VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 - PREVIEW by SALTY Magazine

SEX

SUCCESS

STYLE

SPIRITUALITY

IN, BUT NOT OF.

ART

MUSIC

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1

LONG

WE CAN’T

STOP

LIVE THE

RIGHTEOUS

WE WON’T

STOP

UNCAGE YOURSELF! SALTYMAGAZINE.COM

VOLUME IV

THE LIONHEART CHRONICLES

o VERSE ETENE

Take a Stroll As cobblestone gives way to asphalt and the muted pulse of morning to the rhythm of day, Verse 10 punches through the monochromatic cityscape with energetic and natural tones of lilac, aqua, lemon and lavender â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a fresh approach to urban style.

CONTENTS 40 22

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SALT SPILL (INTERVIEWS)

Ish

HeeSun Lee

Dequan King

Kierra J. Brown

WILD AT ART

Deraj

Zelon Merrel

Taj McGill

Larry Rosalez

Garrett Underwood

Charissa Dyer

Natalie Fong

Dina Almonord

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CONTENTS 84 74

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SALTY BITES

Sex Addictions by Robyn-Ann

SELAH

Lust by Robyn-Ann

Proverbs 28:1

Ambition by Sabrina Singleton

Proverbs 9

Money by Rob Williams

THE X FILES (TESTIMONIES)

Light by Rochelle Sibucao

Darren Domingo

Love by Christlove Thermidor

Giel

Righteous by Carlie Harford

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FORETASTE It’s time to uncage yourself. We are the ones set free by redemption, yet often allow the culture to corner us into a fearful bubble, espe cially when it comes to being pure in heart and body. Purity is a worthy pursuit, for not only do we reap the benefits of a long & focused life here on earth – but God also promises to reward us with Himself. It’s simple, if you’re His, He calls you holy – and it’s nothing to be apologetic about. Learning his selfless ways about sex, success, style and spirituality likened to pursuing life itself. Like a lion, He calls us to not eat the dead things of society, but to set our eyes on worthy prey – living things. Of course it’s easier to eat from the dead carcass society serves up at every turn – but you were saved you for a greater challenge – to run after meaty challenges with fresh taste. The world will continue returning to their vomit of broken hearts, short-lived romances, and empty sex hookups – make sad songs about it – then look at you crazy when you choose to skip their menu. But as Paul reminds us, enough time has been spent being passionate after wickedness. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the godly ones in the land ☺ If God called you out, be glad and get zealous for faith with good works. The righteous are bold as a lion, let’s roar. (Proverbs 28:1)

Robyn-Ann Lawson editor@saltymagazine.com 10

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@robynannl

CREDITS

CONTRIBUTORS Robert Williams

SALTY is a print and digital magazine for those in, but not of the culture. Our publications, apparel, and media highlight young individuals infiltrating culture with beauty, creativity, and truth.

Sabrina Singleton Rochelle Sibucao Christlove Thermidor

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Dayra Galarza Carlie Harford PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Rosalez Javier Edwards Robyn-Ann Lawson Sylva Kabuanseya ROLE MODELS Kelly Durby Nicole Ferrier Darren Domingo Kamille Virgo Charissa Dyer OTHER SALTSHAKERS

/saltymagazine

Manny Handsome

/saltymagazine

Latoya Carter

@saltymag

Christina Desnoyers

@saltymag

SEX

SUCCESS

Trudi-Ann Dyer

STYLE

SPIRITUALITY

ART

MUSIC

INSTASALT Some of our favorite streams to follow, check them out on

@ankcara_marketplace

@justderaj

@andymineo

@eazyyokeart

@gielmusic

@natalierachelphoto 14

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@foolies

@h8sin

@elroiphoto

@jesusismycoach

@yolarryd

@letgodwork

@mannyhandsome

@shortydoowop4 15

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@iammcjin

@verseten

@itsnoproblem

@promisetangeman

@stylenina

@simplythabo

SELAH

“ The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues…

”

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“ ...But The Righteous Are Bold As A Lion.

