I AM QUEEN Magazine US Feb. 2021

I AM QUEEN

FEB. 2021

MAGAZINE

DEATH SAVED MY LIFE STARRING MEAGAN GOOD, LA’MIYA GOOD & CHIKE OKONKWO

US

HOW TO EAT YOUR WAY TO A FLATTER TUMMY pg 9.

Produced by Meagan Good. pg 36.

JERI-LYN WASH MOTIVATONAL SPEAKER, BUSINESS WOMAN & AUTHOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

—

04 ED I T O RS NO TE

06

T H E A R MO R O F GO D DO N ’ T LO SE YO UR HEAD

09 HOW TO EAT YOUR

WAY TO A FLATTER TUMMY

14

A L I T T LE BAEC ATIO N I N ME MPHIS, TN

16

C A N YOU DATE S O ME O N E WITH K I D S?

18

GO DFREY & TH ER ESA B RIC E C ELEBR ATE 40 YEARS O F MA R R IAGE

CONTACT US I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E E: hello@iamqueenmagazine.com W: www.iamqueenmagazine.com —

24

C OVER STORY

E D I TO R I A L ELLE CLARKE Editor

J ERI-LY N WASH

CO N T R I B U TO R S

28

LIFETIME’S WENDY WILLIAM S TH E M OV IE

36

DEATH SAV ED

MY LIFE W/ M EAGAN GOOD

39

TRUSTING GOD IN 2021

42

FO RMER STUTTER ER PUSHES H ER PAIN IN TO PUR POS E.

TAMMY FLAKES

TYIERRA R HENDERSON SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.iamqueenmagazine.com

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 4 -

EDITOR’S NOTE You never truly know what you can do until you do it. I remember always wanting to learn how to sew but I never took a class. I would take my designs to a seamstress and have her create my designs. One day after the birth of my second daughter I decided to purchase a sewing machine. I got the sewing machine and the rest is history.

There are so many things we want to do but instead of trying it, we continue to put it off. I didn’t realize that after I took the leap that it would create an additional stream of income for me. God had already put on the inside of me everything I prayed for.

Are you limiting your income because of fear? Are you limiting your potential because of uncertainty? This year we’ve decided to join Nike and just do it! Once we’ve received clearance from heaven, we are doing it afraid, broke, and broken if we have to. There will never be perfect conditions to do anything.

You just have to make a decision to leave where you are, to get where you want to be tomorrow.

Queen, it’s time to leap!

ELLE CLARKE FOUNDER EDITOR IN CHIEF I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE

PHOTO CREDITS: JAYLYNN BONABY [ECM GLOBAL]

4 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

ACTIVATION

ACCELERATION

ADVANCEMENT

! e m i t r u o y s it’ I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 5 -

CHRISTIANITY Our salvation is based on our faith in God to see us through.

When we lose our faith, our helmets are off. We are susceptible to all the arrows and thoughts the enemy whispers to us. He said that when our helmet is not on, the head is exposed and is at risk of being cut off or damaged.

THE ARMOR OF GOD Don’t Lose your head!

Written by: Elle Clarke Ephesians 6:10-18 New International Version (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled

around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 6 -

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

I had a dream. In this dream, I was in spirit watching a lady decorate the outside of her home for Halloween. This lady was happy as she prepared her house for the festivities. It was something you’d see at an amusement park. It was elaborate.

She had a man dressed as a dead person hanging on the wall of her home. I thought that was too much. She looked back at me and smiled. Immediately, the house and the decorations were sucked into the bag the decorations came out of. This was a two-story home that she decorated alone.

In prayer, the Holy Spirit revealed the dream to me. The Lord showed me that I was operating with a works mindset- which essentially is acting in the flesh. A works mentality says that I must do it because it won’t get done. While a faith mentality follows the instructions of God and stands on His word. Halloween, which I no longer celebrate is a holiday that emphasizes the works of the flesh. The thing is, this lady was happy as she decorated this big house alone. The Holy Spirit told me that much like the ‘pretend’ dead man on the wall of her home, there were some things I was doing at the time that were not the will of God. They were fake assignments sent to distract and detour me off course that will profit nothing. At the end of the dream, the house and the decorations were sucked into a bag. The lady’s hard work went down the drain and profited no one.

