A Magazine to Empower and Enrich Today’s Inner-City Woman
Winter 2008
Beauty
Make-Up Your Holiday
Health Ask Pat LifeStyle
Writing a Winning Resume
Faith More Grace
Where You Need It
Merry Christmas! Reach UP is celebrating its one year anniversary! It’s been a great year, and I thank YOU for letting Reach UP come into your home. This issue, Doug Stringer of Somebody Cares America talks to women, especially single mothers, about growing up without a father’s love and affection. It’s a subject strong in his heart – so much so that he’s written two books on it: The Fatherless Generation and Who’s Your Daddy Now? It’s a timely topic anytime of the year, but I think especially during the Christmas season. You see, tradition tells us that Joseph must have died while Jesus was still a child – when exactly, we don’t know. But at some point Mary was a single mom. And while Jesus may not have been running the streets, He was a unique child, and I can imagine she didn’t always know what to do next.... You’ll know what to do for your holiday make up after the makeup tips from Nadine and Hilthia. And Wendy brings us a recipe to try sometime during December. The smell of freshly baked cookies just makes a home seem cozier. Veronica’s resume-building article is right on time with new year’s goals, whether you’re going for your first job or looking for a different one. Keep her advice on file. Grateful that Jesus came,
Crystal Wacker
Table of Contents Beauty
Make-Up Your Holiday ........................ Page 4
Faith
More Grace Where You Need It .............. Page 2
Health
Ask Pat ............................................. Page 3
Lifestyle
Writing a Winning Resume .................. Page 6 Christmas Cookies .............................. Page 7 Editor-in-Chief .......................... Crystal Wacker Writing Editor ....................... Christina Williams Spanish Translation ..................... Jodi-Kay Ellis Contributing Authors .............. Patricia Gonzalez Veronica V. James Wendy Ranny Nadine Raphael Dr. Doug Stringer Graphic Artist ................... Jonathan Hernandez Photos .................................... Nadine Raphael
*this little tree is dedicated to my constant reminder of the beauty of God’s grace
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Grace
When and Where You Need It
And Lots of It
You don’t have to look around are being raised by single mothers. single mother who is struggling very far to see how growing up to do everything on her own. God without a father affects kids of all It’s good to talk about “hero” sees you. He knows you. You are ages for many years. I have had mothers who carry the load of precious in His sight. He has a a great burden for those who do being both mom and a dad. But, plan for you. not know a father’s let’s be clear—this is not love and affecGod’s design. God never tion. My heart cries intended for women to race Abounds out for healing and have to play the role of e Knows You. justice for kids and both mother and father. You are Precious in God made mothers to be Dozens and dozens of verses in teenagers in cities Scripture emphasize this mesall over the world. life-givers and nurturers. His Sight. Deep in my heart I And when they are forced sage: God has a special place He has a plan know that each one to wear many hats at the within his heart for orphans and for you. widows. I don’t believe that of these boys and same time—comforter, just losing a father or husband girls has a destiny in disciplinarian, provider, through physical death is the only Christ. And I know counselor, and on and thing that qualifies the surviving that the love of their Father in on—the result can be burn-out. family as orphans and widows. heaven can set them free. There are countless women who God’s design is for children to have been abandoned by their I can say this strongly because be raised with both mother and husbands—physically, emotionI know firsthand the effects of father so that they benefit from ally, or spiritually. If you’re raising living without a father. My dad the strengths and gifts He gave a child without the father in the was in the military, which often to moms and dads. home, in a way you are a widow. took him away. He also struggled with alcohol, and so even when ope for the Fatherless And kids who have been abanhe was around, he was really and the Widow doned by their fathers are or“gone.” Eventually he and my phaned, in a sense, so the scripmother divorced, and I was left How do we stop the cycle in our tures that talk about orphans searching to fill the emptiness in homes and neighborhoods? After include them. The same applies my life. I drank, I took drugs, and all, we see it all the time. Boys for the many kids being raised by I was homeless for a time. But raised without fathers learn that a grandparent or an aunt. ultimately, it was a journey that men don’t stay with led me to the One who cared for their wives and Psalm 146:9 says me like no other—my Heavenly children. Girls raised that He will support Father. rust Him. without fathers them. learn not to expect Trust in His Word. This isn’t about me, but what I a faithful and comWhen you read Trust in His Promises. am saying is this: I discovered mitted husband. And Exodus 22:23, you that as a child who grew up so the cycle goes on see that God says without a dad’s influence, God and on. What is the that He will hear took my situation and turned it answer? Where is their cry and will be around. I also realize He looks the hope? on their side. out for moms. I saw how He did
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that for my mother.
