SARAH MAGAZINE Rebirth

From the desk of the CEO

members, new prices, and new contributors. As you flip through the pages you will also see that I still have some of my staff members and contributors that have been with me for years. Thank you so much for believing and being so faithful.

Welcome to the rebirth of Sarah magazine! My name is Sheree Carradine and I am the Creator and Chief Editor of Sarah Magazine.

Sarah has been out of publication for more than five years, but not a day goes by that people are emailing or calling wondering when is Sarah magazine is coming back. I am so excited that God has given me the green light to move forward.

I have been blessed with new staff

We lost one of our best contributors. I know you all remember Cooking With J.C., she was faithful in bringing some mouthwatering recipes every month. My sister, Jeannette Carradine Crenshaw passed away in March of 2020 due to some long-term medical issues. I miss her so much! Before she passed away, she would always encourage me to bring Sarah back. She had plenty of recipes ready, unfortunately she passed before the rebirth, but I know she is cheering me on from heaven.

Love you so much sis.

Thinking about 2020, the world shut down due to Covid 19. Everyone is

still trying to pull their lives back together after that devasting blow.

If you are reading this magazine for the first time, let me tell you a brief story of how Sarah magazine was birthed.

Sarah Magazine/My Story

I wrote my first book called, THE JOY AND PAIN OF THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN WOMAN. This book took me close to ten years to write and get it published. Thousands of dollars later, it was published in 2009. It was so rewarding to see my dream come to life. I thought it was going to be easy selling/advertising it, that was a lot of money as well. Now, this book is in my hand, somebody tell me what’s the next thing to do?? Before going any further−I would like to share a little story with you, which leads right into how Sarah Magazine was birthed.

I was at an age where most of my friends were preparing to retire. Here I was divorced, starting all over and very depressed. It seemed as though it was too late for me to reach my goals, I was too old. In my prayer time or should I say my pity party time…God led me to the book of Genesis. He began to show me

Abraham and Sarah. As I read about Sarah having a baby at 90, God began to show me that nothing is impossible with him. Sarah had given up on having a baby because she was way passed child bearing years. I felt like Sarah, I was way passed trying to start my life all over again, I might as well give up on my dreams. That was my story on how I felt.

Now backing up to my book being published. I tried numerous ways of trying to advertise my book, one of which was trying to advertise it in some of the well-known magazines. Wow! The cost to advertise in those magazines was way beyond my budget! Once again, depression hit me, I went to God with my pity prayers. “Lord, you told me to write this book and how am I supposed to advertise it, I don’t have the money and these magazines are way too much. Show me what to do Lord.” He spoke to me so clearly and said “CREATE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE.” What? That was my response. He said it a second time. “Lord, you want me to create a magazine?” Wait…what would I call it? He spoke again and said;

SARAH−BECAUSE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! Ok, I hear you, Lord! That’s when I started doing my research, it didn’t happen right away,

but long story short, Sarah was birthed in August 2011.

Well, the rest is history. I was so surprised at all the responses and inquiries. Sarah magazine has gone worldwide, including Rwanda Africa. My magazine is a ministry, it ministers to you spiritually and mentally. When God gave me this magazine, He wanted me to remind people that IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE OUT YOUR DREAMS/GOALS. It features people telling their stories of Tragedy and Triumph, its Cooking Segments, Encouraging Articles, A Section For Our Young People, Advertising, Health, Beauty, and Wellness.

In closing; since the publishing of my first book and Sarah Magazine, I became a publisher and republished my book under my new publishing company in 2016, I have written other books and published over 20 books for other people. God is so good!

People, get comfortable, get a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the ministry of Sarah. In this issue we have two featured stories. Without giving it

away, just know that these two ladies are going to encourage and let you know that when life hits you with something so devasting, you can still get back up and continue your journey.

Sarah is available in digital format as well as hard copies. In order to take your time and enjoy all that Sarah has to offer, we encourage you to get a hard copy.

I pray that this magazine helps and ministers to you spiritually and mentally.

Thank you to all my staff, contributors old and new, I could not have done this without your help. Love you guys!

Most of all…TO GOD BE THE GLORY for giving me this ministry!

God bless,

Minister Sheree Carradine Creator/Chief Editor

mysarahmagazine@gmail.com

www.personalizeitsc2.com

Note: We are a Christian based magazine but not limited to only Christians. BUT we will not publish anything that is contrary to our beliefs, such as profanity or promotion of your sexual preferences.

Antwan Beaden-Leach is Co-Graphics Designer and Co-Editor of SARAH Magazine. She has been with the magazine since its inception in August 2011. She shares the mission of SARAH Magazine that affords the opportunity for people to reach for their dreams, elevating it to corners of the world that may never see it! “It’s Never Too Late” is the mantra for the magazine, after the biblical story of an women, Sarah, that gives birth to her son in her twilight years, a dream she prayed to God for a long time.

Part of the hard work and joy of producing SARAH Magazine is the challenge of creating. She is not professionally trained but has an aptitude and willingness to learn how to design a magazine that gives God the glory!

Antwan’s life is one of service. She is a disabled veteran and retired Civil Servant for the Federal government, serving for over 32 years. Since her retirement, she serves as Executive Director of Operations Support of a non-profit that helps women. Eagles Wings of Grace is a place where women can feel the love of God, while getting a wardrobe of clothing needed to obtain employment and training. Additionally, she has been a member, then Deacon, at Lighthouse Church International, for over 15 years. She uses her gifts of administration and computer science to assist the Senior Pastor and Staff Pastors in the execution of their duties.

Antwan has been married to the man God selected for her, the love of her life, Earl Leach, for 35 years! They raised two sons, Keene, also a veteran, and Labriel, our son in heaven. Her family consist of 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 1 great-granddaughter, and 4 greatgrandsons!

Y.P.W.P. Assistant

Hello! My name is Anitra. I am the administrator here at Sarah and my job is to help manage business affairs. I am a teacher at heart and by trade, I have been teaching kids most of my life. I love helping kids succeed and discover their purpose! My desire is for kids to become followers of Christ and develop their relationship with Jesus. I enjoy serving the community through outreach with my church, going for walks, spending time with family and friends talking, watching movies and playing games.

Graphics/Co-Editor

Administrator of Sarah Magazine

Antwan Beaden-Leach

Anitra Dickey

Hello: Welcome to all the amazing readers of Sarah Magazine. Many blessing to be bestowed on each and every one of you. My name is Robert "Bob" Temarantz and I will be writing interest articles for Sarah Magazine.

This could be about collectibles, hidden gems in American history or general interest articles. I hope you will enjoy them.

I was born in Tucson, Arizona in a large Adobe building called Apache Hall at Tucson Medical Center. It's been long torn down. I grew up in Tucson attending local schools and later on at The University of Arizona. Yep, I'm a fightin' Arizona Wildcat. After graduation I began my career in hospital administration in Nogales, Arizona. Right on the border with Mexico. Later on, accepted a position with the Hopi Tribal Health Department in Kykotsmovi, Arizona as Director of Community Health Services. I worked in Northern Arizona on the Hopi Indian Reservation. This was at a time of no cell phones and no cable TV. The closest movie theatre was either in Flagstaff or Winslow, Arizona 75 miles away. I ended my career with the Arizona Department of Economic Security until retirement. I hope you'll enjoy my articles as well as me researching the material. Blessings to all, Bob.

Hello my name is Bridgette.

I’m 63 and was born and raised in Sacramento California. I have eight sisters and two brothers. I love music, entertainment, fashion, studying my bible and black history. My passion is helping people and fashion.

My work history consists of, working as an Administrative Assistant helping people with Social Security benefits and Disability. I was the CEO and coordinator of Brigandis Fashion Agency. My agencies main focus was building self-esteem in youth, both girls and boys. Currently I work as a health care provider. In my spare time I make and sell jewelry. As you can see, I am an older woman with a youthful spirit. My sister Sheree and I came up with the idea of creating a magazine for young people. We called it Y.P.W.P. (Young People With Purpose). In this day and time, our youth need a platform to speak out, because of the chaos all around. I thank God that Sarah magazine is back and Y.P.W.P. as well. I am so glad that we can work together again!

YPWP Administrator

Robert Temerantz

Bridgette Carradine

Administrative Assistant/ Co-Editor

Donzella was born and raised in Havre de Grace, Maryland. She now resides in Tucson, Arizona. Donzella has a vast resume. She has worked in the medical field caring for patients and later as a Clinical Administrative Assistant for hospitals in Maryland and Virginia.

Donzella’s first love is serving the Lord and her church. Secondly, her children and her grandchildren. Next is her love for singing and acting.

Donzella was married and has two children.

Donzella is also a Minister and serves at Tucson Church International in Tucson, Arizona. There you can find her serving where she is needed. Mostly, she co- teaches the Kingdom Kids, sings on the Worship Team and Co-Facilitates other small ministries/groups as needed. I am so excited to be one of the staff members of Sarah magazine and the Featured Story. My bio continues in my Featured Story. Stay tuned…more to come.

Influencer / Fashion Coordinator

My name is Florence Dickey, my friends call me “Flo”. I was born and raised in GA. I am the sixth child of seven children. I retired as a Customer Relations Representative of 25 years. In this career field, I communicated with people all over the world and from various walks of life. This position also gave me an opportunity to step outside of the box. ����

I serve on the Leadership Team and various other Ministries at Tucson Church International.

In my spare time, I love to read and do research, shop, walk, and decorate. I have a very creative flare for fashions. I can literally dress you on the phone! I love to provide fashion tips so that your outfits will have some remarkable swag. I also, write my own quotes as God gives them to me.

My main focus is to, encourage and motivate others to be their best authentic self. I am so excited to serve on the staff of Sarah Magazine as a Prayer Intercessor, Encourager and a Fashion Consultant.

I thank God for this new season in my life. It’s never too late to walk out your purpose and destiny!!

Donzella Berry

Florence Dickey

My name is Gerald, some of my friends and family call me Jr. I was born in Tucson Arizona, which is where I still reside. I am a military brat. My hobbies are being an Avid Gamer, Car Enthusiast, fan of EDM music, Collecting Watches and a Techie.

I graduated in 2001 from Catalina Foothills High school, followed by college where I studied Auto Mechanics, Photography Animation and Video Photography. Currently I work as a Customer Service Representative and on the side, I do digital art and I am studying to become a drone pilot. My church is Tucson Church International under the leadership of Bishop Demetrius Miles. My ministry there is Sound Tech Coordinator and Security. I am honored to serve as a staff member once again for Sarah magazine.

