a.m. – Get hubby’s lunch together, and send him off • 8:30 a.m. – Make breakfast while boys sleep, answer emails, check schedule, prepare for any upcoming speaking engagements, work on blog posts, check on clients • 9:30 a.m. – Boys wake up, and the day begins

• Noon – Dego naps while Chiso and Mom snack and play with learning apps on his iPad; more blogging/emails • 2:30 p.m. – Lunchtime and watching Sprout with the boys • 6:30 p.m. – Bath time and jammies • 7:00 p.m. – Make dinner and wait for Papa to come home • 7:30 p.m. – Relax with Papa and eat dinner • 8:00 p.m. – Skype with clients while the boys hang out with Papa • 9 p.m. – Bedtime for both boys

At the age of 50, Jewl Long competed in her first figure competition. For this mom and grandmother, the desire to live a healthier lifestyle came later on in life. “I didn’t always live the healthiest lifestyle. When I reached 47 years old I was very displeased with where my health was heading and I wanted to change things,” she says.

Long started by walking six days a week with her dog. Slowly, Long increased her distance and remained consistent; she didn’t allow rain, sleet, snow stop her.

As time went on, she started running and loved it, running between six and eight miles a day six days a week. She says she hadn’t been getting the results she desired from weightlifting and, after finding inspiration from other people’s stories, found a mentor who taught her how to fuel her body properly. She says when she learned to eat right she felt unbelievable. “My energy was off the hook,” Long says. “I was and am in the best shape I have ever been in.”

In September 2014, she turned 56 years old and continues to encourage women to make their health a priority. “[Your] health is the most precious thing you have—making time is a must, and you are never too old,” Long says. She also thinks one of the biggest mistakes women make is getting too hung up on the number on the scale. Long strongly believes that the scale shouldn’t be the focus of your weight loss goals. “Very often during weight loss you will gain muscle, making the scale weight go up, and that is what you want,” she says.

JEWL LONG ADVICE A DAY IN HER LIFE: Being healthy is the first and foremost reason to maintain a fit lifestyle. Being healthy is loving yourself and those around you, too.

• 5:30–6 a.m. – Wake up, start load of laundry, feed animals • 6:30 a.m. – Cardio on home treadmill • 7:15 a.m. – Shower and eat breakfast, leave for work (typical workday 10–12 hours; during the day, eat pre-packed meals every 3–4 hours

• Go home, change and off to gym for 1–1.5 hours of weight lifting and sometimes spin class • Home for post-workout meal, then off to work with clients or help with Fit Camp • 9 p.m. – Another meal, shower, paperwork, and time with husband • 10–10:30 p.m. – Bedtime One day a week, Long makes sure to spend time with her family, which consists of her husband of 34 years, three girls, and one 7-year-old grandson.

WINTER 2014 | HOPE 43

health | FITNESS

Anowa Adjah is a fitness powerhouse known for her physical statue, energetic workouts, and fitness motto: “Lose the weight; keep the curves!” This single mom of twin boys has made it her mission to encourage women through health and fitness and remove stereotypes of how fitness should look.

Early on in her life, Adjah recognized that her tall statue and body frame was uniquely different. “As a girl standing 5’10” and 200 pounds, I realized that there weren’t a lot of women like me outside of sports,” she says. “I tried my hand at modeling and was rejected because of my stature.” Adjah tried gaining weight to look softer and less muscular to look more appealing to the high-fashion modeling community.

Unfortunately, nothing worked. Eventually she continued gaining weight and reached 215 pounds. The weight continued to climb.

She decided to join a gym to train aggressively and then started documenting her journey on video and sharing it on social media. Many people were impressed with her athletic abilities, and Adjah became a certified fitness professional and group instructor.

Adjah had a C-section and says it was important to give her body enough time to heal post-delivery and didn’t start working out until nine weeks after giving birth. Once she was able to train again, she took baby steps to regain her strength and flexibility. Adjah says moms must realize that losing weight will not be quick and smooth. “When you’re a mother, it will never be perfect.

It’s just important to get your workout done the best way you can.” She found success consistently by waking up 30 minutes earlier to get her workout in at the gym right after dropping her sons off at daycare.

