WINTER 2020
&
www.mdbn.org $2.95
BONDING MAGAZINE
Recipient OF THE 2020
B.L.AC.K. I. A.M. AWARDS
Most
INSPIRATIONAL MAGAZINE
PUTTING THE
in
IN SPITE OF COVID-19!
s t n e t Con Mother & Daughter Bonding Magazine —
Recipient of the 2020 B.L.AC.K. I. A.M. AWARDS
PUTTING THE JOY IN CHRISTMAS IN SPITE OF COVID-19!.................................................8 Mother & Daughter Q&A
Most Inspirational Magazine
Ruby A. Bankston-Steele / Angela M. Bankston.......... 10
Jerry A Barnes Photography / jerryabarnes.com
Dorothy Westbrook / Angel McFadden /
Front cover photographed by:
Samantha King...............................................................................................11 Dawn Svancara........................................................................................... 12 Tammara Westbrook............................................................................. 13 Latasha Mills.................................................................................................... 14 Patricia Denson Mack............................................................................ 15 Angela Huntley / Bessie Fletcher................................................. 17 Tracy Thomas / Ruth Thomas / Taylor Thomas......... 18 Suzaan Nicholson....................................................................................... 19 Alice Gonzales..............................................................................................20 Janice Pauldo............................................................................................... 22 Shavonda Blatch / Miah’Treasure............................................ 23 Debra Tyler / Margrett Russell...................................................... 25
Have you or your family been affected by COVID-19?
I Dozed Off, Asking God to Blow His Breath, Into My Lungs! ................................................................................. 26 By Betina Moffitt COVID “Twice” What a Blessing! .............................................. 28 By Dr. Anne Wade
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the Publisher.......................................................... 5 Editor’s Corner.................................................................................... 6 Message from the Dean .......................................................30
Mother
&
DAUGHTER
BONDING MAGAZINE
Vanessa Henderson, Editor Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Publisher Cynthia Oliver, Dean Dr. Anne Wade
Contributors
Ruby A. Bankston-Steele
Bessie Fletcher
Angela M. Bankston
Tracy Thomas
Samantha King
Suzaan Nicholson
Dawn Svancara
Alice Gonzales
Dorothy Westbrook
Janice Pauldo
Angel McFadden
Shavonda Blatch
Tammara Westbrook
Debra Tyler
Latasha Mills
Margrett Russell
Patricia Denson Mack
Betina Moffitt
Angela Huntley
Dr. Anne Wade
Creative
Samantha King, Graphic Designer Leah Hammond, Copywriter/Proofreader
BRINGING MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
TOGETHER IS OUR MISSION Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Christian Clinical Psychologist, has over 20-Years working with mothers and daughters to heal their relationship.
instagram.com/dr.bessiefletcher
instagram.com/motherdaughterglobal 4
Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
WATCH INTERVIEWS
with Dr. Bessie Fletcher Follow Dr Bessie Fletcher, Ph. D. on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC9DfggESTcrFHEE7rix6dVQ
STAY UP-TO-DATE
on everything related to the Mother and Daughter bonding network & subscribe to the Mother & Daughter Bonding Magazine, go to: mdbn.org
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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
s a m t s i r h C
CREATIVE WAYS TO SPEND
DESPITE OF COVID-19
Are you ready for some Christmas positivity to keep your sanity in check from the lock downs, pandemic stay at home orders, masks, and social distancing?
The COVID-19 pandemic offers new opportunities to make this holiday a season something to remember in different ways. Here are a few of ideas that you may want to consider: GO ALL OUT ON YOUR DECORATING. You can do a store bought or do a fancy do-it-yourself project with your family. Take out the tree, dressed it up with your bright ball ornaments, paper ephemera, vintage ribbons, classic and traditional touches. START A COUNTDOWN GIFT-GIVING DONATION BOX. Every day donate something useful to Salvation Army and local food banks in your area. HELP A VETERAN MOTHER IN NEED. Locate a local Veteran Program in your area. They will directly put you in touch with them who needs your help. Many of them are struggling, a little help will move mountains. SCHEDULE A CHIT CHAT WITH SANTA VIRTUALLY. No walk-in Santa mall visits this year but do not fret; you still can chat with Santa virtually. Create a virtual Santa for the little ones in your family or to share the holiday cheers to every kid on the block. VIRTUAL HOLIDAY PARTY. Virtual holiday parties are conducted via the conferencing video platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet or WebEx. Fun activities can
Christian Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D., Chaplain; Mother and Daughter Relationships Expert
Photo Credit: Janice Pauldo, J’s Photographer
This lock down made me think suddenly about how we spend time for the things we always wanted to do. Working remotely means no more time spent on driving to work. Thus, freeing some time to do the projects we need to do across the house. Projects such as redecorating, reading a book, learning a new skill such as playing an instrument. Taking up a new hobby and explored creative pursuits.
