Rebirth of the Total Woman Fall 2019 by Rebirth

FROM THE FOUNDER Dr. Vanessa Williams-Cook

Welcome to our Fall 2019 Edition of Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine...Living the Transformed Life. We are celebrating three years. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to all the ladies of Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine. We have been graced to have so many wonderful women to contribute over the past three years to our family. It has been an awesome experience working with you all. And now here we grow again!! It is vitally important that as we move forward into transformation that we develop new patterns and new paradigms that will enable us to maintain our new life. This includes everything from a new mindset, to new environments, new relationships, and even new locations in some cases. We here at Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine and Nana’s Girls’ Foundation endeavor to be a resource to aid you in that change, in that growth, in that shift that is necessary for you NEW NEXT!! The women in this Fall 2019 Edition have come together to speak to the heart, minds, spirits and souls of every woman on the brink of that change. Our annual Fall edition will encourage you, inspire you and ignite the desire to push forward to the NEW YOU. And so here at Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine and the Movement we are cel-

ebrating with our greatest edition ever. Filled with articles, stories and other information to inspire change. It’s all inside the pages of RTW; the Lord our God is shifting us from Glory to Glory, we must shift in our thinking and ways of doing things. There is greater in store for you. And as you embrace your NEW NEXT, we urge you to embrace it with freedom, and with joy. I speak prophetically to you today, that as you read through the pages of this edition expect to never be the same again. Expect Rebirth. Rebirth in your personal, professional, family, financial, spiritual, emotional, private and public lives. For you are more than a Phenomenal Woman, you are a Proverbs 31 Woman. You are a Daughter of Zion; with that comes a great inheritance but also a great responsibility. That responsibility is to train up our daughters to recognize the greatness within them, to recognize the beauty within them, and to evolve into the Queen they were created by God to become, and with all the benefits of Queendom. Daughter, TODAY BE MADE WHOLE!!! Embrace your REBIRTH as you encounter these pages. Join us inside the Fall Edition of Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine.

Dr. Vanessa Williams-Cook Editor-In-Chief & Founder

FALL 2019| ISSUE 8|ANNUAL EDITION

C O N T E N T S: 32 Marjory Brifil CEO and Image Strategist Standing in my own Strength

From the Founder

Our Note to You

Next Generation Entrepreneurs

Beauty from a Black Perspective

Facing America 12

By: Myra Bellinger

By: Tammy Mills

Ministry of Mental Health

Life in the Segregated North 19 By: Rev. Dr. Rene Minter

28 Unblocking Barriers to Success (Reprint)

By: Lo Brown Lupus

By: Dr. Rene Minter-Carr

Freedom of Ownership

By; Aisha Guiles

By Tania Johnson

Battling Childhood Molestation

Cover Exclusive by: Darlene Mingo BREATHE

By: Tamia & Paris Mills Rebirth Health Tips

From Rebirth

Never Looked So Good By: Kisha Johnson McRae 69 Hair Care Tips (Reprint)

By: Jacinda Ross

by Hair All Down my Back

Standing in My Strength Cover Exclusive w/ Marjory Brifil

Your Gift Will Make Room For You (Reprint) By: Jean Toney

Embrace Your Skin

Motherhood Today

OUR NOTE TO YOU Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine has done it again. You are holding in your hands the Fall Edition of this wonderful publication. We are both pleased and excited to bring to you Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine, featuring women that are living their best lives. It is our sincere prayer that you are able to take away from this edition knowledge and wisdom for every day life situations and apply it as well. We hope that you will be empowered to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!!! We are celebrating women that have overcome life’s challenges and are now resting in the reality of those SHIFTING PARADIGMS. These women serve in different capacities but each with the same agenda...that is to change the lives of other women by the telling of their life experiences and by telling of how God intervened in their lives setting them on a journey of discovery. This is a season to celebrate you as the faithful servants you are, and to thank you for the many sacrifices you’ve made to ensure that others not only realize their full potential, but that they may also reach their destiny. The Staff of Rebirth of the Total Woman Magazine & Nana’s Girls’ Foundation, Inc.

FALL 2019| ISSUE 8|ANNUAL EDITION

C O N T E N T S:

10. Next Generation Entrepreneurs: Teaching our Children the Wealth Principle By: Tamia & Paris Mills 11. Battling Childhood Molestation By; Tammy Mills

14. The Ministry of Mental Health By: Rev. Dr. Rene Minter 22. Self-Care for the Superwoman Syndrome By. Tanya R. Bankston 25. Mental Health Meets Faith By. Dr. Cerrissa Hugie 29. Rebirth Health Tips By. Tania Johnson 50. INTRODUCING EMROSE AFRICAN FASHION 58. Inside From Transition to Transformation the Book Interview with Dr. VW Cook 77. From Victim to Advocate By: LeKida Ephriam 84. Rebirth Financial Tips 92. Building Wealth Through Ownership By: Jacinda Ross

96 Renee Huffman CEO and Fashion Icon The Champion Within

My name is Tamia RoNasia Mills and I am 11 years old. I am the daughter of Roneil and Tammy Mills. My sister name is Paris Symone Mills. I enjoy reading , riding my bike , and dancing, but most importantly I have a passion for many things; such as baking, modeling ,and acting. I started out doing a couple of pageants when I was 7 yrs. old and I won in Charlotte N.C., which qualified me for the Nationals in Orlando Florida. My mom and I were there for a week and we had so much fun meeting new people. I was able to walk away with a 3 ft. trophy. I was so proud of myself and my efforts. When I was 9 yrs. old I started to watch kids baking championship and I was inspired to have my own business. I asked my mom and she said if you are serious you have to make everything homemade, no more store box cakes. My dad and mom surprised me with a new red stand mixer and the rest is history I started Tamia Cupcakes & Surprises the same year and I have been blessed to serve my community with my delicious desserts. I believe my story will inspire others to become entrepreneurs and to believe in themselves. WE HAVE TO DREAM BIG!! My name is Paris Symone Mills and I am 25 yrs. old. I am the daughter of Roneil and Tammy Mills. I have a 11 yr. old sister name Tamia Mills. I attended GCP (Gaston College Prep) and later I graduated from KIPP Pride High. After high school I was able to attend the college of my choice, which was ECU. While in school I started to have headaches and loss of memory. My case grew worse and I started to have syncope spells. I was afraid to talk to my parents about how I was feeling. My senior yr.in college was when everything went down hill for me instead of preparing for my graduation, I was told to stop everything because I was diagnosed with 2 tumors on my brain. I had to pause and seek God for guidance. I am grateful for my parents holding my hand every step of the way. I believe my story will help others to understand that GOD is still working MIRACLES. I am currently teaching 5th grade science at Rocky Mount Prep in Rocky

Mount, N.C. and the owner of Winks Minks. 10

men laps regardless if they were a relative or not. I didn’t fully understand why but as I got older I realized it was for my protection. I feel it’s imperative as a parent, guardian, or anyone who is sharing any valuable information to children, to explain it in details. When you tell a child not to do something let them know the reason or consequence rather than JUST saying “DON’T DO IT”. Don’t allow them to lean to their own understanding or fill in the missing pieces. Doing this will enable them to make better decisions and better decisions leads to a brighter future. Also make sure the children have full understanding of the conversation before they leave your presence. The bible states in Hosea 4:6 my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. When my father moved us closer to Lake Gaston, I felt like it was a new start for my family to grow. This was an opportunity to leave all the baggage behind us and move forward to something new. Sometimes in life what you had in mind doesn’t always work according to your plan.

