Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You Spring/Summer Issue 2015 by K.I.S.H. Magazine

“K.I.S.H. Home, Inc.”

K.I.S.H. HOME,INC.’s vision is to purchase a transitional home for young women presently in or aged out of the foster care system in Delaware. For more information about helping us to purchase the home, visit... www.kishhomeinc.org or call 302-399-6477. 2

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Fall/Winter 2013

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Kingdom Investments in Single Hearts

K.I.S.H. Magazine represents our desire to EDUCATE, EMPOWER, and INSPIRE everyone from all walks of life to EMBRACE the New YOU! The magazine focuses on foster care “Stories of Hope” as well as, Health/Wellness, Fashion, Relationships & much more! Thank you for purchasing this magazine. Portions of the proceeds will go towards purchasing a 24-hour supervised residential home for young women ages 18-23 who are presently in, or have aged out of the foster care system in Delaware. For more information about K.I.S.H. Magazine or K.l.S.H. HOME, INC. contact us at (302) 399-6477 or www.kishhomeinc.org.

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

C O NT E NT S

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

IN EVERY ISSUE

LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF by Dr. Kishma A. George

FEATURE - About K.I.S.H. Home, Inc.

COVER STORY

COVER STORY 20 JEWEL TANKARD Having the Mind of a Millionairess

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

15 BORN ON PURPOSE, FOR A PURPOSE By Topaz A. Bryant

WOMEN & MEN ENTREPRENEURS

17 IT’S TIME WE REDEFINE SUCCESS By Ari Squires

19 BREAK EVERY CHAIN MOVEMENT By Cheyenne Bostock

HEALTH/FASHION/MUSIC

23 OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW By James Felix George 24 STEP INTO STYLE: By Dell Scott

36 WHEN YOU HAVE A DREAM By Donald Ashley

EMPOWERMENT/INSPIRATION

27 HEAL YOUR HEART By Dr. Eddie M. Connor, Jr.

28 A DATE WITH DESTINY: By Kaneisha Trott 29 THE MATURATION PROCESS By Lady Pippa Ashley 31 GET BACK IN LINE WITH GOD: By Idris Bolton 32 DON’T GIVE UP By Overseer Alesha Anderson

FEATURE ARTICLES

32 LET GO OF THE WEIGHT By Prophetess Hilly Leon 33 GOD’S BEAUTY By Apostle Nakaie Dorsey

SINGLES/RELATIONSHIPS

34 BITTER OR BETTER SINGLE?? By Prophetess Felicia Archer

37 A BELOVED LETTER TO SISTERS By Simra Dalmida 38 THE HIGH OF RELATIONSHIPS By Pastor Tonya Y. Mitchell

THE BREAKING OF THE VEIL By Prophetess Latrice Leake

CREATED FOR DESTINY

Evangelist Nephetina Serrano

IN EVERY ISSUE

Letter From the Editor-In-Chief

lessings to you for 2015!! Many of you are well on your way with the plans you’ve made to improve yourself and life this year. Some of you are doing well but many of you still need help. Time is flying by fast, and the faster it goes the more complicated life gets. With the time and season of this day, you have to have a

plan. You cannot just move wherever life takes you.

This is a very special issue, with cover interviews and testimonies of Dr. Jewel Tankard, a pastor, wife, author, Bravo’s TV Reality Star Thicker Than Water and a millionairess, and the nine co-authors of Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You, of which I am one of the authors. Also in this issue; life after foster care, empowerment, health & wellness, Author’s Spotlight and fashion, and much more.

As always, thank you for supporting K.I.S.H. Magazine, a project birthed out to raise money to purchase a home, which will be a 24-hour supervised residential home to serve the young women ages 18-23 years old that are presently in, or aged out of the foster care system in Delaware, as they transition to become independent. We will be supportive to make sure that they have a smooth transitioning from foster care to the real world. We want to help the young women to become world changers in making it a better place for themselves and everyone to live in.

I am filled with gratitude, and so happy that our old readers have returned and new ones have decided to get onboard. Thank you so much for your support! We look forward to seeing you again for the Fall/Winter issue. We know that there are many magazines to choose from, and we are glad you chose K.I.S.H. Magazine. Be empowered and remember that there is greatness inside of YOU!

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Attention Readers: Want to be on the K.I.S.H. Magazine Inside Track? What are you waiting for? Log onto www.kish-magazine.com and subscribe to get exclusive news, info, articles & more sent directly to your inbox!

By Dr. Kishma A. George Editor-in-Chief / Visionary www.kishmageorge.com Like Us On Facebook /KishmaGeorge Follow Us On Twitter @kishmageorge

.I.S.H. (Kingdom Investments in Single Hearts) Home, Inc. was founded by Kishma A. George, out of the desire to make an impact in the lives of girls & women in the community, as well as young women who are presently in, or aged out of the foster care system in Delaware. Through Ms. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works as an Independent Living Mentor, she has mentored young adults. During her tenure as a mentor she witnessed the tremendous challenges these young people experienced daily, while trying to find their way to a self-sufficient and stable life. A passion within her grew for these young adults and their future as she experienced their frustration in handling basic skills, such as opening a checking/savings account, parenting, and the frustration of single parenthood. Ms. George knew that these young adults - whether they were a single parent or single without children - needed a strong support system that would empower and encourage them to take control of their lives. They struggled in the transition of leaving their foster homes or care because many were still attending high school and were not emotionally or financially stable. Many of the young adults with whom Ms. George worked left their foster homes or care at the age of 18, and found themselves homeless, pregnant, lacking self-esteem, incarcerated or unemployed, and without guidance. She became frustrated by

the minimum amount of resources the community offered these young adults and wanted to make a difference in their lives, making certain that they had a safe; successful transition to adulthood and independent living. It was then that Ms. George began her journey of seeking ways to assist young adults in becoming emotionally and economically self-sufficient so that their transition out of foster care and into independent living was successful. Established in August 2008 as K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to offer young women in Delaware the support they need to become emotionally stable and self-sufficient in every aspect of their lives and community.

What K.I.S.H. meansâ&#x20AC;Ś

KINGDOM: The Kingdom of God will be built through the ministry of K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. by incorporating programs that will encourage girls and young women to make an impact in the world. INVESTMENTS: An investment of time and life enrichment activities will be implemented in such a way that will empower girls and young women to change their lives. SINGLE: Empowering single girls and women. HEARTS: Helping girls and young women discover their potential in becoming worldchanging leaders by pursuing their Godgiven dreams, goals and visions.

Kingdom Investments in Single Hearts (K.I.S.H.) Home, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, faith-based organization that empowers, educates, heals and inspires teen girls & women ages 13-25. K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. is currently raising funds to purchase a 24-hour supervised residential home for young women ages 18-23 who are presently in, or aged out of the foster care system in Delaware. Our vision is to provide a transitional home and the goal is to offer alternatives for this high risk population and minimize homelessness, poverty, unplanned pregnancies, substance abuse and incarceration among young women presently in, or aged out of foster care. K.I.S.H. Home, Inc. also offers a Women Destined for Greatness (WDFG) Mentoring Program for girls and young women ages 13-25 in Delaware. WDFG is committed to inspiring girls and young women to develop self-awareness; promote excellence in the mind, body and spirit; as well as empowering them to increase their creativity, self-esteem, and self and net worth by implementing programs that teach them how to make an impact in their family and community. To help make this transition home happen, you can send donations to: K.I.S.H. Home, Inc., P.O. BOX 672, Felton, DE 19943 Or online at www.kishhomeinc.org

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

Created for Destiny

“Now is theTime”

by Evangelist Nephetina Serrano The devil does not write your story; God knows the end from the beginning. Know you will WIN my friends! Do not stop trusting, do not stop believing for you were born with a purpose, and created for destiny, for such a time as this! Now is not the time to give up! Be strong and courageous, no matter how lonely it gets, know that you are never alone because God is right there. He will go before you and never abandon you. God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6 ESV). God is yet shaping and perfecting your life; old things are passed away and behold all things become new! Today I am walking by faith pursuing my 8

FOSTER CARE STORY

eflections of a moment in time in my life – when my world seemed unbearable, and I was so confused and I was not so happy. I was a little girl barely in elementary level when I was separated from my mom for a short period. This separation was due to a domestic dispute between my parents. Things can spiral downward and out of control so quickly. We were in another state outside of my hometown away from my immediate family and friends visiting with my dad who was in college. As they sometimes did, my parents were arguing but this time it got bad very fast and before I knew it, the police arrived. My mom took my brother and I to a friend’s house but then later I found myself being dropped off at a stranger’s house. She was an older woman who lived alone and had no children living with her. She later told me she was a foster parent. I am not sure who dropped me off there but I was told it would only be for a little while and my mommy would be back to get me. Days went by and no one came for me. I felt sad, lonely, scared, broken hearted and very confused. As a child, my imagination began to form thoughts of self-blame. Did I do something wrong? Feeling abandonment and not being loved enough began to set in and wondering if anyone is ever coming back to get me? Although the foster parent was nice, I noticed that days had gone by and no one came or called for me. One night, when I went to bed in my small room, when the lights went out I could see the large trees outside my window, which frightened me. This particular night I was crying and the foster parent came and said, “Let us pray.” As the Word in Psalms, 120:1 says, “In my distress I cried to the Lord and He heard me.” I prayed to God that night, “Lord please send my mommy back. I will be good, please Lord Jesus.” My cry went from my lips to God’s ears and shortly thereafter we received a knock on the door and it was my mom. I am here to encourage someone today, because after that situation, I lived many years feeling not loved and alone. Moreover, later suffered many things that no child should ever have to go through but God was still with me. Through life’s trials and situations Jesus is right there to see you through them all. Fear does not control me anymore and I know Jesus loves me today more than enough.

