VOLUME 2- ISSUE 1
Overcoming Spotlighting the strength, diversity, & uniqueness of this journey called womanhood
ADVERTISE IN
speakwomanmagazine.com
Editor’s Note 5
Overcoming Snapshot 6
Meet Our Life Coach 9
Overcoming Freshman Year 10
Letter to HER 16 OVERCOMING
Spotlight 19
Photography by TRD Media Source
OVERCOMING
Hair & Make-up by
New Year Resolutions 25
Tiara Towns
Letter to HER 26
Speak Woman was created with a simple mission; to uplift & spotlight the positivity in EVERY woman! We strive to be a vessel of information for our readers. Although SWM strives to publish correct and accurate information, we do not accept liability for any inaccuracies. The views expressed in published articles are that of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SWM. Actions based on information in SWM are at your own risk. Reproduction of any part of this publication without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademark Property of Speak Woman Magazine, LLC Founder/Editor-At-Large La’Shanda Campbell Publisher Speak Woman Magazine, LLC Speak Woman welcomes submissions.
Visit
speakwomanmagazine.com For
ADVERTISING Information
speakwomanmagazine.com
We all have a story!!!!
We have all been through tough situations. Situations that look like the end, but somehow we survive. Not only do we survive, but we learn valuable lessons from each experience if we are paying attention. This issue is the first of our OVERCOMER campaign. It is full of stories of some of the strongest women I’ve come to know. We share these stories as testimonies to shine a light in a dark place. To give others going through similar situations hope that life can & will get better if we stay strong and focus on our goals instead of our obstacles. Enjoy this issue and continue to spread the word about this #PositiveMovement!!!
If you have a story that you would like to share we welcome you to do so by emailing us @ speakwomanmagazine@yahoo.com. Thank you for your continued support & well wishes Be Blessed, La’Shanda Campbell, Founder/Editor-At-Large SWM
5
“I overcame near death, becoming bedridden, and job loss in 2011 by writing, speaking, and praying life over my circumstances; allowing my faith and words to restore my soul, mind, body, and spirit during my most distressing times; and carefully crafting a detailed comeback plan, one piece at a time.�
Speak Woman Magazine
speakwomanmagazine.com
Are you an Verb to gain the victory; win; conquer: a plan to overcome by any means possible
. Everyday women all over the world are taking on life’s challenges. Some of these challenges are small and some make us feel like we won’t make it through alive, but somehow we find the strength to make it through and come out stronger and wiser! SWM wants to hear those stories of OVERCOMING life’s difficulties and lessons learned! Life is a journey and SWM believes by publishing these overcoming stories we give strength to those who may be in that dark moment with no light in sight.
If you have a story email speakwomanmagazine@yahoo.com
Meet our Frances Richards, Ph.D. is President/CEO of Arlean Richards, LLC, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Author. She has over fifteen years of coaching and assisting individuals to reach their goals and objectives, in addition to successfully mentoring hundreds of adult learners to obtain their degree. Her experience includes twenty+ years in management, higher education, and entrepreneurship. Frances is a graduate of Jacksonville Theological Seminary (Ph.D.), City University (MBA) in Bellevue, Washington, and Marquette University (BA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Frances has been a featured motivational speaker for numerous churches and professional organizations, including guest speaker at the first Women of Color Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been featured in the Las Vegas Review Journal (The Centennial View) and the Sentinel Voice. She is married to Robert for 23 years and has a son, Louis.
Visit speakwomanmagazine.com to submit questions for Dr. Richards!!!
9
My Story Beginning my freshman year of college I was so excited yet nervous at what the future had in store. I was excited for the new chapter in my life. So eager to meet new friends and be living on my own for the first time in my life. I remember not sleeping the night before move in because I really had no idea what to expect. Is college like the movies? Will I fit in? At that point in time college wasn’t the only thing making me anxious. My mom was going through chemo treatments to fight against Breast Cancer and I was constantly worrying about her. I even felt a little guilty to be leaving her and my father at home with an empty house. Helping my Mother through this journey was a team effort and I didn’t know how I felt being away. Another thing that worried me was leaving my twin, Veronica. My twin and I had never been separated. In high school we were known as the Halfacre twins. Veronica was a part of my identity, we balanced each other out and the thought of being without her was terrifying. Who else was going to be by my side to make new friends or laugh at my jokes when no one else gets it? And how in the world was I supposed to focus on my education while balancing everything else? In the midst of this stress happening in my mind-my body reacted. I began having trouble breathing. I went to the doctor where all sorts of test were ran to figure out why I was so short of breath. It turns out that I was having anxiety attacks. On top of everything else being diagnosed with anxiety seemed like the last thing I needed. 11
How did I make it through?! Prayer I realized I couldn’t get through this on my own. “For I know the plans I have for you,” Says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. I knew that I had a bright future ahead of me and I prayed everyday thanking God for this. I also knew that this scripture applied to my Mom. Even though I was afraid trusting her to God’s hands instead of my own or the doctors helped tremendously.
Practiced Mindfulness I realized that I had the power to control my thoughts and bring myself to a state of peace. Since I was worried of being alone I practiced being alone. Going on walks by myself or doing yoga.