ANOWA ADJAH ADVICE A DAY IN HER LIFE: Anowa’s advice: Set realistic goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. And make time for your workouts and weekly meal preparation.

• 6–6:30 a.m. – Wake up and prepare sons’ breakfast, get them ready dressed and ready for school, take them to daycare, go to the gym • Train in the gym for one hour, then head to the office to handle business matters • Run errands before picking up kids • 5 p.m. – Pick up sons from daycare • Prepare meal, bath time, and playtime read • Put sons to bed • 11:30–midnight – Bedtime

44 @HOPEMAG | Q1 2015

KEEPING A HEALTHY DIET AMIDST THE CHAOS & STRESS IN LIFE JUST BECAUSE YOUR LIFE GETS FRAZZLED DOESN’T MEAN YOUR HEALTH HAS TO GO ASTRAY by k u m b a s en n a a r

Women today are dynamic, multifaceted, and busier than ever, but along with their many wonderful qualities have come increased responsibility and often less time for prioritizing health. The following five tips offer simple and creative ways to help maintain a healthy diet while navigating through your busy life.

GET ORGANIZED, BE SMART SMART goals—typically defined as specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based—have become a standard way of setting goals in various disciplines and can also function effectively when it comes to your diet. For example, “I will drink water as my beverage with lunch at least three days this week.” Start with a simple SMART goal, build upon it, and always celebrate progress along the way.

With each success comes increased confidence and motivation to do more.

MAKE A PACT TO ACT A great way to stay motivated and confident about eating right is to do so with others. Set daily or weekly targets, and share goals to keep each other on task. Send a quick text message or social media update to share things like a new food item or recipe you have tried. The health benefits of family meals have been the subject of large amount of research. Dr. Anne K. Fishel, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Family and Couples Therapy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, strongly advocates for family meals, noting benefits to all who participate, including “lower[ing] the rates of obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents.”

HYDRATE AND SATIATE A healthy diet is most effective when combined with a good exercise regimen. Keeping your body balanced means balancing your water intake, and research suggests that women tend to experience a greater volume of water loss during exercise than men. Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is among experts who advocate for drinking water at least one hour before engaging in exercise. The rationale behind the timing is related to path the water travels in the body. According to Bonci, “It takes 60 minutes for the liquid to travel from your gut to your muscles.” It is important to remember that daily water intake

requirements are also fulfilled in part by solid food. Great food sources for hydration include cucumbers, celery, green peppers, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, and grapefruit.

JUICE IT OR SOUP IT Making time for breakfast when you’re on the go can be a challenge.

Juicing or making smoothies can be a helpful and fun way to stay on track and a great activity for the whole family. Try recipes involving your favorite fruits or vegetables, and pack in the nutrients while you’re on the move. For lunch or dinner, try a fresh soup—whether hot or chilled, blended of pureed, soups makes for a quick and delicious companion or alternative to a sandwich or salad. The Journal of Nutrition reports that blended soups can help individuals feel fuller for a longer period of time.

ADD A LITTLE SPICE Reducing salt and sugar intake has well-known health benefits.

According to Harvard Medical School researchers, the human body only requires less than a gram of sodium per day, which is roughly equivalent to less than half of a teaspoon of table salt. With most Americans consuming close to four times the daily requirement, associated health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke are prevalent. For alternatives to table salt, try different spices, which carry savory flavors such as basil, dill, garlic, and cumin. Sea salt is another common choice, but kelp granules are also growing in popularity. To satisfy that sugar fix, consider incorporating natural sweeteners such as grated carrots, beets, orange juice, and applesauce into your meals. The key is to try these options gradually over time and find out what works best for you, and your body will crave regular salt and sugar less. Overall, you will feel better, and that means less stress!

Q1 2015 | @HOPEMAG 45

home | REAL LIVING

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

WHEN REAL LIFE—AND REAL LIVING —IS BETTER THAN YOU DREAMED I’m grateful for the ongoing conviction that, no matter what my house looks like, home is where my people are.

