BLACK GIRL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 by Lanare Publishing

END OF SUM M ER...BAC Wow, I can't believe it, another hot , and long summer in the bag! So much taking place throughout the month of August and a great deal of it noteworthy. As the summer break wines down, parents and kids alike get ready for "back to school", and if your lucky, this month is also a great time to catch that last minute vacation in case you missed it a the top of the season. First off, I want to thank our enthusiastic and loyal readers! We do what we do simply because of you! In this month's issue, we've got some great feature articles that can redirect your path, if need be, before the new season kicks off. Check out "The Cause: Are you the cause of your own problems?" Many times, when a situation or circumstances are not panning out the way we would like, sometimes, one must take a step back and re-evaluate why. Next, are you feeling stuck in a rut and not quite sure what to do at all, in the upcoming season? Then check out feature article "Move...Don't let life's challenges overwhelm you". And lastly, it is a subject that has made a surprising resurgence, and now amongst well-know Black celebrities. Check out our cover feature story "Skin Bleaching", how this old phenomenon has made a comeback and why? And finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading this publication.

StephanieMaxwell- Robles Publisher/Editor- in Chief Content and Creative Director

CK TO SCHOOL...AND FALL PREVIEW!!

CONTENTS

THE CAUSE PG. 20

1. EDITORIAL 2. SPICE OF LIFE HOME DECOR

3. FEATURES THE CAUSE MOVE SEE WHAT GOD HAS SEE W HAT GOD HAS LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE PG. 32 ABSTINENCE TODAY

4. COVER STORY "SKIN BLEACHING" 5. POET'S CORNER LOVE HER

MOVE PG. 28

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE PG. 35

LOVE HER PG. 40 HOME DECOR 8 PG. 16

ABSTINENCE TODAY PG. 36

A Y E SE R E T LA ! R E M M U S

Black Girl e n i z a g Ma

Black Gir l M agazine, August 2019, Vol. 2, No.5 is published m onthly, © Copyr ight by Lanar e

Publishing 2019. All r ights r eser ved. You m ay not m odify, publish, tr ansm it, par ticipate in the tr ansfer or sale of, cr eate der ivative w or ks fr om , distr ibute, display, r epr oduce or per for m , or in any w ay exploit in any for10 m at w hatsoever any of Lanar e Publishing's content, in w hole or in par t w ithout pr ior w r itten consent.

12 13

SPICE O F LIFE

HO ME DECO R By S.L. M axw ell-Robles Fall is such an extraordinary time of year! Kid's are back in school, the weather has cooled down, and many find themselves in "comfort food" or "winter hibernation" mode.

Do you enjoy entertaining or eating dinner at your table. These simple, yet elegant place setting are perfect. A trip to your local art or surplus store, and a little imagination, could yield you amazing results.

Well, just as the seasons change, we want to inspire you to mimic that same metamorphosis within your home, office, or where ever seasonal inspiration can be viewed and displayed

Also, don't be afraid to think outside of the box. A quick review of what you might have on hand from previous seasons re-purposed can have the same amazing results.

Now making these changes should not have to break your bank, and if you are like many of us here at BGM, it the simple, yet elegant touches that win.

And finally, if your just not feeling inspired but have a desire, start doing a little research. You would be amazed at what you could possibly come up with by just "Googling": "Fall ideas".

If you are looking for a way to almost immediately change up your living space, start with a few small touches that illuminate Fall.

Happy decorating! 16

FEATURES

THE CAUSE......(PG. 20) MOVE......(PG. 28 ) SEE W HAT GOD HAS......(PG. 32 ) LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.....(PG. 34) ABSTINENCE TODAY......(PG. 36 )

THE CAUSE Ar e you the cause of your own pr oblems?

By S.L. M axw ell-Robles

Have you ever heard the saying "You are your own worst enemy"? Well, the reality of this statement is that in some instances, this can be very true.

Now if we are truthful, there is not a person alive who has not been in this situation, before. However, as a Christian, an attitude and spirit of "humbleness" and "humility" can take you a long way.

However, we also know that the reality is that in this world or type of environment, there can be several contributing factors that could cause one to not only be perceived in this manner, but also in actuality, for one to "miss out" out on a blessing due to your attitude or behavior.

The Bible says: " God r esist et h t h e pr ou d, an d givet h gr ace t o t h e h u m ble" 1 Pet er 5:5 (KJV). And also, " Hu m ble you r selves t h er ef or e u n der t h e m igh t y h an d of God, t h at h e m ay exalt you in du e t im e" 1 Pet er 5:6 (KJV).

