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INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLES

5 The Reason for the Season! 9 Benefits of a Message 24 Den of Thieves 28 Pastors Byrd 30 MESS! 32 Shades of Black and Blue 36 Break the Chain of Reaction 39 The Essence of Win-Win Partnership

THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON It‟s that time of year where family and friends come to celebrate by exchanging gifts and eating dinner with those they love. Although that is how society shows Christmas in commercials and television shows, the real reason for Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ. Although there is no real date indicating when he was born, it is still a celebration worth having, but we shouldn‟t just wait until Christmas to rejoice, love, exchange gifts, and remember the baby that would sacrifice his life so that we would be able to have mercy and everlasting life. We should remember Christ at all times, love at all times, rejoice at all times and be thankful for those you love. We should be able to smile at a stranger passing us by in the store and say hello at all times, not just when the Christmas tree is lighted, holiday tunes are playing, and the malls and stores are crowded with shoppers. Rejoice and be glad for life, family and friends. Never wait until Christmas to give and share what‟s in your heart. For tomorrow is not promised to us. If you feel like picking up a gift for someone in the month of April, then do so. But most of all enjoy and celebrate the real reason for the season; and that‟s the birth of Jesus Christ! By: Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

“PROVERBS 31: THE VIRTUOUS BLACK WOMAN VOLUME 1.” BY AUTHOR RUSSEL BLAKE “If one Black Woman is thought to be expendable, then every Black woman’s immeasurable value is now diminished in the eyes of the World.” “Proverbs 31:The Virtuous Black Woman Volume 1” communicates the precious and priceless value/existence of Black Women to the minds of black men, the rights to be treated with unwavering respect and dignity in the minds of black women and the seeds of reverence to be sown by the virtue of changing perception one community at a time.

ISBN: 978-0-615-34398-3 NOW AVAILABLE AT: www.russelblake.net

Tina Kay has been chosen as the face and spokesperson for Life South Blood Bank. She will travel the southeast encouraging people to donate blood and register for the bone marrow registry. See “Be The Match” for more information. Tina continues to push her book “TKay’s Inspirational: Walking In Your Season and will soon have a workbook companion to go along with her book. She hopes people will start book clubs in their homes, work, churches or wherever with her book and companion. Living with sickle cell disease is no easy life but she takes everyday in stride hoping and trying to better others lives. She is a motivational speaker as well as a spokesperson for sickle cell disease and Life South. If you would like to have her speak at your event please contact her at contact@tinakay.net and visit her website to purchase a book and soon a workbook.

Benefits of Massage Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage therapy is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:      

Decreased anxiety. Enhanced sleep quality. Greater energy. Improved concentration. Increased circulation. Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:      

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion. Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays. Ease medication dependence. Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system. Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

         

Improve the condition of the body's largest organ— the skin. Increase joint flexibility. Lessen depression and anxiety. Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks. Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling. Reduce spasms and cramping. Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles. Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller. Relieve migraine pain.

Shelby Frederick Licensed Massage Therapist Owner ~ Healing Oasis Total Body Therapy, LLC in Reynoldsburg, OH

Marlas J. Sells is a Christian singer, writer, and motivational speaker. She co-founded Words of Inspiration Ministries along with her husband, Robert T. Sells (aka The Anointed Poet). She is also co-owner of RobMar Publishing. She is currently writing a book with her husband, entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not Denied,â&#x20AC;? which is her first novella. Marlas serves as co-director of Wagfest Inspirations, the inspirational division of Wagfest/NIANAF, which provides a networking platform and venues for independent authors, artists and entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their work to a nationwide audience and market. Marlas sings with her husband at many church events and conferences. She sits on the board of Women of Hope Ministry at Living Hope Church in Merrillville, Indiana and HIS Strength Ministries at Christ Worship Center in Dolton, Illinois. She has 21 years experience as a secretary in the legal field where she honed her interpersonal and organizational skills as well as her attention to details. Working on her knowledge of graphic design, sheâ&#x20AC;Ś..