So I asked the Holy Spirit how did I get here? Why am I like this? He said that I became anxious. The bible tells us Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version; Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

He said that my helmet came off because I didn’t guard my mind. The helmet of salva-

tion came off which left my head exposed.

Salvation is being saved or protected from harm or being saved or delivered from a dire situation. In religion, salvation is the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences.

Our salvation is based on our faith in God to see us through. When we lose our faith, our helmets are off. We are susceptible to all the arrows and thoughts the enemy whispers to us. He said that when our helmet is not on, the head is exposed and is at risk of being cut off or damaged. He said if your helmet is off during a battle you risk injury. A brain dead person is still alive because their heart is beating but they aren’t living. The other parts of your armor are useless because you can not operate in Christ without faith.

The Holy Spirit also said that we are to put on our armor every day. You can not expect your armor on Monday to take you through to Saturday. After all, it’s worn. It has been damaged in the battle and it must be changed every day. The reason we must put on our armor is that we can not fight a spiritual war in our physical state so the armor of God does a few things for us: It gives us access to the battlefield.

It protects us from the enemy. He doesn’t know who he’s fighting therefore, he cannot use the information he’s gathered on you as a tool against you because he can not see you. When your armor is on your helmet is pulled down over your face making the enemy unable to identify who you are.

When you put on the full armor you are tagging Jesus into the ring.

It’s his invitation to fight for you.

2 Chronicles 20:15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

“

I CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY. I CONTRIBUTE TO BLACK HISTORY. I AM BLACK HISTORY. THIS IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 8 -

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

HEALTH

HOW TO EAT YOUR WAY TO A FLATTER TUMMY?!

The most difficult thing to lose has to be your tummy. Honestly, we love to eat; the best thing to do is to identify foods that would allow us to eat our way to a flatter tummy. We had no clue where to begin so we asked some friends!

My name is Gina Harper, and I run Harper’s Nurseries: a site that’s all about urban gardening. I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma.

When I relocated to New York, I started an urban garden that sparked a local revolution. I now run my own business, teaching people about urban gardening. I like to keep fit and follow a healthy diet. However, as many of us know, tummy fat can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. Exercising is key, but certain foods can help speed things up. There are three foods I include in my diet that help burn belly fat; oatmeal, raspberries, and blueberries. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber that helps you feel full and regulates glucose levels. Raspberries contain fiber and polyphenols which help you burn fat and lose weight. Add blueberries into the mix which are packed with antioxidants and you have 3 ingredients for a flat-tummy friendly breakfast.

As a coffee connoisseur and enthusiast, my suggestion has to be black coffee as the way towards a flat belly. Black coffee contains antioxidants known to boost weight loss. It also contains what’s known as chlorogenic acid which is known to help slow down the production of glucose. Drinking a cup after a meal means that your body won’t produce as much glucose or fat cells. Black coffee also boosts metabolism and can act

as an appetite suppressant. The trick is to drink in moderation and not before bedtime if you want to get a good night’s sleep. If, like me, you like to add coffee to other foods try blending a cup of black coffee with a banana. Just remember to take it black and skip sugar and creamer. Ahmed Mir, Founder, Sip Coffee House Coconut oil is a staple in my pantry. I use it to substitute regular cooking oil and as a moisturizer for my hair and skin. As I like to keep in shape, I was delighted to learn that coconut oil helps you burn fat and achieve a flat tum. Although high in saturated fats, those contained in coconut oil are metabolized in a different way to other kinds of saturated fat. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and these are known to be very effective in burning visceral abdominal fat. In addition to the fatburning properties, adding coconut oil to your diet can help curb your appetite and boost metabolism. Given that it is high in calories, the recommended intake is 1 tablespoon per day. You can simply eat a spoonful but if that’s hard to swallow, try using it in place of butter.

I like to add a tablespoon to my breakfast fruit and cereal smoothie. A healthy and tasty way to achieve that flat tummy. Piyush Dihr As much as I enjoy the holiday season, the down-

side is the tendency to over-indulge and pile on the pounds. Thankfully, some foods can help get rid of that stubborn belly fat and the good news is that chocolate is one of them!

1- Dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants known as Flavonoids which have been scientifically proven to reduce body fat.

