IronWifey - June/July - Issue 13 - Anniversary

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

ironwifey

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 13 - ANNIVERSARY

r One Yea sary Anniver Issue

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE FRIEND SHARPENS ANOTHER PROVERBS 27:17

WWW.IRONWIFEY.COM

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Love, Thank you for reading the "Anniversary" issue of IronWifey Magazine.

As iron sharpens iron, so one woman sharpens another Issue 13 The Anniversary Issue CEO & Founder Jesus Editor-in-Christ, Publisher, Designer: Micayla Robertson Editor: Denise Dandridge Contributors: Adebosoye Olagbegi Chriscynthia Calhoun Denise Dandridge Elsonia Swarts Joanne Christian Ncediwe Mdlulwa Veranique Parker

Over the past year, we've renewed our minds in Christ, broke free from the chains that kept us bound, learned how to pray and the power of Prayer, and accepted God as Love. We embraced our inner child and found contentment, and we sought a deeper relationship with the greatest gift we could ever receive: Jesus Christ!

We've manifested our dreams and visions, stepped out on faith, wrote the visions and made them clear, armored up, and placed all of our trust in God! This year has been far from easy, but we've managed to sharpen each other in Christ, just as iron sharpens iron.

It takes a strong woman of God to encourage and sharpen a strong woman of God. This issue is dedicated to the Iron-Women behind IronWifey! Each and every woman who has contributed to this magazine has challenged, encouraged, and inspired me to be the best christian woman, wife, writer, sister, friend, and daughter that I could be. They have prayed with me, cried with me, worshiped with me, and rejoiced with me!

They saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself, and allowed the Lord to lead them in this written ministry. To each and everyone of you and from the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Adebosoye Olagbegi Alisha Moore Arlaysha Hood Bridgette Robertson Chriscynthia Calhoun Denise Dandridge Elsonia Swarts Felisha Cook Joanne Christian Melissa Volmink Ncediwe Mdlulwa Tiara Ransom Veranique Parker

In this issue, you'll learn more about our writers and their favorite moments with IronWifey! Enjoy the magazine and thank you for celebrating our one year anniversary with us!

With Love,

-Micayla Micayla Robertson Founder + Editor in Christ, IronWifey Magazine

When were you first introduced to Christ? 13

Renewing a Vision: The Start of Iron WIfey By: Micayla Robertson

Dear S.I.S.T.A.S. By: Joanne Christian

What is your favorite issue of IronWifey? 35 Meet the Writers: Denise Dandridge

Your New Beginning Awaits

Meet the Writers: Ncediwe Mdlulwa

23

Freedom By Name

Meet the Writers: Chriscynthia Calhoun

37

Ever Faithful February

94 ?tsirhC ni nemow rehto neprahs uoy od woH

15

Meet the Writers: Elsonia Swarts

19

The Freedom to be who God created me to be

Meet the Writers: Adebosoye Olagbegi

31

His Sweet, Sweet LOVE

Meet the Writers: Veranique Parker

43

Found in Darkness

STNETNOC FO ELBAT

12

92 ?klaw naitsirhC ruoy depleh yefiWnorI rof gnitirw sah woH

06

What motivates you to write? 22 Check out the digital copy online

www.IronWifey.com

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

RENEWINGA MAGAZINE A VISION: STARTING THE START OF IRON WIFEY

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W

hat do you do when you feel like you have no vision?

For two years, I faced that feeling. I was complacent and unmotivated because I simply felt like I no longer had purpose or a vision for my life. It started right after college graduation and like most recent graduates, the struggle to find work became a full time job. When you go off to school, they don’t tell you that you may or not be able to find a job in your field. They simply push the “American dream” that you will graduate with a job, work your way up the corporate ladder, get married, buy a nice house and car, start a family, and live happily ever after. This was the vision I perceived for my life. Before graduation, I knew that walking across that stage to accept my degree would be the first steps I took toward achieving the dream. Unlike most though, I was already married.

Imagine it with me. You’re a 20-year-old college graduate and wife, with a Journalism degree, in a new city and state, who can’t find a job in her field to support her household and who just realized that the American dream is not a reality.

I was in shock.

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In the beginning, I had hope. I applied for jobs in faith that something would open up and I was blessed with a supportive and amazing husband who was willing to move wherever my degree took us. We were both determined. His dream was a become a full-time Youtube entertainer and my dream was to become a television or magazine reporter. Eventually, I planned on having my own television show, but I knew I’d have to start at the bottom first. The two of us would spend hours working our 9am-5pm job, only to come home to spend more hours working toward the dream. What one of us did not know, the other one could teach, and when one of us felt discouraged, the other would encourage with God’s word. We really are a great team.

Through it all, his Youtube dream has grown tremendously and my husband remains confident and faithful. Today, he continues to put in the work toward his Iron Angel Youtube channel and the Lord continues to bless the work of his hands.

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IRONWIFEY

I, on the other hand, gave up.

After receiving countless rejection emails over the course of two years, I had officially given up on my degree. I received a dreadful email for every entry level Journalism position I applied for and every nonentry level job required years of experience. I went from working in retail, to door-to-door sales, and when I landed a job in hospitality at a hotel, I was comfortable and decided that journalism was no longer for me. I told myself that since I didn’t really like bad news, I ultimately wouldn’t have enjoyed the work anyway. My husband encouraged me to create my own opportunities and report good news through my own outlet. I gave it a shot and started a blog called TheFittingRm. TheFittingRm served as the first stage of IronWifey.

The motto for the FittingRm was to take off sin, and try on Christ! It was more of a spiritual mindset, than a physical place. I wrote about God’s word and shared stories he placed on my heart or taught me through life. I wasn’t very confident when it came to writing about my personal life, and I feared that I would make a mistake when it came to sharing about the Lord, but I put it out there anyway. To my surprise, people actually read the blog. They were engaged and inspired and touched by how honest and transparent I wrote. A spark was started in me, but fear of rejection still kept me partially paralyzed. I would write little words of encouragement here and there on Facebook, and upload a blog occasionally when the Lord filled my mind with great content. But when moments were quiet and I didn’t hear from God, I didn't share anything.

My husband suggested that when I don’t have anything to write about, I should just share God’s word with people. I disagreed and it was brought to my attention that if I wasn't comfortable simply sharing God's Word, then I wasn’t really writing for God.

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I was just writing what I wanted and mentioning His name. I was taking off sin and trying on Christ, but I was not keeping Him on me or hiding His Word in my heart. I didn’t think that God’s Word alone would be enough for readers and I had become more focused on storytelling than glorifying the Lord. I knew that if I didn't correct myself then, I could easily stray from the Lord.

That same year, my grandmother passed away and after her death, I completely lost all desire to blog. My grandmother was my biggest inspiration and the strongest woman of God that I knew. We spoke almost everyday and when I needed encouragement, words from her mouth spoke wisdom. She was a true Titus 2 woman and instead of letting her death depress me, I chose to let it inspire me and became a true follower of Christ, like her. I began really spending time in the Word of God and changing my thoughts and actions to imitate those of my Father.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

- Ephesians 5:2 I became an imitator.

