MIND BLOWING MAGAZINE - LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS ISSUE - Pastor Keion & Shaunie

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS ISSUE

Dr. Medina PULLINGS HELPS US ASCEND JASMINE “RAZOR CHIC” COLLINS A GREAT WORK

Tichina Arnold & Alijah A MOTHER’S LOVE

PASTOR KEION & SHAUNIE

WHISPERS heart

of the

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 2

IN EVERY ISSUE

09 08 07 06

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR THE LORD’S PRAYER CONTRIBUTORS MASTHEAD

FEATURES 10 GOD’S FAVOR Our quarterly picks of our Favorites in Arts & Entertainment.

12 THE GIRLFRIEND’S CORNER MB’s favorite girlfriend shares her take on the journey to healing.

16 MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN Gabrielle shares how she does not allow her disability to define her destiny or limit her legacy.

42 LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE A conversation with Jasmine “Razor Chic” Collins on the Great Work in her life.

PASTOR KEION

HENDERSON

20

&SHAUNIE O’NEAL

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 3

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 4

Contents 68 70 TABLE OF

ON THE COVER

DEVOTIONAL

20 PASTOR KEION & SHAUNIE:

50 ASCEND

Love and relationships are a hot commodity in today’s culture. In this issue you will learn the beauty of our cover feature’s journey to love and unified happiness.

FOOD & TRAVEL

56 SHOP, PREP, DINE

SHANIKA GRAHAMWHITE shares the joy of cooking and an easy savory dinner recipe.

STYLE & GRACE

66 BEAUTY

LEANNE DLAMINI our first international contributor shares The Power of Fragrance.

68 DESIGN

DR. MEDINA PULLINGS teaches us to ASCEND and rise above our obstacles.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

60 MIND

Manna for the Mind by TARI COX, M.A. shares the experience of embracing a Non-Traditional Love.

54 BODY

QUIANNA LASHEA fitness columnist and dedicated mom dives into the mother-daughter dynamic and cultivating healthy relationships.

70 SPIRIT

MARQUITA MOORE Sweet Love: thoughts, notes, and reflections on love.

TAMARA BRADSHAW, Design expert and fashion enthusiast shares the deets on a Lux DIY Vase to elevate your home design.

42 THRIFTING

TY HARPER nails a denim monochromatic look inspired by national recording artist, Ciara.

+ A SPECIAL CONVERSATION WITH TICHINA ARNOLD & ALIJAH KAI MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 5

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stacy Sorrell-Moore

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR April Daniels

MANAGING EDITOR Denise Griffin

CREATIVE COVER DIRECTOR / COVER FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Robin V. / www.robinvphotography.com EDITORIAL STYLIST Joyce Sheffield of On and Off the Runway / www.onandofftherunwayboutique.com ART & DESIGN & DIRECTOR Jazmine Rochelle / Art & Design Shamera Batts / Administration www.jazminerochelle.com

COLUMNISTS

April Daniels / www.officialaprildaniels.com Tari Cox, M.A. / www.taricox.com Quianna Camper / www.qui2health.com Marquita Moore / www.howigrewtoday.com

CONTRIBUTOR

Tamara Bradshaw LeAnne Dlamini Ty Harper Karen Steinmann Shanika Graham-White

MEDIA

Video Multi-Media Tony Pettiford of Clear Scope Media www.clearscopemedia.com

MARKETING / ADVERTISING Jazmine Rochelle / Shamera Batts www.jazminerochelle.com

EVENT PRODUCTION MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 6

Wright Productions

BEHIND THE STORY

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

In every issue, each woman here desires to cheer you on. She understand your struggles. Gets your pain. Helps you know you’re not alone. Shares her authentic faith. And uplifts you to the heavens! She helps you soar and become who God created you to be.

Medina Pullings

Toni Emehel

@medinapullings Devotional

@toni.emehel Whispers of the Heart

Shanika Graham-White @orchdsnsweettea_ Shop, Prep, Dine

April Daniels

@iamaprildaniels The Girlfriend’s Corner

Marquita Moore Karen Steinmann

@howigrewtoday Sweet Love

@steinmannkaren Miracles Still Happen

Ty Harper @ty_artlover Thrifting

Tari Cox, M.A.

LeAnne Dlamini

Denise L. Griffin

@iamleanned Beauty

@xarcito Manna for the Mind

@iamdenisegriffin A Great Work

Quianna Lashea @qui2health Mommy & Me

Tamara Bradshaw

@tamarabradshaw_home Design MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 7

Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

M AT T H E W 6 : 9 - 1 3

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 8

editoR’S LETTER

What a miraculous gift to witness God’s love! And that’s exactly what you’ll do once you dive into the pages of our Love & Relationships issue. God knows exactly what we need as well as when and how we need it. His timing is perfect.

I was reminded of this truth as I was reading our cover feature describing the beautiful love story of Pastor Keion Henderson and Shaunie O’Neal. The love they share feels so gentle, patient, and predestined. Every heartwarming word they spoke about one another moved me to tears. I thank God for them both and I am extremely grateful to have witnessed such a testimony.

Everything belongs to God because God made everything. —John 1:1-3 This Scripture says it all: everything we have belongs to God. Our spouses, children, loved ones, etc., are all gifts from God and exemplify His love for us.

I was so inspired by the interview between mother and daughter, Tichina Arnold and Alijah Kai Haggins. Their very special bond is heaven sent and a true testament of God’s unconditional love. The saying “like mother, like daughter” is an understatement when it comes to these two.

The more and more I learned about their unique relationship, the more inspired I became. I am so amazed by the similarities between this mother and daughter; their personalities, talents, and posture are almost identical. How amazing is this, a beautiful example of God’s love! His love is so intentional!

I can’t wait for you to read every enlightening story. The breathtaking images will definitely grab your attention. I’m so thankful for very gifted contributors and writers as well; their hearts are displayed with every page turn. I pray you are blessed and encouraged as you take in the message of love that God has allowed us to prepare for you.

“

Everything belongs to God because God made everything.

- john 1:1-3

Stacy xo ,

STACY SORRELL-MOORE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MADDIE rey Throwing it back to her hip-hop and rap roots, Maddie Rey’s new song “On My Way” is now available on all digital streaming platforms! Produced by 2x Dove Award winning Atlanta music producer Kid Classic, Maddie Rey took to the studio to write a song that encourages a generation to pursue the life God has for them. Maddie Rey believes today’s generation is on their way to a place of freedom, purpose, identity, and a full-out life in Christ.

Along with music, video, book, and teaching/ devotional releases, Maddie Rey also travels the nation as an evangelist, preaching at large conferences, churches, and events while simultaneously touring with her music. Maddie Rey is becoming a familiar face on prominent Christian platforms and has been featured on reputable news sites, podcasts, and media outlets, along with the fivemillion-user downloaded app YouVersion.

Maddie Rey is a Christian recording artist, speaker, evangelist, and author with a heart to reach the young generation and to empower them to live passionate lives for Jesus. She shares her ministry at churches, youth groups, youth events, youth conferences, crusades, Christian music festivals, and more, as well as on social media platforms. At a young age, Maddie Rey was able to launch Maddie Rey Ministries where she provides content to the body of Christ through her music, books, videos, merchandise, and teaching.

officialmaddierey Maddie Rey officialmaddierey officialmaddierey MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 10

GOD’S FAVOR K E K E H A M I LT O N

beauty for

ASHES

Emerging author Keke Hamilton desires to help usher young people on their personal healing journey. After discovering how necessary her own healing was to taking her place within God’s Kingdom, she authored her debut book, Beauty for Ashes. This encouraging personal account of God’s faithfulness is written for the young soul who feels lost … For the one who has always felt a little out of place … For the one who, at one time, abandoned who they were at their core to succumb to the person that pain and heartbreak told them they had to be. Follow her on this journey of experiencing love and healing in a new way, and walk into God's purpose for your life.

heirkeke / www.kekehamilton.com

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 11

Along ride from

EMPTY APRIL DANIELS & THE GIRLFRIEND’S CORNER

by APRIL DANIELS photography by ROBIN V. styling by JOYCE SHEFFIELD

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 12

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 13

“His scent never left me. The way his words touched me embodied the way a man was supposed to love his wife, the one God had given him. His presence left me full … nothing like the relationships I had prior, but of course, it wasn’t supposed to be because God created him to be different. He was my one as I was his.”

Those words I wrote still carry so much life, even after his was taken away. Leaving my heart scarred — like I had traveled through a bitter divorce — yet whole, with the hope that, someday, in some miraculous way, I might possibly love again.

This notion still hasn’t completely escaped me.

Guilt taps me on the shoulder often, interrupting that thought, but the conversations my one and I once shared would remind me he would only want the best for me.

Those same conversations confirmed that he would understand how difficult it is to cut through the many layers of our love story to even consider the possibility of a new chapter being written with someone other than him.

Yet, my prayers are like stop lights, an illumined place of receiving direction to the next destination God has for me. He is the Master Navigator, directing me to be still, to keep going, or not to make U-turns — to take me on this new journey in His

timing. My conversations with God are loaded, like overpacked luggage, but I want to be prepared, not find myself lost at any intersection due to my failure to listen to His voice.

Your friends will champion for you, wanting to help you find a trace of what your happiness once resembled.

Respectful of your boundaries but also intentional, knowing that when you are ready, all you have to do is say the word and they’ll recruit and vet like nobody’s business.

I’m not even mad, because your friends aren’t supposed to be comfortable with you staying stuck. Around here, we fix each other’s crowns and pour strength back into the areas where we face the most opposition. I love them all for their honesty, humor, and hearts. But I’m not even sure what any of my future chapters look like or how long it will take me to get there. Even with the way I miss everything about being a wife, about sharing my life with a man who felt like my one in a million, even on his worst day.

I look around at other women who have walked in similar shoes: those widowed, divorced, or broken up, and (without judgment) didn’t miss a beat. Then there are others who have decided not to pursue any sort of relationship and are okay with being alone. Depending which day you ask, either could be my answer. But on my most confident days, the ones where

God is able to do all things, and the last time I checked, no case study has cracked the code to precisely define this process. The goal should never be set on replacing what was lost but focused on being prepared for what’s to come regardless if it MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 14 includes love.

his words are my reminder, I wrestle with the thought of “when will it be okay to love again?” A question no one can truly answer, and if they did, they all would come from a different perspective … as if there’s one real answer.