The key is to choose varieties that contain at least 70% cacao. 2- Chili peppers are a great food to include in your diet if you want to get rid of belly fat.

They contain a compound called Capsaicin which encourages fat burning, so spice up a grilled chicken with a fresh chili sauce or add a few to a healthy vegetable stir fry. Or why not combine both chili and chocolate in your favorite recipes. The combination is mouthwateringly delicious and you’ll get double the fatburning benefits. Brandon Wachs, an Eyewear Specialist with SHARK EYES Darrian Wilkins here, Founder of Kitchen Fold, An innovative home cook and kitchen equipment researcher. For me, a combination of a good diet and increased exercise helped me lose my belly fat and now maintain my weight.

A good tip I would say is to get enough fiber. Adding leafy greens to your smoothies helps and gives you a pep in your step. I use a Nutri Bullet because they are easy to clean, retain

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 10 -

nutritional value and you can store the smoothies in the plastic cups you blend in. My favorite recipe has to be: Mixed fruit with lettuce which has 1/2 Iceberg lettuce, banana, avocado, orange, and melon. The avocado adds a creamy texture without using dairy and you can add some honey for extra sweetness.

I’m Lianne Sanders, content editor and a licensed yoga instructor at Total Shape. Cucumbers are great when it comes to targeting belly fat. It’s hydrating, and also a natural diuretic. This means that it helps remove water weight, which is a major factor when it comes to belly bloat.

Focus on the easier longterm habits. I’m a big believer in developing easy eating habits that provide long-term health benefits.

Perhaps the easiest place to start when it comes to shedding the Christmas pounds is to replace breakfast with a freshly made smoothie that’s as filling as possible.

Start with a leafy green base (think spinach or kale), and then add banana, apple, and pineapple to add very palatable tartness/sweetness. Oats are another good filling, but the slow-burning source of energy. The options are limitless really, but whichever recipe you prefer I would recommend making a three serving batch ahead of time. These can then be stored safely in

the refrigerator in separate containers. It’s much easier to develop a habit if you do the hard work ahead of time.

John Bedford, Viva Flavor Drinking more water helps reduce belly bloat. When we are bloated we tend to drink less water thinking it will make it worse but the opposite is true. Water helps counteract the effects of too much salt (sodium) in the diet and the more you drink, the more you will get rid of it. Cucumbers, asparagus, and warm water with lemon also act as diuretics. Bananas are also great as they are rich in potassium which also helps counteract the effects of too much salt (sodium).

Avoid sugar and sugarsweetened drinks along with ultra-processed refined carbs (like cookies and cakes). Eating more protein and fiber is great too and helps you to feel good. Good fats like salmon and nuts have had a positive effect on reducing belly fat.

Exercising regularly is also important. Lisa Young, Ph.D. I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 11 -

STAY CON NEC TED STAY STAY CONCON NEC NEC TED TED W W W. I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E . COM

@IAMQUEENMAGAZINE

@IAMQUEENMAGAZINEUS @IAMQUEENMAGAZINEBS

!

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

ADVERSITY

IS YOUR INVITATION TO VICTORY

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 14 -

TRAVEL

A Little Baecation In Memphis, TN Contributing Writer: Tyierra R Henderson, B.A., MSc Veteran, USN

I

n o i t a baec

f you are anything like my love and I and love you some jazz, then the home of the blues, soul, and rock n’ roll, Memphis, should be at the top of your bucket list! I got a chance to spend a weekend with my better half there and it was amazing! Here are my top favorite spots!

There is so much history down on Beale Street you will love it! It wasn’t always a tourist area but instead the heart of the black culture that brought our people together which is bittersweet. It once was a thriving street filled with black-owned businesses in the 50s but now not so much. I would recommend visiting some of the local museums that are either on or near Beale to find out more about the culture and the history of Memphis.

My favorite museum that we got to visit was the Rock n Soul Museum. I learned so much about the history in the short tour. My favorite fun fact was about the WDIA radio station having the first black announcer. It was white-owned and the black staff wasn’t allowed to touch any of the knobs. However, when the owners would walk out they would touch the knobs anyway. If you go you can also get a peek at Ike Turner’s first piano, what a hand-crank record player looks like, and the red jacket of Dewey Phillips who was the first to play Elvis on the radio.