When I was growing up, I knew exactly what I wanted my future house to look like. A wrap-around porch was a must, and I pictured a large, curved staircase in my foyer. I wanted plenty of rooms, fancy furniture, and backyard space—with an abundance of grass and trees bordering the pool/outdoor kitchen (complete with stone fireplace, of course).

But here’s the reality: our current front entrance is a glorified stoop.

There’s no grand staircase; we live in an early 70s ranch house built when sunken dens were all the rage. And while there’s probably room in our backyard for a pool, it would be a full-time job keeping leaves out of it. I can think of 4,000 ways I’d rather spend my time.

So, while I expected that this season of my life would be the perfect time for house-related showiness, the reality is so much better. Because as much as I love a pretty house, I’m more interested in how our home functions on a deeper level.

HERE’S WHY:

Contentment doesn’t increase because square footage does.

Our first house was barely 1,000 square feet. The kitchen floor sloped, and our hallway was approximately a foot-and-a-half wide. However, learning to be content with the place the Lord provided was such a good lesson. If we had moved to a different house, we still would have taken all of our problems with us. A house will never fix heart issues, and we needed to learn that.

46 HOPE | Q1 2015

by s o ph i e h u d s o n

A Pinterest-perfect house is pointless without peace.

It occurs to me that if Pinterest had been around in the (fictional) 1920s, people would have pinned the fire out of Jay Gatsby’s showplace. But, as anyone familiar with that story knows, it was all a façade. His life was a mess. My primary concern at home is that all of my people feel safe, loved, and secure; I want us to take really good care of each other and laugh as much as possible. A beautiful décor can certainly add to our enjoyment of our home, but it can’t take the place of healthy, life-giving relationships.

Genuine hospitality has nothing to do with furniture.

I used to assume that people wouldn’t enjoy being in our home unless everything looked beautiful. I now recognize this as CRAZY TALK. People are tired and long to be understood. A beautiful sofa won’t serve them nearly as well as an open heart. If we focus on showing off our houses, we may miss seeing the Lord show off His kindness and mercy.

To be people of welcome, we need to pay more attention to our guests and worry less about impressing them. I recently heard Shauna Niequist say, “True hospitality is when people leave feeling better about themselves, not about you.” Isn’t that so true?

There’s so much about creating a home that I’m still trying to figure out (like, for example, how the laundry seems to multiply—and how to make it stop). That’s why I’m all the more grateful for the ongoing conviction that, no matter what my house looks like, home is where my people are.

I still wouldn’t mind gathering my people around an outdoor stone fireplace, though.

Some dreams never die, I reckon.

A

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@Clenapure Q1 2015 | HOPE 47

inspire | LIVE DREAM INSPIRE

SARAH YOUNG’S HEART:

IN HER OWN WORDS The Jesus Calling author shares about her writing and what inspires her

by a n g el i a wh i t e

Author Sarah Young is somewhat of an enigma to people unfamiliar with her name and her published work. She does not take part in many interviews and has little interest in technology, other than communicating with family and loved ones. However, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of her 365-day devotional Jesus Calling, Young found herself in the center of a media blitz she had not invited. In 2013, according to Nielsen BookScan, Jesus Calling outsold books by Stephen King and Sheryl Sandberg—and this Christian inspirational work even did better than E. L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey. For that feat alone, Young became the story.

Young said she is grateful for the attention but prefers to remain out of the spotlight and to live a quiet, peaceful life with her husband, Steve, in Nashville, Tenn. Health issues related to Lyme disease and vertigo restrict Young’s physical activity, though she has credited those same struggles with drawing her closer to God. In celebration of the best-selling author’s seminal work, Hope for Women would like to introduce you to Sarah Young, in her own words.

HFW: Where did you get the inspiration for Jesus Calling?

SY: J. I. Packer’s book Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight has been helpful to me. This book contains a wonderful quote from Martin Luther: “If the Holy Spirit should come and begin to preach to your heart, giving you rich and enlightened thoughts…be quiet and listen to him who can talk better than you; and note what he proclaims and write it down; so will you experience miracles as David says: ‘Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law’ (Psalm 119:18).”

HFW: What made you decide to write the yearlong devotional book as if it were written by God directly for the reader?