People can be so loud in a space they aren’t qualified to speak in. Everybody with limited information feels like they know what you should do, or not do, when they’ve never been remotely close to where you’re standing.

My written expression may never occupy a page in any of your chapters. I never thought it would be so relevant in mine … until it was. But if this hits close to home and there’s a familiarity of apprehension concerning the idea to love again, know it’s a natural thought. Who doesn’t want to be loved? And who said you only get one great experience in a lifetime?

God is able to do all things, and the last time I checked, no case study has cracked the code to precisely define this process. The goal should never be set on replacing what was lost but focused on being prepared for what’s to come regardless if it includes love.

Loneliness is real when someone who occupied a large space no longer resides there. But what’s also real is your ability to make poor choices if you aren’t allowing God to be who He’s supposed to be in the journey and the process. He holds the answer and the promise to what’s unfamiliar, so let that be what’s definitive in the spaces that remain empty.

Don’t rest with guilt about any feeling you are experiencing surrounding the heart, especially if you were left with beautiful memories of a love that once lived there.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 15

Miracles

Still Happen!

by Karen Steinmann

Have you ever met someone who has faced an acute, lifelong physical disability and all the ramifications it entails, and thought to yourself, wow … look at God?! His glory seems to shine about her. Amidst all the pain and adversity she’s faced since birth, His beautiful joy just bubbles up from her soul, Yes, a woman like this really exists — a woman who has confronted and overcome more physical challenges than most of us can imagine; who breathes in His Word daily and breathes out Jesus to all who know her; who teaches and sometimes preaches the hope of Christ to fellowmillennials at her church; who works and serves at two nonprofits in the Dallas–Fort Worth area to encourage and advocate for others with physical and mental disabilities; and who is a budding actress to boot. An actress as well?

But how can this be? If you’re like us at MB Magazine, you’re intrigued and want to know more. You lean in closer, trying to understand how a young woman can praise and serve God so passionately in the midst of her infirmities. You want to figure out what she’s done to gain such confidence in who she is in Christ and her purpose on this earth.

And more than anything, you want to know about the miracles … the supernatural way God has brought life and healing to her grim, painful circumstances — guiding her to thrive so passionately and share His love in such genuine, compassionate ways.

Wow, we’re all saying now … look up. Look at God. Meet the remarkable Gabrielle Harris. She is that someone: a

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 16

29-years-young whirlwind of encouragement who knows Jesus personally and blesses the socks off virtually every hurting and heartbroken soul in her world. She lays open her struggles in life and points everyone to her Healer, the one true God of the universe. And in doing so, we are supernaturally drawn to her — to her life and her story — perhaps like a doe drawn to cool water or a butterfly drawn to sweet nectar.

But, we also must realize, it doesn’t have to be this way; Gabrielle could have

… the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. — ROMANS 8:6

MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN succumbed to despair and despondency early in life. But. Look. At. God.

Since birth, Gabrielle has daily navigated the chronic disability known as cerebral palsy. Let that sink in. Cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that afflicts newborns both mentally and physically. “Cerebral” means having to do with the brain, and “palsy” means weakness or problems using the muscles. “I have the physical but not the mental [issues],” Gabrielle explains. So, while her challenges are not cognitive in nature, she has dealt with a wide-range of debilitating physical issues including her ability to move and walk, and her speech, eyesight, hearing, and

When Gabrielle was born in Waco, Texas, in late 1992, her prognosis proved dire. In fact, her doctors “told my mom and grandma that I would never walk or talk,” she explains. “I was the only baby of six that lived that night, and I was in an incubator for four months.”

As a young child, she indeed had floppy limbs, poor muscle control, stiffness in her joints, and years of delay in reaching milestones. Years later when she did attend elementary school, “I crawled in on all fours,” she says. “Then Shriners Hospital in Houston provided me with a wheelchair, a walker, and crutches, and I used all those.”

Then later, “in English class, my teacher was like, ‘I’m going to teach you how to walk’ and we did it for five days, and the fifth day I took off walking on my own.”

Gabrielle created a video of herself just a few weeks ago, sharing her story in her own words. After seating herself in a leather chair and then sitting up straight, with a beautiful smile and glowing dimples, Gabrielle first introduces herself, then says, “Today I’m going to share the joy that God has [brought] to my life.”

Gabrielle’s words, in fact, are laced with joy. She speaks quickly, pouring out her story in melodious tones, each sentence punctuated with a rare confidence … a confidence in God’s loving hand over her past, present, and future … a confidence in her identity in Christ … and a confidence in His ability to transform even the most heart-rending story into one that breaks the shackles of expectations and touches lives with the impact that only His presence living inside her could bring.

Gabrielle attests to her love and unquenchable thirst for God’s Word. She also shares her deep passion for worshiping her Lord and Savior through uplifting Gospel music. In fact, she explains, the combination of these two — reading and meditating on God’s Word and praising Him through the music of her favorite Gospel artist, Kirk Franklin, “is what has healed me,” she says.

“I’ve had 17 surgeries total,” she shares, “and during those 17 surgeries, it was really hard, because I’m behind a wall for almost two years to a year to six months [after each surgery]; it all depends on how the surgery went. So, I would read my Bible and listen to Kirk Franklin’s music … [which] is what has healed me spiritually and physically.”

“I do believe music is healing,” she continues, “so I was able to share my story with him [Kirk Franklin] back in May of 2018, and that was one of the best days of my life … It was a blessing to finally share with him what his music has meant to me. And he gave me some great advice that will forever stick with me.”

Gabrielle says she doesn’t just know that God can perform miracles, still today and still tomorrow. But that He has performed them in her … frequently.

“It’s been a joyous experience to see God do so many miracles,” she continues. “I even had eardrum surgery recently — my eardrum had completely collapsed. And the Lord did a miracle. He said healing would take a year and it only took eight months.”

In May 2017, she was also diagnosed with a Rathke cleft cyst, a rare kind of benign tumor, she explains. “Because of its location, it’s messed up my vision.” Then in 2019 she was diagnosed with hearing loss and now wears a hearing aid. Both these events “have been two of the hardest tests for me,” she says.

“I’ve been through so much,” she admits. “So, I had to experience faith and really get to know MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 17 Jesus for myself.”

“I do believe music is healing,” she continues, “so I was able to share my story with him [Kirk Franklin] back in May of 2018, and that was one of the best days of my life … It was a blessing to finally share with him what his music has meant to me. And he gave me some great advice that will forever stick with me.”

Gabrielle says she doesn’t just know that God can perform miracles, still today and still tomorrow. But that He has performed them in her … frequently.

“It’s been a joyous experience to see God do so many miracles,” she continues. “I even had eardrum surgery recently — my eardrum had completely collapsed. And the Lord did a miracle. He said healing would take a year and it only took eight months.”

In May 2017, she was also diagnosed with a Rathke cleft cyst, a rare kind of benign tumor, she explains.

“Because of its location, it’s messed up my vision.”

Then in 2019 she was diagnosed with hearing loss and now wears a hearing aid. Both these events “have been two of the hardest tests for me,” she says.

“I’ve been through so much,” she admits. “So, I had to experience faith and really get to know Jesus for myself.”

In her early years, Gabrielle explains that she found encouragement in a diverse range of places.

When she was introduced to the movie Forrest Gump, she said, “I would watch it every day … I was so inspired by how he ran out of his braces” and just kept running and running, “and I told myself, that’s going to be me one day.”

Her family also “means everything to me,” she smiles.

“My family shows me unconditional love every day.

Although I have a disability, they don’t treat me any different, and they motivate and push me to live life and make an effort to fulfill all my dreams.”

Gabrielle’s face lights up when she talks about her older brother. “He’s been a huge inspiration in my life,” she shares. “I admire him so much. Throughout our childhood and even now, he has never been ashamed of me. He is very compassionate, not only of me, but of others. He taught me independence and how to step into my purpose.”

Gabrielle has indeed had a strong support system, a wonderful family and close friendships, including “my older brother who is my best friend,” she says. Yet, she MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 18

deeply painful times, and along the way, has developed an acute understanding of how it feels to have a marked disability, especially out in public and among her peers.

Not only has Gabrielle seen God work miraculously through the obstacles in her young life, but along the way, He has also guided her to help change the lives of others, with many facing some of the same battles and circumstances she herself has faced.

Now living in the Ft. Worth, Texas, area for the past 11 years, Gabrielle explains, “I work for an organization called To Be Like Me,” which has been “an amazing journey … We help to empower people who have disabilities by providing employment and a platform to share our stories and advocate for others. Knowing I’ve touched someone’s life and made a difference makes my heart happy,” she smiles.

“I also work for The Potter’s House IDD Outreach,” she says. (IDD stands for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.) “I’m happy to be part of a community that really wants to see people with disabilities thrive and become who God created us to be. Dr. Demetrice Smith [the IDD program director] is beautiful inside and out. As my mentor, she keeps me focused and demonstrates what it takes to be productive and successful. I’m blessed and grateful for her support and kindness.”

By helping to advocate for people with disabilities in these two venues, Gabrielle comments how she can “relate to them, having people stare at them, or being turned down for a job because of their disability. I want them to know they have support … and the same opportunities as [others]. I always give them examples of the friends I have, telling them they treat me normally. We go places and they genuinely care about me. I want them to know I am their voice and stand with them throughout all their challenges. If we all join together, we can make a difference in the world.”

At her church, Gabrielle is also part of the vibrant young adult ministry called Younger Generation Church. “I serve with the media team,” she explains, “and occasionally I preach when asked. I’ve made some great friends, and it feels good to be welcomed into a church that accepts my disability with no judgment. Pastor Allan and his wife, Deirdre, have made me feel so welcome.”

Gabrielle challenges those in her path to take one of her favorite verses, Romans 8:28, to heart. “No matter what purpose you have in life, fulfill it,” Gabrielle asserts. “God could give you a purpose to do makeup for people, hair, designer clothes … like for me, it was my story.I had a whole different

different plan for my life, but God had a better one, and it’s been very fulfilling.

I love doing what I do,” she continues, “talking about Jesus, trying to get the young people saved — it’s all a joyous occasion for me. So, I want you to sit down with God, study Scripture, pray with Him, ask Him what your purpose in life is, and fulfill it. Because we all have a purpose here; that’s the reason we are here on earth. I pray that this encourages you and you go out and fulfill your purpose, no matter how hard it is, and if you don’t understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you.”

For most of her life, the Holy Spirit has been guiding Gabrielle in an array of areas, including pursuing her talents in acting.