Hi my name is Naomi.

I am a high school student getting ready to go into my Jr Year. Right now, I am focused on my studies and sports, which include volleyball, track and volunteering at my church. Next year I also plan on helping out with planning school events.

Since I'm on summer break, a lot of my time has been helping out in church. I love praying and opening up service as well as doing some things in the back ground, like mic check and computers. I love encouraging others through my advice and prayers and getting people excited and energetic to learn about God.

Head Writer/Interviewer-Y.P.W.P.

Gerald Smith Jr.

Naomi Martin

Health, Courage, And Love

Dr. Calvinia Williams, D.D.

Calvinia Williams is of African American and Native American Indian specifically, Cherokee and Blackfoot descent. She is the founder of the Lupus Ministry and Support group and now founder of Lupus of Nevada, Inc., in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to her move to Las Vegas, she extensively worked in the non-profit industry for thirty years.

Ms. Williams has worked for United Negro College Fund, the American Red Cross, and as sound engineer for various radio stations. Also, she has produced her own on-air cable talk show. She has held a variety of positions with the West Coast Office of the NAACP, Sickle Cell Chapter in San Francisco, and many other agencies that have benefited from her expertise.

She received Woman of the Year 2006-2007 award from her Omicron Chapter Beta Sigma Phi in Las Vegas. Ms. Williams was also on the Lupus Foundation of America Education Committee out of Washington, D.C. Ms. Williams' journey began with her diagnosis in December 2001. At that time, her vision became impaired for three months. Not knowing if and when her vision would return, she began to alter her life for the road ahead. The world of darkness became her day, and her heart became her friend. This has been a long and fruitful journey, but the friends she has picked up along the way are lifelong.

Education

Kelvin Strozier

Mr. Strozier has been in education for over 20+ years. During that time, he has served students throughout the Tucson area, as well as other parts of the country. He was a teacher for eleven years and spent five years creating, building and running a K - 8 charter school, while also serving as the principal for the 6th - 8th grade there for 4 years. Mr. Strozier also spent 4 additional years as a high school principal at a local charter school. In addition to that, He has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, along with a Principal Certificate from Northern Arizona University.

Continued on next page….

Mr. Strozier is passionate about education, particularly in areas where students have been underserved. He sees himself as not just an educational leader but as a mentor and guide for the students that he serves. Mr. Strozier has a sincere heart for young people and the communities in which he serves. His core belief is that every student can and will learn when given the opportunity and support.

Down Home Cooking

Joseph Brown, a native of Mt. Vernon, NY, was raised in Washington DC, and graduated from DC Public Schools. With Louisiana roots, the art of cooking runs deep in his veins. From an early age, he watched his mother skillfully create mouthwatering dishes, igniting his own passion for the culinary arts.

As he grew older, Joseph discovered his true calling in the world of BBQ. Every aspect of BBQ captivates Joseph. From the meticulous meat preparation to the tantalizing blend of spices and seasonings, he finds beauty in every step of the process. The alluring aroma and rich flavors that emerge from charcoal and different smoking woods continue to fascinate him. After honing his skills through numerous catering events and unforgettable backyard BBQ parties, Joseph made the decision to share his remarkable BBQ creations with the world. And thus, Smokin’ Joe's BBQ was born.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Joseph brings his passion, skill, and soulful approach to every dish he serves. Smokin’ Joe's BBQ will soon offer a culinary experience that is second to none. From tender and juicy ribs to succulent pulled pork, each bite will be a testament to Joseph's dedication to his craft. Joseph is excited to share some of his favorite recipes that stem from his own collection and from those he admires and loves.

Join us on this mouthwatering journey as we celebrate the art of BBQ. Joseph is here to delight your taste buds and create unforgettable memories. Get ready to savor the flavors that only true BBQ aficionados can deliver.

Joseph Brown

Oral Health

Laila B. Hishaw, DDS, FACD, FICD

Dr. Laila Hishaw is a thought leader, and change agent for diversity in dentistry and authority in children’s oral health. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founding partner of Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Tucson, AZ founded in 2003. Dr. Hishaw also holds Fellowships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Hishaw is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Cavity Free Kids. She was also published in the Journal of Dental Education as a coauthor of “Dental School pathway programs: Best practices for increasing workforce diversity”. She’s been featured on Discovery Health Channel for her role in diagnosing a rare disorder in her patient, and in multiple podcasts and publications. She has served on the ADA Task Force to Eliminate Barriers for Underrepresented Minorities into the Dental Profession and on the Board of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. Dr. Hishaw is an alumna of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership.

Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Inc. is a nonprofit organization she founded that is committed to strengthening the diversity pathway from middle school to dental school through mentoring, educational and hands-on programming, and scholarships to youth and pre-dental students from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American backgrounds. The organization has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, Black Enterprise, and ADA News. As a wife, mother of three, dentist, and social entrepreneur, Dr. Hishaw is passionate about sharing her tools and experiences to aid her colleagues and emerging leaders in dentistry toward success in every aspect of their lives. She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her family and her rescue pets, Stormie & Miles. For more information on her passion projects, please visit drlailahishaw.com

Hair Care And Beauty

Rosalind Harper

My name is Mrs. Rosalind Harper

I am a Licensed Evangelist called by God!!! I reside in Tucson Arizona. I am a native American of Arizona.

I am a professional Cosmologist, and pretty good at doing hair. My goal for all my clients is when they leave my chair, they are looking beautiful or handsome and ready to walk out of the door with great confidence!!!

Venita Freeman

Health And Wellness

My name is Venita. I grew up in Northern Arizona in a small town called Winslow. I moved to Tucson for college and have resided here for over 20 years. I graduated from the University of Arizona and also met my husband there. I am an elementary school teacher and the proud mother of two boys (Samuel and Jonathan). I have been a classroom teacher since 2004. I dabbled in online teaching during the pandemic and loved it too. I love children, teaching, being around family, and making new friends.

When I am not teaching or doing something work related you can catch me at home resting, talking on the phone, or watching DIY videos. I am also a health connoisseur I’m far from perfect but do practice what I preach in regards to having an accountability partner and leading a healthy lifestyle. With diabetes and cancers running on both sides of my family, I have been working diligently to choose a better path for myself and those who are in my sphere of influence.

Kelly Simmons RN MBI Case Manager

Kelly has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. Passionate about serving others to help improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Driven by personal health concerns, I started a who food plant-based diet in 2017. Recent graduate of the Integrative Institute for Nutrition where I became a Certified Integrative Health Coach.

It is my mission to touch and transform as many lives as I can with the message of healing through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

Originally from a suburb of Chicago. Relocated to Tucson Az. In 2017. I absolutely love to cook! I Enjoy reading, biking, and traveling. More than anything, I love family time. I am a mother of 5 (2 biological, 3 adopted) and 2 grandchildren. I also have 4 fur babies.

The staff and I at Sarah Magazine would like to a great big shout out to Raymond Adams of Creative Touch Photography. He did an excellent job of taking the Cover Story Photos. Thank you so much Ray! ou are the best! If you would like to have photos taken, contact him at: ra.create@gmail.com

Sheree Carradine- Creator/CEO

Kelly’s Kitchen

Your Health Your Health

ENCOURAGEMENT

Last year, we lost our youngest son, Labriel. During his illness, I prayed every day for strength and wisdom from God, our Father. As my son’s health deteriorated, I continued to pray for him, for me, and for our family. While he was in the hospital the first time, I went to church on Sunday before I went to visit with him. I did not realize how hard I was praying! A song was sung during the service, and all my intense focus was lifted from me! I cried so hard! Then one of the pastors stopped singing and was led to come to me in the back of the church to hold me as I released the weight. Once released, God filled me with His Spirit to continue with what would be my darkest season!

During the preparation of my son’s celebration of life program, I asked God, not why He took my young son, but what was I to learn from this. He told me that I must tell everyone about taking their health for granted.

As I spoke at my son’s service, God’s words, His strength, and His support was present as I stood before over 200 people to deliver His message: DON’T TAKE YOUR HEALTH FOR GRANTED!

A close friend of mine, who did not go to the doctors, missed my speech. Four months later, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. She died one month before the first anniversary of Labriel’s death. Her sister, who heard the speech during my son’s program, requested that I say it again at her sister’s memorial. If one person would

heed these words, maybe more people would pay more attention to their greatest commodity…their health. This is the message God sent to me, edited for my friend’s memorial:

Good Afternoon

Earl and I lost our youngest son Labriel in 2022. During his Celebration of Life ceremony, I read something that was heavy on my heart. Through our grief, it was an important message that Patsy and Allen felt needed to be repeated. This is what I said:

Earthly Loss – Heavenly Lesson

We all have had events in our lives that changed how we looked and planned for our future. These events resulted in lessons learned.

Lessons learned are experiences collected from past activities that should be actively considered in future decisions and behaviors.

The death of Labriel made me question not why he was taken, but what lesson is to be learned from it. My answer was revealed, so I am relaying to you a message that I hope you will seriously consider. That message is your health.

Don’t take your health for granted. Things can be going on within your body that could be detrimental to your health, without any signs of aches or pain. When was the last time you visited a doctor?

Even if you visit a doctor once a year, you will either validate that you are healthy, discover something is wrong and correct it, or have a maintenance

plan to keep it from worsening. If you can’t afford a doctor, I am sure there are agencies that could help you with your visit.

As I look around and see all the bright, spring colors, I know that your relationship with Sylvia was full of friendship and love. If you want to honor your memory of Sylvia, don’t send flowers, don’t send gifts, don’t send money, just go visit a doctor if you haven’t within the last 12 months.

The seed has been planted. What are you going to do?

In Loving Memory

Deacon Antwan Beaden-Leach

“Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (The Message Bible)

Earle Labriel Leach

Sylvia Lee

Black Women’s Sports League with 24

Black Team Owners Is Proposed To Close The 80% Black White Racial Wealth Gap

White Americans are 60% of the U.S. population and own 84% of the wealth. Black African Americans are 13% of the U.S. population and own 4% of the wealth. Charles E. Campbell has developed a strategy to solve this disparity in the 80% racial wealth gap that exists between White and Black African Americans.

