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WOMEN’S HISTORY TRIBUTE: OSCAR WINNING ACTRESS LUPITA NYONG’O

Lupita Nyong’o: A Star is Born Lupita Nyong'o triumphed on her Oscars debut but, says Tim Robey, the star of 2014 is poised for even greater things

If you were asked to choose the most jubilant, invigorating, and universally popular few minutes of the 2014 Oscars ceremony, you couldn’t do much better than the moment after Christoph Waltz announced the winner of Best Supporting Actress. Its recipient, the 31-year-old Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, is familiar by now for two reasons, and two alone: for her unforgettable, scalding performance in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, and her presence on the red carpet circuit all season, justifiably winning a clutch of awards for it.

The performance is her debut, following an apprenticeship on the drama stages of both Nairobi and Yale. One of the most remarkable things about Nyong’o’s portrayal of Patsey is how she comes to us whole, as a fully formed, self-exposing and fearless actress, not a tentative ingenue or putty in her director’s hands.

The awards clip used time and again to promote Nyong’o in 12 Years a Slave is the one with Patsey clutching a bar of soap, a symbol of defiant dignity, as she browbeats her own master for allowing her to be so misused. It precedes the film’s most brutal sequence, in which her body becomes a symbolic site in itself, and the fury and injustice of her suffering are every bit as agonising as McQueen, in trying to summon the darkest excesses of the era, needs them to be. She’s incredibly vivid at communicating both inner power, a tumultuous life force, and complete powerlessness at the same time.

Extraordinary words from the 12 Years a Slave actress: "It doesn’t escape me for one Moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s."

On February 27, 2014, at the Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Lupita gave a speech on black beauty. Lupita talked about a letter she received from a young fan who stated she was unhappy with herself until she saw the actress on the cover of a magazine. In her speech Lupita talked about the insecurities she had about herself as a teenager; growing up as a dark skinned black girl, women that looked like her were barely portrayed in the media and when they were, they were not deemed as being beautiful. She said her views about herself changed when she saw South Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek become successful.

Lupita further stated, "When I saw Alek I inadvertently saw a reflection of myself that I could not deny. Now, I had a spring in my step because I felt more seen, more appreciated by the far away gatekeepers of beauty. "

She continues, "And my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned. The morning would come and I would be so excited about seeing my new skin that I would refuse to look down at myself until I was in front of a mirror because I wanted to see my fair face first. And every day I experienced the same disappointment of being just as dark as I had been the day before."

Lupita's decision to speak out was spurred by a letter she received from a fan. It read: "Dear Lupita. I think you’re really lucky to be this black but yet this successful in Hollywood overnight. I was just about to buy Dencia’s Whitenicious cream to lighten my skin when you appeared on the world map and saved me." She reveals that her own light bulb moment came when seeing supermodel Alek Wek. “Even Oprah called her beautiful and that made it a fact,” she said.

She hopes that her presence in Hollywood will inspire young girls to value their own beauty especially that on the inside.

"I hope that my presence on your screens and in the magazines may lead you, young girl, on a similar journey," she said.

Lupita further encourages, "That you will feel the validation of your external beauty but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside. There is no shade to that beauty."

FROM SISTA TALK eMAGAZINE: Congratulations to Lupita Nyong’o and we celebrate her in honor of Women’s History Month!

Walking in the Manifestations of God’s Blessings as a Forefront Lady L Laaddyy L Leeaahh M MccN Naaiirr

Lady Leah Hill McNair is a native of Greensboro, NC. The evangelistic call on her life has afforded her opportunities to minister nationally and internationally. Lady McNair has utilized her ministry gifts in West Africa to provide leadership training, facilitate workshops, organize & lead missions groups and preach revivals that led to the saving of many souls. She was honored to be May 2011’s featured “Preaching Woman of the Month” on www.preachingwoman.com , an international media platform for women in ministry.

