MIND BLOWING TRIBUTE Editor

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Testimony blowing

I can’t believe we are celebrating Mind Blowing Magazine’s one-year anniversary — a dozen months of God completely blowing our minds. As I sit here writing, I must reflect on God’s undeserving grace and mercy as well as the miracles He has allowed me to witness.

as told by our Editor-In-Chief, STACY SORRELL-MOORE

An Act of Obedience

Since this is our anniversary issue, it makes me want to revisit some very tender and triumphant periods in my personal life that led me right into my current walk with God. Can I take you on a trip with me down memory lane? First, at the age of 23, I became a young widow with two children under the age of two . . . and the ensuing depression, like a lying thief, actually tried to take my life. I had no desire to live, meaning I was done with it all. Sorrow engulfed me, and as I lay in my bed praying to die, I couldn’t take another second of the heartache. The only answer was to go to sleep and never wake up. But then God became my miracle worker; in a moment I’ll always remember, I clearly knew that God had been with me all along. He was my supernatural Comfort and Strength, and eventually that pain was removed. I was delivered. I wanted to live! Glory be to God!

I am still very emotional and overwhelmed with joy when I think about that moment. I knew I had a reason to still be here but was very unsure of what it was. Years passed, and at the age of 30, I felt lost, alone, and purposeless; I was alive but wasn’t living. I was only existing. What should I do to feel complete? A new profession? A companion? Will my children and family fix it? How many of us have asked ourselves these questions? I had no clue what it would take to get me onto the road of peace or true happiness. While on this journey, I looked to people, relationships, and the world for validation, and when I did, you can only imagine the amount of pain, disappointment, and sorrow I felt. The rejection and neglect allowed me to lean on God more and more for His clarity, and when I did, something miraculous happened yet again. I began to see my life through a different lens. A veil was lifted from my eyes, and my purpose for living was becoming clearer. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Over time, my confidence was renewed, and I was being strengthened in my areas of weakness. When I turned the age of 35, I started recognizing some of my gifts from God, which allowed me to understand my life’s purpose. Can you believe at this age I realized I had a gift of writing? The moment I picked up a pen, the words and ideas quickly fell onto the paper with no real effort from myself. I knew this was something unexplainable . . . a gift through the Holy Spirit. I had no clue of this gift my entire life, yet He revealed it to me in His timing. As I began to read the Book of Life daily, gave God more and more of my time, and learned to lean on Him through all things, I experienced the moment I found my calling. Oh, so many breathtaking encounters and a host of beautiful visions — that’s what you see when you realize Whose you are . . . a child of the living God. It brings on a brand-new confidence. When you turn to God and trust that His Word is true, it becomes easier to recognize the lies and tricks of the enemy, you no longer desire to have worldly validation, and you live only to please and obey our heavenly Father. Wow, this had to be an example of heaven on earth, which brings me to the birth of Mind Blowing Magazine. Right before my birthday when I was turning the age of 41, I was spending some time in my prayer room, and as I was praying, I heard: “Do The Magazine.” My immediate response was, I know I didn’t hear that right because I don’t know how to do a magazine nor have I ever thought about doing a magazine. Then I heard it again: “Do The Magazine.” In that moment, it was very clear it was God . . . so immediately, I tearfully said, “Okay, Father, I will do the magazine.” And you can imagine the amount of joy that filled my heart — another miraculous encounter — all I could do was shout, “Thank you, Jesus!” giving God all the glory. So, without any questions or doubts, I began the process of starting the magazine, but I couldn’t think of a name, nothing I thought about felt right, so I went to God and asked Him for guidance.

God’s response was immediate, a sudden answer. He said, “Mind Blowing Magazine” . . . and I sat still in awe of God, thinking to myself, now we have a magazine.

I spent time on Google and did all the research that man could offer, but nothing . . . still no clarity on my next steps. I had some ideas but no real direction, so I cried out to God, feeling discouraged and somewhat defeated. I said, “God, I’m lost, and maybe I’m not the right one for this assignment because I don’t have any support and no direction. I don’t have a clue on what to do.”