Professional Sports Leagues are industries that create significant wealth. However, league and team ownership have remained elusive for Black billionaires and multimillionaires.

Announcing the launch of the Black Women’s National Basketball Association {BWNBA}, a professional women’s basketball league with 24 teams to be sold to Black African American billionaires and multimillionaires. Black African Americans once created and owned professional sport leagues and teams and to close the 80% Black – White Racial Wealth Gap, we can do it again!

Each team will cost $10 Million Dollars and a limited number of league investors will be accepted starting at a $1 Million Dollar minimum investment. Interested Black African American investors, Black Greek organizations, and other Black-owned organizations should visit https://www.bwnba. com and download the BWNBA Pitch Deck and Business Plan Executive Summary for additional details.

and will play over 300 games per season, employ 480 professional women basketball players, who play “Above The Rim”.

Each team will be located in a city with a significant Black African American population. To compete with other professional sports leagues, the BWNBA will establish an “All Revenue Sharing Agreement” between the league investors (15%), team owners (50%), women players (25%), women coaches (5%), and administrators and staff (5%).

Charles E. Campbell 614-668-0327 charles@cuptoopia.com

Charles E. Campbell is a Black African American Inventor, Innovator, Social Worker and Entrepreneur focused on creating solutions to Black Disparity Data, including the Racial Wealth Gap. He’s a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a graduate of Jackson State University 1990, Ohio State University 1992, Kenzie Academy 2021, and the Founder & CEO of Cuptoopia.com, Inc., a tech startup.

The Black Women’s National Basketball Association plans to launch October 1, 2023,

Black Women’s Basketball Associations {BWNBA}

4 Conferences, each with 6 teams for a total of 24 Teams

Northern Conference

1. Harlem, NY

2. Cleveland, OH

3. Detroit, MI

4. St. Louis, MO

5. Columbus, OH

6. Cincinnati, OH

Southern Conference

1. Miami, FL

2. Birmingham, AL

3. Memphis, TN

4. New Orleans, LA

5. Jackson, MS

6. Nashville, TN

Eastern Conference

1. Philadelphia, PA

2. Baltimore, MD

3. Pittsburgh, PA

4. Raleigh, NC

5. Newark, NJ

6. Columbia, SC

Western Conference

1. Tulsa, OK

2. Watts, CA

3. Reno, NV

4. Ft. Worth, TX

5. Austin, TX

6. Houston, TX

MASCOTS

1. Cheetahs

2. Afrodroids

3. Elephants

4. Foxys

5. Giraffes

6. Hippos

7. Impalas

8. Jackals

9. Lionesses

10. Yemayas

11. Nubians

12. Otters

13. Porcupines

14. Rhinos

15. Queens

16. Vangas

17. BPanthers

18. BadBunnys

19. Mongooses

20. Zebras

21. Oshuns

22. Antelopes

23. Crocodiles

24. Mambas

How to Make Rejection and Key Life and Business Strategy

by Holland B. Nance PROPEL® Coaching and Consulting Solutions

Most people would say that rejection is horrible to experience in our personal lives, but sometimes it can be even more bruising when someone rejects our business offer, product, or service. The truth is rejection is a part of life and the sooner we realize this and accept it, the sooner we can maximize the opportunities rejection presents.

One way to do this is to take the LEAP. There are four concepts that will help us as business owners become more comfortable, and responsive when we encounter rejection in life and business. These concepts can help us experience growth in ways we have never imagined.

L – Learning Opportunities Await You – Every interaction provides an opportunity to learn something new. Every time you meet someone and pitch yourself or your idea, this is an opportunity to obtain new information. This remains a required launching point for today’s business owners.

Whether they say Yes or No, you must focus on the opportunity to glean information. You will have another experience to practice your pitch and take notes of how the person responds You can gather information with the questions they ask and the data you absorb as you converse and learn more about what may or may not interest them.

The first step is simply not to avoid rejection, but to enter the interaction with a Win-Win mindset. The person wins, because they get a chance to hear more about what services or products you have to offer the marketplace. You win because you have another opportunity to learn. As John Maxwell says, “Sometimes you Win, Sometimes you Learn”.

E – Expect the Rejection – There are endless numbers of sites that post data and statistics about sales and direct marketing response rates. Most of them share the same point of view when it comes to electronic and social media marketing. If you are getting responses in the low to mid 20% ranges, you are doing very well. So, if I can expect successful rates of less than 30%, then that means nearly over 70% will decline or not even respond at all.

That is not to discourage anyone from using these effective means of marketing, but it allows us to take a realistic approach in preparing ourselves for what will be experienced. If our minds are adequately prepared to experience rejection, we can quickly move forward to building, use the information acquired, and make any necessary modifications.

A – Apply a Concentrated Focus – When rejection comes in life and business, it is critical to stay focused and remember why you and your business exists. Always keep close to your mission, vision statements, and core values Many businesses have a mission, vision, and core values, but it is just as important for us to define these elements for our lives, as well. These will be the fuel to re-energize you after experiencing the effects of rejection.

The other tool in remaining focused is to remember not to take any of it personally. The truth is that people are thinking about themselves more than they are thinking about you. It may sound self-centered, but any good marketer will tell you that a product sells more when it serves the interest of the

consumer. Focus on the consumer and how your life and business can serve others. Serving others does not imply that it must be gifted. In fact, most profitable businesses have found a way to provide convenience or a solution to a problem and offer a product or service at a cost to the consumer.

P – Perfection Happens Through Rejection – Unlike what many believe, rejection is needed in business to get to the level of success many desire. Rejection actually is a gift. When rejected in business, two powerful presents are left for us to unwrap.

The first gift of rejection is that you know what the consumer does not want. This is useful in fitting your service and product catalog to meet the needs of consumers. You have just completed an excellent round of market research and the market has responded with clear feedback of what does not move them to action or purchase.

The second gift rejection leaves to be unveiled is the ability to refine the aspects of your business that is moving the consumer to action. Once these are identified, you then can multiply and maximize those offerings. The same is true in lift. There are areas where you see immediate results and positive responses. Build those strengths to multiply your effectiveness and significant impact.

Rejection becomes your strategic partner in strengthening your impact and influence, which allows you to become the person and business owner of choice. Moving closer to perfection with the right blend of service or product offerings for your business comes through using the information gathered through rejection and remaining focused on serving and impacting others.

Remember, we don’t take these occasions of rejection personally. When we expect rejection as a normal course of life and business, we know that rejection does not define us. Instead, it represents a possible response to the courageous act of making an offer or an inquiry.

As individuals focused on growth, rejection should no longer be avoided, but expected and maximized. So go ahead and take the LEAP!

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Email address:

harperrosalind269@gmail.com

LAILA B. HISHAW, DDS, FACD, FICD

Grow Up Smiling: The Significance of Infant Oral Health

As the author of "Cavity Free Kids: How to Care For Your Kids’ Smiles from Birth Through Their Teenage Years ,"

I am deeply committed to advocating for the importance of infant oral health. It is imperative to recognize that good oral hygiene practices begin during the earliest stages of life. By prioritizing and nurturing our children's oral health from infancy, w e pave the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles and overall wellbeing. In this article, we will explore the crucial reasons why infant oral health deserves our utmost attention and care.

The Foundation of Lifelong Oral Health: Infancy is a pivotal period in a child's oral development. The primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, begin to emerge as early as six months, acting as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will follow. These primary teeth are more than just temporary placeholders; they play a vital role in speech development, proper chewing, and the alignment of permanent teeth.

Preventing Early Childhood Caries: Early Childhood Caries (ECC), commonly known as "baby bottle tooth decay," is a condition that affects infants and toddlers. ECC can lead to pain, infection, and potential long -term consequences for a child's oral health. Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, fluoride supplementation, and limiting sugary drinks and snacks, can help prevent ECC and lay the groundwork for a lifetime of cavity-free teeth.

Establishing Healthy Habits: Infancy is an opportune time to introduce children to oral hygiene routines and establish positive habits. By making toothbrushing a regular part of a child's daily routine, parents and caregivers create a strong foundation for oral health. As infants become accustomed to brushing, they develop good habits that will likely continue into adulthood. Additionally, engaging children in dental visits by their 1st Birthday helps fam iliarize them with the dental office environment, reducing anxiety, promoting a positive attitude towards oral healthcare, and allows time to educate the parent or caregiver on proper home care instructions and nutritional counseling.

The Oral-Systemic Con nection: Infant oral health is not only crucial for the mouth but also for overall health and well-being. Emerging research suggests a strong connection between oral health and various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and resp iratory infections.

By prioritizing infant oral health, we can contribute to the prevention of future health complications and promote holistic well-being from an early age.

Empowering Parents and Caregivers: Promoting infant oral health is not solely t he responsibility of dental professionals. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child's oral health journey. Educating and empowering them with the necessary knowledge and tools is essential. By providing guidance on proper toothbrushing techn iques, appropriate fluoride use, and a nutritious diet, we equip parents and caregivers with the means to support their child's oral health and foster a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Investing in infant oral health is an investment in our children's overall well-being. By recognizing the significance of good oral hygiene practices from the very beginning, we create a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Through preventive measures, establishing positive habits, and promoting the oral-systemic c onnection, we empower

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parents and caregivers to prioritize their child's oral health. Together, let us embrace the importance of nurturing smiles, ensuring that our little ones grow up cavity-free and ready to face the world with confidence.

For more tip s, illustrations, and information on how to order your copy of “Cavity Free Kids” please visit https://themommydentist.com/ .

If you have questions for Dr. Laila Hishaw se nd them to mysarahmagazine@gmail.com

and we will post the answers in the next issue of Sarah Magazine.

www.drlailahishaw.com

Collecting Old Western Trade Tokens

by Robert “Bob” Temarantz

In the late 19th and early 20th century, money just couldn't travel quickly into the remote locales that needed it. Banks had to send money on stage coaches like the ones used in Wells Fargo advertisements, and by the Pony Express. Even though many goods were transported by train as the west was settled, boom and bust cycles sent large numbers of men and fewer women into some undeveloped territories in Alaska, Arizona, California, and other remote parts of the American West.

Many of the people who settled the American West were poor, if not penniless. As more people flooded the countryside with less money in their pockets, it was only a matter of time before circulating money became scarce.