Not too far away, we also visited the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. It was small

but we got to see a lot! The new interactive museum had memorabilia from legends like Isaac Hayes and B.B. King.

There even was a display for the Negro classic of Hustle and Flow with the hoodie of Three Six Mafia who wrote the famous song “Hard Out Here For A Pimp.” There you will also be able to view their Grammy for the lyrics for Most Original Song.

We got to do a little bit of shopping on Beale after visiting the museums. My wife even got me a childhood toy, a Raggedy Ann Doll, from a neat little shop called A. Schwab.

They had all the classics in there including those fake candy cigarettes that my wife insisted on getting. If you want to get back to your roots let this be a stop on your list!

Instead of the old fashion walking around to tour we did the new school thing: we rode scooters! Bird Scooters are in 100 plus cities all over the US and it is such a cool way to get around. You just download the app, put in your info, and find a random scooter just sitting or lying around on a corner. It is inexpensive and they are electric. So if it’s hot you can get a cool little breeze zooming through the streets.

During the night, we got to enjoy some really good live music at B.B. Kings down on Beale while sipping on a nice cold Ghost River Golden Ale. We also grabbed a tasty drink called Pink Panties at the outside bar called

Our absolute favorite spot there had to be the Jerry Lee Lewis Bar on Beale. Their drinks were strong and the music was great! Get there early as the lines do get long and you want to secure a table on the balcony as we did. We got one in the corner and were able to people watch those below along with being able to see a bartender do some cartwheels on the dance floor before it got too crowded. Getting there early also avoids a cover charge of some $10-$20 ahead.

Our last stop before heading home was the Memphis Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. It is a cool place to visit. There is a lot in there and something for just about everyone when it comes to sports shopping. You can even find some cool looking fish and some gators in the massive indoor river. After walking around we took a long ride up to the top of the Pyramid using the tallest free-standing elevator in America to a fancy restaurant where we got some great food and some tasty drinks.

After, we stepped outside to witness some of the most beautiful views in Memphis.

Two days in Memphis is never enough but we did enjoy ourselves! I can’t wait to go back and do it again! If you are more of a big city kind of person, take a peek at Empire State of Mind: The Best Places to Visit in NYC to see some of the cool places I call my favorites when visiting the Big Apple.

Do you know of great spots to visit in Memphis? Share in the comments on social media!

Notice: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and

details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. woman who was diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy as a young girl. But she did not allow her disability to hinder her from her modeling career. She has made an appearance in the Nordstrom disabled catalog and many others.

Cacsmy Brutus, known as Mama Cax, was a Haitian-American disabled model and speaker. She had every reason to allow life’s misfortune to silence her. At the age of 14, she was diagnosed with bone cancer that spread to her lung. At 16, she underwent an unsuccessful hip replacement that ended up getting part of her hip and her entire right leg amputated. Although this surgery changed her image forever. She decided to show up and speak out. She became an amputee model featured in a magazine like Essence Magazine, Teen Vogue, and many more. During the Obama presidency, she walked in the White House Fashion show. She hit the runway, showing off her prosthetic leg. Sadly, she is no longer with us, but her legacy continues to echo into the world because this is what unconventional beauty is all about.

Thanks to these women and many others, they are helping to expand the social perception of beauty. Although social media has condition us to believe in their opinion of beauty, if we all decide to accept ourselves as beautiful, we can reduce the stigma in our society. Together we will reverse the statistics from 96% of women who do not consider themselves beautiful into 96% of women who believe in their unique beauty.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 15 -

n

The Historical Daisy that is also on Beale Street. Right down the road, there was a night clubbed called Peoples Pineapple. We didn’t go in because all of the people were enjoying the music and dancing (more twerking than anything) right there in the street.

can you date someone with can you date kids? can you da someone with someone w kids? kids?

RELATIONSHIPS

My wife and I are married now since 2007 and we dated for 4 years before that.

The pros were that already had kids and did not want anymore. The cons were that our kids made sure that we were consistent in what we believed otherwise you would get run over. Another con was that other family members had an influence in how the children acted.

Follow Derrick Hayes the “enTIEtainer” @entietainer I’ve been in my fiance and his son’s life for four years now, but when I first stepped into the relationship, I learned so much about loving someone who has a kid.