destiny on purpose. My sister, my brother, God has a plan for you. You were created for your DESTINY, and His thoughts are of good and not evil to give you an expected end! Now is the time, for all things new! We must speak into our own lives words of life, so say it with me… I declare and decree, I am the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, the lender and not the borrower. My family is blessed, my spouse is blessed, my children are blessed, my relationships are restored, my body is healed, and my credit is renewed. I WIN!!! Behold, I should do a NEW THING; Now it shall spring forth; I will even make a way in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert (Isa. 43:19 KJV). All Things New – New Doors, New Connections, New Provisions, New Covenants, New Ministry, New Mind, New Health, New Determination, New Direction, New Territory, New Land, New Homes, New Cars, and New Jobs !!! Go forth in Jesus name, Amen! Evangelist Nephetina L. Serrano is the Cofounder of Covenant Marriages, Inc. “Together Forever, We Are One” You can contact her on: covenantmarriagesinc.org covenantmarriagesinc@gmail.com K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

THE BREAKING

OF THE VEIL By Prophetess Latrice Leake

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

The Breaking of the Veil: Moving From Expectation to Manifestation

being that Word is going to sustain and protect your promise! Through one final round of intense labor, a mother is finally able to hold what almost brought her death to give her a new life.

There is a defining moment in the span of a woman’s pregnancy that marks itself as a clear sign that it’s time to bring forth that which has been carried to full term. The months of pregnancy – stretching, swelling, uncomfortable nights, and agony experienced through nine months of carrying a promise can be ended in one single moment with a breaking of the sack or removal of the veil that separates what is conceived and perceived from what is material. The water also known as amniotic fluid (a Word) always precedes the delivery of a child. This fluid serves as a cushion against injury from sudden blows or movements and helps to maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus. In other words, what God has spoken into the depth of your

I want to encourage those of you men and women who have been in labor carrying destiny in your spiritual womb, greatness in the bowls of your belly, and undeniable power that has tarried to manifest. There is a deposit that only you can manifest and deliver to the world; to the Kingdom of God. You will not abort this time but I declare, as prophetic voice crying out in the earth that through you travail your labor has not been in vain. Your sleepless nights, not in vain! You are stretching, not in vain…! It is time to push and not faint. There are no C-Sections to birth greatness because God does not want to credit the promise to someone cutting it out of you or of giving you the easy way out. You have got to bear down and get the full benefit of your pregnancy through true labor.

By Prophetess Latrice Leake

Many of you are right at the point of receiving the promise. You are not in pain because God wants to punish you. You are in the fight for your life because what God put on the inside of you is miraculous and radical. No one could manufacture this; it is birthed by the Spirit and by fire. Your intimacy with the Father has qualified you to deliver a legitimate and accounted for seed deposited in you by the will of God for your life. “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved. Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:1-3). Connect With Latrice Leake Website: www.LatriceLeake.com

Bringing Forth the Dreamer In You Foreword By Les Brown

As an adopted baby born on a floor in Liberty City, Miami, it was crazy for me to dream of beating the odds. As a boy labeled as a retard and often referred to as “DT”, short for the “Dumb Twin”, it was laughable for me to fantasize about a career outside of being a garbage collector or a TV salesman. When I took a leap of faith and volunteered at a radio station, I heard the word “No”, followed by reasons that I was inadequate rather than encouraged and affirmed. When I shared my goals and dreams with friends and family members, they often became the punch line of jokes, while my self-esteem suffered. The 10

dreamer in me could have died… Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You is filled with both secular and biblical inspirational stories where everyone can find a motivational jolt. The stories hit so close to home, I found myself taking notes and revisiting my goals. Realizing that everyone has dreams and goals, but bringing forth the dream is a different story. Let’s first start with you getting out of your way. I once read, “Your first thought was your answer, your second thought was your fear.” How many of you have talked yourself out of your goal? I know I have! Sometimes, we have to live within our imagination, leap and go our wings on the way down, and starve our fears to death. Secondly, we must remove the toxic people from our lives. These are the “friends” who will talk us out of our dream and give justifiable reasons as to why this is undoable. Lastly, I’ve found that God wouldn’t deposit a vision without the proper provision to help you conquer it. Accomplishing your goal is not going to be easy, in fact, it’s going to be hard; you will lose friends and sleep; people will laugh and judge you, but my prayer for you is to have a restless spirit until your inner dreamer is brought to the forefront of your being.

Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You will ignite a new passion to help you move your life in a new direction. Yours In Greatness, Les Brown, Mamie Brown’s Baby Boy

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

Cover Story

Co-Authors: (from left to right back row)

Rodney Davis Dr. Kishma A. George Vincent K. Harris (from left to right front row)

Naim Collins Hakeem Collins

irst, I want to thank all of the authors of this book project for contributing to this everimportant project about bringing forth the dreamer in the readers. It was beyond a pleasure to speak with each of them and get a glimpse of what this project means to them, and what they have in store for the readers. I hope this book preface excites you with anticipation as much as it did me. As much as I attempted to capture the wonderful essence of what each of these authors will bring, it just wouldn’t do any justice for the book. I encourage each and every one to reserve a copy today. I promise…you WILL be blessed! – Javon – The Dream Chaser - Everyone has a dream. Not everyone might understand the dream or the hidden messages in the dream but it’s something that God wants to reveal. He’s always speaking, but are we always listening? Even the enemy has a dream. That is to stop us, make us stagnant – stuck in the same 12

place, not fulfilling your dream. When you pass funeral homes, or gravesites, you’re passing dreams that were unfulfilled, are buried, and died with the dreamer. As one who knows the experience of growing up in poverty, to not have as much as others have, or to be told that you can’t do something because of your age, background, or because you’ve just never done it before; Hakeem Collins aims to awaken the dreamer in you, and understand that God really wants you to fulfill His purpose in your life and that the dream is real. Hakeem Collins is an active prophetic minister, traveling across the country to share the message of the kingdom and empowering lives – specifically empowering the next generation to be what God has called them to be by way of pursuing their dreams. You can like Hakeem on Facebook hakeemcollins, follow him on twitter @hakeem_collins, catch him on YouTube hakeemcollins, or visit his website hakeemcollinsministry.com. Find Hakeem’s latest book project

Born to Prophesy (2013) on Amazon or anywhere Christian books are found. The Turnaraound – Dreaming is the first and often easiest step. If there’s one thing we all know how to do, that is dream. The ability to dream has been etched in our spirits by God – this is one thing all of our authors make very clear. However, we also know that what God purposes for good, the enemy purposes to destroy, and the enemy comes in many forms, one Vincent Harris shows you how to defeat in his chapter of the book, Financing the Dream. Vincent realizes that speaking the dream forth is definitely critical all the more critical are the actions that you take and the principles that you employ in your own personal life, such as treating your personal finances like a highly successful business. Vincent believes what the Word promises – that we are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, and that we are the lender and not the borrower, and will show you in his section of this must read book, how to align that belief with practical living. K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

Vincent is a speaker and entrepreneur, providing business consultation for small to medium size business owners looking to enhance their cash flow via new products. Visit him on vinceonbusiness.com, vinceharrispeaks.com, vinceinspires.com (coming soon) and on all social media outlets under vinceinspires (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest). The Journey to My Dream - No dream worth dreaming comes to pass without fighting for that dream, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Danielle Ashley knows this truth all too well, but has overcome and is sharing her journey of pursuing her dream through all life placed in front of her. She will show you how to deal with the inevitable challenges and obstacles that you face along the journey of the dream, all while dealing with life itself, which presents its own journey. It is Danielle’s hope that her transparency in this chapter will help those who may have given up on their dream or who may be on the verge of giving up. Be inspired to keep moving forward no matter what comes, press on, and continue to pursue your dream. Danielle Ashley is a fashion blogger, and entrepreneur. She is currently in the process of launching a men and women’s clothing line set to debut later this summer. Follow Danielle on Instagram @withlovelonya, and Twitter @dani_lonya. Follow her fashion blog at withlovelonya.wordpress.com. Awakening to Your Dream – As a practical, action oriented individual, Janelle will show you how to wake up out of your dream state and putting the work into making your dream happen. Many times we get stuck in just the idea of what we desire to do or be, and get lost in putting your hands to it, which leads to discouragement when we run into obstacles, or shriek back when things don’t go as planned or when the people who we thought supposed to support us don’t. Any dream worth having must be pushed through, and if you see the vision, then your job is to bring it out so other people can see the dream. The awakening is to encourage you to keep going – to find whatever it is you need to motivate you, grab a hold of that and make what you vision a reality, because the dream is not just for you, it’s for the world. Awaken to your dream, don’t give up, and know that if God has given a dream, then He’s also given you everything you need to make it happen. So examine where you are today. Are you living a full life or are you existing day to day. If you are experiencing the latter, it’s time to awaken to your dream. Janelle Middleton is the owner of Vision Directives (visiondirectives.com), a publishing