NEVER LET YOU FEARS STOP YOU FROM DOING WHAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE MEANT TO DO IN YOUR HEART. WITH ONE LEAP OF FAITH AND COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD, YOU'LL BE AMAZED

BY THE VISION AND POTENTIAL HE'S PLACED INSIDE OF YOU.

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The more I read, the more I noticed that everything happening in the world today had already happened before in the past and was found in the Bible. I was able to find situations I was going through in the Word and received instructions on how to overcome my situations. .

That’s when I realized how easy life is as an imitator. By copying off of Jesus and being obedient to God's Word, all of the pressures and worries of this world become nonexistent. I must admit that I am still a work in progress, and must crucify my flesh daily, but I have learned to be content in whatever situation the Lord places me in and His desires have become my own. This renewal in perspective pushes me to focus on living out God’s word and becoming the best Christian, wife, friend, sister, daughter, niece, and women that I can be, which brings us to IronWifey.

A couple of months ago, I was a guest on one of my husband’s Youtube videos and he asked his audience what my name should be. Since he goes by the name of Iron Angel and I am his "wifey", it only made sense to call me Iron Wifey. When I studied the Word to find out if the "Iron Angel" dream was biblical and lead by God, I was highly surprised by what I found and how the very essence of the name carries power .

As Iron sharpens Iron, one friend sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17

Iron, an element of great strength, is pure in its purpose and is often used to sharpen another strong element. The irony of iron, is that only iron can sharpen iron .

Anything made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead—that is, all metals that do not burn—must be passed through

fire in order to be made ceremonially pure. These metal objects must then be further purified with the water of purification. But everything that burns must be purified by the water alone. - Numbers 31:22-23.

My husband embraces the Iron Angel name and walks in spiritual purity and love. Strong like iron, he endures the fire or challenges in life that shape and sharpen him in Christ. He is aware that with God he will remain un-scorched which presents him as a messenger of God (as Angels are defined) who loves like Christ and share's God's Word with those in need.

As an Iron Angel, he sharpens me in love and faith, giving up his life for me as Christ did the church and as his wife, my purpose is to help him, sharpen him in Christ, and submit to him as I submit to the Lord. My journey of submission became a desire to be the best IronWifey that I could be, which meant I needed to be strong in order to match his strength and sharpen him.

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Remaining focused on my journey toward spiritual submission, I came across a magazine and had a vision that I started my own. In the vision women were gathering in fellowship and sharing their stories to encourage one another. They held each other accountable and prayed for one another and it was truly a beautiful sight. Although I had no idea how to start a magazine, nor did I have content written to share, the vision was plain and clear and I knew in my heart that it was from God. After weeks of research, trying to talk myself out of it, and much thought surrounding a title, I decided to just go for it and I was lead to use the name that embodies me and my current role in life: IronWifey.

Thus, IronWifey Magazine was born.

The purpose of this magazine is to provide an outlet for expression and create a community of women encouraging and sharpening each other in Christ. Therefore, for the purpose of this literature, Proverbs 27:17 is transformed to suit our sisterhood and as Iron sharpens Iron, one woman sharpens another. All of us, single or married, are daughters of the most high God, which makes us bride to Jesus Christ, We must become rooted in the Word in order to present ourselves to Christ flawless and without spot. This magazine is a reflection of my obedience to God and my acceptance of his plan for my life. The site originally used for TheFittingRm now serves as the website for the online magazine and blog, and the dream of becoming a magazine reporter has been renewed and re-established as a Kingdom reporter who started this magazine.

When you feel like you no longer have a vision for your life, give yourself completely to God and watch Him transform you into the woman He’s created you to be. God will renew the vision that He’s placed inside of you, but it's up to you to seek his Kingdom, trust in Him with all of your heart, and patiently wait for your moment of renewal.

IRONWIFEY

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BE ENCOURAGED

DEAR S.I.S.T.A.S BY: JOANNE LEIGH CHRISTIAN

Every once in a while we ask ourselves what is our purpose; and are we seeking God to reveal it to us.

He holds the master blueprint for us and nobody else can fulfill that specific destiny.

We must trust Him to lead, guide and empower us to succeed in fulfilling His mission for us.

Our purpose starts with whom we know, not what we know or how good we are."

SISTERS. IN. SYNC. TAKING. ACTION. SPIRITUALLY. Joanne Christian created S.I.S.T.A.S. (Sisters In Sync Taking Action Spiritually) as a mission for women, sisters and followers of Christ to pray and share with each other to become a perfect match to spiritually connect. Her foundation was laid from her family to build on a relationship with Christ and value those whom she comes in contact with. passion singer, F O R W E E K L She Y Ehas N Calways O U Rhad A Ga E M E NinTministry J O I NasTa H E S songwriter, I S T A S Fpraise A C Edancer B O O and K now G RtoObe Uan P author.

A T : F Her A Cfavorite EBOO K . CisO“Be M Blessed / S I S T to A be S a Blessing.” soon quote

For more encouragement visit the S.I.S.T.A.S. Facebook page

We must first know that it's impossible to fulfill our Godgiven purpose unless we revere God and give Him first place in our lives.

GET TO KNOW OUR WRITERS Chriscyntia:

WHEN WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO CHRIST?

Relatively young, I was probably around six years old when my mother taught us to take our cares and concerns to the Lord in prayer. She taught us the “Lord’s Prayer” when I was around that age and we said it every night in our prayers.

Ncediwe: The Lord Jesus Christ was introduced in my life during my early childhood years, in fact since conception (because of my elder’s love for God even way before I was born). Also, in infancy particularly during the baby dedication that is normally done at church.

Adebosoye: I grew up in a Christian as I can remember. But he reintroduced himself relationship I have with experienced.

household and I’ve been a Christian for as long on January 31st, 2016, God pulled me in deeper to me. I’m so glad he did because the God now, is the most amazing thing I’ve ever

Veranique: I met Christ in my early twenties and have been serving Him ever since. I may have fallen short of His glory, but no matter how many times I may have sinned against Him, He has still used those trials and mistakes to serve His kingdom.

Denise: I have enjoyed writing since elementary school. Book reports, poetry, creative writing, journaling; you name it and I enjoyed it. Writing came natural and as I excelled in my English Composition and Literature classes throughout high school and college, my love for writing grew exponentially. I was introduced to IronWifey by my daughter Micayla Robertson, the Editor and Founder of the magazine. Micayla knew of my love for writing because she grew up in our household where writing was a skill that I fostered in each of my children. Being given an opportunity to write for IronWifey doing what I love, enabled me to use my God given talents, as well as be used as a vessel to spread God's word. In six words "it was a dream come true."

Elsonia: I was first introduced to Christ as a young child, around the age of 7 or so. I was in and out of hospital and Christ was introduced to me as my source of hope and healing. It was only later in my life that I was formally confirmed.

