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TABLE OF CONTENT S 06 KEVIN & BENITA KELLEY Gummie Bears 36 Drum Sets
16 TONY & CLARETA JACKSON Doing Everythig Together
20 35TH ANNUAL STELLAR
AWARDS -EVENT
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COVER STORY
DR.GERALD T. HIGHTOWER THE LOVE STRATEGIST 2 | UNTOLD CHRONICLES
27 SINGLES SANCTUARY PASTOR ADELA PREJEAN Embrace You
WELCOME ABOUT THE AUTHOR
13 What’s On Your Bucket List? By Brenda Walker
24 BECKY PORTER Prophetic Word For The Soul
31 Trauma In Children Acute Trauma By Shona Chavis
33 COINS CORNER By Tajuania Dawkins
36 MARRIAGE MATTERS For Better or For Worst (VOWS) By Johnnie & Tonia Fosyer
38 GERALD COLSON Don’t Wait Go On Without Me--I’ll Catch Up
39 BLACK HISTORY BIRTHDAYS
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OUR CREW-PRODUCTION TEAM Dr. Nia Gee - CEO/Founderr Omekia Mceal - COO/Acting Editor In Chief Gerald Colson - Atlanta, GA ASAP Errand Girls - Huntsville, AL Inquires Contact: BY ANDRIA NEYMAN Belinda3 Gail Management | UNTOLD CHRONICLES belindagailmanagement@gmail.com
Untold Chronicles showcases the diff icult issues, life changing events and experiences of leaders, men and women of God that caused them to want to throw in the towel, stop going to church and for some utimately leave God. However, God has a different idea and each featured guest narrate their account of deliverance, while demonstrating to those also affected, there is a way out (solution). Untold Chronicles deals with the immensely hard issues we endure so as to offer, establish and maintain a connection with others who have similar testimonies or experiences. Through steps, sacred writings and supplications, they look to offer guidance on how to obtain, regain and restore relationships with Christ, while also learning to trust again.
Unconventional, unorthodox, and unapologetically me when it comes to ministry. She believes the Word of God as stated in Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” However, she knows that the changes in society and time mean that we must change how we convey the Word of God to this new generation. Nia’s ministry is to the downtrodden, the outcasts, and to those the church has given up on. She has a strong love and compassion for these types of people; she understands that deep feeling of rejection all too well. At one point, it was her. Her mission is to engage millennials with uncommon practices in ministry—practices that actually appeal to them. She then equips them with The Word of the God and all the necessary armor that they need for today’s battles. Finally, she sends them forth, empowered that they may bring others into the Kingdom of God.
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the kelley’s Meet Mr. Kevin & Benita Kelley, veterans to the industy of entertainment, music and so much more. Untold Chronicles wanted to give you an ensight into the lives of two amazing indivduals whom have dedicated their time and efforts to the masses and are showing no signs of slowing down. Mr. Kelley is one of the nation’s most versatile and sought after professional drummers and musical directors. The St. Louis, MOnative is currently on the Sound and Media staff at Mt. Zion Church in Nashville, TN. Mrs. Benita Bellamy-Kelley is a Marketing and Public Relations executive with over 20 years of experience in the arts, entertainment and is CEO/Founder of The Bellamy Group also based in Music City USA- Nashville, TN. What is your love story? We were friends in the Gospel music industry having met almost 20 years ago. We both were living our own lives, building families, etc. About 4 years ago we reconnected regarding a project and a conference. At that time we both had been divorced. After getting to know each other better, seeing each other in a different light, the spark happened. What are some steps used to keep the relationship fresh? Prayer and worship together. Consistent and intentional support and nurturing each other’s heart streams, goals, hobbies and business endeavors. What advice would you give to couples who feel the love is lost?
Reflect and remember what attracted you to each other. Focus on what and howyou fell in love in the beginning of the marriage. Talk intentionally about the good moments and the exciting moments that brought you together and remember the promise you made for the union. Commit to a plan of action to get back to that place. How did you get into your current business? What are some of your challenges? Kevin: I was raised in church – a pastor’s son and developed skills in musicianship, sound engineering and leadership. I studied music in high school and college and began touring as a professional drummer. Challenges – It is a daily challenge to keep innovating music production although I have been a frontrunner in my area of home studio and mobile production work. It takes a lot of focus and ingenuity to give something new to each client that they’ve never had before and that unique stamp on their artistry or brand that stands above the rest. Benita: I began working at a record label as a secretary and worked my way up to VPof Marketing. I left working at a record label and with the demand and rise of independent artists, started my own marketing and publicity company . Challenges - Keeping consistent clients and consistent revenue. The music industry changes frequently so it is anongoing and daily process to stay ahead of industry trends and continue to be creatively innovative.