company in Delaware. Janelle is a speaker and author working on a number of book projects, including co-authoring Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You. Janelle purposes to help take their vision and bring life to it, and give them practical applications to bring their dreams to life. Janelle can be reached at 302570-0566. You can like Janelle on Facebook at janellemiddleton; or follow her on Twitter @ theauthorj or @visiondirective. Qualifying the Dream – Rodney reviews several questions for you to answer that will help you qualify and understand the dream, and then bring it forth. How do I know if my dream is from God? How do I bring it forth? Do I have a clear vision? Are detours from God or Satan? Why is there so much opposition? Shouldn’t I have a peace about it? Why are the ones closest to me coming against my dream? When pursuing your dreams, no matter what it is, whether it’s dreams of acting, writing, entrepreneurship or even a desire to be married, have a child, or even overcome addictions, whatever it is, you will undoubtedly go through opposition and adversaries. Rodney shares of his own recent experience with heavy opposition and doubt with a recent play, and shares what he has learned and what you can learn from it. 1 Corinthian 16:9 says a great and perpetual door has been opened unto you, and there are many adversaries. But many times, that opposition is a sign that you are

“If God gave you the dream, He has given you the way to live it. Qualify your dream and bring it forth!” headed in the right direction. Rodney Davis is an author, educator, actor and producer, and minister of music. He is currently working on a movie project called Be Careful What You Pray For, where he is playing the lead role – due to debut this year. He also just finished a table reading for a sitcom called Black State due to debut soon as well. Like Rodney on Facebook at rodneydavis, follow him on Twitter @roddave3557, and check out his website at Rodneydavisproductions.com. From Mess to Message – What better way to glean encouragement and understanding of pursuing your dreams, than from a woman who is actively walking in the dream God gave

her. Mary Cooper wholeheartedly believes we were all placed on this earth for a purpose, no matter where you’ve come from or what you’ve been through. God is never shocked by our circumstances, takes the unpleasant things that have happened in our lives, and turns it around for His glory. He takes the mess and makes a message! Even before we come to Christ, God has a purpose for our lives. Mary Cooper leads a women’s ministry called The Daughters of Esther – a weekly women’s group where women are trained, developed, and empowered to fulfill their God-given destiny while, discovering God’s plan and purpose for their lives. She’s also one of the host of Straight Talk for Women Only, a monthly internet stream program that provides a safe and open platform for women to share on a variety of topics. Like Mary’s ministry on Facebook daughtersofesthersministry, email daughtersofestherministry@aol.com or visit the website daughtersofesther.org. Follow the Straight Talk program at straighttalkforwomenonly.com. Preparing for the Dream – Having been saved supernaturally by a dream that came from God one night, Trina Bowers talks about how God can touch you with a dream and how He can implant you and put what He wants on the inside of you. She shares her story of not only receiving the dream that saved her, but the many dreams that God gave her ten years ago – some that she had to wait on because they didn’t come overnight – but that she is walking in today. God may give you a dream but may need to take you through a process of getting to know and understand Him so that you can fulfill, and walk in that dream. Trina helps you prepare for the dream while you wait. God speaks through dreams, and often will give you His purpose through them, but there is a season of preparation so that you can be everything that God has purposed you to be. Trina Bowers is passionate about outreach and is currently focused on sharing the Gospel. Like Trina on Facebook at trinaseymorebowers or trinabowers, and via email at trina.bowers@ yahoo.com. The Dreamers are Coming – Highlighting some key components and principles from Joseph’s life as a dreamer, Naim speaks prophetically to the next generation of dreamers that God is raising up, and shares some characteristics to look for in your dreams – like Joseph, are the confirmation of dreams, and the obstacles you will face. Like Joseph who was persecuted for sharing his dreams with others, there are dream killers in your life the stages that you will go through in pursuing your dream – such as when Joseph

Co-Authors: (from left to right)

Trina Bowers Danielle Ashley Kishma George Janelle Middleton Mary Cooper

Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You Continued... went from the pit to Potiphar’s house, to prison where he finally ended his journey in Egypt as Pharaoh’s right hand man, ultimately and prophetically fulfilling the dream God placed in him. Each dream requires that you go through a process, and in that, God makes you, and molds you. Where are you in your dream today, in the pit? In the prison? In the palace? Follow your dream and become all that God has fashioned you to be. Naim Collins is a traveling prophetic minister for this generation, sharing the message of the kingdom and empowering the youth of this generation to fulfill their purpose and destiny. He is also a mentor to the young men of his city. In addition to a solo book project he has working on, Naim, with his brother Hakeem recently launched their radio program “The Voice” on WEHA Gospel 88.7 FM. Hold Fast to the Vision - In a world of impossibilities there arise a woman who has beaten the odds. Knowing within herself that there is nothing impossible for God, Kishma George put her total trust in an unfailing God protecting her God-given dream from premature death and aborting the promises 14

of God. Relentless she pursued her dream by staying connected to her God. Kishma’s story brings to light the necessity and importance of surrounding oneself with people that will release positive energy, reinforcement, and feedback to your success. She helps you understanding the principle of connecting with the right people at the right time with the right agenda and how to disconnect from dream killers. Dream killers can hinder us, bring destruction and curse. Your decisions determines your destiny. You are one relationship away from your breakthrough, one decision away of accomplishing your dream, vision, and personal goals on your life. Kishma will inspire and motivate you to never give up and never settle for less. She understood in her process of pursuing her dream that “NO” was not an option. Positivity and negativity does not mix but positive energy builds a synergy of success that will bring about the dream within. Hold fast to your God-given dream! Kishma George is an inspirational speaker, mentor, playwright, director, producer and author, and lead author in the Bringing Forth the Dreamer in You Book. She is Director of

Women Destined for Greatness Mentoring Program; President and CEO of K.I.S.H. Home, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving in the community and also young women ages 18-23 who are currently in or aged out of the foster care system in Delaware. She is also owner and CEO of Kishma A. George Enterprises, and Visionary & Editor-in-Chief for K.I.S.H. Magazine. You can find Kishma on Facebook at kishmageorge, on Twitter @kishmageorge, YouTube at Kishma George, or visit KAG Enterprises at kishmageorge.com. For more information about K.I.S.H. Home, Inc., visit www.kishhomeinc.org. As you can see, this book will EMPOWER Dreamers to birth their God-given Dreams. If you would like to purchase a copy of this inspirational book, visit Amazon or www.kishmageorge.com. Portion of the proceeds will go towards purchasing a transitional home for young women aging out of the foster care in Delaware. Be a part of this awesome cause while you are being encouraged to live your DREAM life God has already ordained for you.

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

So, you want to be the next actress/actor, NBA player, or astronaut?

! t i o d n a c u o Y

You must remember that you have to act upon your dream.

BORN ON PURPOSE, FOR A PURPOSE:

How to Defeat Distractions and Focus on Your God-Given Dream

t is my belief that we were all born on purpose, for a purpose. Furthermore, my goal is to empower and to encourage teens to keep God first while accomplishing our dreams. While believing that no dream is too big, I stepped out on faith and accomplished a huge dream of mine on December 13, 2014. My dream was to host a T.E.E.N. Summit, which would bring teens into a safe and fun environment where we could discuss teen issues in complete confidence. For my kickoff event, I partnered with the YMCA Teen Center in Atlanta, GA. While hosting the event, panelists and I took questions from the teens in attendance and from social media. In addition, it was discovered at T.E.E.N. Summit that teens are concerned about current issues such as police brutality, bullying, teen suicide, relationships, and the lack of faith and resources that are needed to accomplish their dreams. To conclude the findings at T.E.E.N. Summit, the following three points have been created to help us defeat distractions, which will bring us, closer to our dreams. TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK In order to defeat distractions and focus on your God-given dream, you must have the right team of people around you. Your team may consist of your parents, relatives, mentor, or a school counselor. Your pastor can also be a great resource by listening to and studying his/her sermons. Being a faithful member of The House of Hope Atlanta (Greater Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church), I am inspired by our pastor Dr. E. Dewey Smith who has taught us that if we stay small enough, long enough, then God will make us big enough, soon enough. If you look up to athletes such as LeBron James, you will discover that he did not win his first championship alone and that he had a group of dedicated teammates to assist him with his dream of winning a championship. I am blessed to have my