“Ever since I was in my first school play in fourth grade,” she shares, “being in front of a live audience felt good.” She is now enrolled in acting classes, which she said, “has inspired me to really go after what I want and believe in myself even more.” When her acting coach challenged her to share her dream in front of the class, she realized that “by doing so, I was taking a step to achieve my dream.”

“I do believe you can find joy through circumstances by just having faith and not doubt,” Gabrielle counsels. “I do know for a fact that God can do miracles. God can change everything around for the better. It’s all by your faith of a mustard seed. I believe all things are possible through Him, and I do know He can heal you through everything you’re going through. He can bless you, even when you feel like the blessing is taking forever, it’s not; it’s just around the corner.

“You just have to have faith through all of it and have joy no matter what,” she shares. “Even if tomorrow you might feel depressed, you read that Scripture, and listen to that Gospel music, and it will get you through. You’ll see … it wasn’t as hard as you thought.”

In closing, she says, “And I hope this has inspired you as much as it’s inspired me.” Sitting in her chair, her big smile radiating into our hearts, we, too, feel changed. We look up, noticing tears in our eyes, and we thank God for His joy, igniting our faith inside.

Hello Grace. It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone … Never knew your touch was endless, how you never run dry of forgiveness.

Didn’t know how bad it was, was afraid just because.

Sorry fear, grace took your place.

-KIRK FRANKLIN “Hello Fear”

And with all thanks to God, that’s a miracle as well; Christ not only miraculously saves us through our faith in Him but also

provides miracles along the way to ensure our faith keeps growing, keeps blooming. Miracle upon miracle, Gabrielle spurs us on. We are so thankful for your story, Gabrielle. You do inspire us, perhaps as no one else can. Wow, everyone, look at our amazing God.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 19

PASTOR KEION & SHAUNIE

WHISPERS of the

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 20

heart

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 21

c o l l i s i o n o f t wo h i s t o r i e s

PASTOR KEION

HENDERSON

SHAUNIE O’NEAL

by TONI EMEHEL photography by ROBIN V. styling by JOYCE SHEFFIELD

&

“I came with walls,” admits Shaunie O’Neal, one of VH1’s most notable executive producers, when MB Magazine caught up with her and Pastor Keion Henderson, Founder and Senior Pastor of Houston’s Lighthouse Church. Shaunie and Pastor Keion were in the midst of an interleaved conversation about their journey toward oneness, often beaming at one another, nodding and smiling at me, and riveting my heart with God’s remarkable whispers.

where different today. I hope that me and Shaunie sharing our story with MB Magazine readers not only helps someone get over the hump, but also helps people say ‘yes’ to the right places and ‘no’ to the wrong places.”

As Shaunie reflected on a conversation between herself and Pastor Keion in which she introduced him to feared acts that she would not tolerate, I was reminded of the prophet Elijah’s experience recorded in 1 Kings 19 when God spoke to Elijah in a whisper, asking, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” As if to say, Elijah, after all you know Me to be, how could you possibly be in this head space?

Numerous parallels are found between the verses of 1 Kings 19 and the life experiences shared by Shaunie and Pastor Keion. From a spiritual perspective, God whispered to Shaunie, ‘What are you doing here?’ when she began introducing Pastor Keion to the walls that guarded her heart. Like Elijah, Shaunie found refuge from fear and uncertainty in a closed-off space. But when the right man showed up, Shaunie realized the walls she erected had the potential to separate her from the abundant life that God had planned for her.

PASTOR KEION:

In the profound words of Pastor Keion, “Your life is the sum total of your yes’s and your no’s. If you would have said ‘yes’ when you should have said ‘no,’ and said ‘no’ when you should have said ‘yes,’ we all would be someMINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 22

MB MAGAZINE:

“It is said that most little girls grow up with dreams of their wedding day. Is it the same with little boys? Meaning, what do young boys grow up thinking about in terms of marriage?”

“Young boys don’t. That’s [marriage is] not something that we are thinking about. When you are younger, you are thinking about sports [or] what kind of entrepreneur you want to be when you grow up … So, marriage is not so much embedded in our DNA. And if you add that to the fact that a lot of ‘our’ fathers, especially African American men, are missing from the home, then there is not much talk of marriage. I can speak from my home. My mother was single. So, there wasn’t much talk about it [marriage].

But, when I was a child, I thought as a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. So, now as a man I can speak to that [marriage].”

“The best example I have heard to understand marriage is this: When a woman thinks about marriage, she’s thinking about beginnings. ‘Where are we going to get the house?

What city are we going to live in? The dress, my friends, and the service.’ It’s the beginning. For men, marriage represents the end. No more searching. I don’t have to look anymore. I found exactly what I’m looking for. So,

COVER STORY

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 23

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 24

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 25

“

But, when I was a child, I thought as a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. So, now as a man I can speak to that [marriage].”

-PASTOR KEION HENDERSON

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 26

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 27

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 28

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 29

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 30

here it is with Shaunie sitting next to me; she’s thinking about the beginning of a thing, and I am sitting here in the same space thinking about the end of a thing.”

SHAUNIE: “That is a really good perspective. I can definitely see how men can think, ‘Okay, this is it. I’m settled. I don’t have to be out here.’ In the same way I can see how women, at this age especially, are thinking the same thing because the dating pool is not a good space to be right now. In a way, I am thinking the same way … like, ‘Okay, finally!’

“It feels so good to have the partner we all dreamed of. As the little girl you want your hero, your knight in shining armor, to come along and sweep you off your feet. It took a while to get there, but the fact that I am here now is a beginning for me as opposed to a settling end for him [Keion]. Which is actually kind of cool because I think it just meets each other and makes that perfect match of I’m thinking beginning; he’s thinking end; and we will fill in the middle.”

MB MAGAZINE: “What would you say is God’s purpose for bringing the two of you together now for marriage?”

PASTOR KEION:

“For me to get to the next reiteration of me, God saw my need of

a capacity that I did not possess. Shaunie is that capacity. She has everything that I don’t.

“The Bible says that Jesus is the ‘Way, the Truth, and the Life.’ If you are not careful, you will only have ‘Way’ and ‘Truth’ with no ‘Life.’ Shaunie helped me to realize that there is more to life than ‘Way’ and ‘Truth.’ So, I believe that the first purpose of this marriage is for me to realize that Shaunie is who she was before I met her.

“Secondly, the Bible says, ‘and the two shall become one flesh.’

The word in the Hebrew ‘become’ is actually ‘becoming.’ The truth is, Shaunie and I were destined to meet for the purpose of becoming one. Destiny did not tap us on the shoulder and our directions changed. She was always heading in my direction, and I was always headed towards her. We were always in each other’s path, not knowing it. Neither of our lives have changed … we collided. We had to go through some things and let some things go along the way. But here I am with Shaunie sitting next to me, which is clearly in God’s plan.

“What every person who desires to get married should know is that you don’t become one the day you meet; you are becoming one through a process. There are people who have been married right now and have 30 years into it and have yet to become one. I have seen many people marry a person because of who they are

and then spend the rest of their lives trying to change them.

I am determined to allow Shaunie to be herself. The gregariousness, the entrepreneurial mindset, the philanthropic

mindset, it’s what I fell in love with. It is what complements the destiny that I have. It’s an amazing journey with Shaunie by my side, and I am having the best time of my life!”

SHAUNIE: “I feel as though people think church is new for me.

Much like when culture meets faith, it’s like, ‘Oh, my God! This is so different.’ Yes, but no. I want people to understand that being part of the church is not a culture shock for me. I grew up in church. I sang in the choir.

My mother was the pianist at our church [when I was] growing up. I was the church secretary when I was 18, 19 years old. So, church is not new for me even though most people assume it is. There is nothing about my role in this space that I am uncomfortable being.

“Did I ever see myself as a first lady? Not in my wildest dreams. Keion can tell you that when we were first introduced, I was like, ‘Do I qualify? Will I be judged?

What are the expectations?’” (as the two chuckled). “I enjoy having fun. [For me] I was like, (sighing), ‘Okay, will we be judged for being human? You know how some church folk can be.’ Not that I live this crazy life, but you just never know what the expectation is. And it is not that Keion is not fun. He is human, just like anybody else. We have a good time. We enjoy life, and I think that that’s what makes people a little curious and interested like, ‘How do you do both?’ I think you can lead a thriving congregation and live a balanced life. One doesn’t have to cancel out the other in my opinion.”

Much can be said when God writes your love story. It is so deeply evident that God penned their story and set their life in motion to ensure the collision of their histories and thus establish wholeness. That is not to say that neither lived a life of wholeness without the other; however, through the process of becoming one, the two will create an entirely different existence.

Since the beginning of time, the number 40 has always carried with it spiritual significance. In fact, the number 40 is mentioned approximately 157 times in the Bible, symbolizing a period of testing, trial, and probation. In 1 Kings 19, the Bible says that Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights before arriving at a place in his life where whispers from God became necessary. In fact, scripture MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 31

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 32

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 33

“

We give hope to people who have been divorced or have experienced failed relationships.

Especially those who are 40-plus and may have given up hope.

-SHAUNIE O’NEAL

says that “… the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper” (1Kings 19: 11b–12). By contrast, how many of us have given up hope based on disappointments derived from the aftermath of the winds of life? Or severed relationships that shook our worlds and charred our hopes of what we “thought” would be our future?

Like Elijah, Shaunie and Pastor Keion both traveled 40-plus years on separate paths, experiencing the wholeness of life, which at times was affected by shifting winds, quakes, and fiery throws that put cracks in sound foundations and caused life-transforming separations. As with Elijah, God leaned into Pastor Keion and Shaunie with a whisper after each had crossed over into a new level of maturity gained through their respective 40-plus years of life experiences, ensuring that each listened attentively with their heart and not just with their ears.

MB MAGAZINE: “May we go a little deeper into your journey to where you are now?”

SHAUNIE: “Sure. I was single for 10 years and dated.

[But] I knew within myself that I was not ever going to be with anyone I dated.

It was just fun, but it was also lonely.

Being 40-plus, I had gotten to a point in my life where I really wanted to be with somebody for the rest of my life. [Yet] I believed that marriage was just out of the question for me. However, as I got older, I was like, ‘Wow, my kids are getting older. Everybody is leaving, and I want that person.’ But it just was not happening for me. I just stopped thinking about it. I guess I gave up, not knowing that Keion

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 34

and I were destined to meet. We were always in each other’s path.”