Another factor that comes into play is where these saloons are often found. The answer is mining camps. Mining companies in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and other states would hire miners and put them on payroll. The miners then bought their food from a company grocery store, and often bought supplies needed to do their jobs from the mining company. These expenses were deducted from miner's pay. This system, commonly used by mines in the late 19th century, was called paying

by scrip. The result was not much legal tender cash flowing through the mining community. So the saloon owners, grocery stores, and dairy owners did what they had to do--they made their own coin-like tokens to expedite trade for their goods and services, and keep the money out of the pocket of the mining companies.

Collecting old western state saloon tokens is my favorite. Tokens were "minted" during the heyday of western saloons, roughly from about 1870 to 1910--earlier in some locales, and later in others. They were made out brass or aluminum.

The wild west is riddled with ghost towns that emerged from the activities of mining camps and mining companies, but also were found in more settled-in the Western United States, like El Paso, Texas, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Denver, Colorado, Bisbee and Tucson, Arizona, and select cities in California.

Saloon tokens reflects the romantic history of the old west. We’ve all seen the old TV series “Gunsmoke” with Marshall Dillon and Miss Kitty. She was the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas, hosting the likes of Doc Holliday and the Earp Brothers of Dodge City and later of Tombstone,

Arizona Territory. There are actually authentic tokens from these old west towns the Earps, Billy the Kid and other infamous outlaws actually could’ve used.

Saloon tokens were often “good for a drink”, a cigar or 12 1/2c in trade or a bit. A drink back then would 15c a shot. The customer would order a drink and pay with a quarter(two bits). The customer would be offered 10c change back or a token good for another drink, 12 1/2c. The customer benefits getting token worth another drink and the saloon benefits by keeping the dime in change.

So how can you collect tokens? I find them in coin stores, on line bidding sites such as EBay, antique stores and by people who metal detect coins. Tokens can range in value from $10 up to hundreds of dollars, depending on where they are from and the rarity of the token.

Collecting tokens is fun, challenging and can be rewarding.

Authentic Dodge City Kansas token from the Long Branch Saloon dates to 1881.

Book this Award - Winning Singer - Songwriter, Actress, Author, Speaker and Voice Over Artist for your next event, festival television show, fi lm or speaking engagement. You’ll be glad you did, as Stephanie loves to engage with other like - minded people and share a lot of laughs.

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YouTube Stephanie D. Sanders

Hi my name is Naomi and I am YPWP (Young Person With Purpose). I will be writing for Sarah magazine representing the young people. In each issue, I will be sharing all types things and interviewing other young people with purpose. In this issue it’s all about the challenges we face as young Christians and how to stay focused. I will be sharing with you some tips on what I do. I pray it will help you as well.

Let’s Get Started…

1. What are some of the challenges that young people face today?

Aleah: I think that there are many challenges that have only recently emerged in our society, such as the fear of being vulnerable and guarding yourself against people who act fake in person or online.

Manga: I believe teens are struggling with desperately seeking the face of God due to things like social media or even their young age

My Answer: I believe some challenges teens face today is being too hard on themselves when we don't live up to “perfect expectations” through our walk with God. For example: Not reading our Bible every day or maybe feeling like our prayers aren't good enough. In reality no one can ever be perfect and we all fall short to the glory of God.

2. What are some of the challenges you face as a Christian youth?

Aleah: personally, I have been faced with the difficulty of being and outsider who sees the world through a biblical lens. It’s hard to be one of the few who view the world the way the bible teaches us to.

Manga: I struggle with immaturity and inconsistency. For inconsistency it’s more like some days I’m breaking the habits I built with God. So, for example if I say I’m going to read two chapters a day, I end up not reading two chapters or any chapters at all. And there days where I go without praying or talking to God like I should.

Continued on next page

For the immaturity part, its things like me not being able to discern or understand things of the spirit. Also falling into sin, I know how to get out of.

My Answer: Some challenges I face is keeping God as the center of my life and in everything I do. I realize that doing this is the key to a lot of things like positive mindset, love, hard work and much more. But it truly is a struggle to keep God a constant thought on my mind due to so many distractions

3. How are you navigating through these challenges?

Aleah: Luckily, I have an incredible bunch of girls at my church’s youth group. I have shared and opened up to them, and they have given me the wonderful support I need to power through. They pray for me and we do bible study, it’s a good environment.

Manga: Spending more time in prayer and conversation with God. Trying to mimic many of the things Jesus did when he was on earth.

My Answer: Saying yes to more things that involve church and God in my life. If I surround myself with Godly work and Godly assignments all the time what else can I think about �. I also want to try doing this thing where I write a different verse on my hand every day so whenever I'm doing something, I’ll get a glimpse of my hand and start thinking about that verse\God. I also try to think of the situations I will be in a day ahead of time and try to think of how I can incorporate Gods will in that situation. And if I can't think of a specific thing then I always go back to the greatest commandment which is simply to just love.

Asking for advice and encouragement from older and more experienced Christians is a wonderful idea! This is for both in the church stuff and outside of the church stuff. My youth pastor has given me countless advice all the time and it always gives me new hope, encouragement, and inspiration to keep on doing what I'm doing. Don't be ashamed or afraid to ask those more knowledgeable than you for help. Over the last few months, I have learned that many people are rooting for you and are happy to help.

I hope you enjoyed reading my page. I will be sharing more helpful tips in the next issue. If you have questions for me or would like to answer the previous questions, send them to mysarahmagazine@gmail.com. Make sure you say it’s a Y.P.W.P. question. I will answer in the next issue. See you next time…

Book Series By Jim Price

Available on Amazon.com

click on the books to place your order.

jimpric@yahoo.com

About The Author

Jim Price was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts. This is the same city as another famous children’s book author in Dr. Suess and home to the NBA hall of fame. He is a former basketball player, author, and creator of The Adventures Of Harold From The Hood children’s social skill building series. Jim continues to build the social skill series brand and is known for his passion for wanting to help the youth through literacy in a way that connects with children and families alike.

Jim earned his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Springfield Technical Community College where he also made the National Dean’s List Publication. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western New England University. He earned both his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and his Certificate Of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Counseling from Springfield College. He currently is a candidate for Doctor of Education at American International College. When not writing he enjoys helping mentor the youth in any way he can through coaching the youth in basketball and with the work he does as a school counselor in the public-school setting.

My Personal Declaration with Depression

Isolation has become a place of comfort. Not getting involved with meaningless activities by staying under the radar of life’s troubles, trials, and tragedies. My lifestyle had become safe, or so I thought, curled up with a cup of tea and my many books with the sign on the door, DO NOT DISTURB!

In the past, individuals always wanted things from me. I couldn’t breathe, from finance to fame. They were choking the life out me. If they could they would have taken my very existence.

I was meditating on God’s scripture, I Samuel 18:10-16(NIV): 10 The next day an evil[a] spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. 13 So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns.

14 In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. 15 When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.

I was trying to fit in, be a part of something or

Dr. Calvinia Williams,D.D

being accepted. I was pretty good at covering up my pain. Being lonely and depressed is dangerous. There are many of us in this world facing darkness alone. I remember falling on my knees when my twin died this past year. My world stopped! We both understood each other. As I am writing this now, it hurts! As I look around my surroundings, I can hear his voice “its ok, you can do it”. In that moment, I wanted to tell my twin “You did me wrong; you left me. WHY?”

Growing up with brothers is totally different than raising your child. Siblings keep secrets, play hide-n-seek and stayed in trouble, all the same time. Once I became an adult with my own child, my twin and baby brother became my built in baby-sitters. Losing so many key family members to death results in loneliness, isolation, depression, loss of appetite, moodswings and many other behavioral problems, basically your major lifelines of support are gone.

Depression is a mental illness according to The World Health Organization (WHO).

“Depression is a common mental disorder. In low and middle–income countries, treatment and support services for depression are often absent. It is also an estimated 75% of people suffering from mental disorders in these countries do not receive treatment”. Prevention strategies need to be put in place to reduce the rates of depression that lead to suicide i.e., counseling, wellness checks, or assign family members to contact their loved

ones daily.

According to the website article on the World Health Organization (WHO) March 31, 2023:

Contributing Factors and Prevention

Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

Depression is closely related to and affected by physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition.

Prevention programs have been shown to reduce depression. Effective community approaches to prevent depression include school-based programs to enhance a pattern of positive coping in children and adolescents. Interventions for parents of children with behavioral problems may reduce parental depressive symptoms and improve outcomes for their children. Exercise programs for older persons can also be effective in depression prevention.

Self-care

Self-care can play an important role in

managing symptoms of depression and promoting overall well-being.

What you can do:

Try to keep doing activities you used to enjoy; Stay connected to friends and family;

Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk;

Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible;

Avoid or cut down on alcohol and don’t use illicit drugs, which can make depression worse;

Talk to someone you trust about your feelings; Seek help from a healthcare provider.

If you have thoughts of suicide:

Remember, you are not alone, and that many people have gone through what you’re experiencing and found help;

Talk to someone you trust about how you feel;

Talk to a health worker, such as a doctor or counsellor;

Join a support group.

If you think you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, contact any available emergency services or a crisis line.

WHO response

WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030, highlights the steps required to provide appropriate interventions for people with mental disorders including depression.

Depression and self-harm/suicide are among the priority conditions covered by WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). The Programme aims to help countries increase services for people with

mental, neurological and substance use disorders through care provided by health workers who are not specialists in mental health.

WHO has developed brief psychological intervention manuals for depression that may be delivered by lay therapists to individuals and groups. An example is the Problem Management Plus (PM+) Manual, which describes the use of behavioural activation, stress management, problem solving treatment and strengthening social support. Moreover, the Group Interpersonal Therapy for Depression Manual describes group treatment of depression. Finally, the Thinking Healthy Manual covers the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for perinatal depression.

References

Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx). https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/ (Accessed 4 March 2023).

Woody CA, Ferrari AJ, Siskind DJ, Whiteford HA, Harris MG. A systematic review and meta-regression of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression. J Affect Disord. 2017;219:86–92.

Evans-Lacko S, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, AlHamzawi A, et al. Socio-economic variations in the mental health treatment gap for people with anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders: results from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys. Psychol Med. 2018;48(9):1560-1571.

On a personal note; this is a challenging disease, as I suffer with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and COPD. I seek my help from Jesus Christ

and professionals that were given the skills, through the great I AM, to help me. Don’t wait before it’s too late!