Be Fearless & Stay Positive I went into every situation with courage. I made new friends, took the class that people called “Impossible”, and really tried not to worry so much.
13
Schedule College comes with a lot of work and tons of deadlines. Making time to study, do homework, and still finding time for myself and others was very important to me. Scheduling in a little calendar book helped me stay on task and tend to every aspect of my life.
Communicate Seek help, love or support from those around you. When I was feeling a little down I’d text someone I know would pick me up. When it came to school I made a friend to be a study buddy in each class I had. That way if I ever needed help or missed a day of class I could count on them and they could count on me. I don’t know how that year would’ve turned out without the help from my family and peers around me. Now I can say I’ve truly overcome. My mother did her last chemotherapy and radiation treatment in late 2014. She beat breast cancer and she’s better and stronger for it now! I beat anxiety by not letting it control my life but rather learning to control it instead. And my freshman year went crazy fast! I came out of it with good relationships and good grades! Overall, I learned not to worry so much because God has had it under control the whole entire time.
14
Advertise with SWM!!! 20% OFF ANY FULL SIZE AD SPACE *Mention this advertisement*
speakwomanmagazine.com
Justoilhair.com High quality hair and body care products, using ingredients with natural healing properties from the earth. For the head, toe and everywhere in between of each customer!
Carolyn Wilson
“Ten years ago when I left an abuse relationship. I didn’t quite grasp what the power of me leaving would do, but one thing I did know was that leaving is what I had to do. Self-talk and assurance during that rough time is what kept me going to be the overcomer that I am.”
Dear HER,
I want to you to know that I am so proud of you for having the courage to leave this unhealthy, abusive, and controlling relationship. It has been a few months now and I know in this moment it would be so much easier to pretend nothing happened. You want to just take him back because it is familiar and it would just all go away. I know you are feeling confused about what occurred and scared about how you will move on from here. I know you really want to stay but you also know deep down that things will not get better if you do. I know you are feeling sad, angry, heartbroken, and extremely devastated, but know that this too shall pass. It is alright to allow yourself to have these feelings, but do not wallow in them as these emotions will only prolong your happiness. There is so much more out there for you beyond this situation that you will soon see when you believe that there is something better. Understand that you have your faith and your belief in GOD that will carry you through this time to give you comfort. Please know that there is power in leaving this relationship. You may not fully see it right now, but overtime you will become more resilient through this experience. You are about to embark on this new found freedom of self. Stay on course because going back is no longer an option. You are stronger than you think. Remember there is a saying, “what doesn’t kill you…makes you stronger”. Since this situation did not kill you, stronger is not only what you have become it is what and who you are. Embrace it…because you are an overcomer! With Love,
Caroln
17
On Purpose Women’s Network (OPWN) is a mentoring and networking organization for Women 18 + who feel the leading and calling for Christian ministry. Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist are common ministry areas but there is ministry in writing, performing arts and the marketplace such as corporate or entrepreneurial endeavors. We realize for many of us, our business is our ministry!!! At OPWN, we define ministry as any act of service that is motivated by the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ multiplied on the earth and the goodness of God on display through our ministry. OPWN was founded out of a sincere desire to see women move forward in fulfilling their God-given destiny. We come from diverse cultures, denominations and experiences but we commonly share a desire to please Jesus!
Through membership, you can get involved in 3 ways: 1. Become an On Purpose Mentor to a less experienced female in ministry 2. Become an On Purpose Mentee and work with your Mentor to achieve your ministry goals 3. Become an On Purpose Group Leader in your community and help women discover and fulfill their God-given purpose
For more information and membership fees visit
www.opwn.org or contact
Kimberly Jarvis at 937-673-6988
“For the Ministry You’ve Envisioned”
Valerie Mckinney-Walker
Valerie is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and survivor! She was born with Spina Bifida (a congenital neural tube defect in which parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine).
Her future looked dim after being told her entire life that she would not live long nor would she ever have children. This would have paralyzed many, but it only strengthened Valerie. She would go on to earn multiple degrees in the healthcare field. She worked in healthcare until she became a stay-at-home mother due to disability. In 2009 she created The Indulge Event while acting as office manager for her husband’s repair business (All Around Repairs, LLC). Valerie is active in her son’s athletic endeavors & is faithful to her church St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. How does Spina Bifida affect your life?
How have you OVERCOME Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida affects my life by being my life, but it does not define who I am. I remember my parents being told that I wouldn’t make it past age 16, make it out of high school, or have kids. It was hard growing up knowing those things while trying to be cool and accepted while wearing leg braces. All I wanted to do was prove them wrong and be accepted by my peers.
It is a daily overcoming. I have been focused on learning myself and developing a relationship with the Lord. I realize HE made me strong enough to endure the stares, jokes, discrimination, and let downs. I know I’m blessed; there are people with worse conditions. I talk to families who’ve been given similar diagnoses. I share my son’s picture as my testimony. I tell them how I’m not supposed to be here and neither is my son. I’ve realized that I am not a freak. I am uniquely designed by God; flaws and all. This is what helps me overcome.