“Even though there were so many things I said I wouldn’t do again and things that I didn’t want, Keion would tell me, ‘You have to let those things go.’ Keion and I coming together was clearly in God’s plan.

And even though I’m stepping into a space that to others would seem unexpected … it’s our normal. Even though others may be looking at our relationship and asking, ‘How does that work?’ It’s our normal, and I hope that our example [will] give people who have been in our shoes or similar shoes hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

PASTOR KEION: “I think there’s another barrier that is

also being shattered because it’s always positioned as if Shaunie is coming into my world. I believe that there is another narrative that is unfolding. I grew up in a Baptist church, and this is the Scripture that all preachers used: ‘Be thou faithful unto death.’ Meaning you only had to preach, and if you did anything other than preach, you could be stepping outside of the will of God. But I am an entrepreneur.

I own my own businesses. I’ve got my own nonprofits. I’ve got some other things going on in my life outside of preaching the Gospel.

“So, what I hope our example will also be representative of is the intersectionality of what Shaunie and I are both doing.

Shaunie took faith to the marketplace, and I am bringing the marketplace to faith. There’s this intersectionality, like the time when Jesus found Peter. Peter was a fisherman; we are all disciples in some way. So, people have to be comfortable with the fact that all preachers don’t preach in churches … and all evangelists don’t have a pulpit … and that we’ve got to be sharing the Gospel through our own ways, in our own spaces, and that it is not always through a sermon. Sometimes

“

“Even though there were so many things I said I wouldn’t do again and things that I didn’t want, Keion would tell me, ‘You have to let those things go.’ Keion and I coming together was clearly in God’s plan.”

- SHAUNIE

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 35

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 36

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 37

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 38

it’s through a lifestyle. God needs wealthy people. He’s got to have smart people. We need saved engineers. We need saved people who own production companies. We cannot shrinkwrap ourselves into a 4x4 building with walls and a steeple and think that that’s [the only] representation of the church.

“My God is so big that when I hear people talk about the church, it almost seems like there’s a microcosm of a bigger expression, and He’s much bigger than that. So, if anything, I want people to see how big our God is through our union — how vast He is and how He can use anybody to do anything at any time.”

MB MAGAZINE:

“It is awesome that the two of you have accepted the invitation to allow others to get a glimpse through the lenses of your personal life of just how big God is. What has God revealed to you about marriage during the process?”

PASTOR KEION:

“If I were to give you the definition of marriage [as] the collision of two histories … that’s all it is. The collision of two histories and the magic that happens when two worlds collide. Could you imagine what’s in her planet that my planet doesn’t have? And what’s in my planet that her planet doesn’t have? And that the fertile soil is ready to reproduce in the intersectionality of those worlds to create a super planet that more people can survive in?

“Our union, I hope, actually expands the church and will allow others to know, ‘You’re safe in here. There is room for you at the cross. Jesus loves you, too, no matter what you did yesterday; no matter where you were yesterday; no matter how you talk.’ I want people to understand our God is not this depiction of the dictatorial mindset that some people have painted God in [or] is this evil, callous guy. He is so loving and so open. He is so free and so kind.

“We [Shaunie and I] merged together to become what it is that God desires us to be. But also understanding that there’s a groundedness, there’s a yieldedness, to bringing forth His purposes in the earth. It’s an amazing thing.”

SHAUNIE:

“I’m excited about what God is doing in this space.

Sometimes I sit back and just look at God move in our lives collectively. I can just see God’s hand on every part of this. I love that Keion makes me cognizant of being a better person every day. He truly makes me want to be better. I am a person who came with walls up. I don’t let people in very easy at all because it’s just been an easy way to maneuver through life for me. Keeping walls up allowed me to keep things where ‘we’

don’t get too close. ‘You can’t hurt me because I’m not going to let that wall down.’ Keion helped me break those walls.

Internally, Keion makes me want to have a better heart and improve on how I approach things.”

When God whispers to the heart of a believer, our response should be whispers of faith manifested through a changed heart. This is exactly what we see in 1 Kings 19 with Elijah and now in the modern-day testament of Shaunie and Pastor Keion. God has shown His presence in both stories at the crossroads of choice, when Elijah — as well as Shaunie, and Pastor Keion — faced the risk of derailing God’s plan for their lives. While we can’t talk to Elijah about the steps he took to change his heart, Pastor Keion and Shaunie did share the steps they took.

MB MAGAZINE:

“We recognize that everything that has occurred in your life

has prepared you for this moment in time. You acknowledge that, based on past disappointments, walls had been built to guard your heart from undesirable/recurrent experiences.

But, at some point God spoke to you, and you both realized that a change of heart was needed to move forward in your current relationship. How did the two of you get to the point of changing your heart, and what steps did you take to make the shift?

SHAUNIE: “First, you have to be aware that the walls are there. If you are

not aware, you function through it. I don’t know that I knew the walls were there until I met Keion. I kind of was aware that I kept walls as far as friendship circles and social circles, and I was comfortable there. But as far as relationships, I did not realize that I had these walls until it was like a eureka moment when I was having a conversation with Keion. I don’t know what he was thinking, but while I was saying these things out loud, I was also thinking, ‘That’s a turn off. Like, you come with this list of things that you will not tolerate or that you will not forgive.’ I don’t know how Keion was receiving it, but I was saying it and thinking, ‘Yeah, that’s

“

“You must understand that everything you will or will not achieve in life will be a result of the position of your heart at the time of the opportunity.

-PASTOR KEION

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 39

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 40

gonna be kind of miserable.’ If you go through life expecting this new relationship to come with these rules that you’re setting and that will be a happy place, but you’re giving it all these limitations and all these fears, like ‘You do this and it’s over; or you do that and it’s over.’ So it was that moment for me when I realized that I have these walls, and that [because of the limitations I had set] there wasn’t going to be anything that could possibly be a positive for going into a happy relationship. So, awareness is where I think it starts.

“Then you have to be willing to recognize that [living in fear is] a problem that you need to fix, that you need to work on, and that it is not okay; and then you have to do something about it. Not only did I break the walls down, but I also realized that it [fear] was something that I didn’t want. I didn’t want to think like this. I came into this relationship with Keion thinking, ‘I’ve worked on myself. I’ve recognized what was wrong with me.’ But you don’t truly recognize what your challenges are until you are challenged. Until that bear is poked, you don’t know if the work you’ve been doing really has worked or not.

“I was poked in those spaces that I thought I was working on. Areas I thought I had fixed. It wasn’t until Keion came and challenged me in those spaces that I was like, ‘Oh, girl, you got a little more work to do.’ That’s what Keion and I do together. And that’s what we have to recognize about each other. It’s those things that we might’ve brought in [into our relationship] that we didn’t intentionally bring in, but we are aware of … let’s put them on the table. ‘I need to know that’s some trauma you had. I need to know that this is a trigger for you. You need to know that about me.’ And we put that work into all. I mean, every day.”

be bitter and get better.”

This is such an incredible love story! The unmasked sharing of Pastor Keion and Shaunie during this interleaved conversation offers a perfect testament to the power of a clean heart and renewed spirit guarded by God’s Word.

In Proverbs 4:23, King Solomon encourages, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Guarding one’s heart involves controlling the thoughts that you allow to rule your mind. Shaunie gives us a great example of this when she quickly realized that she was poked and challenged to change her thoughts.

Faith and fear cannot coexist in the same space. When fear is allowed to replace the walls of faith that is intended to guard our hearts, God’s whispers come to purify us, renew our minds, and set us on the right path. To get more out of this text, ask yourself: What walls have I built around my heart?

What areas in my life have I replaced faith with fear?

How have these walls kept me tied to my past and separated me from my desired future?

What change(s) of heart need to take place in me to transition from God’s permissive will to His perfect plan for my life?

Our prayer for you is that you listen for God’s whispers as He continues to direct your path. We are grateful for the enlightenment shared by Shaunie and Pastor Keion on their journey toward oneness.

To stay connected and witness the hand of God through this incredible love story, follow Shaunie O’Neal at iamshaunie.com and Pastor Keion Henderson at lhhouston.church

PASTOR KEION: “You must understand that everything you will or will not achieve in life will be a result of the position of your heart at the time of the opportunity. So, when your heart is in the right place, you’d be amazed at what God could do with somebody who feels inadequate. Because I don’t always feel like I’m good enough to do what He’s calling me to do. I don’t always feel like I have the skillset to do what He’s asking me to do, but I know what I’m going to bring to the table every time: ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.’ If I bring my heart to the table purified every time, I may not always have the language, may not always have the speech, may not always have the connection, but my heart has gotten me through every door that I’ve ever been through.

And I refuse to allow anything or anyone to short circuit the electricity and power that a pure heart brings. A pure heart can help you achieve anything you desire if you could just not MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 41

crushing it!

TICHINA ARNOLD on raising ALIJAH KAI

by TONI E. EMEHEL

Scores of women have jokingly said, “When I get to heaven, the first thing I’m going to do is find Eve and ask her WHHHYYYYY!” I won’t ask for a raise of hands, but if that phrase resonates with you … then you, too, are probably guilty of observing or participating in that sort of laughable banter. What many people miss when reflecting on Eve’s narrative in Genesis, chapter 3, is the blessing within the curse.

However, when I met up with acclaimed actress Tichina Arnold, best known for starring roles on Martin, Happily Divorced, Everybody Hates Chris, and CBS’ latest series, The Neighborhood, it was evident that neither Tichina nor her daughter Alijah Kai misunderstood the power or the promise bestowed upon them as referenced in the Scriptures. This mother-daughter team is crushing it in every sense of the phrase!

You know the story: God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gave them access to all things but the Tree of Knowledge. Eve was deceived and took guidance from the wrong voice. As a result, Eve and her deceiver were reprimanded by God. But God, being merciful, not only endowed Eve’s offspring with generational power to discern acts of deception, but also embedded them with the potential to stop anything that comes against His plan for their lives. This is where MB Magazine found significant connections between what happened over 20 centuries ago in the Garden of Eden and the 21st century narrative of Tichina Arnold raising Alijah Kai and crushing the head of anything that comes to derail God’s plan for their lives.

While many Christian parents fear social media as a necessary evil of today’s society, Tichina encourages her daughter that, when used properly, social media platforms such as Instagram are effective tools to share visuals of what God is stirring inside of you.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 42

What better way to see this lived out than by visiting @tichinaarnold on Instagram. Click on the video thumbnail of Tichina sitting with her back to the camera, facing a band during an apparent rehearsal.