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PPM Interview with Christian Singer, Writer and Motivational Speaker Marlas Sells! PPM: Hello Marlas thank you so much for joining us here at PPM. If you would, please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Marlas? MARLAS: "I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana and I am the youngest of 5 children. I'm a writer, motivational speaker, and singer. I oversee Words of Inspiration Ministries with my husband." PPM: At what point in time did you realize that teamwork and supporting your husband's, Robert T. Sells (aka The Anointed Poet), purpose was of importance? MARLAS: "Immediately. I mean, there wasn't a single moment that passed from the time he spoke the words to me of the vision God gave to him. I immediately caught the fire of the vision and then, amazingly, God showed me that there was so much more to it than just the book. God expanded the vision inside of me and it was like a floodgate had opened. So I began to tell Robert what God was showing me and we both were like, 'WOW!' just blown away. God is amazing." PPM: How important do you feel it is to wait on God for a spouse? MARLAS: "I think it's the most important thing you can do. And I say that because of my own life and the things that I've been through. I was married previously and it wasn't a 'Godordained' marriage, so it floundered until it finally failed. The floundering was us, mostly me, trying to make it work, you know, because the failure could have come long before it did, but there's always that attempt at saving it. It's like trying to

bail out a sinking ship with a bucket, even with all of your efforts, the ship eventually sinks anyway. But praise God for second chances. I'm a living witness that you can be redeemed from the mistakes of your past. We were both praying for a spouse and God said 'here she is; here he is', it just clicked right away for us. I mean as soon as we knew for sure, there was no stopping us and no looking back. God placed Robert and me together and we've been blessed beyond measure ever since." PPM: Were there any sacrifices on your part to ensure the ministry runs smoothly? MARLAS: "Oh, gosh, yes! There have been days when I just wanted to say 'look, I'm on the sofa, don't bother me.' But I know that anything worth having is worth the work. All the time, dedication, effort, energy and hard work that have gone into the success of the ministry have been so worth it. It's been a labor of love from day one". PPM: We all have our own race to run individually; we all have our own purpose. Besides being supportive, what would you say Marlas' purpose as an individual is? MARLAS: "It's so funny that you asked this question. I think my purpose is to be a counselor. I'm constantly counseling someone in this situation or the other, but I truly enjoy it and there is never a time when someone calls me or emails me that I don't set aside the time to talk to them or email them back, because I understand the importance of when someone is reaching out for help and being able to provide them with some sort of comfort or that listening ear or that shoulder to cry on, yet at the same time, also reassuring them through prayer and scripturesâ&#x20AC;?. PPM: What is Marlas and Robert Sells' next move? MARLAS: "A laundry list of projects. Right now, we're preparing for Robert to go back in studio to work on the second CD. We're doing the wrap up on the novella that we're

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co-writing. It's pretty much done, but it needs some tweaking and editing, things like that. Books 3 and 4 in the poetry series are nearing the wrap up stage. There's also a Christmas project that we're pulling ideas together on and possibly a music videoâ&#x20AC;?. PPM: We know it takes sleepless nights, long hours, traveling and lots of sacrifice. What motivates you to make yourself available? MARLAS:"The motivation for me is seeing the fruits of our labors. This has truly been a labor of love from the beginning for Robert and me. We're seeing how the ministry is touching people and affecting lives and that's what it's all about. Making a difference for someone else, helping others to connect to God through the poetry and anything else we do. When we get testimonies of how this poem affected someone, or how something we said or did made a difference for someone, that motivates you to want to do more. At least it does for me. I love knowing that the simplest things we do can make a tremendous impact on someone else. That's what ministry, real ministry, is about." PPM: What would you tell someone that has a dream to become something but at this point they donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t see any progress and perhaps feel that itâ&#x20AC;&#x;s just a dream and nothing more? MARLAS: "I would tell them to follow their dream no matter what, especially if the dream is tied to their destiny. Everything else will fall into place after that." PPM: What do you do to relax? MARLAS: "Sleep, mostly. LOL I can't say I do anything in particular to relax, but spending time with my husband, just being with him, relaxes me. Even if we're working on something together, it's still relaxing to be with

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him. My favorite thing to do is put on my jammies, drink hot chocolate and watch a movie together. Or sit on the deck with a cup of coffee with him. My time with him is very relaxing because we get to shut the world out and just be us. I love it. I also find cooking relaxing. Since we're hardly ever home, I don't get to cook much. So when I get the chance, I love to make a nice home cooked meal for us. Being home and in my surroundings relaxes me." PPM: Where do you see yourself in the next year or so? MARLAS: "That's a good question. I can definitely say continuing to do all we can to keep the ministry going and growing in the direction that God wants it to go. Maybe, venturing out overseas. We've had several requests from people to bring the ministry to England, Russia and Australia. We're waiting on God. PPM: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x;ve discovered you have a talented voice. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to minister to others through your singing? Read more by subscribing to our digital or printed issues of Promoting Purpose Magazine!

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Hello Mr. Russel, Thank you so much for joining us at PPM! PPM: You are known for several things. Your work as an author of “Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Volume 1”, as well as being internationally known as a Music Producer/Composer and Bassist/Concert Soloist. Russel: I’ve been very fortunate to have garnered a level of recognition for my work in both the music & literary fields. For this I am very grateful unto GOD. PPM: At what point in time did you realize you had the gift of music, and when did you realize you can use it to inspire and encourage others? Russel: My first professional experiences began at the age of 12. I was working/ performing as a Bassist in New York City. In addition to my Dad’s 10-piece Latin Music Orchestra, I was also performing/working with the biggest names in Latin music from 12 years old to about 17. People like Machito & His Orchestra, Willie Colon, Hector Lavoe, Pappo Lucca, Rafael Cortijo (who was the founder of El Gran Combo which could be compared to the Earth, Wind & Fire of Latin music). I also worked with a number of great Latin-Jazz Artists from the age of 14. People like Hilton Ruiz, Jorge Dalto (musical director for George Benson) Michel Camillo, Mongo Santamaria, etc; At the age of 17 I went on tour with South African Jazz Trumpeter & Activist Hugh Masakela and then on to Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, Mary Wells, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins, etc; From these incredible musical experiences I witnessed firsthand the incredible healing and inspirational power of Music.

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PPM: Were there any obstacles at the beginning, when you found out your talent and how you were able to use them? Russel: The obstacles I experienced were due to my young age and the concerns of the club owners and music festival promoters that they could lose their liquor license were it either reported or found out that a minor was performing/working in there establishment(s). What was most often done was that the members of the band would all stand in front of me while I was placed in the back and sitting down performing in order for me to be hid from view. PPM: We notice by your website, and both social media and your various web pages that youâ&#x20AC;&#x;ve been doing a lot of traveling. How important is spending time with your family during your down time? Russel: Coincidentally, I am currently on the road right now while doing this interview/article. When my Dad first placed the four-string electric bass in my hands at my tender age of 12 years old, he had me to study and practice the instrument 4 hours a day everyday. He motivated me by prophesying that like my brother Alex before me, this instrument will take me around the world and enable me to see places that people dream about visiting. His vision has come to pass in that as of this date I have performed, toured and taught in 65 countries thus far. A professional musicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life garners these benefits and multiple more simply by virtue of your chosen occupation. Yet, one of the most regrettable aspects of traveling and touring is that the majority of the time you are not able to share these experiences with your loved ones. With the exception of calling home and sending post cards, you are most often in these faraway places alone and homesick for your family. It is then vitally important when not traveling, to

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spend as much quality time with one’s family in order to physically re-connect and spiritually replenish one’s self with the strength, nurturing and love that only one’s family can give. PPM: Do you receive a lot of spiritual support from others? Russel: Yes. PPM: Do you hold a ministry in a church? If so, what is it? Russel: My home church in Los Angeles is West Angeles Church of God in Christ lead by Bishop Charles Blake. My personal ministry is one that has me sharing and ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever I perform as a soloist. Whether in the prisons or in the Children’s Hospital performing for terminally ill children. These two venues alone truly comprise a place where the Word of GOD must be brought forth for the salvation of souls in the prisons to the message of healing in the hospitals. I am currently in partnership with West Angeles to produce a theme song for Bishop Blake’s Save Africa’s Children Charity Organization. Save Africa's Children (SAC) provides direct support and care to orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and war throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. SAC partners with individuals, churches, grassroots organizations, government and corporate sectors, endeavoring to build a dynamic, diverse movement to restore hope and a future for Africa's children. Please visit www.saveafricaschildren.org and donate to this more than worthy cause. PPM: When writing your book, what mindset were you in and what point did you want to get across with “Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Vol. 1”? Russel: God exacted a vision upon my Spirit, a charge upon my soul and stimulated the thoughts of my mind to meditate upon the “Virtuous Woman”. He rested upon me a mission based on the Book of Proverbs Chapter 31

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to author a three volume series dedicated to uplifting, encouraging, honoring & affirming the “Virtuous Woman”. The first book in the series is dedicated to the “Virtuous Black Woman” due to the fact that my first truly exemplified example of a Virtuous Woman was set forth by my Mother Lurlean Henrietta Fearon Blake. In this ethnically identifiable sequence, I next chose to also honor the women of my family, my community and the significant historical contribution of Black Women from the time of antiquity in Mother Africa to the physical dissemination of Black Women throughout the Americas, to the biblically based significance of the last American Presidential election which brought the historical precedent of elevating a woman of African descent to the position of First Lady Of The United States. Incidentally, my book was sent to Mrs. Obama as a gift and I shortly thereafter received a correspondence from the White House with her acknowledgement, gratitude and support of my work. Praise GOD!!! “If One Black Woman Is Thought To Be Expendable, Then Every Black Woman’s Immeasurable Value Is Diminished In The Eyes Of The World”. It is the prerogative of every duty bound Black Man to rebuke, counteract and censure the thought from every source it may originate from that Black Women are expendable. Volume II of the Series will honor “Virtuous Women” of all ethnic groups as virtuous women come in all races of humanity. Volume 2 of the Series in addition to a separate motivational book is now in production. Both of them will be published in the first quarter of 2011. PPM: Where does Russel see himself 2 years from now? Russel: Continuing in the ministry of Christ in order to learn and experience what growth GOD would have for me to purpose my gifts and talents for the expansion of His Kingdom. I believe in being a Artist who is creatively prolific. Thus my time I pray then would be as it is now, in constant production and creation of

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works both musical and literary. PPM: What is one of your most memorable events as a concert soloist?

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We have sugar-coated and patted the person of man long enough. It is high time to get our house in order. It is time to get up from off the pews and get into the heart of the people. Notwithstanding there are many dedicated Christians who are still carrying the cross for Jesus and have not made the Word of God of none effect. It is time for a revival, for the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. The world is lost and shuttered under a dark cloud of mayhem and sin, because the church has succumb to the ways of the world. The world sees no difference, no love, no sharing and no caring, only a picture of pride, formality, and self-righteousness. Anything and everything is being allowed to take place in the house of God. There was a time when church membership was not for one to gain a seat in heaven or to have acceptable status in society, but it was a way of saying, “ I am here to support” and be a light to the wayward man/woman. The way of Truth is gradually being taking out of the church and instead a throne is being set up for the Evil One„s presence. The Word

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of God is being watered down so not to offend anyone, and there is a decline in spiritual guidance and too much playing church. In times past men/women held up the blood stain banner. The church was a place to come together for prayer and to gain strength from one another. The mourning benches also had their use, and the banner stood for the deity of Christ‟s shed blood. There were no photos of man on the walls, just a beautiful cross symbolizing the price that was paid at Calvary. Although the churches of years ago were not mega churches, the results of winning souls were innumerable. So innumerable that our nation transpired upon one founded upon God. Now we live in a world where the name of Jesus and the Holy Ghost is an offense to those of elite society. If you look around, the sick and the shut in are at walking distance from the church doors, but they are left to suffer alone while the singing, dancing and shows are being carried on in God„s house. We must go to them for they will not come to us.

Many are without sufficient clothing and sanitary supplies as they look on at the fancy cars strolling by, and beautiful attires entering the church house doors. The poor children grow up believing this is what church is all about. Some desire to be preachers when they grow up, thinking this will maintain them financially. We have got to show them the true Church. There is nothing wrong with having nice things and looking decent. Yet if this is what we display Christianity to be all about, then we have little to offer in the way of God. Many of the hurting do not know there is suppose to be meat on the table for them at these houses of refuge. Some do not see care packages on holidays and on those days that their stomachs growl from hunger. Some have been turned away because their names were not written on a churchâ&#x20AC;&#x;s official list (Members Only). Yes, here in America, our home sweet home, are hungry children and adults. In the cities as well as rural areas, we are now seeing the new faces of homelessness. Children, babies and women are now more so victims of homelessness. These people cannot see Jesus when their

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stomachs are empty. They need to see the one who held the little child in his arms, the one who fed the people before ministering the Word, and the one who set free the captive free and did not condemn the adulterous woman. There must be a difference displayed in the church so that the hurting will see the Love of God through our actions and not through our words and the comforts of a four- walled building. Many people do not understand that the Church is the body of Christ, not a building made by manâ&#x20AC;&#x;s hands. The building (church) is a place to assemble together with the righteous, to worship and to gain strength for the mission at hand. Assembling is also done in many other areas and buildings within the community. For the church and the community ought to be one in itself. The wounded are not going to show up on the doorsteps of the church, they are afraid. They are in deep valleys, in desert places, along alleys and in places many dare to go. Yet when one is called by His name, (Jesus), he equips them with power to go out into a hurting world and display his love and forgiveness.

In the bible the Church came together, and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x;s needs were met. Not one was without. And the men of God were sufficiently equipped through the power of the Holy Ghost to do the tasks at hand. Being that the harvest is already upon us, we must pray that the hearts of men and women who claim the name of Jesus be changed, and will go into these fields that are white already to harvest. Some things can come only but by prayer and fasting. God told us in his Word that if my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek his face, he will heal their lands. We are in desperate need of a healing and of an awakening. Revivals were once intended to win souls and to awaken the concepts of The Cross. It was to bring forth a powerful change in men/women through the concepts of love. It started in a community and spread throughout towns, cities, and states. The strength and unity with other churches and denominations brought forth change. Revivals were once held to win souls and not to increase the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x;s yearly financial status.

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Deacons, pastors, mothers and lay members of the church took their places and did not compromise the way of The Cross. The young women were guided in the way of moral conduct. They were taught how to care for their children as well as for their husbands or future husbands. The young men were taught how to provide for their household and to be leaders in the home as well as taking their place in the calling of God. Children were guided with a stern and loving hand. They were taught to respect their elders as well as themselves. It was in the home as well as Sunday school that the children learned the love of Jesus, the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x;s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. The mothers of the church wore white, symbolizing holiness, and they performed in the art of nurturing. Their catering was not to man, but to God. Instead, we now have a decrease in the true art of worship and the house of God has become a den of thieves. Ruby Walker Owens, inspirational writer and poet Sweet Inspirations

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Pastors Michael and Carolyn Byrd are native Baltimoreans who now reside in South Florida. Their marriage has a special distinction upon it and a uniqueness that brings healing to whom ever comes into contact with them. Their marriage was prophesied to be more than the joining together of two persons, but a ministry ordained by God that His hand would forever remain upon. You cannot enter their presence without experiencing the love they have for each other and those around them. Together they have proven to be a beacon not only to their family, two sons LaVar and Antonio, one daughter-in-law Ashley, three grandsons KaRaun, Royel, Jeremiah, and their first princess due the winter of 2011 whom they love and cherish dearly; but also to all those whom they have counseled, both single and married, and their church family. Senior Pastors of Love Alive Destiny Ministries, a thriving ministry in Margate, Florida whose mission is to love one to life that they may fulfill their God given purpose and walk into their destiny. The Byrdâ&#x20AC;&#x;s are loved and respected by many some of which are their church family, their spiritual sons and daughters. Anyone that touches their life has become empowered to come forth from obscurity to walk in their God given purpose. These pastors are nationally and internationally known

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for raising the bar for Godly marriage, thereby setting a new standard for regaining the sanctity of marriage through “God‟s way”. Known for their special touch for personalizing wedding vows for the many couples they have joined together. They have united couples together in holy matrimony from the sands of the ocean to the most elaborate mansion. They continue to be sought after; for they are pastors who have a passion for marriage. With an uncanny ability to attract other marriages to them many couples have experienced everlasting change whereby they bear witness that devastating cycles of destruction have been broken after the Byrd‟s have ministered to them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Why is it that we will stand around and entertain mess, knowingly on our jobs? Why is it that we invite mess to stay in our homes? And we even go so far as to give mess a front row seat in our churches everyday! We donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t stand up for what is right, true, and good. But we will waste valuable precious time on MESS! God said to the people when you were doing well (in the fruitful land in all its bounty) you did not pay me any mind. But the minute the crap load of mess hits the fan there you go falling on your knees & asking others to pray for you. You only ask where God is when all hell breaks loose. God already promised you a land full of all that you could ever imagine & think of according to the power in us for those who love the Lord & are called according to His purpose. We love to entertain mess then when all fails and everything starts going wrong we remember the Lord (Oh, God you know I love you)ď&#x201A;ź...sounding like some love sick cheating fool who has been found out! It is funny that we as a people have written instinctively on our hearts (by God) what is right but we choose to do what is wrong & then have to pay the consequences. My brother refers to this as going to the auto mechanic for a new motor or an oil change & you are convinced that you only need a car wash, only having to come back to the auto mechanic again for the thing you came there for in the first place. We go to God many times for the same thing & get to that place in

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prayer with God thinking I really want to keep doing what I am doing, I just need God to get me out of this place right now (A MESS). We know all about the changes needed & mess in our lives better than anyone else. We know what corrections need to be made but we go along with the “majority”, “the in thing”, “what looks good”, “what sounds good”, & “what will make us seem like we are good”; knowing it‟s a bunch of MESS! Paul in Romans says that we need to take an honest account of ourselves. What mess is in our lives that should not be there? What is preventing harvest and goodness to manifest itself in your life? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over again & expecting a different result. Why is it that in our insanity & in our MESS we will jeopardize generations of our lineage, placing them at risk because of foolish mistakes & choices we made, OUR MESS Today, get rid of a stack of mess in your house, messy people in your life, or the mess you are putting into your body. An excerpt from “TKay‟sInspirationals: Walking In Your Season” by Tina Kay Hughes www.tinakay.net

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This is an actual unedited note written on a scrap of paper by a victim of spousal abuse. This is how she was able to vent her emotions. I think it’s about time for me to write it down. It’s been years, and I am hurting. He looks so fine and he even has a smile on his face. He sleeps on the couch and will not sleep with me. It is one of his ways of getting revenge. It’s so embarrassing, because the kids are witnessing this. Sometimes I fall to the floor in a fetal position because I yearn for his love and affection. I am so lonely. He watches the games on television and never go to the children’s game. At least I thought he would love them. They too are hurting. I just want him to take care of home. I know I could do better, but I don’t know how. I don’t know how to leave. Maybe I’ll forget the last verbal assault, the beatings and the affairs. I can tell he’s sorry for what he has done, but he never says “I’m sorry”. I’ll take the blame again this time, so that I may have some peace. Maybe I am not a good woman or wife, but I try so hard to be. The house is clean. I cook good meals for him. But he never says so. The children are well taken care of, except they see mommy go through. I don’t cheat behind his back with other men. Sometimes I feel I am not good enough. I compare myself with every other woman, because he does. I am not jealous of another’s look or position; it’s just that I feel so inadequate. I just want to be loved and needed. I try to look pretty for him, but he doesn’t notice. I try nice perfume, but he never seem to smell them. He just looks the other way. I try to talk to him and tell him how I feel, but it all comes out wrong. It’s just starts a big argument, then he beats me again. I just be standing up for myself and I want him to know how I feel. Maybe I should just keep quiet. Sometimes I feel I am not good enough. I would like to feel like a woman again. I know I am a woman, but somewhere she is lost. Where is she? I am weary about leaving, weary to stay. He is a stone within my heart, leaving my mind in torment. Yes I will cry again. But this time maybe no one will hear. Maybe it will be my last time. According to The Health and Human Services Association, the Center for Disease and Treatment and the Department of Justice,“ On the average more than three women are murdered by their husbands or

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boyfriends every day, including school age girls. 1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. 1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Abused girls are significantly more likely to get involved in other risky behaviors. Some victims of abuse have an emotional attachment to the abuser. She may love him and hopes that the relationship will improve. She could have religious beliefs that it is wrong to leave her husband. She may be trying to keep the family together. Or she may be in denial and believes she is at fault and is the one that should change. There are also victims who take the abuse because they grew up seeing their mother abused and the situation was a hush, hush. Fear can also keep a woman from leaving. The abuser may have threatened her life, threatened to take the children away or hurt a family member if she leaves. Women who are immigrants or refugees fear deportation, so they keep the abuse silent. There could also be a language barrier that hinders them from getting out of an abusive situation. Some women because of their lifestyle and sexual preference are afraid to let their family members or co-workers know, because they fear more rejection and humiliation. Often these victims of abuse are afraid of losing everything dear to them and do not know how or have the courage to rebuild. The feeling of powerlessness and a damaged self esteem can cause a woman to feel she has no control of her situation. She feels she has no rights and no way to escape. If she is unemployed, her abuser uses this as a way to control her, often threatening to stop paying the bills or buying food for the household. If she has a job, the abuser may have complete control over her finances. Women who are living far away from their family members are sometimes subject to abuse and no one around wants to get involved. Shelter may also be another problem. There may not be any room left at the shelters and she is on a long waiting list for adequate housing. Even after the abuse is over, the problem of gaining employment, adequate housing and the emotional scars still remain.

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From the roots of these emotional and physical scars stems the growth of women abusing children as well as men. Their perception of men and their choice of partners is often a tainted one. Their damaged hearts causes them to choose the lesser. Abused women and girls build walls around themselves, often keeping out a true love or trusted friend. As the saying goes, sometimes “hurting people hurt other people and even themselves”. It is love that makes a woman. We know God is love, but God made a woman for a man to stand by each other’s side, for support and strength. He is to love and cherish her as Christ loved the Church. Christ not only loved his children but he adorned them with beauty. A woman is the weaker vessel, meaning she is like a flower, fragile, yet beautiful. She enhances her environment, and the aroma of her presence is to be the glory of her man. Only through gentle love and care can she blossom into real strength. If she has no earthly husband, God will adorn her in the spirit of his similitude, molding and creating in her a spirit of a virtuous and beautiful woman who fears the Lord. Maybe you are longing to be this kind of woman. God will renew your strength, your youthfulness, your confidence and bring longevity to your life. He will also give you peace in your present storm. There are still rocky roads ahead, but God will see you through. We don’t understand it all, why our sisters had to lose their lives or be imprisoned for life. We just have to know that man makes mistakes, but God never fails. We all have made mistakes and made wrong choices, but it is the learning from our mistakes that will make a difference. Resist fear, because fear will keep you bound. Have faith, be wise in your decisions and use available resources. Be an advocate for those who have none. Stand for the cause against all manner of abuse. Remember this one thing, the greatest of all your efforts will be relying upon God, for he will make a way out of no way. By: Ruby Walker Owens, inspirational writer and poet Sweet Inspirations

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Let your Day Begin~

“Break the Chain of Reaction” By AdriennaDionna Turner, author of “The Day Begins with Christ” & “Desire at Will” Author Site: www.adriennaturner.webs.com Dream4More Firm: www.dream4more.us As a person who loves people dearly and sees the best in everyone before they show their true character, it starts with a chain of reaction. We have become who we are by what people spoke in our lives, who they called us, or what we dreamed for and are willing to do what it takes to get it. There are some journeys that seem peaceful, as other journeys take you off the tracks. You want to get off the track of your life path because of things that come your way— heading for the worse, destruction. How do we get to this path of destruction? After watching an uncanny movie called “Ink”, it taught a life lesson that we have to break the chain of reaction. It takes links to make a chain. In other words, a chain needs links that are attached together to create a chain. So when we have a downward spiral, at our breaking point, it takes a chain reaction that is based on our reactions. Some of our make-ups are more emotional and loving than others such as INTJ or INFJ (Introvert, Intuitive, Thinker/Feeler, and Judging). Others can take the beating and care less about what it takes to get where they want to be. Regardless of your personality design, the chain of reaction starts with a weakness or shortcoming in our lives that we leave untouched. We either are not forgiving someone for what they‟ve done or we did to them or we are saying slanderous and demeaning words about another person (gossiping, lying, and so forth). We view our weakness instead of speaking power in that situation. This weakness turns into a flaw. The flaw causes us to feel guilty. This guilt leads to shame. Once shame sets in, we compensate shame with pride and then vanity. After pride and vanity, destruction becomes our fate. Therefore, something has to stop the “flow”. Look at Lucifer, the angel in God‟s eye, who

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allowed pride to set in and lead to his destruction. We have to break the chain of reaction. WeaknessFlawGuiltShamePride and VanityDestruction We can‟t always fight evil with our words, physical strength, or even fight within. We can hunger for God and allow Him to fight our battles for us. The enemy wants you to retaliate with our demeaning, forceful words that kill the person‟s dreams, passion, or destiny and feel worthless, meaningless and death follows. We have to remove the dark clouds through prayer, meditation, reading and learning God‟s Word, and seeking forgiveness when needed. We have to fix and get to the root of the problem, then break the chain by doing what the Word of God tells us. For example, greed takes giving. Weakness takes knowing your strengths. Flaws take knowledge and learning from other examples or experiences to your life. Guilt takes apology and/or forgiveness to no longer hold that sin on your chest that will later make you feel shameful. Remove the shame before pride and vanity settles into your spirit. God loves you. We all fall short of the glory of God. Confess, repent, and leave the rest to Him. Remove pride by admitting it is God our Creator who makes everything possible when it seems impossible, not “I”. Then, vanity will not happen when we remove the “I” and admit it‟s “God”. Now, we have broken the chains of reaction where our emotions don‟t flare up and lead to our destruction.

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Pastors Carolyn and Michael Byrd have written a book to target those who are considering marriage to learn the ins and outs of such a commitment, and those who are in an unhappy, unhealthy marriage that are seeking help before it’s too late. As a single woman with plans for marriage, I see concepts and scenarios from the Bible that gives a brief explanation on a covenant vs. contract of a marriage. However, what sticks in my memory is how Boaz viewed Ruth--he did not focus on her beauty or what she'd offered but her commitment and covenant alongside with Naomi after the loss of their husbands. She could have ran off and found a new husband, but everything was lined up in God's timing. These God-given words are not preaching but teaching applications where one can obtain the true significance of marriage as God views it (covenant). I took my time with this book and saturated every word and embraced every concept to see marriage for what God intended it to be--more than a wedding ceremony and ring. I thank God for this married couple and pastors for writing such a book for our day! Dream 4 More Reviewer, Adrienna Turner

SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING………. Glory to God, our marriage has been strengthened and empowered by the anointed, dynamic, loving and extraordinary marriage ministry of Pastors Michael & Carolyn Byrd. We have experienced firsthand the power God has given them through Jesus to save, strengthen and equip marriages via counseling, mentoring and attending their inspirational and educational marriage retreats. Pastors‟ marriage ministry is the epitome of becoming one in marriage and ministry. -Herman Jones & LaTonya Bell-Jones-

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TheEssence of Win-Win Partnerships The Essence of Forming Strategic Win-Win Partnerships. Yes. I said Partnerships. Contrary to popular belief, forming a partnership with someone else in order to get what you need to accomplish your goals is not an admittance of failure. It‟s not an indictment of your capabilities. It‟s not a smudge on your personal abilities. It‟s not a manipulative act (unless your intentions are less than honorable) and it‟s something that should be and is being done more and more. Forming partnerships—true, “win-win”, strategic partnerships—is perhaps the smartest and strongest thing you can do. As a leader, head of household or business owner, it‟s your responsibility to make sure that problems are solved, goals are met and objectives are achieved. The buck stops with you and your need to explore every option available to insure that you‟re able to make things happen.

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Forming a strategic “winwin” partnership is an avenue that many people find themselves turning to more and more these days. With the seeming scarcity of resources and an increase in needs that we‟re faced with in our communities, it‟s imperative that we start adopting a “cooperative and collaborative approach” instead of a “competitive” one. What this means is that instead of remaining an island to yourself, you need to take stock of what‟s available and make an informed decision to seek out strategic “win-win” partnerships that will help you achieve your goals and meet your objectives. So just what’s involved in creating a “win-win”? Find out more about The Essence of Win-Win Partnerships in January issue by : Keisha A. Rivers-Shorty, President The KARS Consulting Group, LT

CEO/Writer/Graphic Designer

Advisor/Writer

Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

Rachel Moore

Editor Damon Moore

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS From Left to Right Tina Kay Hughes; Ruby Owens; Adrienna Turner; Shelby Frederick; and Keisha Rivers

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Promoting Purpose Magazine wants to thank you for your support in every way: prayers, encouragement, advertising, subscribing and more. We are blessed to be a company both digital and in print to accommodate those who enjoy online viewing and those who love to have a hard copy. Although we have just come into existence 3 months ago God is constantly elevating us to a new level. We are ready for the new years and understand that each day many are faced with difficult times, whether or not it‟s from finances, job, children, spouse, other family members or just the stress that we sometimes run into as humans. Therefore my staff and I are constantly in prayer on what to share in our monthly issues to ensure we can release the spiritual tools and testimonies that are needed. If you have been moved by God to share your anointed writing with PPM we would love to have you on board as one of our contributing writers. You may contact me by email at sherrell@svpromotingpurpose.comto inquire about our contributing writing positions. Please continue to pass the word about Promoting Purpose Magazine. Remember PPM promotes “What God Has Already Placed in Us” Thank you for your love,

Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui CEO

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PPM and its Staff would like to wish everyone a blessed and safe holiday. Thank you for all of your love, support, and other contributions you have made to Promoting Purpose Magazine. Get ready for our 2011 magazine in which we are out with the old and in with the new. As always no matter what year we are in, God is always the same loving and forgiving God. Our January issue is going to be dynamic. Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x;t forget to subscribe to our printed magazine. 1 month is $6.95 and 3 months is $27.80.

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