For the longest time in my Christian journey, church was a building and a place I felt I didn't belong because prayers for healing were usually directed towards me because of my inability to walk; opposed to accepting me as I am.

It was only in 2015 that I was confirmed to the Methodist Church, where I was accepted and included just like any other church member.

I LONG TO OBEY YOUR

COMMANDMENTS!

RENEW MY LIFE WITH

YOUR GOODNESS

Psalms 119:40

MEET THE WRITERS

DENISE DANDRIDGE Please tell us about yourself?

I am a strong, God fearing Woman, a Mother, a Sister, an Aunt, a Friend, a MRI Technologist, a Cyclist, a Runner and a Writer. I love life and I am so blessed to be walking in God's perfect will for my life.

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

I have enjoyed writing since elementary school. Book reports, poetry, creative writing, journaling; you name it and I enjoyed it. Writing came natural and as I excelled in my English Composition and Literature classes throughout high school and college, my love for writing grew exponentially. I was introduced to IronWifey by my daughter Micayla Robertson, the Editor and Founder of the magazine.

Micayla knew of my love for writing because she grew up in our household where writing was a skill that I fostered in each of my children. Being given an opportunity to write for IronWifey doing what I love, enabled me to use my God given talents, as well as be used as a vessel to spread God's word. In six words "it was a dream come true."

What is your favorite verse in the bible? Why? My favorite Bible verse is Phillippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."This is my favorite verse because only by completely trusting in God can you have the confidence to believe that God has given you power to speak victory over your life, your family, your finances, your health your enemies and anything that threatens to separate you from God. I believe wholeheartedly that all things are possible through our Heavenly Father.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

"WE ARE RESPONSIBLE NOT JUST FOR LIFTING UP OUR LORD AND SAVIOR IN LOVE, WORSHIP AND PRAISE, BUT FOR ALSO LIFTING UP OUR SISTERS IN CHRIST.

I think of the word responsibility. We are responsible not just for lifting up our Lord and Savior in love, worship and praise, but for also lifting up our sisters in Christ. God's greatest commandment is that we love one another. John 13:34 states, "A new commandment I give you, love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another."

By sharpening other women through loving, supporting, encouraging, and building up, we are ultimately demonstrating our responsiveness and responsibility for our sisters in Christ and thus fulfilling God's law.

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why? I would have to say my very first one entitled,"Your New Beginning Awaits", in the June 2017 Renewal Issue. God's love, his grace, and his mercy are both renewing and completely fulfilling. You have not sampled life until you let go, and let God take the wheel. He alone knows what's best for you, and that new beginning that you are searching for, is waiting for you. Waiting for you to invite your Heavenly Father into your heart, your soul, and your mind. Trusting and believing completely in the Lord to do as he promised which is to provide all of your needs.

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IRONWIFEY

YOUR NEW BEGINNING By: Denise Dandridge

A

life lived without God at its foundation, is destined to be a rudimentary, timeless existence.

A series of chaotic, complicated, convolutions absent of God's divine illumination, void of his vision, purpose and destiny for our lives. It's a hollow state of being where only mere glimpses of fragmented possibilities and untapped potential can be seen, seen but never obtained, always suspended just out of reach. Like the man at the well who desired healing in (John 5:1-14), we are a nation of blind, lame and paralyzed souls. We are imprisoned not by physical infirmities but by our primordial, immature minds that believe solely in independence from God.

BE ENCOURAGED

AWAITS

We choose self reliance and self gratification instead of trusting God and depending on him. Our ignorance and arrogance hurls us deeper and deeper into an abysmal state of hopelessness. Christ is, has always been, and will forever be the only way, the only truth, and the only life we will ever need.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -John 14:6 Like Lazarus, God is inviting us to come out of the entombments that we have created for ourselves where the spirit of death has overtaken us. He wants to resurrect us, heal us, forgive us, uplift us and prepare us for something greater.

BE ENCOURAGED

IRONWIFEY

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He wants to give each of us a new non-terminating lease on life that was paid for by the blood of Christ; a life free from the hurt and pain from our pasts and free from judgement or ridicule. God offers forgiveness for past mistakes, and mercy and grace for poor choices and misguided decisions. He offers a fresh start, a clean slate, and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Christ we are all new creatures, the old life has gone and a new life has begun.

-2 Corinthians 5:17

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

-Isaiah 43:19 God wants to renew and transform us, He wants to love us, cover and protect us. God wants us to "Get Up, Pick Up Our Mats and Walk" (John 5:8) into the destiny he has prepared for us so that he can do a new thing in our lives (Isaiah 43:19), and to show us that all things are possible to those who trust and believe in him (Mark 9:23).

"If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."

-2 Corinthians 5:17

At what point will your reality confirm that the life you have chosen to live without Christ leading it, isn't living at all. At want point will you realize that God is all you will ever need. He is the source of your strength, and the strength of your life. All that you are and ever dream of becoming comes from God. Open your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your heart to feel his unconditional love. Trust God and step out of that comfort zone you have encircled yourself in. I did, and I will be forever grateful.

Your New Beginning Awaits.

SO IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE, YOU WILL BE FREE INDEED.

JOHN 8:36

MEET THE WRITERS

ELSONIA SWARTS Please tell us about yourself?

I am from a town called Bloemfontein in the Free State Province, South Africa. I am a government employee in the Free State province and currently a student at the University of Cape Town. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and getting my daily dose of medication, which is laughter.

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

A friend of mine, Ncediwe Mdlulwa, introduced me to IronWifey Magazine and I have been hooked ever since.

What is your favorite verse in the bible? Why? My favorite verse in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. It is reassuring to know that God has my back no matter what because he has plans for my life, plans of property.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

It makes me think of how we as woman need to build each other up instead of tearing each other down. We need to support each other, love each other and respect each other so that we can each become the best versions of ourselves.

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why? My favorite article written for IronWifey Magazine is my very first article. The topic was Freedom and I wrote about the Freedom To Be Who God Created Me To Be. I loved the article because I expressed my journey as a person with a disability in Christianity.

"WE NEED TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER AND RESPECT EACH OTHER SO THAT WE CAN EACH BECOME THE BEST VERSIONS OF OURSELVES."

IRONWIFEY

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THE FREEDOM TO BE WHO GOD CREATED ME TO BE By: Elsonia Swarts So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27

FREE

There were many times in the past when I attended church with the sole purpose of gathering with co-believers, worshiping, praying,

praising and getting to know God better, only to be disappointed by the way I was perceived. I would enter a church and the spotlight

would fall on me; people would to stare at me as if I was “someone with something wrong”

that needs fixing. The way in which I was received and perceived made me feel isolated and alienated, as a “wrong” type of human being, resulting in me refraining from going back to church when the miracle of “fixing” me failed to happen.

"I AM AN INDIVIDUAL, YOUNG WOMAN, WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND I MAKE USE OF A WHEELCHAIR FOR MOBILITY."

It has been my experience in the past that I would be perceived as

an "instrument” to demonstrate miracles whenever I went to church.