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mother Crystal who has always supported my dream and believed in me. In addition, my big sister Diamond has always given me

the confidence to pursue my dream. With that being said, you must realize that it is perfectly fine to ask for help while pursuing the dream that God has instilled in you. It is also okay to remove negative influences from your life. Are you worried that because your parents or family members did not pursue their dream, that you will do the same? You must understand that we have the power to break generational curses. We have the power to go farther than previous generations. When God has called you to pursue your dream, you must follow his command! ACT UPON YOUR DREAM AND TRUST GOD So, you want to be the next actress/actor, NBA player, or astronaut? You can do it! You must

by Topaz A. Bryant remember that you have to act upon your dream. What you do today will determine your tomorrow. You must make good grades in school so that you can get into the college of your dreams, which will lead to your dream career. You must practice your skills if you want to be the next NBA player, etc. You have to perfect your craft. Do not be afraid to take action, you are almost there! Always listen to the voice of God and not the voice of the enemy. If you are frustrated with the progress of your dream, instead of taking your frustration to social media, you should delete all distractions; spend time with God; and study your Bible. BOLDLY TAKE A STAND Finally, I would like to encourage all of my teens to take a stand for what they believe in. As you see in current news, our nation is currently facing issues of police brutality and social injustices. On the news and on social media, there are issues such as cyberbullying and so much more happening in today’s society. In order to accomplish our dreams, we must take a stand! Let us join our local community social justice groups, church groups, and participate in peaceful rallies. In addition, our participation in rallies and groups will provide networking opportunities all while standing for what we believe in. Remember, you never know who is watching and who is looking up to you! Topaz A. Bryant is a 17-year-old CEO of T.E.E.N. Inc., youth activist, and inspirational/ motivational speaker. Ms. Bryant can be booked at www.topazbryant.com. Book her today for your school, youth organization, or church. Follow today! Instagram: www.instagram.com/topazbryant Twitter: www.twitter.com/topazbryant

When God has called you to pursue your dream, you must follow his command! K.I.S.H. K.I.S.H. Magazine Magazine || Spring/Summer Spring/Summer 2015 2015

s I coach women entrepreneurs on how to create a life beyond their wildest dreams – from the inside out, the word “success” always come into our sessions, and this recently caused me to think

about the various women I admire who I feel define the meaning of true success. I found myself researching those people to learn more about them, only to find out that their “stories” to high achievement were much more appealing to me than their actual success. I became more in awe of their journeys, versus wanting to live up to their level of success. Everyone looks at success differently and we have to be very conscious in comparing our success to someone else’s. Someone else’s success should only inspire you, not be something to compare or to equate. After all, one’s true success lies within the journey, not the destination. God has a unique purpose for each of us. We should enjoy the process, be still and stay present, fully taking in each moment by moment and be sure to make a difference in the lives of others along the way. The journey itself is what

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

defines you, not where you wish to go.

It Is TimeWe Redefine Success continued

As I thought about their journeys, I could not help but reflect on mine. I asked myself the following questions to form a process of redefining success to make success real to ME:

1. Are you making a difference?

What is your impact on others? We were created, put on this earth to serve others, and everybody can do it. If you are making a positive influence, you are successful. Dwell in it!

2. Are you happy?

living in your greatness is success! Bask in it! I also think it is so important to remember that YOU have the power to create your success, whatever that may be for you. “You” have to be relentless in the pursuit of the life that you desire. No one is going to drop the blessings into your lap. You are the seeker; the captain of this ship; you, and you alone cultivate the kingdom of contentment. There is a tremendous difference between living life and letting life live you. If you want success, YOU have to go create it. Be reminded of these profound lessons. Do not let society’s comparisons of success define yours! Contact Ari Squires on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @AriSquiresSpeaks Website: www.AriSquires.com

Are you fulfilled? Success does not necessarily mean anything on the outside, i.e. cars, houses, money, titles, etc. Fulfillment means you are living in your purpose. When you wake up every morning, are you excited about your tasks for the day? Are you up late with a million thoughts and ideas in your head regarding your purpose? That is success! Live in it!

3. Are you doing your absolute best?

Are you striving for excellence? If you are enjoying your journey and doing your absolute best, success is guaranteed to follow. Focusing on doing your best each moment and every single step of the way will bring a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. Working, cherishing and

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

The numbers of young boys growing up without fathers are rapidly increasing in America. There are many reasons why a father might not be around; he could be deceased, incarcerated, perhaps he doesn’t know the child even exists, or maybe he simply isn’t mature enough to step up and be responsible. No matter the reason, the fact remains that the boy is without a father. So now two people are filled with anger and disappointment; the mother and the child. Often times the mother is angry, because she’s left to raise a child on her own, and the child is angry because he’s longing to have a relationship with his father. And then the vicious cycle begins. A single mother, raising a son wondering how she’s going to teach this boy how to be a man when she’s still struggling with understanding men herself. Now there are countless stories of single mothers who have raised young men and they’ve turned out to be just fine. However, turning out just fine in no way insists that he has walked away with the proper morals, values and principals associated with being a man. It’s a fact that no matter how great of a job a mother does, there will always be a burning desire inside of her son’s heart that longs for an emotional connection with a male influence. It could be an uncle, grandfather, basketball coach, mentor, etc. but it truly makes a difference when there’s a disciplinary force coming from a man. For me, that man was my high school basketball coach Bob Hurley. Everything he said was FINAL and I respected that! Even for the boys on the team who had fathers, there was something about the way he treated us that sparked admiration, adoration and reverence. These are characteristics that every man hopes to portray and be respected for amongst his family members, friends and colleagues. There should be a hash tag called #BringBackOurMen because there aren’t enough leaders in this world like my high school basketball coach Bob Hurley. Who knows where we would be if he didn’t keep us focused in the gym. We were so exhausted from practice that we didn’t have the time or the energy to get into any trouble afterwards. There is a growing demand for young men who are lost, have nowhere to go and are in need of leadership and mentorship. Without it, many will likely find themselves in the jail system or dead. My 7-year-old son looks up to me with such adoration and admiration, I can tell. Whenever I come to support an endeavor at his school, he’s always so proud. He points and says,“Look! That’s my Daddy! Right there… Look!” A part of me wishes I had a father like that. Someone I could like up to with adoration and admiration and say, “That man right there… is my Dad!” No matter what our relationship was like with our father’s, we have the power to end the cycle and break the chain. We can give to our sons’, our brothers, our friends and young men in our community the love and support that we never had. Let the chains of poverty, abandonment, disappointment, substance abuse, and violence end with you.

BREAK EVERY CHAIN By Cheyenne Bostock

JEWEL TANKARD Bravo TV Reality Star “ Thicker than Water” - Millionariess, Author

Having the Mind of a Millionairess

Bravo’s Thicker than Water – Dr. Jewel Tankard

our lives. Let the conversation begin…

website, I saw that you have a strong marriage ministry. Sometimes in this time and age, many

The Millionairess

Trina: Jewel we are so excited to talk

marriages seem to fall apart quickly. How

The blessing of the Lord makes us rich and

with you. Tell us how your life has been

are you guys building strong marriages and

adds no sorrow!

changed and how you have affected lives

encouraging people to stay together in their

by being on Bravo’s ‘‘Thicker than Water’’?

marriages. Tell us about the marriage ministry.

conversation that I am having with Jewel

Jewel: It has been a blessing and a lot of

Jewel: You know Ben and I tag team teach

Tankard. I can only imagine the schedule that

work. You cannot expect to have a great

every single Sunday. So, I think it is about

she has and in my amazement of how she

impact unless you sacrifice. It is a lot of work

being a living example for people. It is not

handles it all and still comes out with that

emotionally and physically. If you are going

always so much in what you say; it is more

award-winning smile like it is all in a day’s

to be effective on television, you have to be

about what you do. It is demonstration of

journey. It is her great words of wisdom in

willing to be transparent and very real and

seeing you together working out issues in your

making sure you are not overly stressed, and

very authentic. It is funny because I said, “Girl,

families, working out issues in your business

to simplify your life by getting the assistance

I said I keep it real!” When those cameras came

and working out your issues in ministry. I think

you need to help manage all of your life affairs

in here and we started dealing with real life

that is huge! We have a very strong marriage

as you grow into greater success. Everything

and those hard places in life that you did not

ministry at church where we do events once

that she is sharing with me is what every

want anyone to know – I was like oh Lord, I

a month. We go out and we may go bowling,

woman across this land should hear and know

am not ready! (Laughs) but it touches a lot

white water rafting, go sky- diving, we may

to create their own wealth and to be able to

of people and it helps people to know that

go up to the mountains in a cabin. We will

stand on their own. The energy that she has

it is okay for everything not to be okay. The

be doing a family conference in April, where

can easily pass on to you and make you want

family is not an event, it is a marathon, and it

Ben, I, and all the children will be speaking

to discover how to be a ‘Millionairess’. It is her

is a journey. It is a process. We are a big family

on different things. Marcus will be speaking

testimony on having everything when she

and you can have the gamut of emotions, you

on “Understanding your Legacy, Taking us

was little and even a maid and then after a

know you have different personalities and

to the Next Level. Cyrene will be teaching on

death in her family which caused them to lose

because we all have big personalities with

“Making your own Decisions.” Britney will be

everything almost overnight... It was through

very big opinions. We are very strong willed

teaching on “Understanding and Balancing

the death of the family member that birthed

and strong minded and so it brings in a very

your Emotions in a Big Family”. Brooklyn will be

Jewel to want to be successful and to never be

different dynamics. We love each other to

teaching on being a single parent. Benji and

in a situation as a woman to have to depend

pieces. It has been so good! We have been able

Shanira will be teaching on “Young Love versus

on someone else’s income. Jewel then wanted

to help a lot of people and they have told us

Lust.” So, each of the children will be teaching

to empower women across this nation to have

that they have received healing from watching

on different parts of the family. Ben and I will

their own. She has reached great heights in

our show. Because a lot of times in families

be talking about parenting in the 21st century

her company and then went on to become a

think, they are by themselves. They say, “I’m

and keeping your marriage spicy in the midst

millionairess. It is my hope in the conversation

the only one in my family to think this way.”