Every day is a struggle because of back pain and mobility issues. I just try to do as much as I can to stay positive.
20
How has depression affected your life?
22
think about all of the people who don’t get the privilege of waking up. I get up and get moving while remembering that the Lord is with me.
I was diagnosed in 1999, after having my son. I was in an emotional rollercoaster for a Who has been your greatest long time trying to hold my life positive influence while together. I went through lots of going through illness? medications and treatment options. It was difficult to have a support system with My parents because “I get up and of their strength, prayers, depression because most people feel and support. My family get moving uncomfortable, they and friends, who prayed while don’t know what to do remembering me through multiple or say. It was difficult surgeries and crisis. All of that the Lord for me as well to them have been such a is with me.” understand all the blessing during hard emotional shifts. How times. You really find out do you explain how you feel who loves you when you without it being labeled as a go through trials. I love pity party? Depression has the them! ability to stop everything. Tell us about Depression is a very serious Indulge Events medical illness, NOT a sign of weakness! The Indulge Event was How have you OVERCOME created in 2009. I had been Depression? placed on disability due to Spina Bifida. I realized that a It is a day to day, minute to large number of household minute overcoming. There are incomes come from home times that I don’t want to get out of bed. On these days I
What does the future hold for you? based businesses and I wanted to create a platform to showcase local business owners. Originally our target market was women, but after considering the male input we broadened our target audience. The Indulge Event is held three times a year; November, February, and May. We promise the ultimate one-stop shopping and indulgence experience. We showcase over 60 small business owners and crafters in the Tri-City area. We have chair massages, discounted glam services (eyebrow, eyelashes, nails, & makeup), men’s haircut, great food, and sweet treats.
The next event date is February 6, 2016 3-7pm at Hilton Garden Inn in Dayton, Ohio. The Indulge Event offers fundraising for Churches & other organizations.
Well I’ve been in the valley, so the future can only be golden. My health is good and will be monitored constantly. My focus now is fulfilling my dream of expanding Indulge to various cities in Ohio. I’ll be adding health screens and development workshops as well. As for my family….my son will be transitioning from high school to college next year so we will be empty nesters and hope to travel more. I feel like God is positioning me and placing people in my midst to do wonderful things in the community and I’m excited and humbled to serve.
5 Tips to
OVERCOME New Year Resolutions Every New Year we make lists of things we resolve to do in the upcoming year. Sometime they are achieved, but most times not. Think about it…. how many times have you heard someone resolve to start or stop something and by February the motivation is gone?
Top 5 tips to help you achieve your resolutions for 2016… 1. Be realistic- It’s ok to shoot for the moon, but don’t set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are unattainable. 2. Set short & long-term goals- Short-term goal are great confidence boosters which will increase likelihood that long-term goals will be achieved. 3. Talk about it- Talking to friends and family about your resolutions can provide a support system. *It’s also a great idea to link up with an accountability partner* 4. Track your progress- Keeping a log or journal along your journey can highlight areas of strength & areas where more attention is needed. 5. Reward yourself- Reward yourself of achievements with things that don’t contradict your goals. Meaning if your resolution is to eat better, don’t celebrate by eating an entire tub of ice cream. Instead celebrate by going bowling or to a film with a friend.
Dear Angeline, Finding the right words to soothe the pain of disappointment is never easy. I am here to remind you that as a Christian woman in the workplace you will be tested. The Bible tells us that living righteously for Christ will attract persecutions. I know you have worked hard to convey a spirit of excellence and professionalism on your job, but know that the trials we endure as believers are brought to make us stronger. You can overcome the unfair label of having an “Anger Management� problem. It was only done to further humiliate you. Nevertheless, take this moment as an opportunity for God to shore up your weaknesses and improve your strengths. As a lover of Christ, you are assured that all things work together for your good. Instead of focusing on the negative events of losing your composure, redirect your focus to growing spiritually. We must grow in our relationship with God as He takes us from one dimension of faith to the next. Release the co-worker who sabotaged you by forgiving him. Instead, pray for him and thank God for showing you where you need to grow. Increase your prayer time and take a moment to fellowship with God every day. It will rejuvenate your spirit so you can deal with the next trick the enemy sends your way. Consume the Word of God and bury it deep within your heart. It will shield you from the fiery darts of doubt and fear. You are an overcomer, so keep your head up and continue to trust in God. Sacrifice that morning stop at Tim Hortons, and push away the coffee to bring your spirit under subjection. God will use you to help the same person who persecuted you one day. Position yourself now for God to use you in a might way.
26
Yours in Christ and love always, Angeline Lawrence
Follow Us!!! Twitter: @SpeakWoman_mag Instagram: @SpeakWoman_mag www.facebook.com/speakwomanmagazine www.pinterest.com/speak woman_mag
STAY CONNECTED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE MANY UPCOMING EVENTS
SPECIAL THANKS Advertisers Contributors Features & all who have supported SWM in any way!!! DEDICATED TO
LILLIAN REGINA CAMPBELL
SWM Spotlighting the strength, diversity, & uniqueness of this journey called womanhood