Please dear reader do not understand me wrong, I do believe in

miracles, but for me the greatest miracle goes far beyond the physical.

For me a miracle is when a sinner repents from his or her wrong ways, accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior and strives to live according to God’s will.

In John 9:2, the disciples of Jesus asked him: “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

The aforementioned verse illustrates how other people perceive persons with impairments or disabilities. They view them as sinners who did something wrong and are thus punished through having a disability. Jesus himself, however, answered them and challenged their thinking by dispelling their beliefs about disability in verse three: “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”

IRONWIFEY

My intention with writing this is not to discriminate against churches or fellow

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

Christians, but to challenge the way in which

joy, peace, forbearance,

we as human beings perceive each other. We

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

are all created by one God and he has

gentleness and self-control.

created us in HIS OWN IMAGE. In my understanding, when the Bible refers to “His

Against such things there is no

DOM image”, it’s referring to God’s spirit; the

spirit that he has blown in each and every

law.

one of us to make us human and the spirit

-Galatians 5:22-23

that needs to be nurtured by the fruits of the I feel it necessary for the church’s focus to be more on healing all people spiritually spirit.

instead of focusing on our finite bodies. In the “Valley of dry bones” found in Ezekiel 37, it is evident that bones in the body are nothing without spirit in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and

say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!

This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to

life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath

in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” -Ezekiel 37:4-6

"MY ARGUMENT IS THIS: YOU MAY HEAL A DISABLED BODY, BUT THAT DOESN’T GUARANTEE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WILL BECOME A BELIEVER."

My argument is this: you may heal a disabled body, but that doesn't guarantee that the individual will become a believer. Focus your efforts on sharing the gospel and loving different people as God commands us. Tell them who Jesus is and how he can change lives. Tell them that Jesus loves them and even died for their sins so that they can have life and live because he rose again. As Christians, may we love, respect and embrace each other’s differences just like Jesus does and may we focus on building each other up and encouraging each other to persevere in prayer during good and bad times. May we invite and accept people with disabilities into our churches and look beyond their appearance to recognize the person.

I finally found a place of worship where I am accepted just as I am, a place where I can be who God created me to be. My physical challenge does not make me less of a human or less of a Christian.

Jesus does heal, but His healing is different for each and every one of us Three things will last forever- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love.

-1 Corinthians 13:13

GET TO KNOW OUR WRITERS

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WRITE?

Denise:

Elsonia: The fact that I want to impart positivity by motivating and inspiring others through Christ is what motivates me to write.

Adebosoye:

Veranique: Ncediwe: What motivates me to write is the quiet time I have with the Lord. My life is so busy with work, school, church, etc. but it is crucial to set aside time with the Lord and soak, be absorbed and be in one spirit with the Him. Writing for IronWifey also provides me with a moment for reflection on the goodness that comes from the Lord and all that he has done in my life.

What motivates me to write is sharing what God has brought me through, praying that He would use my testimony as a weapon for someone else.

Although, releasing the pain and gaining forgiveness feeds my heart too.

I have a strong desire to share about God. Too many people are living their lives for themselves and for this world.

God has so much more for us - more than we could ever ask or imagine for ourselves.

His love is so sweet and I want as many people as possible to know Christ. I want people to intimately know Christ become one with him because with that’s where true life is.

My motivation to write is funneled through my belief that there is no problem too big or too small that God can't fix. I write because if there is any chance that one of my articles or testimonies could touch someone's heart, let them know they are not alone, and lead them to trust and believe in my Heavenly Father then I have been obedient.

Chriscyntia: Usually, I look at the topic of the month, and think back to a personal experience that brings that subject to mind. It also helps to pray about what will be the most helpful to others, and will glorify our Lord.

MEET THE WRITERS

NCEDIWE MDLULWA Please tell us about yourself?

The most important thing I would like to highlight about myself is I am a saved child of God. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior since 2009.

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

The decision to write for IronWifey magazine is simply based on my love for God. Also, I thought it would be an interesting platform for me to grow spiritually.

What is your favorite verse in the bible? Why? It is so difficult to choose one as I have many depending on what season of life I am going through. My mind tells me to go for Hebrews 11:6“without faith it is impossible to please God”.

Another part of me says it's Deuteronomy 31:8- “The Lord himself goes before you to prepare the way” Yet, another thought says go for Ephesians 2:10-“for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which prepared in advance for us”.

In a nutshell, its difficult because all of God's word speaks to me; but I'd rather thank God above all else for the “Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want”-Psalms 23:1. When I have God I have all I ever need.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

For me, "iron sharpening iron: is about being able to educate and empower each other spiritually through the word of God.

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why?

I think it is imperative for me to acknowledge that each article was significant and taught me something about God and challenged me in many ways. But, I would go for the freedom article where I wrote on the topic of “Freedom by Name”. This article truly shows what God has in store for my life and even how the names we are given convey a message in terms of what God has predestined for us. We all have a significant role to play in life and as for me, my name means “being helped". This is so true for me because I myself was helped by God, as I am a sinner saved by grace. I have received an unmerited favor from God.So, if God gave me such a wonderful treatment, that means I can do the same thing through reaching out and helping those in need. My life is all about helping people because I am saved to serve! The bible says in Ephesians 2:10 “for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which prepared in advance for us”. So as Ncediwe Mdlulwa I am God’s product and created for works that make the glory of God manifest.

"MY LIFE IS ALL ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE BECAUSE I AM SAVED TO SERVE!."

FREEDOM BY NAME THE LITTLE GIRL GROWING UNDER THE TABLE DESTINED FOR GOD’S PURPOSE

BY NCEDIWE MDLULWA

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Baby Ncediwe. . .

When I was born, I spent one month with my mother before she had to go away for school. This resulted in my grandmother becoming my primary caregiver and I loved my granny with the initial thought that she was my biological mother. My granny gave me the name Ncediwe which simply means Help/Being of Help/ Being Helped.

Granny might not have been aware that the name Ncediwe is actually prophetic in terms of what God had predestined for my life, but she was a God fearing woman who ingrained and instilled Godly principles and values in her granddaughter.

It all started when I was baby. My granny was self-employed as a hawker. A hawker is a person who travels and sells goods, and granny sold oranges, potatoes, etc.

As the then hawker, she would take me to work with her, but when I started crawling granny realized that the crawling baby Ncediwe may pose danger in her life. She became fearful that I would crawl into traffic or get hit by a car while she was busy attending to customers, so she decided to tie my leg against the pillar of the table utilized to sell her goods.

Luckily, I was an easy, happy baby. When I would wake from sleep under the table, I would gaze upon my granny working and as soon as we made eye contact, I would simply give her a big smile. It was as if I was affirming. “I’m okay Granny, I got this! I am alright over here!”.

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I realized that I was tied up against the pillar of the table, but I was patient and understanding, knowing that Granny knew what was best for me, and accepting her plan for our day.

This act of raising a child seems unlikely to those whose babies are raised within their comfortable, warm homes, but I believe that for me this was done out of love. It was not meant to harm, but to protect me so that I could grow and live my life freely in accordance with God’s purpose.