If you find yourself constantly struggling against the grain, and maybe even at times feel like its "you against the world", here are some major analysis to make regarding your situation, as well as adjoining solutions:

So you see, a right attitude matters, and most importantly, it matters to God. Therefore, as a Christian, one must be able to forgive, apologize, and ask for forgiveness also. True enough, we can all have a "bad day", myself included, but if you notice that a "bad attitude" and an "unhappy disposition" has overtaken you, be honest first, humble yourself next, then lastly, if need be, seek help from a mentor, elder, spiritual counselor/leader, mental health professional or trusted friend.

1. Do you alw ays f in d you r self at odds w it h ot h er s in sit u at ion s, an d h on est ly k n ew you cou ld an d per h aps sh ou ld h ave h an dled t h e sit u at ion dif f er en t ly?

Biblical inheritance to grab a hold and take control over all of these conditions or illnesses.

2.Do you su f f er f r om a M en t al (An xiet y, Depr ession , Bi-Polar , et c.), Em ot ion al (Post Tr au m at ic St r ess Disor der PTSD), or a Ph ysical (i.e Ch r on ic Pain ) Disor der ?

As a Christian, you should know that Jesus Christ is your doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist , healer, pain reliever and deliverer. And also, that there is nothing to great for our God!

These type of diagnosis can challenge the best of us. If you do suffer from any of these disorders, I pray that if you have not already, that you seek a licensed, medical professional who can assists you with your specific needs and make the necessary referrals needed towards your treatment process.

Here are a few Scripture references to remind you: " Bu t h e w as w ou n ded f or ou r t r an sgr ession s, h e w as br u ised f or ou r in iqu it ies: t h e ch ast isem en t of ou r peace w as u pon h im : an d w it h h is st r ipes w e ar e h ealed" , Isaiah 53:5 (KJV).

Many people, especially in the Black community, have for years attached a negative "stigma" to many of these conditions.

" Th ou w ilt k eep h im in per f ect peace, w h ose m in d is st ayed on t h ee" , Isaiah 26:3 (KJV).

The truth is, one of the greatest weapons that Satan uses against Believer 's , as well as non-Believers are attacks on your health, well-being and mind. As Christians, we must know what the Bibles says about sickness, health, wealth, mind regulation, and infirmities. In fact, as a Believer, it is your

" Beloved, I w ish above all t h in gs t h at t h ou m ayest pr osper an d be in h ealt h , even as t h y sou l pr osper et h" , 3 Joh n 1:2 (KJV).

Saints, be well, and take control of your health, and life today!

DEBUTING IN 2

2019! "HEARTSON FIRE" IS MADE WITH THE FINEST ESSENTIAL AND NATURAL OILS AVAILABLE. AS OUR SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE, THIS SWEET, YET SPICY, UNISEX EAU DE PARFUME IS MADE WITH HINTS OF "MYRRH", "FRANKINCENSE", AND "MARJORAM" ONLY FROM LANARE FRAGRANCES.

SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR MEN, "MINT JULEP" IS MADE WITH THE FINEST ESSENTIAL AND NATURAL OILS AVAILABLE, WITH HINTS OF "CITRUS LEMON" AND "MINT" COMBINED. ONLY FROM LANARE FRAGRANCES.

E L B A L I ! A 9 V 1 A 0 2 IN 26

MOVE...

Don't let life'schallengesoverwhelmyou! By S.L. M axw ell-Robles

We've all been there...those opportune moments in life when we have to do something, do anything! However, your immediate circumstances just seem like an unscalable mountain top, when considering continuing the move towards those things you know you must get done, and currently, you just don't know when or where to climb. My dear Sister in Christ,...one major attribute or inheritance that we have in being Children of God is that we know number one that God is a God who cannot lie: " God is n ot a m an , t h at h e sh ou ld lie" Nu m ber s 23:19 (KJV). And number two, His promises are true: " For t h e pr om ises of God in h im ar e yea, an d in h im Am en" 2 Cor in t h ian s 1:20 (KJV). If you have ever been in a consistent or sometimes maybe not so consistent walk with God, you know that He is in, and still in, the miracle making business. As God's word declares: " He w ill n ot f ail n or f or sak e t h ee" Deu t er on om y 31:6 (KJV). So with that said, we also know that as Believers, we will