Put simply, Tichina Arnold is a force to be reckoned with! Multi-talented, multi-dimensional … this woman leads her daughter by example! In this recent video, you can see Tichina rocking out with a band that she recently reunited. As you see her operating in her gifts, Tichina conducts the sound with her head bobbing, fist pounding the air, and at times, clapping her hands in approval. Keep watching as the video progresses.

The lead guitarist begins running soul-touching riffs while the drummer adds his beats, and you can see Tichina hop to her feet, lifting one foot off the floor in a kicking motion while spinning around on the other foot as if kicking down the wall of every obstacle that stood in the way of her completing the task. As clear as one’s eyes can see, Tichina was drenched with anticipation of sharing the fruit of her work to uplift and brighten someone’s day.

Following closely in her mother’s footsteps, @alijahkai can be seen in an Instagram video standing on a set of bleachers at a football stadium. Her mother can be heard in the background coaching while Alijah Kai holds a mic in her hand preparing to perform the national anthem. “O say can you see …” reverberates across the stadium as Alijah Kai serenades the crowd in a powerful acapella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” When I say my spirit leaped with joy while viewing this video … believe me. My Spirit literally leaped with JOY! With every vibration that flowed from Alijah Kai’s mouth, I could feel the darkness lifting from the light carried on this young minstrel’s voice. I thought to myself, This girl’s voice is so powerful that, every time she sings, darkness breaks!

Observing Tichina and her daughter Alijah Kai

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 43

“

I [God] will make you [the serpent] and the woman enemies to each other. Your children and her children will be enemies.

You will bite her child’s foot, but he will crush your head.

- GENESIS 3:15, ERV

operating in their God-given talents will give you a multigenerational view of Genesis 3:15, the entry point when God endowed parents with the gift of peace concerning their children.

I put on my iPod, started playing Alijah’s favorite songs, and started singing them. I looked in the rear-view mirror and she was singing too! So that’s how I tricked her and got her into singing.”

Deception is one of Satan’s most effective and dangerous devices. God, seeing the results of how Satan used deception to cause separation between God and mankind, embedded something in Eve’s offspring that Eve herself did not have; the knowledge that enemies exist in the world and the power to not only know the enemy, but to stand firmly against the enemy’s acts of deception.

As descendants of Eve it is comforting for parents to know that our children are born with supernatural powers that neither Adam nor Eve possessed. However, finding the

Time out. Let’s take a quick pause here. Can you see Genesis 3:15 playing out here? Tichina is trying to introduce Alijah Kai to her future, but Alijah Kai has been made to believe, in her young mind, that she does not want any part in that. Through her gift of intuitiveness, Tichina found a way to break down the walls of that “thing” that held Alijah Kai’s thoughts captive. Now this baby girl brings heaven to earth through her gift of song. It is truly amazing!

right key to unlock a child’s potential often proves difficult. When asked what the key was to unlocking Alijah Kia’s potential, Tichina cleverly replied, “I tricked her.”

TICHINA:

“You [parents] got to learn tricks. I tricked Alijah Kai. I thought she was going to have more of an affinity to singing. So, when I realized that she was going to be in the arts, I started wrapping my brain around the arts and began laying a foundation to challenge her. I started getting her into certain repetitions and introducing her to experiences that would prepare her to do the thing that she is probably going

to do the rest of her life. But Alijah does not have just one gift. She has a gift of dance. She has the gift of song. She also has the gift of intuitiveness. Alijah is very discerning. She is a lot like me, but different. Seeing her possess all these different attributes that she has never seen in me lets me know that what I am seeing is in her DNA. “Ever since Alijah Kai was a little girl, I have always started our car rides with singing. I would say, Alijah, you want to sing? She would always respond, NO! I decided to just stop asking her. One day MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 44

While Tichina credits the village for assisting her in raising Alijah Kai, MB Magazine took note of this attentive mother grooming her daughter to take on the future.

MB MAGAZINE: “What is it like working with your mom?”

ALIJAH KAI: “Oh, it’s hard. People be acting like it’s easy.”

Alijah Kai bursts out with laughter while Tichina adorns a comical puzzled face. “Girl, you haven’t felt hard yet,” Tichina amusingly chimes in.

“Oh, I know,” Alijah Kai acknowledges. “But so far … it’s a rocky road.”

We all shared in a moment of humor as Alijah Kia gave us words of hope for her future. “I won’t say it’s perfect, but I will say it’s great and I don’t regret anything. At the end of the day, I’m gaining knowledge.”

MB MAGAZINE: “What are you working on now?”

ALIJAH KAI: “I have always been into the triple threat thing. Singing, dancing, and acting are really my passions. It’s been my lifestyle ever since I was a little girl. I’ve been dancing with Debbie Allen since I was three years old, learning every genre of dance from hip hop and jazz to ballet. My mom and I have been singing since I was around seven years old, and I started

writing music when I was around 13 or 14 years old.

“When I was younger, I did some small acting roles and voice-overs. However, now that I’m older, I’m getting more into acting and going deeper into the music industry. Those are my two real passions.”

MB MAGAZINE:

“What excites you about the projects you are working on right now?”

ALIJAH KAI:

“The process. Honestly, I feel like the learning process throughout it all is really inspiring and keeps me going.

There is so much to learn and so much to know within this business and within the industry. So, when it comes to growth and especially when it comes to self-awareness, it’s [the process] helping me to better know myself.

“We just finished a project with the PEEQ app and I also have my own music publishing company,” she added.

“You can follow me on Instagram @alijahkai, and I’m also starting a YouTube channel.”

MB MAGAZINE:

“What are you believing God for as it relates to the impact of your work?”

ALIJAH KAI:

“Faith. Hope. Longevity. Stability. Sanity. And strength.

Anything can throw you off track. To be strong, I have to take whatever is being thrown at me and respond in a positive way. I can’t allow myself to respond by lashing out or burning a bridge.

“I really want to be that inspiration people look up to. I believe that’s where I’m headed, and I truly believe that’s what God can do.”

Time out! Pardon my excitement, but I get overjoyed when I see young people taking hold of the promises of God and finding their purpose! Alijah Kai knows what she was created to do. If you tap into what Alijah Kai expressed above, at the tender age of 18 years old, destiny awaits. More importantly, she believes in her assignment to inspire others through her gifts. Now that’s something worth taking a pause to celebrate!

MB MAGAZINE: “Tichina, how does it feel seeing the results of 18 years of growing this amazing flower sitting next to you?”

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

ALIJAH KAI A M E S SAGE F RO M

It's okay to fail. It’s okay to fall, and it's okay to get scratches. At the end of the day, it’s your drive that keeps you going. It's your passion that keeps you uplifted and your passion that will keep you on the path you are meant to be on. Be who you know you are.

Throughout this lifetime of you being you, you are constantly learning who you are. Take what you are learning and apply it to yourself.

Don't throw it away. Keep holding it. Hold onto it tight because that's the only thing you got for yourself.

At this point in time, there are so many influences that we as teenagers are watching and investing time in that can cause us to lose our own originality. We are starting to gain many personality traits from others that we have been watching, to the point that we are losing ourselves.

Take time for yourself. Take time to know yourself. Put your phone down. Meditate.

Give yourself a break. Listen to some music.

Listen to a beat. If you're an artist, listen to something that really speaks to you … without words. Everybody has their own language, even if it’s without speaking. Do what you have to do to find your voice.

TICHINA: Rewarded. To see her and how she’s developing, where she is now, I just thank God. It feels good when you see MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 45

the fruits of what you prayed about … it feels good.”

With a smile strung upon her face, Tichina reflected on the work of mothering, “I was on the road to having my career go either way. I was always in that funny lane but had the goal of having longevity in my career. As I got older and started family … I always said to myself, I never want to do anything that I’m ashamed of. My gauge was simple: if my daughter can’t watch it then I won’t do it. For me, that was my way of accepting motherhood.

“As a parent, you never know what to do, but you want positive things to come back from the seeds you have sown. I teach Alijah now that once you put it [content] out there, it’s out there. And anything you put out there, you want your child, your seed, and your family to be able to say, We love that. That was inspiring.”

Notably, Tichina Arnold has always been a beacon of light to the masses from her earliest days as Pam on the sitcom Martin, her role as the inspiring, no-nonsense mom Rochelle in the popular sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, to the electrifying personality and host of the iconic Soul Train Music Awards.

For women of color in the United States and abroad, Tichina’s presence in television and print media represents “that” light at the end of the tunnel that says, it is possible to achieve success in a colorist society where racism is rampant. Tichina has broken the ceiling, and Alijah Kai is sticking close to her mother’s example.

Because Tichina entered the show business industry with standards for herself, she has become one of the most famous African American female images in South America. To the more than 91 million African-Brazilillian’s in Brazil, Tichina’s presence says, you can defy the odds and overcome the stereotypes of colorists as often associated with darker-skinned people of color. With an impact as far and vast as that, you don’t think this single mother has come up against challenges? Yet, she has been able to not only overcome the challenges, but also deliver a deadening blow to remove obstacles in order to celebrate the victory of success and significance that her life demonstrates today.

Tichina’s parents, grandparents, and all those who took part in raising her should be proud, as should the village that took part in helping raise Alijah Kai. The reward is the fulfillment of every parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, cousin, godparent, neighbor, pastor, teacher, and church mother who takes an active role in the work of raising a child. Peering in on the lives of Tichina and Alijah Kai, one can’t help but see a legacy unfold as revealed in the Garden of Eden. These daughters of Eve are CRUSHING IT! Every role. Every script. Every song. Every challenge. Every opportunity. Tichina and Alijah Kai model the power that lies within all of us to live victoriously, knowing that God can be trusted to keep His promises from one generation to the next. Neither claim that the journey has been easy. However, whenever the enemy has nipped at their heels, both have delivered a deadly blow by apprehending success, being of positive influence, and inspiring others through their gifts with class and distinction. Alijah Kai on Instagram @alijahkai, PEEQ, and on Alijah Kia’s upcoming YouTube channel.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 46

“

As a parent, you never know what to do, but you want positive things to come back from the seeds you have sown. I teach Alijah now that once you put it [content] out there, it’s out there. And anything you put out there, you want your child, your seed, and your family to be able to say, We love that. That was inspiring.

- TICHINA ARNOLD

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 47

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 48

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls.”