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MRS. KELLEY “I LOVE GUMMIE BEARS!” MR. KELLEY “I OWN 36 DRUM SETS.”
Who are some of your influences? Kevin: John “Yosh” Jaszcz, Sanchez Harley, Ndugu Chancellor, Dave Weckl, Joel Smith, Kevin Bond. Benita: Ken Pennell, Shawn Tate, Dr. Donald Conflenti (piano professor), JoAnn Hodge (dance teacher). What’s Next? Kevin: Diversifying my clientele I currently serve. I would like to get back to playing more drums. Benita: I have written my first book Born 2 Be. It is the first in the series, so next is Born 2 Be HER. I’malso writing The Blueprint: Music Industry Guide. What advice would you offer in music business and in love? For Music Industry - You are most valuable when you are most versatile. Continue to broaden the demographic of your clients or people you serve while constantly expanding your professional methodology. - For Couples - Forgive quickly and often. Listen attentively with the goal to understand. What are some fun tips for your fans? Benita: I’mscared of bugs. I can clog dance (and do ballet, tap, jazz, etc). I know how to use a chain saw and a wide range of other power tools. I love gummy bears! Kevin: I have perfect pitch and can identify a note/key in most any randomsound. Loves to bowl and might have considered doing it professionally. I have 36 drumsets.
Contact Us: Email: Info@thebellamygroup.com .................. Connect With Us Instagram: @TheBellamyGroup Twitter: @onebenita Facebook: BellamyGroup Youtube: TheBellamyGroup
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BY: DR. GERALD T. HIGHTOWER
5 REASONS WHY MEN AREN'T PERSUING YOU!
LADIES, WHAT IS Y 01. YOU HAVE ROADRUNNER SHOES ON: Not only are you lighting fast at running away from the 1st uncomfortable situation that triggers a painful memory of your past, you also see us as Wiley E. Coyote: AKA the adversary.
02. YOU REFUSE TO RESIST TEMPTATION: No matter how much you express you express yourself in the conversation between you and your man, when it's his turn to speak you're constantly interrupting him.
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YOUR TAKE?
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YOU ARE JUDGE JUDY!
YOUR THE REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD! From your childhood you have either had to fight to be heard or you decided your voice wasn't important enough to be heard. Now because those issues were never addressed, when conversing with your man (or perhaps ANY man) you are ready to fight. You engage him in verbal altercation instead of talking to him to work through the situation. You speak to (or yell at) him in a condesending manner which ultimately makes your man feel emasculated.
Somehow the rose colored glasses that you once saw your man in the most admirable way has now become scratched and blurred. Now instead of being your "Knight in Shining Armor", he just looks like a bum in Polyester! Errrything that a man does is wrong...you even hate the way he eats!
05. CLEAN & MEAN
YOUR CLEAN & MEAN! A man will not usually pursue a Godly woman who isn't kind and approachable. Many ladies in the church say they want a man, but their countenance says different. A smile is extremely had to come by and oftentimes, a simple kind gesture as opening te door for a woman offered by a man will be met with a gruff: "That's OK, I can the door myself."