I was a free baby, created for a greater purpose hence; the smile of confirmation I’d project towards my granny when I looked up. Although physically tied, I was not spiritually tied. My granny was determined to provide for us, just as God provides all of our needs. Even when we’re tied under the table, all we have to do is look up and embrace our freedom in Christ.

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

-Galatians 5:1 Ncediwe (center) with her mother and grandmother

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Living up to my name.

I believe that I am called in accordance with what the Lord has ordained me to do, and from childhood to adulthood, living up to my name has been one of my great missions. As Ncediwe, I am a helper as God is a helper in my life and to all people. I am a world changer as a follower of Christ, whom had already changed the world through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; our Lord and Savior. Not only am I free, but We are free. We have been set free; purified and justified through the blood of Jesus Christ who died for us on Calvary. We have been enabled and given the ability to say No to Sin through repentance, turning away from our own understanding and coming to know and follow the Lord.

In order to live up to my name, I demonstrate the fruits of the spirit to everyone I encounter and interact with. Baby Ncediwe demonstrated patience/ forbearance, while today’s Ncediwe demonstrates kindness, gentleness and love through helping people. Freedom in Christ for me means freedom in life, and when I reflect on my name and my story, I am reminded of the story of Moses. Moses was born at a time when King Pharaoh had made his decision for all Hebrew born babies (boy babies) to be killed.

Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Throw every new born Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live. - Exodus 1:22 The beautiful, miraculous and mysterious thing is how God came through when Moses was born. Ordered to be killed in the Nile, Moses’ birth mother placed him in a basket in the water for protection. After drifting down the Nile, Moses ended up in Pharaoh’s household after Pharaoh’s daughter found him in his basket in the water.

She noticed that he was a Hebrew baby and felt sorry for him, so she unintentionally gave him back to his mother for nursing, since she could not nurse a Hebrew baby. This simply shows God’s power and his manifestation in our lives because the very order meant to kill Moses was the order that saved his life. At infancy, Moses was returned to Pharaoh’s daughter and adopted where he was given his name in reference to being rescued from the Nile.

Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, (Moses sounds like a Hebrew term that means “to lift out.”) for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water."

-Exodus 2:10 Little did she know how prophetic that name of "Moses" was as it comes from the Hebrew verb, meaning "to pull out/draw out" [of water]. This makes the declaration of the name more prophetic toward his future role, as someone who will "draw the people of Israel out of Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea. Moses’ name was a clear indication that he was going to free Israelites from the Egyptian bondage of slavery and he succeeded in freeing his people because that was precisely what Moses was predestined to do. It is clear that he lived up to his name and held God’s mandate and purpose.

Therefore, there is power in the names that we are given. Like Moses, I am predestined to live up to my name. I was born to help and reach out because the Lord has helped us in this world. In fact God continues to help me everyday (Ncediwe; being helped). The book of Psalms 121 shows that the Lord is our helper and that he watches over us all day long and does NOT even sleep at night. This is evidence to me that I am indeed free in Christ Jesus. He occupies his days and nights watching over me, so what better way to occupy my days than using my freedom to serve Him and help others.

IRONWIFEY

FROM THE AUTHOR: One of my purposes for writing is to live truthfully with Galatians 5 (Freedom in Christ) and to continue to remain in Christ as the Lord remains in me. Every day I wake up and pray to be connected, be established and be the difference in Christ Jesus. Therefore, I write to make a difference in the world. I find freedom, joy and God’s presence through writing and my writing is about helping people find freedom, particularly spiritual freedom, as the Umbrella of our Journey of life. Thus, let’s be mindful that we are also encouraged to be in the world but NOT of the world as declared and decreed in the bible, since, we are all citizens of the heavenly realms.

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FOR YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO LIVE IN FREEDOM, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. BUT DON’T USE YOUR FREEDOM TO SATISFY YOUR SINFUL

NATURE.

INSTEAD, USE YOUR FREEDOM TO SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. -GALATIANS 5:13

I WILL WALK IN FREEDOM, FOR I HAVE DEVOTED MYSELF TO YOUR COMMANDMENTS. PSALMS 119:45

GET TO KNOW OUR WRITERS

Elsonia: Writing for IronWifey Magazine helps me dive into the Word of God regarding specific issues and understand the Word more, so that I can share it with others. It gives me the opportunity to be still and introspect, as well as grow more spiritually.

Veranique: I have gained more confidence writing for IronWifey Magazine. I also discovered so much joy in staying obedient to the purpose God had for me through writing for this magazine. Even when I thought the plans I had for myself were much better.

Ncediwe: I believe IronWifey magazine has helped me immensely personally and particularly in terms of working out my salvation in the Lord. It has been a reminding tool for me to do well and follow the principles of living as those made alive in Christ as declared and decreed in Colossians 3:1-17.

HOW HAS WRITING FOR IRONWIFEY HELPED YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK?

Adebosoye: The topics! When I write for my blog, it's usually about a lesson God is currently teaching me of has taught me. When I write for the magazine, sometimes topics come up that I would otherwise not have thought about. After sitting down and writing, I always finish with a revelation on a new topic.

Chriscyntia: Writing for IronWifey has given me the forum to vocalize my thoughts on life as a Christian in today’s world. This opportunity has also allowed me to chronicle my experiences; and what has worked (and not worked) for me during different phases in my life.

Additionally, I am also able to read the thoughts and experiences of other women of faith

Denise: Second Timothy 2:15 teaches us to "study to show yourself approved unto God", and Psalms 1:2 tells us to "delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on the law day and night". As my spiritual connection with my Heavenly Father grew and matured, I desired to be about my Father's business spreading the word of what an Awesome God we serve. My articles in IronWifey are not mere compositions, but testimonies on how the Lord has touched my life and blessed me beyond measure.

THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR ONE’S FRIENDS. JOHN 15:13 NLT

MEET THE WRITERS

ADEBOSOYE OLAGBEGI Please tell us about yourself?

I live in Atlanta, Georgia and I’m crazy in live with Christ.

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

I saw an Instagram post asking for writers. I started my blog a few months prior to seeing the post, and I thought it would be awesome opportunity. So I reached out and here we are!

What is your favorite verse in the bible?

Why? Currently it’s Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths." God has really been dealing with me about the importance of surrender this year. So it’s this verse I’ve been hanging on to all year long.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

I think of lifting each other up and encouraging each other. I also think of someone that is willing to help to tell you the hard truth to help you develop into the person that has God has called you to be.

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why? I have to say “His sweet, sweet love"!.

"GOD PULLED ME IN DEEPER - HE REINTRODUCED HIMSELF TO ME. I’M SO GLAD HE DID BECAUSE THE RELATIONSHIP I HAVE WITH GOD NOW, IS THE MOST AMAZING THING I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED.."