Again I was raised in a family- oriented home, which meant we had principles and standards to follow. My parents focused on values, strengths and relationships, they taught us how to put our family first. My parents believed in taking us to visit our family members and we also had family members visiting our home. They made sure we knew everyone that was related to us because when we got older they did not want us to date or marry our relatives.

I know my parents meant well and they taught me what they had learned but in order to break generational curses, parents must have better communication. Meaning that parents or guardians must become more transparent by sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of their past. I’m not saying that everything needs to be put on the table but, we should definitely share life lessons with your children, so they won’t make the same mistakes when they get older. I believe sharing your experiences will create a safe and trustworthy place for them talk to us. BUT WE STILL NEED TO DO MORE!!! Identification is vital when it comes to children; you must slow down and pay CLOSE attention to their voice, body language, attitude and behavior. Many times kids are afraid and embarrassed to open up even if safety and trust is present in the home.

I was taught as a little girl not to sit on any 11

But if you can IDENTIFY that something is wrong with because I’m not trying to hurt anyone’s reputation,

him or her you will have a greater chance to PREVENT but I realize keeping my story silent all these years or STOP harm from happening to them.

have caused others and myself to stay in captivity.

This was my case and I still get very emotional just NOW is the time to be FREE!! It’s time to be free in thinking about my childhood battles of molestation. Child Molestation is a crime involving a range of incidents or sexual activities between an adult and a child, usually under the age of 14. It is also a form of child

abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. [legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com] So, as I share my story, I will not disclose any names

your mind, free in your thoughts, and free from the guilt, shame, torment and brokenness. It all started when a certain family member came to stay with us for a little while. I remember I got up early that morning but my parents and siblings were still in bed. I proceeded to the living room where I noticed him sitting on the couch. Then he asks me to do something I was taught not to do; and that was to sit on his lap. When you are a child in a safe place and you trust someone, you’re not thinking or planning for bad things to happen to you. I don’t know why I sat on his lap, maybe it was because it was early in the morning or simply because I loved this relative. Nevertheless I hopped up on his lap with my scarred up legs. Then SUDDENLY he began to touch me on my legs, followed by rubbing my private area. Even though I was a little girl I knew something was wrong. I couldn’t move or say anything I was shock, confused and scared. I did not know what to do

nor did I understand. Besides what rights do I have as a child to voice my opinion SO I KEPT QUIET!!! I believe it’s very imperative that children learn early the general knowledge about their bodies and the power of their consent to it.

Boys and girls need to know that it’s okay to say NO to Again that’s why parents must be able to identify the anyone that makes them feel violated. The definition warning signs of child molestation. Did you know that of violate means, Failure to respect someone’s peace, less than 1/3 of children report child molestation? I was privacy, or rights.[ British World English]. CHILDEN NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE RIGHTS TOO!!

a part of this statistics because I never told my parents. As a little girl I learned how to bury my pain and camouflage my sadness with a smile. This is the reason why I had to release my voice and share my story to help oth-

An average child molester will offend 200- 400 times er children speak out against child molestation. before being caught , if ever. The vast majority offend-

ers do not get caught, and they have no criminal records.

was the nucleus for were lunatics, and those that had some of the more the palsy; and he healed them.â&#x20AC;? successful social ser- (Matthew 12: 14-18 KJV). vice

agencies

America.

in There is a stigma connected with

The Salva- mental health and some believe it is

tion Army for exam- a sign of demonic possession, but ple provides a myriad Jesus differentiated those with disof social services yet eases, demon possessed and the the core of the pro- lunatic. Based on that scriptural refgram

remains

the erence alone we know mental ill-

Church.

ness was present when Jesus

My name is Dr. Rene Minter, I am a licensed clinical social worker and a minister concurrently. I am a Christian who provides mental health services as well as social work services to the Christian Community which sometimes takes place inside the church. If I were to be asked

which do, I identify with more or to choose I absolutely could not. I am as much a devoted to ministry as I am to mental health. I believe the church is the not only for the sin sick but historically it has been the first-place people went for social problems and assistance. Today, it is not uncommon to find the church

walked the face of the earth. A lu-

Providing Care to the Mentally Ill from a Biblical Perspective.

The

word ministry means to provide care for. If we were to examine the miracles performed by Jesus it was always

people

who

were

natic today would be someone with extreme mental illness perhaps schizophrenia, although treatable is on the far end of the mental health axis.

need. Many of us know the story of The Church Addressing The Needs of feeding of the multitude, restoring

the Total Person

sight to the blind, the lame to walk The church today is a microcosm of but there is evidence that there society which experiences the same were the mentally ill also healed by issues that are present in the rest of Jesus.â&#x20AC;?

the society. The same depression,

While Jesus was in Syria, people anxiety, substance abuse, domestic were brought to him with â&#x20AC;&#x153;diseases, violence, poverty can be found in torments, those who were pos- the church as well. These issues are

sessed with devils and those which

real and there should be no stigma 14

attached to those who need help. spired, but what happens when the vices have to be provided by the Remember we were all there in a depression is masked by the short- Pastor, in fact it would probably not place of need at some point in our term elevation of the soul? What possible for one person to address lives.

The church should be the happens when the person returns to every issue.

place where there is non-judgmental the bowels of depression and â&#x20AC;&#x153;To equip the saints for the work of provision of care and ministry. Chris- thoughts of suicide resurface? What ministry, for building up the body of tians are not superheroes devoid of happens when that man or woman Christ. (Ephesians 4:12). symptomatology of illness or dis- returns to the abusive relationship Many churches have various departease. They too have social issues, because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the self- ments for specified service provi-

get depression just as anyone else esteem or resources for personal sion. The forward-thinking church and it is not a symptom of failing safety?

What happens when the often have licensed professionals

faith. I doubt a person diagnosed alcoholic return to the bottle or the like me, who are trained in a mental with cancer would not be judged as addict returns to their drug of health who can either provide serhaving failing faith and discouraged choice? What happens when there vices or provide appropriate referfrom

seeking

treat- is no one to talk to or no where to rals.

ment. Conversely, we would sup- go?