God said, “You don’t have to know what to do because I do . . . do you trust Me? Have faith.” Then I heard Him say, “Create the vision and make it plain, and when you do, I will send the help” . . . So, I picked up my computer and began to type. The ideas poured out. A mock Table of Contents and cover were created. Look at God! I couldn’t believe that God’s publication was coming together. God gave me this vision in early August 2020, and I was determined to have this magazine available by the end of October 2020. That release date had to happen, and I didn’t know why, but I had about two months to make it happen.

Now, it was time to find the inaugural cover feature. God was showing me a modern woman of God, someone everyone could relate to . . . someone with a powerful testimony! That’s what Mind Blowing Magazine is all about: “Our mission is to restore joy, share inspirational stories, and be a light to all readers through powerful testimonies.”

The woman that continuously came to my mind was April Daniels; she represents exactly who Mind Blowing Magazine is, but how was I going to connect with this influential woman of God? When I tell you the help came suddenly, please believe me. God said, “Send her an invitation and wait.” A part of me was thinking and mentally giggling I may need a plan B, C, and D because this release date is quickly approaching, and there’s no way she’ll respond to little ol’ me. Can you believe it . . . not only did she respond, but she said “yes”? God did it: all the help, support, and blessings kept on coming, and soon we had our first issue on the way, released October 31, 2020. Mind Blowing, right? What a testimony!

All these pivotal moments are God’s promises revealed, His unwavering and unconditional love poured out. God uses everything to work for our good — every test, every hurdle. Even in our deepest sorrow and grief, God will allow us to find the joy in it all. He will use our struggles to push us closer to Him. And He will become our salvation and reveal our earthly assignment and purpose for living: we are here to spread and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are here to share our testimonies in order to encourage and pour love into one another. We are the body of Christ; we are here to serve and be a light. I’m so thankful to God that He allowed my faith to be increased and allowed me to be obedient in order to get me right here to this very moment.

I’m so excited to be celebrating our one-year anniversary. God gets all the glory for Mind Blowing Magazine. I thank God for all who will be touched, moved, and delivered while reading His publication. That’s what it’s all about!! That’s who we are! Thank you, God, for every person You have sent to bless Your magazine. To all of our cover & story features, columnists, writers, and every contributor . . . Thank you all so much! M

CATEGORY a very special THANK

YOU

April Daniels (Editorial Director)

Thank you so much for being a blessing to MB Mag. Not only did God blow my mind when you graced our inaugural cover, but God has also allowed you to bless our readers with your amazing gift of writing & creativity. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you. I’m beyond thankful for all your support, your inventive input, and all that you contribute, down to the smallest details. You are truly Heaven sent! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Denise Griffin (Managing Editor)

Thank you for your undying love and commitment to MB Magazine. When we first met, I asked you for help and you said “yes!” without any hesitation. God truly answered my prayers when He sent you. You wear many hats, but somehow you carved out time to bless MB Mag. Thank you so much for the countless hours and all your talents you have contributed to this publication. I’m so grateful for your obedience, encouragement, and dedication. God is truly merciful!

Robin V (Creative Cover Director)

Thank you so much for blessing our publication with your incredible talents and gifts. Our cover feature photos have been absolutely breathtaking! I didn’t know the creative direction for MB Mag until I saw your photos. Thank you for being our creative cover director; I thank God for you. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude . . . I’m just extremely grateful God has sent you.

Karen Steinmann (Senior Editor)

Thank you, Karen, for always making yourself available to MB Mag. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you a part of this team. Your talents, commitment, and dedication are very much appreciated. You are truly an angel; I can’t say thank you enough!

Brittany Clubine (Editor)

Thank you so much, Brittany, for all you do. You hit the ground running and you haven’t stopped. I’m so proud of you, and I thank God for you; your commitment is undeniable. Thank you for gifting your time and talents to Mind Blowing Magazine!

Bridgette West, JoVanni Smoot; 79 West Creative (Art Direction & Design)

Thank you both so much for all you do! God sent you right on time. I didn’t realize how much your services were needed, but when you became a part of the team, everything just fell right into place. Thank you so much for blessing MB Magazine. Thank you for your professionalism, hard work, and remarkable talents. I am beyond grateful!