not go through this life with experiencing some suffering. In fact, that Bible once again declares that we are assured to do some suffering, however, we still receive the victory, even within the suffering. Beloved, the Bible says: " Th e Lor d is n igh u n t o t h em t h at ar e of a br ok en h ear t ; an d savet h su ch as be of a con t r it e spir it ...M an y ar e t h e af f lict ion s of t h e r igh t eou s: bu t t h e Lor d deliver et h h im ou t of t h em all" Psalm s 34:18-19 (KJV). You don't have to be stuck ANYMORE!! If God, even within your suffering and circumstances is calling you to move, get yourself ready, prepared, in position and MOVE!! Even though some situations seem darn near impossible, it is only during the press of those impossible situation that God will get His best work out of you, the finest oil and anointing out of you and also receive the ultimate glory through you... So MOVE...

COM ING SOON!

SEE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU SEE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO DO YOU AFTER ALL, HE HAS THE MASTER PLAN SEE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU DON'T TRY TO WEAR HIS SHOES HE KNOWS THE WILL FOR YOUR LIFE JUST LIKE IT WAS HIS OWN SEE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU NO MORE BEING CONFUSED FOR WE KNOW HIS WORD AND PROMISES ARE TRUE SEE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU...

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME AND HE KNOWS YOUR EVERY THOUGHT AND INTENDED MOVE LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE YOUR ARE HEAVENLY AND DIVINE GOD KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING WHEN HE MADE YOU LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE FOR THIS IS YOUR TIME TO DO ALL THAT GOD ASSIGNED FOR YOU TO DO LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE...

ABSTINENCE TODAY By S.L. M axw ell-Robles Love is a wonderful thing. And so is sex...however, under the right covering, that is. Since the beginning of time, man and woman have co-habitated under what is known Biblically as a "Fallen World". Meaning, when Adam and Eve sinned, thus "fell" in the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience to God, a whole new set of laws, rules, and ordinances had to be put in place by God to number one: protect man in his/her new fallen state, and number two, to give them guidelines and standards that would also align them with their creator. These "new rules" would also serve as identifying them as not only

belonging to God, but also as "set apart", "righteous", "holy" and "acceptable" in God's sight. And again, sex obviously not being an exception to any of the new rules came with guidelines. Therefore, as it pertains to man, and most especially to the Christian man or woman, what exactly is this thing called Abstinence and why is it important. If your going to look at it from a worldly view, one may consider abstinence as making the decision to not have sex for a certain period of time. However, as a Christian, abstinence is the opposite of "Fornication", which is basically having sexual relations outside

Scripture Reference #2: " M or t if y t h er ef or e you r m em ber s w h ich ar e u pon t h e ear t h : f or n icat ion , u n clean n ess, in or din at e af f ect ion , evil con cu piscen ce, an d covet ou sn ess, w h ich is idolat r y: For w h ich t h in g's sak e t h e w r at h of God com et h on t h e ch ildr en of disobedien ce" 2 Colossian s 13:5 (KJV).

of the confines of marriage, which is not the way God intended for his creation to live. So, just to be clear, let's do a brief analysis of what exactly does Scripture say in regards to this topic Scripture Reference #1: "M ar r iage is h on ou r able in all, an d t h e bed u n def iled, bu t w h or em on ger s an d adu lt er er s God w ill ju dge" Hebr ew s 13:4 (KJV).

Scripture Reference #3: " Bu t f or n icat or s, an d all u n clean ess, or covet ou sn ess

let it n ot be on ce n am ed am on g has called for us to do. Once you you , as becom et h sain t s" become saved, old or former Eph esian s 5:3 (KJV). things have passed away. The Scripture Reference #4: Bibles says: " Th er ef or e if an y m an be in Ch r ist , h e is a n ew " Neit h er let u s com m it cr eat u r e: old t h in gs ar e passed f or n icat ion , as som e of t h em aw ay; beh old, all t h in gs ar e com m it t ed, an d f ell in on e day becom e n ew " 2 Cor in t h ian s t h r ee an d t w en t y t h ou san d" 1 5:17 (KJV). Cor in t h ian s 10:8 (KJV). While there are several more Scripture References that can be used, and also include where several thousands more people died due to participating in this act, the previous four references alone should indicate to you how God feels about Fornication, which is why as a Christian, if you are not married, you should be practicing abstinence.