Often people overlook how not having a father in the home affects mothers. Although it’s not true in every case, you and I know that most children living with only one parent in the home
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Psalm 68:5 says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
Another verse for you to hold onto is Proverbs 15:25. It says that He will protect their property.
There is an answer for the children who do not know the love, provision, and protection of a father. There is an answer for the
Deuteronomy 10:18 tells us God will grant them justice. There are many scriptures that tell us about God’s deeply personal relation-
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Grace When and Where You Need It
ship with kids who are “orphans” and the widow.
od Has a Special Grace for These
Romans 5:20 states that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. This is good news for those of us who don’t have many fathers in the homes, and for whom life seems so complicated. Great grace from our Heavenly Father is available to us! Even when things look really bad, because of Jesus and what He did for us, we can have that grace!
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Finding and Trusting the Father
If I have any advice for single mothers or for their children, it is this: Trust Him. Trust in His Word. Trust in His promises that He will provide for you, protect you, love you, heal you, and restore you. No matter how hard the journey is, you can trust that He will not fail you. When you trust Jesus not only in your mind, but with your actions showing your faith in His Word, you allow your eyes to be opened to things unseen to the natural eye. You will experience the heart of God for you and for your family. And soon, you will sense His presence and see His provision in your life in practical ways. Never forget—if you are an “orphan” or a “widow,” God has special grace for you and cares just for you. Dr. Doug Stringer is founder of Somebody Cares America and lives in Houston, Texas. He’s the author of several books, most recently, Who’s Your Daddy Now?
Helpful Hint:
Look up these scriptures in your Bible and copy them onto a piece of paper. Read the verses often so you think about them naturally throughout the day.
“Ask Pat:” Serina from the Queens asks: Why should I get a flu shot ? The single best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot (or to “get vaccinated”) each year. The flu shot is actually a flu vaccine that contains the killed virus, and it is given as shot in the arm. It has three viruses in one. About two weeks after you get the shot, little antibodies, or fighting cells, provide protection against the virus that could develop in your body. When should I get vaccinated? NOW, or as soon as you hear about it on TV, in the doctor’s office, or in the newspaper. Flu season is December, January, and beyond. Though you can get the flu at any time, many people get sick in January or later. Who should get the flu shot?
• • • • • •
Children from age 6 months to age 19 Pregnant women People 50 years of age and older Anyone who is depressed Older adults living in a nursing home Anyone who takes cares of anyone listed: health care workers, stay-at-home moms, and those taking care of elderly parents.
Who should not get the flu shot? • People who are allergic to chicken eggs • Those who have had a bad reaction to a pre vious flu shot (this doesn’t include a sore arm after the injection) • People who have ever developed a sickness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot • Those who have a fever or cold at the time of getting the flu shot • Children less than 6 months of age.
Patricia M. Gonzalez, RN, BSN,CPAN, Director of ICU at Kingston/benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY
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MakeUp your
Holiday
The holidays are fast approaching, and these are the times we get to play up our look. Makeup can be the “wow” factor that spruces up any wardrobe. Since the holidays bring not only daytime family dinners but also nighttime outings, let’s look at what we can do for both events.
The Daytime Family Dinner Look
For this, we want a simple, clean, and chic look. So we went with a shimmery, gold shade applied heavily on her eyelids (the lower part below the crease), to brighten the area and make her eyes the focus. Then we accented the crease (just above the eyelid) lightly with a warm bronze. To accent these colors we used a shimmery illuminator (it brightens the skin) just underneath her eyebrow. (Instead of an illuminator you can use a small amount of white eye shadow in the same area). Finally we applied thick, black liquid liner under the eye to pull the eyes up and out.
Applying just beneath the brow
For the cheeks we used a coral blush with hints of bronze. Stroke your blush brush from your cheeks up towards the direction of your hairline, without touching your hairline. During the colder months, you should go with powder blush instead of a liquid to pull off a clean look. You only want one focus point. The eyes shouldn’t compete with the lips! So that we don’t overdo the look, we went with a light coral lipstick. It blends well with the blush while adding a bit of daytime glamour.