God Bless You,

Dr. Calvinia Williams,D.D

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Our Feature Stories

My SonShine, My Grief

Grief is a very strong emotion! Grief is as strong as your love! I love very hard, so my grief was devastating!

Labriel was our youngest son, son number 2. He had my face and his father’s height! He was sensitive and stubborn, but he knew what he wanted to do. His goal in life was to compete in the Olympics as a 400 m hurdler and to coach high school track, which he became. Before he got sick, he would have a meal plan that he religiously would adhere to and a physical fitness routine that buffed him up from 170lbs to 230lbs! His coach said that he needed more weight to compete.

He was also a phenomenal bowler! Since the age of 3, it was one of his greatest accomplishments! At the age of 3, I purchased bowling lessons for him because when he was 1 ½ years old, he would take plastic water bottles and line them up in the hall, using a flat girls’ basketball as his bowling ball. He even dug a hole in the ball for his thumb hole. When he went to the first bowling lesson, the teacher said he was too young. I told her that if he couldn’t pay attention and listen to her, I would remove him from the class. That didn’t happen! He passed the class with flying colors, gaining a brand-new bowling ball as part of the completion of the class. The ball was too heavy for his physical size; it took two years until he would grow into using that ball, but he continued to bowl until he could use it! He has many awards and ribbons for all of his athletic achievements.

Labriel was a ‘Mama’s Boy” and he was not ashamed to say it! We were very close, as we talked every day and had dinner every Wednesday night before my bible study. Two years ago, he told me that with all that he was doing, he was still losing weight. I insisted that he go to the doctor, but time passed. After his uncle’s wedding in September 2021, he really started losing weight. Finally, with me, he went to the doctor. After blood was drawn and analyzed, the doctor told us to go directly to the hospital, as it was determined that his kidneys were failing. After the second stay in the hospital, it was determined that he had advance, undiagnosed Valley Fever and COVID-19, putting him on a ventilator.

We held our son’s hand as he transitioned to meet The Lord. Before I held his hand, his hand showed “I love you” in sign language (put up your thumb,

index finger and pinkie finger, while keeping your ring finger and your middle finger down). He communicated his love for us before he transitioned. Knowing that the last “words” to us was his love for us captured the very close relationship he had with his family. I will never forget that!

The process of grieving is as individual as each person. Some just move on and at some future point they break. Another would put it in a box and put it on a shelf. Others look to God, lost in their sorrow and pain. I was the latter. I held on to Jesus by a single thread of the hem of His garment. I segregated myself from all that I knew…my church, my volunteering, my friends, in anticipation of hearing from Him. People would text and call, but I didn’t know what to say because I was too devastated to speak. It may have appeared that I was ignoring them, but I wasn’t. I just didn’t know what to say or say what I was feeling.

I would wake up in tears; think of him and cry; or hear a song that

I knew he loved or picture and cry. I still can’t hear Diana Ross’s “Missing You” without tears. I cried so much, and it seemed like I stayed in tears. Sometimes, in my grief, I didn’t feel God’s presence. I felt lost, like in a dark room with no windows and doors. I’m just floating in air, with no direction and no propose. I pretend that I have it together at home or with friends. No one can understand the pain I feel, but lashing out at them is not fair to them. So, I just smile and be patience because I know they loved me.

Some people’s intentions are good, but the pity sayings, like “I’m sorry for your loss” or “he is in a better place” does very little in easing the pain that is in your heart. Those that reached out to me, I truly love. But when I heard those statements, it would leave me to shutter. Instead of those statements, I have learned to ask, “what can I do” or “what do you need?” In the immediate, it helps to know that there are people available to help, such as with final arrangements, help with out-of-town

family members coming for the service or meals.

“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief” 6-6-7a)

During a moment in my grief, The Lord dropped in my spirit that I needed help in guiding my process of adjusting my life with my loss. A friend reached out to me and said that they were starting GriefShare sessions at her church. These sessions helped, with an organized program and participants that shared loss, all with biblical teachings. It was during these sessions and outside study did I get the answers that I needed to give me peace.

The pain won’t last:

“A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer,” (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

God revealed to me that Labriel, at 33 years, 8 months, completed the mission he was created for. He was such a great influence and friend to so many people, as portrayed by the great number of people that attended his Life Celebration ceremony.

Genesis 1:26, “And God made man in His image, in the image of God He made him: male and female He made them” (BBE) Each of us was created in God’s image, for a purpose, with a mission to complete before we leave this earth!

What were you created for? Have you communicated with God to give you guidance? Understanding the loss of Labriel not only gave me peace but it gave me direction and purpose. My purpose was in me all along, but I lacked confidence and dependance on God to complete it. I am working on it…what about you?

Deacon Antwan Beaden-Leach Staff Graphics

Deacon Antwan has been with SARAH Magazine from the beginning. She shares Min. Sheree’s passion for this powerful venue. She is not a professional, but enjoys the challege of learning how to make the magazine better!

My Story Begins…

I have always had a love for singing and acting. I began singing as a child in the junior choir at my childhood church. Later, I ended up auditioning for a record company because my uncles in Philadelphia were recording a record and I happened to be in the studio. My father asked the owner of the recording studio to listen to my voice. The owner liked my voice, and he got in touch with a good friend of his that owned a record company in New York. This lady came down from New York to hear me sing and immediately signed me to Scepter-Wand Records. The owner of the record company changed my name to Nella Dodds. I recorded 6 singles for Wand Records between 1964 and 1966.

Was Necessary”

The records are popular on the Northern Soul scene, in the U.K. Later, I received my acting training from The Zarro Acting Academy, Norfolk, Virginia. My focus was on the Stanislavski Acting Method. I received additional training with Sylvia Harman of The Actors Place in Virginia Beach, Virginia where I focused on the Meisner Technique as well as Tom Logan, national and international director and acting coach, of Los Angeles, California.

Besides doing local theater, I was in some independent films, Blood Done Signed My Name, Sweet Good Fortune- as Thelma Little (2006) and Evan Almighty, as a Congressperson (2007).

I was married and had two children, Scott and Tristan.

“It Hurts, But It

Minister Donzella Berry

Our Gift

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

Scott was my first son, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972. He was a wise and gentle soul, a peaceful spirit. The mother of one of my friends said Scott had been here before. At times I believed she was correct. From a baby until his last days, he could look at you like he could see you to your core. Sometimes it was unsettling and when I saw him looking at me like that, I had to break eye contact with him.

In fact, the evening he was born, he wasn’t saying anything, and he took his time arriving. It was quite a painful experience. I thought he would never come out. He wasn’t crying so they wacked him on his bottom and he let them know, very loudly, that they had disturbed his peace. He gave out a “why are you disturbing me

“look and yell. That was Scott’s official debut. All they could say is, “He’s beautiful”. That was the beginning of a wonderful journey.

John 16:21 “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

The nurse asked if this was my first baby. I told her yes. I was so nervous! My doctor, who called me “little mother “said we were fine, released us a few days later. I could have stayed longer. They fed me lobster and steak the first night I was there. They told me to make sure my husband could come so he could eat too. That was a great hospital!

Well, we finally got home, and we put him in his crib. He looked so peaceful. I wondered if he was communing with God and the angels. He slept so long I went and shook him to make sure he was ok. We took turns checking to see if he was breathing. He finally woke up, loud and clear with a scowl on his face. He might have been gentle, but he was very

aggressive with that bottle. I’m rather glad I didn’t’ nurse him.

You see Scott came a little earlier than we expected. In fact, I was out doing errands on the base and my back was hurting. Finally, I quit and went home. I laid down and was so uncomfortable that I told my husband, Wendell, something is wrong. He took me to the hospital, my doctor examined me and said, “you are dilating as we speak.” We thought we had at least two more weeks to shop. Nope, he was coming that day! We brought cloth diapers, not realizing that BABIES PEE MORE THAN 2-3 TIMES A DAY! We were in a panic! We’d soon run out of cloth diapers. LOL. Finally, my husband, Wendell, found a store and came back with a ton of disposable diapers. Lesson learned. The cloth diapers didn’t go to waste. I hand stitched them into little gowns for Scott.

My Scott was a good baby. He did all the baby stuff like blowing bubbles, he gave us plenty of toothless grins. When he got his first tooth, we were ecstatic! He was too, he liked to bite. We were goofy in love with this little blessing from above. Our second son was born a couple years later, and Scott liked to help. One day he wanted to help change the baby’s

diaper and I said OK. When I unfastened the diaper, Scott looked, sniffed and said, “Mommy he smells like a bull!”. He never asked to assist again. Priceless. Finally, he started school. He was a good student. I didn’t have any problems with him until high school when he got interested in girls. Wendell was in the military, so I was both mom and dad. I had a long talk with him. When I wrote my husband a letter, I expressed my concern. He wrote Scott a letter and things got a lot better. Him and his brother

developed a love of music. They took music classes in school. Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass.

Then they discovered the guitar and the bass guitar. Them and some of their friends formed a band. I let

them practice at the house. They did become accomplished musicians. Scott played several instruments including the drums. Long story short, they were really good and even recorded a couple of CDs and played at a lot of places. They had a huge following. My mom was in a wheelchair at the time, but she wanted to go see her grandsons sing and play. Those were fun times. Back then their music was described as “so chunky you could eat it with a fork”. Finally, they formed a band called Limbic. It was their best band and music. Their CD is on You Tube.

After Scott graduated from high school at age 18. He started going to college.

Within a year he told us he was not “Joe College” and not to waste our money sending him there. A few weeks later a friend told him the railroad was hiring. He took the test and was hired. He worked his way up until he was a supervisor in several areas. He made rank and up until the day he passed, was still a

part of the railroad. So many people loved him especially as their supervisor. He’d give the shirt off his back. He got that from his dad. He was well respected by all who came in touch with him. He loved kayaking and fishing and belonged to several clubs until he was unable to go out anymore. When they found out he had passed they were both shocked and surprised because it happened so fast.