include a series of trivia and games that the attendees will love, laugh and enjoy. You can spice up your party with filters, emojis, and Christmas holiday background. NETFLIX HOLIDAY MOVIE MARATHON. There are plenty of classics who have all the hallmarks of a perfect Christmas tale. Stream Holiday Performances and musicals, you and your family can enjoy. KARAOKE CAROLING WHILE ON YOUR MATCHING HOLIDAY PAJAMAS. There are many Christmas Carol and Christmas Songs to sing along to, while wearing matching pajamas.
Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Ph.D., Publisher www.mdbn.org
5
r e n r o C ’s r o t i d E
Despite all the things that have happened, 2020 has been an
“Amazing Year! ”
Vanessa Henderson, Editor-in-Chief
Hello Mothers and Daughters, and to all the Mothers and Daughters Bonding Magazine family. What an amazing year 2020 has been. Despite all the things that have happened. We have had losses, and we have had gains. We have had losses, and we have had gains. I just had to say that twice so I too would understand what it is like. A lot of us have not seen our family and friends since March. We have not been able to give hugs to our children and grandchildren. We have not been able to see our friends and family in our church settings. But one thing that I know as a woman of God. Is that God is still on the throne, he is still in charge of what is going on in this pandemic. We as Mothers and Daughters should not be afraid, just know that we will come out on the other side of this space. So that is why we are so excited to have each of you be a part of this amazing holiday issue. We know that a lot of you are just as excited as we are. A lot of you have not joined us in this time, but we will look forward to you being a part of our upcoming issues. So, we ask that each one of you please make sure that you purchase this issue as a keepsake, so you will never forget some trials of COVID-19 in 2020. We extend a hearty, happy holiday season to you and yours, from our staff and Dr. Bessie Fletcher. Enjoy your holiday and we will see you in the New Year, 2021!
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year We pray that you and your family will be safe and blessed during this Holiday Season!
— Dr. Bessie & The
Mother
&
DAUGHTER
BONDING MAGAZINE
www.mdbn.org
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Mother &
Daughter
Q
&
A A
Joy Christmas, PUTTING THE
IN
IN SPITE OF COVID-19!
The Mother
& Daughter Bonding Magazine invited
Mothers & Daughters to share their stories
MOTHERS AND/OR DAUGHTERS WERE ASKED TO SHARE THE FOLLOWING: • Most memorable Christmas with your mother or daughter. • What will you do differently with your family, this Christmas, due to COVID-19? • What family “Christmas Tradition” will you miss this year, because of COVID-19? • What are you planning to do, to put “JOY,” in your Christmas, for 2020? • What will you be most “Thankful” for this Christmas? • What “Words of Wisdom,” could you share with other mothers and daughters to “Brighten” their Christmas. • Have you or your family been affected by COVID-19?
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9
PRAISE GOD
for the birth of his son,
Jesus Christ!
RUBY A. BANKSTON-STEELE (Mother) ANGELA M. BANKSTON (Daughter) My family and I will definitely take the needed precautions because of COVID-19, this holiday season. We will incorporate traditions instilled through-out our family’s generations. We will celebration of Christ’s Birth, with family, food and gift giving, even amid COVID-19. Some things that we will miss this year, as a family, because of COVID-19 are going out shopping, dining and mingling amongst people. My mother always says in the presence of God there is the fullness of joy! This Christmas my mother and I are most thankful for the health and strength of our family and the Spiritual mindset we choose to have! As my mother would say every time, you look up; you going to see me winning, even during adversity, turmoil, and chaos! My mother and I would like to let other mothers and daughters know, to have an attitude of gratitude, be happy regardless of your situation, whether it is Christmas, COVID-19, or just another day of the week! Life is full of changes and challenges. This is just another part of our process. May God’s blessings be upon you and yours this Christmas and every day thereafter! It is our sincerest prayer that God fills your holiday season with His blessings! Because the Best Is yet to come. Blessings.
Merry Christmas
Angela and her mother Ruby
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
Samantha, her daughter Leah and her mother Alberta.