MATTHEW 11:28-29 (NIV) MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 49

ALOVE

NONTRADITIONAL

Have you ever wondered what motivates an onlooker or bystanders to act on behalf of a person in danger while putting themselves at risk?

Are they moved by the instantaneous weight of responsibility that others are watching?

Or are they greeted with the idea of long-term remorse, should they choose to remain uninvolved?

Or is it the great compassion that grips them all at once?

Perhaps it’s because we were all wired this way — to react to the impulse of altruism.

Perhaps it’s because Christ first loved us, and our initial reflex is akin to His very nature.

“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Society’s depiction of love is described not only as a feeling, but also as an ordinary experience that we’re all capable of having. It’s deemed to be cherished when found, but not valued for simply existing.

It’s romanticized greatly when found between lovers, but honored less when it’s the foundation of covenant found in friendship.

The truth is, love is a supernatural experience and the embodiment of Jesus Christ.

Love is universal and thus meant to MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 50

by TARI COX, M.A

be a caveat for Jesus being accessible to all.

And while there are many types, there’s a form of love that discounts personal gain, embraces pain, and remains steadfast at all costs, known as agape love.

Agape love denies the moral right to request an exchange, to receive anything in return, for love that’s freely given.

It’s selfless.

It’s daring.

It’s devoted.

And it chooses to remain defenseless when reality comes with a craving for entitlement.

It opts to become undignified when seeking to honor others, no matter the circumstances.

It is this form of love that was always meant to change the world.

Agape love is what we are to imitate as the beloved of the Holy One. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

To be an imitator is to emulate the behavior or actions of another. This charges us to reflect the love of Jesus with all.

It is necessary to explore this form of love because it is the highest standard man can reference to fulfill the Great Commission. Yet, it is the most relatable form of love as a choice and not an obligation, due to the One who displayed it first.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:2).

Jesus knew this wouldn’t be easy.

He knew it would come with suffering.

He knew mercy, compassion, and

MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT

grace would be necessary to extend and receive this love.

But Jesus is the only One who will never ask us to do something that He did not exude, fulfill, or display in the limitations of His humanity.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

Agape love is meant to challenge you.

Correct you.

Edify you.

Teach you.

Train you.

Assist you.

And grow you.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” - EPHESIANS 5:1-2 MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 51

Sweet LOVE

Love knows everything is as it should be. If we are open, love will always lead us to love. No matter how we choose to travel there. Even the hard stuff has given me the gift of learning to love from a deeper place, giving me the opportunity to move higher in love and trust.

The paths we travel to love can be varied. I have traveled to love through fear, facing some scary and difficult situations. Even though I was afraid, the courage to keep going helped me find love and appreciation for my strength so deep.

THOUGHTS, NOTES, AND REFLECTIONS ON LOVE

as told by MARQUITA MOORE

I used to think of love only in terms of romantic love and what I wanted from love.

I thought everything stemmed from this kind of love: transactional, never unconditional, always loving but wanting something in return, as if reciprocity were the only way to prove love’s realness.

But love is “authenticity” and does not require anything for it to be real. It just is. We must allow love to show us how to be real, honest, and authentic with ourselves.

Love is God’s greatest gift to us. We are here to walk in that gift.

We were created for that purpose so we can bless ourselves and others. It is our essence. It always has been and will be.

We don’t have to search for love in another, with hopes

we can find some for ourselves. We already are LOVE. MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 52

I have traveled to love through sadness, experiencing loss and heartbreak (both romantic and non-romantic) that I thought I would never bounce back from, only to find it had expanded my heart. On the other side of sadness, I gained an immeasurable appreciation for life and an expanded capacity to love. After the tears and the lessons, love renewed me, and I saw the beauty of being able and willing to love so deep that nothing can take it away.

Sadness took me down the road of acceptance.

And love itself has been a road.

Loving my son so deeply has shown me how unconditional love and acceptance for another, expecting nothing in return, is possible and beautiful. We are always inside of an opportunity that can move us to a place of truth and deep love, if we can see it that way … if we can separate the experience (good or bad) from its purpose to bring us to greater love. We choose the way we travel to love, and love lets us freely move at our own pace and in our own way.

Being truly you, in love, is your greatest opportunity to serve God. Why? Because you are expanding His light, by your ability to recognize and hold His light in you.

Self-love is not selfish.

Loving myself bridges the gap between God and me. It

MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT

closes any separation that I may be holding and fills it up with our oneness.

Our first love should be ourselves. The way we love and care for our own hearts is the blueprint for how we will love and care for others.

The love I have for myself plays a role in the way I accept and am open to God’s love for me. I can only let in and give as much as my heart is open to receiving and giving.

There is no better way to receive love than to give it away. (I had to deeply reflect and breathe this in to understand its magnitude.)

There are some who find it hard to believe that God loves them. I have been there. I know what this feels like. Walking the path back to my heart has been the key to understanding how untrue that belief was.

The biggest realization I have had about love is that my love is not dependent on someone else’s love for me. I am responsible for being love, for giving love, even in the face of something or someone unloving. This revelation and my continued ability to grow in this have changed my life.

When we love from the parts of us that have yet to be healed, we love in a way that is limited. Heal those parts, and our love for ourselves and others will grow.

Forgiving, believing, caring, goodness, kindness, peace, light, God … all these words mean LOVE. A quiet and peaceful mind is LOVE. Guilt, shame, resentment, competition, comparison, jealousy … all keep us away from love.

It is a privilege to LOVE. It is the reward. Just think about how good you feel when you love and expect nothing in return. You have no fear of your heart being broken because you realize that it could never break. Your heart is filled with love.

5:55AM

How I Grew Today:

“Now that my heart is open, love has expanded me.”

—MM

It gives us more ways to show up, in love.

Love is not exclusive; it is all-inclusive.

As I journey closer to my heart and towards my desire to be in alignment with the heart of The Divine, my understanding of His love has expanded and deepened.

Love is the soul and language of God. I shake my head when I think about how little I knew and felt about this gift given to all of us. And then I give thanks for being awakened to the understanding of how sweet, gracious, giving, and complete LOVE is.

This is how I grew today. May it inspire you in some way.

Jesus was here, in physical form, to show us how to love. He modeled it, to show us what pure love is.

Am I living by His example?

Let my heart be open so I am able to witness all the love that is available to me daily. All the love that I have missed, taken for granted, or just been unable to see.

Love shows you the other side of things. It allows you to see more than the offense, or the darkness. It frees you up, so you can look and find the light. This makes us stronger, wiser, and our love grows deeper. And eventually, everything we see we will meet with love.

Love offers no mistakes; it is corrective, purifying, healing. It offers us opportunities to clear the way so we can see more and feel more.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 53

& MOTHER DAUGHTER with QUI

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 54

Here’s a relationship I would love to dive into with you: the relationship between Nai and me, mother and daughter. I don’t know if it’s your dream, but it sure is mine, to have an amazing relationship with my favorite girl!

Over time you find a flow. That’s after I’ve established the kind of foundation I wanted with her. I knew I didn’t just want to be her mom or parent … I also wanted to be her friend. I know that’s not common in some households, but for me, it makes sense. It works.

Just like building any solid relationship, you want to make sure you develop an understanding of who the person truly is at the heart level. In my case, I loved teaching and watching Nai grow.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

As Nai got older, even as a child, I wanted us to be “cool,” so setting that tone was major for me. Discipline, structure, respect, relationship — a few principles we use in our home.

MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT doesn’t have to be perfect. I simply encourage her to do the best

LET’S UNPACK •

• • • • •

• Building our home with God as our foundation Our bonding time Healthy compromising Having a voice Education

BUILDING OUR HOME WITH GOD AS OUR FOUNDATION

It means anchored, grounded, solid! We may fall, but with a solid foundation, we will withstand. Teaching her that God is our Rock and Salvation — the Source —, as well as how to pray, that her relationship with God is her first relationship, and how to simply be a good person.

In society today, it’s easy to stray, get caught up in the things of this world, succumb to peer pressure, etc. So it’s so important to teach her simple principles to live by at home.

OUR BONDING TIME

she can.

A mother and daughter relationship is like having a “broke best friend,” lol. We love, teach one another, keep each other company, and grow together. Not every relationship will be the same, not every season of the relationship will be the same, but it shall remain! A solid foundation with God, healthy compromise, having a voice, and a strong bond will keep it all together. With love and light together, we’re stronger.

Here’s a quick, partner, beginner-friendly total body circuit that Nai and I often complete: Materials You’ll Need: jump rope, two pairs of 10 lb dumbbells, and mat or towel.

Complete three to four rounds, doing each exercise with 12 to 15 reps, along with 50 jump ropes before each round:

• • • •

Sumo squats Hand release push-up Toe touch Star jumps

One of my favorite things to do with Nai is travel. We plan outfits, take cute pictures, try new foods, visit special/monumental places, and explore. It’s our special time, creating

Hopefully you might find that some of the ideas I’ve shared with

beautiful memories.

you today will apply to relationships not only with your daugh-

HEALTHY COMPROMISE As parents, we automatically compromise: our time, space,

ters, but with a little tweaking, also with your sons and possibly even with your friends and others.

money, and energy. Today, as a single parent, I feel that as

All in all, to develop a healthy support system, seek God first,

Nai gets a little older, the only way this will work is if we

and ask Him to help you find that person or people who believe

come to certain agreements. That means creating these

in you, just as much as you believe in them! He won’t let you

healthy boundaries, also known as rules, like curfew, allow-

down.

ance/budget, or even agreeing upon what’s for dinner. They all teach us how to “meet in the middle.”

May you love and feel loved, knowing that God loves you more than you can ever imagine.

HAVING A VOICE This correlates to “healthy compromising” as her voice, starting at home, deeply matters! To me, demanding or being really strict creates rebellion. Teaching her to express her feelings, ideas, thoughts, and desires allows me to learn more about her. Allowing her to speak up at home allows her to express herself out in the world. We talk, agree to disagree, find common ground, and move accordingly.