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When my relationship with God started getting deeper, it

HIS SWEET, SWEET LOVE

was because I wanted to see some prayers answered. I

By Adebosoye Olagbegi

The love of God brought contentment to my spirit. Then

used to be frustrated and full of anxiety because of what I was praying too see take place in my life. But as I grew closer to God, his love filled me more and more. My relationship with God went from being about what God could do for me, to what God was doing in me. His love overwhelmed me, and I learned to have peace even when my prayers seemed like they weren't going to be answered. I learned to be filled with joy, wake up with a smile on my face, and say "Good Morning Lord," simply because of who he is.

suddenly, God answered my prayers and my relationship Why does God love us so much?

When I sit down to think about how God is working all the intricate details of my life together, I can't help but think why me? Why do you care so much about me? Like Psalm 8:4 KJV says,

What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

One thing I know for sure is that I don't deserve it; his perfect unending love for me.

with him still hasn't changed. I haven't strayed away because my prayers have now been answered. The same love that saw me through and molded my heart to be more like his, is the same overwhelming love I feel everyday. God used the time when it seemed like my prayers weren't going to be answered, to process me.

Now not only have my prayers been answered, but I am filled with his love, which was really the best thing to have received in the first place. I also realize that God didn’t answer my prayers just for me. I know he wants to use me to spread his love and to be a blessing to others. My relationship with God isn't only about what's he doing in NOMADIC

me, but what he's doing through me.

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ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

I PRAY THAT CHRIST WILL LIVE IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH AND THAT YOUR LIFE WILL BE STRONG IN LOVE AND BE BUILT ON LOVE. AND I PRAY THAT YOU AND ALL GOD’S HOLY PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE POWER TO UNDERSTAND THE GREATNESS OF CHRIST’S LOVE—HOW WIDE AND HOW LONG AND HOW HIGH AND HOW DEEP THAT LOVE IS. CHRIST’S LOVE IS GREATER THAN ANYONE CAN EVER KNOW, BUT I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THAT LOVE. THEN YOU CAN BE FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD.

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I don't understand why he loves us so much but I know it's the best thing I have ever experienced. I know I can never go back to the way I used to be. Circumstances can change. More prayer request will come up and there will be more things to stress about. But the love of God can never be shaken in my life.

Thank you for loving me God. Thank you so much for

EPHESIANS 3:17-19 NIV

meeting me where I was. Thank you for processing me.

Thank you for your love.

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SEARCHING FOR LOVE Find the words below hidden in the crossword puzzle of love.Â

God Is Love Patient Kind Trusts Endures Hopes Protects Faithful

Reveal the answer key on page 42

PATIENTZ FAITHFUL A P R K I NDX T G E Y B L NS WO V J I S T O U DH P S C UT MB X Q E A DR Z E U T P N KU V I O L O VES L R Y E H DAT P EN D U R ES Stop searching for love from the world and open your heart to the true love whom died on the cross; and lives on through the Word.

GET TO KNOW OUR WRITERS

Ncediwe:

Adebosoye: The love issue! What can I say? I’m in love with God’s love for me.

Elsonia: The Freedom issue is my favorite.

I love all of the past issues as they all ministered upon my life in a very significant way that I cannot explain in words for it is more spiritual in nature. However, I would choose the issue on the theme of Love. I wrote about how “God is Love and Love is God” and my topic was subsequently the cover of that issue. I think Love is the Umbrella of everything and it's ultimately God’s being. I believe if it was not for the Love of God, none of us or anything would have come into existence. Everything shown in the bible through different accounts of God, shows God’s love for humanity and his creation. Thus, we should love and take care of everything for that is God's nature. Loving God is the greatest command in the bible. We are expected to mimic that behavior towards God and to all of his creation. Hence, in Genesis 1:26 God created mankind to rule all over the fish, the birds..etc.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ISSUE OF IRONWIFEY?

Veranique: My favorite issue of IronWifey is the May 2018 publication:Trust

Denise: My favorite issue is the April 2018 issue entitled, "The Armour of God." There is no doubt that we are in a spiritual battle and this issue explains explicitly how we can prepare ourselves to stand against Satan and his evil spirits. How we can immerse ourselves completely in the Word so that our hearts and minds are completely protected from the devil's strategies, lies and manipulations. Only by covering ourselves completely with God's Holy Armour is survival even an option. Without it we would surely perish.

Chriscyntia: The March 2018 issue, “The Written Word.” I have always been inspired by the scriptures in the Bible, and it has been my “how-to” Manual for life and living. I also view the Word as a book of promises, miracles, instructions, conditions and cautionary tales.

For we walk by faith, not by sight 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 KJV

MEET THE WRITERS

CHRISCYNTHIA CALHOUN Please tell us about yourself?

I have worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs for almost 13 years. Moreover, I am also the Community Liaison of Grace Chapel Foursquare Church in Inglewood, California, and love reaching out to community retailers to form partnerships to assist the homeless and needy. I hold an Associates of Arts degree in English, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Most recently, I am pursuing a Masters in Social Work. However, I have taken an educational sabbatical from USC. Theater is one of my special passions, and I have been fortunate to perform on stages across the country. Social justice, and advocating for veterans who have been traumatized by Military Sexual Trauma (MST) are also things that give my life great meaning. I am the mother of a son, Jemere, and daughter Jennifer 31; and the grandmother of Robert Jr. and Kaiya Deborah Anne.

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

Actually, Denise Dandridge, the co-editor and awesome mother of the editor is a traveling Radiology Technician, and she mentioned the magazine to me one day at work. Curious, I looked it up online, and was very impressed with not only the articles, but the amazing editor and Christian ladies who contribute great articles to the magazine.

What is your favorite verse in the bible? Why? Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It has always been such an amazing feeling to know that the Lord has special plans for all His children, and I depend on those fun plans for my life.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH AN AMAZING FEELING TO KNOW THAT THE LORD HAS SPECIAL PLANS FOR ALL HIS CHILDREN, AND I DEPEND ON THOSE FUN PLANS FOR MY LIFE."

For me, that phrase reminds us that we should be there for another woman and give them the benefit of everything the Lord has taught us. We sharpen each other by challenging our sisters to be the best person they can be. We also encourage them to go out and pursue the path the Lord has set for them.

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why? Definitely, the February article on the topic of “Faith” titled "Ever Faithful February". They have all been very special to me, but this one just seem to set the tone for why I write, and how I get through life.

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EVER FAITHFUL FEBRUARY

"By: Chriscynthia Calhoun

February is usually the time of year I settle down after the holidays to reflect over the past 12 months: what worked, what did not, and what I learned from my experiences.