I feel that every
Christmas
is memorable in its own way
BY SAMANTHA KING (Mother) I am not huge into traditions, but of course some of them have formed over the years naturally. For me, as long as the holidays are filled with quality time, bonding experiences and lots of laughter, I consider it a blessed holiday. One of the most memorable Christmas’ of all time would have to be the year 2016. My daughter Leah had graduated from college that December, and we planned a family trip to New York City during Christmas to celebrate her accomplishment! NYC is pretty magical, during Christmas. Christmas 2016 wasn’t about gifts; it was about the experience of waking up in New York City together on Christmas morning and spending time together with family and making memories that we would always cherish. Christmas is definitely looking a little different from normal this year. Our group will be much smaller than normal. We all know that plans can change instantly if someone feels under the weather, health is a priority over seeing each other in person. The initial plan is that my daughter Leah will still fly home for Christmas. My mom will still come over for Christmas breakfast, but it limits our hugs and physical closeness.
For the past few years, we have had Christmas Eve with family and friends, I will miss the chaos of having so many people gathered together, playing games, laughing, singing karaoke or whatever else may take place that day and night. As a mother, spending time with your children, no matter what their age, always puts joy in your heart. When my daughter comes home for Christmas, my heart will be so happy, to spend time with her and also for her and her brother to spend time together. Also, my mom spending time with her grandchildren adds to that joy. I do my best to practice gratitude every day; we have so much to be thankful for. I am so thankful my family is healthy, and we all have so much love to share with each other. We are all taking one day at a time to get through these crazy times, and we will get through it by leaning on one another. Words of Wisdom for mothers and daughter is to keep the line of communication open at all times. Make each other a priority! Although, we all may not be able to spend time together in person, make those phone calls, schedule those video chats. Laughing together is “so good” for the soul! Make memories together as best you can right now, knowing this too shall pass! www.mdbn.org
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BY DAWN SVANCARA
(Mother and Grandmother)
We have a family
tradition
of meeting at my Aunt’s house every Christmas Eve with the entire family. The year 2016 was different for me and my daughter. She was a new mother, and I was a new grandmother. Our precious baby girl, Lilia, was just over a year old. She was walking and expressing herself… especially her displeasures. During the festivities, the children were gathered together, playing with toys, and having fun. One of the other children came and sat on my daughter’s lap. Lilia, very confused, looked at the child setting on her mother’s lap. She walked over and promptly tried to push the child off of her mother while babbling some indistinguishable words. My daughter and I laughed uncontrollably. It was then we both agreed she had inherited our feistiness!
This year will be different. Because of COVID-19, we won’t be able to share a wonderful Christmas Eve, like in year’s past, at my aunt’s house with our families.. Despite COVID-19, we are expecting the Joy of Christmas to come to our family! We are having a new baby due, my 2nd grandchild, any day now. This Christmas, because of COVID-19, we are planning to have a small get together with a time limit and everyone wearing a face mask. We are skipping the large late night family Christmas Eve party and the Secret Santa gift exchange this year. We plan to have virtual gathering with family and friends over zoom so we can all still enjoy one another’s company. I am most thankful for our safe, healthy, and happy family this year. My Words of Wisdom to other mothers and daughters, don’t reflect on all the things you don’t have or the people you can’t see this Christmas. Happiness is recognizing and appreciating what you have.
Dawn pictured here with her granddaughter Lilia and her daughter Erica.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
DOROTHY WESTBROOK (Mother)
ANGEL MCFADDEN (Daughter)
TAMMARA WESTBROOK (Daughter)
One thing I have always
admired
about my Mom is that despite anything and everything, she always made sure that for every holiday there was a celebration and Christmas is no exception. It’s really hard to pick just one memorable Christmas. Every year up to the age of 13, our living room would be filled of presents and decorations for my sister and I. Even now, as we are older, my mom still goes above and beyond to make us feel special. More importantly, the love and time together is always the best and the most I look forward to each year. This Christmas will be intimate, and only immediate family will get together briefly to exchange gifts and dinner. I will miss my tradition of driving around and visiting other family members and friends this year. To put Joy in my Christmas, I plan to decorate as normal, sing Christmas songs loudly and watch all my favorite Christmas movies and shows. I am most thankful that I get to celebrate Jesus, the reason for the season. I get to thank Him for my health, my home, my family, my job and all I have despite how the year has been around me. Although this year is different, it doesn’t have to be bad. Look at it from a fresh perspective. You are alive and well. Your family is alive and well. This pandemic is temporarily. We will get through this and be better and stronger. Start new traditions. Love from a distance and celebrate in your own space.