During the time he was with the railroad, quite a few years later, he started having some problems breathing. He at first thought it was allergies. The doctor told him that the air in some areas of Virginia is like Swamp air and was most likely his problem. He got some medication and was ok for a while. Then it resurfaced and got progressively worse. So much so that he became easily winded and needed his inhaler more and more. He started having to take time off work because of this problem. Finally, he went back to the doctor, and they did further testing. They found that he had Sarcoidosis. It’s an autoimmune disease. Researchers say they still don’t know where it comes from and can affect any part of the body. Thus began the journey of fighting this intruder that

wanted to take over Scott’s lungs. He applied for a position with the railroad in Cincinnati Ohio. He was given the position there where the air quality was much better. His health improved tremendously. In the interim, he met his future wife there. The love of his life, Ivy. They were so much in love. It’s the happiest I’d seen Scott. She was going to nursing school at the time. His Sarcoidosis went into remission and he was doing fine. All of us were so happy. We went and visited them and had fun. He gained a stepson, daughter in law and 2 granddaughters. They loved their Pop-Pop and he loved them too.

For several years everything was going well until the Sarcoidosis reared its ugly head again. He had to

take a leave of absence from his job. Then they moved to Tennessee for better quality of air. They moved up in the mountains. It was beautiful, and the air was wonderful. It was so nice, that Wendell and I moved to Tennessee with them. They had formed a cabin cleaning business and business was booming. Winters were brutal. If we had a hard snow fall, you couldn’t drive DOWN the mountain unless you had chains on your tires.

Dealing With Death Of Family Members

I have been a care giver for many of my family members.

My Father- We moved him from Baltimore, MD to Norfolk, VA so we could take care of him. He had diabetes and had lost his sight. He was a very humble man of God. He aspirated some food into his lungs and eventually went into a coma. I went to see him and told my husband; my daddy is not in that body. He is already with the Lord. He transitioned soon after that.

My Mother-Next, I brought my mom to Virginia from Baltimore. My stepfather had transitioned, and she was not doing well. She ended up with Parkinson Disease, plus had both

legs amputated because she had vascular disease due to smoking. She had developed a sore on her bottom and the doctor recommended she go into a home so they could better take care of it and then she could come back home. She was doing well. But seemed to have lost her will to live after her husband died. My husband and I had to go out of town and I told mom we would be gone for two days. We got back and the next day I was going to see her. I got a call at 5 am that morning telling me she had just transitioned. WHY????? They said it was cardiac arrest

My Brother- In the interim I got my brother and my niece to live with us. He had diabetes, vascular disease and was also losing his eyesight. He had a below the knee amputation and no toes on the other foot. Eventually, the diabetes started affecting other parts of his body. He had to have another surgery and before he went in, he asked that if anything happened to him would I take care of his daughter, my niece. I told him you’ll be fine, BUT of course I would take care of her. He went into surgery and never woke up. I kept my promise.

My Husband- My

husband transitioned in 2016. He had a couple of strokes. We moved permanently to Arizona because my son Tristan is a physician and knew people that could help my husband. He started going to church with me and my niece. He loved the church. He loved God. He loved the Pastor. Everybody loved Wendell. He was a humble and loving soul. He taught math for a while after he got out of the Navy. His students loved him. As well as his peers. His name’s sake took after him. He was kind and loving and would give you the shirt off his back. But also, could get a bit nasty if rubbed the wrong way. We went to church on a Sunday. We had a good time. The Pastor had preached his heart out. Wendell was an amen corner all by himself! After we got home, we rested and then he told me what he wanted for dinner. I fixed his dinner he watched TV for a while then said he was going to lay down. I told him don’t you lay on my towels because I need to fold them. We laughed. I went and cleaned the kitchen, folded the towels and then sat with my niece for a while. Finally, I said good night and went to bed. As I leaned over to kiss him good night, he looked different. He looked like a

little boy sleeping peacefully. Then I realized he wasn’t breathing. I yelled at my niece to call 911! We did everything they told us to do to wake him up. His eyes opened but they were dilated. He was gone. He had slept away. My heart, my love of 45 years had slept away. My son rushed over and was in the room with the paramedics. They worked on him for a while. When they came out, I asked if they got him back. They told me no. I was devastated! My son said he had never seen me like that before. I told him I had never lost the love of my life of 45 years before.

I thank God for my Pastor who immediately came to the house and held me like a baby as I cried my heart out. That was April 17, 2016, 3 days before his birthday at 65 years old.

Well, I’ve told you all of this. It is my story. I’ve had to deal with a lot of death. Close family deaths. But the most devastating was my son, Scott.

Loosing Scott

Scott and his wife came for the memorial service. But I noticed he

was not well. Somehow, they ended up moving back to Virginia so he could get a desk job with the railroad. By this time, he was on lots and lots of medications. I went home to visit them for a while to help. I let my home church know about his health. We prayed and prayed and prayed. People all over the country were praying for Scott. He could barely go up and down the stairs at his home.

The doctors did more testing and found the Sarcoidosis had now started affecting his eyes and was also affecting his heart. They did surgery and put a stent in to help his blood flow. Then they put a type of pacemaker in his chest so that they could remotely keep track of what was going on with his heart. If his heart were to stop, it would shock it back into the desired rhythm. If anything was detected they would automatically send paramedics.

One day when he was home, he was getting dressed and felt like he was going to pass out. He called Ivy and when she got there his eyes were rolling back in his head and his arms were flopping, she slapped him, and he woke up. He had no idea that it had happened. Meanwhile the monitor had picked

up the activity and the paramedics had arrived. By that time, he was up and walking and told them he didn’t need to go. But that was not the right answer, and he went. He called and told me he was in the hospital. He then told me what had happened. As the disease progressed, he was afraid to drive. I flew home for a while to assist with doctors’ appointments. He was using oxygen and needed to use a wheelchair if he had appointments. Finally, his cardiologist recommended a renowned hospital in Alexandria, VA that had a great reputation for taking care of people with the condition that Scott had.

I couldn’t fly back for that appointment. It was recommended he have a heart and lung transplant at the same time.

I had never prayed so much in my entire life. I was hurting. I was in denial that my Scott was dying. They told us he could live another 5 years or maybe not. He could die during the surgery. A hard pill to swallow. Scott, knowing the odds, had a decision to make. I should say him and Ivy had a decision to make. I could only imagine what he was feeling. As his mother, I wanted to take his place. I had even offered to

donate one of my lungs.

“No God! Please! Don’t take him from me! I KNOW you are a miracle working God. I KNOW you are. Please fix his heart and lungs so they function as they should. Please!” I pleaded with God so much.

I was preparing to put my stuff in storage so that I could go to live with Scott and Ivy. My phone rang pretty early, and I picked it up, all I heard was, “Mom!!! Scott’s going to die!!!” It caught me so off guard that all I could do was hang up the phone and just walk in a circle in my room saying, “No! No! No!”

It didn’t make sense to me. I finally got myself together and called my son Tristan and told him what Ivy had said. He said a few cuss words and then told me to pack a bag, I needed to get a flight out right away. I left at 1pm and arrived at the hospital at Midnight. I thought that when I walked into the room, he would be conscience. Not so. He was on a respirator and his eyes were wide open and his pupils were wide open as well. The nurses were in the room changing his IV bags and they had been expecting me. I saw they were busy with him, so I just told him I’m here. I love you. You are my first Love (meaning my first child) (Jesus is my

first love). I just want you to know I’m here. I will come see you in the morning. I had just talked to him the night before; he knew I was coming to live with them. But he developed a lot of fluid, and his doctor told him to go to the hospital so they could remove the fluid. He told me they were going to keep him for a few days, and he wanted to go home. But he talked to his wife afterwards and told her he had to go to the bathroom. He never called her back. He evidently passed out in the bathroom. They worked on him, and his heart stopped twice. We went to see him the next morning. I was hopeful that something for the better had happened. We stayed most of the day. Then the doctor came in and talked to us. He said Scott could wake up, but they don’t know what kind of shape he would be in. He could be in a vegetative state. He may not know anyone. He could be in a state of not being able to know when he had to go to the bathroom. He said we could wait another 24 hours and see what happens. But he really thought we should put him in Comfort Care (hospice). He had already talked to my other son. He called and said mom we have some decisions to make. As we were preparing to leave, a chaplain came in and prayed

with us and for Scott. We left. On the way out I told Ivy that I felt somehow God is going to help us make the decision when it’s time. We got home and hadn’t even taken our coats off and my phone rang. It was my son. He said the hospital had been trying to call Ivy. Her phone was off. Then he said, “My brother just died!”

I felt like I had ice water run through my veins. Ivy and I got in the car and went back to the hospital. When I walked in the room, they had removed all the tubes, etc. He looked so at peace. In fact, he looked like he was about to crack a joke or something. I had a moment of uncontrollable sobbing but then I was ok. A chaplain came in and prayed. I kissed him and rubbed his face. He was still warm. Talked to him and one of his feet was slightly uncovered. I caressed it and told him I remember the first time I saw this little foot I kissed it. Just like with his dad, I didn’t look at him as being dead. I didn’t feel anything weird. I just knew that God had made the decision for us. Because He knew in our finite minds, we wanted Scott to live, but God looked at his child and said, “No, he’s coming home with me. I will not allow him to suffer any more. He will have eternal life. He will be healed.”

I lost our oldest November 3, 2022, 6 months after his 50th birthday.

When we went back home, we talked a little bit and then I went to bed and slept through the night. I didn’t find out until later that on the way-out earlier, Ivy had signed a DNR order. She knew it was the right thing to do. As much as she loved him, she knew we had to let him go. She is a hospice nurse. She understood.

He was cremated and his ashes were shipped back here to Arizona to my son. They are in his possession and when the time is right, he will release them into a beautiful body of water like he did his dad in California. Scott loved fishing and kayaking. It’s where he would want his ashes. His spirit is with the Lord.

When my Scott died, I felt a certain peace and kissed him and talked to him. Even stroked his face and his feet. Was this the plan God had for me? The more I didn’t accept death, the more he gave me and they were all family. He went so far as to see if the death of my son would change my view of death. YES, IT DID!!! God knew it would. He is wise and all knowing. He knew what the beginning and the end would be.

Psalm 139 lays it out for each one of

us. Read it and meditate on it. It is so beautiful. Oh, how much God loves us. He took his time with each SOUL. We are so very special to him: Psalm 139:13-16 “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Everyday of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

All the time I avoided the dead. Funerals, etc. I did not understand it! Such stillness, such finality. Death! No matter how I looked at it in the bible or what people said about going to heaven, I did not want anything to do with it. That is, until Scott died. Now I know. Now I know I want to SEE him again. I never thought of ever seeing anybody in heaven until MY SCOTT DIED.