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TONY & CLARETA J A C K S O N
...a team doing everything together. 16 | UNTOLD CHRONICLES
Tony & Clareta Jackson were both born into ministry. Pastor Tony Jackson was born to the Horace L. Jackson & Sylvia Jackson who were in ministry as the Asst. Pastors to Clarence B. Haddon and Joyce R. Haddon. Tony was the child was the male child spoken into existence by the word of the Lord through Clarence B. Haddon. Between 8 and 10 years old he took an interest in the piano and soon after became the church musician. Just 3 years and 3 days following Tony’s birth was the arrival of Clareta. Born into a family of individuals with profound voices, she was born with a diagnosis to never speak above a whisper. Never walk without assistance, an expectation of legal blindness, a bleeding hole in my premature heart, and a 50% chance to live. Tony being the god child of the Haddon’s created a deeper family bond. Who would have thought that their births would lead to the union of the two? Together after nearly 20 years they transparently share their story weekly online to encourage others to strive for longevity and happiness in relationships no matter what the current status. They have survived and been successful in dating, blended family, multiple child loss, financial struggle, working on the same jobs, managing ex’s, health issues, pastoral leadership and so much more. We’ve discovered that life has the ability to challenge you. But, only you have theability to stop you! By faith and the help of the Lord they have accomplished much as a team doing everything together. As award winning songwriter and producers on multi platinum selling albums and movie soundtracks, international recording artist and producer, and national transformational speakers they only endeavor to equip others to discover and access the great in them. Both received Christ at age 8. Tony accepted his call to music ministry at age 10. By the age of 30 he had operated in leadership in many areas and accepted the call to ministry. Clareta accepted her call to music at the of age of 3 and the call to speak at age 12. The both of them worked tirelessly in full time in the ministry as PK’s their entire lives nd accepted the challenge to lead congregations and ministry groups for the past 10 years. Five of those years were focused as Senior Pastors of Kingdom Culture Church in Detroit, MI. Together we have 4 beautiful children who loveGod and aspire to do great things. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our journey. Clareta is not only be experienced but, educated in multiple ministry disciplines at Next Dimension University in Ontario, CA.
“We are FIRE with PURPOSE.” 17 | UNTOLD CHRONICLES
God and aspire to do great things. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our journey. Clareta is not only be experienced but, educated in multiple ministry disciplines at Next Dimension University in Ontario, CA. Clareta is also honored to be a Destiny Coach. Coaching and training others has become her life’s work and passion by way of radio with Blue Flame Moments Radio show that’s syndicated on over 162 stations world wide including 13 BDS stations. Pastor Tony engineers and produces the show weekly. We are also grateful for our covenant brother Carlton McConnell who is Co-Producer and Media/Marketing manager. In addition, creating The Tune Dr. Academy online has afforded her the opportunity to personally mentor, train, and equip aspiring creatives, visionaries, and dreamers globally. Tony & Clareta are blessed to do allof these things while continuing to travel, write, minister in song and the word around the world. They are committed to pushing others to fearlessly walk out who they were born to be. As a flame lit by God at my birth we are on mission to be contagious and ignite others to do the same. Remember this...when fire reaches it hottest point or highest degree it will not display an orange or red hue. NO! You will see BLUE! We are on fire with purpose to challenge others to #shinebright Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Psalm 104:4 King James Version (KJV) 4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
TONY & CLARETA J A C K S O N
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DR. GERALD T. HIGHTOWER M
“THE LOVE STRATEGIST”
arried life is a wonderful life IF you are married to the right person. I was not; my marriage devastated me. Although I loved my wife, she was a great friend, and we enjoyed doing many of the same things, I realized, albeit too late, that she was not connected to my destiny. In fact, she was a destiny destroyer. However, the demise of our marriage is all my fault. Of course, it takes two people to build a healthy relationship. But it was my lack of patience and discernment at the time that caused me to make a lifetime decision while I was going through a temporary season.
Just a few months before the wedding, my dad, who raised my sister and I, had just died due to a massive heart attack. I preached his homegoing service on what would have been his 75th birthday, and buried him the next day at a private graveside ceremony for our family. Four days later my home was broken into and was ransacked by thieves who stole some of my dad’s valuables. As if my father’s death wasn’t enough, this incident sent me into a deep depression. I was constantly saddened by the fact that I wasn’t there for my dad in his last hour. For a long time, I even blamed myself for his death. Now I sat alone every day in this house hoping that he would come down the hallway with his normal semi-grumpy “Good morning.” But after taking care of him for the last seven years of his life, I had to come to grips with the fact I would never hear my dad’s voice again. Life is short indeed.