Applying to Eyelid 4 Reach UP
Hint: You can always mix your blush (small portion) with lip gloss to make a lip color that matches your cheeks.
Applying liner to the lower lash line
The Nighttime Holiday Glamour Look
Again, the eyes are the focal point. For this look we created what is called “smoky eyes.” This new trend works best for those nights when you want to make a statement. I’ve seen too many smoky eyes that look like raccoons in fashion shows, so practice the steps. The smoky eye look that our model is wearing is achieved by applying a dark shadow on the lower eyelid. When applying to the eyelid, start heavy on
the lid and stroke slightly upward into your crease (the crease is the area between the eyebrow bone and your eyelid). Use a slightly lighter color just beneath your eyebrow. You should apply heavy color along the upper and lower lash line. For the lower lash line use black or a dark tinted eyeliner. Take the same color you use underneath your eyebrow and dab a small amount in the corner of your eyes to make the eyes pop. Finish this smoky eye look by applying dark mascara that also lengthens the eyelash. Since the eyes are the main focal point, we go light on the cheeks and lips. We want a soft blush on the cheeks with a tint of rose. Again, stroke the brush up and out towards the hairline. For the lips, we used a nude gloss finish. To get this look and use what you may already have, apply a small portion of foundation to the lips (using the tip of your finger) and then smooth it over with clear lip gloss (you can also use baby oil). You can purchase a clear lip gloss or lip balm with a slight tint of pink or peach. All the shades of above mentioned blush, eye shadows, mascara, liner and lip gloss may be purchased at your neighborhood Walgreens and CVS.
Applying blush to the cheek bone
Applying mascara to the upper lashes
Hint: Wherever you choose to buy makeup, try not to buy liquid foundation. It gets oily and plus it clogs your pores and ages your skin. (I learned the hard way.) Powder-compact or powder-loose is the best way to go. It lasts longer and it’s healthier for the skin. Now go, be beautiful, be creative, but more importantly—be confident! Nadine Raphael Hilthia Diaz, model
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Writing
Writing a resume is simply a matter of telling a potential employer about the education, training, skills, and abilities and experience you have acquired up till now. In a resume, you publish what you have to offer to potential employers, hoping it will create enough interest so they want to hear more about you.
A Winning
Resume
CURRICUL UM VITAE
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While education is important, it is recommended that you start with your strongest assets. For example, if you are not a high school graduate or have Name not yet achieved a GED, Address start your resume with Phone your specific skills and Email training that could benefit your employer. Always put your best qualities first, and list your most recent experience, skills, and training first.
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Develop your resume from your most current jobs back to your previous jobs. For example, start with jobs held this year and work backward to previous dates. As much as possible, keep your resume to one page. Prepare a resume for each job you are seeking. Do not send the same resume if you are applying for different jobs. Keep the type font clean and clear. Stay away from fancy fonts. They are not considered professional and can be difficult to read. Veronica V. James, is the Executive Director of Our Children, Our Future, Inc. in Hollywood, FL.
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Christmas is a special, exciting time of year. Many memories come to mind, but my best memories are of being in the kitchen with my mom and her mother (my “Nanny”). The house was filled such wonderful smells that still say “Christmas” to me. Every year mom baked this Christmas cookie. She would let my brothers and I decorate them. The tradition is still going on, and now she bakes and decorates them with the grandkids. Try this basic recipe. What fun you will have baking them and sharing new memories for the holiday with the ones you love! Traditional Christmas Cookie 1 cup butter (softened) 1 1/2 cups powder sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix by hand until all ingredients are mixed well. Roll dough out. With cookie cutters cut out shapes and place on cookie pan. Bake 10 - 12 minutes. Frost the cookies with package frosting and decorate them with colored sugar.
You can also roll the dough for each cookie into a ball, then make a small hole in the middle and place apricot jam in it (very good). My mom also taught me to toll the dough into a crescent shape and place a clove in the middle. (But don’t eat the clove. It is very bitter.) This Christmas cookie dough is like a blank canvas. You can experiment and create your own flavor and style of cookie. Enjoy your cookie making, and may you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. Wendy Ranney is a personal chef and has her own business, Dinners Ready.
Given to A Magazine to Empower and EnrichToday’s Inner-City Woman
Winter 2008
you by:
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