Providing Faith Based Competent

port them through treatment and offer encouragement.

The same

should be true for someone experiencing a mental illness. I want to believe, perhaps with wide eyed optimism that the church should not only be the place

Care

If the role of the church is to provide ministry to the community, then treating the total person is imperative; the mind, body, soul and adverse social situations must be the concern of the church. Not all ser-

I am vastly aware that God has called me to be a competent and compassionate clinician who practices with Christ like compassion towards those I serve. It is servitude to the body of Christ with

you come help your

everyone I treat. I believe

soul feel better it is

in the power of prayer and

also the place that

I also believe that God

ministers to the en-

provides the knowledge

tire person and their

and skills for

situation

body,

those of us charged with

spir-

HIS call. Regardless of my

it. Yes, we all want

education, letters behind

to leave church feel-

my name, it is the God in

ing good and in-

mind,

and

T…….Trust God and those he

has placed in your path for healing.

I sometimes look back at my life and traveling

internationally

teaching

ministries about mental health and I say Wow this has been an amazing ride. I am humbled by my experiences and thankful as well. I take no boast and it all to the glory of God. I am a licensed clinical who is also fully engaged in the ministry of healing. I believe God for healing and that Him for grace to do His will and in servitude to mentally ill and the Christian

Community. Reverend Doctor Rene Minter is a Christian Based Psychotherapist in private practice in New York. She directs

that promotes the healing. I It is my prayer that the non-for-profit social service agencies.

She is a social

receiver will see the professionalism but more im- worker by profession with a master’s degree in Clinical portantly the reflection of God through me as part of Social Work.

She is a board-certified Psychothera-

the healing and restorative process. As I apply the pre- pist. She posses a Doctorate in Ministry and is a certified scribed clinical aspects of treatment, I also prescribe Chaplain. She accepted her call to ministry as a young what I call The REST Factor.

child and was ordained in 2015. She is devoted to the ministry of global missions. She provides charitable sup-

R…….Rely on God for restoration E…….Establish the time and faith for healing and restoration

S…….Stop worrying as it opposes faith

port to women and children in West Africa. She has held NGO responsibility with the United Nations. She is an Author, Blogger, College Professor, Podcaster, Motivational Speaker and Humanitarian. What she loves most is doting

over and spoiling her grandchildren who affectionally call her Meamawh. 16

NANAS GIRLS FOUNDATION, INC. The nonprofit, Nana's Girl Foundation (NGF), was formed for the primary purpose of aiding and assisting women in the reinvention of themselves, spiritual development, re-education, through life coaching and counseling, NGF will offer its clients an opportunity to volunteer with the foundation through our various programs and community events. These ladies will receive life skills training, assistance with continuing education, job readiness and search. NGF, Inc. cater to women of all ages. They are required to complete a 6-12 month training program, using the curriculum designed by Dr. Vanessa Williams-Cook, which though designed for all women; caters to the need of each individual person. Upon completion of their individualized training program, each participant will receive a certificate of completion, and assistance with job placement; to include the possibility of working with the foundation in

some capacity. In 2020 NGF, Inc., will open, The Annie Ruth DeLaney Home for Young Women, which will serve women ages 13-40, and provide them with a place of safety, a haven, and home for them if needed. Although not required to live in the home, client will be expected to complete their training program through the home-based program, structure, discipline, and special offerings from the foundation. And 2021 we will open the Genesis Healing for both men and women. 18

Today’s modern woman wears multiple hats: wife,

She takes on the characteristics of a SUPERwom-

mother, employee, entrepreneur, etc. just to name a an...she becomes everything to everyone, all the few. To complicate matters, within each of these roles time...she becomes the problem solver, the mediator, lie multifaceted responsibilities that can require trans- the negotiator, the networker, the doctor, the lawyer, formation of those responsibilities within a moments the teacher, advocator, the nurse, the teacher, and the notice. Boundaries can become blurred or non existent list goes on. If I have not named your profession, trust while expectations remain high to meet the challenges. me this list is not an exhaustive list new occupations, Long gone are women solely responsible for fulfilling expectations, and responsibilities are added daily, often the duties only within the boundaries of maintaining times without SUPER woman’s permission or at best

her household (please believe that is not an easy feat she is reluctant to say “NO” . If by chance she does say either). So the expectations remain high, the bounda- “NO” it is often not without guilt (a side effect of the ries are blurred, and the responsibilities become insur- woman pleaser mentality, that is another blog subject mountable, what does today’s modern woman do?

for another time). There is just one small problem SUPERwoman is everything to everyone BUT herself.

After she is finished saving the day by meeting the

Shouldn’t we as SUPERwoman find fulfillment in

needs of all those that she encounters daily there is serving others? How is that possible that each year little, if any room to nurture herself, and replenish her women suffer from an equal amount of heart attacks power source. She is left with an empty reservoir as as men according to the American Heart Association? she stands alert and ready to respond to her next sum- Doesn’t our SUPERwoman status make us invincible to mons for help. So when does SUPERwoman STOP the these diseases and disorders? Surely our love, devo-

rollercoaster and get off to respond to her own needs? tion, and servitude to those that we faithfully serve in Unfortunately, many times its after a warning sign that the execution of our SUPERwomanly duties should be includes stress related induced illnesses like heart dis- justification to ward off pesky illness, and diseases that ease, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, sleep- threaten our mission as SUPERwomen? But the statising disorders, and depression. Wait, depression? Yes, tics say so otherwise! For example, suicide rates for depression...many women suffer from depression women between the ages of 45-54 were the highest more often than men. Is that possible to be depressed among females in 2017 according to the National Instifrequency when we are engrossed in supporting and tute of Mental Health.

serving others? 22

Women die at alarming rates from heart attacks each STOP putting out fires for others hang up the cape, year at more than 200,000 or five times as many as and save ourselves! Begin to honestly question your women with breast cancer, according to the Center for motivation for saying Yes to everyone, and essentially Disease Control. Globally, women are disabled by de- saying NO to yourself.3. pression and anxiety more than men including major 3. Let’s face it we all get 24 hours in each day...if we depression according to the Journal of Psychiatry &

pack it with projects there is NO time leftover for self

Neuroscience.