www.mdbn.org
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BY LATASHA MILLS (Mother)
FOR MANY YEARS, I WOULD WAIT
patiently and prayerfully,
hoping that my daughter and granddaughters would walk through our church doors on Christmas morning. As I ushered, I would constantly watch and hope for their arrival. And for years it didn’t happen! My most memorable Christmas was the Christmas Eve when my daughter and my granddaughters came to spend the night. I was rejoicing within my heart. Because I felt that finally, they would attend Christmas services with me! What a blessing! It was then that I realized it was not my timing, but God’s timing. Oh, how I enjoyed sharing the Birth of Jesus Christ with my children. This Christmas, because of COVID-19, it won’t really differ from the others. It will just be me, my daughter, and granddaughters, like it has been for many years since my mother passed. It just hasn’t been the same, with the gathering of my remaining siblings. To put “JOY” in our Christmas, we are planning to sleep in, where we sit back, watch Christmas movies, play games, and make new traditions to look forward to in the coming years. What we will be most “THANKFUL” for is life, health, and strength. In this year 2020, we have suffered family losses, but not because of COVID-19, just nature deaths. My Words of Wisdom, to other mothers and daughters, love each other while you can! One of the hardest things to experience in times like these is not being able to spend it with your mother. Life is too short, make lasting memories while you can, and remember the reason for the season.
Latasha Mills, her daughter Anastasia Wright, 1st Granddaughter Ashanti Jenkins, Middle Granddaughter Quinta Is Livingston, and Youngest Granddaughter Destiny Wright.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
BY PATRICIA DENSON MACK (Mother) My most memorable
Christmas
with my daughter Princess was in 2005. She was 5 years old. I brought her a pink scooter. Something that she wanted so badly for Christmas! I remember showing her how to ride the scooter and once she learned how to operate it; she was off and running. She loved it so much! The fun we had that day was amazing. To see the joy on her face and the amazement of accomplishing her independence, of controlling the scooter on her own. I was excited for her because I could see her self-esteem glowing! This Christmas is going to be different for us, like many other families. What will we do differently with COVID-19 in effect is to stay as safe as possible? We will put the joy in this Christmas, 2020 by playing lots of games and having fun celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I will miss having other family members celebrating with us this Christmas. But, let me state that I am thankful for life itself and I am thankful for my husband and daughter. I want to encourage other mothers and daughters not to live in fear, but to live in faith instead. In those “What If” moments of fear, tell yourself to think of a positive thought, a Word of God. Think of something you can do for your family, help a neighbor or a stranger in their time of need. That will surely lift your Spirit! To give from your heart is giving back unto you! And pray, because prayer changes things. “For God hath not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power; and of love; and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Merry Christmas!
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
BY ANGELA HUNTLEY (Daughter)
Christmas
This year will be different.
We will have a socially distanced gathering of about seven of our immediate family members to exchange gifts instead of our usual big feast and celebration with extended family and friends. During this holiday season, I will miss attending our usual Christmas parties and celebrations. To keep the joy in Christmas this year, I will do what I work hard to do every year, which is to keep my focus on the real meaning of Christmas. It’s all about Jesus Christ. That brings joy to the holiday for me. This Christmas especially I am thankful to look back over the last several months and see how God has blessed, kept, provided, and protected me and my family during such uncertain times. To brighten the Christmas for another mother and daughter, I would encourage them to not focus on what you don’t have, what didn’t happen this year, or that you may not get together during the holidays. Focus on the things that are well in your life right now. Be grateful you’re still here. Being here means you made it through. And if you made it through to this point, you could go further. Things will get better. Remember, joy will come in the morning.
BY DR. BESSIE FLETCHER (Mother) My most memorable
Christmas
for me was at 12 years old! That was the year when the “Real Truth” about Santa became my reality! Yes, I was told many times by my friends and cousins, but I refused to believe them. As an only child, I didn’t want to spoil my parent’s joy of showing me with gifts. I understood the concept, but I enjoyed playing the game with my parents. During my usual hunt for presents, each year, I wasn’t able to find them, because they were at my aunt’s house. But this Christmas, my daddy forgot and left my watch in his coat pocket. When I found it, reality hit me! I became sick to my stomach. It showed in my face and my spirit. My mother began asking me over and over, what’s wrong with you? So, I had to confess. It relieved her! She said, well now we won’t have to play those games anymore. And to this day, I wish that I had never sought for my presents. Because I lost my thrill of the mystery of Christmas! Although I live 10-minutes from my daughter and her family, each year I would pack-up and go to their house and spend the week of Christmas. I would extend my stay through my birthday, New Year’s Eve, and return home on New Year’s Day. Because of COVID-19, I am going to miss that. I will stay Christmas night and the next day for my birthday. I will miss cooking, playing games, staying up late at night, as Angela and I attempt to watch as many movies as we can. But find us waking up around 2:30 AM turning the television off and dragging ourselves to our beds. As always, the core of our Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is first on my list every day! My advice to mothers and daughters and their families, stay focus on the “Present” that’s where God is!