of a big family. It can become very consuming

that we had that you may be inspired to not

And they are not the only one that is this way.

because if something is not going on with one,

settle for where you are in life but get ready

There are families all over the world so I think

because we are so close, and even though our

to soar and rise to the level that God has

that it is helping people to see that your family

children are grown, we are still very involved

intended. Jewel Tankard is giving us great

is more relatable than what they thought.

with them. We just left Benji and Shanira at

Sitting here and I am enthralled with the

insight on how to handle life’s setbacks and to

their new condo. Cyrene left to go back to

be prepared when any storm comes against

Trina: Yes, the show has helped me to see that

Howard yesterday. My point is that there is

our lives. She is teaching me that you have to

we are not the only ones to have family issues

always something to do and we are so involved

be willing to go after the vision God has placed

and yet we can still work together. We are all

with our children’s lives. It can become easy

in you. So sit back and just take in the wisdom

on the same level at some point in life. It is so

to be all about the kids if you are not careful.

from this great woman of God who is pouring

beautiful to see you guys coming together and

into us the things we will need to prosper in

still trying to work it out. Now, while on your

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

Having the Mind of a Millionairess (continued) Trina: I truly understand! I respect all that you do and it is amazing how you balance it all. What else is going to be happening for you in 2015 and how can you be reached by the viewers that are going to see K.I.S.H. Magazine? Jewel: They can go on www.jeweltankard.org. I have a Millionairesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club that is coming up. It is six-week sessions starting in March. For six weeks every single Monday women can live stream all over this country if they are in the local area, they are welcome to join us locally. We are going to be talking about being financially literate and financial empowerment. Where do you need to be saving your money? How do you need to be investing your money? What does your financial portfolio look like? Do you have life insurance? Do you have disability insurance? Do you have retirement insurance all outside of what they offer you in corporate America? Because that was the big problem with the Silicon valley companies like Enron and all these companies where people thought they had pensions of 5K or 10K a month to find out they had nothing because their money was connected to paper currency. Paper currency is declining. I am encouraging people to save gold and precious metals. Gold and silver was a commodity pretty much for the wealthy. But now we have a gold company in Germany where you can save gold for as little as sixty dollars a gram. So, I want to get that in to the hands as many people as I can. Men and women, but especially women because women out live in the relationship. We will be talking about business models and branding. People can have their websites developed. They can get photo shoot done through the Millionairesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club. The packages start at $250 dollars for the bronze package. It goes up to a thousand dollars for the Platinum package. Just depends on what it is that they are trying to accomplish. Then you know I have a nationally syndicated radio show. Rolands Martin and I are teaming up. I will be on for three hours from 7a.m. to 10 a.m. and comedian Akintunde will be on with me. I am also launching the Jewel Tankard Talk Show that will be airing on Impact but Bravo will also be taking on the show too. So I got a lot of irons in the fire but I am really excited about it and with the children being gone I can do everything I have ever dreamed about I can do it now. I have that freedom now, that if I have to be on the west coast for three days and then Ben and I have to go to New York, I do not have to worry about getting back for a volleyball game. Trina: I think that is wonderful! Well you are an inspiration to us and were honored to talk to you and have you here with us at K.I.S.H. Magazine. We wish you the best and the best in 2015! Jewel: Thank you so much! I wish you guys the best in 2015 too. God bless you!

HEALTH/FASHION/MUSIC

Out With the Old In With the New by James Felix George

No doubt, you started your new year with a no-looking-back goal to begin a fresh healthy lifestyle. With spring in full swing, your agenda is full of events, family plans and other things that keep you out and about. A healthy body and mind has never been more important. Here is a “Top Priority to do List” that will help you stay focused on the new, healthy you! • Use a food journal to keep track of what you eat. • Have a support system in place. It is very helpful to have someone that is around who knows your goals and is a positive support system to keep you on track. • Be more social! It is OK to schedule a trip twice a month with a few friends at the movies, museum, or anywhere that is relaxing and positive. Having the mind in a relaxed state is very soothing for the body. K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

• Be stubbornly diligent. Bad habits are hard to kick. Do not get discouraged; keep trying again and again…and again. If at first you do not succeed...well, you know the rest. • Make a list of all the reasons you decided there was a need for change, then the benefits you will reap with your new healthy lifestyle. This will come in handy when you have the urge to think that your old decisions were not so bad. • Do a little math. Go back through your bank statements to see how much you spent on fast food last year. I did the same thing when I first started, and found that I spent $700 on fast food alone! That is less than the average family! If you decide to eat out, set aside a limited amount of money dedicated only for that purpose, stay within your budget, do it sparingly, and keep it healthy.

• Invest in a fitness bike so that exercising can be more convenient. • Try to limit the amount of stress on your body and mind! Remember that long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending quality time with your family can contribute to stress. • Last but not least, remember that happiness contributes to good health. Find something that is positive in your life that makes you happy. For me, it is spending time with my family!

Donald Ashley

Donald Ashley, a youth pastor, husband, father, barber, music producer, and writer was born and raised in Dover, Delaware. Growing up in a God-fearing home, in the early years of his life, Donald, by the age of five yrs. old, began to sing at his father’s church, (Bishop James Ashley, Sr.). Being raised a PK; with three other siblings, they would all sing before their father preached. Donald and his brothers called “The Ashley Brothers” began to gain notoriety of the surrounding events and gospel concerts and this started a momentum. As they continued singing, they gained their opportunity to perform on BET’s syndicated gospel show, “Bobby Jones Gospel.” After which they began to travel the world ministering to thousands of people who grew to love them. In 1997, Donald moved on to another group/duo, which he formed with a local artist called, “Two & Two.” These two young men recorded their first project and gained quite a large audience with their sultry voices, often in the top ten on local radio. Two & Two traveled extensively throughout the regional TV stations. In the year of 2000, God spoke to Donald to start what would be one of the most renowned group/ ensembles of our times, which we now know as “Donald Ashley & Millennium.” Since their debut in the year 2000, this group has graced the stage with such known Gospel Icons as Ty Tribbett, Mary Mary, John P. Kee, Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence, Wess Morgan, Vicky Winans, Rance Allen, Kirk Franklin just to name a few. Donald Ashley & Millennium also have performed at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ and at the historic Dell Amphitheater in Philadelphia, PA. They have traveled to NC, PA, NJ, MD, DC, VA, and MI. Moreover, they continue to circle the globe. Donald Ashley has recorded three projects that have reached around the United States in addition, to third world countries. The latest project entitled “Back to Ministry” has gone viral being distributed nationally through ITunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby and the current website DonaldAshleyLive.com. Donald Ashley has penned one of the most talked about songs of our time. It has gained the ear and response of some of the greatest writers in the country.

Donald lives life with a healthy balance. Aside from music, Donald fulfills many other positions, one being a supportive husband to his wife, Tina Ashley of 25 years. Out of this union, they have conceived one daughter, Donya Ashley. Learning early how to balance ministry along with marriage and family, Donald and his wife are able to work closely together in the music business and ministry. They have learned that a successful marriage takes putting your priorities in perspective by knowing when it is time for ministry and when it is time for the family to have your undivided attention. Donald states, “I think that one has to know and sense when it’s time to say hey I am spending today with the family and no business. Remember God made the family before he made ministry.” Donald credits his dad with great advice he received when he got married. His dad told him to make his wife a part of all aspect of his ministry. He said, “Even if she is not musically inclined make her a part of what you are doing because it protects and covers you, your wife, and your marriage.” Donald’s love and commitment proved itself when his wife was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2010. This situation has become the focus to get her well in the midst of being on the Kidney Transplant list, and searching for a donor. Donald’s every day task consist of God, family, and ministry.