-care! In fact, 1,440 minutes isn’t a whole lot of

It stands to reason that while we are busy saving

time when you think about. My point is that we

everyone else that we as SUPERwomen are missing the

will not get added minutes, hours, or days...time is

mark, and falling short as it relates to saving ourselves

precious, and limited! One of the best things that

from preventable illnesses that are stress related. By

we can do as WONDERFUL woman living SUPER

the way the statistics are higher for women of color,

lives is to make a daily decision to spend quality

we die at more alarming rates than the general popula-

time with ourselves everyday BEFORE serving oth-

tion, and we tend to get medical attention later (we

ers. Praying in the mornings, journaling, meditating,

ignore the warning signs longer). So what can we do to

and exercising are all healthy tools for replenishing

change some of these statistics to become better

our reservoir, before beginning to serve others.

equipped in taking care of ourselves while serving oth- 4. Listen to the warning signs...your body is calling ers? Here are four tips for the modern woman to care

you! It is a scientific fact that our bodies cannot live

for herself FIRST!

in a constant fight or flight state. All the stress of

1.First, be honest with yourself...There is no SUPERwom-

being everything to everyone at all times, is a lot of

an, Wonder Woman, or other SUPERhuman! There

pressure for anyone. Minor aches and pains, ex-

now that that has been resolved let’s get really honest

tended moments of feeling blue, and feelings of

to determine the true motivation for saying yes, when

constant exhaustion can be from more than flying

we really may want to, or need to say “NO”. Some-

through the skies and saving a damsel in distress!

times we say YES simply because we don’t want to

Schedule a doctors appointment, learn the warning

offend others, disappoint others, we want to be liked

signs for heart disease, lose a little weight, but most

by others, or we are afraid that others may reject us.

important STOP ignoring your own cry for help. You

It is ok to say “NO” without apologies, without expla-

deserve your service, dedication, and loyalty to live

nation, and without guilt! Practice saying “NO” in the

your best life!

mirror, or writing it in your journal. Get comfortable Coach Tanya R Bankston can be reached for coaching at coachtbankston.com or the changedoula.com Follow her on 2.Learning to hear the cry of your voice screaming for social media by searching for the Change Doula on Facehelp requires time being silent. Yes It is necessary to book, Twitter, Instagram. I am that Coach that helps you give BIRTH to your CHANGE one push at a time!

with “NO” it may save your life.

hope to help broaden your understanding a bit. The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well -being in which every individual realizes her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her

community." In Proverbs 23:7, the Bible describes mental health similarly when it states, “as a man thinks in his heart so is he.” Its bigger than our thoughts and emotions, it’s the manifestation of our mental health states that can either be problematic or life-giving. Now that we have laid a foundation, let’s walk a few steps further. Since we are created in God’s likeness and image, each one of us is uniquely designed to be dynamic personali-

It all starts in the MIND. This may sound cliché, but the reali- ties with a wide range of emotions that are necessary to help ty is that any and everything that has and will manifest in our us navigate through life. That’s right! We have everything lives starts with a Single THOUGHT. Our emotions, actions, that pertains to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). In our pursuit and behavior stem from a conscious or unconscious mindset. of godliness, we often fail to pay attention to the elements Thus, I emphatically make the claim that your mental health needed to help us navigate this life. Emotions are neurologiaffects every aspect of your life. I would even go so far to say cal responses that originate in the amygdala, a primitive part that it determines the course of your entire life. If we could of our brain. They are involuntary and not always based on be honest about the areas in our lives where we do not pur- accurate information. Despite their unreliability, they are

sue our purpose and the areas where we are not thriving, we useful, they are a blessing, and a gift. How else would we can source it the root and find a limited mindset or an un- experience life? healthy belief system. Scholars agree with me. Mental health Now trust me I understand why emotions are given a bad is far more holistic than just a few diagnoses in a manual. rap. They can change as we gain more information and Let’s start with a fundamental question. What does the term change our perspective. For example, if you are walking in mental health mean? Most of us throw out terms like anxie- the front yard and you see what looks like a snake, initially ty, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive you might feel a sense of fear, especially if you are like me Compulsive Disorder, etc. While these are mental health dis- and afraid of snakes. Your heart is pounding, you may think, orders, I “Oh my Gosh, a snake!”

Then upon further examination, you realize the “snake” is hurt and anguish. This results in a lack of authenticity. There

not moving. You squint your eyes, and you realize its not can be no intimacy when we approach God our father beactually a snake, but a fallen branch. Naturally your fear cause hide our true selves. We become ashamed of our subsides because a branch is harmless. In this scenario, feelings believing that we shouldn’t be feeling that way. your feelings change because your perspective changed Sadly, these masking behaviors leads to prolonged suffering based on the additional information you receive and pro- along with an unbalanced approach to our emotional expecessed. While this incident is trivial, it speaks to the value of riences. our emotional states. If the figure on the ground was in fact a snake, then the sense of fear you felt would have been appropriate and led you to an appropriate response (running, screaming, chopping off the head, calling animal control, etc.). This scenario also sheds light on the unreliability of our emotions.

Let me give you a realistic example that will bring this point to life. Sherry was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 breast

cancer. Based on her faith paradigm she believes she is only supposed to express faith and healing. Although she has many questions and emotions, she views them as a sign of spiritual weakness. Sherry believes that if she had true

My sisters, here is where I believe that we miss the mark as faith, she wouldn’t be shaken by this. During times where Christians. There seems to be an epidemic in Christendom she is really struggling emotionally, she does not pray genuthat supports the notion that somehow because we are ine prayers and she never expresses her fear to God. people of faith, we are invincible to life’s challenges. Some When she attempts to confide in a church leader that she is also believe that a negative emotional response to stressors struggling with depression and that she is not coping well is sinful. The underlying belief is if someone becomes exces- despite her faith, she is met with only with scriptures and sively overcome with negative emotions (sadness, grief, told that all she has to do is believe and trust God. Sherry fear, anxiety, disappointment, anger), then the person lacks is left isolated. When she is tearful and overwhelmed, she faith. This lends to the idea that having faith leaves no room reminds herself, “All I have to do is trust God.” When asked for feelings. Unfortunately, this believe system does not how she is doing Sherry fakes a smile and says, “I am allow us to truly live in the freedom that God desires, and it blessed and highly favored.” also limits our ability to have intimacy with our Father. I can recite a list of scriptures that tell us not to be anxious, that

Jesus gives us peace, that we are not to fear. Sis, the reason these scriptures exist is because God knew that there would be times where we would be anxious or fearful, or sad, or disappointed. He knew there would be a time when our

Sherry’s experience is not uncommon in many Christian circles. We often believe that quoting scriptures in attempt to nullify our emotions is the noble and righteous thing to do. It is a common yet faulty coping mechanism. Sherry is experiencing normal emotional processes given her cancer diagnosis.