Merry Christmas!
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A
Thomas
FAMILY CHRISTMAS
TRACY THOMAS (Daughter) RUTH THOMAS (Mother) TAYLOR THOMAS (Granddaughter) It was Christmas 2019, we went to our home in Milwaukee to celebrate Christmas with my mom at her house. The house I grew up in. The home that I spent many happy Christmas holidays. We began this Christmas like so many others, waking up to the smell of my mother cooking breakfast and the sound of Christmas music playing in the background. Immediately after we washed the breakfast dishes, my mom began preparing dinner. As long as I can remember, I have always been the dressing taster before the final mixture went into the oven. I enjoyed listening to my mom tell my daughter Taylor stories of how she started cooking at the young age of 12. I am the keeper of memories and captured many images and videos of my mom, Taylor, and I cooking, baking, and laughing together.
There’s nothing sweeter than Grandma’s hands, heart, and cooking. What we will do differently with family this Christmas because of COVID-19 is to celebrate it virtually with my mother. She will guide me on how to make some of my favorite dishes. The traditions that we will miss this year because of COVID-19 are my mom and I wrapping Taylor’s gifts the night before Christmas. Waking up to the smell of breakfast cooking and Christmas music playing. Tasting my mom’s dressing mixture. What I am planning to do to put “Joy” in our Christmas 2020 is to teach my mom how to use technology so she can watch me prepare our dinner and so she can see Taylor open her Christmas gifts. What we will be most thankful for is even though we will not be in one place together, we will rejoice in the fact that we are still here on earth together. The words of wisdom that I would like to share with other mothers and daughters is to cherish every moment. Live, love, and laugh often.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
Shameka-Ann and my most memorable
Christmas experience
was December 2009. The City implemented its budget cuts. My wages were reduced tremendously; there were no additional funds to purchase a live Christmas tree, as I did yearly. Although Shameka was 23 years old, the natural smell of pine each Christmas was traditional for our family, and this Christmas differed from the others. Shameka was now a proud mother of a four-month-old baby boy, her first-born son, name Jahwansa. I felt awful because I could not afford the pine tree or presents for Christmas. Suddenly, I had an idea; I rushed to the store to purchase drafting paper, scented crayons, pine spray and prior year’s ornaments. Meka and I made a Christmas tree from drafting paper, dressed it, taped it to the two corners of the walls and sprayed it with the scent of pine. This was also the closest my daughter, and I had been since my coming home from Broward Correctional in 1998. What will my daughter and I do differently with our family, this Christmas, because of COVID-19? Because I interact with the public daily and prevention purposes, I will drop all gifts off and watch them opened by the receiver using Zoom or Face time.
SUZAAN NICHOLSON (Mother)
SHAMEKA-ANN (Daughter)
The family “Christmas Tradition” that I will miss this year, because of COVID-19, I will miss shopping together and dressing the Christmas “Live Pine Tree,” as a family. I will put the “JOY,” in my Christmas, for 2020, by giving thanks to God for allowing me one more Christmas above ground and all in which He has provided for me and my loved ones. I am “Thankful” this Christmas for the ability to purchase the Christmas Pine Tree for my grandsons Jahwansa and Tory to dress at their home. My “Words of Wisdom,” for other mothers and daughters to be the “Bright Light for your family, this Christmas.” The greatest gift you can both receive is the “Love,” from each other and the precious moment to create together. There is no greater feeling than to give a gift of “Love” to your child or loved one.
www.mdbn.org
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ALICE GONZALES (Mother) TATIANA (Daughter)
THIS
Christmas WILL BE DIFFERENT
for our family since we cannot travel because of COVID-19 and since I am starting a new job. I will miss our family gatherings where everyone is cooking and socializing and just having fun together. I am planning to just play holiday music and cook something special with my daughter, then open gifts. I am most thankful for being with my daughter and creating precious memories, since I haven’t seen her for a few weeks, because of my job change. During COVID-19, I was furious after being laid off. It was incredibly challenging for me! But now, God has blessed me with two new jobs, and I am starting over! We had to move, and I miss our family. But the good news is that we still have each other. All that matters is that my daughter and I are happy, and it was worth the change. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is very peaceful in my new environment. For that, I am “Grateful!” I would like to share the following words of wisdom to mothers and daughters. The best things in life are free, especially quality time, spend it wisely with loved ones.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
THE TIME IS NOW!