You have to be resilient. When you date someone with a child, you have to understand, first and foremost, that resilience is key. Most people won’t understand why you could fall for someone with what they consider “attachments” or “baggage.” Most people will encourage you to walk away and invest time in yourself instead of a broken family. You must be resilient and lean into what feels right for you. Even if that means you lose some relationships that you never thought you would.

You must be okay with being second. When you date someone with a kid, you have to understand that the child comes first. Especially when you’re just starting your relationship, your partner will prioritize that child (and he or she should). Be okay with coming second, with accepting change, and with having pa-

tience. You are not the only important person in your significant other’s life. And that’s okay..

You will experience love like you never have before. Loving someone with a child means you have the privilege of experience love on the deepest level. You’re not just stepping into a relationship, you’re stepping into a family. You’re not just loving your partner, you’re loving that child, too.

And that child will, over time, love you, too.

Your role and identity will immediately change in significant and beautiful ways. You may not realize it when you first step in, but when you say “yes” to someone who has a child, you are changing your entire life. You are no longer just yourself - you are a part of something bigger.

You are an integral part of a family dynamic. And while that’s terrifying, it’s incredibly beautiful.

Dating someone with a child is not a burden; it’s a blessing. Marisa Donnelly, writer, editor, bonus mama to an amazing twelve-year-old and founder of Momish Moments & Step By Step Parents, verticals dedicated to empowering journeys of parenting.

can you date someone with kids? can you d

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 16 -

ate with

h date

can you dat someone w I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 17 -

LOVE C E L E B R AT I N G 4 0 Y E A R S O F M A R R I AG E

Godfrey & Theresa Brice He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord - Proverbs 18:22 Marriage is so much more than a wedding. It is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. It is two people becoming one flesh. It is the foundation of society. God created marriage before he created his church so it is very important to him. Pop culture and the media glorify broken but we want to celebrate those who have stood the tests of time.

40

On February 21st, 2021 Godfrey and Theresa Brice celebrate 40 years of marriage!

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 18 -

A Daughter’s Tribute Love: It Always Protects, Always trust, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails.

(1st Corinthians 13:7-8) For forty years you have Loved each other. Nothing or No one could seperate the both of you. You stood the test of time. You both have been the perfect example of Love; Comitment; Family; endurance.

Daddy for 40 years I watched you Provide; respect; and Love mommy and our family. You were always the perfect gentleman to her. Mommy is your “Teff” you are her “Gull” Let all that you do be done in Love (1 Corinthians 16:14) For 40 years everyday I watched you Kiss mommy and showered her with so much affection! You take a delight in serving your Queen! For 40 years nobody makes you Laugh out Loud, like mommy does.

Mommy, for 40 years you Loved honored and cherished daddy. You never allowed anyone to put him down. You always respected him and submitted. I always tell you “mommy, i don’t know how you do it! You are a better woman than me!”

You Love serving your King! Mommy no one makes you blush and smile Like Daddy does.

all Keep Loving one another earnestly, since Love covers a multitude of sins.

(1st Peter 4:8) For 40 years; For better or for worse; in sickness and in health, you both honored your vow to Love inspite of. You never judged each other. I watched you both take care of each other.

In 40 years, I can count on 1 hand the amount of arguements you both had. 4 children, (1 deceased) 3 grandchildren, 2 Homes and 2 dogs you guys have endured the test of times.

Despite the challenges you both endured, you’ll made it Look easy. 40 years is a milestone! Many said you’ll would’nt make it....You’ll made it!

Love conquers all.

Today I honor you, I celebrate your union! Wishing you many more marital bliss! Cheers to the “Red ruby” Anniversary! I Love you both so much!

40

Love, Tiffany (your first born.)

Daddy no one could cook Like your wife to you! You brag about her everywhere you go!

You bring out the best in each other! Above

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 19 -

40

ADVICE FROM THE COUPLE What are the most important things marriage need to Survive?

Love, Trust communication. That’s it. Love Conquers all. God, is Love.

-Theresa Brice

Finance, steady income, communication, Love, and God in that Order.

- Godfrey Brice

Tell us about a trial that you went through and how did you overcome it?

Infidelity. I overcame by Forgiveness. True Forgiveness. I Love Him. Love conquers all. - Theresa Brice It was always challenging supporting my family and raising my children with our small salaries! Somehow, we always overcame that!