SY: In the introductions to my books, I emphasize that the Bible is the

48 HOPE | SPRING 2015

only inspired Word of God; it is the unchanging standard by which I judge everything I write. When I first began listening and writing from Jesus’ perspective, it was solely for my personal benefit. However, in the midst of a spiritual retreat several years later, I felt strongly led to write for publication. I began compiling the messages into daily readings and sharing them with friends who shared them with others. It was many years later that Jesus Calling was actually published.

HF W: W hy do you think that Jesus Calling was initially so successful?

SY: My books tend to speak to different people in different ways, meeting them right where they are. I think that’s because the books help people connect with Jesus, and He meets us right where we are.

Since I became a Christian in 1973, I’ve received excellent Biblical teaching at the churches I’ve belonged to and the seminary I attended.

My books reflect the richness of this wonderful Christ-centered teaching.

They are designed to help people connect not only with Jesus, the living Word, but also with the Bible, the written Word.

HFW: How does it feel knowing that God has used you in such a huge way to reach so many people and inspire and encourage them the way you have?

SY: Jesus Calling is for devotional reading, and it points readers to the Bible. The Scripture readings provided for each day are an integral part of the devotional. Many people have told me they read not only the verses I include with each entry but also a chapter or more around the verses I specified. I’m always happy to hear this from readers.

HFW: If you could pick just one thing that you want readers to take away from your works, what would it be?

SY: Listen to what the Savior is laying on your heart, and savor the presence of the One who will never leave you.

inspire | LIVE DREAM INSPIRE

YOU’RE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR GOD OFTEN FILLS YOU WITH COURAGE IN UNEXPECTED WAYS

by l au r i e wa l l i n

With 2015 well underway, people try to stick to their resolutions and following dreams. Do you wonder, deep down, if you’ve got what it takes to grow or dream like that?

root words for “courage” and “encourage” are the same. In the New Testament, you see the term parakaleō, which means “to advocate, to comfort, to come alongside and strengthen” (encourage).

You’re not alone! When it comes to making changes, decisions, or even just being honest in life and relationships, fear can make individuals feel like downright cowards. But there is good news: even a scared-stiff coward can be brave, because courage isn’t a feeling. It’s what you do, not how you feel. When you’re doing the scary, step-outof-your-comfort-zone things that chip away at your confidence, courage is an action.

If you still wonder if you’ll be up for the challenge, here’s the kicker: the name of the Spirit of God, who is given to all who believe, is paraklētos, a form of the verb “to encourage.” That means you have powerful, life-giving encouragement through Him every moment, every day, in every situation. You have the living Spirit of the Mighty God breathing courage into you, over you, through you.

The Bible has a lot to say about courage. Through most of the Old Testament, two Hebrew words are used: amats and chazaq. In the original language, chazaq means “to strengthen, prevail, become strong, be firm, be resolute.” In the New Testament, you will find a comparable Greek word, stēkō (to stand firm), used dozens of times. The point is this: it’s a process.

Courage is also a gift, not something you have to muster. It’s not something you conjure for strive for—it’s something God creates in you. While you’re living life bravely despite your fears, the feelings of bravery build in you. Throughout Scripture, when God tells someone to “be strong and courageous,” the original Hebrew words connote God’s strengthening that person as God speaks (Deuteronomy 31:7; Joshua 1:7 NIV). It’s an act of creation, just as at the start of time, but ongoing in you every day. And it’s already yours for the asking.

When you’re trying to live courageously—to trust bravely that you’re enough—you might need a lot of encouragement. And guess what? The

50 HOPE | WINTER 2014

Even on your worst self-esteem days, you have to admit that God is strong, smart, patient, and whatever-else-you-need enough, right? If the courage-creating Spirit of God is in you, then maybe together with Him you’re not just enough after al.

You’re more than enough for 2015—and beyond. “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” –Romans 8:37 Laurie Wallin is a certified life coach and the author of Why Your Weirdness Is Wonderful and Get Your Joy Back (Kregel/January 2015). Laurie, her husband, and their four daughters live in San Diego. Connect with her at LaurieWallin.com.

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