Also, as Christians, we must, as the Bible says, or the Apostle Paul in specific, " Pu t on t h e w h ole ar m or of God, t h at ye m ay be able t o st an d again st t h e w iles of t h e devil" Eph esian s 6:11 (KJV).

And finally, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are a clear and present help in your new found walk. The Bible says, Scripture Abstinence is more than just Reference #5: " Th is I say t h en , w alk in t h e Spir it , an d ye sh all obstaining from sex. You are n ot f u lf ill t h e lu st of t h e f lesh . meeting a moral and Biblical obligation to God. Sex, therefore For t h e f lesh lu st et h again st t h e Spir it , an d t h e Spir it was created by God yes for your enjoyment and pleasure, but also again st t h e f lesh : an d t h ese ar e for the confines of Marriage only. con t r ar y t h e on e t o t h e ot h er : so t h at ye can n ot do t h e t h in gs Once you become saved, as a t h at ye w ou ld. Bu t if ye be led Christian , your walk with God, by t h e Spir it , year n ot u n der Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit t h e law " Galat ian s 5:16-18 (KJV). should resemble that which God

Therefore, it is important that you be "led by the Spirit" in your Christian walk, as well as put on your "full armor of God".

Scripture Reference #8: " For ye n ot r eceived t h e spir it of bon dage again t o f ear : bu t ye h ave r eceived t h e Spir it of adopt ion , w h er eby w e cr y, Abba Fat h er " Rom an s 8:15 (KJV).

In terms of abstinence, only the marriage bed is "undefiled", and "fornication" is something your God has made clear we are not to participate in.

While the world may present fornication as acceptable, exciting, your right to fulfill your own sexual gratification and desires, and even as glamorous, just as the Apostle Paul has stated, let it not be named among you as it is an act of rebellion, disobedience, and not how God has called a Holy , Righteous, and Set Apart people to live.

In closing, I will leave you with these few Scripture References for you to tuck in your spiritual tool box and use them when needed. Scripture Reference #'6: " Th er e h at h n o t em pt at ion t ak en you bu t su ch as is com m on t o m an : bu t God is f ait h f u l, w h o w ill n ot su f f er you t o be t em pt ed above t h at ye ar e able; bu t w ill w it h t h e t em pt at ion also m ak e a w ay t o escape, t h at ye m ay be able t o bear it " 1 Cor in t h ian s 10:13. Scripture Reference #7: " Th e Lor d k n ow et h h ow t o deliver t h e godly ou t of t em pt at ion s, an d t o r eser ve t h e u n ju st u n t o t h e day of ju dgm en t t o be pu n ish ed" 2 Pet er 2:9 (KJV).

And finally, as a reminder, in all situations, where you might find yourself against the odds you have the instant ability to cry out, "Abba Father ", which befittingly means " Help m e Lor d" . 38

SB k in

leach in g

An old ph en om en on m ak es a n ew r esu r gen ce

By S.L. M axw ell-Robles First off, let me just start out by saying that Black is Beautiful!! Hence, Black Girl Magazine, right? Yet, despite the many world-wide successes and accomplishments made by a myriad of successful, educated, influential, well-known, and powerful Black men and woman, this old, "mind-control" tactic and epidemic has made a new resurgence. And I am here in an official Black, and Christian capacity to dismantle the evil plot, and once and for all must die plan of the enemy. Skin bleaching, according

to www.byrdie.com, is known as "the act of using substances, mixtures, or treatments to physically lighten ones skin tone". While this practice alone has both a storied as well as disturbing past, according to byrdie.com, not only has this practice been around for a very long time, but has recently skyrocketed into a Billion dollar business! This fact or occurrence alone is both mind-blowing and shocking!! And recently, to add ifurthernsult to injury, a few well-known Black celebrities

have also joined among the legion implicate "white" or "light skin" as of companies who produce skin "superior " in addition to an lightening products. un-trained, un-educated, and un-learned mind as to who and I mean seriously?...Let's just keep it real, what would the world what God says you are and you end up with a recipe for disaster. look like or be like without Black people or any persons of color for that matter?