- Godfrey Brice What advice would you give to couples today?

Put God first. Put each other first. Remember your vows. Always Communicate. Trust your partner. Don’t allow anyone to come between the both of you, be Strong! - Theresa Brice Always remember who you are and whose you are. Remember your Vows. Keep Friends, and Family especially your mother In Law out of your business! Lol. - Godfrey Brice

Happy Anniversary!

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 2 0 -

Love

SHOUT OUT

TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND, No Valentine’s Day card can express my love for you. I am eternally grateful that you’re my forever.

Today and everyday is a bit sweeter knowing that I get to share it with you!

You are my Valentine’s, today, next year...the year after... always and forever.

With love Shameka Bosfield I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 21 -

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 2 2 -

Listen

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 2 3 -

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 24 -

FEB. 2021

I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE

US

Meet Jeri-Lyn Wash Who is Jeri-Lyn Wash you ask, well simply put she’s “Just Jeri”!!!

Firstly, she is a woman of God. She wears many hats and is many things to many people (sister, friend, cousin, co-worker). However, she finds her purpose in being a mother, community leader, mentor, author, grief/life coach, and business owner.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

- 25 -

After struggling with depression, while attempting to find ways to cope with the passing of her mother and unpacking so many other forms of pain and grief; she founded her organization called ‘Missing Our Mothers Inc.’ Missing Mothers Inc is a safe haven for any and everyone who’s experienced the loss of a mother (or mother figure), and is searching for a community of understanding.

With the immense success of her organization, she birthed “Just Jeri” (the Life/Grief Coach, The Encourager/ Inspirer, Motivational Speaker, and Host). With this platform, she’s providing tools of understanding, compassion, and trusted techniques. She is also dropping her book, ‘Jeri’s Jewels’. The book can be used to guide you through the grieving process. You can find these methods in her newly published book, “From Pain to Peace” The book is a healing guide for anyone who’s experienced ANY form of loss; since grief is not one-dimensional but binary.

Healing has become a way of life for her through her many business ventures; because they ALL allow her to heal the hearts of many by uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, and coaching people into their next.

Just Jeri knows that the work she does is much deeper than her: and in her heart. She has always known that she is simply here to be a servant.

“Don’t allow fear to keep you from finding your voice. You have a story and it needs to be heard, you don’t know how many people are waiting just for you to turn your wounds into wisdom and your scars into stories, someone is waiting for you” - Jeri’s Jewel

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 26 -

Dr. Ghandi Thompson

QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN QUEEN

CELEBRITY NEWS

LIFETIME’S WENDY WILLIAMS MOVIE AND DOC EVENT RANKS AS CABLE’S #1 MOVIE AND DOCUMENTARY, MAKING LIFETIME TELEVISION’S #1 NETWORK FOR THE NIGHT Lifetime’s Wendy Williams: The Movie is the new queen of cable movies, besting all titles in the last nine months among Adults 25-54 (1.2 million), Women 25-54 (893,000), Adults 18-49 (958,000) and Women 18-49 (682,000) in Live+3 ratings (according to Nielsen Media Research). The biopic about the life of the talk show host drew 2.9 million Total Viewers in Live+3 and was the #1 telecast in prime on Saturday, January 30 with W25-54 and W18-49.

Following Wendy Williams: The Movie, the documentary Wendy Williams: What a Mess! was Lifetime’s best non-fiction telecast in more than two years among Total Viewers (2.6 million) and Women 25-54 (802,000) in Live+3. It currently ranks as cable’s #1 documentary of the year among all key demos.

Thanks to the success of Wendy Williams: The Movie and the previous week’s Salt-NPepa biopic, Lifetime is currently home to

cable’s top two non-holiday movies in the past nine months (since Lifetime’s own The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel in April 2020). Salt-N-Pepa’s January 23 premiere drew 1.9 million Total Viewers and 669,000 Women 25-54 in Live+3 ratings, making it the #1 telecast in prime that Saturday with W25-54 and W18-49 (505,000).