Dare to Start Where You Stopped! How long are you going to beat yourself up with your intraconversations, saying to yourself, I wished I had stayed in college or I wished I had gone to college! Do you have college credits? Do you feel that you wasted your time, money, and credits? What if I told you that the Mother and Daughter Bible College can restore your time, money, and credits, by accepting “ALL” your college credits, no matter how old they are! Now, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue to “Procrastinate or are you going to “Start Where You Stopped?”
No college credits, no problem! You too can get Started! WE HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOU!
For more information got our website:
www.mdbn.org
BY JANICE PAULDO I
remember when my daughter Jana
was in the Army, and she was able to come home for Christmas. We weren’t sure if she was coming, but we were hopeful. I will never forget the day she showed up at my job to surprise me and to spend Christmas with us. This Christmas, as we all know, will be different for us all. But as for me, I will continue to keep the JOY in Christmas by remembering the reason for this season. Jesus was born for all of us to have eternal life with our Father God. I will miss the traditions of going to the Christmas Parades, attending parties, and just visiting family and friends. But this year we will still have a small dinner, arts and crafts with the grandchildren, and just good old fashion love. I am so thankful to God for bringing me and my family through another year. God has kept us through some tough times, and allowed us to see no matter how it looks, He still has us. I would advise other mothers to always teach your children to be grateful, and no matter what difficulties that may cross their paths, someone is facing an even greater challenge than them.
Merry Christmas Everyone
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
Living
OFF A MANGO TREE!
Living off a mango tree, in an old abandon house, scared and alone. The Miami Dade Homeless Trust rescued me. I was 7 months pregnant and on my 7th blessings. A couple months later, I entered Agape Family Ministries where I gave birth to a 7lb, 7oz healthy baby girl. We stayed there for seven months. Then we moved to the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.
BY SHAVONDA BLATCH AND DAUGHTER, MIAH’TREASURE
But our most memorable Christmas was after we stayed in the shelter for two years. We transitioned into Better Way of Miami where God blessed me with a five-bedroom home! Where I could reunite with my other children. It was our first Christmas out of the shelter that was incredibly special to me, to be with all 7 blessings. I kept trusting God, because He kept showing up through the number 7. The number 7 shows up 700 times in the Bible and of course, God created the World in six days and on the 7th day He rested! A few months later, my oldest daughter gave birth to my first granddaughter on 7-17-17 weighing 7lbs 7oz! As for this Christmas, I plan to enjoy every moment with my baby, teaching her the true meaning of Christmas, embracing heartfelt moments. However, one of my family’s traditions that I will miss this Christmas is waking up early to watch my children open their gifts. I would love to make my own plans this year to put “JOY” back in Christmas, but my plans may not be GOD’s will. So, I think I’ll start off first seeking the Kingdom of God, which will put the “JOY” in our Christmas. Scripture says in; Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the LORD’S purpose that will prevail.” This Christmas I am most thankful for having a home to share with my children. To mothers and daughters, don’t take life for granted. Use your time wisely to pursue your highest potential and true purpose. This is the time to live a “Purpose Driven Life”.
www.mdbn.org
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My most memorable
Christmas
was a few years ago when I was sitting in my mother’s kitchen helping her to prepare Christmas dinner. My cooking skills were not up to date, however, my mother trusted me to watch the pies while she took a break. I was so excited to be in charge of watching those sweet potato pies bake. I felt like a young woman learning how to bake. I enjoyed that time because it was just me and my mother; we shared a beautiful morning, as I was being funny, and making her laugh! I love to make her laugh!
BY DEBRA TYLER AND MOTHER MARGRETT RUSSELL
Christmas will be different this year for us. We will practice safety measure, as I visit my family for a small gathering. I will miss us eating together as a family, having bible trivia, taking some pictures, and telling stories about when we were younger. Despite COVID-19, I plan to give thanks and spread love and joy wherever I find myself this Christmas. I am most thankful for life, my family, and my friends. I want to encourage mothers and daughters to trust God, because this too will pass. God is “ABLE” to do all things but “FAIL.”