EDUCATION Education in our home is important. Nai is a smart young lady. Thankfully, she didn’t take after me in this department, or we’d be in trouble! I actually learn from her! I don’t have to scold her about schoolwork. She’s pretty hard on herself … but enough about being great at what she does. If anything, I try to lighten her load by letting her know she

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 55

shop PREP dine

with SHANikA GRAHAM-WHITE

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 56

SHOP, PREP, DINE

ROASTED TOMATO KALE BUCATINI PASTA Shop, Prep, Dine with Orchids + Sweet Tea:

This bucatini pasta dish is a must-try vegan recipe with a savory, rich, and light herby tomato sauce and a hearty feel from the thick spaghetti-like pasta---bucatini. This is the perfect family-friendly meal that fits into your healthier food journey that goes far beyond Meatless Mondays. A true crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 Minutes

SHOP

PREP

2 cups grape tomatoes, halved or whole 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 Tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Roasted Herb Tomatoes:

Pasta: 1 (16 oz.) package Bucatini pasta 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil Sauce: 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup kale, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon dried thyme Pinch of red pepper flakes 1 cup vegetable stock + 2 Tablespoons ¼ cup white cooking wine ¼ cup tomato paste + 2 Tablespoons

TO ROAST TOMATOES:

DINE

To serve, add portions of the bucatini pasta to a prepared plate and top with roasted herb tomatoes. Garnish with a few sprinkles of fresh or dried parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Add the tomatoes unto the baking sheet (in a single layer) and drizzle with olive oil and season with seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tomatoes are charred, wilted, and tender. Remove and let cool slightly.

To Boil Pasta: Cook Bucatini pasta according to packaging, drain, and set aside.

TIP: after draining my pasta, I often rinse with cold water to prevent pasta from sticking.** To Make the Sauce: In a large 12-inch skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add in the salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes and whisk together until well combined. Add in the tomato paste, vegetable stock, and white cooking wine, whisking until combined and it begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes. Add in the chopped kale and let boil for another 1-2 minutes or until the kale becomes tender.

Reduce the heat to low and add in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well coated.

Remove from heat.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 57

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand , I will not be shaken.

PSALMS 16:5-8 (NIV) MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 58

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 59

JASMINE “Razor Chic” COLLINS

a GREAT Work

by Denise Griffin

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 60

FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE He that has begun a great work in you is faithful to perform it. God is faithful to perform it.

I’ve been told these words in church since I was a child. Of all the people I’ve encountered who grew up in church or were forced to go with their family, I haven’t yet had a person tell me they understood all the Scriptures and sermons being preached. However, that certainly doesn’t mean that the Word and the words that went forth weren’t impressed upon their heart. This is surely the case for Jasmine Collins, also known as the Razor Chic within the beauty industry.

Those who know Jasmine, or know of her, would all say the same thing … “That girl can do some hair.” She began building her business before she knew there was a business inside her. How familiar is that sentiment? All of us are gifted from birth, but very few of us tap into those gifts early. Others are operating in their gifts and don’t even know it ... while others have a light that shines within them that not even they can see. It’s so obvious to those who’ve been blessed to be in her presence that Jasmine has that light. She is an individual full of light, but it took years before she actually harnessed the God-given gifts Hidden gems always lie in small towns. It was apparent during our conversation that, though this woman has accomplished stellar success, she’s a small-town girl at heart … just lovin’ on folks wherever she goes. “I originally come from a town in Georgia called Statesboro, but I moved to Atlanta almost 30 years ago,” Jasmine says. Isn’t that the case for everyone who feels like they want more than what the small town has to offer them? But one thing the small town has that the big city will never give you, at least not immediately, is a sense of community. In a community, everyone knows everyone. More importantly, everyone looks out for everyone for the most part. Upon her relocation, Jasmine soon learned city folk ain’t country folk.

But before we get to the big city, you gotta understand how it all started. Jasmine recalled, “I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life. I was working at McDonald’s in high school and hair just called me. I didn’t necessarily have an interest in doing hair. It kind of just happened.” After working at McDonald’s for two months, Jasmine decided to try a popular style, at that time, on her aunt. Just like most celebrated hairstylists, her skills were perfected on family and friends. “I remember my auntie relaxing her hair. She had some gel and she asked me to gel her hair down. So I said, ‘Let me just see if I can wave it around.’ I got the comb and the gel and I started maneuvering it.” She did it! Jasmine created her first set of finger waves. “Of course, it didn’t look like my waves I do today, but it had potential, and it intrigued me to want to learn more, do it more, and get better. So I kept doing it. I kept practicing on her, on my other family members, and even on my friends here and there. From there, I started doing hair, and I remember my clientele growing so big,” Jasmine says. She was making more money doing hair in her grandmother’s house than she was at McDonald’s. So, McDonald’s got a pink slip and she continued to make her coins at home.

After leaving McDonald’s, Jasmine turned her grandmother’s house into her salon. “I remember her getting very frustrated because I had people all over her house,” Jasmine giggled while reflecting on that time. Jasmine’s clientele exploded in Statesboro. Everyone knew who she was. “I believe when you’re good at what you do, you’re always going to be in high demand to serve people,” she shares. All the hard work, giving cards out, and building an undeniable set of skills, Jasmine was serious about saving her money to get out of that small town, saying, “I just knew that God had a better plan for my life.”

This is definitely not a dig on small towns. Clearly, that small town produced this successful woman.

With $15,000 saved, Jasmine set out for Atlanta to expand her name and bring her skills to the big city. To most of Atlanta, she looked like the little country girl coming to the big city. And the big city quickly got the best of her. “I came to Atlanta during Freaknik times, and I partied and partied. In Atlanta, there’s something to do every night and every day. I literally came here and just partied all the time. I ran

He that has begun a great work in you is faithful to perform it. God is faithful to perform it.

- PHILIPPIANS 1:6

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 61

through that money. I remember losing my car. I lost everything,” she recalls.

In Statesboro, everyone knew her. But in Atlanta, it was the exact opposite. The money she was used to making and the rate at making it just couldn’t keep up with her partying. She still had that hustle spirit, but it was taking more time than she anticipated. As if losing all her money and car weren’t enough, during her time in Atlanta and while making new acquaintances, she connected with some people who would lead her down the wrong path.

From couch to couch, Jasmine rested her head. Friends welcomed her to whatever they had while she was still building her clientele. “I remember telling people I would do their hair, darn near for free, just to show them what I could do. If they didn’t like it, I told them they didn’t have to pay. And of course, everyone’s hair I touched loved it,” Jasmine recalls. But those darn near free styles weren’t paying the bills. During her time couch surfing, she connected with some folks who were “doing illegal things,” she says. Her new friends were writing bad checks and committing credit card fraud. Because she wasn’t earning the money she needed, she got caught up.

On many occasions she remembers, “... even though I was doing what they were doing because I was talented and I had a gift, I was always different from them. But when I ran out of my money, I hit rock bottom.”

“I got caught up in their world. To make a long story short, I ended up getting in trouble and ended up sitting in jail for two weeks. I told God [she pauses and reflects on her time in jail] when I tell you sitting in that jail … [pauses again], I’ve never, I n never did jail time before. Just being in there … the way that they treated me those two weeks I was in there. I said, if I ever get out of here, I will never do what I did again.” God answered her prayer, and she was released. “So I ended up moving back home. I moved back to Statesboro. For almost three years I was home, and I got myself together. And when I came back to Atlanta, I had my mind made up that I wasn’t going to be running the streets.”

As Jasmine continued to share, there was a common theme I continued to hear. When she was a child, she mentioned that people would always tell her, “There’s something about you. You’re special.” The same was true when she went to Atlanta as a young adult. Though she was struggling to build her business and got caught up in the illegal activity, other stylists, friends, and folks she met along the way said the same thing to her … “there’s something about you.”

“I was trying to survive,” she says. But there was something that stood out about her that made her different from the rest.

As Jasmine continued to share how she transitioned back home to Statesboro and then prepared to return to Atlanta, we laughed when she remembered being the only grandchild her grandmother would take to church. Even if the house was filled with her cousins, she was the only one that had to go. “I used to be upset that I had to go to church all the time. I don’t know if she saw something in me or if God told her to drag me with her.” To this day, she doesn’t really know why … but God knew. It was that thing, the light inside her that everyone saw. The light inside her is what stood out when she was in places she seemed to not belong. The light inside her was the “special” people saw. His light is undeniable, even when people don’t know it’s Him they’re seeing. More importantly, when we don’t see it, we delay ourselves from all God has for us. When Jasmine returned to Atlanta, she did not go to play games. Right before she had left the big city the last time, when she was in jail, she pleaded with God saying, MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 62

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 63

“

Sometimes there are obstacles in the road That can leave you feeling low And you don’t know how to move forward And sometimes there are turns you wanna take But the way gets hard to trace Now you’re wondering how did you get here But don’t you give up Until you see How God is ordering your steps So you can walk into your seas He that has begun A great work in you Is faithful to perform it God is faithful to perform it He that has begun A great work in you Is faithful to perform it Oh God is faithful

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 64

-BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON “A Great Work”

“You ain’t gotta worry about me no more!” And now, she says, “He hasn’t had to worry about me going back to jail since then.

And that was almost 30 years ago.” From that point forward, Jasmine focused on her business.

As we continued to talk and reflect, Jasmine shared that she had been prophesied to by three different people at random times in her life. They each provided the same confirmation about her life and her career, saying she would travel the world.

She recalls, “I’ll never forget one day, standing in the shower. And I told God that I was gonna stop wrestling with Him. And I told Him that I was going to surrender to Him and let Him have His way with me. ‘I’m just going to surrender and stop fighting You.’ Ever since I said that in the shower, doors flew open everywhere.”

Divine connection after divine connection. She began to grow her clientele. She met a man named Terrance Davidson, and the two are still friends today. Terrance was a celebrity stylist who taught her the rules of the celebrity hair game. But, all celebrities are not created equal. Just like everyone else you meet in the world, some are nice and some are not. Though the appeal of being a celebrity stylist was nice, it came with lots of rejection, and rejection was something Jasmine didn’t do.

Chasing celebrities, in a world where social media didn’t exist, was rough. However, when social media began to explode, Jasmine took the route of promoting herself and her work, and the celebrities came to her. “I told myself, take this social media and build your brand so big that you’re no longer looking for celebrities; they’re looking for you.” And they did! “Look at God,” she said. From there the “Razor Chic” gained momentum in the industry and became known not only to celebrities but also to a niche population of clients.