Across all telecasts, Lifetime’s Wendy Williams and Salt-N-Pepa movies and documentaries have reached more than 15.5 million Total Viewers to date.* On social, Wendy Williams: The Movie was the #1 most buzzed-about program in primetime against cable-national and was the #1 trending hashtag on Twitter on its premiere night. Salt-N-Pepa ranked #1 against all other cable and broadcast programming on premiere night.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 28 -

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

inspiration d edication...

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 30 -

SHOUT OUT

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

Photo by Lucas Alves

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 32 -

I AM QUEEN

FEB. 2021

MAGAZINE

BAHAMAS

YOUNG CHRISTIAN MILLIONAIRES

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

Meet Caline Newton, Personal Finance and Business Strategist.

Philanthropist.

Paul Harris Fellow.

Spoken Word Artist.

International Speaker + TedX Speaker + Best Selling Author.

A Grand Bahama Mama whose heart beats to the rhythm of Junkanoo and whose absolute favorite food is conch salad; which she loves sharp and spicy just like her.

Photo Credits: I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 34 M.Lashell Photography

Caline G. Newton is ultimately a Culture Disruptor.

An Accountant of 25 years and currently the Accountant and Money Laundering Reporting Officer for a leading Law Firm since April 2000, Newton is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a Certified Financial Crime Specialist and a Certified Financial Education Instructor.

Caline is the Founder of Amplify Your Legacy - A Mindset + Money Mastery Movement that absolutely, unrecognizably empowers women and children fearlessly through Financial Literacy to ultimately achieve unrecognizable financial wholeness and intergenerational wealth.

In her capacity as a Financial Educator, Newton taught the Finance module for the Family Life Component for young couples seeking marriage under the Catholic for almost 20 years in Grand Bahama.

Caline is an unstoppable walking unrecognizable bold, brave, blazing and mind blowing miracle whose personal story of vulnerability, authenticity and success magnetically draws others to her as they become their own unrecognizable miracle.

Newton has also facilitated the access of over $1.3M for her clients as a Consultant for the Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Center in The Bahamas.

Also coined the Bahamian Money Maven, Caline has been able to influence and impact over 5,000 individuals around the world through her brand Live Life Free with her training events since October 2018.

Her guiding quote is, “We cannot create abundance by residing in the consciousness of the poverty of our minds” - Martin Luther King Jr. Her guiding scripture is, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 3 6 -

CELEBRITY NEWS

Death Saved My Life Premieres Saturday, February 13 at 8:00pm ET/PT on Lifetime

DEATH SAVED MY LIFE STARRING MEAGAN GOOD, LA’MIYA GOOD & CHIKE OKONKWO AVAILABLE NOW On the surface it seems Jade (Meagan Good) has it all, a successful marketing career, a husband admired and respected in the community, and a young daughter they both dote on. But behind closed doors, her life is far from idyllic. Her husband Ed (Chiké Okonkwo) is a controlling man who is physically and psychologically abusive. When Jade decides to leave Ed, he tells her “If I can’t have you, nobody will,” a threat which becomes very real when she discovers he has hired someone to kill her. Knowing no one will believe her, Jade realizes the only way to escape Ed is to make him believe the hitman completed the job and that she is dead. La’Myia Good plays Jade’s sister Leigh. Death Saved My Life is produced by Jarrett Creative. Executive producers are Julie Insogna Jarrett, Seth Jarrett and Meagan Good. Seth Jarrett directs from a script written by Barbara Kymlicka.

The movie is produced by Jarrett Creative.

Executive producers are Julie Insogna Jarrett, Seth Jarrett and Meagan Good. Seth Jarrett directs from a script written by Barbara Kymlicka. The film will air as part of Lifetime’s popular Ripped from the Headlines slate.

In Beyond the Headlines: Faking Death, writer Elizabeth Greenwood discusses her research on the phenomenon of “pseudocide,” or faking one’s own death. Based on the experience of Jane in Death Saved My Life, Greenwood discusses the main reason why women fake their deaths, and why disappearing woman in books and movies is so popular. She also presents real life cases of faked deaths that have captured the public eye, and why people resort to such lengths to disappear.

#DeathSavedMyLife

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 37 -

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 3 8 -

Trusting God In 2021 BY: TAMMY FLAKES

I noticed the most interesting thing when I plugged my iPhone into the computer to charge…. A message comes up on the screen of my telephone that asks if I trust the computer. It pops up every time I want to charge my cell phone and every time I must either press that I trust or don’t trust the computer.