It’s been 8 months since my Scott transitioned. I’ve screamed and screamed. There were a few days that I didn’t want to get out of bed. There were some days I didn’t want to eat or talk to anybody. Oh yes, it

can get like that. I was angry, puzzled, but I’ve learned it’s part of the grieving process.

I asked God why, He said, “It hurts my child, but it was necessary so that you would understand who I am. As much as I love you and loved your family, I needed you to understand that death is a part of life. My word says it is appointed for all men to die. I never said how old, when or from what. But it is certain that all will die. They will spend eternity with me.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 1. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; 2. a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted.

Yes, God’s grace. He has given me the opportunity to minister to those who have lost loved ones. He has given me the opportunity to come out of my selfish self and look death in the eye. It is a transition into where, how, what God wants it to be. He tells us How, What, and When.

Oh YES! I had to tell you the whole story so that you could understand how God works on us to understand what we need to understand.

Yes, I will always hurt from the loss of my loved ones, but the hurt of losing My Scott. God had to put the hammer down. It took all of this so

that I could move in my life as God wants me to. Never take any life for granted because God formed us all in secret and only, He knows what the end will be.

Now when I pray, I thank God for the lessons learned and I feel closer to Him for helping me to understand only He can give or take life. Now I understand.

Father, I thank you for the child you planted in my womb in darkness, in seclusion. You knew his beginning and his end. Thank you that you picked MY womb as the fertile soil to plant his little soul. It was a privilege and honor to be his mother and I thank you for every precious moment I was able to spend with him, even as he was about to transition. I can never repay you Father for such an honor and privilege. I will be forever grateful. I also understand that he served his purpose here on earth. His work was done.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now I get excited when I visualize how when Scott got to the Pearly Gates, he was welcomed by his dad and so many other family members. He has seen Jesus and is at the throne of GRACE praising God. No more pain. He has a new body. A

complete and perfect body. He is healed truly in the name of Jesus.

To this I say, “Amen. Amen. Amen”.

How have I made it through? God’s Grace!!! Let me tell you about my God. It’s the only reason I have made it. People still ask me how I walk with such grace. I tell them I have been humbled by God’s mercy and grace. It is the ONLY way I can walk.

My advice is that even though you may have family around, get grief counseling as soon as possible. Grief counseling helped me so much. If I hadn't taken my son's advice to get counseling, there's no telling what my mental status would be.

When I went, the people there were so welcoming. I felt comfortable. They shared their stories with me. Some of the stories were far worse than mine.

I started going in 2016 right after my husband passed away. I still belong to the group. Now, I am helping others because of my experience, I want to do all I can to let others know they are not alone. Mainly, walking and trusting in Christ Jesus has really been my guidance. I also went through Grief Share at my church. So, having both has really been a plus. This year, I am co-facilitator for our

Grief Share sessions at our church. The sessions are offered on Zoom. There is no age limit. All of us have suffered a loss. We have widows in their 20's. We have widows and widowers that are much older. The beautiful thing is that we stay in touch with each other. We share resources as well. Estate issues, tax issues, and handyman references, just to name a few. Many travel. One group I belong to goes to lunch after each session and has dinner together once a month. It is a process. Don't hurry to get through it. Take your time. Reach out to others. No one can tell you what you're feeling. As I'm typing this, I have tears running down my cheeks. Tears of sadness AND joy. Sadness because I miss my family. I miss my husband and son the most. Joyous because I know they are both present with the Lord. No pain. Renewed. I believe I will see them again. I think of them most of all as happy. I await to see their welcoming arms one day. I look forward to seeing Jesus and praising him. Right now, I'm helping everyone I can. It is a ministry for me. God is pleased.

I'm over joyed because "the joy of the Lord is my strength!!"

I trust Him because He ministers to me. Be open my friends to the voice of God. Let Him lead you.

Minister Donzella Berry

If you have questions/comments for Donzella or would like to know more about the grief share counseling. Contact her at: mysarahmagazine@gamil.com

Partnership Schools

By Vanessa King

Recruitment and Enrollment at Pima Partnership High School and Academy

One question has been asked of our recruitment team over and over. What makes our schools special?

Our automatic response is because our teachers and staff truly care about student success.

We want students to see the opportunities that open up with a good education and high school diploma. We want students to learn and grow in their academics.

We want students to have plans for after graduation, so they are ready to share their amazing skills with the world. Our high schools have credit recovery and distance learning as needed, but also credit acceleration so that students can have a much quicker path toward reaching their postsecondary goal.

We want our middle schoolers to learn to be successful in the classroom with skills that will transfer to high school and future careers.

We want students to have a sense of community and belonging that our schools work hard to create.

So when we answer what makes us special, we really do believe we are the best at what we do and that is educating students. We help students realize they have options in their life through education and community support.

Check out our website: https://www. partnershipschools.us/ to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or kstrozier@thepartnership.us to learn more.

Racist Agenda Is Leading To The Extermination Of Black African Americans

Rain Maker Wildfire Drone Solution sent a proposal to President Joe Biden, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, News Media and Western Governors, which was ignored once again.

Wildfires are out of control in America and Canada! AHEC’s (Allen Hydro Energy Corporation) Black CEO is offering a solution, but due to White racism, it’s been ignored. https://ahecenerg.com/rain-maker-wildfiresolution/

Wildfires are impacting US and Canada’s air quality, destroying homes and killing American and Canadian People. Rain Maker Wildfire Autonomous Drones Proposal seeks to use large autonomous drone to transport a Water and Cornstarch Solution to create the effect of a targeted rain storm that would suppress and extinguish wildfires.

Despite climate change-causing wildfires getting worse over the past 10 years, racism in the American government and the news media has ignored AHEC’s Black founder & CEO. This is what White racism looks like in the 21st Century. A literal scorched Earth mentality that is willing to sacrifice property

and the lives of anyone, just to prevent the empowerment of a Black man they believe has the ability to uplift and empower Black African American People with funding for AHEC, his Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Startup. https://www.ahecEnerg. com

The American and Canadian people should be ashamed of their political and media leadership for such white racists, unethical and immoral behavior. Those who have lost property and family should consider a class action legal case against those who have ignored Rain Maker over the past 10 years.

Additionally, Black African Americans are now being systematically exterminated by White supremacy racist laws, policies & programs as evidenced by Black disparity data.

The evidence includes the following:

1. High Black infant mortality rates;

2. High Black women maternal mortality rates;

3. High Black youth gun violence rates;

4. High Black teen suicide rates;

5. High Black mass incarceration rates;

6. High Black poor healthcare rates;

7. 80% Black-White racial wealth gap;

8. Impact of climate change (heatwaves, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, smoke from wildfires causing poor air quality).

Charles E. Campbell

All these things are leading to the extermination of the Black African American population and, combined with a ban on White women having abortions and their illegal immigration strategies, they will ensure that the White population is not replaced over the next 200 years.

Black leadership remains silent and they have no national comprehensive plan to empower the Black race or to stop our extermination!

How will you collectively help stop the extermination of the Black African American race? If you don’t have a plan, then consider supporting the following strategies.

Here’s the solution I created: The Quiet Resolution (TQR, Inc – Black Empowerment Startup https://www.tqrinc. com)

Here’s how I plan to fund TQR, Inc: Allen Hydro Energy Corporation (AHEC –Clean Energy & Climate Change Mitigation Startup) https://www.ahecEnerg.com

Cuptoopia.com, Inc. (Technology Startup –https://www.cuptoopia.com)

Charles E. Campbell, Race Man, MSW, JSU, HBCU Grad, Que, Founder & CEO of TQR, Inc, AHEC & Cuptoopia

By Gerald W. Smith Jr.

Why This Book?

When my parents divorced, I felt like I had no Voice or jurisdiction to say anything. I kept my feelings Bottled Up inside of me trying to please my parents.

Who Are You Trying To Reach?

The young, old, girl, boy, men, women of all ethnicities.

Why Now?

As a child of divorce, I never realized how it affected me from childhood to adulthood. Relationships, feeling insecure, all these things followed me because I was never able to share my feelings. We don’t realize that unresolved issues remain Bottled Up and end up causing us to do negative things. My prayer is that this book helps you as I share my story.

Order your copy(s) today. Available on Amazon.com

Click on the picture, or scan the QR Code to order. This book is a must read!

Want An Autograph Copy? Contact Me @ gws821@gmail.com or on

God’s Esteem

Knowing who you are in Christ

Psalms 139: 13-16 (NIV)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be

I have been a Believer for some time, but I never really walked out my identity in Christ. I thought once I had received Christ as my Savior, attend Bible Study and Church, I was good to go. As I began to grow more in God’s Word, I realized that I really didn’t feel good about myself because of life choices, mistakes, and condemnation.

I would read the Word, and God told me who I was! It was preached to me who I was, but I never got the affirmation from my parents, siblings, relatives, grandparents etc. Friends would tell me who I was, but I was missing the main component and that was believing who I was in Christ!

I tell you, when I start believing, declaring, and walking out who Christ said that I am, things started to change. One of my life scriptures is 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV):

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

When you know who you are in Christ, you don’t have to be concerned with age. The Bible tells us that, even in your old age, you will bear much fruit. Look at Sarah! She laughed when God told her that she would have a child in her 90’s!

I am not adding anything to the Scriptures, but could it be that Sarah didn’t believe who she was in Christ to believe that her promise would come to past even at 90 years old? When you know who you are In Christ, you don’t have to fight to be first, to be known, to be accepted, respect, protected, promoted, and acknowledged. All you have to do is just be.

You have the keys to the Kingdom, and you have an inheritance and the promises of God. If someone told you that you had a million dollars waiting for you at your financial Institution, what would you do? You would go get it!! Because of whom we are and whose we are, we can claim our inheritance from our Father, who is the King of Kings and the lord of Lords. We lack nothing in Christ.

You see, the enemy of our soul does not want us to get this because when we do, we start interfering with his plot and plan for our lives. Have you ever noticed when you discover who you are in Christ, you start walking differently, you square your shoulders and put some pep in your step. This is nothing that I boast about, it is only by the Grace of God that I am still standing! I am so thankful that He did not

give me what I deserved.

You can be confident, complete, and courageous when you know who you are in Christ! Knowing who you are in Christ, you don’t have to compete or compare with anyone for something you already have. Sometimes we get distracted with the cares of this world and must be reminded of who we are. Consult with our Creator to find out why you were created. God don’t make no junk and you are not a mistake. You were created for purpose and destiny!