However, as I was thinking over the events of the past year, it occurred to me that no matter what, the things that have always “worked” for me are “the constants” in my life: family, my church, very dear friends and above all, my all enduring faith in God. It has not always been a smooth road that brought me to this resolve. Honestly, it was pure struggle at first, but along the way I dared to allow my faith to become bigger than my dreams.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” -Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) When I was 13 years old, we moved from Los Angeles to Dallas, because

my mother wanted to go back home to be around her family after my parents divorced. There were a lot of things going on, and since I was the eldest child, I assumed a lot of responsibility In the middle of the night, I would awaken and pray for my family; especially my mom since she was raising us in a single parent home. I talked to the Lord about everything, because that is what I was taught to do, and I simply trusted in Him that much. Years later, even though my basic love, respect and awe of my Father in Heaven was still intact, somewhere along the way I experienced extreme trauma and major disappointments that affected my faith. I developed a fear of the known and unknown alike, which often left me in a perpetual state of disbelief in myself, and the power of my Father in Heaven. It affected everything: my thoughts, emotions, and even my interactions with those I loved the most.

Sadly, for many years, I became a bystander, watching my own life march on without me at the helm.

I allowed circumstances and the way things “looked” dictate the altitude of my faith. If someone made a critical remark, I took it to heart and permitted myself to be judged in the “court of public opinion.” My mother raised us in church, I grew up quoting scriptures about faith, being fearless and taking my troubles to the Lord. Yet, many times, I could not practically apply those very same principles that were the very foundation of my existence. Sure, I believed it in theory, but too often, the minute my faith got tested, I would fold like an umbrella. Yes, I believed there was a God who loved me, but I realize now that I did not love myself enough to embrace simple truths straight from the pages of my beloved Bible.

Photo of Chriscynthia (fourth from right) with family

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Yes, I believed there was a God who loved me, but I realize now that I did not love myself enough to embrace simple truths straight from the pages of my beloved Bible. Do not get me wrong, I have experienced great moments of divine intervention in my own life and witnessed amazing miracles happen in the lives of others. Truly, I have wonderful men and women of God in my family and at my house of worship, whose belief system is a stellar testament of their personal relationship with the Lord. Nevertheless, my biggest issue in the faith department, was that I continuously made the critical mistaken of viewing myself through the lens of others who did not know my backstory – and many times did not care. As a result, after years of beating myself up for not being more like many of my naysayers, I decided that I needed to drastically change my perspective and really work on being the unique person God created.

Above all things, it is, my deepest desire to please God and serve people… instead of the other way around. With this new mission firmly in tow, I began to fervently embrace the promises in God’s word. In times of uncertainty, I would cry out to the Lord audibly, because I needed to hear it too. I decreed that I would first seek His face, and then His hand. It was in those precious moments of prayer, consecration and serious selfexamination that I decided to believe past the ceiling, then go further to the roof, then the sky, and on to the Milky Way and beyond until my faith was up there in the Heavenly places. I spoke life into the situations that others had declared long dead. When the doubters in my life saw nothing, my faith in God’s word soared to a vista where I could see nothing but endless possibilities.

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IW MAGAZINE

“I have seen something else

““Now faith is the substance under the sun: The race is not to of things hoped for, the the swift or the battle to the evidence of things not seen” - strong, nor does food come to the Hebrew 11:1 (NJKV) wise or wealth to the brilliant or When I detached myself from the fear I had allowed to creep into every area of my existence, the tide shifted, and my faith came rushing in like a mighty flood. I began to pronounce things into existence with such intensity that my family would sometimes get very quiet, smile, and tell me they would be praying along with me. After a while, they grew accustomed to my bold affirmations and witnessed a move of God in my life like none of us had seen before. No, it did not happen overnight, it usually does not. Which, is probably a good thing since our Father is teaching us to grow in the midst of the storms.

Consequently, our faith is built up enough to continue to weather the tough elements we encounter. Thus, we now pray for the strength to go through the storms, instead of asking God to take us out of them.

Once I asked the Lord to take the wheel, I learned to become patient and persevere when I felt like throwing in the towel to depression and doubt. Sometimes the battle would seem to go on forever, and it would get extremely tough not to get a little discouraged. Even so, determined to lead by example, face my fears and strongly proclaim my faith, I would post scriptures of encouragement all over the house to remind myself that the Lord was constantly working on my behalf, in my favor and in His time:

favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all” -Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV) Sometimes, Christians are the first to forget that we are also human beings and therefore flawed. Hence, it is incumbent upon us to pray for guidance to strike that much needed balance when the tests come, and they will, many times fast and furiously behind the one before it. The up side? When we trust Him to keep His covenant with us, nothing is impossible.

Since making the conscious decision to trust God through every trial, obstacle and tribulation in life, my entire outlook changed and brightened. I understand things will not change until they are divinely ordered to do so. Life happens - that is a given, so we might as well jump in and live it to the fullest. There are no “do overs” for those moments we missed while we were too busy being afraid to trust God. It is my firm belief that we cannot allow circumstances beyond our control take us away from the faith that motivates us to move into our purpose. When dark thoughts of doubt present themselves, I continuously pray for the peace that passes, and in many cases, surpasses understanding.

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“It is always darkest just before the day dawneth” – Thomas Fuller.

These days, I have reclaimed the strong faith of my 13-year-old self. That is the blessed assurance of old that is closely nestled within this grateful adult heart. Happy Black History Month, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy, Happy Ever Faithful February!

THREE THINGS WILL LAST FOREVER —FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE—AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 NLT

MEET THE WRITERS

VERANIQUE PARKER Please tell us about yourself?

I am an imperfect woman, but I live for the joy of serving the Lord. My background may show a lot of pain and anguish, yet it is the Lord's love that shines through it. I am also a wife, mother, and sister..

What lead you to the decision to write for IronWifey Magazine?

I wanted God to use my writing as a vessel to serve and encourage others and to uplift them through my hurts. However, show them the goodness of the Lord through what He has brought me through.

What is your favorite verse in the bible? Why? "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isiah 41:13 (NIV) This bible verse is my verse for the season because of how much it shows me that no matter how lost I may feel, or unqualified, God's love and power is going to fill me up.

I am worthy. I am qualified, and He is going to equip me to become all He has planned for me to become. I just need to allow Him to hold my right hand and trust Him. What do you think of when you hear the phrase: “As Iron Sharpens Iron, One Woman Sharpens Another”?

"I AM WORTHY. I AM QUALIFIED, AND HE IS GOING TO EQUIP ME TO BECOME ALL HE HAS PLANNED FOR ME TO BECOME. I JUST NEED TO ALLOW HIM TO HOLD MY RIGHT HAND AND TRUST HIM."

I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 when I think of iron sharpening iron. It reads, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.

Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

Of the articles you’ve written, which one was your favorite? Why? Found in Darkness, because of the realness and authenticity I shared about my journey with the Lord by giving behind the scenes glimpses of how I lost my trust for Him, but then shared how He built that trust with me.

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ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

FOUND IN DARKNESS BY :Â VERANIQUE PARKER

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rust, through the eyes of my heart, is like a battlefield running through my mind all while the chains of my past grip onto the memories of who I once was. A trigger that forces me to become a public facade all because of the vicious monsters that liked to hover over me, telling me no one will ever be worthy enough of my trust so I should dispose of them by giving them a look of disgust. When in actuality, they are not peasants to me. I am just living in an intense spiritual warfare battle as the demons around me swallow me up with shame and condemnation. And even though those demons fear the woman I am trying to become by escaping their traps, it does not mean that I do not live in a world where they do not haunt me. Trust, through the eyes of my mind, is a precious gift. A gift that I do not give away for free, or auction off into the hands of a stranger who believes they have earned their right to enter my circle.