I find this interesting because charging my telephone causes me to make a choice. As I sit looking at my phone many times I get upset because I don’t want press the button to charge I feel like my phone should know the connection that I just made and STOP asking me if I trust the computer. However, the message serves as a security measure for me to accept that the connection is “safe and trusted” by me.

I equate this to our spiritual walk with the Lord. During our faith journey with Jesus we will encounter many types of tests and trials. Our tests and trials cause us to make a choice. We must decide whether we will trust the Word of God to guide and instruct us or will we make life decisions depending solely on our experiences? I We must take the opportunity to invite the Lord into whatever our present situation is and seek Him

for our next move?

Take a journey through joy, love, hope, and progression with me. The Lord desires to lead and direct us but we must make a choice of who we will follow.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding…. Proverbs 3:5 Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines trust as, “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.”

That sounds great on paper but when we must live trust out in our daily life there can be many struggles. I never really questioned whether I had trust because from the time I was a little girl I had an automatic distrust for people. It wasn’t that I understood the definition of the word trust or distrust. It was quite the contrary. I couldn’t explain either term but I always thought that people needed to be watched and until they performed what they said they would do that I could not believe them. So, by default I say I was a very distrusting person.

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 39 -

CHRISTIANITY

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 40 -

Imagine my surprise when at the age of 21 the everlasting Father saved my soul. Nobody ever told me that I could trust in Jesus and I bet if they told me that I would not have believed them anyway. But as I stood at the altar in front of the women who would later become my mother in law, I was broken and wounded and desperate to find someone, something, and anything that I could trust and lean on. She reassured me at the altar that I could leave changed, that all the things that I had done in my life could be forgiven and that most of all God loved me. I wanted to know how a God that I imagined knew all my dirt could love me and if he knew all of my dirt then HOW could he love me. What did he want from me? Could I trust him?

So, today as we are entering the second month of 2021, I would like to encourage you to trust in the Lord. Let him review your business plans‌your dating plans‌ your marriage plans‌your life plans. I can assure you that you can trust Him. He will never let you down.

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

PAS T COVERS

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 42 -

Former Stutterer Pushes Her Pain Into Purpose Sherrikka Myers is a national speaker who travels across the country to help schools close social gaps that often lead to bullying. She is the creator of the African American mascot, Lil’ Herbie who is featured in her book, “Herbie’s New Home”. Lil Herbie is based on her life and represents the little kid in her who stuttered as a child. She wants to instill in children how to overcome their obstacles, know that they can do all things through hard work and to never let anyone or anything stop them from fulfilling their dreams.

President-elect Joe Biden’s win means a lot for a special community of people. Across the globe, 70 million people stutter and now have a public role model who they’ve seen conquer one of the most difficult challenges in the world, becoming president. Sherrikka Myers suffered from stuttering as a young child in a single-family household. After being forced to read the school announcements over the loudspeaker and being ridiculed by her entire school at age 11, she used reading a book aloud to beat stuttering.

The daunting moment she found out her first grandchild also stuttered inspired her to go back to school at age 35 to better her life. Little did she know she would become a role model herself for so many. Children ages 3 to 6 are more likely than others to have a communication disorder. Myers created a new program, C.L.A.S.S. (Core Life And Social Skills), that has helped thousands of children grow exponentially. She has been able to witness im-

mense improvements such as reading comprehension jumping by up to 15 levels in just a few weeks.

Unlike other programs that only focus on speech skills and techniques, this initiative targets the root causes and underlying triggers of stuttering, which are self-esteem and confidence. Her award-winning program through her nonprofit Every 1 Voice Matters, has been personally recognized by U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham, and celebrities like retired NBA player Kenyon Martin and Seattle Seahawks NFL player Brandon Shell.

She would like to share her tremendous story of hope and how she’s taken her personal pain and pushed it toward the purpose of impacting youth and sparking change for the next generation.

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

Sherrikka Myers

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 4 4 -

BELIEVE BIGGER.

BELIEVE BIGGER BELIEVE BIGGER.

BELIEVE

YO U A R E Q U E E N - I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

E R.

KIDS BOOK CLUB KINDERGARTEN SIGHT WORDS BY DR. MONESHIA DASHIELL AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM