Today's Purpose Woman

TODAY’S

PURPOSE WOMAN

PRAY

IN FAITH NOT FEAR

PURPOSE VS AMBITION

SARAH JAKES

ROBERTS On Her New Book “Don’t Settle For Safe”

THE POWER OF TRUSTING

GOD VISIT TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

+

CRISHA BOWEN KELLY BALARIE

TODAY’S PURP LIVING A HIGHER PUR

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my po

POSE WOMAN P O S E- G O D’ S P U R P O S E

ower and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. - Exodus 9:16

www.todayspurposewoman.com

1 Timonthy 6:12

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

CONTENTS 10

VOICES OF TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN Meet Crisha Bowen the Giant Slayer Dedicated To Helping Others Slay Their Giants

12

PURPOSE VERSUS AMBITION Do you know the difference?

16

FEAR FIGHTER AND CHEERLEADER OF FAITH Meet Kelly Balarie

18

PRAY IN FAITH, NOT FEAR

By Michelle C. Hall

21

THE POWER OF TRUSTING GOD

COVER FEATURE 24

SARAH JAKES ROBERTS Moving Into Greatness: Don’t Settle For Safe

6 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH

By Venessa Abram

34

THE SEED OF CONTENTMENT

By Michelle C. Hall

36

THE READING ROOM

SPRING 2017

32

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

7

PUBLISHER Sherrell Valdezloqui Contributing Writer’s Michelle C. Hall Venessa Abram Sherrell Valdezloqui Guest Writer Crisha Bowen Content Editor Brian Hunter- Ministry of Writing Helps Graphics Design / Layouts Promoting Purpose Media Cover Photography

by Micheal Rowe TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM www.todayspurposewoman.com We Live, We Empower & We Celebrate Living A Higher Purpose- God’s Purpose PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES

8 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

9

VOICES OF TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN

Crisha

BOWEN Meet The Woman Dedicated To Helping Others Slay Their Giants Crisha Sarah Bowen, the giant slayer with the mantra “I slay, you slay, we all slay…giants,” is a God chaser, fire starter, and purpose pursuer. Her desire to please God and become all that he wants her to be fuels her commitment to life.

She is a testament of radical faith and obedience to God. Experiencing tremendous career advancement at a young age and leaving it all behind to obey the voice of God, she is now a full-time entrepreneur living life in total surrender to the will of God. Tell us about the “Giant Slayer” and how you use that to empower others. The Giant Slayer was birthed out of my study of the story of David and Goliath and was coined by one of my periscope brothers after sharing this revelation God gave me. Anything that people said couldn’t be done, God allowed me to do. To me, a giant is really an abnormal occurrence; they don’t really exist except in our minds.

10 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

To slay a giant means to go past the limitations others have set. Everyone saw David’s public display but didn’t see his private victory. The amazing thing is the Giant new his demise based on David’s past victory. Goliath said “you think I am a dog?” But David, in his private victory, slew a lion and a bear. So David was used to slaying predatory animals. “A dog” like Goliath was no match for him. Hence, Goliath pronounced his own demise.

We all have a turning point in our life that drives us to pursue our purpose. What was your turning point?

My turning point was pain. Anything placed before God when the shaking happens, anything that can be shaken, will be shaken. I had built my life as a career woman, on my job position and qualifications.

When the shaking came, the title I so revered was stripped from me and it was then I came to the place where Purpose was found on the other side of my surrender. With no title to validate me, I didn’t know who I was.

That was my “aha” moment. Who are you outside of your title? I still had a void and the void was purpose.

What advice would you like to share with the women who are stuck and have loss their passion to pursue? How can they persevere? My advice for women is beginning where their pain is. I believe pain is the currency for purpose. Pain teaches us principles and principles can be duplicated.

So, our life experiences are likened to on-the-job training for purpose.

Passion will drive you.

But purpose will fulfill you. To give up on purpose means to leave the earth without a voice. And, every voice is necessary. My puzzle cannot be complete without your piece. Purpose is God-given, God-Driven, and Kingdom-Centered. The only way to persevere is in God’s presence since He navigates the road of purpose for HIS purpose.

Name 4 characteristics of Today’s Purpose Woman. Today’s purpose woman is Holy Spirit led. She can do nothing outside of His leading. She is resilient because, regardless of what life throws at her, she doesn’t lose sight of her purpose. She is a world changer because she uses her voice to impact generations, nations, and the world. Finally, today’s purpose woman is focused; she has her eyes on the mark for the prize of the high calling.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

11

PURPOSE

PURPOSE VS

AMBITION

BY CRISHA BOWEN

Purpose will benefit you, but purpose is NOT for you; it is for those you are assigned to. Therefore, anything that benefits only you can never be purpose. Purpose is quite different from ambition or achievement. I share this from the perspective of an ambitious girl who found her true sense of purpose. Perhaps I stumbled upon it. But, I know it was all God’s doing so that HIS purpose could be accomplished in my life. It is and will always be God’s intent for us to succeed. There’s nothing wrong with ambition. In fact, it’s a great starting point and I encourage it. Our drive for ambition may come from two places: either wanting to arise and be different, or a desire to become like other examples we have witnessed. Either way, our ambitions will lead us to effectiveness, whereas our purpose will catapult us to greatness.

My drive for success literally drove me, pushed me, and shoved me in the direction of my dream. I was caught up in a build-a-box syndrome where I tried to build my life by looking at others. Anytime you build something solely by looking at the box rather than reading the instructions, you are guaranteed to have faulty construction. So, I went on to build a life I thought I desired by looking at the boxes of others rather than going back to the source, the manufacturer, my Heavenly Father and Maker, God.

12 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

When building a house, the most important thing is the foundation. Otherwise, when the winds come and the rains fall, anything that can be shaken will be shaken.

My build-a-box life drove this ambitious girl to a life of achievements that I used for a sense of validation.

Inevitable winds came to challenge my testament of success. The rain fell and my world was shaken. This left me standing still and wondering who I was. Why was I here and what was I supposed to do with all this “stuff” I had accumulated?

Purpose can only be found when you go to the Master’s manual and stop trying to build your life based on every else’s experience. What does your manufacturer say about the UNIQUE you? The design of a thing is a clue to the purpose of that thing. When your manufacturer created you, He knew exactly what He wanted you to be, to do, and to have. Ambition clouds our view of purpose with smokescreens that cause us to build on a shaky foundation. Before you can build up, you must dig down, and what mighty digging I went through. Trying to build up without digging down will only cause you to build a volatile structure. After years of building, there will be a moment of crumbling.

How did I move from the ambitious girl to the purpose-filled woman? I realized that at the end of it all, the only thing that mattered was not effectiveness at my job, qualifications, or even that I “looked” like a success. What mattered was me building a dream that was designed from the foundation of the earth. Lots of people are confused about their purpose. But, I strongly believe pain is the currency of purpose. As one begins to trace through the trail your pain has left behind, you will discover purpose on the inside. You will never feel fulfilled, accomplished, or truly successful without it. Many people are remembered because they had great potential but never did anything great.

Complete surrender to our purpose in life leads to the realization that, “Potential means nothing unless it is exposed,” as stated by the late Dr. Myles Munroe.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

13

14 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @TodaysPurWoman

*Inspira tion *Encou rageme nt *Spiritu a l A *Kingd om Sis dvice terhood & More

Fear Fighter www.purposefulfaith.com

16 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

Kelly Balarie

FEAR FIGHTER

She’s a fear fighter and a cheerleader of faith. This fear fighter puts on the gloves and goes to win by the grace of God – FIGHTER OF FEAR. She’s wild about winning and is passionate about the victory Jesus has won for all of us. Kelly has personally experienced things such as depression, an eating disorder, health concerns, family tragedies, and more. But, despite it all, she doesn’t hesitate to express how good God is. She says, “I’ve learned that life can be scary, but God is good. Not only is He good, but He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the Maker and the Creator of all things. His intentions are incredible and so are His outcomes. We can’t always understand His ways. But we can trust they always end up best in the end.”

“I lived caged to fear, anxiety, and worry. I lived comparing and judging other people so I could feel better about myself. Yet, I was tired of all this, overwhelmed. I needed to do something.”

It wasn’t until Kelly’s birthday a few years ago that she had actually decided to get up and fight. “My husband looked at me, his eyes filled with love, and said, “Kelly, what are you going to do with your life?” His words pricked me. You see, the fear I thought I was hiding so well was apparent to him. He could see the ways it was holding me back from diving into new opportunities, friendships, purpose, and passion.

Kelly was able to share her journey and experience through her book Fear Fighting. “The book, Fear Fighting, was my personal desperation call to God. I wanted to see what would happen when a girl like me, one so fearful, handed everything over to Him. I wanted to see where faith would lead me. I wanted to see if God could ignite passion and purpose.”

Kelly Balarie believes women can begin to take their lives back from fear by starting with the following: 1. Sit down in God’s love.

Rather than becoming distracted by happenings, allow yourself to become immersed in God’s heart for you.

There are a variety of ways to do this.

One is to take a Scripture and hold it close to you all day long. Repeat it.

Own it. Speak it aloud. Pray over it.

2. Make small choices of faith.

Find yourself in a place where you are prone to fear? Make one small decision, one small move towards courage.

God does not despise small beginnings (Zeph. 4:10), so start small and He will expand your faithfulness to the big things.

3.Reroute your thoughts.

Pay attention to what your mind is giving attention to. If it is not true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or of good report (Phil. 4:8), invite that thought to take a hike. Thoughts dictate decisions. You want to set yourself up to make decisions to believe.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

17

FEAR FIGHTER

PRAY IN FAITH NOT FEAR

by Michelle C. Hall

The journey of life is a process. Just when you become complacent in your current situation, feeling that you have finally mastered this level of struggle, life reminds you that you have not yet arrived. Life is constantly reminding us that this journey is designed to challenge and motivate us to keep moving and persevere with faith and patience.

Then, there are times when you are faced with new challenges. During these moments, it might feel as if the challenges are coming from every corner with no relief in sight. These moments cause people to respond in desperation, reaching out to everyone to give them a word or prayer to bring clarity and peace. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, the enemy preys upon the emotions and will heighten your level of fear. We know that fear is not of God. 18 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

Therefore, it is neither helpful nor beneficial to us at all. Fear is a spiritual tormentor. This spirit will keep you up night and day stressing and worrying about things that you are not equipped to handle. The spirit of fear will make you worry about things that have not even happened.

Fear and Faith cannot dwell together; one will always cancel out the other. During these challenging moments, sometimes there is a blurred line between praying in faith and praying in fear. A prayer in faith is filled with God’s promises and the hope of Glory. A prayer in faith is filled with praise and worship because the Bible tells us in Isaiah 61:3 to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. A prayer in faith is filled with thanksgiving

because Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” A prayer in fear is an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you may be confident in declaring the Word of God over your situation. The next minute you are crying out in despair over what you just declared and decreed according to God’s Word. A prayer in fear is ineffective and can make you feel worse than before you started to pray, because the enemy will have you questioning your relationship with God. Satan exploits these moments of vulnerability and preys on us. He will tell you that God doesn’t care, doesn’t hear you, or is not concerned about your pain. He uses isolation to destroy you from the inside out. But the Word tells us in Psalm 8:4, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 144:3 states, “Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?”

So, despite what the enemy whispers in your ears, you are loved and cared for

by God. The worst thing you can do is underestimate how far the enemy will go to keep you from praying in faith and applying the Word of God over your life. We cannot allow our emotions to outweigh the level of our faith. Yes, you are hurt, suffering, and at your lowest moment.

But, Matthew 28:20 states, “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of this age.”

Although you feel isolated, you are never alone. God wants all of us to grow and mature during our journey. He allows certain moments to occur to push us out of our comfort zone and closer to our purpose. His desire is that we reach our full potential in Him. This is not easy or comfortable for us, but necessary. It is always for our benefit but also for His Glory.

As you find yourself facing challenges the size of Goliath, remember that David did not pick up a fancy weapon; he picked up stones and a sling shot. He was not intimidated by what was before him. He did not respond out of fear. He kept his integrity and acted in faith. Don’t you run or retreat from the enemy.

Don’t throw a fit as you go before God. Take your concerns to Him in faith. Let God know that, although this territory is unfamiliar, we know that He is with us. Even though we walk through the darkest valley, we will fear no evil, for God is with us; His rod and His staff, they comfort us. It’s not what we feel, it’s what we know!

Pray in faith and not in fear. Then, watch God move on your behalf.

Michelle C. Hall is a contributing writer for Today’s Purpose Woman, author of “Breaking Family Ties” and founder of Evangelist Michelle Ministries. www.evangelistmichelleministries.

Twitter: @MichelleCHall TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

19

FAITH

THE POWER OF TRUSTING GOD I remember the day when God whispered the phrase, “It’s simple” to me. I was overwhelmed with joy as my spirit bore witness in agreement with what the Lord had spoken. I was raised in a very emotional and zealous ministry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but emotion is often a focal point in ministry rather than faith. Emotions do not move the hand of God. Applied faith moves His hand. I can’t force my way into the presence of God by yelling, demanding, or demonstrating guilt. But, simply believing that God desires fellowship

with me as much, if not more, than I do, is what ushers me into His presence.

Christians are considered believers of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this is an area where many struggle. We might believe in some areas very strongly while remaining hesitant to relinquish power of control in other areas. This is why Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

21

FAITH It is impossible to truly trust God without having a renewed mind. All of our outside influences contradict the Word of God and because we have chosen to spend more time with them than we spend studying the Word of God, we struggle. The struggle is between our will and God’s perfect will. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” If your life is in pure chaos, it’s because you are not fully trusting the Lord. He states that trusting Him will make your paths straight. You won’t struggle regarding the next move or the next step once you trust God and take your concerns to Him in prayer.

He will bring the clarity and peace that you need.

It’s important to fully understand the capabilities of God’s power. If you limit God, then you are incapable of truly trusting God. We are limited without God. Jesus states in John 15:5 and 7, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

This takes me back to the words, “It’s simple,” that I heard that wonderful day. We should trust the Lord as a child trusts and believes his or her natural parent. This is childlike faith, not childish faith. A child does not ask, “How you are going to feed me or clothe me?” They just believe that you will. When I was a child, my father 22 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

worked nights. Every night I would ask my father to bring something home. He agreed. I would wake up, jump down from my bunk bed, and run to see what he left on the table.

It never crossed my mind that my father would disappoint or lie to me.

I didn’t ask him how or from where he would get my gift. I just believed as I closed my eyes to sleep that there would be something special waiting for me in the morning and he never disappointed me. He was faithful to his word. How much more is God faithful to His Word? His Word does not return to Him void and will accomplish what it was set out to do.

Trusting God releases His power in our lives.

by Michelle C. Hall Twitter: @MichelleCHall

We want to hear from you! Tell us what scriptures you read when doubt sets in on rather God will come through for you? Send to todayspurposewoman@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT

COVER STORY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ROWE INTERVIEWED BY SHERRELL VALDEZLOQUI

SARAH JAKES

ROBERTS

“

“I’m beginning to learn that experiences I was once insecure about were the framework in which I was able to build my best self.”

Sarah Jakes Roberts knows what it is like to break destructive cycles and discover the best that life has to offer to those who refuse to just settle. Pregnant at 14, married by 19, and divorced by 23 while under the spotlight of being Bishop T.D Jakes’ daughter wasn’t an easy experience. But it was the framework she had to use in order to be the woman she is today. Sarah Jakes Roberts tours all over the world where she meets and speaks with women from all different backgrounds and nationalities.

Those who have heard Sarah’s testimony insist that every woman should hear it. “I’ve heard her testimony. Every woman, especially young women, should hear it!” echoed the reply of a Today’s Purpose Woman twitter follower when TPW tweeted how we were looking forward to chatting with Sarah Jakes Roberts.

I was personally looking forward to this interview with Sarah, as she has been someone I’ve wanted to interview for about 7 years now. 7 years ago was when I started my first publication, Promoting Purpose Magazine, sister mag to Today’s Purpose Woman.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

25

I told the Lord I would love to interview Sarah, only to be told by a still voice that it wasn’t the right time. I was a little disappointed. And yes, discouraged. Then that still voice continued, “Not now doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen Sherrell.” Reflecting on that was another reminder that God sees everything and that His timing is and will always be perfect.

The best-selling author, happily married supermom and businesswoman was now on the line and the interview begins …

SHERRELL: You went through so much at a very young age, pregnancy, marriage and divorce. How did those experiences mold you into who you are today?

SJR: I am beginning to learn that those experiences I was once so insecure about were the framework in which I was able to build my best self. So often we fail to realize that painful experiences have a lesson in our life. We can become so consumed with the pain that we distance ourselves emotionally from what took place, not realizing that it is actually through the digging and understanding of those experiences that we come out wiser, stronger, and better than we were before. From being a teen mom to going through a marriage and divorce at such an early age, what I learned is that I have perseverance, that I have dedication, that I know how to take the bricks that life has thrown at me and build a house, to build confidence and to be comfortable in my own skin.

26 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

I’m not sure that I would have come to that realization unless I went through those experiences.

SHERRELL: Even more difficult was experiencing this while living in the spotlight as Bishop T.D Jakes daughter. How has this affected you in your choices?

SJR: I think that it’s been two-fold. I think initially it affected me because they’re such large shoes and I felt like I would never be able to live up to it. So, I decided to run in the opposite direction. I spent too much time running away from being T.D. Jakes’s daughter and not enough time embracing it, embracing the wisdom that comes from being in a household with a man who has had so many life experiences. I mean, I was born on food stamps. And to see his faith really take him to unprecedented heights is a lesson that I should have valued. I had a firsthand account. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to really embrace that in such a way that I no longer feel this need to distance myself from who he is. I see it as a badge of honor. Because he went ahead of me, I’m able to go through certain things easier, without as much resistance because he paved the way.

SHERRELL: When did you learn that life was not about comfort? And how did you come to that conclusion?

SJR: I think that I came to that conclusion when I had what should have been a great looking life on the outside in my first marriage.

“

I knew without a doubt that I wanted to have a strong relationship with God, one that said that I could do any and all things.”

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

27

A white picket fence, by all accounts a beautiful picture. But when the picture was snapped there was so much pain and hurt on the other side. I realized that I thought that comfort was about arriving to this place in life where there was nothing for anyone to say about you, no stones for anyone to throw at you. So I would remove the stone from them saying I was a teen mom, or remove the stone that says I wasn’t successful. Then, I realized that once I had all of those things that there were new stones and new things to be thrown at you. Life doesn’t spare its ride on any of us. Then I had to realize that I had to make the decision. What type of life do you want to have and who do you want to have by your side while you’re doing it? I knew without a doubt that I wanted to have a strong relationship with God, one that said that I could do any and all things. As a single mother, I could accomplish anything that God set in my heart to do. As I accepted that and became comfortable with it, God continued to stretch me into uncomfortable seasons of my life. But they always, always revealed something about me that I didn’t know.

life, they first have to take a moment and recognize what experiences have shaped them, what relationships may control them or empower them, and learn to really use all of those as momentum to really manifest what God has for them.

I just chose to write it because I wrote my memoir, Lost And Found, which was a bestselling book. But I felt like it was an incomplete story because when I end the book I said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen with my life from here. I don’t know if this will be the last book I ever write, or if this will become something bigger than I imagined, but what I do know is that I want to stay connected to what I feel on the inside, in this moment.”

Since then, I’ve toured all over the world, I’ve been fortunate to meet and speak with women from all different backgrounds and nationalities. I’ve met my incredible husband and moved to Los Angeles. We’re pastoring a church.

We’re blending the family. I had a daughter. All of these changes happened and I had to take a minute and step back from my life and really begin to process how all of these changes happened.

SHERRELL: You’ve inspired so many with your testimony and previous work.

And now many anticipate your new I believe that it really came with me book “Don’t Settle For Safe.” Tell us recognizing that my insecurities about about this book and why you wrote it? being a teen mom, or about not finishing college, or having all of these differSJR: Yes. Sure. My new book, Don’t ent career paths did not keep me from Settle for Safe: Embracing the Uncom- becoming who I thought I could be. As fortable to Become Unstoppable, is a matter of fact, it was those experiencabout empowering women to underes that really all came together to create stand that everything they desire to the life that I have now. achieve in life starts with who they become on the inside. In order to manifest what they see as the vision for their 28 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

But there were some things that I had to start believing about who I was on the inside. I had to believe that there were no limits to what I could do. I had to believe that, in spite of what I had gone through, I could still love again. I could still hope again. My faith could be restored and renewed.

There could be this reservoir of experience that helps other women tap into their potential. But it was certainly a spiritual, emotional, and mental work that I had to do. I didn’t want to leave my sisters behind. I wanted to share with them the work that I did so that they could tap into their potential as well.

SHERRELL: What practical advice do you have for those who are struggling with a major challenge and how can they embrace it as comfort and growth?

SJR: I would tell whoever’s struggling with a challenge to really recognize that they’re not in it on their own. Even though, in the moment, it can seem like you’re isolated and you’re struggling, someone has overcome the very thing that’s hurting you right now. There are billions of people on this world, each of them with different experiences. But all of us have to struggle with certain external issues and, because someone else has overcome it, you can to.

SHERRELL: In your book, you state that the power to overcome is in your willingness to not just anticipate, but There’s a lesson in this. There’s a embrace the unpredictability of life. lesson about who you are. There’s a How have you seen that to be the case? lesson about life and you don’t have to give up just because you experiSJR: I think we know that changence pain. Just keep hope alive. Keep es are going to happen, that life is hanging on and recognizing that unpredictable. But a lot of times that being in a place of discomfort right makes us afraid when we don’t know now it is a sign that you’re growing, what’s coming next. If we could that you’re becoming better. So, dare to no longer be afraid of what’s don’t forsake the pain. coming next, but instead tell ourselves, “I don’t know what’s coming, but I Don’t Settle For Safe is in stores on April know that what’s on the other side 18th. Pre-orders are available and readers can go to Sarah’s dontsettleforsafe. of it will be a better version of who I com or Amazon. am, a wiser version. There’s a lesson in whatever it is.” then, maybe we’ll apply for that job. Maybe we’ll write that book. Maybe we’ll go after that screen play. Whatever that desire is, you won’t allow the unexpected to dictate who you can become. Instead, you’ll recognize that the unexpected will serve a purpose that reveals even more about who you are.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

29

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

CONTENTMENT

Live, Love, Laugh

by Venessa Abram

LIVE To live means to be alive and to exist. It is an honor and a blessing to have abundant life, in spite of the fact that the enemy seeks to destroys us. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10. To live a life of abundance does not exclude encountering troubles, sorrows, sickness, disease, depression, death, hurt, betrayal, divorce, or loss. Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

John 16:32-33 (MSG). The beauty of living is that God gives us beauty for our ashes. As we grow through life, learning to submit to the maturation process of the Holy Spirit, we begin to live a life of purpose. “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

32 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 6:3

LOVE “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.

Love is an intense feeling or deep affection for someone. It is written in John 3:16 that God’s love for us was so great that He gave His only begotten Son for our sins so we would not perish, so that we could have everlasting life: that’s agape love, the highest form of love.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

It has been my experience as I’ve grown from a child to teen to adulthood, that there were times when I looked for love in all the wrong places. When I looked to people, places, or things, it never satisfied the yearning, void, or vacuum in my soul that needed to be filled. I was raised in New Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana and was baptized at sixteen years of age when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. However, from my teen years to adulthood, I did not make good choices. My poor choices resulted in unnecessary pain and struggle in my life. It was when I reached my thirties that I realized I wanted an intimate relationship with Christ. After spending quality time in daily prayer, praise, worship, and reading the Bible, the void was finally filled. I found the love that I had been seeking for years. Love is so powerful and fulfilling when we allow God to have His place in our soul, that place that He created in us just for His dwelling.

I pray you will allow God to have His rightful place in you today. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Laughter is the emotion that releases endorphins in the brain that reduce stress. The endorphins encourage a sense of well-being and have the potential to temporarily relieve pain.

Have you ever noticed when you laughed how good it felt?

LAUGH

I pray daily for more laughter in my life. When I allow myself to be free and laugh, it has such a good feeling. I just want to laugh more and enjoy life.

I would encourage you to do the same.

Find something daily to laugh about.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH… Life is too short! “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NIV

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM 33

by Michelle C. Hall

THE SEED OF

CONTENTMENT Philippians 4:12-13 states, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

This Scripture is not an easy pill to swallow for many of us. How many times have you questioned God’s love because of a situation or need that you feel has not been resolved in time according to your personal schedule?

It’s not always the test that brings the challenge, but the length of the test that causes discomfort and doubt.

34 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

Contentment is defined as happiness and satisfaction. How do you find happiness and satisfaction in the midst of a challenge or trial? Well, the answer is in the Scripture above.

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Contentment is not defined by your ability, skills, or emotional strength. True and authentic contentment is the application of giving your trials over to God. I use the word application because we often hear the instructions of God but fail to apply the Word of God. Faith without works is dead. In other words, you have to work your faith before your faith can work for you.

I

n

order for our hearts to be pure and our minds clear, we must remain steadfast in the Word of God. Without complacency, we must rest contented in the promises of God.

1 Timothy 6:6-7 states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” We stress over every situation beyond our control. Less stressing equates to more blessings. When we apply this Scripture to our lives, we will begin to see the great gain that it promises. We will see less stress, less frustration, and more blessings. We came into this world with nothing. Our parents may have had plenty of gifts ready for our arrival, but all we brought to the table was expectation. Our parents looked into our eyes and saw the responsibility of fulfilling our expectation. Our Heavenly Father wants us to understand that our part should always remain only expectation. No matter how educated, skillful, or anointed we are, our Father expects to look in our eyes and see expectation.

In order for our hearts to be pure and our minds clear, we must remain steadfast in the Word of God. Without complacency, we must rest contented in the promises of God. Complacency is a lack of drive to progress. I think Paul of Tarsus said it best when he wrote in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” It is our goal to press toward the knowledge of God and the purpose in which He has called us. Focusing on our purpose and pleasing God will fill our hearts with contentment. We will have no room in our hearts for stress, lack, or doubt. The joy of the Lord is our strength. More contentment, less stress, more joy, and more blessings.

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

35

READING ROOM | BOOKS

MICHELLE C. HALL Breaking Family Ties There is a real epidemic occurring in our society that is keeping people oppressed within the walls of their own mind. In a simple moment of time, your life can completely change by a recurring negative thought.

Words spoken over your life as a child can affect your life now. Breaking Family Ties will explore the power of words over your life, and what you can do to be free. Be free to fulfill your purpose and follow your dreams.

You can be free from the bondage of unspoken and spoken curses upon your life. Freedom is a right and is not unattainable. Breaking Family Ties descriptively goes through different stages in life that can trigger negative ties. By the end of this book, you will discover the tools necessary to see the walls come down. Available on Amazon

CHARRON MONAYE Stop Asking for Permission & Give Notice: A Guide to Living Unapogetically Author, Playwright, and all-around Writer, Charron Monaye shares her journey from pain to peace, outlining steps everyone can take to create an unapologetic life while removing toxic people and hardships. Faced with a divorce, eviction, unemployment, and emotional breakdowns, this single mother struggled to make ends meet and provide the basic necessities for her two children. Ultimately, she was faced with a decision: allow life’s challenges to overwhelm her or STAND UP and OWN her life.

Unlike countless self-help books that preach about the things one needs to do to -obtain- the right life, STOP Asking for Permission & Give Notice shares Charron Monaye’s insights to maintaining a life that is rich simply by owning it. She gives the reader access to her successes by focusing on the three areas of personal ownership that must be refined to bring true liberation, which she has termed -the 3 A’s- - Acknowledge, Accept, Attain. She makes clear that your legacy in life is not defined by your failures, personal decisions, or the opinions of others, but ordained to be exactly what YOU deem to be rewarding. Available on Amazon 36 TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

TODAYSPURPOSEWOMAN.COM

37