After the murder of my father, in 1983, the child that God created vanished and a gothic woman was created. A woman who surrounded herself by darkness and pain because there was no other way for her to live but to dislike the Lord and people.

Losing my dad transpired my faith into disbelief.

God became my enemy and sin became my salvation: my drug, my yearning to get another high, my sanctification of another fulfillment, and the need I craved to meet. From my perspective, God was not big enough to reach the kind of levels sin could. I mean, after all, he ripped my dad from me when I was just a child. How could I trust Him? As a result of my father's death, I was placed in the foster care system where people hurt me and violated me to fulfill their needs; not even caring that I was only a child who just lost her whole family.

For example, the defiling man who molested me as a child forced my inner being to think that submitting myself at the feet of men was the only way I could ever feel loved. After that, I trusted no man and lived in a frightening fairytale since I grew up to assume I was only good for pleasuring and not for knowing.

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AS IRON SHARPENS IRON

That experience was only the beginning of how my trust became tainted by the world, and since it seemed no one was choosing to care about me, I decided to care about myself. In fact, that was where I planted my seed of darkness and allowed the veins of those roots to grow so deep around me that they blocked the entrance to my heart. What that man did not know, however, was that what he sprouted would eventually blossom into terror because I discovered my voice.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) starts by saying, "Do not be conformed to this world. . ." Sadly, those written words were stripped from me and the strength I could have had was weakened because I complied with the world instead of seeking God's Word to find my worth. The scripture goes on to read, “. . .but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” No matter how dark my world was, there was always a light around me trying to shine through with its brightness. Did the light not realize I could only grow in the dark? Guess not, because little by little that same stubborn light that kept trying to creep in was beginning to beam right through me. Like, when God's word said, " ...the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16 (NIV) This was exactly what happened to me, all while living in darkness. In fact, the light was shining so brightly through me that the darkness that I was so accustomed to being surrounded by started to fade away, and I rose up.

But not without a consequence for it is written, " Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

But take heart, because I have overcome the world. " John 16:33 (NLT) Overcome the world? I wondered what world this was that the light was trying to show me. When even in the light, the darkness still seemed to be burning my eyes and the pain still lingered on, cutting me deep, telling me how unworthy I was to be seen or noticed. It seemed as if the shadows would always be with me. For some reason, this light saw my potential to shine

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brightly by using the darkness I witnessed as a lamp to light the road ahead of me. Although fear, shame and condemnation idled beside me, I was promised by this voice that spoke through the light that He would always be with me and not to fear for He had overcome the world. He encouraged me to look ahead at the future and know that my time in the darkness would always try to tell me and show me why I still belonged there. He told me to trust Him and to have faith in His unfailing love for me. I had no idea who this person was that was speaking to me, yet deep within me, I was able to breathe for the first time without having to stay captive. I no longer felt the need to run back to those old chains I was used to, but instead I saw beauty in being detached from them, like seeing a rainbow after the storm. I was no longer bound, but free, and I could not walk away from that light.

Trust has still been difficult for me to place in the hands of someone else. I still fear the presence of others around me because of how accustomed I became to staying hidden in those fears of being known and discovered and open wide to hurt. In other words, my body still cringes the instant someone comes close to me, next to me, or beside me. In fact, my body trembles. But by the grace of this light and the love it had for me, I was strong enough to make it through the dark times in my life. God told me, "Walk with me and work with me watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you." Matthew 11:29 (NLT). I never realized God was not at the hands of those who hurt me. I assumed He was at fault and blamed Him, but I did not know who He was enough not to turn my back on Him and deny who He was to me.

In my eyes, His light was the only thing that wanted to hurt me. The customs of this world defined me and took my innocence, so I put God on that same pedestal and treated Him with disgrace and hatred for the life I had to endure at such a young age. I had no security or protection to shield me; then I read that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." John 10:10 (NLT). God comes to bring me through my pain and restore my strength through freedom.

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ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

My relationship with Christ is not perfect. We go through many ups and downs, and at times I am so weak that I feel like giving up... But God. But God. A father who has loved me so immensely, and saw me when I was in the darkness. He held out His hand and said come with me. I cried for so long for God to save me. To explain why He took my father away from me. Why He allowed so much pain to take place in my life, and why He trusted me so much when I failed Him by giving up, blaspheming Him, and denying Him as my father. I never thought I would I be at a place in my life where I could trust someone other than myself.

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By: Ncediwe Mdlulwa

Chad Brugemann, Teaching Pastor at Red Rocks Church, said in a sermon titled, House Party, "God says, I know why you did that, I am not happy, but I know what broke you to get you in that mindset to eventually get you to that behavior...I am just here to give you healing and hope." What comfort that has given me to know how loved I am in the midst of my brokenness.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

To the darkness, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."

Genesis 50:20 (NLT). I urge you to stand firm in your faith and not to give the enemy a foothold over any area of your life. I know coming out of self-doubt and isolation can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but God's word promises that He will not abandon you or forsake you. Darkness cannot be hidden from His love and only His light allows the lost to be found. Trust him, and He will direct your path.

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I believe this bible verse now. I also know that God loves me more than anything. I may have had to endure suffering along the way - in order to be who I am today. But I know God would never give me anything I cannot handle. His word says, "Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete."

James 1:2-4 (NIV). Amen.

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DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING; INSTEAD, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED, AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NLT

GET TO KNOW OUR WRITERS

HOW DO YOU SHARPEN OTHER WOMEN IN CHRIST?

Elsonia: By speaking words of encouragement and by supporting and assisting whenever possible

Veranique: By building others up with love. Not breaking them down with shame and condemnation but through the love of Christ.

Adebosoye: I try and listen to other women and do what I can to help out. I also love to pray with other people.

Ncediwe: I sharpen other women by being in Christ. Sometimes when I meet people they notice that I am saved without me even saying a word about God which encourages them to want to know God. This came through my prayer to be recognized as a child of God without necessarily declaring so. I also share God's Word and encouragement through speaking, sharing about IronWifey magazine, and even sometimes through posts on Facebook.

Chriscyntia: Personally, I try to be as helpful and transparent as possible when another woman is asking for advice or assistance. I also endeavor to remind her that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her.

Denise: I sharpen other women by utilizing the talent of writing that God has blessed me with. I sharpen other women by allowing the light that God has placed within me to shine. And like a lighthouse, I can only hope that through my articles and testimonies of my many trials, tribulations and victories over them, that Christ will intensify my beacon so that it can lead others through this magazine into the safe haven of His everlasting love.

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TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART; DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. SEEK HIS WILL IN ALL YOU DO, AND HE WILL SHOW YOU WHICH PATH TO TAKE.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 NLT

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE WOMAN SHARPENS ANOTHER

THANK YOU LORD FOR ONE YEAR!