peace would be disturbed. Since we interpret these scriptures to mean that these emotions are not allowed, we begin to hide our true feelings about heart matters from one another. We learn to give church answers, we learn to

say the right things when deep down there may be so much

What if Sherry received consolation from her spiritual leader that it is possible to trust God and still experience uncertainty and sadness that naturally comes with major sickness. What if Sherry received the revelation that God can

handle her questions and her fears. In fact, her Father wel- EMBRACE & INVITE GOD INTO YOUR PAIN - Emotions are comes them so that He can comfort her and reassure her of given to us by God. Although some of us are more expresHis love. Furthermore, what if Sherry was encouraged to sive than others, God never meant for us to deny our emoseek mental health treatment for her symptoms of depres- tions. Job and David are great examples of authenticity and sion? Many of us identify with Sherry in one way or another wishing that we understood more about the intersection between our faith and our mental health. Perhaps for you it was the loss of loved one, difficulty with a troubled child, a divorce, etc. Regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves in, our perfect example is Jesus. In Luke 22, While Jesus and his disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane,

vulnerability with God. If God is near to the broken hearted, a Father that pities our every groan, if He bottles up our tears, and our strength is made perfect in our weakness, then surely, He can comfort in our darkest hour. Embrace the pain trusting that you will experience God in a new way. Your tears are your prayer. Permission to feel gives you per-

mission to heal. Resolve to be present even though the pain.

he was experiencing agonizing distress as he was preparing EXPAND YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF FAITH- In many cases to be crucified for our sins. Jesus expressed the depth of his we believe that faith is believing God only for the desired sorrow and cried out to God. He even questioned if there is outcome. Through sickness the only sign of faith is that I another way to accomplish the task of redemption. He believe God for healing. I believe it’s important to believe eventually came to the resolution that he had to go through that God can do the impossible, but we must also consider it because it was the will of God. It was in this place of ago- that his plan often includes both mountains and valleys. Phi-

ny & despair, that angels were sent to comfort Him (Luke lippians 3:10 explains how we learn the nature of Christ 22:41-44). Our Mental health largely depends on our ability to recog-

through our triumphs, but also through our failures. Trusting God does not limit your range of emotions.

nize that emotional pain is a necessary part of our lives and My sister, my genuine prayer for you is that God reveals there is no escape. There are times when anger, mourning, himself to you like never before as you begin to invite Him and sadness are appropriate and necessary. Emotional heal- into your pain. I can promise He will meet you there, and ing is a process. Your faith does not eradicate the difficulties your perspective of faith will be expanded. My prayer is that that you experience. Your faith in Jesus Christ rather is an you will begin to understand that your mental health and anchor that allows you to trust that there is a deeper mean- faith intersect on many levels. I pray that you are activated ing even when you cannot understand it in the moment. It to pursue a holistic approach to your relationship with is the ultimate resolve that no matter the heartache or Christ incorporating mental/emotional wellness. My ultiquestions, God is in control of the outcome: good or bad. As mate prayer is that we create vulnerable spaces in the body a mental health clinician, I felt it necessary to provide you of Christ where hiding is no longer necessary, where people with tools to help you navigate the intersection of your faith will be free to expose their hurt, & be encouraged to seek and mental health especially when encountering seasons the mental health treatment they need. that are emotionally challenging.

Dr. Hugie “Creating a Culture of Mental Health Awareness & Sensitivity” 27

My name is Tania Johnson or Tania Nichole for short. I am a single mother of one active and fun-loving college student. I live in Houston, Texas where I was born and raised. And I am on my full transformation journey to a better life. I started transforming my life physically a few years ago with much success. I went from a size 12 to a size 6 within 4 months. I did this by working out at least 5 days a week and maintain a nutritious meal plan. I was elated at my progress to transform my body to body. My body works for me. So, if I want get the most what I wanted it to look like. However, after a year or productivity from my body what is the best way to do two I gained most of my weight back. What I realized in this? Its by treating my body with respect, giving it only 2018 it that it isn’t good enough to just transform my the best foods and working it out. How can I expect my body but to also work on changing my mental outlook. body to work perfectly for me if I don’t treat it like I So last year I started on a journey of self-development should? into my thought process and my belief system. I know Working out, eating right partnered with maintaining a you have heard this before, “what we think, we be- good mental balance is key to living the life we deserve come”. Well this statement is true; we are our thoughts to have. Here is what I know, we are worthy of having and what we choose to do.

and experiencing good things in life. But first we have

This year I have a partner that keeps me on track with to believe that we are worthy of such greatness. my workouts and nutrition. We walk together at least 4 In order for us to have a fun-filled, sustainable life, it is -5 days a week and we discuss how to maintain our imperative for us to conduct a deep-dive into our belief healthy habits. We are consistently learning new system, conscious and sub-conscious. And for the behealthy techniques and applying them to our lives. We liefs that no longer serve us we have to work on changcook new healthy meals and make sure that we are ing them into new beliefs and thoughts. Here is what I maximizing our nutrients and food intake so our bodies know: In order for us to truly transform our mental and work more efficiently for us. I’ve changed the way I look at my body. I employ my

physical self we must change them together. Working

on your mental and physical self goes hand-in-hand. 29

“Jesus came so we could have life

Mental Tips

Speak up and ask for help if you

and have life more abundantly” John

Value yourself and know your

need to talk to anyone or need

10:10. How can we live a more

worth.

assistance.

abundant life if we don’t take of our mental and physical state. The answer is, we can’t. If you plan on living a long life then you have to take care of yourself mentally and physically. I know when life gets tough, it

may be hard to focus on maintaining our mental compac-

Take a mental break every day by quieting your mind, this can be done by doing a 10 to 15 minutes meditation. Take care of your body: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day Exercise at least 15 minutes a

Practice self-care by pampering yourself. (Get your nails done, take out some time to read, and/ or take a mental health day). Try something new each week such as a new restaurant, or new

walking trail, a new route on the way to work.

ity and slack off of

Don’t hold on to anger

your workout regi-

or grudges. Accept how

men. I want you to

you are feeling and then

know when times

work on letting it go and

are tough, remem-

make your way back to

ber “We can do all

your happy place.

things

through

Help others or volun-

Christ who strength-

teer. This will make you

ens us” Philippians

feel better to help some-

4:13.

one else.

I want to give you

Physical Tips

some tips that help me

get

Get at least 15 minutes

through

each day. These tips

physical

movement

(yoga, walking, or pilates)

help me to start transforming my

day which helps with mental

into your daily routine.

life for the better.

clarity

Stretch before and after your

Check out my 10 mental and 10

Get enough sleep every night

workout

physical tips below. I’m sure you

Eat leafy green vegetables, leg-

workout performance and mus-

have seen most of these before and

umes, beans and nuts.

cle control.

they are listed for a reason. It’s be-

Practice gratitude every day.

cause they actually have worked for

Have a good support system in

several individuals.

place.

For those of you in sedentary positions, set a timer for every hour to get up and move around for 5 minutes.

improve

your

Take care of your personal health by taking ad- I am on my way to creating the life I want by applying vantage of your health benefits for prevention the mental and physical tips I provided you above. My (dental checkup, well womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exam, vision exam). life is a journey and I want to make sure my journey is a Reduce your sugar intake.

long and happy one. I hope you find these tips helpful

Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce fast food as you begin or continue on your journey through life. intake.

Remember you employ your body to work for you, so

Try new exercise routines periodically.

treat it with love and respect.

Listen to your body, if your body needs rest, then If you have questions, please contact me at take time and relax. lifeofqueent@gmail.com. For inspiration please consid-

Ensure your body is getting the right nutrients and minerals it needs to properly work for you.

er visiting and subscribing to my channel at http:// www.youtube.com/c/TaniaNichole.

Schedule your workout sessions in your calendar.

As I think about my life and

some of the various moments I

had to stand in my strength.

Certainly learning to cope and

deal with the loss of my beloved

mother forced me to dig deep-

er. I had to seek a different form

of strength. I remember a fami-

ly friend saying to me there’s

nothing more painful than the

loss of a parent, and now you

will truly understand what it

feels like to be an orphan that

comment changed my life.

remember praying Lord please

give me strength beyond meas-

ure. Help me not to have this

debilitating grief, allow me to

get on with my life.

The Lord

heard me, and I was getting on

with life. However I believe there

were some new lessons I had to

learn in order to become the

women he wanted me to be.

Loss can really set you back, liv-

ing in a new city with no family

and friends was extremely diffi-

culty. I believe the lord was pre-

paring me for the lesson to rely

solely on him. I did just that I

joined a new church, I join a prayer group with other ladies. I thought this was going to be great. However I still felt a sense of not feeling connected. So dive in to meditation to find a

sense of peace. I continued to

have a burning desire to return

to my native New York City.

Every time I thought about mov-

ing back I would get this over-

whelming feeling, I knew that

was the good Lord was telling

me to stop think about NYC. The

Carolinas brought me a tre-

mendous amount of peace. So I

continued to trust GOD …. I be-

lieve everything happens for a

reason.

I believe moving to the Carolinas

was a great lesson to learn how

to reinvent myself.

It’s a very

casual city. Very family orient-

ed and I was stepping outside of

my comfort zone. Making new

friends finding new job opportu-

nities which initial was quite a

challenge through it all God’s

presence was there.

this small piece of my life to re-

mind you that you have a

strength and a resilience that is

ground breaking.

I share

are combing through life one thing is constant the love of Godhe truly loves you. I stand before you stronger wiser and more centered then I have ever been because I believe -that “nothing and no one can upset God’s plan for my life. What radiates outward is the Holy Spirit hand over my life. I walk with authority because he is in me I am in him. The beauty, the warmth, knowing internally it’s not about me brings me a feeling of incredible peace. I want to leave you with this prayer; Lord, I pray that I might realize my authority in prayer. Teach me to pray with your strength and power. I want to work together with you in prayer to determine my future and the future of my nation. I want to pray with authority for my city. I desire to pray powerful

breakthrough prayers that move your hand to action. Teach me to daily come to you and pray faith-filled prayers for my needs and the need of those around me. I can’t reach my workplace or neighborhood without your power. I thank you that you remember all of my prayers and that they influence your heart. Give me revelation of my spiritual authority (Ephesians 1-18-23). Marjory Brifil is an eighteen-year veteran in the field of human capital development and professional development. I currently serve as an Executive Coach my goal is to explore the key categories of human development by helping you identify your “blind spots”. By creating an image role out strategy the will present a better version of yourself. Ms. Brifil role is to drive the emphasis upon holistic development through exposure to a variety of management competencies. Ms. Brifil coaching aims to equip the client with the skills to make broad-based improvements at both a personal-professional and an organizational lev-

el. Working on a few key points: 34

The photos are from â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Glen Graham/ GrahamBurke Photography 35

and practice in the field of human services and professional development, Ms. Brifil is engaged in applying the methodologies of social work to new disciplines and challenges. She sees her role as advocating new approaches and strategies that serve not only top executives but those at more modest levels of our society seeking personal and career advancement and fulfillment. In the social work category, Ms. Brifil is engaged in a study defining how to apply social work strategies to

not merely help one maintain their societal status but to assume positions of leadership, leveraging practices proven to be effective in non-clinical settings. In professional development, Ms. Brifil is exploring the key categories of human development that companies ca My goal is to connect the ideas of advanced social work, leadership, and personal development by es-

tablishing the linkage between these non-traditional areas and then making her advanced content and services available through streamlined research and leadership styles, executive behavior, strategic thinking,

published studies, coaching and consulting, speaking, semi-

and emotional competency, dealing with ambiguity and

nars, and workshops.

changing global market.

I held an Adjunct Faculty role

Marjory brings solid credentials to her work with a Master of

within Winthrop Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Work Department grad-

Social Work from Adelphi University and a B.A. in Psychology

uate level studies program. I teach Advanced Practice with

from New York City University.

Macro systems and Generalist Social Work Practice III /

Ms. Brifil recently received an Honorable Mention from

Generalist Social Work Practice with Organizations and

NASW-NYC as an Emerging Leader in the field of Social

Communities.

Work, currently serves on the Political Action Committee of

Ms. Brifil combines extensive experience in social services the New York City Chapter of the National Association of with her original research exploring the impact, image plays Social Workers, where she addresses legislation relevant to in our social standing, personal and professional leader- social work, and is a member of STEP UP Network, a national ship. Believing there is a profound shift taking place globally non-profit organization aimed at elevating the professional in terms of lifestyle, education, and technology, Ms. Brifil standing of women. Board Member of PROMISE- Nonprofit recognizes the social and psychological needs of our society Organization- Youth Development -elevating the conscious-

have never been greater. focused on bringing new thinking ness of young women in the Charlotte marketplace. 36

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a pattern this way: a life-changing certainty. Here’s the wisdom.

“a particular way in which something is done or organized, or in which something happens.”

There are recognizable, identifiable PATTERNS in which each of us have operated in life. These patterns can be observed

Sometimes, I get what I call these “wonderful downloads” by anybody. These patterns are observed especially by the from a power much greater than I. It is as if the Heavens enemy of your soul and all those forces of evil designed to open to me and a wisdom far greater than my natural ability hinder your progress. The enemies of your soul can be peocomes to me. It’s amazing and supernatural. I can recall the ple who are jealous of you, your proverbial “haters” or the day I received the inspiration that I am about to share with devil himself. They watch you. They study you. They are you. Once I meditated on it and continued to share this wis- very familiar with you.

dom with others, it became quite obvious that this reality is 40

Then, at the most inopportune moment, they use now! Release the energy. Say it aloud: I have the power to your own patterns against you to hinder your progress and erect new systems to eradicate old patterns! productivity. It is as if they have a remote to your life and

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a system this way:

they are very skilled and quite timely in pushing all the right buttons at the wrong time to produce their desired and epic

a set of connected items or devices that operate together:

ending: No progress & No forward motion for you! They a way of doing things; a method: really don’t have a remote, but we have unconsciously given them power.

We have to create systems that change our old patterns! We must live in light of the fact that we should

Think about it. Almost every time you get ready to always be evolving, growing, and changing. This reality remove forward… to launch out into the deep…..to do some- quires a shift in our perspectives. What worked before, may thing great, the same things…the same negative energy not work now. I have learned, in order to expand my capacicomes to sap you of energy and to hinder your productivity, I must challenge myself to change. Change requires an ty. These challenges come to distract you from the leap! exchange of old patterns and the building of new systems. I Usually it’s someone or something close to you that does have the ability to erect NEW SYSTEMS to eradicate old something to hinder or injure you somehow. Your relation- patterns! This is often more difficult than it sounds, but very ships with your spouse, children, friends or family members possible. When you have to have a CHANGE OF MINDSET it becomes challenged. It could be that you experience sud- will produce a CHANGE OF MOUTH SET. den “emergencies,” fear, lack, defeat, jealousy, anger, frus-

As you prepare to produce the new and great things

tration, discouragement, rejection, abandonment, sickness that are coming to you during your times of BREATHING, and the like. expect to see patterns. Make a pact with yourself. When It is a true fact that the forces of evil can hinder us! you see or feel the old stuff coming up that has always deThere is a scripture found in the Holy Bible that says, “….we feated you every other time you were on the road to pro-

wanted to come to you—...again and again—but Sa- gress, get happy and SHOUT and FIGHT. This is a new system tan hindered us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18 English Standard that you are erecting. See this as a sign from the Universe Version (ESV)

that that you are on the right track!!! Get happy! Persevere

While that may be true, here is what I know. Negative forces and keep it moving! Bump the dumb stuff! You’ve got this.

can try to block us but the reality is, they can’t stop us! Only Scripture Meditation: 2 Corinthians 4:18, I Timothy 6:12, Phiwe can stop the process of our forward motion. This hap- lippians 3:14-15The Cambridge Dictionary defines a system pens when we surrender to the forces working against us. this way: We must learn to fight, stand and press! a set of connected items or devices that operate together: I often decree, “I am in this world but I am not of a way of doing things; a method: this world and the rules of this world will not dictate anything to me!” I am not natural. I am supernatural; therefore We have to create systems that change our old patterns! We I have the power to erect new systems to eradicate old must live in light of the fact that we should always be evolvpatterns! That’s a great declaration for you to make right ing, growing, and changing. This reality requires a shift in our 42

perspectives. What worked before, may not work now. I have learned, in order to expand my capacity, I must challenge myself to change. Change requires an exchange of old patterns and the building of new systems. I have the ability to erect NEW SYSTEMS to eradicate old patterns! This is often more difficult than it sounds, but very possible. When you have to have a CHANGE OF MINDSET it will produce a CHANGE OF MOUTH SET. As you prepare to produce the new and great things that are coming to you during your times of BREATHING, expect to see patterns. Make a pact with yourself. When you see or feel the old stuff coming up that has always defeated you every other time you were on the road to progress, get happy and SHOUT and FIGHT. This is a new system that you are erecting. See this as a sign from the Universe that that you are on the right track!!! Get happy! Persevere and keep it moving! Bump the dumb stuff! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got this.

Scripture Meditation: 2 Corinthians 4:18, I Timothy 6:12, Philippians 3:14-15

EXCERPTS FROM BREATHE : DAY 5: ALIGN YOUR LIFE Besides spending time breathing, what else do I need to do to maximize my purpose and capacity in life? I am glad you asked. You must align your life to breathe properly. The following list is what I have learned while breathing in His presence. I am certain these things will help transform your life as well.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES! Stop making excuses about why you cannot do something or why you do not have enough time or money to get it done. That is unacceptable. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the resolve to get it done.

BEWARE OF DISTRACTIONS. Stop being so busy and putting everyone and everything else before you. That is what is sapping you of your strength, health, ability to focus and God’s creative energy.

GET RID OF CLUTTER! Clutter can be anything from a lot of junk around you to a schedule

calendar

that

too

busy. Maybe you or the people that depend on you are involved in too many activities. Declutter your life, your environment and leave room in your schedule for new things and the gift of spontanei-

ty.

SHUT DOWN ALL SOURCES OF NEGATIVITY. Recognize that not everyone can go where you are going. If there is anything or anyone who breeds negativity, shut them down by refusing to allow their thoughts to penetrate your belief system. Do not use your energy trying to change them or convince them of positive things. Do whatever you must to refute their negative spirit.

BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Do not waste all of your time in His presence asking for things. Although exhalling is necessary, remember, “Breathe” is also about inhaling: spending more time listening. When He does not seem to be communicating or speaking, love Him enough just to rest and relax in His presence. That is real relationship.

TAKE TIME TO ENVISION. Envisioning is tapping into the spond to you. Your faith is like dynamite. It will create an God-sense in you. It is yielding to the creative force of explosion and manifest what you desire. The believer selGod in you. God gave us a pattern in the book of begin- dom suffers from a lack of faith. Our problem quickly benings to help us produce his commands to be fruitful, to comes our lack of hope. For many, after they have expected multiply, to subdue and to have dominion. God spent for so long, expectation dwindles and pretty soon, there is six days working (creating, speaking, commanding & little to no hope. The belief system of “well, we know God blessing) and then was able to rest on the seventh day. can, but we feel like He just might not do it for me,” slowly These are our instructions. Adhering to these principles but powerfully creeps and settles in. That belief system is helps us follow God’s plan and will for our lives. In the perpetuated by a mindset that says it is okay to think this next few days of inspiration, I will share more about the way, because after all, He is God and He can do what He

envisioning process. These concepts are shaping my life chooses. This is a trick of the enemy. The bible says “hope and impacting my destiny.

deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV) Faith is your stick of

The last step to aligning your life to breathe properly is….

dynamite, but hope (expectation) is the fuse to your stick of dynamite. One without the other is no good. My advice is

LIVE EVERY DAY IN EXPECTATION! Expectation is the breed- to keep the power of expectation on the rise. Do not let the ing ground for miracles. Expectation is really Bible hope. It enemy steal from you by robbing you of your hope. Keep is not wishing things might happen. It is expecting them to hope alive.

happen every day! Your faith is the switch that turns God Scripture Meditations: Romans 5:3-5, Proverbs 13:12, I Coon. Your faith will make all the powers of the universe re- rinthians 15:58

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Myra is an author, certified life coach and transformational speaker who has traveled nearly 30 years assisting businesses and non-profit organizations with organizational structures, training, and development. She inspires individuals to LIVE their BEST life! She is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and conference host who understands the power of positivity and unity. Myra knows firsthand how powerful lives can be when people take the time to de-clutter and un-busy themselves long enough to take moments to “just breathe!!!” She has an uncanny ability to help people discover how to maximize their potential in the earth. Myra bridges gaps, brings people together to laugh, to motivate and to inspire them to be their BEST unique self. Myra takes much pride and is humbled above all, by her first ministry of being a wife and mother. She is happily married to Pastor Gary L. Bellinger. They presently reside in Charlotte, NC with their two children, David Josiah & daughter, Maya Zoe; and are the proud Shepherds of City of God Ministries International.

