e t o N s ’ r o t i d E Alice Y. Boswell
I really dislike it when women say, “I am a strong and independent woman, and I don’t need a man. I can do this by myself.” With the hand, head and body gestures. Come on....for real? Now, I can’t speak for all women, but I can speak for myself. I may WANT a man, but I NEED a man as well. I need him to hold me, to kiss me, to tell me everything will be okay. I need him to say I’m sorry. I need him to say you owe me an apology. I need him to stand his ground, and have that every right to know that I will be there by his side. I need him to hold my hand, caress my face, look lovingly into my brown eyes, letting me know that I am safe. I need him know that we are in this together, rich or poor. I need him to fill my mind, body and soul with nourishment & truth. I need him…..I need his LOVE. Always LOVE, Alice
Par for the Course . . . The murders, the corruption, the blatant racism, the oppression, the disenfranchisement, the economic exploitation, the double-standards. .all of these things have been firmly entrenched in America’s treatment of Africans since we were dragged over here centuries ago, non-stop. In many regards, it’s actually worse and gradually worsening or maybe just receiving more limelight as folks as more and more videos seem to be popping up further desensitizing the populace to our killings. Our deaths are becoming part of popular culture. What has been brought to light in Chicago recently is a microcosm of a much bigger picture. The only difference is that many of us have finally decided to abandon our bubbles in order to face and deal with reality. We can’t stage a 2 or 3 day boycott and then go back to business as usual. This can’t be a couple of political heads rolling and we again fall back into complacency, we get satisfied with our existence here again. Many of us appear to unfortunately already be among those overly content with what passes as life for us. It’s like pulling teeth to get many of us to stay out of the stores to show some love and unity in the face of the reoccurring and unjustified murders of our people by law enforcement officials. What has been made abundantly clear, even to those who have opted not to see, is that none of these American systems are set up to serve or accommodate us. The criminal injustice system, the mis-education system, the unequal economic system. .etc. .not a single one. After the dust settles, folks need to understand that there is PLENTY of work to be done, we need to be myopically focused on erecting our OWN institutions and entities to serve ourselves as many of our more potent ancestors have more than alluded to on a bit more than a few occasions. A young Black male was killed and everyone complicit in his death from the Chicago police officers on the scene all the way up to the Mayor of the city of Chicago opted to turn the other way and sweep this ominous crime under the rug as if his death was a crumpled, earth-toned leave falling from a tree in autumn, insignificant. The only reason we even know about Mr. McDonald’s lynching is because a few conscientious journalists decided to dig a little deeper for the actual facts connected to the case. What was discovered and eventually exposed was the fact that our lives truly don’t matter to many of these police officers, politicians, or the CEO of this major city that is Chicago. He was JUST a Black boy. This happens plenty at all levels of American society. The ONLY respect extended to our people here is directly attached to how much money we generate for this economy, the exact same as in the very beginning of this sinister one-sided marriage. The oppressor and the oppressed. We’re all awake now I hope. .please STAY awake. lOvE . .
Tuesdays on IntellectualRadio.com at 10pm & Wednesdays on BlogTalkRadio.com at 10pm Be sure to join the “Ladies of Chicago” with Special Guests, Current News, Movies Reviews, Hip Hop News, Comedy and so much more. Who doesn’t love giveaways...... Answer a trivia question and win a $10 Gift Card. Listen in Tuesdays Host: Jazze & Co-Hosts: Alice, Avis,TBIZZLE & Stephanie Wednesdays Host Melissa Adasms & Co-Host Alice Boswell
Rhonda A. Thompson CEO & Founder Rose of Sharon Transitional Living for Women Inc.
CEO & Founder Rhonda A. Thompson of Rose of Sharon Transitional Living for Women Inc. a 501c3 organization, Realtor, Inspired Author, Boss Lady on the Move Ambassador and Mogul. Rhonda A. Thompson’s mission is to make sure that every grocery store, movie theater, school, church, sports arena and the such share about domestic violence. A mother of two boys one being 5 and the other 23 years old she desire that her boys will not only be a voice as a male perspective but also be an advocate for those going through domestic violence. Rhonda A. Thompson began her domestic violence work in 1998 while working the crisis line at Sojourner Truth house in Milwaukee, WI. She had an incident where she personally escaped a family and transporting them to Racine, WI on the Greyhound; Thompson felt the yearning from the deepest recesses of her soul that she had to make healing women and preventing domestic violence her life’s mission. Mrs. Thompson ignored the calling for 15 yrs. until she couldn’t any longer. Eventually, the concept engulfed her and permeated her entire being. And that is when Thompson founded Rose of Sharon in February 2012. As a woman who survived multiple abuses she understood the many forms of domestic violence including sexual abuse. Thompson has gone from SURVIVOR to OVERCOMER....An Overcomer is one that used what they survived from as a platform to reach back and help others. From Victim to Overcomer Rhonda A. Thompson has devoted her life’s legacy as visionary to being the voice for the voiceless. Professional she works as a Realtor and Project Manager Mrs. Thompson’s passion for event planning and entertaining has been an extraordinary masterpiece Rhonda A. Thompson is the creator of several successful events such as Living Behind the Mask Masquerade Ball which is a way to honor other overcomers of domestic violence, Sunday Wine Down a food and wine tasting combined with live music, spoken word and a fashion show and Tea Party Socials which highlights more than just tea but brings women together to have some of those deep conversations with hopes of creating social change. All of which are fundraising social events that not only bring awareness to domestic violence but also brings the community together in support of other survivors, business owners and trailblazers in their own right. Mrs. Thompson’s events leave her guest with a sense of awareness and an experience that will last a lifetime. Some of her supporters are First Lady Sarah E. Reed, Andrea Kelly, Janet Jackson Boss Chix of Atlanta, Beverly Cunningham Outreach Center, LeLee Lyons of SWV, Deborah Hightower and Tracey Harris of Gospel Tribune to name a few. We have seen a trend in celebrities coming out with domestic violence cases like we have never seen before. However, domestic violence is NOT a new trend; violence against women has been an international epidemic for centuries. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Each year since 1976, about 30 percent of all female murder victims are killed by their intimate partner. According to a new study conducted by the Violence Policy Center in 2009, Georgia ranks 10th in the nation for its rate at which men kill women in single-victim homicides, most of which are domestic violence murders. Mrs. Thompson has multi-dimensional vision for ROS, with the primary focus being housing. Although the work can be challenging at times Thompson finds that helping women and children has become very rewarding and fuels her passion effortlessly. Rose of Sharon is owned and operated in the heart of Atlanta, which has helped dozens of women transition through the healing phases of domestic violence while restoring their inner and outer image and indepen-