WHEN YOU HAVE A DREAM K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

EMPOWERMENT/INSPIRATION Have you ever been emotionally, psychologically, relationally, or spiritually broken? Just limping through life, smiling on the outside, hurting on the inside to where you cry yourself to sleep, night after night. As a survivor of stage 4 cancer, I am a living witness that healing is not always an event, sometimes it is a process. The process of being healed takes time, patience, and commitment. You can be dealing with scars and wounds, while healing from them at the same time. As God is healing you, He is revealing greater strength in you. One of the greatest consolations is in knowing, there is a purpose through the process. There is a message through the mess, and a testimony through your test. The strength discovered in life, derives from how you handle what you go through. I am a believer that 10% of life is what happens to us, 90% is how we pro-actively move forward, as a result. There are things that you may never get over; they just have to be managed. More than going through, you have to GROW through every hurt and disappointment! You may say, “I have been hurt and I do not know if I can ever love again.” Yes, we have been hurt, but we have also hurt others too. I am sure you have heard the expression, “Hurting people, hurt people.” There is much truth and pain, in the simplicity of the statement. Simply because, if the hurt within has not been healed, it will flow through one’s life and afflict others. On the contrary, healed people, heal people and loving people, love other people. What flows through you is a direct reflection of what

HEAL YOUR HEART DR. EDDIE M. CONNOR, JR. “Healing is not always an event, sometimes it is a process.”

is in you. This is why I wrote and released my fifth book, Heal Your Heart, because it is an ode to extol the virtue and value, of women in our society. You can survive and thrive in spite of heartbreak, loss, and broken relationships. Realize that what God has brought you through is an indication of where He can take you. Rid yourself of toxic relationships, drama, and negativity. If the people in your life are not ADDING to you, do some Math and SUBTRACT them from your life. The right relationships will add to you and multiply your value. Start attracting the positive and repel the negative. Love yourself! You have greatness, peace, and joy within. You are pregnant with purpose, promise, possibility, and potential. Give birth to it and walk in healing! No amount of money or material possessions, can determine your value. You, yes YOU are priceless. Know your worth. Appreciate who you are. Embrace your gifts. Live with purpose, love yourself, heal your heart, and reveal your greatness within! Blessings! For more information visit: www.EddieConnor.com K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

A Date with Destiny The Ministry of Kaneisha “Nee Cee” Trott

rowing up, I did what any parent would desire their child to do – be on my best behavior at all times, go to school and church without complaint, make good grades, graduate from high school and go on to college to get a degree that would lead to a successful career. I graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree and went on to earn a Master’s Degree as well. Success was immanent, but there was still an unfulfilled achievement… a desire turned dream that I hoped would one day be my destiny’s design. Music had been a very instrumental part of my life since the time I was a child. The opportunity to share my love of God through song is simply amazing! Music speaks beyond what the ears hear, the mind fathoms, and the heart feels. The opportunity to use music as the vehicle to deliver a message of hope, peace, and joy to those who have the ability to feel the power of God’s love and to be an instrument God uses to color beautifully on

this canvas called life – that was where one would find my heart. It is a dream I had to have the opportunity to revisit weekly at my church or when the chance came to be a part of events on my job and in the community. However, I wanted to live in the dream and not just for a few minutes in a day congested with a bunch of things that required my attention. That feeling of being fruitful but not fulfilled, productive but not passionate, successful but not satisfied went from being a faint feeling to an everyday emotion because I knew there is greater. I prayed and I waited. I celebrated and supported the success of others, patiently awaiting my opportunity to live out loud. Moreover, in April 2014, it happened. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, next to giving my heart to God. I took center stage and started this journey to live out my destiny as a recording artist. Though the room was filled for those few hours, I only felt an audience of two, the God I sang to, and my inner self-overjoyed at what we had

accomplished. No destiny is ever birthed without a dream. No dream is ever realized without a desire. What is it you long for? What do you want to do? What do you wish to have? Can you see yourself with it? Do you see yourself in it? Can you see yourself having? What is stopping you besides you? If the journey of 1,000 miles starts with one-step, what is keeping your feet bound from walking into your destiny? Will this pursuit of happiness come with challenges? Absolutely! Will it cost you time, talent, and treasure? Most certainly! Will it be worth it? That question only you can answer, but what I do know is this – a tattered notebook with handwritten songs, an old cell phone with voice notes, and pleasant words about what I could have been or should have been will not be the legacy I leave behind. Your destiny is awaiting your arrival - will you walk or will you balk? I chose this day to walk in the destiny assigned to my life, one-step at a time. K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

by Pippa Ashley

THE MATURATION PROCESS – A FIRST LADY EMERGES

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

ccepting the level of responsibility and commitment

spiritual mechanics are not simply mediocre meaningless machinery.

required of a pastor’s wife was the first critical step

We are an anointed sovereignty within ourselves. Growing pains helped

I took to prepare myself to wear the mantel of First

us to perceive our real purpose in the middle of all the paradox. When

Lady. From the beginning, I knew that this position

the saga unfolds, the truth must be told. We earned our Bachelors of

would probably be the most challenging role of my

Arts in the midst of licentiousness. We have God-given permission to

life. I soon learned that it was, also, one of the greatest assignments any

be who we are and not some primitive persona created for their own

woman can embrace. When my husband was ordained, my elevation

self-gain. I LOVE ME! In service as works-in-progress, we mediated,

to First Lady became an eminent development. Although this is not

counseled, and even arbitrated. First Ladies support, heal, and provide

a commonplace position or an ordinary option for the faint of heart,

therapeutic correction. We discern what is necessary and discard what

I honored God’s call to duty. The spotlight is always on a First Lady

is trivial. We meet and boldly confront and settle the spirited contest.

whether she likes it or not. Without her consent, she is initiated into

We are not the ministry’s first mascot. We are marvelous, matchless, and

another dimension of life. For the sake of her sanity, she seeks divine

have impact because we graduated and emerged from the shadows of

guidance and finally understands that she has been commissioned to

our inferiorities. We are the motherly matrons who build the matrix for

this prestigious order. There are no shortcuts or fast forward buttons

succeeding generations.

to achieving the means to the end. We must depend on God to order our steps in the way we should walk as First Ladies-in-training. Serving

When the ever-changing winds of adversity push us momentarily

alongside our husband-pastors teaches us that this assignment is most

astray, we never wander far off-course. We stand strong in the midst

precious and, like no other calling in life, because, simultaneously, we

of mayhem and spiritual massacres. Emerging from the maturation

must be spiritual nurturers and caretakers.

process sharpened, seasoned, and wiser, we are masterfully aged and shaped by God’s hands. Paradoxically, as confident women who are no

With one hand, we nurture our husband, God’s great man of faith and

longer raw, crude, underdeveloped, immature, and unsophisticated,

power. He hears the supporting loud cries of “amen” and “hallelujah”

this mature potter’s clay often brings undeserved injustice to our

while he is preaching. He is the gifted Overseer with the flamboyant

wellbeing. First Ladies are keepers of the kitchen cupboards; producers

flare and flavor that everyone wants to touch or fleece. Women,

of life and gaiety in the living room; and enchanting confidantes and

feverishly, flock to him as if he is a famous rock star. Children adore

understanding friends in the bedroom. Someday, our special HERstory

him. Men quietly admire him; and mothers treat him like he is their

will be chronicled in God’s eternal accounts detailing the sacrifices

firstborn. In the glow that surrounds our pastor-husbands, we are

made throughout our lifetime. We, the First Ladies who weather

left to empower the fainthearted, timid, cowardly, and the spiritually

the tests of timeserving alongside our pastor-husbands are living

miscarrying in our church. With our other hand, we must remember

testimonies that God trusted us with this Kingdom mandate.

to attend to our own physical environment, often without assistance. It is mandatory that a First Lady learns how to maintain a healthy balance because she has a bloodline that needs regulation as well. As we mature, we maintain the middle ground and sustain spiritual equilibrium when life-changing events attack our ministry. In this walk, our relationship with God is essential to our personal wholeness. It is the ultimate weapon of victory over the enemy of our destiny. From the inception of our sacred calling, the enemy launched a strategy to silence our voices; break our spirits; and leave us in the shadows of a deplorable plight: depressed, demented, and spiritually destitute. Remember, First Ladies, the enemy is a mastermind. In the maturation process, we face all of his masquerading, impersonating, and camouflaging on a daily basis because he wants to destroy the masterpiece, which is us. Do not misunderstand me, I am not usurping

“

The spotlight is always on a First Lady whether she likes it or not. Without her consent, she is initiated into another dimension of life.

the glory that goes to God; I am asserting that He uses us, strategically, to help consummate the measure of meaning in the ministry. Our 30

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EMPOWERMENT/INSPIRATION

â&#x20AC;˘ GET BACK IN LINE WITH GOD

relationship can be one of the most beautiful and yet painful thing you will ever experience. A lot of the pain comes from misunderstanding and miscommunication. We give our all to new things too fast. We love the experience of something new; if it is a car, house, or relationship we treat them all the same when they are new. Like children, we cannot wait to experience every detail to its fullest. Wanting the full benefits of something is not always a good thing. When it comes to relationships, we want the marriage life style because in our minds it is perfect and care free. When we make a goal, we want to get to the result as soon as possible. I have noticed we have that same attitude when it comes to our relationships. It is as if now a day, relationships are like races seeing how fast they can get to the end goal. What do I mean by the end goal? The end goal is sex for the male and for the woman it is having a committed relationship. Relationships now a day do not produce enough patience to build a firm foundation; this is why relationships are only lasting up to two years or less. People like to stick around as long as the newness of the relationship is still there. As soon as the newness begins to wear off, the goal changes. You become more focus on getting out of the relationship. People do not build firm foundations much these days because we are in a microwave generation that is used to getting their way in a short amount of time. Our generation will never get what it is looking for as long as we think it will come at a drop of a dime. Love in a relationship is K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

Idris Bolton cultivated by time, effort, and actions without breaking the laws of the relationship. Gravity is a law. The law of gravity is that if I jump I must come down because it is a law of gravity. The same way gravity has a law; relationships also have them. When people break the laws of a relationship, they entertain lust and not love. The devil turned this world completely opposite of what it is supposed to be. We as people focus on the physical attraction and the soul before anything. The soul is the will, mind, interests, and emotions. A lot of people stop at that level and never go any farther. Some people do not check to see if they are of the same Spirit meaning having the Spirit of God. To have the Spirit of God means to have love inside of you because He is love and outside of Him, there is no love but lust. It is supposed to be Spirit, soul, and physical attraction but people just do physical attraction and the soul. A person can have the same interest as you but that does not mean the individual is for you. I learned that a person can share the same interest as you and be cool with you on simply the friend level but to you it is as if you both are a match made from heaven. Only to discover he/she only likes you around because you both share the same interest and you are cool to hang around. Some people have sex with one another due to this misunderstanding. One may think they have found a soul mate, the other sees it as just a good time. I said all this to say, until we get back in line with God and His love and place it on ourselves so we may have patience, kindness, peace, to sustain from our rushing appetite. We will continue to be on a goose chase that we cannot win. Let us get back in line with God!