Jasmine believes in healthy hair, but she found that with the rise of weaves and extensions, so many Black women were chasing styles and neglecting their hair. This led to an increase in her clients primarily coming in with what’s known as traction alopecia: a condition where hair loss is caused by repeatedly pulling on the hair. Jasmine’s business exploded again, but this time because the light inside her collided with her talent. God gave her a ministry through her gift. “I would probably say 98% of the people that sit in my chair are hair loss patients. It’s heartbreaking. I really miss doing healthy hair, but it does something to my heart to be able to help someone who’s struggling with their own hair.” Women who had little hope of seeing their own hair cut, colored, and styled in a way that made them feel beautiful were given hope again after sitting in her chair. Jasmine recalls having a publicist who told her she should capitalize on this market and promote herself as an alopecia specialist. Though hesitant in the beginning, she agreed, and the second wave of her brand was born.

Next up, education. She began teaching classes and truly planting her feet in all the areas where her gifts were carving space for her in the world. Her talents and gifts have allowed her to travel the globe … prophecy fulfilled. What about that light inside her that everyone else saw for years? Now she sees it, too.

As our time together was coming to an end, I asked Jasmine, “What advice would you give to someone who can relate to hearing ‘there’s something about you, you’re special.’ Especially if it appears they don’t know it?”

She simply stated, “I would say, listen to what He’s calling you to do. Don’t share your vision with everybody … you can’t take everybody with you.” If that’s not a word, I don’t know what is. Not everyone is called to be with you throughout your whole journey.

Jasmine asked if I knew a song by Brian Courtney Wilson called “A Great Work.” I hadn’t heard of it, but I listened to it after we ended our call. She shared how much the song meant to her and how she felt it spoke to her journey. As I listened to the words of the first verse, it truly spoke to all she shared with me. And it also reminded me that, whether we know it early or if it takes us a while to discover, even after some bumps and bruises, God has purposed each one of us for great things. And in that you can take great comfort.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 65

STYLE & GRACE

Bottling memories, love, and joy: T H E

POWER OF

FRAGRANCE with Leanne dlamini

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 66

“

The beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your heart and hopefully someone else’s.

-ELIZABETH TAYLOR As I embarked on my quest to find products for our “Love and Relationships” issue, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting quote. My mission was clear: find products suitable for all relationship types, whether they be romantic, familial, or within a friendship. Why? Well, because scent and fragrance evoke powerful memories.

Science has proven that scent, emotion, and memory are intrinsically linked, and as highlighted by Essencional, scent “has the power to change our mood, promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve alertness, energize, as well as relieve pain and depression.”

Beyond kindling images and emotions, fragrances have the power to elicit physical reactions. You’ve experienced it.

Something will remind you of food you grew up eating, or a certain scent will transport you back to being enveloped in your grandmother’s arms. The fragrance connection is indescribably powerful — it’s how babies first recognize their mothers once they are born. As we journey through life, fragrances and perfumes evolve to play an undoubtedly significant role in our daily lives.

Enjoy fragrances every day, from showering to spritzing your favorite scent as you wrap up your morning routine.

Whether you use fragrances to sleep better or create a beautiful ambiance in your home, they become an expression of who you are and a powerful reminder of the people you love.

I’ve listed my favorite unisex perfumes, candles, and bath and body products that are perfect for sharing and ideal for creating beautiful memories for yourself, your family, and your home … all in the name of love.

Unisex Perfumes: Byredo Velvet Haze, Le Labo Santal 33, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Calvin Klein CK One, Chanel Deauville Candles: Ellis Brooklyn: Super Ego, Bath & Body Works: Midnight Blue Citrus, The Sitota Collection: Coco Noir Signature Excursion Candle, Diptyque Ambre, Naia X Melle: The Harmony Candle Bath and Body : African Botanics , Le Live, Lush: Dream Cream Self-Preserving Body Lotion, Bath & Gingham Collection, The Body Shop:Milk & Honey Range

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 67

DIY

Easy

VASE I

with TAMARA BRADSHAW

love creating simple, affordable DIYs. DIYs that anyone can do! Here is a quick and easy one. A gorgeous Glam Vase.

What you will need: 4 vases from Dollar Tree Bead garland from Dollar Tree Spray paint color of your choice (I used Rustoleum metallic gold) Hot glue gun Fresh or faux roses

Start by attaching vases. You don’t need glue for this; just put one in the next, and so on. They will stick together.

Next, take the vases outside to spray paint. The key to a beautiful and even, non drip spray paint job is to keep your hand moving while spray painting. You will want to do about three coats. Let the paint dry a few minutes in between each coat. After the final coat, let the paint dry for two to three hours minimum.

After your vases are completely dry, you are going to use a hot glue gun to adhere the bead garland around the rim.

You can add as much beading as you want! I looped and glued mine several times for a full beading look.

I told you this one was easy … you are pretty much done!

Now you style the vases with gorgeous roses. They can be real or faux. I used faux ones from Dollar Tree. I love how it looks with the beading left as is. The red stands out and is so pretty. But I also wanted to show you how it looks when you spray the beading gold. It blends in so lovely with the vase. It gives it a gorgeous glam look! I styled my vase on my console table in my living room. But you can style it anywhere. Your coffee table, dining table, kitchen countertop, bedroom nightstand, bathroom, etc.

You can use your imagination and a few dollars to make great decor for your home. This vase cost under $10 to make. I encourage everyone to give it a try. It’s also a stress reliever for me. Try it this weekend! Invite some friends over, or include your kids for a fun DIY adventure.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 68

3.

STYLE & GRACE

1.

2.

TIP: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HOT GLUE GUN IS FULLY HEATED BEFORE USING. IF NOT, IT WON’T ADHERE TO THE BEADING CORRECTLY.

4.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 69

VINTAGE

INSPIRED FASHION GET INSPIRED WHEN THRIFTING

Style & Gracy by TY HARPER

Outfit inspiration is found everywhere. Maybe it’s from your favorite celebrity or just maybe from the girl next door. Wherever your inspiration may originate, remember that you don’t have to break the bank to achieve the look.

This look was inspired by the beautiful, talented singer and fashion icon Ciara.

I absolutely love her effortless style. She most certainly lives by one of my favorite sayings: “You wear the clothes, the clothes should never wear you.” She’s going to give you head-to-toe Style & Grace every single time.

HERE’S HOW TO ACHIEVE A LUX LOOK ON A THRIFTED BUDGET;

• •

• • •

Take a picture of the look you’re trying to accomplish.

Don’t get too attached to every detail of the look. More than likely, you won’t be able to find that exact piece thrifting, so be open and have an imagination when remixing.

Stay in the same color palate.

Stay true to the aesthetic of the look.

Have fun!!

AT TIMES, WHY NOT MAKE ACCESSORIES THE STAR OF YOUR LOOK. • • • •

Discover the beauty of layering necklaces.

Don’t be afraid to mix metals.

Costume jewelry is an inexpensive way to achieve a high fashion look on a budget.

Sometimes, “too much” can be a good thing, especially when your outfit is subtle.

With this outfit, I had so much fun mixing denims and metals with my accessories and layering multiple necklaces. And know this … lol! Your denims don’t have to always match. Have fun with it, be bold, and experiment with different tones of denim. This look cost me $32 to achieve. I must admit, I wasn’t totally convinced I could do it, but I stayed true to my personal style while keeping Ciara’s bold, sexy vibe as well.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 70

STYLE & GRACE $4.99

Thrifted Denim Shirt $6.99

#THELOOK

Denim Wash Booties $9.99

Thrifted Statement Necklace $10.99

3 QUICK SUGGESTIONS TO REMEMBER WHILE THRIFTING:

Have an imagination.

Have no expectations.

Have fun!

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 71

DEVOTIONAL

ASCEND ASCEND ASCEND

by DR.MEDINA PULLINGS

Your new place awaits you! Now that doesn’t mean you’re going to pack your bags and move to another country, although that’s possible but improbable; however, what I want to talk to you about today is the adventures of ascending!

Having the audacity to scale new heights and occupy more significant territory is incredibly rewarding. I believe that innately we all know there’s more, and settling for less than God’s best is extremely painful. It takes courage to elevate above your familiar zone. After all, it’s comfortable there. It takes boldness to ascend to your next level of extraordinary living.

Remember, Jesus paid the ultimate price on Calvary’s cross for you to live the abundant life, not a stuffy, stale, stuck life!

But rather a life that embraces the expectancy of “What’s next, Papa?” as The Message Bible shares in Romans 8:15b.

A life that’s ready to ascend into new dimensions, growing and evolving. A life where you’ll be standing in new places and spaces.

Ascension happens within one’s self before it ever manifests outwardly. It all begins within, whether it’s ascending in your daily living, family life, business, soul prosperity, world impact, innovation, creativity, achievement, or a combination of these and more. It’s leveling up to the new and improved you that Christ created you to be. A better version of you will always find itself rooted in Christ and His intent of you expressing His glory throughout the earth.

Ascending to a new reality requires a paradigm shift.

The adventure of daring to envision greater allows you to transcend your now and ascend into your future. See it before you see it. Embrace it before you have it. You are standing in that new place before you get there. What do you see? What does it feel like there? What greater purpose does your ascension serve? Know why you must ascend.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 72

Identify the benefits of ascending .

Taking the time to answer these questions will help you commit to ascending. I caution you to never wait for a feeling to level up into your next dimension. Let revelation be your guide. What has God revealed to you?

What dream or vision did Almighty God put in your

heart? The things you know to do must be implemented.

The Holy Spirit is your guide.

Decide today: I’m ascending! Stick to your decision; let nothing pull you down. Leave all the lower-level activity behind. Make no apologies for ascending higher into your God-given destiny, embracing a new reality!

Almighty God has summoned you to arise and shine.

Again, DECIDE TODAY, I’m ASCENDING! Through prayer, get a clear picture of where you’re going, and put a plan in place. What are some of the ascension steps you will take? Execute the plan studiously through God’s divine power and grace!

You’re moving from glory to glory and faith to faith.

Watch God do more than what you imagined in this new place. Ascend!

let’s PRAY... let’s PRAY...

Father, I thank you for the incredible adventures of ascending. I know that you are with me. You’ve called me higher, and my answer is “yes!” Thank you for the grace, faith, courage, wisdom, favor, and discipline as I evolve and elevate into this new place.

May your name be glorified. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Join me this summer for the Jesus Girl Summit, August 3–6, where our theme this year is Ascend!

For more information, go to: www.jesusgirlsummit.com MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 73

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 74

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

ROMANS 8:5 (NIV)

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 75

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 76

Father, I admit that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that I am now born again. I want to trust Him as my Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, scan the code for a special message from our family.

MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 77

AJ

CRIMSON HIS LEGACY STILL LIVES WWW.AJCRIMSON.COM MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 78