dence. These are the people that Thompson serve. This is more than just an organization for her; this is her ministry, her reason for being. Just as important, to help each victim pick up the shards of their shattered lives and restore their sense of selves so that they can move on to fulfill their life’s destiny. It’s her pursuit to help women through the numerous stages of healing restoration as she helps them to improve their inner and outer persona by empowerment and redevelopment victims regain their VOICE. The organization’s main focus is to provide these victims with temporary shelter as well as other services that include crisis intervention, providing food, advocacy, counseling for victim/child, support groups, etc. These victims are also provided with workshops on financial planning, pre-employment training, life skills, drug/alcohol prevention, and parenting skills. This is such an enormous task of supplying everything that these victims need, She can do it with a little bit of help and support from all of us. Thank God for Rhonda, who has dedicated her life to making a difference in these domestic violence victims’ life. For more information, log onto our website www.rosatl.org or via Facebook: Rose of Sharon ATL PHOTO Credit: Terry Shropshire Managing Editor and Web Editor Atlanta Daily World and Real Times Media Wardrobe: Colin Turner Couture
The Journey Bible, Faith, Journey, Overcoming Adversity
A journey is usually lengthy trip, crosses many paths, and oftentimes the maker of it endures hardships. In a physical journey, sometimes people often encounter a test of their spirituality or a have a spiritual awakening. Many challenges and adversities can occur on any journey, no matter the terrain. Rough terrain is terrible, but is a help in our journey. The uneven surfaces help place our feet, standing firm. The ragged notches help our hands hold on. Ironically, smooth terrain is even more terrible, a more difficult journey. With no tread to grip our shoes or no jagged edges to hold with our hands, we struggle. Going up the mountain, although the sweat may pour while we climb, we can stop on one of those notches or jagged edges and rest, looking down to see how far we have come, and look up to see how much less we have to go. In a spiritual sense, a journey is a life-changing experience. You often go through some challenging times in your life. It could last a several days, a few months, or even years. Hopefully, before you began your journey, you should have been prepared. God equipped with you with some tools to take with you. You have your faith in God as your shield, protecting you from those who come to destroy you. You have your Bible which is your map to guide you as you cross the treacherous territory of your enemies. You can defeat them with words that your Father has written, promises that no man can deny you. You have your heart which holds your blood supply, running continuously with the blood of Jesus running warm in your veins as you are filled with new Grace and new Mercies every day. All these things give you strength to overcome your adversities. When you have finally reached the end of your journey, you have overcame. You are an OVERCOMER. You have prevailed over evil, temptation, lies, abuse, jealousy, over EVERYTHING the Devil has tried to stop you with and you have stood your ground and remained steadfast and unmovable. When you are tested and tried, dragged through the mud and murk, abused with words that hurt the most, back-stabbed by the ones who you thought you knew best, ridiculed for what God has placed in your heart as His vision for you‌ remember when, not IF, but WHEN you have completed your journey, that you are an OVERCOMER of adversity!
Asia Diamond
Asia was the principle dancer for A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song- the Warner Brothers movie that premiered in 2012 on ABC Family. She served as a dancer for R&B and Pop singer Wish. Asia has also opened for the Eriam Sisters showcase, where performed to the hit single Diary by the America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist. Waiting In Line an Off Broadway Play held at the National Black Theater. Other principal dancer roles include: Beat Street 2012. Up to date Asia Diamond has worked with movie director Ang Lee on set of Billy Lynn’s Long Half Time Walk coming out Nov 2016, R&B singer Felixx and more. Her hosting career has taken off by storm she has had the chance to interview Naturi Naughton, Kiyah Wright, Elise Neal , Tye Tribbet, Lisa Raye and more. Asia Diamond is now also pursing her acting career. Yes, she is the woman of many hats. She was offered to have her first speaking role in Twisted Mines web series. Getting this role has offered her many more opportunities. You can catch her in TV One Fatal Attraction in Jan. 2016. She is also featured in a short film, and has plenty more coming her way. Asia Diamond has now also found a passion in public relations. She currently works for Midwest Black Hair Magazine, Six Twelve Magazine, YV Magazine, AtLA Takeova Dance Convention, Status Publicity. Asia is keeping herself busy and looks forward to the future.
Fear Management Stan Popovich
A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING DEPRESSION
Some people have a difficult time in managing their depression. Sometimes, their depression and fears can get the best of them. As a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression. One of the ways to manage your depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, your afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location. Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things. Sometimes, we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation. Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will become. The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a professional. BIOGRAPHY: Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
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