In 2004, Lady McNair’s strength became greater as she joined forces with her husband, Pastor P. Michael McNair. In 2007, they divinely answered the call of pastoralship to Emmanuel Baptist Church (Thomasville, NC). Together their hands have been busy building and strengthening the Kingdom for 21st century ministry. As an established business woman, she co-owns Mac Publishing along with her husband, a Christian-based, family-owned publishing company in the Triad-area. She is the leader of the “Valuable Woman” Women’s Ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church, which ministers to several women in the local ministry as well as the community with women’s fellowships, Bible studies, teen empowerment events, Annual Women’s Conferences and Women’s Retreats.

She is an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelors degree in Public Health Education. Lady McNair is a Master’s of Ministry in Christian Leadership candidate at Laurel University (High Point, NC). She is the Founder of “Forefront Ladies”, a network and mentorship dedicated to raising the standard for women in ministry. She is also the author of 2 books, “The Guide to Greatness for Women in Ministry”, focused on developing and encouraging female leaders and aspiring leaders in the Body of Christ and “21 Days of Powerful Prayers for Women” a prayer journal to ignite consistent devotional prayer time amongst Christian women.

“Lady Mac” as she is affectionately called by many, has a hands-on approach to ministry, serving God’s people right where they are and pushing them to where they are destined to be. She is boldly fulfilling the mandate on her life to be an empowering and uncompromising voice in the Body of Christ.

Lady Mac had this to share with SISTAH Talk:

SISTER TALK: Please tell us about Lady Leah McNair.

LADY LEAH: Well, I started preaching at a young age, 16 to be exact. And as I continued to preach, the Lord began to show me that He had given me a ministry of empowerment. In other words, He’s given me a ministry assignment to empower the Body of Christ with deliverance, healing, and wholeness through His Holy Spirit. So my mission is to get people to realize who they are in God, to teach them how to walk in their God given authority and power. My goal is to shift God’s people away from focusing on their past, by reminding them, through the Word of the unlimited potential that lies in their future. When we do that, we are then enabled to live an empowered life in Christ Jesus!

SISTER TALK:Please share your inspiration to start MAC Publishing, and what it’s about. SISTER TALK:Please share your journey in writing “21 Days of Powerful Prayers for Women”.

LADY LEAH: The inspiration to start MAC Publishing came 2 years ago when I completed the manuscript of my first book, The Guide to Greatness for women in ministry. After sharing my manuscript with 3 different publishing companies and being in astonishment after view the astronomical publishing costs, my husband and I sat down with a plan. After much prayer, we decided to self-publish my first book. The Lord blessed and 3 months later, I self published my second book! Other pastors and preachers in the kingdom began to inquire as to how we did it in such a short time and for so little money. Once we shared our testimony, several people began to bring us their manuscripts to help them self publish, and that is how Mac Publishing was birthed! Kind of, by “accident” (if you will). Our company specializes in helping first time authors self publish their books in a spirit of excellence. We have over 20 authors that are apart of our publishing family in just 12 months.

SISTER TALK: Please share your inspiration to begin Girls Night Out, and what is the mission of Girls Night Out.

LADY LEAH: Girls Night Out is a program I do twice a year with the teens and pre-teens of my congregation. I allow them to bring 1 friend that is not a part of our church and we take 2 days to impart into every young lady on their level. Most of these girls are dealing with serious issues of suicidal thoughts, mental health issues, peer pressure, sexual promiscuity, self-esteem and self-image issues and the list goes on. Many of them have no goals for their future and no drive to dream big. I use Girls Night Out to combat those ideals and remind each girl that they are extraordinary. The mission is to help pre-teen and teenage girls view themselves as valuable and to help them to accept themselves just the way they are. Over the 6 years of my tenure at Emmanuel Baptist Church we have taken the girls to five star hotels, local resorts, beaches, and given them high class treatment in every way possible. LADY LEAH: In 2011, God impressed upon my heart to establish an environment where women from everywhere can come together and be encouraged through prayer and the Word of God. I call it the “Women on Wednesday” (W.O.W.) Prayer Call. For 15 short minutes I shared a word of encouragement and prayed a covering of blessings over every caller. Through the prayer call, many women have testified that they have been blessed, encouraged, strengthened, and challenged to make substantial life improvements. After hearing what God has done in their life, I was impressed by the Holy Spirit to take each call and share it with you in the form of a 21-day prayer journal. There are endless books and articles that say “It takes 21 days to make a habit.” One can apply this idea to prayer as well. I wrote the book with the intention that in less than a month, women will create a habit of prayer that will not only bring discipline to their Christian walk, but it will change their lives!