When you have been saved, set free, and filled with the Holy So obviously this practice has Ghost, in addition to knowing what God's word say, the answer to this not only devastated the Black delima should become crystal community, but also other communities with persons of color clear. who have felt that their natural, Who are you Black man, Black God-given, dark skinned woman, Black child, and Black pigmentation was not beautiful or family that even at the bottom of acceptable....The Devil is a LIAR!! every barrel in society, and every social statistic mentionable from As a Pastor, Christian, and Black woman, as well as being the housing, to education, to jobs, to Creator and Publisher of Black Girl health, Satan at every angle tries to Magazine, as well as several other keep you down? Black and Christian oriented Black people, and especially publications, I have identified African-American culture, are the "Racism" as one of the main tools "Go to" cultural for everyone and that Satan is using during this hour everything. to keep people afraid and divided. Society wants Black flavor, Throw in some cultural Black pizzazz, Black rhythms, Black dogma, and a powerful "Mind-grip" music, Black style, Black epithets, such as low-self esteem due to a Black soul, Black culture, Black universal and deeply street lingo or jargon, and even embedded/rooted racial injustice Black "street cred", but many of system that has tried hard to them will also turn a "blind eye"

If you get any knowing, learning or understanding in this life time, know, learn, and understand that a real and living God created you.

and not even stand up for Black people, yet alone for what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said himself, that "a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", so why is this???

Scripture Reference #2: " I w ill pr aise t h ee; f or I am f ear f u lly an d w on der f u lly m ade: m ar velou s ar e t h y w or k s" Psalm s 139:14 (KJV)

I suppose I could spend this whole article giving you the complete rundown or history of racial injustice and inequality towards Black people since forever, but because I am who I say I am, and God has endowed me with not only a Biblical education, knowledge, teaching and training, but also has partnered that with giving me a fine mind, His authority, and His Holy Spirit. Therefore, I will cut right to the chase and dismantle Satan and his racial tactics and ploys bit, by bit while using the Holy Scripture, and this magazine dually to present the information, back it up in Scripture, and it won't take me long either. Scripture Reference #1: " So God cr eat ed m an in h is ow n im age, in t h e im age of God cr eat ed h e h im ; m ale an d f em ale cr eat ed h e t h em " Gen esis 1:27 (KJV).

Yes, you were not only created in God's likeness and image, but you were also, just as all of humanity "fearfully and wonderfully made". Scripture Reference #3: " Th en Pet er open ed h is m ou t h an d said, Of a t r u t h I per ceive t h at God is n o r espect er of per son s" Act s 10:34 (KJV).

This scripture alone says it all right here. God does respect anyone. He views, and deems each of us with the same thought process, and with the same eye. If you are someone who is supportive of such behavior as racism, and attempting to place superiority of one race over another when God who created everyone is not a "respecter of persons", your motives and ideologies do not represent God,

however, you represent the Devil!! And woe unto those person who stir up strife, envy, discord, malice, hatred, anger, and confusion because non of this represents God, and neither do you!

already know that you are "BAD" and BEAUTIFUL and there is not other like you, you will never get to the real "fruit" in your life, which is completing the very task that God has sent you here to do, which is His will and purpose for your life.

Black man, Black woman, Black Child, Black family, if you only knew who you are to God, and what you represent.

Get to know about God, and what His word says about you, so that you may be able to " w it h st an d t h e w iles of t h e Devil" , just as it says in Eph esian s 6:11 (KJV).

It's time to not only stake claim as to who you are, but know who you are through God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Scriptures!

Get to know what God's will, plan, and purpose is for your life, so that you to can make a lasting impact on this world and your generation, and further, a permanent dent in the plans of the enemy where it concerns your life, your friends, your community, and your family.

No man can tell you that you are less than when they didn't create you!! Woe unto those who try to put themselves in a place of superiority above a people, place or thing they did not create.

Love who God made you to be naturally, and say no to skin bleaching today!

Don't ever let the Devil use you like this!! If he can keep you preoccupied with minuscule things such as your skin color, when you 44

LOVE HER LOVE HER TODAY SHE IS SO VERY SPECIAL LOVE HER IN EVERY WAY GOD PUT HER ON A PEDESTAL LOVE HER NOW HER BEAUTY IS SO UNIQUE LOVE HER LIKE FINE WINE AVAILABLE ONLY TO THOSE WHO SEEK LOVE HER LIKE YOURSELF THE TWO COMBINED SHOULD BRING GREAT WEALTH LOVE HER, LOVE HER LOVE HER LIKE SHE IS YOUR HEALTH Â© 2019 By S. L. Maxwell-Robles

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BLACK GIRL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019

Articles inside

SKIN BLEACHING

HOME DECOR

BLACK GIRL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 ISSUE