and enjoyed doing many of the same things. We were by no means a “perfect couple” but we did genuinely love each other. Prior to our marriage, she was a faithful member of the church that I pastored for seven years. For four years she followed my leadership without question and ultimately, I appointed her President of the Women’s Ministry, where she served quite well. Therefore, I strongly felt that despite our many disagreements, we could work through them to lovingly build our marriage. However, a healthy marriage requires BOTH PEOPLE working together harmoniously and loving each other unconditionally. We did not have that; in fact, we never did. Although I never physically nor verbally abused her, never called her out of her name, assisted her every night with her health issues (which she never disclosed prior to marriage), took care of her daughter (whom I loved as my own), loved and mentored her two teenage foster children, and served part-time as a caregiver for both of her bedridden parents, those things were just not enough for her. Our marriage was doomed from the start. I just hoped beyond hope that I could do something to make it work. My Dad always told me that I was overly optimistic. Sadly, in this case he was right. While I prayed and fasted many days, deep within me I knew our marriage was not going to last. One day after a heated argument, my wife decided to leave me. She sent me a text message stating she was taking her kids somewhere else and she was never coming back! Many people would later ask: “Dr. G, didn’t you see that coming?” My response:
I loved having my own family. We supported each other, we had a strong family connection, “No, I didn’t…not THAT!”
...“No, I didn’t...not THAT!” 21 | UNTOLD CHRONICLES
“...I GOTTA FIGURE THIS THING OUT!”
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Abandonment and other inward issues stemming from my childhood came gushing back to the forefront of my soul. My mind raced with feelings of inadequacy and a myriad of thoughts that kept me awake many, many nights. As much as I loved my wife and family, I even questioned myself on whether or not I could actually be a good husband. Nevertheless, I made a vow to this woman so I gotta figure this thing out! These children are depending on me, not to mention, her parents. Furthermore, I’m trending number one in the world as a relationship expert in social media—I definitely cannot just quit. So instead of throwing in the towel, I remained alone in our home for months after she left with the kids, hoping at some point she would return and we could get our family back on track. Every now and then she would be too tired to commute from work to the home where she and the kids relocated, so she would come back to our home for a day or two to shower and sleep for a few hours, then she would leave once again. This frustrating situation went on for a couple of months; including going to church together every Sunday putting up the façade of a “happy family.” However, I could no
longer wear the church mask of pseudo happiness. After spending most of Thanksgiving Day alone, I decided I no longer wanted to bear the pain of being a married man, yet still feeling like I was single. Since my wife decided she wanted to leave our marriage, not to mention her questionable activity with two of her Exes and other men (more details in my upcoming book), it was time for me to be honest with myself and walk away. Over the next 14 months of a painful, prolonged period of separation, I attempted to develop relationships, which started off good, but eventually ended due to the hurt I was still carrying. In trying to rid myself of loneliness and my dire need for companionship, I also became involved in sexual relationships. I was dead wrong for my behavior; especially being a pastoral leader. I dare not make any excuses for my conduct. However, I have repented before GOD, apologized to the women I was involved with, and eventually, I had to forgive myself. Life does not end because you made a mistake, or as in my case, a series of mistakes. The LORD reminded me that He loved me, and He would never leave me nor forsake me—even when I have repeatedly messed up!
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EMBRACE YOU BY PASTOR ADELA PREJEAN
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The sounds of crickets fill my ears as I sit waiting to hear that still quiet inner voice as it comes to break through the deafening silence. Lord where are You? Straining to listen for that inner still quiet voice. The voice that breaks through the silence of: panic, fear and desperation as we ponder the What IF’s of our future. What IF I’m supposed to be single for the rest of my life? What IF they never show up? What IF they’ve already come and I’ve missed them because I didn’t recognize them? Am I too: Broken, Thirsty, Hurt, Eager, Needy, Angry, Fat, Old or am I expecting too much? STOP! Why are you waiting to accept the you that you are today? God is a perfect God! Although you are not happy with what’s happening right now, God is fully aware and things are going as planned. Right where you are is right where you are supposed to be. There are things God is still tinkering with inside of you. He’s working out, better yet just plain burning out some THANGS in us that just can’t be fixed if we are distracted and our attention is being drawn away from Him. We must trust that God’s plans are perfect and that HE
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never misses it no matter how long it’s been or how long it’s taking. As you are in your process of waiting and being PREpared for “the one”, continue to press in to hear exactly what it is that the Holy Spirit is saying in this season of your PREparation...it is key. Know that there’s going to be stretching moments in this process. Moments when we will have to wait and be okay with the person we are right now. Give yourself permission to be okay with the YOU that you are Right NOW! Not ten pounds from now, not the I have to receive my degree first you or even I need more money in the bank you. NO, it is the unapologetically you that looks in the mirror everyday. This is the sweet spot of transformation, so allow it to happen. Your first most important love/relationship with HIM will sustain you in your darkest PREpared moments giving you the strength to endure. Be okay with where HE has you RIGHT NOW... So when it comes time to step out of the singles boat, there won’t be any hesitation or question that God ordained the connection. Embrace You!