”

PHOTO LARRY ROSALEZ MODEL KELLY DURBY WORDS PROVERBS 28:1 (ESV)

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SALTY BITE

SEXUAL ADDICTIONS Words Robyn-Ann Lawson

Our sensual culture is no respecter of persons. Both male and female, innocent and guilty, old and young (and unborn) have been victims of its endless sex worship and sacrifice to the lust dragon. Human trafficking, rape, pornography, and abortions continue to rise and affect even younger age groups. As a result, many in the church still find themselves haunted with sexual experiences, or return to their old lifestyles in frustration. But thankfully, there is a God â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not sex.

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After battling a porn addiction in my teenage years, I’ve come to learn that for every temptation the world has, the Lord has a greater pleasure. I still have to battle the daily flood of lustful stimuli, but these are some tools I’ve gathered over the years to maximize my freedom in Christ: 1. Don’t focus on what not to do. Your mind will only become a target for guilt and defeat. Plus, inclinations such as masturbation or promiscuity will keep coming back if the root is not dealt with. Sexual arousal or stimulation is a gift with a God-wrapped purpose and timing, so it may not always disappear just because you ask. Switch to the offensive instead and seek out the Lord’s satisfaction and pleasures daily (Psalm 145:16). Without vision it becomes hard to develop self-control (Proverbs 29:18), so prioritize your passions and plan effective ways to sharpen your gifts for Kingdom use. 2. Reject prideful isolation (Proverbs 18:1) and pursue community and transparency. The enemy’s false authority only appears real in darkness, so fight to live in the light and boast in your weaknesses. Strongholds lose their grip when accountability and godly friendships have permission to till the soil of your heart. 3. Feed your spirit man and take weak days as only that – weak. If experiencing increased temptation or withered strength to resist, take stock to see when you last feasted on the Word of God. Jesus was not being sarcastic when He declared, “man cannot live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). Your spirit man needs to eat too! 4. Starve the flesh. We have to live in the real world with its seductive sway, but if there is any flesh-stimulating media that you can avoid, cut it out! (Psalm 119:37) Everything is permissible but let us heed Paul’s caution to not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Missing out on the world is not the issue here, rather, society is missing out on the real you …the freed you. Know what you were saved for, or your will only return to what you were saved from. Be encouraged!

“It is for freedom Christ has set us free, stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galations 5:1).

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theDarrenxDomingo files 22

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So what’s the spill? Tell us a bit of the story on how the Lord got your attention and brought you to Him. I grew up as a church kid. I went to a Filipino Baptist church up until going to college. I was always present on Sunday mornings, served in countless church plays, and was very involved with the youth group. I went through all the motions of what I thought it meant to be a “good Christian.” I saw the things I did in my life compared to the lifestyles of the other people in middle school and high school. Since I didn’t smoke weed, have sex, and party like everyone else, I thought I was good. Heaven was for sure. It wasn’t until I went to a conference in ATL called Passion my senior year of HS that the Lord rocked me. I had a radical love encounter with Jesus where He spoke to my heart and I learned that this Christian walk is so much deeper than what I made it out to be. It was there that I first understood grace and the gravity of the cross. I fell in love with Jesus forreal. I really wanted to live for Him. Are there any habits or desires that you’ve clearly noticed a change in, or didn’t expect Christ to help with already? All throughout my childhood I struggled with selfidentity. I hated to be picked on and had issues with jealousy amongst other people I met in school. Popularity had become my idol. I found my selfworth in the approval of my peers. I placed so much value in the clothes I wore and listening to the right music. This drew attention from females and lit a fire to my struggles with lust. I was addicted to pornography and masturbation along with being a slave to popularity. My view of beauty was distorted by my hidden life behind a computer screen. When

I encountered Jesus, He slowly began refining me into the man I’m called to be. My gaze at women slowly began to shift to true love found at the cross. I began to see women not as sexual objects, but as daughters of the Most High God. Girls He deeply loves and longs to be close to. When I gave my heart to Jesus, I learned that my identity was found in anyone else’s definition except for God’s. I became His child. I became His beloved. What is a current struggle you’re wrestling through, and some of the grace or lessons God has been showing you? This past Fall semester has been the most busiest of all my years here at UF. I’m a senior now, graduating next Summer. Within the next 365 days I will hopefully be a commissioned Officer at my first duty station in the United States Air Force. I have entered into a relationship with one of the greatest gifts from the Lord - my amazing girlfriend Danessa. A lot of big events have happened this year and time has a way of flying by when the end of a season is near. In such a crazy semester, there’ve been weeks when it has been tough getting into the secret place with the Lord. I know that all of my life’s joy and peace flows from my alone time with Jesus. Yet the enemy has a way of letting the obligations of school or ROTC become an obstacle in allowing me to seek Him. Even in the midst of the guilt or shame I’ve felt from not giving God all of me, He still allows me to be used for His glory. God has been so faithful in giving me appointments with people in my life that have blessed me or allowed me to bless them. I’ve felt so much grace overflow. Jesus’ love pursues me and doesn’t just leave me where I’m at.

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What are some of the new passions or ideas He has since awakened in you as a part of his kingdom takeover? Of all the ways God has opened my mind to new things, I’d have to say the most profound is my new

love for Haiti. Last Spring Break I was blessed with the opportunity to go serve at Cap-Haitien with Projects for Haiti Inc. After just six days being a part of what God did in the hearts of Haitians and us missionaries alike, my life was forever changed. I saw so much beauty in the people of Haiti. Even in the midst of poverty and thirdworld conditions, I saw the Lord moving there. Since Spring I’ve attained this undeniable love for Haitian culture, dance, language, and cuisine [manje ;]. I left a big chunk of my heart in Haiti. I don’t know what the Lord has specifically in store for my life with Haiti, but I know my heart has been awakened to the beauty that is the Pearl of the Carribean – and I can’t wait to go back this Spring.

@nerradognimod 24

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WAR ON TERROR:

LUST Words Robyn-Ann Lawson

“ Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those

who had not known it before ” Judges 3:1 - 2

Lust is a charming dictator, which eventually takes hostage any generation that invites it in. Most young adults only plan to dabble in its pleasures for a season, until they find a soul mate they can settle down with. But after practicing years of instant gratification at the expense of another person, even the marriages they dreamed of end up ruined – because lust gambled off the weapons required to fight for what is worthy of love (discipline, patience, and selfless sacrifice). Negotiating with lust is like negotiation with a terrorist – you come out losing every time because it never intended to honor your terms or values, but destroy them. The truth is, war teaches what nothing else can – kill or be killed. If we really claim to love the salvation Christ purchased for us on the cross, we must learn

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to war against anything that threatens this freedom. And for the sake of true love – His love that fought for us with His very life – we must learn to expose and counter the perverted bribes of this world’s lusts. Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. (Psalm 139:21-22) Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. (Psalm 144:1) But there is even more at stake than your personal fight or freedom. If God called you out, He has a plan to also deliver and influence your friends, family, and culture with your testimony. Like Judges 3 points out, if we are His, God will train us up to war for His commandments and reign on our lives. We are either for righteousness, or against it – there is no middle ground in war. The legacy of your marriage, future kids, and generations will depend on your response to ungodliness today.

“ Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud… And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges.” (Judges 3:15-16)

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

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Hee Sun Lee

SALT SPILL

The Salt

(tell us a bit about HeeSun, and your vision to impact culture): I’m a rapper and poet, who is hoping to effectively reach the masses and break stereotypes. I want to let people know that we can go beyond the limits that society places on us, as long as God is leading the way.

The Spill

(what projects are you planning to serve up this season ): I have my 2nd full length album “Stereotypes” coming out on January 21st, 2014, and a music video for my next single “Skin Deep” coming soon!

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The Spark (what inspired your idea or where do you pull your inspirations): I feel as if the hiphop industry needs more diversity. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to do it, but a lot of times we automatically create a vision in our minds of how certain people should act or live. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to break them!