Do Not Give Up! by Overseer Alesha Anderson

n this life that we live in today, there is so much devastation, injustices, poverty, and death of children and young people. We as a people feel that all hope is lost. We begin questioning if there is a God. Why does He allow these things to happen? Why should I continue on when it seems as if I am not getting anywhere? Why should I even try? Why should I? Every time I take a step forward, something would happen to knock me back two spaces. Why even try? Nevertheless, I hear the Word of the Lord say in Galatians 6:9, “And let us be not weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.” Even though you are doing your best; even though you are pushing forward and it appears you are not going

LET GO OF THE WEIGHT

by Prophetess Hilly Leon

Many of you will read this word of empowerment today, and will suddenly receive hope again. May this article help someone who has been afflicted and in pain for so long. Are you carrying something of non-substance and VALUE, and feel that it is time to let it go, but just do not know how it is going to happen? May someone be strengthened and know that God is your source of strength and your help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1). This is your season, to release the load that has been consuming you, keeping you down, pulling you down, and keeping you in that stagnant position for so long. No matter what it feels like, know that God is just and always on time. No matter what you are feeling now, know that the God that you serve is a healer, restorer, and deliver. Many go through silent pain, affliction, and because of it is unable to

release that weight. Can you imagine climbing a hill with a bag of bricks on your back? Of course, many will say “no.” Some of you just cannot put into perspective, what it would really feel like carrying such weight, to climb up a hill. In reality, this is the same effect that weight of your past and present will have on you.

to make it or get anywhere; be not weary in well doing. Do not give in and do not give up. Do not get tired to the point of giving up. Do not get frustrated and throw in the towel. “PRESS toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Part B of Galatians 6:9 says, “for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.” There is a season, in which all will come together. There is a season, if you do not give up, you will reap the benefits of your tenacity, the benefits of the seeds that you have sown, the benefits of all your hard work, but the key is not giving up. There is a change on the horizon. Therefore, my encouragement to you would be to continue to press and not give up. You are nearing your season of blessings and favor!

LET GOD,” have His way in your life. Are you willing to make that step today, by enabling God to shift you, and change your situation? Allow Him to help you today, but you must “LET GO of the weight, and LET GOD work” on your behalf. Beloved, those doors are about to be opened before you, but you must first LET GO of that WEIGHT!

The people who have wronged you, pushed you down, or threw you in a pit, this is the time to let go of their hand. Be reminded, that God is the one who will guide you and lead you into your season of purpose and destiny. Beloved, it is true that many of you are scared to let go because you fear the unknown. 2 Timothy 1:7, reminds us, for God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Though that fear will only hinder you from your purpose, know that God is willing to advance you into that season of FREEDOM. However, before this can happen, you must be willing to “LET GO and

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

hat makes a woman beautiful? Beauty is such a powerful motivator in many people’s lives. In our quest to discover true beauty, we must consider our culture’s concept. True BEAUTY is not defined by anything in this world, but it is found in something that is beyond this world. It is God Himself. God is beautiful, captivating, fascinating, and drawing. Each person is created with three parts: body, soul, and spirit. Often it is our body, or physical part, on which we focus. Money is spent on buying the make-up and the clothing; time is spent in making sure that our appearance is just right. We feed it, clothe it, and cater to its comfort, forgetting that the other two-thirds are more important. We should not neglect our physical body because it is God’s temple and our modesty is a testimony. However, it is the internal qualities of a meek and quiet spirit, a gentle and tender nature, which God calls beautiful. The Bible teaches, “For God looks at the Heart of a man, not his outward appearance” (1 Samuel 16:7). It has been said that, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” Perhaps before we continue our search for the answers that define beauty, we should ask, “Who am I trying to please?” Society places importance on outward beauty, while God looks much deeper. The world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. Do you put more time and effort into being pretty on the outside or the inside? While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty, we need to make sure it is in balance. God would rather see us work on becoming drop-dead gorgeous on the inside. Your desire to be beautiful is not wrong. It is from God, He created beauty because He is BEAUTIFUL. His desire is that we would see ourselves as He sees us, that we would stop looking through the eyes of the world and start looking through His eyes of love and desire for us. You are created in the image of God, and God does not make junk. Like a snowflake, every person is unique. No two are the same. God sees you as a masterpiece; and when you look in the mirror, He wants you to “know that full well.” Every morning when you look in the mirror, say Psalm 139:14 and smile. Exercising and staying in shape physically is a good thing, but God also expects us to stay in shape spiritually by reading our Bibles, praying, and going to church on a regular basis. In short, there will be plenty K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

people who put their time and effort into staying in shape physically, but are out of shape spiritually. Just as you might not eat a certain type of food because you know it will make you sick or give you heartburn, I believe there are certain clothing choices that can lead to “spiritual HEARTBURN.” There may be certain things Jesus asks us to avoid because He knows the HEARTACHE it will bring. The good news is that we are not without help when it comes to our fashion and clothing choices. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” Unfortunately, we do live in a superficial world where people do judge on appearance. We would all love to say that we are not in the majority, and that we all look beyond what is on the outside. However, virtually all of us are influenced by appearances. Yet, we need to keep appearance in perspective. The Bible tells us that it is important to present ourselves as nicely as possible, but God does not call us to go to extremes. It is important that we remain aware of why we do the things we do to look good. Does your focus on your appearance take your eyes off the Lord? Are you more focused on your weight, clothes, or makeup than you are on God? You, Woman of God, are a rare and precious jewel, uniquely fashioned to sparkle for God. The wealth of God in you far surpasses any the world can provide. God is lavishing His richness upon you, and your beauty is likened to the foundation of precious stones, which has significance so that you have purpose. The spiritual gifts inside of us outshine the worldly talents and beauty that are limited in power. Only God could have created you in such a way that your inner beauty outshines the outer reflection that people see. When we begin to look with our eyes, as He does, we see that the richness of that which is within has a value that cannot compare with any earthly jewel. You are created on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purpose. There is absolutely no one who can fill your shoes, replace your gifts or talents in the body of Christ. You are necessary and everything that makes you beautiful and rare sets you apart from anyone else. You are established in righteousness and restored to bring influence. Your beauty radiates light, which reflects the promise of hope. You have a God given desire to look beautiful and that is a good thing. God created us beautiful and His creation was not complete until He created women. Think about that, the next time you see a beautiful sunset or mountain range. God’s creation was not complete without you!!

God’s Beauty Apostle Nakaie Dorsey 33

Bitter or Better Single?? Prophetess Felicia Archer

ost, abused, broken, and rejected are all some of the words that describe who I was before surrendering my life to the Lord. I was seeking a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and love in all of the wrong places. I once looked to a man to show me my worth, and to validate who I was. As a result, in many of my relationships as a teenager, I was taken advantage of because I dated “old men” not recognizing that I was only trying to fill a void that only Jesus could fill. I grew up in church as a very active member but because I connected to the wrong individual in a relationship at the tender age of fourteen, I turned my back on God. I found myself in a backslidden position. I started having sex, drinking and partying and my mom would always tell me “Every rope has to come to an end one day.” I did not understand what she meant every time those words exited her mouth but one day it became clear to me after being placed in a life and death situation. The man that I fell in “LOVE” with, the man that I called my “BABY,” the man that I thought loved the dirt that I walked on, turned into a monster during the Christmas season of 2009. We were preparing to go out but suddenly things changed after we got into an argument that proceeded in his cousin’s vehicle. We continued to argue back and forward after his cousin continued to influence him not to allow me to “disrespect” him like that. He then turned around and took my phone away from me but kept on saying, “Only because she is small.” I remembered them driving in this dark and secluded area with hardly any streetlights and houses. He then looked in the rear-view mirror of the car and said, “Your parents will never see you again.” At that point and time, my entire life flashed before my eyes and reality began to set in. I recognized that my mom or dad or other friends were not there to save me. Instantly, the spirit of conviction rested on me so heavily. The next thing I knew was he told his cousin, “STOP THE CAR”! At that point and time, tears begun to roll down my face as he stood over me with his blood shot eyes! I did not know what he was going to do with me or what was even in his hands. Nevertheless, as he clinched his fist, all I remembered me saying was “JESUS”! I do not know if I said it out loud or in my heart but immediately his hands dropped. It was that night, in that vehicle as my boyfriend at the time took drugs, where I begged the Lord to give me one more chance just to make it right. It was that night where I told the Lord if He would give me one more chance I would say “yes” to His will for my life and do whatever He wants me to do. A few minutes went by and he told his cousin “Let us drop dis gal home, she aint into nothing.” In my twenty-one years of living, they were some of the best words that I have heard in all of my life. When I came home, I met my mother at the door and she said to me, “I was praying for you.” I rushed into my room and surrendered everything to the Lord including my unhealthy relationship. After giving my life to the Lord, I struggled with being single. Even though my past relationship left a bitter taste in my mouth I had to decide if I will be “BITTER SINGLE” (because am single) or “BETTER SINGLE.” I believe it is the desire for if not every female the majority of single 34