SISTER TALK:Please share some motivation for women and teenage girls who are working to

accomplish their dreams. Please share some

characteristics women and teens should have to be successful as they endeavor to pursue their dreams and goals.

LADY LEAH: Any woman that desires to not only dream big but walk in the manifestation of those dreams must first HAVE A PLAN. Create action steps to follow. Identify the path you must take. Celebrate your key accomplishments along the way. Refuse to let anyone or anything drain your passion to see your vision come to pass! Even before the dream comes to pass, you must SEE YOURSELF WALKING IN THAT LEVEL OF SUCCESS. View yourself through the eyes of faith! There is a quote that says "human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." (Lee Iacocca) If you can’t picture yourself achieving the goal, chances are – you won’t.

SISTER TALK:Please share your journey and premise in writing “The Guide to Greatness for Women in Ministry”.

LADY LEAH: Preaching on the road, I come in contact with so many women in ministry who are in need of encouragement and direction. They are seeking mentorship but unsure of where to find it. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, I put together a network of women in ministry called “Forefront Ladies Network” in 2011. My mission is to emphasize to women in ministry that these days it’s important to know what platform you are ready to occupy. I teach women in ministry that you must:

1. Know YOUR ministry – make it a point to know the uniqueness of your ministry inside and out and the target group God has called you to minister to.

2. Know YOUR measure – take the time to acknowledge what "you believe” needs to happen for you to reach your personal goals, whether it be as small as going back to school or as big as moving to another state!

3. Know YOUR experience – give yourself time to gain the wisdom and experience necessary for certain doors that will open.

When it’s truly your time and season, you will know it and will be equipped to handle it. You will possess the fruit necessary for the moment, which comes after you’ve gone through the growing process and have been prepared for the moment. And, for many of us, the time is now! The passion behind this idea of timing and season for women preachers and leaders is what pushed me to write this book.

SISTER TALK: Please share any upcoming projects that you are involved in.

LADY LEAH: I am currently in the process of completing my 3rd book! This book will also be an encouragement to women of all ages. Without telling too much I will say that it is a daily devotional but with a much different flavor than “21 Days of Powerful Prayers for Women”. I am excited to release it in May 2014! I am also planning our Annual Women’s Conference this year at Emmanuel Baptist Church. It is called “Women’s Experience 2014: Becoming a VALUABLE Woman”. May 16th -18th. The cost is free and it promises to be a powerful weekend geared directly towards the needs of women!

SISTER TALK: How may you be contacted?

LADY LEAH: www.ladyleah.org; www.emmanuelnc.net; www.macpub.org; booking@ladyleah.org

Books are available on www.amazon.com

**Note: my website is currently under construction. I will work to have it restored by your magazine release date. Just let me know what that date will be**

31 Days of Prayers for Your Husband

By Venus Mason Theus

"She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12). Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

Day 1

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2

Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3

Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4

Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life,

Day 7

Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8

Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9

Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10

Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:1012)

Day 11

Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12

Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13

Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14

Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15

Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his

Day 16

Pray that your husband will choose healthy, Godhonoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17

Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18

Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19

Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20

Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21

Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22

Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23

Pray that your husband will be a good father— disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24

Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25

Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26

Pray that your husband will discover and live his Godgiven purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27

Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28

Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29

Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30

Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31

Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)