You know, most products come with a manual from the manufacturer. God created us with a manual, that is the Bible. His Word has everything we need to know.

Knowing who you are has nothing to do with your emotions, status, looks, your employment, what you own, who you hang around with etc. It is who Christ say that you are. He is the one who created you. He loved and thought about you so much that He made you in His image.

If you are struggling with your identity, the first and most important thing is: you need to have a personal relationship with Christ, our Creator. In Him is where you will learn and know your true identity which gives you God’s esteem.

Affirmations of who Christ say that you are:

I am loved, just the way I am! God loves me with an everlasting love.

“The LORD appeared to us in the past,[a] saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV)

I am a new creature in Jesus Christ, I have newness of life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

I am protected, He that keeps me neither sleeps nor slumbers.

“He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;” (Psalm 121:3 NIV)

I am the light of the world, the salt of the earth.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

(Matthew 5:13-14 NIV)

I am a child of the most high God.

“I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.” (Psalm 82:6 NIV)

I am forgiven.

“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

(Psalm 103:12 NIV)

I know who God says I am, In Jesus name, Amen.

Around 1971, Carolyn was inspired to write a love story. It all came about when she and her husband were watching the movie Love Story. The story ended with the wife dying. This was a very good movie, but Carolyn Jean felt that something was missing. Now the wheels were turning in her mind, she looked at her husband and said, “It would be awesome if there was a black love story that people could read about or watch.” He agreed and said, “you need to write a black story.” Well, here it is, Miss Lady Sunshine! This story is so captivating, you’ll find yourself thinking that you are right there with them. It has lots of Dialog, Romance, Drama, and it’s a fairy tale that makes you want to fall in love. The events and characters are fictional, but this book is so good, you will forget that it is a fictional story

Venita Freeman

“In this trip around the sun we are only given one body. It is our job to take good care of it so it lasts for our entire ride on this planet!”

(Authorunknown)

Your mind matters. Your body matters. Your spirit matters. Too often we wait until we get some kind of diagnosis to begin doing what we know we should have been doing already.

We know that we should exercise at least 5 days per week but we often put that off. We know that we should eat a healthy diet and we still choose foods that are fried, fatty, sweet, and the like. We know that portion size matters but we still order a large or extra-large every time we make the decision to eat out. We know that eating out is not the best for our bodies or our budgets but it’s so convenient, so we continue. We know that we should sleep 7- 8 hours every night, yet we still don't make it a priority. We also know that drinking water is more

Venita Freeman

beneficial to our bodies than any other beverage but there are so many other options that taste so much better. We have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips but we still choose options that will shorten our lifespan. What we need is a wealth of application. It’s time for us to apply what we know and be consistent about it. You matter. Your health matters. Choose to do better. Begin to apply what you know.

a natural chip. Perhaps you already eat baked or natural chips but you let yourself eat the entire bag. Try to reduce your consumption to a few handfuls and eventually graduate to the serving size that is recommended on the back of the bag.

Small changes over long periods of time make big impacts. Pick an area of your life and start making small changes there. If you know that you are a couch potato and that chips are your thing, then do something about one of those things first. Do something about the chips or do something about your movement. If you continue to consume more calories than you burn then your body will continue to expand. If your body isn’t expanding then it is simply becoming more toxic in a smaller space and is more likely to start affecting your vital organs sooner.

A small step to take in this instance is to replace the chips you're eating with a baked chip or

Most of the time that we are sitting on the couch we are usually watching something. I know that some of us pay extra to not have commercials and ads during our shows. It’s time to get up. Move the couch away from the wall and do some laps around the furniture while the commercials are going. If your show does not have ads or commercials, you can set a timer for 3-5 minutes and walk around the furniture before and after your show. Movement helps burn calories. Choose something that will work for you. If you like going to the gym then do that. If you are at the store often, then park far away and visit a few locations or several sections in the store. If you are at home a lot, then jog in place or find a YouTube fitness video and join in. There are many 5-, 7-, and 10-minute videos that are easy to implement. The gym is not for everyone but movement is. Find something that will work for you and be consistent with it.

Venita Freeman

accountable and encourage you to achieve them.

One way to be consistent is with an accountability partner. If you know that you need to get in the bed earlier, drink more water, or eat more vegetables, then you qualify for an accountability partner. If you are on social media way too often, binge watch a lot of shows, or play phone, console, or computer games too much, an accountability partner can help you make gradual progress towards balancing that out. Find someone that is encouraging and set a day and time to check in with that person. If one day is not enough then you may need an additional partner or a second check in time. The check in time can happen in any way. You can choose a time when you will see that person face to face. You can do Facetime, Zoom, or a regular phone call. If brevity is your thing because life is busy, then you can simply give an update via text. For any goal that you have, you are more likely to achieve it when you have someone that is encouraging you along the way and reminding you of your goal(s). Begin to tackle some of your goals by finding someone that will hold you

A Few De-Stressing/ Body Balance/ Self Regulation Tips:

4 Corner Deep Breathing

1. Find an object nearby that has four corners a box, your monitor, or even this page.

2. Start at the upper-lefthand corner and inhale for four counts. Breathe in, filling your lungs with air.

3. Turn your gaze to the upper-right-hand corner and hold your breath for four counts.

4. Move to the lower-righthand corner. Exhale for four counts.

5. Now shift your attention to the lower-left-hand corner. Tell yourself to relax and smile.

Venita Freeman

Repeat these steps 3 to 5 times, or as often as you like.

• ICE: Inhale, Count to 5, Exhale

• Roses & Candles: Pretend to smell roses and blow out candles (3-5 repetitions)

• 1 Minute Jog & a Stretch: Set a 1-minute timer and jog in place. Then stretch: head up, head down, ear on your shoulder, ear on your other shoulder, flamingoes, toe touch, side lunge to the left and right

• Selfie Hug: Arms out, cross them, palms together, grip your fingers, tuck it under, and squeeze

By Venita Freeman

If you have questions for Venita, please send them to mysarahmagazine@gmail.com and we will post them and the answers in the next issue of Sarah magazine.

By Jacqueline Hopkins Morgan

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No More Procrastination. Let’s Do This!

I wrote this article many years ago and it is also a chapter in one of my books.

What does it mean to have a handicap?

I looked it up and this is what it means:

Handicap-A condition so imposed, or to hinder or impede.

Impede- to stop the progress of, to hinder to obstruct.

Have you ever watched a handicapped person?

We might see someone with one leg or no legs. One arm or no arms. Blind in one eye or no sight at all. Just to name a few. Have you ever noticed that no matter what the handicap, they learn how to work with what they do have?

They are not hindered by what society calls a handicap. When you

think about it, they’re not handicapped at all. Now let’s look at our lives; we have all the activities of our limbs working. Yet we let circumstances hinder us. Whether it’s physical or material things, We tend to allow these things to hinder us. I am using my life experiences to get the message out to someone who might be going through something right now. I am reminded of a time when it seemed like everything I touched was falling apart in every area of my life. I became so discouraged to the point of giving up. I began to pray my pity party prayers. God began to show me in the spirit a handicapped person. He made me see that when that handicap person has one leg, they make the other leg do the work of two legs. If they have no legs, they use their arms. You get the picture.

I looked at my circumstances and felt I didn’t have the right resources to do what I needed to do. God showed me no matter what the circumstances, use what you have!

How many times in your life have you let things hinder you to the point of feeling like you are handicapped? Are we more handicapped than that person whom society calls handicapped?

In 2 kings 4: 1-7 the widowed woman felt that she had nothing and her two sons were going to be sold as slaves to pay her debts. She cried to the prophet Elisha for help. Elisha asked what did she have in her house. She explained to him that she only had a jar of oil. He told her to go and borrow vessels from neighbors and shut the door behind her and fill them. She did what he said. Once the vessels were full, he instructed her to take the oil and sell it to pay her debts and use the rest to live on. The widow woman could have let this handicap stop her from moving forward. But The prophet Elisha showed her that what she might have thought was not enough or not good enough, was of great value.

Read about blind Bartimaeus, His handicap did not hinder him from

getting what he needed from Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52).

We focus so much on what we don’t have and we overlook what we do have.

A handicapped person is just the opposite of us, they will take what they have and work it.

In this day, I am going to take what I have and use it! I encourage you my sisters and brothers to do the same.

DON’T GIVE UP! Take what you think is a handicap and use it! Don’t let the attacks of this world hinder you.

Don’t be hindered! What you think is a handicap is going to take you to the level. Take time out to watch a person with no legs, one arm or blind, watch how they maneuver and get things done as if they have no handicap at all.

Here we are with no handicap, so to speak, and we still let minor circumstances hinder us. Don’t let your situation make you think that you can’t move forward. That is the trick of the enemy! Talk to me friends, are you in a situation now, or have you been there? What’s in your house?

Work with what you have! I pray that this has encouraged you to not give up. If that person whom

society calls handicap can do it…so can you!

there is still time to reach those goals.

This is what Sarah Magazine is all about. Create what you don’t have, work with what you do have, and always remember it doesn’t matter how old or how young you are

From my book, Messages From My Heart (Mini Bites For Your Soul) 2017

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978419252

By Minister Sheree Carradine

Thank you for viewing the Rebirth of Sarah Magazine. I hope you enjoyed all the great stories, fashion, beauty, health and so much more. I pray that something in this magazine encouraged and inspired you to move forward.

I know it’s going to be people viewing to find mistakes, but that’s ok. God gave me this ministry, and if your only purpose is to look for mistakes, then you missed the ministry and maybe even your blessing!

This is my first issue in over 5 years, Bear with us . We are a work in progress…we get better with time.

Once again a big shout out to all my staff, contributors, and those who prayed for me during this time of Rebirthing Sarah The devil tried to stop me in so many ways…but God moved the obstacles and Sarah was birthed once again.

We are always interviwing people to be our next cover story.

WILL IT BE YOU???

Send us a few paragraphs of your story, my staff and I read them and decide whos going to be next on the cover of Sarah.

Give us your feedback. We’d like to hear from you.

We will see you in the next issue.

Just a reminder: We are a Christian based magazine but not limited to only Christians. BUT… we will not publish anything that is contrary to our beliefs, such as profanity or promotion of your sexual preferences.

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