Be Blessed.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
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25
I DOZED OFF,
Asking God
TO BLOW HIS BREATH, INTO MY LUNGS! BY BETINA MOFFITT, COVID-19 SURVIVOR The week prior to Easter I found myself at work treating what I believed to be a common cold, that was not responding to any over-the-counter medications. Because I of a previous conversation I had with an elderly lady whom I met three weeks prior to her dying from pneumonia because of COVID-19. I noticed that I was experiencing similar symptoms that she shared with me. So, I thought I better go get checked for COVID-19. I went to my local hospital for my COVID-19 test. As I waited for the doctor to give me the test, the ER doctor literally stood outside my room door masked up telling me, because I did not have a fever and shortness of breath, I could not have COVID-19. Although, I had a concerned area on my lungs; he diagnosed me with pneumonia and sent home.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
A few days later, I lost senses of smell and taste. Days went by and I was still wondering what was going on with me? I was asking God to help me. He reminded me of the thermometer He advised me to take to work that day. I clearly heard the Holy Spirit advised me to take my temperature. I did, and it read 99.8, but by the end of my workday, my temperature was 101.5! I clocked out and could barely make it to my car because of extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. I asked my co-workers to wait for me to get myself together before I headed home. Upon arriving home, I could not get out of the car right away, so I sat outside in the car and called the COVID-19 hotline. The representative told me not to come to the ER until I received a call back from them. They needed to prepare for my arrival. By the time I got to the ER my chest felt like it was caving in and with every breath tear filled my eyes and fear had taken over. My husband dropped me off at the emergency door, because he could not enter the hospital with me. Immediately after entering the hospital, a nurse covered from head to toe in protective gear, swiftly swept me around the side of the hospital, because COVID patients could not use the main emergency room entrance. They placed me in a room and told to remove my clothes, which took me a while because with every motion of my arms strength would leave my body. I remember feeling like my breath had literally grown legs and was running down the corridor of the hospital, as I was gasping, trying to catch it! My heart was speeding up with every attempt to catch my breath, but while trying to catch my breath, it felt like something was shredding my lungs. The nurse came in to take my temp again and by this time it was 104.3 my head was pounding, and I was crying because the nurse kept telling me in a very stern voice Mrs. Moffitt, I know it hurts but I need you to continue to take deep breaths because if you do not your lungs will get weaker and that is not what we want to happen. After several tests and breathing treatments, the doctor came in and said to me. We cannot let you leave the hospital!
It was not until four days later; that I got a positive COVID-19 test reading. My mother would call me sometimes three times a day to tell me do not speak, save your strength. She would tell me I was going to be alright, and that I was coming home. I had tears rolling down my face, because I knew if my mom could have been there, she would have stayed by my bedside day and night! My mother made sure everyone in my church received updates daily of my healing. Then the night before Easter I was laying in the hospital bed and I had a horrifying feeling that if I did not go home, I would get worse. I read Genesis 2:7, “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” I dozed off, asking God to blow his breath into my lungs. On Easter Sunday morning, I Rose! I woke-up feeling better than I had in days. When the doctor came in and listened to my lungs, she could not believe how good they sounded from the day before. After 58 days being in quarantine, my mom was at my home waiting on me when I arrived home. She stayed at my house the entire 58 days! Where she prayed for me, believing that one day, I would walk back through the door of my home! Despite her health issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other vulnerable issues, she risked her life to save mine! My mother showed the strength of a mother. She cooked my meals, prepared my favorite snacks, washed my clothes, and cared for me as if I were a baby! Every day my mom would hang a bag on my doorknob with whatever I asked for without thinking of herself. My mother plays the background in all her children’s lives. She pushes us forward while she hangs back, making sure that the most important things get done, never asking for a thank you. She is so self-sacrificing, and I saw every day how she risked her own health to make sure I got better.
Thank you, Mom,
this story is for you! I love you!
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COVID
“Twice�
WHAT A BLESSING!
BY DR. ANNE WADE I am married to a nurse. He is a travel nurse who accepts different assignments. In February, they assigned him to an Emergency Room and shortly afterward; we became ill. He and I did not know then we had COVID-19. We thought we had the flu, and it was not until March we found out differently. Immediately my college asked me to work from home. I was weak, had trouble breathing, and felt as if I had run a marathon each day. I could hardly walk. A journey from one end of the house to the other meant I had to sit and rest. I had no sense of taste or smell. By July, I had some energy. I could swim some, but still had to rest more than usual. I felt blessed to have survived when others in my area did not.