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Favored!
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ACUTE TRAUMA Childhood trauma is defined as “The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.” I believe that it is important that we as adults understand what types of experiences bring on these traumas and it is also as important that we work together to prevent and or help mitigate these issues as they arise in children. There are a lot of different types of traumas that children may experience in childhood. However, for the sake of this column we are going to explore three main types of traumas in children acute chronic, and complex.
First, Lets take a look at Acute trauma. Acute trauma, is often associated with a single incident that happens in a child’s life. For example, a car accident, surgery, theft, witnessing a violent act, or an experience that threatens the child’s physical or emotional safety. When a child has experienced these traumas it is common for them to struggle with a range of different emotional and physiological issues like fear, being startled easily, nightmares, flashbacks and even the inability to concentrate. It is important that we know the signs and get them the help that they need to work through these issues.
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I N D I E A RT I S T O F F E B RUA RY
ANDREW PICKENS
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JAYLON CALHOUN
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RUTH LA’ONTRA
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DAW N T H O M P S O N
#1
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Don't Wait Go On Without Me --- I'll Catch Up By: Gerald B. Colson We sometime tell our friends, family and people who are waiting around to "Don't Wait Go On Without Me --- I'll Catch Up". We tell them that so they are not just standing around waiting on us. Why keep everyone waiting on you? Undoubtedly, you have been put in this position before and as you know it was not enjoyable. Frankly, it is a pain in the rear and a tad bit selfish for someone to do that to you when they knew they are going to be awhile. That is why is better to tell them "Don't Wait Go On Without Me --- I'll Catch up". This is exactly what Success tells us, because Success knows it will be awhile before it can go with you. Success already knows what it has to do and how long it will take. and what has to be done in what order before it is ready to Catch Up with you. So don't wait just go on and get started with what you are planning already. Success has a pre-determined time to arrive at it pre-planned destination. The only problem is that it has not told you where at exactly that is or when that is. It is your responsibility to get into motion and to go ahead with planning what your endeavor is as if Success was already with you. Only in the dictionary will you find Success comes before Work. Actually that is Hard Work. In order for the ground to be prepared for Success to take hold you must 1st start preparing the soil. Think of a farmer with a field before it is time to plant the crops for the harvest. The farmer must go out there and prepare that ground by removing rocks, debris and weeds from it. Next the farmer has to till the ground with a mule and plow if he does not have modern machinery. That soil preparation time could be a good little while but eventually it is completed and the farmer can start to plant his seeds. Once the seeds have been planted the farmers work is still not completed. Just because the seed is in the ground does not complete the planting cycle. There is still work to be done. The farmer still has to water the plants and tend to the field to remove weeds. Make sure there are no insects that are trying to devour his crops before they have a chance to grow and develop. He has to also make sure that rodents are not trying to dig up what he has planted. The farmer has to stay vigilant to watch over his crops. He must also continue to water them so they can get the nutrient they need. When harvest time comes the farmer will be rewarded for all of his hard work and patience but he is still not finished yet. He has to now harvest the crops and get them to market to sell. Once that is all done the cycle starts over again. In order to sustain a good living the farmer must keep the process going. Just remember Success will only come after hard work and never before. If success comes before hard work then that is fool’s gold. Remember success only comes before work in the dictionary. Success in something has to be achieved and then maintained. It is easier to achieve success than to maintain success. Music, television and movies offer us plenty of examples of that with (1) hit wonders who are never to be heard from or seen again. Finally, in closing Don't Wait Go On Without Me --- I'll Catch Up with you. You do not have to have every single thing already to begin your journey. You can go on and get started. Then when you do God will send the right people along your path to assist you, but first you have to get going. Success will catch with you once you have done the hard work.
Follow Me:
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/@geraldbcolson
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