To connect with Myra or get booking information visit: #BREATHEWITHMYRA on Social Media Breathe.mbe@gmail.com 45

temporary. Our world is a Matrix of sorts. If you have never seen the movie, I suggest you do. I just love that movie be-

DAY 6: RENEW YOUR MIND

cause it illustrates what is really going on between our experi-

Hopefully, you have begun the envisioning pro- enced natural reality and our spiritual reality. Everything in the cess. This process really begins with renewing the mind. Re- world that we see has come from a permanent and more real newing the mind means that you believe what God says in His world that we cannot see. God spoke this world into existence Word concerning you. It does not matter what people, situa- by the power of His thoughts and words. That same creative tions and circumstances say. Believing God takes work. It re- power is in you! God gave it to you! You have the power to quires a lot of meditation to change your thoughts and mind- create your world. When you believe and ‘see’ what you speak, sets.

before you actually see the manifestation of what you have spoken, then you are operating in your God-given supernatural This powerful tool of envisioning is not daydreaming by ability to envision.

far! Webster’s Dictionary defines a daydream as “a pleasant visionary

usually

wishful

creation

the

imagina-

Daydreaming in itself is not bad. It is just not produc-

tion.” “Daydreaming is a short-term detachment from one's tive. After the daydream is over, there is not a decisive call to immediate surroundings, during which a person's contact with action. There is no direction. There is no change. But, when reality is blurred and partially substituted by a visionary fantasy, you envision, change takes place. When you envision, you not especially one of happy, pleasant thoughts, hopes or ambitions, only see the end result, you see steps and actions you must imagined as coming to pass, and experienced while take to get there. Envisioning inspires you to act. It creates a

awake.” (Wikipedia) Envisioning is much deeper than the con- desire in you to make your dream a reality. As you envision cept of daydreaming. Daydreaming only produces a temporary your future, trust that God will give you the strategies and acchange in feeling and outlook, and requires a temporary de- tion steps needed to make that future a reality.. tachment of reality. Envisioning is so much more than a feeling Scripture Meditations: Romans 12:1-2, Job 32:8, 2 Corinthians and a detachment from what is real. When you envision, your 4:16-18, Joshua 1:8 vision is not blurred, but clear. Envisioning is all about tapping into the reality of what the God of the Universe sees in you and

DAY 7: KNOW WHO YOU ARE

desires for you. Envisioning is powerful. That is why the enemy has a counter-

It does not matter where you come from. It does not

feit for it. He does all he can to keep you from envisioning. The matter how much money you have in the bank. It does not counterfeit is daydreaming. The distractions from your spiritual matter what anyone says or thinks about you. The power to be reality are his weapons of defeat. Think about it. You are con- successful lies within you and begins with the process of envistantly distracted with things that keep you busy—often too sioning! The real you is an eternal spirit being that gets its life busy to do the things that really matter, and envisioning really source from its Creator. As a believer, the Creator lives on the matters. We must find the time to quiet ourselves, tap into the inside of you. And, you, the real you, gets its life source and depths of our spirit to get clear instructions and directions information from the Creator who knows EVERYTHING. There straight from heaven.

is nothing you need to know, that you cannot know. We must renew our minds and know:

You may not know it, but the things of this world are

Who we are 46

Whose we are

particularly want you to have. A perfect example in the Bible is

What we have

Israel and their desire for a king. A king was not God’s desire for them, but they kept asking, envisioning, confessing for a

What we can do

Who are you? If you are a child of God, you are the righteous- King and they eventually got a King. But, a king was not God’s ness of God in Him. That means you do not fear, are not inferi- best for them. or and know no defeat!

You are a joint heir with Jesus

Desire the things God wants for you and do things God

Christ. You share everything that belongs to Him. He supplies has created you to do. You will find happiness, fulfillment & joy all of your needs. You are not just a human being—you are a when you embrace the will of God for your life. There is no human-divine being. You are a god in the earth today. You greater place of safety & peace than His will. God has empowexecute God’s will and reign by use of His authority and power. ered you with the Holy Spirit who gives you the wisdom of

He has given you the power to reign and rule in this life!

God. That wisdom brings us into immeasurable success. He

Whose are you? Wealth and privilege is often genera- warns us, gives us direction & comfort. We are then able to tional. Most often, those distinctions are seldom associated make our own way prosperous as opportunities arise and expewith someone because of their own accomplishments but ra- rience good success. Joshua 1:8 (KJV) ther, because of birthright. Wealth is most often a birthright, a

These are foundational principles for success. I want

state of living one enjoys because of their birth. That family you to renew your mind today and begin the process of envirelationship introduces you to a life of privilege & wealth. sioning your life. Conceptualize what this envisioning process When we understand whose we are, the family we are born entails and then begin to do it now! Change what you see in into when receiving salvation, we understand how privileged the natural by tapping into what is on the inside of you. Tap

and wealthy we truly are. You belong to the Creator and Own- into the Creator’s thoughts and visions for you and your life. er of the Universe who has all authority and all power! He Envision a better future. Envision your life different. Envision loves you. He cares for you. He created you with destiny and your dreams fulfilled. Envision what life would be like if money purpose. Begin to reflect on all that God is and all that you are. were inexhaustible. Envision your future generations as the You belong to great & mighty God. You are a peculiar people, a success story God has purposed! When you do this, you will royal priesthood. You sit in heavenly places with God. You are begin to see the powers of the universe respond to what you not ordinary or common. You are special because you belong see and your success will manifest in reality. This is not a New to the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. He is your God and you Age doctrine; it is God’s faith principles at work in the life of are His people. You are the apple of God’s eye. Affirm your every believer who will dare to embrace these principles. Meet identity by understanding your relationship with Him. That me tomorrow. I cannot wait to continue this time with you. relationship gives you great value. Enough said. Meditate on

Scripture Meditations: Romans 12:1, Proverbs 18:21, II Peter

that.

What do I have and what can I do? Everything and 1:3, II Corinthians 2:1 anything. The best choices are what God desires you to have. I know that is a difficult thing to grasp. You have everything and can do anything. There are universal principles and laws that work for or against you. You do not have to believe in the law

of gravity for it to work. It just works. Because of the principles of the universe, you can obtain things that God does not 47

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