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Then came October…. My husband accepted an assignment in our prison system in June. They assigned him to the COVID ward earlier in the summer. Believing we were immune; we did not worry too much. We took precautions, masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, social distancing, and staying away from older family members. In mid-October, we noticed we were both running a fever and had difficulty breathing. This was worse than what we had experienced in February. I could not drive, and he was just barely capable. We drove the 10 minutes to a COVID testing site and then waited three days for our results. Positive. It devastated me. Not again! I thought I was immune. I was not. We were extremely sick for two weeks. He recovered faster and returned to work. I was not as fortunate. It is December, two months after the positive test. I finally can walk, exercise, and catch my breath. I know I am not completely well yet, but I am so much better than I was. I will continue to wear my mask, use the hand sanitizers, use the pickup options at all the places I can, social distance, and stay away from family members, that I am not sheltered with during the holidays. I continue to look at the newspaper obituaries and mourn those who were not as fortunate as my husband and me. Through all the hard times, I remember that God has a plan. As news of the new vaccines’ spreads, I think of God’s miracles. Whatever makes us better is not of man, but man’s abilities through God. Our Science is only as good as God permits. He is still in control and yet; he allows us to have our free will. What a blessing our lives are!
I Pray that God
gives us the way to eradicate this virus, and He will.
Start where you
STOPPED! MDBN.ORG MDBN.ORG SCHOL ARSHIPS AVAIL ABLE , CLICK HERE!
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SEASON GREETINGS FROM DEAN OLIVER WHY PEOPLE NEVER ATTEND OR FINISH COLLEGE BOILS DOWN TO ONE THING, FEAR!
Dare to
“Start Where You Stopped! ” THE TIME IS NOW!
The question remains, how long are you going to beat yourself up with your intra- conversations, (those ongoing conversations within your head) saying to yourself, I wished I had finished college or had gone to college! That thought is as loud today as it was the first time you verbalized it. The Mother and Daughter Bible College (MDBC) faculty know that 2020 has been a challenging year, but it does not end there. We have gained insights that we never thought possible, and if nothing else we should have gained the confidence to know that we can overcome and get through the worst of challenges, even those that seem impossible.
Dean Cynthia Oliver, MACP Dean of Education
Why people never attend or finish, college boils down to one thing, fear! When I think about it, college can be a lot like a pandemic, slow to end, but for sure, it will surely end. Yes, a lot has happened in 2020, but it is not too late to make something good happen in 2021. Despite an ongoing pandemic, this can be your year, and the MDBC is the place to make it happen. We are now accepting applications for the 2021 calendar year; January might seem out of reach for some of you, but no worries, the adventure of February awaits you. And the outstanding thing about the MDBC is that we are a virtual institution, so you do not have to worry about your safety or coming in contact with someone who might have the COVID-19 virus. Think about it, from the safety of your own home, we will build a community of Christlike women where the Joy of learning and participation makes the difference. And all you need to do, to be a part of it, is to register, and come in with an open mind to learn with the faith to believe that you can start where you stopped. I hope you will join us in one of our programs. Come on, we invite you to take part in the ‘Mother and Daughter’ experience, where we are all in this together.
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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine
“As is the mother, so is her daughter.” -Ezekiel 16:44 MDBN.ORG
“As is the mother, so is her daughter.” -Ezekiel 16:44 MDBN.ORG
MDBN.ORG
“As is the mother, so
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SPECIAL VIP INVITATION
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER GLOBAL MOVEMENT
M OTHE RS AND D A U G HT ER S COM IN G TOGE THE R TO HEA L T HEIR F A M ILIES The purpose of the
OUR MISSION: • To focus on raising a new God conscious minded generation of mothers and daughters.
is to bring together
• To bring the nurturing power of mothers together to restore family values, as they teach their daughters how to maintain those values, for their children!
leadership committee 200 women to
• To focus on the principles of the Virtuous Woman. (Proverbs 31:10-31)
organize a Spirit of
• To demonstrate how the fruits of the spirit can heal their relationship; “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and SelfControl,” are the ingredients for a trusting and honest relationship.
and their daughters,
• To remind mothers of their “Power of Influence,” over their daughters. An influence that can help or hurt their daughter’s decision-making processes.
Unity among mothers
creating “Healthier
Families and Healthier Communities.”
• To use God’s words to teach mothers and daughter how to plant “Seeds of Wisdom” into another mother and daughter relationship. • To provide Spiritual, Health and Economic relief to the members of the Mother and Daughter Global Movement.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL: INFO@MDBN.ORG