females to become married to their Mr. Right especially in a society that magnifies marriage and classifies marriage as success. The book of Ecclesiastes states that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun. If this is your season to be single, take advantage of this time that you have to discover who you really are. Take this time to discover your identity because many times as single individuals we make the mistake to seek our identity in another person or we make the mistake of building our happiness on a relationship and when things does not work out as plan our world comes tumbling down. I spent most of my time in relationships seeking for joy, peace, happiness, and unconditional love that no man has the capacity to give me. Sometimes we are seeking for things without when everything that we need is within but God is simply waiting for us to embrace the season that we are in; I have learned from experience that everything that we experience in our current season will be needed for a future season. However, as a young single preacher I have learned that “I AM NOT SINGLE.” I am not single because I am married to “PURPOSE”,

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

SINGLES/RELATIONSHIPS

during this season of my life I am using this time to maximize my full potential because when marriage comes it will no longer be about “ME” or “I” or “MY” but it will change to “US”, “WE” and “OUR”. If you are single and know your purpose then you are “SINGLE WITH A PURPOSE AND ALSO FOR A PURPOSE.” Do not waste this precious time; I encourage you to travel the world, start the movement, open up the business, go back to school, preach the gospel, do what it is God has commissioned you to do before the foundation of the world. Many people are waiting to hear your voice and read your story and listen to your music! My single sisters, we are powerful more than we know! No, nothing is wrong with you! No, you are not ugly! No, Boaz has not lost his way and God has definitely not forgotten about you. Sister relax, it is simply not your time as yet because if God gives you “MR.RIGHT” in the “WRONG” time, then things will not be as pretty as you thought it should have been. With that being said, stop searching for that person that you feel will K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

be your better half, because the Bible has declared, “He that finds a wife, finds a good THING.” The one that God has predestined to be your soul mate will seek you when the time is right. Moreover, the one that God created for you will bring out the best in you and will be the best for you, but that does not mean that he would be the best of you. The best of you will be fulfilling your God- given purpose. You are whole, complete, unique, called and anointed by God for such a time as this. Yes, you have been hurt before, abused and maybe reached a breaking point your life where you wanted to give up like myself, but allow the Potter to mend the broken pieces of your heart back together again and show you your worth value and potential! Therefore, when the time is right Mr. Right will find a “WHOLE WOMAN.” Remember, you are “WORTH IT” you are worth nothing less than the best, and you are single with a purpose and your purpose being single matters and one day your status will change to being married with a purpose. I can truly say that I am no longer bitter and single but I am “BETTER” single.

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

A Beloved Letter to Sisters Simra Grant –Dalminda Dear Sisters: From my Heart to Yours, is a heart that was broken into many pieces to a heart that is healed, mended, and became whole again. You can start right now in becoming a woman of virtue married or unmarried. When you pursue God, you will become far more priceless in a man’s eyes than any other valuable he possesses. In 2014, God blew my mind. I would have never thought that I would be getting married at the end of the year. You see, my sisters the reason is because I have been telling God from 2008 whom I wanted to marry. I prayed, I fasted, and I believed that this man was whom God spoke to me about. Ladies, there was no manifestation. Do you see all the I’s in this paragraph? I was speaking and not listening, therefore I was only moving on my emotion on what the flesh wanted. I was in LOVE in a strong hold and did not even realize it because I did not know what a strong hold was at that time. You could not tell me this was not the man I was going to marry. I was

so focused on getting married that I took my eyes off God. Ladies this happened even after I gave my life to Christ. I was in love with a man that did not and could not love me. Yes, he did say he loved me but he could not because he was damaged. Hurting people hurt people. When someone loves you, there is action behind that love. I knew there was no action behind his love except mental abuse, insulting me, and competing with me. I knew all these things and I still did not leave, I did not know how to. You see, I put in my mind that I would rather deal with this insecure man than start something new with someone else that will be good in the beginning and doom at the end. In my mind, he already knew me but actually, he did not. My spirit was warring with my flesh. In the midst of all this, God was still using me to minister to women just like me. I was blinded in my own pain. I continued to let my heart tell my mind I was in love. Ladies I was confused, I was hurting, and I was in a strong hold. God was still using me in the midst of my captivity. God will still get the Glory through it all! Insulted, disrespected, chested on, lied to, and yet I continued to believe this man was the one. How many of you are living in this situation today? I used to ask myself, “Am I not pretty enough? What

is wrong with me?” Ladies, hear me, I prayed daily for this man. The God I serve did not intervene until I came to the end of myself. A change came about with constant prayer and fasting. I changed my prayer; instead of telling God what I wanted, I prayed for this man to get right with God even if it meant us not being together. God blessed me with double! I got so busy that my focus shifted off my wants, I’s, and unto God and the work, He placed in front of me. In the midst of being busy, I no longer was focusing on being with this man. Something was changing, it was me. God started to show me how valuable I am to Him; and whereby I am a gift that He will never give away to anyone that will hurt me. I started to truly learn how to love myself through God. My friend, Richy was always there. He listened when I cried on his shoulder and he never once called me stupid, he simply listened. Never in my wildest dream, would I have thought that I would be marrying my best friend. He was always there. I clearly remember coming home crying and my mentor got on the phone and started praying with me. She said I was delivered and I received it. That Saturday, my sister Kishma prayed with me as well. Then that Sunday (is when) my deliverance took place. It was not easy but there is power in prayer. I thank God for the sisters that He has placed in my life. The healing process began. There were many tears but I stayed on my knees and I asked God for my heart back from every man I ever slept with. I prayed for Him to make me whole again. Richy knew me in sin and when my life changed. He was able to see the God in me and when God spoke to him about His servant Simra, he obeyed. He never came and said “wife” he told me what God spoke to him and I knew in my spirit he was my husband. My flesh did not want it but my spirit was at peace and this is how I knew. We both are grateful to God for all that He has done and where He is taking us. In conclusion, LADIES it does not matter what you have done in the past, whom you may have slept with, the blood of Jesus will cleanse you and make you whole again. Embrace your singleness and wait on God. He will bring you the BEST! Our journey has BEGAN and it is all for His Glory! From my heart to yours, Simra Grant- Dalmida

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015

High OF THE

RELATIONSHIPS BY PASTOR TONYA Y. MITCHELL

You see each other and something starts to happen. You speak, exchange names and numbers. On the other hand, in the high tech society we live in now, you view their social media page, like their photos, DM or IM them and eventually meet face to face. Communication is good and so far, everything is lovely; the two of you just click. How many times have you said, “This is the ONE for real”? Then as time passes on and you both begin to get to know one another, things change. Do they change for the better or for the worse? The majority of people, if asked, would say for the worse. The question of the hour is “WHY”? If the two individuals are in the dating stage, they break up and if they are married, they get divorced. Just to go and chase ‘THE HIGH’ all over again. I call it ‘’THE HIGH” because when one engages in the use of mind altering drugs, the euphoric feeling that accompanies the use of the drug makes a user want to experience that feeling over and over again. Therefore, I concluded that relationships were like using drugs; euphoric in the beginning, yet ending with a crash. The mind-altering substance of a new relationship cause one to be blind to the truth. What truth you might ask? The truth that the person you are so crazy about has good qualities as well as bad qualities. You two are like night and day. The person is different from you and always will be, but when you are under the influence, it is hard to see clearly. Now that you have come down off of ‘’THE HIGH’’, the person’s differences and bad habits irritate you. Now you feel as though you do not have anything in common, you do not click anymore and now you need some space. Can I just keep it real? Many saints date worldly. You have sex first and then try to get to know the person. You become lovers before friends. Sex can cloud your mind. He or she rocked your world and now your nose is wide open. You think you are in love after a month of dating. Too many people have gotten married off of ‘THE HIGH’ and wonder why they are miserable. You married somebody that you did not take the time to get to know. When it comes to relationships, we must do things different in order to have successful relationships. In my book ‘’WHY DO I KEEP FALLING?’’ I have an entire chapter on dating and setting boundaries. If you learn to keep, your clothes on you will be able to see clearly, make better decisions, and break the cycle of going from relationship to relationship. ‘THE HIGH’ phase is temporary, so before you throw in the towel or make a serious commitment, make it your priority to really get to know an individual, especially before you say ‘’I Do’’!

K.I.S.H. Magazine | Spring/Summer 2015